OpenAI CEO Sam Altman says today’s computers weren’t built for an AI world

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman believes the traditional computer is outdated. Speaking on a podcast recently about the future of computing in an AI-dominated world, Altman said that current hardware and software were designed for a pre-AI era — and are increasingly unfit for how we interact with machines today.

“Computers, software, and hardware… were designed for a world without AI,” Altman said on the podcast. “Now we’re in a different world, and what you want out of hardware and software is changing quite rapidly,” he added.

According to Altman, we’re moving toward devices that are more contextually aware, more personal, and more environment-sensitive — systems that don’t just compute, but intuitively understand and respond to a user’s surroundings, needs, and behaviours. Think beyond the smartphone or laptop: Altman envisions an entirely new class of intelligent devices.

Which brings us to the most intriguing part — Altman’s collaboration with legendary Apple designer Jony Ive. The two are reportedly working on a mystery AI hardware project, backed by a hefty investment from SoftBank.

While details are scarce, the product is expected to redefine how we interact with AI in the physical world. As reported by TechCrunch, Tang Tan — the chief hardware officer at Ive and Altman’s stealthy startup and a former Apple executive — revealed in court that the upcoming OpenAI-backed device won’t be a wearable or an in-ear gadget. Instead, it’s something that, in Sam Altman’s words, is meant to “fit in your pocket or sit on your desk.” The design is still in progress, and the product is unlikely to be officially unveiled or launched for at least another year.