Right after yesterday’s bombshell announcement that OpenAI had acquired Jony Ive’s AI startup to form a new company called io, the entire tech world immediately began asking, “OK, but what is it?”
Now, supply chain analyst and frequent Apple leaker Ming-Chi shared what he was able to gather about the mysterious io device.
iPod Shuffle… necklace?
According to Kuo, mass production of the device is slated to begin in 2027, and assembly and shipping will occur outside China, hoping to reduce geopolitical risks. He says Vietnam is currently the most likely assembly location.
As exclusively reported by The Wall Street Journal, OpenAI and Jony Ive intend to ship 100 million units of their AI-powered devices.
One of the biggest question marks about the product is how people will use, since it has already been reported that it is not a smartphone or smart glasses.
Kuo says the device’s current form factor is “compact and elegant as an iPod Shuffle,” and it is currently a little bit bigger than Humane’s AI Pin. He also said the device is meant to be worn around the neck, which is a form factor that companies like Limitless have been experimenting with.
According to Kuo, the device will have cameras and microphones in order to capture the user’s environment and context, and will rely on the user’s smartphones for computing and display capabilities.
Would you be willing to wear an AI gadget around your neck? Let us know in the comments.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
