OpenAI diversifies its portfolio beyond AI and ChatGPT — hires former Meta AR lead and collaborates with Apple’s seasoned Chief Design Officer to bolster its hardware and robotics ventures

NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang’s robotics prediction as the next phase for AI manifests at OpenAI via its latest hire.

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After what might have seemingly been referred to asa mass exodus of high-profile executives from OpenAI, the ChatGPT maker might finally be over the hump. Earlier this week, Meta’s former AR glasses lead, Caitlin Kalinowski, announced she was joining the AI firm to support its robotics and consumer hardware efforts.

Whileannouncing her new position at OpenAI on X(formerly Twitter), Kalinowski indicated:

“In my new role, I will initially focus on OpenAI’s robotics work and partnerships to help bring AI into the physical world and unlock its benefits for humanity.”

Kalinowski brings a wealth of experience and expertise in hardware development to OpenAI. In her previous role, she spearheaded the development of Meta’s cutting-edge Orion augmented reality headsets. The company unveiled the AR glasses at its annual developer conference, Meta Connect. While details of the hardware’s official release date remain slim, the company reportedly spent up to $10,000 to develop a pair.

OpenAI branching out beyond ChatGPT and AI models?

OpenAI has gained popularity, especially after itlaunched ChatGPT in November 2022. Admittedly, other competitors in the landscape, including Microsoft, have seemingly struggled to drive growth and traffic toward itsCopilot AIservice. Experts and market analysts speculate that Copilot’s dismal performance could be linked toMicrosoft’s poor promotion practices.

Interestingly, a leaked report suggested that the top complaint made by Copilot users to Microsoft’s AI division is that it doesn’t work as well as ChatGPT. Microsoft categorically indicated thatChatGPT isn’t better than Copilot; users are just not using it as intended. The tech giant shifted the blame to a lack of proper prompt engineering practices but has since launchedCopilot Academyto remedy the situation and equip users with the relevant skills.

To this end,ChatGPT continues to reign over Copilot on mobile, with data indicating thatthe launch of OpenAI’s magical GPT-4o modelled tothe biggest spike in downloads and revenue. Microsoft’s latest update for Copilot isn’t making the situation better. Many users hate the new update, citinga degraded user experience. EvenMicrosoft staffers say the update is a step backward, absolutely ruining Copilot’s user experience.

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According to market analysts, investors could lose interest in AI as the bubble seemingly fades away as concern and pressure for profits mount. This could leave startup firms like OpenAI high and dry with insufficient resources to fund their sophisticated advances.

Recently,the ChatGPT maker was on the brink of bankruptcy, with projections of making $5 billion in losses within the next few months. However, investors, including Microsoft and NVIDIA, participated in its latest round of funding,raising $6.6 billion, ultimately pushing its market cap to $157 billion.

OpenAI is underpressure to transform into a for-profit venture in 2 yearsor risk refunding the money raised during its latest round of funding to investors. Experts and market analysts predictMicrosoft could buy OpenAI within the next three yearsas it burns through large sums of money chasing the AI hype.

As such, transitioning to a for-profit venture couldsave OpenAI from outsider interference and hostile takeovers. However, the move could be deterred by reservations from staffers, the government, regulators, and the board of directors. The ChatGPT maker is in the corridors of justice, battling a lawsuit filed by former co-founder Elon Musk, citing “a stark betrayal of the founding mission,” fake humanitarian mission, andalleged involvement in racketeering activities.

Despite the issues, OpenAI is strategically laying its foundation in hardware. In September, former Apple Chief Design OfficerJony Ive disclosed he was working closely with OpenAIto develop a flagship device that could potentially take on Apple and Samsung in the mobile landscape.

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Kevin Okemwa is a seasoned tech journalist based in Nairobi, Kenya with lots of experience covering the latest trends and developments in the industry at Windows Central. With a passion for innovation and a keen eye for detail, he has written for leading publications such as OnMSFT, MakeUseOf, and Windows Report, providing insightful analysis and breaking news on everything revolving around the Microsoft ecosystem. You’ll also catch him occasionally contributing at iMore about Apple and AI. While AFK and not busy following the ever-emerging trends in tech, you can find him exploring the world or listening to music.