OpenAI has quietly acquired an AI startup that builds cameras for smartphones, according to a report.
The ChatGPT creator bought California-based Glass Imaging in a deal worth over $300 million, The Wall Street Journal reported, with industry speculation suggesting the firm’s technology will be used in OpenAI’s “trillion-dollar” mystery gadget.
Founded by former Apple employees Ziv Attar and Tom Bishop, Glass Imaging claims that its custom artificial intelligence software boosts camera performance by up to 10 times.
The AI works on top of its hardware to reduce image noise and blur, while also improving zoom quality.
The company’s website claims that its Neural Image Signal Processing technology is able to “reverse lens and sensor imperfections to deliver unmatched image quality like never before, even in the most demanding conditions”.
OpenAI’s latest acquisition comes amid speculation surrounding an AI-powered device being developed by the tech giant in collaboration with renowned iPhone designer Jony Ive.
The new gadget, which is expected to be unveiled next year, has been described by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman as “the coolest piece of technology that the world will have ever seen”.
In a promotional video last year, Mr Ive claimed that the device would help to counteract some of the harmful impacts of smartphones.
“Everything I have learned over the last 30 years has led me to this place, and to this moment,” he said.
“I am absolutely certain that we are literally on the brink of a new generation of technology that can make us our better selves.”
Few details were given about what form the mystery gadget might take, though a leaked internal staff call shortly after the teaser video was released gave some indication of what it will do.
In response to speculation that it might be some kind of smartwatch or clothes pin, Mr Altman said that it was not something that could be worn on your body.
“The product will be capable of being fully aware of a user’s surroundings and life, will be unobtrusive, able to rest in one’s pocket or on one;s desk,” he told employees, claiming it would increase OpenAI’s value by $1 trillion.
The Independent has reached out to OpenAI for comment.
