OpenAI is reportedly preparing to enter the consumer hardware market with a screen-free, portable AI companion designed to function as a smart home controller, media device and conversational assistant, according to a report from Bloomberg.
The device, which Bloomberg reports could debut later this year ahead of a planned 2027 release, is described internally as a new type of AI-native computer rather than a traditional smart speaker. Bloomberg, citing people familiar with the project, says the product is intended to move from room to room, using a rechargeable battery, built-in camera and environmental sensors to better understand a user’s surroundings and provide more contextual assistance.
Unlike today’s smart speakers, Bloomberg reports the device is being designed to become increasingly personalized over time by learning about its owner through conversations and access to personal information such as emails. OpenAI reportedly envisions the product acting more like an AI companion than a voice assistant, proactively surfacing information, anticipating needs and engaging in more natural conversations.
The reported device would support smart home control, media playback, messaging and ChatGPT’s broader AI capabilities while relying on the company’s recently introduced GPT-Live voice technology, which enables more natural, simultaneous listening and speaking.
This comes after a few years of conjecture on OpenAI’s first hardware product, which was largely rumored to be some sort of home device.Â
A New Competitor for the Smart Home
If released as described, the product would place OpenAI in direct competition with established smart home ecosystems from Apple, Amazon and Google.
Bloomberg reports the device will resemble a speaker but is internally viewed as a fundamentally different category of product. Rather than serving primarily as a voice-controlled speaker, OpenAI reportedly sees it as an AI-first computer designed to increase productivity while remaining mobile throughout the home.
The report also says the device includes moving mechanical components intended to create a more lifelike presence and reinforce its role as a conversational companion.
Author Mark Gurman is clear in the article that his sources say the OpenAI device will be able to control smart home devices. If OpenAI enters the smart home market, it would introduce another AI-driven control platform into an already crowded ecosystem that includes Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Josh.ai, Control4 and other professionally installed solutions. While Bloomberg’s report focuses on the consumer hardware, its reported smart home control ambitions could have implications for the custom integration channel depending on how the platform evolves.
Designed with Former Apple Leadership
The reported hardware effort follows OpenAI’s $6.5 billion acquisition of io Products, the startup co-founded by former Apple designer Jony Ive.
Bloomberg reports that LoveFrom, Ive’s design firm, is leading the product’s industrial design alongside former Apple executives including Evans Hankey and Tang Tan. The company has also reportedly hired hundreds of former Apple employees as it builds its hardware division.
Legal Battle Could Affect Launch
The reported product arrives amid an ongoing legal dispute between Apple and OpenAI.
Bloomberg reports Apple recently sued OpenAI, alleging the company used Apple trade secrets to accelerate development of AI hardware. OpenAI has denied the allegations, stating it has “no interest in other companies’ trade secrets” and that it is unaware of evidence supporting Apple’s claims.
According to Bloomberg, OpenAI currently plans to unveil the speaker later this year before launching it in 2027, though the timeline could change depending on the outcome of the litigation. Apple is reportedly seeking an injunction that could delay commercialization of OpenAI’s hardware products.
Beyond the speaker, Bloomberg reports OpenAI is also exploring additional AI hardware, including wearable devices, robotics and a potential smartphone replacement.
