Jony Ive and OpenAI's AI Super-Gadget and Google I/O 2025 Highlights

The tech world is abuzz with anticipation around the collaboration between Jony Ive and OpenAI, forming a new company called io. While details remain scarce, the project promises an AI super-gadget designed to act as a companion to existing devices like phones and laptops. Contrary to popular speculation, it’s probably not smart glasses, but something more innovative and screen-free.

This device draws inspiration from the simplicity and utility of the original iPod Shuffle, focusing on seamless integration and user experience rather than flashy displays. The industry has seen many attempts to embed AI into various form factors, but io’s approach hints at a more thoughtful, companion-centric design that could redefine how we interact with AI daily.

Google I/O 2025: A Showcase of AI Ambition

At Google I/O 2025, the tech giant unveiled a suite of AI innovations that underline its aggressive push into the AI space. From the Gemini AI assistant to the new AI Mode available across the US, Google is blurring lines between search, assistance, and proactive AI engagement. The event was a confident display of how AI is becoming central to the web’s future.

Google’s introduction of AI-powered features like ‘Agent Mode’ and virtual try-ons for shopping demonstrates how AI is enhancing everyday experiences. However, the complexity and overlapping product names also reflect the challenges of communicating AI’s evolving role to consumers and developers alike.

Smart Glasses and the AI Hardware Race

While OpenAI and Jony Ive’s io project might avoid smart glasses, other industry players are heavily investing in this form factor. Apple’s anticipated smart glasses could arrive as soon as next year, and Google continues to refine its Android XR prototypes. The question remains: will smart glasses become the next mainstream AI device, or will alternative designs like io’s companion gadget lead the way?

Microsoft is also advancing AI integration by enabling on-device AI models for web apps and promoting an agentic web where AI search is accessible and affordable. This multi-front AI hardware and software race is shaping a future where AI seamlessly supports users across devices and platforms.

In summary, the convergence of AI hardware innovation, exemplified by io’s mysterious super-gadget, and software breakthroughs from Google and Microsoft, signals an exciting era. Developers and businesses should watch these developments closely, as they will redefine user interaction, device ecosystems, and the web itself.