OpenAI planning conversational smart speaker as its first major hardware device

OpenAI is developing a voice-controlled smart speaker that functions as an AI companion, marking the company's entry into hardware manufacturing. According to reporting from Bloomberg, the device will let users interact directly with ChatGPT through natural conversation.

Device features and design#

The speaker will ship without a display, instead relying on a camera and multiple sensors to perceive and respond to its surroundings. The hardware will incorporate a rechargeable battery for portability, allowing people to carry the device throughout their home or elsewhere. OpenAI is designing the speaker with moving mechanical components intended to create more human-like engagement—a technique borrowed from robotics to foster greater user connection.

The device will draw on OpenAI's GPT-Live, an enhanced voice model the company unveiled recently. Beyond conversation, the speaker will handle smart home controls, media playback, question answering, and message responses.

Timeline and broader hardware ambitions#

OpenAI intends to release this device in 2027 as the flagship product in a wider hardware ecosystem. The company is currently developing roughly five devices in total, with plans to expand its physical product line substantially. The effort benefits from OpenAI's $6.5 billion acquisition of io Products, the design studio founded by former Apple designer Jony Ive, who is now collaborating with OpenAI on these initiatives.

Context and development#

Earlier reporting by The Information hinted at a similar camera-enabled speaker capable of identifying nearby objects and people. The announcement arrives amid legal tensions with Apple, which recently sued OpenAI alleging theft of proprietary hardware information—claims OpenAI has disputed.