The week of IO+: io sold for $6.5 billion
Every Sunday, our weekly recap provides a roundup of the most interesting stories featuring essential innovations.
Published on June 1, 2025
As editor-in-chief, Aafke oversees all content and events but loves writing herself. She makes complex topics accessible and tells the stories behind technology.
Last week, io was sold for $6.5 billion to none other than Sam Altman. No ... not the IO+ you subscribe to - we wouldn't sell our souls even for 6.5 billion ;) - but the io of Jony Ive. This former Apple chief designer developed a “family” of AI devices for ChatGPT. Because “ChatGPT is better than a laptop or phone,” Altman said.
Altman promises that io is developing the coolest technology the world has ever seen. In what form that technology will make its appearance - as a tie pin, glasses, a small computer, an earpiece - is still unknown, writes Marc Hijink (NRC). Every Sunday, our weekly overview offers an overview of the most interesting stories surrounding essential innovations.
The “coolest technology ever,” but also a significant invasion of privacy. The latter has been going on for some time. Since Tuesday, Meta has been using posts from Facebook and Instagram to train its AI. For this reason, last week, our own Jony Ive and Merien ten Houten launched a new European alternative to AI services from the US. With AI company euqai, he is bringing two European AI services to the market: the euqai.eu API platform for companies and the search engine quizi.nl for consumers. The services should offer a European alternative that prioritizes privacy, ethics, and sustainability, rather than relying heavily on figures like Altman and Zuckerberg.
Solution to the housing shortage: bury houses!
We have been struggling with a persistent problem in the Netherlands for years: a housing shortage. The government, therefore, aims to legalize the use of vacation homes. A fine band-aid, but in her column this week, Elcke fantasizes about a more radical solution: skyscrapers underground. Realistic, or pure science fiction?
Affordable EVs: Social leasing opens doors for many
A recent analysis by T&E, Europe's leading mobility NGO, reveals that up to 3 million households in the five largest EU countries—Germany, France, Italy, Poland, and Spain—could switch to electric vehicles (EVs) by 2032, thanks to social leasing.
Social leasing is a form of government support that makes electric cars affordable for low- and middle-income people. It helps people who cannot afford an EV now, so more people will soon be able to drive electric vehicles. Analysts expect this to become easier on its own around 2028. France is leading the way, but what could be the effect on all of Europe? Mauro Mereu found out in the latest episode of Behind the Numbers.
And then there was this:
- Robot JENS goes where officers can't
- Dutch universities warn against loss of academic freedom
- ITF World 2025: How chips are shaping our future
- EU is on track to meet its 2030 climate targets, Commission says
- More than ‘just’ fun: Gaming for science
- The ‘kill switch’: solar panels as secret weapons
- Explained in 1 minute: training an AI model
Don't want to miss a thing? An overview of all our articles can be found here. Enjoy your Sunday!
Aafke Eppinga, editor-in-chief IO+
