Details have started to surface about a mysterious new hardware project coming from OpenAI. According to recent reports, the company is building a smart speaker that resembles a familiar device from Amazon but carries a much steeper price tag. The upcoming gadget is expected to retail for over $300 and act as an always-on companion to assist users throughout their day.
The screenless speaker features a camera and internal moving parts
The new device reportedly shares its basic shape and size with a hockey puck or a doughnut. It is a battery-powered speaker that lacks a screen, but includes a camera, microphones, and speakers. Rumors indicate the gadget will even have parts that move on their own to help signal when it is listening or responding to a user.
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Because it relies on battery power, users can pick it up and carry it around the house. The goal is to create a physical housing for ChatGPT that functions similarly to the voice assistant mode you already use on an iPhone. It will actively monitor requests and learn your habits over time.
Legal trouble with Apple complicates the premium metal design choices
The upcoming gadget leans heavily into high-end materials. Reports suggest it will sport a premium metal finish, which stems from a design collaboration with former Apple executive Jony Ive. The focus on top-tier materials is part of the reason the device carries a price tag between $300 and $400.
However, building a premium piece of AI hardware has sparked a legal dispute with Apple over trade secrets. Apple filed a lawsuit a few weeks ago claiming the team stole a specific metal finishing technique. The company behind the speaker is currently running an internal review to address the claims and keep the product on track.
The success of this new device will depend on whether people are willing to pay a high price for a physical assistant. If the creators can overcome the legal hurdles and prove the value of a dedicated voice companion, it could change how we interact with intelligent software at home.
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