OpenAI Smart Speaker Coming 2027: Jony Ive Team Building AI Devices
OpenAI is reportedly developing a series of AI-powered devices, including smart glasses, a smart speaker, and a smart lamp, with over 200 employees dedicated to the project.
Smart Speaker First
The first product scheduled for release is a smart speaker that would include a camera, allowing it to better absorb information about users and their surroundings. According to a source familiar with the project, this would extend to identifying objects on a nearby table and conversations being held near the speaker.
The camera will also support facial recognition similar to Apple’s Face ID for authenticating purchases.
Pricing and Release
The speaker is expected to retail for between $200 and $300 and ship in early 2027 at the earliest. The AI-powered smart glasses would not come until 2028.
Jony Ive Partnership
Last year, OpenAI acquired ex-Apple designer Jony Ive’s startup io Products for $6.5 billion. Ive is leading hardware product development for OpenAI. There have already been delays due to technical issues, privacy concerns, and logistical issues surrounding the computing power necessary to run a mass-produced AI device.
