Recently, there have been reports that OpenAI is working hard to develop its first AI speaker equipped with a camera, which is expected to be released in 2027. This speaker will not only be an important product for OpenAI's entry into the hardware market, but it will also be launched alongside a series of smart devices such as smart glasses and smart lamps. According to a report by the tech media The Information, more than 200 employees within OpenAI are currently focused on hardware development, indicating the company's ambition in the hardware field.

The upcoming smart speaker is expected to be priced between $200 and $300 (approximately RMB 1,382 to RMB 2,073) and is expected to start shipping in early 2027. Compared to existing speaker products on the market, such as Apple's HomePod or Google's Nest Audio, this speaker will differ in design, mainly due to its unique camera function. The camera will not only capture details of the surrounding environment, but it will also continuously listen to nearby conversations and even have facial recognition capabilities, allowing users to verify their identity or make payments through "face scanning."

Additionally, OpenAI plans to focus on the smart glasses market, but due to Meta's current dominance in this market, related products are expected to be launched only in 2028. The prototype design of the smart lamp has already been completed, but whether it will go into mass production remains uncertain.

To ensure the quality of the product design and user experience, OpenAI acquired the design company io, founded by Jony Ive, former chief design officer of Apple, for 6.5 billion dollars last year. Ive will lead the overall design of the hardware products. This design master, who worked at Apple for over 20 years, has participated in the design of many classic products, including the iPhone and iPad. Whether he can carry forward his successful experience at Apple to OpenAI's hardware products is worth looking forward to.

However, creating AI hardware that can be mass-produced is no easy task. According to reports, OpenAI's hardware projects have been repeatedly delayed, with reasons including the difficulty of technology integration, the demand for computing power, and increasingly severe privacy and security issues. Despite this, OpenAI's exploration and attempts are undoubtedly set to trigger a new wave in the smart home industry.

Key Points:

🛠️ OpenAI plans to launch its first AI speaker with a camera in 2027, with an estimated price of $200 to $300.

👁️ The speaker will have a camera and facial recognition features, capable of continuously monitoring the environment and identifying objects.

🎨 Jony Ive, a design expert from Apple, will lead the hardware design. OpenAI hopes to enhance user experience through high-quality design.