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OpenAI may announce a ChatGPT smart speaker this year
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OpenAI is reportedly developing a ChatGPT-powered smart speaker as its first major hardware device, according to a Bloomberg report. The device will lack a screen but feature a camera and additional sensors to understand its environment, enabling voice interactions with the AI. Sources indicate that the product is slated for release in 2027, part of a broader hardware lineup of roughly five devices.
This news emerges just days after Apple filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, accusing the AI company of stealing hardware trade secrets. OpenAI responded on Tuesday, stating it is “not aware of any evidence that this complaint has merit.” The legal dispute highlights growing tensions between the two tech giants as OpenAI expands into consumer hardware.
The smart speaker will reportedly include a rechargeable battery for portability, support for smart home controls, media playback, question answering, and message responses. It will utilize GPT-Live, OpenAI's upgraded voice model announced last week, and incorporate mechanical elements that can move on their own to create a more humanlike connection with users. A similar device with a camera for recognizing objects or people was previously reported by The Information in February.
OpenAI is collaborating with former Apple designer Jony Ive on the new devices, following its nearly $6.5 billion acquisition of Ive's design company, io Products. This partnership suggests a strong emphasis on design aesthetics and user experience, potentially setting the product apart from existing smart speakers like Amazon Echo or Google Nest.
Industry analysts see this as a significant step for OpenAI into consumer electronics, leveraging its advanced AI models to redefine virtual assistants. The integration of GPT-Live could offer more natural conversations and proactive assistance, challenging current market leaders. However, the 2027 launch timeline indicates that the company is still in early development stages.
Apple's lawsuit, filed earlier this week, may complicate matters. OpenAI has denied the allegations, but the case could affect its hardware ambitions if it loses. Meanwhile, Apple has its own AI efforts, including potential smart home devices, making the competitive landscape increasingly crowded.
Looking ahead, OpenAI is also teasing a smaller device called the Codex Micro, made in partnership with Work Louder, scheduled for release on July 15th. This indicates a phased approach to hardware, starting with niche products before the flagship smart speaker. OpenAI did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the Bloomberg report.
