OpenAI Develops Screenless Smart Speaker Powered by ChatGPT for 2027 Launch

OpenAI is reportedly developing its first consumer hardware product, a portable smart speaker without a screen that enables natural voice interaction with ChatGPT. According to Bloomberg, the device will operate on a rechargeable battery and rely solely on voice conversations, utilizing ChatGPT's advanced speech capabilities. It will also include a camera and sensors to understand its environment and tailor its responses accordingly.

The smart speaker aims to perform various daily tasks such as controlling smart home devices, playing music, sending messages, and answering questions through ChatGPT. The goal is to provide a more natural and personalized user experience than current smart speakers offer.

This project is part of OpenAI's new hardware initiative following its acquisition of io, a company founded by former Apple design chief Jony Ive, in a $6.5 billion deal. Ive and a team of former Apple engineers are leading the product's design. The speaker is expected to be one of several AI-based hardware products OpenAI is developing.

OpenAI has not officially commented on the report or revealed further details, but the launch is anticipated in 2027. This development comes amid growing competition in AI hardware, with major tech companies investing in devices that facilitate more natural user interactions with AI systems. If successful, this smart speaker will mark OpenAI's formal entry into the consumer hardware market, expanding beyond its software and AI model focus.