OpenAI is developing a smart speaker in collaboration with former Apple designer Jony Ive, set to launch in 2027. The device, described as a "doughnut-shaped" and battery-powered gadget comparable in size to a hockey puck, is expected to retail for over $300. This product will be devoid of a display and is designed for simplicity, allowing users to carry it around easily. It will feature unique aesthetics, including moving parts that interact with users and various sensors, enhancing its functionality.
The smart speaker will operate similarly to OpenAI's existing ChatGPT voice mode available on mobile devices but promises advancements in human-like interactivity. Although it will diverge significantly in design and feel from Apple's products, there remains an ongoing legal dispute between OpenAI and Apple. The introduction of this device marks a potential beginning for a series of future products aimed at integrating AI more closely into everyday life.
Overall, the collaboration represents a strategic move by OpenAI, expanding its reach into consumer electronics, leveraging Jony Ive's design expertise to create a distinctive product.