Paresh Dave: So my guess is something the size of a small calculator, like the ones that people used to fit into their shirt pocket or their patch pocket. Because I think Sam Altman has said he wants something sort of portable. But it'll be something that has a kickstand on the back, so you can lay it on the table and just have it sit there and kind of be around you wherever you are, whether it's the dining table or the kitchen counter or your desk at the office. It'll annoyingly require charging, some dumb port that makes no sense, and Europe will complain. It won't have a display in the first version, but eventually will because there's no other way to make money from ads. And I think if you're trying to benefit humanity and bring AI to everyone, you're going to both have to have a free ad-supported model and a subscription model. So yeah, that's my take.
Lauren Goode: I'm just grinning from ear to ear because this is so hyperspecific. Is this because you know these details or is this because you just so firmly believe that this is what this device has to be?
Paresh Dave: I mean, I wish I knew what was going on for sure. No, I think there are only so many form factors, which is sort of the jargony term for the shape and size of a device. There's only so much you can do. Maybe this is like a throwback to the iPod Nano or which one didn't have the screen? Shuffle?
Lauren Goode: The Shuffle was the tiny one.
Paresh Dave: Yeah, maybe something that looks like that. Then Jony doesn't even have to reinvent the wheel. He can get his old drawings back and he's halfway there.
Lauren Goode: Just make the iPod wheel. But for the AI era. Okay. I think Kate's take is a little bit different. Kate, what's your hot take on this Jony and Sam mashup?
Kate Knibbs: Okay, so it seems like they probably had a lot of fun shooting that gorgeous commercial about their friendship in San Francisco that they put out for this product that has no name. And I'm very happy for them and I think that the cinematography in that commercial was beautiful. I'm trying to think of positive things. Yeah, the tool, I'm so confused. So we've heard that it's not a phone, it's some sort of desktop device. I'm running up against the limits of my imagination into what it could look like and actually not be stupid. I think it's going to be beautiful looking. I do, if Jony Ive's involved, I think it'll be sleek. Will I want it? I just can't imagine it. But I'm excited to see what it is and if it is, I am getting really strong George R.R. Martin, the winds of winter is coming vibes from this whole project, to be honest. I'll believe it when I see it.
Lauren Goode: Thank you all for listening to Uncanny Valley and thank you so much for sending us your questions. Keep emailing us. We do read your emails and we love your feedback. If you like what you heard today, make sure to follow our show and rate it on your podcast app of choice. If you'd like to get in touch with us, any comments, questions, show suggestions, you know the email, it's [email protected]. Today's show was produced by Adriana Tapia and Jordan Bell. Amar Lal from Macrosound mixed this episode. Matt Giles fact-checked this episode. Kate Osborn is our executive producer. Katie Drummond is WIRED's global editorial director. And Chris Bannon is Conde Nast's head of global audio.