OpenAI revealed it had purchased Software Applications, Inc., the company behind Sky, an artificial intelligence-driven natural language interface created for Mac systems.The unreleased software application is built to assist users during their daily computer activities, including writing, organizing, programming, and other tasks. 

Like AI-enabled browsers, Sky has the capability to observe screen content and perform actions within applications on behalf of users.

This acquisition represents an important advancement in integrating OpenAI's technology into the daily routines of consumers and Mac-based business operations.

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“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. We’re thrilled to join OpenAI to bring that vision to hundreds of millions of people,” Software Applications co-founder and CEO Ari Weinstein says.

It's worth mentioning that the Sky team had previously achieved another significant exit. Weinstein and Conrad Kramer had earlier established Workflow together, which they later sold to Apple, transforming into what is currently called Shortcuts. Both individuals remained with Apple for multiple years before departing to establish Software Applications in August 2023. The third co-founder and COO of Sky, Kim Beverett, served as a senior program and product manager at Apple, dedicating almost a decade to developing technologies including Safari, WebKit, Privacy, Messages, Mail, Phone, FaceTime, and SharePlay.

Apple, which has lagged in the AI space until now, is anticipated to introduce a redesigned Siri featuring AI capabilities in the coming year.

 

The company has already released additional features powered by its AI technology called Apple Intelligence, such as writing assistance tools, real-time translation, image generation, visual search capabilities, and other functions. Apple is also collaborating with OpenAI to redirect queries that Siri cannot handle to ChatGPT. Apple Intelligence operates across multiple platforms, including Mac systems.

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Furthermore, Apple provides a Foundation Models framework that enables access to on-device AI models, giving developers the ability to integrate artificial intelligence directly into their applications.

Nevertheless, Apple prioritizes privacy as a fundamental aspect of its AI services, and an autonomous system that monitors your display and performs actions on your behalf might create concerns among some of its more privacy-conscious users. Autonomous AI remains in its infancy, and current assessments suggest that AI-powered browsers present numerous security vulnerabilities. Consequently, Apple may require considerable time to develop a Mac AI system that rivals Sky.

Financial details of OpenAI's acquisition were not disclosed, but Sky's creator had secured $6.5 million in funding from backers, including OpenAI's CEO Sam Altman, Figma's CEO Dylan Field, Context Ventures, and Stellation Capital, based on Pitchbook data. OpenAI revealed that Altman maintained a passive stake in the company through an investment vehicle.

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The acquisition was spearheaded by ChatGPT Head Nick Turley and OpenAI's Applications CEO Fidji Simo, with OpenAI's board providing approval.