OpenAI is developing a mobile, screen-free smart speaker that insiders describe as a new kind of home computer built for the AI era. The device is designed to act as a humanlike AI companion that lives inside the home rather than on a phone or laptop.
It is still under development but is set up to move around, rather than sit fixed in one place. The project is OpenAI’s first serious push into consumer hardware.
The gadget is expected to handle common household tasks such as controlling smart-home appliances, playing music or video, answering questions and managing basic messages. It also plugs directly into OpenAI’s ChatGPT, giving it access to the full range of generative AI features, from conversation to content drafting.
People familiar with the plans say the ambition goes beyond today’s static smart speakers, leaning into interaction that feels closer to a companion. That positioning aims to differentiate it from existing hubs built by big tech rivals.
OpenAI views the device as a crucial next step as it moves toward an initial public offering in the coming months. The hardware launch deepens its rivalry with Apple, Amazon.com and Alphabet’s Google, which already crowd the smart home and voice assistant markets.
Those companies pair software ecosystems with devices such as smart speakers, phones and hubs and OpenAI now is set to join that integrated model. A successful launch would give OpenAI its own hardware foothold in homes instead of relying solely on third-party platforms.
The new push has already attracted legal heat, with Apple filing a lawsuit accusing OpenAI of stealing trade secrets. OpenAI internally maintains the speaker concept differs sharply from Apple’s existing hardware line-up and argues it is unlikely to infringe on the iPhone maker’s confidential technology.
The dispute shows how tense the race to own AI-powered hardware has become as major players try to lock in users. It also hangs over OpenAI’s debut device as the company prepares to go public and pitches itself as a full-stack AI platform.
