\n<\/p>\n
OpenAI\u2019s first foray into hardware devices is reported to be a mobile smart speaker with integrated AI capabilities that can sync with ChatGPT and provide other home AI services. <\/p>\n
Bloomberg reported<\/a> Tuesday that the device \u2014 which is still currently under development \u2014 is designed to be screen-free and is being pitched internally as a \u201chumanlike AI companion that lives in the home.\u201d<\/p>\n OpenAI has long claimed that it wants to launch a hardware product \u2014 with some rumors being that it wants to launch its own phone, a move that would put it in competition with Apple. <\/p>\n OpenAI\u2019s newly surfaced device sounds like something of a departure from traditional smart speakers \u2014 as sources described the device to Bloomberg as having a \u201cpersonality\u201d and being able to proactively learn about its owner over time, providing more personalized service. The machine would have access to a user\u2019s digital life, drawing off things like emails, sources said. \u00a0<\/p>\n The device is also weirdly described as involving \u201cmechanical elements that can move on their own\u201d and the Bloomberg report includes the detail that the device is designed to \u201cfeel like a companion and become a physical manifestation of OpenAI\u2019s ChatGPT.\u201d<\/p>\n The device was developed with help from many former Apple engineers who were instrumental in \u201ccreating products such as the iPhone and Mac,\u201d Bloomberg writes. Indeed, OpenAI may be attempting to launch a new hardware line, but the company is currently up to its eyeballs in trouble over hardware-related legal problems.<\/p>\n Apple last week sued OpenAI<\/a>, accusing the AI company of stealing its trade secrets. Apple further claimed that the allegations involved in the suit are merely\u00a0<\/strong>\u201cthe tip of the iceberg\u201d and that more misconduct will be revealed during the legal discovery process. OpenAI has denied wrongdoing.<\/p>\n Citing anonymous sources with knowledge of OpenAI\u2019s plans, Bloomberg writes that the company feels its new product \u201cveers significantly from anything Apple has on the market today\u201d and that it is \u201cunlikely that it violates trade secrets\u201d belonging to Apple. <\/p>\n OpenAI\u2019s push comes as the tech world grows more excited about consumer AI hardware more broadly. Hark, an AI lab founded by Brett Adcock, raised an oversubscribed $700 million Series A back in May at a $6 billion valuation<\/a> to build what it calls \u201cpersonal intelligence\u201d \u2014 proprietary AI models paired with custom hardware designed as a \u201cuniversal interface between humans and machines.\u201d<\/p>\n The company hasn\u2019t yet detailed its device\u2019s form factor, underscoring how much capital is chasing this category even before products ship.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission<\/a>. This doesn\u2019t affect our editorial independence.<\/em><\/p>\n