OpenAI is reportedly preparing to enter the consumer hardware market with a portable, screen-free smart speaker powered by ChatGPT, according to a Bloomberg News report. The device is expected to mark the company’s first major hardware product and is designed to function as an AI companion for home use.
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OpenAI Reportedly Developing Screen-Free Smart Speaker
The reported device is expected to go beyond the capabilities of a traditional smart speaker. It is said to support smart home controls, media playback, messaging, and conversational assistance through ChatGPT. Reports also suggest it will include sensors and a camera to better understand its surroundings and provide more context-aware responses.
The hardware initiative follows OpenAI’s acquisition of io
News of the reported project affected the market, with Sonos shares falling after the report, while Apple shares were largely unchanged. The development is viewed as increasing competition in the AI-powered consumer device segment, where Amazon, Apple, and Alphabet already offer smart home products.
The hardware initiative follows OpenAI’s acquisition of io, the AI device startup founded by former Apple design chief Jony Ive, with several former Apple engineers now involved in the project. The reported device is expected to be part of a broader hardware strategy focused on AI-native consumer products.
The report also comes amid an ongoing legal dispute between Apple and OpenAI. Apple has filed a trade secrets lawsuit related to OpenAI’s hardware efforts, while OpenAI has said it is not aware of any evidence supporting the allegations and intends to defend itself.
