OpenAI's first smart speaker is expected to launch in 2027 at a price above $300, according to Bloomberg. The device, which has no screen, is shaped like a donut and roughly the size of a hockey puck. It is battery-powered, includes moving parts, microphones, speakers, a camera system, and lights.
The speaker is designed to work like ChatGPT's current voice mode. It can learn from conversations and adapt to individual users. The goal is to make it feel more alive than today's smart speakers. More hardware products are planned to follow the initial release.
A Device Built Around Sam Altman's Vision
The hardware plans align with Sam Altman's vision of an AI assistant like "Her." Altman, OpenAI's CEO, has long described a future where AI companions feel personal and responsive. This speaker appears to be the first step in that direction.
The device's screenless design sets it apart from most current smart displays. Its compact form factor and battery power suggest portability. The camera system and lights hint at interactive capabilities beyond simple voice responses.
Bloomberg's report, published on Aug 7, 2026, is the original source for these details. The Decoder, an AI news publication, covered the story in an article written by Matthias Bastian.
Apple's Lawsuit Could Delay the Launch
Apple accuses OpenAI of stealing hardware trade secrets by poaching more than 400 employees. The lawsuit claims OpenAI violated intellectual property protections. OpenAI denies the allegations and maintains it hasn't violated any Apple intellectual property.
The legal dispute could delay the speaker's launch. Even if the suit fails, it could slow OpenAI's plans enough to put the startup in a tight spot. Apple's case focuses on hardware trade secrets, which are central to the speaker's development.
The timing matters. With a 2027 target, any prolonged legal battle could push the release further back. OpenAI's hardware team would need to navigate the lawsuit while continuing product development.
A More Alive Smart Speaker
The device is aimed to feel more alive than today's smart speakers. That means learning from conversations and adapting to individual users over time. The camera system could enable visual recognition, while the lights might provide feedback or status cues.
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OpenAI's approach differs from existing smart speakers from companies like Amazon or Google. Those devices typically rely on fixed wake words and limited contextual memory. This new device appears designed for continuous, evolving interaction.
The moving parts add another layer of complexity. They could support physical gestures or adjustments, making the device feel more responsive and present. No specific details about these moving parts were provided.
Legal Risks and Broader Implications
The article notes that some people already attribute consciousness to text-based systems, with real consequences. This context matters for a device designed to feel alive. If users perceive the speaker as conscious, that could raise ethical and legal questions.
Apple's lawsuit adds another layer of risk. Hardware trade secrets are often harder to protect than software, but the scale of the alleged poaching is significant. Over 400 employees is a substantial portion of any hardware team.
OpenAI's denial is firm. The company says it hasn't violated any Apple intellectual property. The outcome of the lawsuit remains uncertain, and its effects on the 2027 timeline are unclear.
What Comes Next
The speaker is one of several hardware products OpenAI plans to release. The company appears committed to building physical devices that complement its AI software. Altman's "Her" vision suggests a future where AI assistants are constant, personalized companions.
For now, the 2027 launch date stands, pending any legal delays. The price above $300 positions the device as a premium product. Whether it reaches shelves on time depends on how the Apple lawsuit unfolds.
The Decoder's article includes a link to Bloomberg as the source and mentions an ad for The Decoder subscription. Matthias Bastian authored the piece, which was published on Aug 7, 2026.