Artificial intelligence could soon take a physical, screenless form in living spaces. OpenAI is collaborating with former Apple design chief Jony Ive to develop a compact smart speaker powered by advanced AI models, aiming to deliver more natural and humanlike conversational interactions.
According to details reported by Bloomberg, the upcoming device is essentially a display-free, battery-powered speaker designed to be easily carried around the home with one hand. Shaped like a doughnut and roughly the size of a hockey puck, the hardware features a distinctive aesthetic that looks and feels nothing like traditional Apple products.
Rather than relying on a visual screen, the speaker will incorporate dynamic physical movements to signal its state. Certain parts will move autonomously to indicate when the device is actively listening or interacting with users. The device is also expected to include embedded lights, a camera system, and various environmental sensors.
Functionally, the speaker will work similarly to ChatGPT's voice mode on smartphone apps, but it will leverage more advanced models for enhanced conversational responsiveness. Expected to launch in 2027 for more than $300, this standalone assistant is reportedly planned as the first entry in a broader family of consumer devices from OpenAI.