OpenAI is reportedly preparing to enter the consumer hardware market with a ChatGPT-powered smart speaker that could be officially unveiled later this year ahead of a planned launch in 2027.
According to a Bloomberg report, the company’s first major hardware device will be a screen-free smart speaker equipped with a camera and additional sensors designed to better understand its surroundings and interact more naturally with users.
The portable device is expected to feature a rechargeable battery, allowing users to carry it between locations. It will reportedly support smart home controls, media playback, messaging, voice-based conversations and real-time question answering through ChatGPT.
Bloomberg also reported that the speaker will run GPT-Live, OpenAI’s upgraded voice model unveiled last week, enabling more natural and responsive conversations.
The device is also said to incorporate movable mechanical components intended to create a more human-like interaction with users. Earlier reports by The Information suggested OpenAI had been exploring AI hardware capable of recognising nearby objects and people using built-in cameras.
The report comes just days after Apple filed a lawsuit accusing OpenAI of misappropriating confidential hardware information. In response, OpenAI said on Tuesday that it was “not aware of any evidence that this complaint has merit.”
The ChatGPT smart speaker is expected to become the first product in a broader hardware strategy that reportedly includes around five AI-powered devices currently under development.
OpenAI is working with former Apple design chief Jony Ive on the new product lineup following its nearly US$6.5 billion acquisition of his design company, io Products.
The company has not officially confirmed the report and did not immediately comment on Bloomberg’s claims.
Meanwhile, OpenAI is also preparing to launch another hardware product, the Codex Micro, developed in collaboration with Work Louder. The AI-focused gadget is scheduled to be released on July 15.
