OpenAI is taking a decisive step beyond software. The company, best known for its ChatGPT chatbot, is preparing to release its own hardware device — a smart speaker positioned as an "AI companion" for the home. This is not just another voice assistant, but a product capable of establishing an emotional connection with the user.
The key feature of the new device is its "personality." Developers are emphasizing a human-like level of interaction. The device will be equipped with a camera and a set of sensors to analyze the environment and context, as well as mechanical elements that allow it to move. A built-in battery will enable the speaker to be moved around the home throughout the day, making it a full-fledged mobile assistant.
The system will have access to the owner's correspondence and email, allowing it to deeply study the user's habits and preferences. The assistant will operate on an advanced version of the GPT-Live voice mode, launched in early July. The device will be able to control the smart home, play media, and respond to messages via ChatGPT. Essentially, it is a physical embodiment of the chatbot, designed to become a constant human companion.
The design project is overseen by Jony Ive, former chief designer at Apple. He has been joined by other ex-Apple employees who worked on the iPhone and Mac. This combination of Apple's engineering prowess and OpenAI's AI power promises something truly innovative.
The device's unveiling is scheduled for late 2026, with sales starting in 2027. However, timelines may be adjusted due to a lawsuit filed by Apple on July 10. The company accuses the AI startup of stealing trade secrets, and one of the figures involved in the case is Tang Tan — OpenAI's chief hardware officer and former head of iPhone product design.
It is worth noting that the speaker is just one of five gadgets currently being developed by OpenAI. In July, the Codex Micro mini-keyboard for controlling AI agents went on sale — a niche but indicative product. Against the backdrop of a confidential IPO filing, where the company's valuation could reach $1 trillion, entering the consumer electronics market appears to be a logical step for diversification and brand strengthening.
Expert opinion: OpenAI is not simply copying the Amazon Echo or Google Nest. They are creating a fundamentally new category — the "emotional interface." If the speaker can truly simulate human communication at a personality level, rather than just executing commands, this will be a turning point for the smart device market. However, the issue of privacy and trust in a device that "knows" your correspondence and moves around your home will remain the main challenge.