OpenAI Acquires Sky, Boosting AI-Powered Mac Interface

This move reflects broader industry trends towards harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance user experience. OpenAI’s acquisition of Software Applications, Inc., the developer of Sky, an AI-powered natural language interface for Mac computers, marks a significant step towards embedding AI into consumers’ everyday lives.

As Ari Weinstein, co-founder and CEO of Software Applications, Inc., notes, “We’ve always wanted computers to be more empowering, customizable, and intuitive. With LLMs, we can finally put the pieces together. That’s why we built Sky, an AI experience that floats over your desktop to help you think and create.” This vision is now set to reach hundreds of millions of people through OpenAI.

The acquisition is particularly notable given the team behind Sky’s previous success with Workflow, which they sold to Apple and later became the technology known as Shortcuts. The team’s experience and expertise will undoubtedly contribute to OpenAI’s mission to make AI more accessible and integrated into daily life.

This development comes as Apple is working to catch up with AI advancements, expected to launch an overhauled Siri with AI smarts next year. Apple has already shipped features using its AI tech, known as Apple Intelligence, including writing helpers, live translation, and image creation. However, the company’s emphasis on privacy might pose challenges in developing an AI system like Sky, which can view and interact with a user’s screen.

The deal terms were not disclosed, but Sky’s maker had raised $6.5 million from investors, including OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. The acquisition was led by Nick Turley, Head of ChatGPT, and Fidji Simo, OpenAI’s CEO of Applications, and approved by OpenAI’s board.

Source: Official Link