OpenAI's first device to be compact and voice-first: report

OpenAI's first consumer hardware device is expected to be a compact, voice-first AI smart speaker with a doughnut-shaped design, according to a Bloomberg report.

The report said the battery-powered device will be about the size of a hockey puck, making it easy to carry around. It is expected to launch in 2027, although OpenAI has not officially announced a release timeline.

The device has reportedly been designed in collaboration with LoveFrom, the design studio founded by former Apple chief design officer Jony Ive. It is expected to use premium materials and could be priced between $300 and $400, placing it above competing smart speakers from Amazon and Google and closer to Apple's HomePod range.

Unlike conventional smart speakers, the device is expected to function as an AI-first computer that enables users to perform everyday tasks through natural voice interactions.

According to the report, it will feature integrated speakers, microphones and cameras, along with additional sensors to better understand its surroundings and provide more context-aware responses. Indicator lights are expected to show when the device is listening, while moving mechanical components may be used to make interactions appear more expressive.

The report said OpenAI intends users to primarily interact with the device through voice, similar to ChatGPT's voice mode, but powered by more advanced AI models.

OpenAI President Greg Brockman has previously said that voice-first AI experiences will play a central role in the company's long-term hardware strategy, with a focus on building devices that are more conversational and seamlessly integrated into everyday life.