OpenAI is pushing into the consumer hardware space with a dedicated team of more than 200 people working on a family of AI-powered devices, according to a new report from The Information.
The first product slated for release is a smart speaker equipped with a camera, priced between $200 and $300, though it is not expected to ship until at least February 2027.
The smart speaker will use its onboard camera to gather visual and contextual information about users and their environments — such as identifying objects on a nearby table or picking up on nearby conversations — to enable more proactive and intelligent interactions. Additional features could include facial recognition similar to Apple’s Face ID, allowing users to authenticate purchases or personalize experiences securely.
The broader device family may also include smart glasses (potentially not ready for mass production until 2028) and a smart lamp, though prototypes exist for the latter and its commercial release remains uncertain. These efforts build on OpenAI’s recent $6.5 billion acquisition of io Products, the startup led by former Apple chief design officer Jony Ive, aimed at bringing premium hardware design to AI experiences.
The move positions OpenAI to compete in the growing market for physical AI and augmented reality devices. Meta has already found success with its Ray-Ban smart glasses, which integrate cameras for recording, photography, and content streaming. Meanwhile, Apple and Google are also reportedly developing their own smart glasses initiatives.
OpenAI has not yet commented publicly on the report, and the plans remain in early stages with timelines subject to change.The developments highlight the accelerating race among major tech players to bridge AI software with purpose-built hardware, potentially redefining how consumers interact with generative AI in everyday settings.
MacDailyNews Take: Apple had better get a move on.
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I have privacy concerns, but always-available, intelligent, conversational access to the world’s information would certainly be awesome.