OpenAI’s First Consumer Device Will Be A Smart Speaker, Report Says

2 weeks ago 41

Topline

OpenAI is developing its first consumer device ever, according to Bloomberg, competing with Amazon, Apple and Google with a smart speaker that will house an AI companion capable of controlling home appliances and communicating with its owners.

The device is planned for a 2027 release.

Photo by Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Key Facts

The device will play media, answer questions and respond to messages with the functionality of OpenAI’s flagship model, ChatGPT, according to Bloomberg, which cited unnamed people familiar with the matter.

The companion will become increasingly personalized as it learns more about its owner, the people told Bloomberg, noting OpenAI has envisioned the device as being able to anticipate needs and serve as an expert on its owner—the latter of which it will do by drawing on personal information such as emails.

The device will feature mechanical elements that can move autonomously, “creating a sense that it is alive and not just an object responding to commands,” Bloomberg reported.

A camera and sensors will reportedly be built into the device, which will use an advanced version of ChatGPT Voice Mode to process information and adapt more naturally throughout a conversation.

The device can be plugged into a single room or be brought to other parts of a home with the rechargeable battery it will include, according to Bloomberg.

What To Watch For

OpenAI’s companion is slated for release in 2027, according to Bloomberg, which noted that timeline could be subject to change as Apple sues OpenAI for trade secret theft, alleging the company’s hardware division illegally obtained manufacturing designs and prototypes.

Tangent

OpenAI is developing about five different physical products, Bloomberg added, reporting the company is looking to develop an AI device that could replace the smartphone.

Key Background

OpenAI acquired device startup io Products last year for $6.4 billion, bringing aboard Jony Ive, Apple’s famed former chief design officer. Ive is one of several ex-Apple employees to join OpenAI, with Tang Tan, former Apple vice president, and engineer Chang Liu also becoming a part of the AI startup. Apple accused Tan in its lawsuit of organizing efforts to obtain sensitive materials about Apple and its future products, while Liu allegedly stole an Apple laptop with confidential information when she left the company. Apple has claimed OpenAI hired more than 400 people from its company. OpenAI told Bloomberg it took Apple’s allegations “seriously” but was not “aware of any evidence that this complaint has merit.” Apple is seeking damages and for OpenAI to discontinue the use of the alleged confidential information.