OpenAI announced on Thursday that it has acquired Software Applications, Inc., the company behind Sky, an AI-powered natural language interface for Mac computers.
“With Sky, AI works alongside you, whether you’re writing, planning, coding, or managing your day. Sky understands what’s on your screen and can take action using your apps,” the company explained in a blog post.
OpenAI plans to integrate Sky’s deep macOS capabilities and product design into ChatGPT.
“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,” said Software Applications cofounder and CEO Ari Weinstein.
All of Software Applications’ team members will be joining OpenAI.
However, other acquisition details, such as financial terms, were not disclosed. The blog mentioned that an investment fund linked to Sam Altman held a “passive investment” in Software Applications. The acquisition was led by Nick Turley (Head of ChatGPT) and Fidji Simo (OpenAI’s CEO of Applications) and approved by the independent Transaction and Audit Committees of OpenAI’s board of directors..
The move marks a key step in embedding OpenAI’s technology across Mac devices.
However, Apple’s strong focus on privacy may slow the launch of a Mac AI system similar to Sky, since an agent that monitors screens and takes action could raise concerns for security-conscious users.
“With Sky, AI works alongside you, whether you’re writing, planning, coding, or managing your day. Sky understands what’s on your screen and can take action using your apps,” the company explained in a blog post.
OpenAI plans to integrate Sky’s deep macOS capabilities and product design into ChatGPT.
“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,” said Software Applications cofounder and CEO Ari Weinstein.
All of Software Applications’ team members will be joining OpenAI.
However, other acquisition details, such as financial terms, were not disclosed. The blog mentioned that an investment fund linked to Sam Altman held a “passive investment” in Software Applications. The acquisition was led by Nick Turley (Head of ChatGPT) and Fidji Simo (OpenAI’s CEO of Applications) and approved by the independent Transaction and Audit Committees of OpenAI’s board of directors..
The move marks a key step in embedding OpenAI’s technology across Mac devices.
However, Apple’s strong focus on privacy may slow the launch of a Mac AI system similar to Sky, since an agent that monitors screens and takes action could raise concerns for security-conscious users.
