OpenAI is developing its first consumer device: a screenless, voice-controlled smart speaker designed to function as an AI companion, according to reports from The Information and Bloomberg. The device, still in early stages, is intended to be a new type of home computer for the AI era, focusing on natural conversation and task assistance without a visual interface.
The product is described as a mobile, screen-free speaker that can be moved around the home. It will rely on OpenAI's advanced language models, such as GPT-4o, to understand and respond to user requests, from setting reminders to answering questions. The device is not expected to have a camera or display, emphasizing voice interaction.
OpenAI has hired former Apple design chief Jony Ive to collaborate on the hardware design, though the partnership was confirmed in 2023. The company has also poached engineers from Google and Meta for the project. A release date has not been announced, and the device is still in the prototype phase.
The move marks OpenAI's expansion beyond software into hardware, competing with Amazon's Alexa and Google Assistant. The device is expected to be priced higher than typical smart speakers, reflecting its advanced AI capabilities. OpenAI has not commented on the reports.
