On October 24, an opinion piece by Matt Rogers, co-founder of Nest, graced the pages of the Financial Times' Opinion section. Rogers emphasized that the triumph of generative AI is still contingent upon widely embraced hardware devices. He proposed that OpenAI should join forces with Jony Ive, the ex-design head of Apple, to delve into the realm of smartphone development. He highlighted that the initial wave of AI-centric hardware devices has already faltered, largely due to their limited functionality and convoluted operation. In contrast, smartphones, boasting intuitive interfaces and user-friendly designs, emerge as the perfect conduit for seamlessly integrating AI technology into our daily routines.

Earlier in the year, OpenAI made headlines by acquiring Ive's hardware startup, io, for a staggering $6.5 billion, with the ambitious goal of unveiling AI-powered devices by 2026. Rogers opined that while Ive's team shines in design prowess, they must bolster their ranks with software experts to forge a profound synergy between hardware and AI technology.