OpenAI may announce a ChatGPT smart speaker this year

OpenAI’s first device is set to be a smart speaker that lets you talk with ChatGPT, according to a report from Bloomberg. The device apparently won’t have a screen, but will use a camera and additional sensors to “understand” your environment. The report comes just days after Apple filed a lawsuit against OpenAI that accused the AI company of stealing hardware secrets. OpenAI, in a new statement on Tuesday, said that it is “not aware of any evidence that this complaint has merit.” Sources tell Bloomberg that OpenAI’s device will also feature a rechargeable battery that will allow users to carry it with them. It will offer smart home controls, along with the ability to play media, answer questions, and respond to messages. Bloomberg additionally says that the device will use GPT-Live, OpenAI’s upgraded voice model announced last week. Bloomberg reports that the device will use “mechanical elements that can move on their own” in order to “connect on a humanlike level with users.” In February, The Information reported on a similar device equipped with a camera that can recognize items or people nearby. The rumored speaker will launch in 2027 as part of OpenAI’s plans for a bigger hardware lineup, which currently includes “roughly” five devices, according to Bloomberg. OpenAI is collaborating with former Apple designer Jony Ive on the new devices following its nearly $6.5 billion acquisition of his design company, io Products. OpenAI didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment. The company has also been teasing a Codex gadget called the Codex Micro, made in partnership with Work Louder, that’s scheduled to release on July 15th.