OpenAI will reportedly release an AI-powered smart speaker in 2027
Source: Engadget
Overview
OpenAI is reportedly developing a range of AI‑powered devices, including smart glasses, a smart speaker, and a smart lamp. The company has assembled a team of over 200 employees dedicated to this hardware effort.
Smart Speaker
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Features: The upcoming smart speaker will include a camera to better understand its users and surroundings. It is said to be capable of:
- Identifying objects on a nearby table.
- Detecting conversations in the vicinity.
- Supporting facial recognition similar to Apple’s Face ID for authenticating purchases.
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Pricing & Availability: Expected retail price is between $200 and $300, with shipments slated for early 2027 at the earliest.
Other Devices
- Smart Glasses: Planned for release in 2028, entering a market currently dominated by Meta.
- Smart Lamp: Prototypes exist, but it is unclear if the product will reach the market.
Design Leadership
Last year, OpenAI acquired io Products, the design studio founded by former Apple designer Jony Ive, for $6.5 billion. Ive, who contributed to the design of most major Apple devices from the 1990s until his departure in 2019, is expected to lead OpenAI’s hardware product development.
Challenges
Since the partnership began, the project has faced:
- Technical hurdles.
- Privacy concerns related to continuous listening and visual monitoring.
- Logistical issues surrounding the computing power required for mass‑produced AI devices.
These factors could affect consumer adoption, as users may be hesitant to purchase devices that constantly listen and watch.
This article originally appeared on Engadget: OpenAI will reportedly release an AI‑powered smart speaker in 2027.