OpenAI is preparing to enter the smart speaker market with a device that will command a premium price point. According to recent reports, the upcoming AI-powered speaker is expected to cost between $300 and $400 when it launches, positioning it well above typical consumer smart speakers currently available.
The device features a distinctive donut-shaped design intended to make it portable throughout a home, allowing users to place it on nightstands, kitchen counters, or other locations. Built with high-quality metal construction and boasting a premium aesthetic, the speaker will also incorporate moving parts, though specific details about their function remain unclear. The product is being developed through a collaboration with LoveFrom, the design firm founded by renowned Apple designer Jony Ive.
OpenAI’s entry into hardware faces challenges from established competitors. Amazon’s smart speaker lineup ranges from $40 to $240, suggesting OpenAI’s pricing may deter price-conscious consumers. Additionally, the company is currently embroiled in a lawsuit with Apple, which alleges trade secret theft—claims OpenAI has disputed. Despite these obstacles, the company sees logical value in deepening ChatGPT’s integration into users’ daily lives through physical hardware.
The speaker is anticipated to release sometime in 2027, pending the ongoing legal disputes and development timeline.
Originally reported by Techcrunch →
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