In a bold move that’s shaking up the tech world, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and legendary Apple designer Jony Ive have announced a groundbreaking $6.5 billion partnership that promises to redefine how we interact with technology.

The duo, both San Francisco tech icons, unveiled their collaboration through a slick video shot at the iconic Cafe Zoetrope, where they discussed their vision for a new generation of AI-powered devices. Ive’s startup, io, has been acquired by OpenAI, bringing together two of the most innovative minds in technology.

While details remain frustratingly sparse, Altman teased that their upcoming device could be “the coolest piece of technology the world will have ever seen”. The project aims to create a “family of devices” that leverage artificial intelligence to enhance human creativity and potential.

Ive, who spent over two decades shaping Apple’s design philosophy, brings unparalleled expertise in creating intuitive, elegant technology. His critique of current devices as “decades old” suggests a radical rethinking of how we interact with digital tools.

The partnership emerges at a challenging time for AI hardware. Recent attempts like Humane’s AI pin have struggled to gain traction, making Altman and Ive’s ambitious project even more intriguing. Their shared San Francisco roots seem to fuel their collaborative spirit, with both men describing the city as a crucible of technological innovation.

“San Francisco is a mythical place in American history,” Altman remarked, capturing the entrepreneurial spirit that has long defined the region’s tech landscape. Ive echoed this sentiment, expressing gratitude to the city that has been instrumental in his technological journey.

Their project promises more than just another gadget. It represents a potential paradigm shift in how we understand and interact with artificial intelligence. With a launch tentatively planned for next year, the tech world is watching with bated breath.

As Ive boldly stated, they are “literally on the brink of a new generation of technology that can make us our better selves” - a promise that could transform our relationship with digital innovation.