OpenAI is developing a screen-free, portable AI speaker with a distinctive design and facial recognition capabilities, set to challenge traditional smart speakers by 2027.
OpenAI is preparing to move beyond software and into dedicated consumer hardware with a screen-free AI speaker that could arrive in early 2027, according to reporting that draws on multiple industry sources. The device is said to be the company’s first major effort to turn ChatGPT into a physical product, extending its voice assistant into the home in a form designed for everyday use.
The speaker is reported to have a distinctive donut-like shape, a metal casing and moving internal parts intended to make it feel more animated. It is expected to support voice interaction with ChatGPT and to be portable enough to move between rooms, such as a kitchen counter or bedside table. Some reports also say the device will include a camera and facial recognition, allowing it to recognise users and adapt its responses over time.
OpenAI’s hardware push is being developed with LoveFrom, the design studio founded by Jony Ive, and appears to be part of a broader consumer-device strategy. Reports say the company is also exploring smart glasses, a smart lamp and other products, though those are not expected until 2028 or later. The work is believed to involve a large team, including former Apple staff, as OpenAI tries to build products that feel more personal and proactive than conventional smart speakers.
The commercial case is less certain. Smart speakers have long struggled to generate strong profits, and a premium price could make adoption harder. One report put the device at between $200 and $300, while another suggested a $300 to $400 range, underlining the uncertainty around final pricing. OpenAI has not confirmed the product, its launch date or its price, and the device remains an unannounced project rather than a finished consumer offering.
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