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SpaceX has an AI device prototype, and it sure sounds phone-ish
SpaceX reportedly showed investors a prototype of a "handset-like" AI device, described as sleeker and slimmer than an iPhone, according to The Wall Street Journal. The device, which resembles a cross between a small touchscreen phone and a Rabbit R1, is still in early development with design subject to change. Elon Musk denied the report, calling it "utterly false." SpaceX, alongside Tesla, possesses the manufacturing expertise and chip access to mass-produce such devices. The company has also signaled ambitions in wireless, with Starlink Mobile potentially competing with Verizon and AT&T; one analyst speculated that T-Mobile or AT&T could be acquisition targets for SpaceX, though such a purchase would be costly. It remains unclear if SpaceX plans to mass-produce and market the device or if it is merely exploring concepts. The move parallels OpenAI’s efforts, as Musk may aim to outperform OpenAI, which is working with Apple’s former chief design officer Jony Ive on an AI device that CEO Sam Altman claims will be "more peaceful than an iPhone." Reports indicate OpenAI has struggled with design details, recently hiring Paul Meade, Apple’s former VP in charge of the Vision Pro headset, to advance the project. Like OpenAI’s device, SpaceX’s prototype is reportedly designed to run on a proprietary operating system and integrate technology from xAI, Musk’s AI company acquired earlier this year. This approach avoids reliance on platforms like Android and aims to create native AI interfaces. However, previous AI devices from companies like Humane and Rabbit failed to gain consumer traction, underscoring the challenge of turning product ambition into market demand.