OpenAI prepares to launch screen free portable AI speaker

OpenAI is preparing to launch its first consumer hardware product, a mobile, screen-free smart speaker designed to function as a proactive AI companion for the home, according to a new report. The device, which could be unveiled later this year for a 2027 release, is at the center of a major legal dispute with Apple, which recently filed a lawsuit accusing OpenAI of stealing trade secrets.

The speaker is intended to serve as a new type of computer built for artificial intelligence. It will leverage OpenAI's ChatGPT, specifically an advanced voice mode called GPTLive, to control smart home appliances, play media, answer questions, and respond to messages. A key design goal is for the device to build a humanlike rapport with users, learning about them over time to become more personalized and proactive in anticipating needs.

Unlike conventional smart speakers, the OpenAI device will feature mechanical elements that allow it to move, creating a sense that it is alive. It will include a camera and other sensors to understand its surroundings and will be powered by a rechargeable battery, enabling owners to carry it from room to room or keep it plugged in. The product is reportedly...