On Monday, Eastern Time, OpenAI announced new developments in the field of smart hardware. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman revealed on Friday that the company has successfully completed the first prototypes of its hardware devices.
In May of this year, OpenAI acquired the AI hardware startup io, founded by former Apple Chief Designer Jony Ive, for $6.5 billion (approximately 46.8 billion RMB), and clearly stated its intention to launch a series of “AI computers”.
Since then, OpenAI and io have kept a low profile regarding the project, revealing little information.
Ive expects that this device will be released within two years or sooner. However, he also pointed out that the development process for new hardware is fraught with uncertainty, making it difficult to predict. He added, “Especially in large companies that value predictability, leaders often feel extremely uncomfortable with ambiguity.”
In a video released by the Emerson Foundation, Altman discussed with Ive and Laurene Powell Jobs—widow of the late Apple co-founder and CEO Steve Jobs, and founder of the Emerson Foundation—where Altman excitedly stated in the video: “We finally have the first prototypes; this work is truly amazing and exciting, it’s almost unbelievable.”
Product Details Remain a Mystery, but Initial Concepts Exist
Altman did not directly respond to questions about what kind of products OpenAI is developing. However, he revealed that the goal of the company’s hardware is to create a calmer “atmosphere” rather than to build a device similar to a smartphone. He compared smartphones to walking through Times Square, where people come and go, and various things compete for attention; whereas OpenAI’s hardware aims for users to enjoy tranquility, as if sitting by a lake or in a beautiful cabin in the mountains.
Previously, there were reports that the mysterious hardware device being developed by OpenAI includes a “screenless smart speaker”, and the company has also considered developing glasses, voice recorders, and “wearable pins”. The first devices are expected to be released at the end of 2026 or early 2027. Altman previously stated that their envisioned first product is “pocket-sized, context-aware, and screenless,” and that the first device will not be glasses, although smart glasses may be launched later.
Additionally, previous reports also mentioned that OpenAI is developing an in-ear device.
According to Altman’s latest statements, this smart AI device will have powerful capabilities, able to handle tasks for users over extended periods, filter information, and accurately determine when important matters need to be communicated to users. He also added that the device will be able to “know everything you have thought, read, or said.”
Industry Impact: Potential to Reshape the Landscape, Threat to Apple
OpenAI’s hardware plans have garnered significant attention from competitors and potential customers. Currently, companies like Amazon, Google, and Meta have launched AI devices such as smart glasses and smart speakers, but none have reached the scale to reshape the hardware industry. Other startups are also actively exploring new directions, such as developing new-sized devices like pendants and innovative concepts that give personality to AI robots.
As the owner of ChatGPT, if OpenAI successfully launches a major device, it could very well break the current stalemate. If it succeeds greatly, it may even pose a threat to Apple. Apple has yet to release a design specifically targeting AI and has faced challenges in launching an “AI version of Siri”; in March of this year, Apple announced that improvements to Siri would be postponed until 2026.
Some materials sourced from: relevant online media
Integration: Optoelectronic Link, if the integrated content involves copyright issues, please contact us, and we will take appropriate measures promptly.
Recommended Reading
· The first domestic GPU stock is available for subscription today, with an issue price of 114.28 yuan, raising 8 billion
· Guangku Technology acquires 99.97% of Anjie Xun for 1.64 billion yuan, enhancing its layout in optical communication devices
· The strongest model for AI image generation! Google’s Nano Banana Pro makes a grand debut
· New dynamics in AI collaboration: OpenAI partners with Foxconn to expand hardware manufacturing in the U.S.
· TSMC’s major leak! Former technical executive Luo Weiren brings secrets to Intel