🤔 What is that mysterious metallic device that Joe Gebbia, the US design director, is using?
Joe Gebbia, co-founder of Airbnb and recently appointed US design director, was seen in a café in San Francisco using an unidentified metallic device. In a video that went viral on social media, Gebbia can be seen enjoying an espresso while using metallic headphones and a shell-shaped disk resting on the table.
A prototype from OpenAI?
Speculation quickly arose, suggesting that the device could be a prototype of the upcoming hardware line from OpenAI, developed in collaboration with renowned designer Jony Ive. However, a spokesperson for OpenAI declined to comment on the video, and Gebbia did not respond to requests for information.
The design of the headphones Gebbia is wearing appears similar to a device that appeared in a fake OpenAI advertisement that circulated widely on social media last month. Although OpenAI has dismissed that advertisement as "false news," the similarity has generated even more curiosity.
Where does the device come from?
The headphones Gebbia is wearing may resemble the recently launched Huawei FreeClip 2, although the case on the table does not match that of Huawei. Given that Huawei faces restrictions in the US for security reasons, it would be surprising for a government official to use their technology.
Audio experts from WIRED suggest that Gebbia is likely using open-back headphones, similar to models from Soundcore or Sony. However, the case does not resemble those models. WIRED also analyzed the video with AI-generated image detection software, which indicates that it is unlikely the image is a digital hoax, although detectors are not always reliable.
An early launch?
The possibility that this device is a teaser for OpenAI hardware is intriguing, especially considering the company may launch devices to market in 2027. However, OpenAI has denied any connection to the prior announcement regarding the metallic hardware.
Another option is that the device is a prototype from another company. Despite recent failures in developing AI-based hardware, many companies are working on this type of technology.
The reason Gebbia is testing a prototype in a public place remains a mystery, but anticipation for OpenAI's hardware has been growing since the announcement of the collaboration between Jony Ive and Sam Altman.
Meanwhile, the community on social media continues to speculate about the mysterious device. Will it be a glimpse into the future of AI technology or just a pair of unusual headphones? Only time will tell.
Source: WIRED
