OpenAI Reportedly Developing Screenless AI Speaker for Consumer Hardware Debut

According to Bloomberg News, citing people familiar with the project, OpenAI is developing a smart speaker for the home that will be an AI companion, but without a screen.

The still-in-development device would be the first hardware offering from OpenAI and could be a step forward for the company’s aspiration to venture into consumer electronics beyond software and AI services. The deal also could open up a new revenue stream as OpenAI is busy preparing for a much-anticipated IPO.

According to the report, the speaker is being designed to provide a more natural and conversational AI experience within the home. It uses ChatGPT to provide answers to queries, reply to messages, manage compatible smart home gadgets, play music, other media and perform a range of common digital assistant functions.

Unlike most smart home products that use touchscreens, the report indicates the product will not have a display. Rather, OpenAI seems to be prioritizing voice interaction and conversational intelligence as key capabilities of the device.

OpenAI has not stated publicly that it is working on the project, and did not immediately respond to requests for comment after the report.

The hardware plans reported come at a critical juncture for the company. Apple, which has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI and two former Apple employees over alleged misuse of confidential information and trade secrets just days ago, stated that it was unable to establish a direct financial connection between the two companies.

Apple claims OpenAI used proprietary information to help it grow its consumer hardware business, which OpenAI denies — at least in part. It is interested in nothing but its own trade secrets, and is working on innovative technologies for users globally, said a company spokesman. The ongoing legal battle has caused tensions to rise between the two tech giants, who previously worked together on artificial intelligence projects.

Although the lawsuit is ongoing, OpenAI is seemingly on track to continue its hardware pursuits. There has been growing speculation in the tech industry that AI firms will branch beyond software and start selling hardware that enables users to easily access generative AI services all day long.

The revealed speaker would put OpenAI up against some of the leading smart home products already on the market from companies such as Amazon, Google and Apple, which already have voice-controlled assistants and connected home ecosystems.

The advancements of AI in consumer devices are accelerating as companies strive to create devices that can interact with consumers in a more natural and rapid way. The first product announced by OpenAI would be a major milestone in achieving that overarching goal, and it marks the beginning of a new chapter in the firm’s business strategy if the plans outlined in the report are indeed implemented.