Topics
Latest
AI
Amazon
Apps
Biotech & Health
Climate
Cloud Computing
Commerce
Crypto
Enterprise
EVs
Fintech
Fundraising
Gadgets
Gaming
Government & Policy
Hardware
Layoffs
Media & Entertainment
Meta
Microsoft
Privacy
Robotics
Security
Social
Space
Startups
TikTok
Transportation
Venture
More from TechCrunch
Staff
Events
Startup Battlefield
StrictlyVC
Newsletters
Podcasts
Videos
Partner Content
TechCrunch Brand Studio
Crunchboard
Contact Us
OpenAI’s first hardware device is reportedly a screenless speaker that can move
OpenAI’s first foray into hardware devices is reported to be a mobile smart speaker with integrated AI capabilities that can sync with ChatGPT and provide other home AI services.
Bloomberg reported Tuesday that the device — which is still currently under development — is designed to be screen-free and is being pitched internally as a “humanlike AI companion that lives in the home.”
OpenAI has long claimed that it wants to launch a hardware product — with some rumors being that it wants to launch its own phone, a move that would put it in competition with Apple.
OpenAI’s newly surfaced device sounds like something of a departure from traditional smart speakers — as sources described the device to Bloomberg as having a “personality” and being able to proactively learn about its owner over time, providing more personalized service. The machine would have access to a user’s digital life, drawing off things like emails, sources said.
The device is also weirdly described as involving “mechanical elements that can move on their own” and the Bloomberg report includes the detail that the device is designed to “feel like a companion and become a physical manifestation of OpenAI’s ChatGPT.”
The device was developed with help from many former Apple engineers who were instrumental in “creating products such as the iPhone and Mac,” Bloomberg writes. Indeed, OpenAI may be attempting to launch a new hardware line, but the company is currently up to its eyeballs in trouble over hardware-related legal problems.
Apple last week sued OpenAI, accusing the AI company of stealing its trade secrets. Apple further claimed that the allegations involved in the suit are merely “the tip of the iceberg” and that more misconduct will be revealed during the legal discovery process. OpenAI has denied wrongdoing.
Citing anonymous sources with knowledge of OpenAI’s plans, Bloomberg writes that the company feels its new product “veers significantly from anything Apple has on the market today” and that it is “unlikely that it violates trade secrets” belonging to Apple.
OpenAI’s push comes as the tech world grows more excited about consumer AI hardware more broadly. Hark, an AI lab founded by Brett Adcock, raised an oversubscribed $700 million Series A back in May at a $6 billion valuation to build what it calls “personal intelligence” — proprietary AI models paired with custom hardware designed as a “universal interface between humans and machines.”
The company hasn’t yet detailed its device’s form factor, underscoring how much capital is chasing this category even before products ship.
Topics
When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.
we may earn a small commission
Senior Writer, TechCrunch
Last chance to save up to $190 on TechCrunch Founder Summit. Join 1,000+ founders and VCs at all stages for real-world scaling insights and connections that move the needle.Savings end June 26, 11:59 p.m. PT.
Most Popular
Satya Nadella has issued a shocking warning to companies using AI
Julie Bort
Satya Nadella has issued a shocking warning to companies using AI
Satya Nadella has issued a shocking warning to companies using AI
Satya Nadella has issued a shocking warning to companies using AI
Julie Bort
The wildest allegations in Apple’s trade secrets lawsuit against OpenAI
Sarah Perez
The wildest allegations in Apple’s trade secrets lawsuit against OpenAI
The wildest allegations in Apple’s trade secrets lawsuit against OpenAI
The wildest allegations in Apple’s trade secrets lawsuit against OpenAI
Sarah Perez
Anthropic starts localizing Claude pricing for India, its biggest market after the US
Jagmeet Singh
Anthropic starts localizing Claude pricing for India, its biggest market after the US
Anthropic starts localizing Claude pricing for India, its biggest market after the US
Anthropic starts localizing Claude pricing for India, its biggest market after the US
Jagmeet Singh
Meta removes controversial AI feature on Instagram after backlash
Lucas Ropek
Meta removes controversial AI feature on Instagram after backlash
Meta removes controversial AI feature on Instagram after backlash
Meta removes controversial AI feature on Instagram after backlash
Lucas Ropek
Apple sues OpenAI over alleged trade secret theft
Sarah Perez
Apple sues OpenAI over alleged trade secret theft
Apple sues OpenAI over alleged trade secret theft
Apple sues OpenAI over alleged trade secret theft
Sarah Perez
Elon Musk praises Mythos/Fable, promises not to ‘cut off’ Anthropic
Julie Bort
Elon Musk praises Mythos/Fable, promises not to ‘cut off’ Anthropic
Elon Musk praises Mythos/Fable, promises not to ‘cut off’ Anthropic
Elon Musk praises Mythos/Fable, promises not to ‘cut off’ Anthropic
Julie Bort
Instagram users: Here’s how to stop Meta’s AI from using your photos
Lauren Forristal
Instagram users: Here’s how to stop Meta’s AI from using your photos
Instagram users: Here’s how to stop Meta’s AI from using your photos
Instagram users: Here’s how to stop Meta’s AI from using your photos
Lauren Forristal