Overview
- Bloomberg reported Thursday that OpenAI is building a screenless, doughnut‑shaped portable smart speaker about the size of a hockey puck with moving mechanical parts, built‑in microphones, speaker grilles, a camera and other sensors.
- The company has discussed retail pricing of roughly $300 to $400 and is positioning the device as an "AI‑first computer" that uses advanced voice models to learn user preferences and provide continuous, personalized interactions.
- Design work is being done with Jony Ive’s LoveFrom studio after OpenAI’s acquisition of io, and sources say the device will use premium materials including a high‑quality metal finish and a battery for room‑to‑room use.
- Apple sued OpenAI in July alleging improper use of confidential hardware information and has asked for an injunction; OpenAI filed to dismiss the case and says an internal probe found no misuse, but a court order could delay or constrain the planned rollout.
- Beyond legal risks, the product raises privacy and market questions because of its onboard cameras and sensors, the premium price in a low‑margin speaker market, and OpenAI’s stated plan to make this the first in a family of consumer AI devices.