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Donut-shaped, hockey-puck size, advanced voice interaction, etc
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- DeepHorus
Bloomberg's well-known journalist Mark Gurman revealed in his latest Power On newsletter that the mystery of OpenAI's first self-developed AI hardware is being unveiled. The device features a unique "donut" shape, roughly the size of a hockey puck, with an expected price between $300 and $400, and is planned for official release in 2027. This news quickly attracted widespread attention in the tech industry.
Previously, OpenAI had explored the hardware field through collaboration with former Apple design chief Jony Ive. Last year, OpenAI co-launched an AI programming keyboard, but that product was not fully self-developed. The device exposed this time marks OpenAI's formal entry into the hardware market and is also the result of its deep collaboration with Ive.
According to Gurman, the AI hardware is about the size of a standard hockey puck, with a diameter of 7.62 centimeters and a volume of approximately 115.8 cubic centimeters, shaped like a donut. The pricing range is $300 to $400, roughly equivalent to 2029 to 2705 yuan, and is positioned as a "screenless smart speaker" for home scenarios, allowing users to carry it around the house with one hand. The product is expected to launch in 2027, with a clear timeline.
In terms of hardware, the device includes movable parts, some of which can automatically move to indicate that the device is responding or interacting with the user. Additionally, the product integrates lights, a camera system, and other sensors. In terms of interaction, the device's operating mechanism is similar to the voice mode of ChatGPT on mobile phones, but it will use more advanced AI models to support an interactive experience closer to natural human communication, which may be its core selling point.
If the news is true, this product will have a profound impact on the smart home market. The screenless design breaks the current trend of smart speakers focusing on screens, instead strengthening voice and proactive interaction capabilities. For users, it may change the way information is accessed in home scenarios, such as real-time Q&A, environmental awareness, and smart control. However, the presence of a camera also raises privacy concerns.
Industry analysts believe that OpenAI's advantage in AI models is key to the success of its hardware, but hardware manufacturing and supply chain management will be significant challenges. Some users are curious about the "screenless" design, while others question whether the $300 to $400 price is too high. The involvement of former Apple executive Ive is seen as a design guarantee, but whether it can disrupt the existing ecosystem remains unknown.
With a long time until 2027, OpenAI may adjust product details during this period. Gurman revealed that the device is still under development, and the final form may differ from the current description. If it is successfully released, it will become an important entry point for OpenAI to build its AI ecosystem and may be deeply integrated with ChatGPT. In the future, we might see more AI services based on this device.
In recent years, AI hardware has become a new battleground for tech giants. From Meta's smart glasses to Amazon's Astro robot, companies are exploring the intersection of AI and hardware. OpenAI's entry not only expands its own technological boundaries but may also redefine the paradigm of human-computer interaction. In the wave of rapid iteration of generative AI, whether this product can stand out is worth continuous observation.
