OpenAI's 1st device not earphones, legal documents reveal
OpenAI's much-talked-about AI gadget is taking a different direction than many expected.
Thanks to a trademark dispute with iyO, io co-founder Tang Tan has confirmed the device won't be an in-ear or wearable product—despite earlier buzz and even a teaser video (which got pulled due to legal issues with iyO, known for its custom earpieces).
OpenAI tried to acquire iyO for $200 million
Court documents show OpenAI and io put serious effort into researching in-ear tech—they bought headphones to study and even looked at 3D ear scans for better fit.
But as product lead Evans Hankey shared through their legal team, they've decided to move away from wearables and try something new.
The documents also revealed OpenAI considered teaming up with iyO or even buying them for $200 million, but ultimately passed on both offers.
The device is still under wraps, but we know it's being designed by Jony Ive—the designer behind some of Apple's biggest hits.