As OpenAI navigates a trademark lawsuit concerning its “io” branding, public court documents are offering a detailed look into the hardware endeavors of sam Altman and Jony Ive’s team.

‘not an in-ear device, nor a wearable device’

The legal dispute, as reported by The Verge and Bloomberg, originates from a claim by iyO, a google-supported startup, asserting that the “io” branding of OpenAI’s io Products, Inc., is confusingly similar.

However, the story continues.According to a TechCrunch report, newly released documents indicate that OpenAI representatives, including Tang Tan, formerly of Apple and now Chief Hardware Officer at io Products, met with iyO CEO Jason Rugolo to “learn more about iyO’s in-ear product.” Internal communications suggest that the team was not impressed after several unsuccessful demonstrations.

the documents also suggest that OpenAI has been researching in-ear devices and the broader headphone and audio device market for several months.

though, in his declaration to the court,Tan stated that their initial AI product “is not an in-ear device,nor a wearable device.”

He added that the design, which Sam Altman previously described as something that “fits in your pocket or sits on your desk,” is still in advancement and is at least a year away from being announced or available for purchase.

Altman also submitted a declaration to the court, stating, “our intent with this collaboration was, and is, to create products that go beyond traditional products and interfaces”.

“Our intent with this collaboration was, and is, to create products that go beyond traditional products and interfaces.”

OpenAI’s Interest in In-Ear Ergonomics

Despite claims that io’s first product is “not an in-ear device, nor a wearable device,” iyO emails reveal that OpenAI and io showed particular interest in iyO’s 3D ear-scanning technology.

iyO customizes earpieces by sending technicians to scan users’ ears with specialized equipment. This process caught the attention of Marwan Rammah, a former Apple engineer now working with io. In an email to Tan, rammah suggested purchasing an ear scan database from iyO’s vendor, calling it a “helpful starting point on ergonomics.”

iyO reportedly attempted to leverage this interest,with court documents showing that the company’s CEO repeatedly pitched OpenAI on investment,partnership,or acquisition for up to $200 million. Tan ultimately declined.

In another statement to the court, Evans Hankey, another former Apple executive now leading design at io, clarified that “io has no current plans to offer a custom-molded earpiece product.”