OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, the person behind one of the leading AI language models, was recently seen in a podcast with Nikhil Kamath. In the podcast with Zerodha Co-founder, Sam stressed on one particular thing more than the others, which was how the current form factors of smartphones and computers were incompetent for utilising true potential of AI.
During the podcast, Sam mentioned that AI Models like ChatGPT need more advanced hardware that can help users to utilise the full potential of AI. He also added that he expects the future smartphones and computers to be like devices that we see in movies, that are very helpful and flexible for different use case scenarios.
Binary Nature of Devices:
Sam Altman emphasised that people across the globe rely on devices that are binary in nature or devices that are either switched on or off. Moreover, instead of the devices that are binary, Sam told Nikhil that devices should continuously be contextually present at all times to assist the user. “You really want AI to have as much context as possible, do stuff for you, and be proactive,” he added.
Sam Altman basically says that a true AI companion is one that is capable of intelligent alerts, proactive resistance, and timely reminders. Therefore, to make AI as a companion that is able to perform all of these functions, people need devices that are able to do this while not being in the pocket or in hand.
“The current form factors of computers are, I think, not quite right for that. They do have this either on or off binary that I think isn’t quite what we want for like a… the sort of sci-fi dream of the AI companion,” Altman said exactly.
OpenAI Manufacturing Hardware:
The statement by Sam criticizing smartphones and computers while he is collaborating with ex-Apple designer Jony Ive. Both of these are rumoured to be collaborating on a new hardware product that will see the entry of OpenAI in the segment. Although during the podcast he said very little about the same, but he said this partnership aims to make AI omnipresent at all times.
The world will experiment with a lot of those [new form factors],” he said, mentioning possibilities like glasses, wearables, and small table-top devices. Altman stressed that the core idea is to build “ambiently aware physical hardware” that can host an AI companion.
