OpenAI Developing Mobile, Screenless AI Companion to Redefine Smart Home Hardware

OpenAI is reportedly developing its first hardware device: a mobile, screenless smart speaker integrated with ChatGPT to provide advanced home AI services.

According to a Bloomberg report on Tuesday, the device is currently in development and is envisioned internally as a “humanlike AI companion” for the home.

While OpenAI has long expressed interest in entering the hardware market—with previous speculation suggesting a potential smartphone to compete with Apple—this new project represents a different direction.

Unlike traditional smart speakers, sources suggest this device will possess a distinct “personality” and the ability to proactively learn user habits to offer personalized assistance. To achieve this level of integration, the device would have access to a user’s digital information, including emails.

The hardware is uniquely described as featuring “mechanical elements that can move on their own,” designed to serve as a physical manifestation of ChatGPT and act as a tangible companion.

Development efforts reportedly include contributions from several former Apple engineers who played key roles in creating the iPhone and Mac. However, OpenAI’s hardware ambitions coincide with ongoing legal friction; Apple recently filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging the theft of trade secrets. Apple has indicated that these allegations may only be “the tip of the iceberg,” while OpenAI has denied any wrongdoing.

Sources close to the project tell Bloomberg that OpenAI believes the new product is significantly different from Apple’s current offerings and is unlikely to infringe upon any existing trade secrets.

This move comes amid surging investor interest in consumer AI hardware. For instance, the AI lab Hark, founded by Brett Adcock, recently secured $700 million in a Series A funding round at a $6 billion valuation to develop “personal intelligence” hardware. The intense competition for capital in this category highlights the high stakes of the emerging AI-hardware sector, even before most products have reached the market.

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