OpenAI's first major hardware device will be a smart speaker enabling voice conversations with ChatGPT, developed in collaboration with former Apple designer Jony Ive following OpenAI's nearly $6.5 billion acquisition of his design company, io Products. The screenless device will feature a camera and additional sensors to understand the user's environment, along with a rechargeable battery for portability.
The speaker will use GPT-Live, OpenAI's upgraded voice model announced last week, and include smart home controls, media playback, question answering, and message responses. According to Bloomberg, it will incorporate "mechanical elements that can move on their own" to connect with users on a humanlike level. OpenAI plans a broader hardware lineup comprising roughly five devices, with this speaker launching in 2027.
This announcement comes amid Apple's lawsuit against OpenAI alleging the company stole hardware secrets, which OpenAI denies, stating it is "not aware of any evidence that this complaint has merit." Separately, OpenAI is also teasing the Codex Micro, a gadget made in partnership with Work Louder scheduled for release on July 15th.