OpenAI, a leading developer of artificial intelligence models, is preparing to enter the consumer-device market with a mobile, screen-free smart speaker designed to bring ChatGPT into the home. The product is expected to control smart-home appliances, play media, answer questions, respond to messages and use cameras and sensors to understand its surroundings. OpenAI believes the device could become increasingly personalized and proactive as it learns more about its owner, allowing it to anticipate needs and surface information without waiting for direct commands. The company is aiming to unveil the speaker in 2026 and release it in 2027, although the schedule may change as development and legal proceedings continue.
The speaker will rely on GPT-Live, an advanced version of ChatGPT's voice mode that can listen and speak simultaneously, respond more naturally during conversations and process information quickly. Its rechargeable battery is expected to let users carry it between rooms, while mechanical components may help create a more humanlike sense of movement and personality. OpenAI spent $6.5 billion last year to acquire io Products, a hardware startup co-founded by former Apple designer Jony Ive, and Ive's LoveFrom design studio is helping develop the broader product lineup. Sonos NASDAQ:SONO, an audio-device maker, fell more than 10% in late trading before reducing its losses, while Apple NASDAQ:AAPL, the iPhone maker, declined less than 1% to a low of $313.52 as investors assessed the potential competitive impact.
OpenAI's hardware expansion could provide another way to distribute its AI technology ahead of a possible initial public offering, while increasing competition with Amazon.com NASDAQ:AMZN, an e-commerce and technology company, and Alphabet's Google NASDAQ:GOOGL, a technology company offering internet and AI services. However, Apple sued OpenAI last week, alleging that the AI developer used trade secrets to accelerate its device program, and the iPhone maker is seeking an injunction that could delay sales. OpenAI has said it is unaware of evidence supporting the complaint and believes its speaker differs substantially from Apple's existing products. Investors may view the project as a potentially important move into consumer hardware, although the final design, launch timing and OpenAI's wider plan for roughly five devices could still change.