A Screen-Free AI Companion (Device on your desk) —Genius or Creepy?

I'm not a tech wizard so give me a room full of people over a room full of gadgets any day!

But even as a keynote speaker who thrives on human connection, I can’t help but be intrigued by the latest whispers from the world of artificial intelligence. And this week, the buzz is all about OpenAI’s secret new “companion” device—designed by none other than Jony Ive, the creative mind behind the iPhone.

What’s All the Fuss About?

OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, has called this upcoming device “the biggest thing we’ve ever done as a company.”

That’s a bold claim from the team that brought us ChatGPT!

Details are still hush-hush, but here’s what we know: the device is small—think something that sits on your desk or slips into your pocket.

🚷 It’s not a phone, not a pair of glasses, and not something you wear.

🔄 It’s designed to be a third essential device for your everyday life.

⁉️ The creepy part: it’s meant to be “fully aware” of your surroundings and routines, integrating seamlessly into your day—without demanding your constant attention or gluing you to a screen.

🥅 The goal? To help us wean off screens and interact with AI in a more natural, less distracting way.

“Why not just add this to our phones or laptops, like ChatGPT?” Apparently, here’s what’s different: Phones & Laptops are clunky for AI. OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, says today’s devices make AI feel awkward—you have to open an app, upload info, and juggle screens. Not exactly seamless!

🔄 The vision is a “third core device”—not a phone, not a laptop, but a companion that’s always aware of your context and ready to help, without distracting you.

⛔ Screen-Free, Always-Available: Imagine an AI that’s quietly present, helping you without pulling you away from real life. Less screen time, more real time!

🔜 Beyond Big Tech: By building their own device, OpenAI can innovate freely—no limits from Apple or Google.

Why Does This Matter for Non-Techies Like Me?

More Presence, Less Distraction: As someone who loves real conversations, the idea of tech that helps us be more present (not more distracted) is exciting.

Designed for Humans: With Jony Ive (great name .. 'y' instead of Joni 🤣) designing, I’m hopeful it’ll be intuitive—even for those of us who aren’t techies.

How Could This Help Me as a Keynote Speaker and Team Performance Facilitator ? I guess prepping for a talk / workshop - the AI companion could give ideas of practical 'exercises' and ways of 'landing key message' ...to integrate with the specific brief from the client.

I have no cooking clue 🤣

Here’s to technology that serves our humanity, not the other way around!

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