OpenAI’s first AI device might be a hockey puck-sized smart speaker

OpenAI’s first consumer hardware product could take the form of a portable AI-powered smart speaker. The device is reportedly shaped like a doughnut that’s roughly the size of a hockey puck, with a launch currently targeted for 2027.

According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the screenless device is expected to cost between USD300 and USD400 (around RM1,227 to RM1,637). It’s designed as an AI-first computer centred around ChatGPT’s voice capabilities, allowing users to carry it around the home and interact with it naturally throughout the day.

The report adds that the battery-powered device will feature speakers, microphones, cameras and other sensors to better understand its surroundings. It will also reportedly include moving mechanical parts and lighting effects to make interactions feel more natural and expressive.

As expected, the hardware is being designed together with former Apple executive Jony Ive and his LoveFrom studio. And as expected from a design by Ive, it’s expected to feature premium materials, including a metal construction.

There’s the looming question regarding Apple’s lawsuit against OpenAI of course, with a ‘metal design’ specifically named as one of the things in Cupertino’s suit against the frontier AI company. Apple also alleges that OpenAI even sought out one of their partnered suppliers to develop a metal finishing technique that’s similar to what Apple developed in-house. The doughnut-shaped ring form factor though will be fairly unique compared to the HomePod.

OpenAI’s smart speaker will likely be intended to be the first in a wider family of OpenAI hardware products, with the company ultimately aiming to build AI devices that could one day reduce users’ reliance on smartphones. It remains to be seen though if Apple’s lawsuit would hamper its 2027 launch date.

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