OpenAI is preparing to launch its very first physical consumer device, and it is not a smartphone.
According to a report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, people familiar with the project say the company is developing a movable, screenless smart speaker designed to act as an interactive companion.
Those close to the project reveal that this device represents a new kind of home computer. Instead of staying put in one spot, the speaker will feature a rechargeable battery, allowing users to easily carry it from room to room. Sources say it will use cameras and advanced sensors to understand its surroundings, helping it manage smart appliances, play music, and answer questions using OpenAI’s latest GPT-Live voice technology.
What makes this device stand out is its physical behaviour. Insiders say the speaker will feature mechanical parts that move on their own, giving it a lifelike quality. The goal is to build a highly personalized companion that proactively anticipates user needs by securely learning from personal data like emails.
To bring this to life, OpenAI is of course working closely with former Apple design chief Jony Ive’s design firm, LoveFrom, and has hired several former Apple executives.
While Apple recently sued OpenAI over alleged trade secret theft, sources say OpenAI believes its screenless design is entirely different from Apple’s current products. The company aims to unveil the speaker later this year, with a release targeted for 2027.
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Doesn’t sound very compelling.