Agentic AI
OpenAI's Pricey Smart Speaker Will Feature Moving Parts to Convey Life and Presence
Designed by former Apple designer Jony Ive's studio, the doughnut-shaped device will carry a premium price tag and include animated elements meant to enhance the user experience.
Ars Technica
OpenAI's forthcoming smart speaker is expected to command a significant premium, with price discussions ranging somewhere between $300 and $400 according to sources briefed on the project, Bloomberg has reported.
The company views the gadget as a potential smartphone replacement, positioning it alongside a wave of AI-centric hardware designed to support complex task completion rather than basic functions. Unlike conventional smart speakers that simply provide weather updates or play music, this device will tap into OpenAI's AI capabilities for more nuanced, human-like conversation and assistance.
Design and Physical Form#
The speaker will adopt a distinctive doughnut shape approximating the size of a hockey puck, and according to Bloomberg's sources, features high-quality metal construction and other premium materials. The design work comes courtesy of LoveFrom, the design studio helmed by Jony Ive, the legendary industrial designer formerly at Apple.
Bringing the Device to Life#
What sets this speaker apart from static competitors is its use of moving parts that will animate during interactions. Combined with indicator lights that activate when the device listens, these dynamic elements are intended to give the hardware a sense of liveliness and presence—qualities the company hopes will feel more engaging than stationary alternatives.
Capabilities and Architecture#
The device will function as a battery-powered unit delivering conversational experiences comparable to ChatGPT's voice mode available on mobile platforms, but with more sophisticated language models optimized for natural, personlike dialogue. Integration with smart home control will also be built in, allowing users to manage connected devices from the speaker.
Development Amid Legal Challenges#
OpenAI has declined to publicly discuss its product plans. However, following Apple's lawsuit alleging the theft of trade secrets, the company conducted an internal review of the speaker's design and determined that no Apple intellectual property was incorporated into the device.
