OpenAI's first hardware: screenless ChatGPT speaker

OpenAI’s First Hardware Device Reportedly a Screenless Smart Speaker with Movement

6 verified6 unconfirmed

OpenAI is developing its first hardware product, a screenless smart speaker that incorporates its ChatGPT AI assistant, according to reports from Bloomberg cited by multiple news outlets. The device is described as a mobile companion with mechanical elements that can move on its own, designed to feel humanlike and learn about its owner over time. It will offer smart home controls, media playback, and the ability to answer questions and respond to messages. The gadget was developed with help from former Apple engineers who worked on products such as the iPhone and Mac. The reports come shortly after Apple filed a lawsuit against OpenAI accusing the company of stealing trade secrets related to hardware. OpenAI has denied the allegations, stating it is not aware of evidence supporting the complaint and that its device is unlikely to violate any trade secrets. The company plans to release the device as part of a broader hardware lineup.

What’s verified

OpenAI’s first hardware device is a screenless smart speaker powered by ChatGPT.

The device includes mechanical elements that allow it to move on its own.

It is designed as a humanlike AI companion that can learn about its user over time.

The speaker can be carried around and will offer smart home controls, media playback, and messaging capabilities.

The device was developed with the involvement of former Apple engineers who worked on the iPhone and Mac.

Apple has sued OpenAI, accusing it of stealing hardware trade secrets; OpenAI has denied the claims.

Not yet confirmed

It is unclear whether the device includes a camera and additional sensors; one source says it does, while the other does not mention this feature.

The release timeline is unclear: one source says the device may be announced this year and launch in 2027, while the other only states it is under development.

The involvement of former Apple designer Jony Ive is mentioned in only one source, which also says his design company io Products was acquired by OpenAI for nearly $6.5 billion.

One source reports that the device will use OpenAI’s GPT-Live voice model.

A separate gadget called the Codex Micro, made in partnership with Work Louder, is scheduled for release on July 15, per one source.

One source mentions that AI lab Hark raised $700 million for competing hardware, but this is not confirmed by the other.

Misconceptions

The sources address the misconception that OpenAI’s device may violate Apple’s trade secrets. OpenAI has stated that the product “veers significantly from anything Apple has on the market today” and that it is “unlikely that it violates trade secrets.” The company has also said it is “not aware of any evidence that this complaint has merit.”