Sam Altman and Jony Ive's AI venture takes another hit as company's name remains uncertain.
A court filing revealed that OpenAI, the tech giant backing Sam Altman's AI-centric hardware venture with former Apple design chief Jony Ive, has changed its mind about using the name "io" for the new company. In a surprise move, Peter Welinder, OpenAI's vice president and general manager, stated that the firm had reviewed its product-naming strategy and decided not to use the name in connection with any artificial intelligence-enabled hardware products.
This decision comes after OpenAI was sued by the company formerly known as "io" over a trademark claim. The court order issued in June likely prompted this change of heart. As for what name the company will now adopt, it's unclear - perhaps something like "Pear" or "Grape," given that "Apple" is already taken.
Furthermore, the release timeline for OpenAI's first hardware product has been pushed back to February 2027, a significant delay from initial projections of this year. While Axios and The Information reported in recent days that the company could unveil its devices as soon as this year, it's now uncertain whether this will happen by mid-year.
The challenges faced by OpenAI are well-documented. Reports last year highlighted difficulties getting devices to perform basic tasks. Moreover, there have been issues with voice assistant functionality - specifically, getting the device to listen when desired and shut up when necessary. It remains to be seen if these problems can be solved in time for the product's release.
The broader issue at play is whether AI gadgets are ready for prime time. With many devices having struggled to meet expectations in the past, it's natural to cast doubt on new entrants into the market. Perhaps OpenAI can overcome critical flaws and create a successful AI gadget. However, with too many issues to address, it may prove more challenging than initially thought.
The problems plaguing AI gadgets seem insurmountable - whether due to AI itself being underdeveloped or consumers' strong attachment to smartphones. Whatever the reason, OpenAI has its work cut out for it. As the company navigates this uncertain landscape, one thing is clear: a lot needs to change before their product can gain traction in the market.
A court filing revealed that OpenAI, the tech giant backing Sam Altman's AI-centric hardware venture with former Apple design chief Jony Ive, has changed its mind about using the name "io" for the new company. In a surprise move, Peter Welinder, OpenAI's vice president and general manager, stated that the firm had reviewed its product-naming strategy and decided not to use the name in connection with any artificial intelligence-enabled hardware products.
This decision comes after OpenAI was sued by the company formerly known as "io" over a trademark claim. The court order issued in June likely prompted this change of heart. As for what name the company will now adopt, it's unclear - perhaps something like "Pear" or "Grape," given that "Apple" is already taken.
Furthermore, the release timeline for OpenAI's first hardware product has been pushed back to February 2027, a significant delay from initial projections of this year. While Axios and The Information reported in recent days that the company could unveil its devices as soon as this year, it's now uncertain whether this will happen by mid-year.
The challenges faced by OpenAI are well-documented. Reports last year highlighted difficulties getting devices to perform basic tasks. Moreover, there have been issues with voice assistant functionality - specifically, getting the device to listen when desired and shut up when necessary. It remains to be seen if these problems can be solved in time for the product's release.
The broader issue at play is whether AI gadgets are ready for prime time. With many devices having struggled to meet expectations in the past, it's natural to cast doubt on new entrants into the market. Perhaps OpenAI can overcome critical flaws and create a successful AI gadget. However, with too many issues to address, it may prove more challenging than initially thought.
The problems plaguing AI gadgets seem insurmountable - whether due to AI itself being underdeveloped or consumers' strong attachment to smartphones. Whatever the reason, OpenAI has its work cut out for it. As the company navigates this uncertain landscape, one thing is clear: a lot needs to change before their product can gain traction in the market.
, i mean dont get me wrong sam altman and jony ive are geniuses and all but come on how many times have we seen companies like this fail because of just one tiny problem? like with amazon echo or something and now openai is facing the same issues with their device it seems to me that maybe they should focus on making sure the basics work first rather than trying to make some fancy ai thingy 
, i mean even if its not prime time for ai gadgets yet which probably still is, we just need something that can listen and shut up sometimes lol
... seems like they still got a loooong way 2 go. like, i get it, sam altman & jony ive are trying 2 innovate but we shouldnt be surprised by glitches n stuff. its not like smartphones didnt have issues wen they came out, rite? 
... and btw, "pear" or "grape" sounds like a weird name 4 an ai company 
. OpenAI needs 2 get their act 2gether & focus on solving the real problems before releasing something that'll just end up in the trash bin 
.
OpenAI's latest move has me wondering if they're just throwing good money after bad 
I mean, what's the point of pushing back their release timeline like 3 years? are they really gonna make a difference or is it just more hype? and what's with the name change 
. openai's struggles with devices performing basic tasks and voice assistant functionality seem major roadblocks 
. plus, consumers are still attached to their smartphones 
? anyway, i'm curious about how openai will solve these issues - maybe they'll come up with something entirely new 
. I mean, have you ever tried making your own IPA? It's crazy how much flavor you can get out of a few simple ingredients... I've been experimenting with different hop combinations and it's been a wild ride (pun intended). I'm not sure if I'll be ready to share my creations with the world just yet though - maybe after I perfect the recipe 
. First, a name change, then a delay in release... and now we hear voice assistant issues? It's like they're trying to put out one fire before the next one starts 
. I'm not saying they can't do it, but AI gadgets are still super unproven, you know? People love their smartphones and it's hard to compete with that 
. And let's be real, AI itself is still kinda a baby... it needs time to grow up before it's ready for the big leagues 
... i mean whats the hurry anyway? 
maybe openai can figure out a way to get their act together but its gonna take time 
...
... I was super hyped about OpenAI's hardware launch last year and was counting on getting my hands on one of those AI gadgets 
. And with all the issues they're having with voice assistants... I mean, can you even imagine having a device that just won't shut up when you want it to be quiet?! 
Either way, I'm curious to see how OpenAI adapts and overcomes their challenges 
. Maybe they'll pull off a magic solution that makes all the issues disappear 
. But until then, it's hard not to feel a bit skeptical about these AI gadgets 
what's going on here? First they're gonna use "io", then change their mind because some other company sues them over it... meanwhile, Apple just bought Foxconn and now OpenAI's hardware product is delayed till 2027? 
Yeah right, like that's gonna happen. I mean, how hard can it be to make a decent AI gadget? Apparently, really hard 
. Can't wait to see how this whole thing plays out 
... without being the next Apple 
️ in February 2027! Anyway, I guess only time will tell if these AI gadgets are ready for prime time... or if they'll just end up in the trash 
. It's hard not to wonder if these AI gadgets are ready for prime time yet? They've had some major struggles in the past, and it doesn't help that there's still a lot of skepticism around AI devices 
. First, it was going to be io, then they decided against it due to a lawsuit 
At least Apple's name isn't taken, haha 
. I mean, come on, that's like, forever 
. It was supposed to be this year, but now it's uncertain. Maybe they'll still make it happen, but I'm not holding my breath 
.
. Consumers are already attached to their smartphones, so I'm not sure how well an AI gadget will fare in terms of adoption 
. A delayed release timeline and a name change? That just smells like more trouble brewing 
. Mark my words, when the product finally does come out, it'll be a bunch of hype with some major flaws under the hood 
.