OpenAI is venturing into consumer hardware, developing a smart speaker, smart glasses, and even a smart lamp. With over 200 employees working on the project, the first device—a ChatGPT-powered smart speaker with a built-in camera—is expected by early 2027. The move follows OpenAI’s $6.5 billion acquisition of Jony Ive’s startup.
OpenAI, best known for its ChatGPT platform, is now betting big on hardware. Reports confirm that the company is building a family of AI-powered consumer devices, including a smart speaker, smart glasses, and a smart lamp.
The smart speaker is expected to be the first product, priced between $200–$300, and will feature a built-in camera to provide visual context for conversations. This marks a significant leap beyond traditional voice-only assistants, blending conversational AI with visual awareness.
The hardware design is being led by Jony Ive, former Apple design chief, whose startup was acquired by OpenAI in 2025. While privacy concerns have been raised, OpenAI insists the devices will prioritize user trust and transparency.
Major Takeaways
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OpenAI developing smart speaker, smart glasses, and smart lamp
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Smart speaker expected by early 2027, priced $200–$300
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Device to feature built-in camera for context-aware AI responses
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Hardware design led by Jony Ive after $6.5B acquisition
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Over 200 employees working on the hardware division
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Privacy concerns raised, but OpenAI promises transparency
Conclusion
OpenAI’s hardware ambitions signal a strategic expansion beyond software, aiming to integrate AI into everyday devices. If successful, these products could redefine how consumers interact with technology, merging intelligence, design, and utility into a new era of smart living.
Sources: Reuters, Business Standard, The Verge, News.Az