OpenAI Acquires Sky: AI Interface for Mac

OpenAI Acquires Sky, an AI-Powered Mac Interface

On Thursday, OpenAI announced the acquisition of Software Applications, Inc., the developers of Sky – an AI-driven natural language interface specifically designed for Mac computers.

This software, which remained unreleased to the general public, is intended to function as a constant companion during daily computer use. It supports tasks such as writing, planning, and coding, seamlessly integrating with existing applications.

Functionality and Integration

Functioning similarly to AI-powered browser extensions, Sky possesses the capability to analyze on-screen content and execute actions within applications on your behalf.

This acquisition represents a substantial advancement in OpenAI’s strategy to integrate its technology into the daily routines of both individual consumers and businesses utilizing the Mac operating system.

Statements from Software Applications

Ari Weinstein, co-founder and CEO of Software Applications, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We’ve consistently aimed for computers to be more intuitive, customizable, and empowering. Large Language Models (LLMs) now enable us to realize this goal.”

“We developed Sky as an AI experience that operates alongside your desktop, assisting with thought processes and creative endeavors. We are excited to collaborate with OpenAI to extend this vision to a vast audience of hundreds of millions of users.”

The Team’s Previous Success

The Sky team boasts a history of successful ventures.

Weinstein and Conrad Kramer were previously the co-founders of Workflow, a company they sold to Apple. The technology from Workflow ultimately evolved into the current Apple Shortcuts application.

Both Weinstein and Kramer spent several years at Apple before establishing Software Applications in August 2023. Kim Beverett, Sky’s third co-founder and COO, previously held a senior program and product management role at Apple, contributing to technologies like Safari, WebKit, and FaceTime.

Apple’s AI Initiatives

Apple, currently positioned as a follower in the AI landscape, is anticipated to unveil a significantly enhanced Siri with advanced AI capabilities in the coming year.

The company has already introduced features leveraging its AI technology, known as Apple Intelligence, including writing assistance, real-time translation, image generation, and visual search.

Furthermore, Apple is collaborating with OpenAI to redirect Siri queries it cannot resolve to ChatGPT. Apple Intelligence is designed to function seamlessly across multiple platforms, including the Mac.

Foundation Models and Privacy Considerations

Apple also provides a Foundation Models framework, granting developers access to local AI models for direct integration into their applications.

However, Apple prioritizes user privacy as a central tenet of its AI strategy. An agentic system capable of monitoring your screen and performing actions could potentially raise privacy concerns for security-conscious users.

Given the nascent stage of agentic AI and the identified safety risks associated with AI browsers, Apple may require time to develop a Mac AI system comparable to Sky.

Financial Details and Deal Leadership

The financial terms of OpenAI’s acquisition remain undisclosed. However, data from PitchBook indicates that Sky’s developers had secured $6.5 million in funding from investors.

These investors included OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Figma CEO Dylan Field, Context Ventures, and Stellation Capital. OpenAI has confirmed that Altman’s involvement was through a passive investment fund.

The acquisition was spearheaded by Nick Turley, Head of ChatGPT, and Fidji Simo, OpenAI’s CEO of Applications, with approval from OpenAI’s board of directors.