OpenAI is preparing a "puck" device: design by Ive, price above $300
My analysis of insider information about OpenAI's developments indicates that the company is radically rethinking the format of interaction with AI. This is not about a familiar smartphone or headset, but about a compact smart speaker whose shape resembles a hockey puck. This is a deliberate departure from traditional screens in favor of a tactile and voice interface.
A key detail is the absence of a display. Instead, there is a body made of premium metal with movable elements and dynamic backlighting that creates the illusion of a "living" presence. This approach suggests that OpenAI is betting on an emotional connection with the user rather than visual overload. The aesthetics are being handled by the studio LoveFrom, founded by Jony Ive, which guarantees the highest level of design, comparable to iconic Apple products.
The technical internals, according to my data, include cameras, microphones, and a set of sensors integrated with adaptive ChatGPT models. This will allow the device not only to respond to queries but also to react contextually to the environment, recognizing gestures, emotions, and spatial cues. A price of around $300 positions the gadget as a niche product for enthusiasts rather than mass-market consumer goods.
The expected release in the second half of 2027 is a long horizon, indicating the complexity of the engineering tasks. Over two and a half years, competitors may release their own analogs, but OpenAI's leadership in design and AI integration gives them a head start.
My verdict: this is not just a gadget, but a strategic bet on the post-screen era. If OpenAI manages to realize its vision, the smart device market will face a tectonic shift. However, the high price and late release date may limit the audience to early adopters rather than the mass user.