Sam Altman admits current computers were designed for an AI-free world — but OpenAI’s fundamentally new type will make the AI revolution “transcendentally good”

by

In other words, as the field of generative AI continues to change rapidly, it brings up an important point: Do current AI systems have the ability to keep pace with the latest and most advanced technologies? This question becomes more complex as AI technology achieves new milestones.

Last year, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman suggested that the AI revolution might not necessitate fresh hardware. Yet, should there be a requirement for new equipment in the future, as the executive suggests, you’ll likely be pleased to obtain a new device.

It appears that the creators of ChatGPT could be working on creating new AI hardware, which could enhance their progress in this field. In a recent interview on the Hard Fork Podcast, Sam Altman and Brad Lightcap, the COO, hinted at plans to develop hardware that would surpass the limitations of digital assistants (as reported by Barchart).

It’s possible to create something quite poor today, but to elevate it to an exceptional level requires extensive understanding and awareness of each specific situation. Having this knowledge readily available in any circumstance would be incredibly beneficial. In my opinion, that’s a promising direction for the development of such hardware.

OpenAI Chief Operating Officer, Brad Lightcap

Currently, AI-equipped devices are relatively modest in their capabilities compared to what they can potentially achieve. Amazon’s Alexa, a leading example in the field of AI technology, is facing financial struggles within its device division. Reports suggest that this division has accumulated losses amounting to approximately $25 billion from 2017 to 2021.

Despite the company introducing a fresh subscription service for Alexa (Alexa+) and planning an updated version with advanced features, some members of the development team question whether the new Alexa will offer enough value to warrant an additional subscription fee, given that users already have monthly expenses like Netflix, Copilot Pro, and others.

What OpenAI’s new AI hardware might look like

In other locations, Google’s CEO, Sundar Pichai, has expressed doubt that we can reach desired milestones such as Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) using our current technology. This viewpoint seems to align with Yann LeCun’s perspective on modern computers being designed for a world without AI.

In simpler terms, “Originally, computers, software, and hardware were created for a world that didn’t include artificial intelligence. However, now we find ourselves in a new era, and the requirements for both hardware and software are evolving at an accelerated pace.

Following the announcement, it’s worth noting that Jony Ive, a former Apple designer, has joined OpenAI as their new design chief. Additionally, the company behind ChatGPT has acquired Ive’s AI device startup, io, for an impressive $6.5 billion. Reports suggest that Ive may contribute to OpenAI’s development of a potential device, which could mark a significant disruption in technology similar to the launch of the iPhone in 2007. With this acquisition, OpenAI is now well-positioned to challenge tech heavyweights like Microsoft, Google, Apple, and Samsung in terms of hardware production using AI-driven devices.

In a different conversation, Sam Altman shared that they’re currently brainstorming several concepts regarding this matter. Unfortunately, specifics about the project’s progress are quite scarce.

According to Altman:

Aren’t you excited to discover something new and experience joy? It’s been quite some time since the world has seen a fundamentally fresh type of computer. Let’s give it a shot, shall we?

Altman acknowledges that individuals may require some period to acclimate to utilizing a computer within an AI-dominated environment. Users might have to place faith in the technology’s ability to comprehend the nuances of their daily existence and make sound decisions on their behalf.

Read More

2025-07-09 12:09