First Gadget from OpenAI and Jony Ive: A Portable Companion Speaker with Moving Parts and a Camera

OpenAI is planning to enter the electronics market with an unusual gadget: a portable screenless smart speaker designed as a personal AI companion. This was reported by Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman, citing his own sources.

What the AI companion can do

The new device is conceived as a physical embodiment of the ChatGPT chatbot. It will be able to control smart home systems, play music and multimedia, answer questions, and assist in message processing. The device is intended to compete directly with the Google, Amazon, and Apple ecosystems.

Among the device's key features, sources highlight:

• High adaptability and proactivity: the system will study the owner's habits, including analyzing email correspondence, to anticipate requests and offer solutions before they are asked;

• Living being effect: the speaker will feature moving mechanical components and a distinct "personality," making conversations feel more like interacting with a human;

• Advanced voice engine: the device is powered by updated GPT-Live technology, capable of listening and speaking simultaneously without delays;

• Sensors and battery life: a built-in camera and a set of sensors will help it perceive the surrounding environment, while a battery will support on-the-go use throughout the day.

The creator team and legal disputes

Former Apple Chief Design Officer Jony Ive and his design studio LoveFrom play a key role in developing the hardware platform. Last year, OpenAI acquired the startup io for $6.5 billion, and many Cupertino alumni joined the development team. Among them are Apple's former head of industrial design Evans Hankey and Vision Pro engineering lead Paul Meade. In total, the company has recruited more than 400 ex-Apple employees.

The large-scale hiring has already led to litigation: Apple filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging misappropriation of trade secrets. In particular, the claims target OpenAI hardware director Tang Tan, who previously oversaw iPhone design. At the same time, experts note that the upcoming speaker differs significantly from the California tech giant's existing products.

Going forward, OpenAI expects to expand its hardware lineup and is considering developing wearables, home robots, and a pocket AI device that could eventually replace the traditional smartphone.