Background

OpenAI is reportedly hard at work developing a series of AI‑powered devices, including smart glasses, a smart speaker and a smart lamp. According to reporting by The Information, the AI company has assembled a team of over 200 employees dedicated to the hardware project.

Smart Speaker Details

The first product scheduled for release is a smart speaker that will incorporate a camera. The camera is intended to help the device better understand its users and surroundings, allowing it to identify objects on a nearby table and recognize conversations taking place nearby. It will also support a facial‑recognition feature similar to Apple’s Face ID, enabling users to authenticate purchases directly through the speaker.

The speaker is expected to retail for between $200 and $300 and to ship in early 2027 at the earliest, according to sources familiar with the project.

Future Products

OpenAI’s roadmap also includes AI‑powered smart glasses, a market currently dominated by Meta. Those glasses are not expected to arrive until 2028. A smart lamp prototype has been built, but it remains unclear whether that product will reach the market.

Acquisition and Design Leadership

Last year OpenAI acquired ex‑Apple designer Jony Ive’s startup io Products for $6.5 billion. Ive, who has been involved in designing most major Apple devices since the 1990s, is now positioned to lead hardware product development for OpenAI. The acquisition sets the stage for a design‑focused approach to the company’s emerging hardware line.

Challenges and Outlook

Since the partnership was formed, the project has encountered delays due to technical issues, privacy concerns and logistical challenges related to the computing power required for mass‑produced AI devices. Additionally, there is consumer reluctance toward products that continuously listen to and watch users. Despite these hurdles, OpenAI continues to push forward with its hardware ambitions, aiming to bring AI‑enhanced experiences to everyday consumers.

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