OpenAI buys Sky, an AI interface for Mac

OpenAI was announced On Thursday it acquired Software Applications, Inc., maker of a natural language interface with artificial intelligence for Mac computers called Sky.

The software product, which had not been released to the public, is designed to work alongside you throughout your day as you use desktop applications, write, program, code and more. Similar to AI browsers, Sky can see what’s on your screen and act on your apps for you.

The move is an important step toward integrating OpenAI technology into the everyday lives of Mac-powered consumers and businesses.

“We’ve always wanted computers to be more powerful, adaptable, and intelligent. With LLMs, we can finally put the pieces together. That’s why we created Sky, an AI experience that hovers over your desktop to help you think and create. We’re excited to join OpenAI to bring that vision to hundreds of millions of people working with software Around. statement.

Notably, the team behind Sky had another notable exit before this.

Weinstein and Conrad Kramer they previously co-founded Workflow, which they sold to Apple, where it became the technology now known as Shortcuts. Both went on to work at Apple for several years before leaving to found Software Applications in August 2023. Sky’s third co-founder and COO, Kim Beverettwas a senior program and product manager at Apple, where she spent nearly 10 years working on technology such as Safari, WebKit, Privacy, Messages, Mail, Phone, FaceTime and SharePlay.

Apple, which has so far been lagging behind AI, is expected to release a revamped Siri with intelligent artificial intelligence next year. Apple has already shipped other features that use its AI technology known as Apple Intelligence, including writing assistants, live translation, image creation, visual search, and more. It also works with OpenAI to shuffle queries that Siri can’t answer in ChatGPT. Apple Intelligence works across platforms, including Mac.

In addition, Apple offers a Foundation Models framework that provides access to local AI models, allowing developers to integrate AI directly into their applications.

However, Apple values ​​privacy as a core part of its AI offering, and an agent system that views your screen and takes action on your behalf could raise concerns for some of its more security-minded customers. Agentic AI is still in its early days, and recent reviews show that AI browsers have many security risks. It could take time for Apple to release a Mac AI system comparable to Sky, as a result.

Terms of the deal to buy OpenAI were not disclosed, but the Sky maker had raised $6.5 million from investors including OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Figma CEO Dylan Field, Context Ventures and Stellation Capital, according to data from PitchBook. OpenAI revealed that Altman had a passive interest in the startup through an investment fund.

The deal was brokered by ChatGPT head Nick Turley and OpenAI’s Chief Application Officer Fidji Simo and approved by OpenAI’s board of directors.