OpenAI Reportedly Developing $300 Doughnut-Shaped Smart Home Device

OpenAI is reportedly developing a new smart home device, a $300 doughnut-shaped speaker with advanced technological capabilities and movable parts, according to a Bloomberg report.

The device, envisioned as an "AI-first computer," is designed to be compact and portable, roughly the size of a hockey puck, allowing for easy placement and interaction within a home. OpenAI is reportedly targeting a 2027 launch for the product.

The smart speaker, developed in collaboration with former Apple designer Jony Ive, will feature microphones, speaker grills, and indicator lights to signify when it is listening. It is also expected to incorporate a camera system and sensors to provide the AI with visual information about its surroundings. The device is intended to learn user habits over time to personalize interactions.

The movable parts are intended to give the device a more dynamic and engaging personality during user interaction. This unique design aims to differentiate OpenAI's offering in a market dominated by competitors such as Amazon, Alphabet, and Apple.

This smart speaker is described as the first in a series of new-age devices planned by OpenAI. The company is reportedly prioritizing the smart speaker as a less privacy-sensitive entry point compared to other potential products like smart glasses.

The development comes amid a legal dispute between OpenAI and Apple. Apple has filed a lawsuit accusing OpenAI of infringing on its product designs, specifically alleging that OpenAI asked an Apple supplier to develop a metal finishing technique similar to one used for the iPhone. OpenAI has dismissed the lawsuit as overly general.

While consumer trust in smart devices has faced scrutiny due to privacy concerns, particularly with wearables and cameras, OpenAI appears to be moving forward with its smart home device plans.