OpenAI is developing a screenless smart speaker with a doughnut-like design, priced around $300, according to Bloomberg. The company aims to ship 100 million units, making the device as ubiquitous as smartphones.
TL;DR
- OpenAI is developing a $300 smart speaker with a unique doughnut-shaped design, according to Bloomberg.
- The device will feature moving mechanical parts, sensors, and will actively monitor users to provide personalized assistance.
- OpenAI aims to ship 100 million units, signaling a significant push into hardware.
What happened
Bloomberg reported on Tuesday that OpenAI's upcoming AI-powered smart speaker will have a doughnut-like form factor, comparable in size to a hockey puck. The device will feature a metal design and is intended to be easily portable in one hand.
The smart speaker will reportedly carry a price tag between $300 and $400. OpenAI has not officially announced the device, but Bloomberg's sources indicate that the company is targeting this price range.
The device will include moving mechanical parts, microphones, a camera system, and other sensors to actively monitor and learn about users. Data gathered will be fed to the AI algorithm to provide personalized service and assistance without prompting.
OpenAI acquired iPhone designer Jony Ive's startup io in May 2025, signaling its move into hardware. The smart speaker will use high-quality materials like metal, aiming to emulate the success of Apple's distinct product design.
Why it matters
This move into hardware represents a significant strategic shift for OpenAI, which has primarily been known for its software offerings like ChatGPT. The smart speaker could become a central hub for AI interactions in homes and offices.
The doughnut-shaped design and premium materials suggest that OpenAI is aiming to create a device that stands out in the competitive smart speaker market. The unique form factor and advanced features could attract consumers looking for innovative technology.
For developers and startups, this development highlights the growing importance of hardware in the AI ecosystem. It also underscores the potential for AI-driven devices to become integral parts of daily life, creating new opportunities for innovation and integration.
However, the success of the smart speaker will depend on OpenAI's ability to address privacy concerns, given the device's extensive monitoring capabilities. The company will need to ensure that user data is handled securely and transparently.
Key facts
- OpenAI's smart speaker will have a doughnut-like design, comparable in size to a hockey puck.
- The device is expected to be priced between $300 and $400, according to Bloomberg.
- OpenAI aims to ship 100 million units of the smart speaker, making it as ubiquitous as smartphones.
- The speaker will feature moving mechanical parts, microphones, a camera system, and other sensors to actively monitor and learn about users.
- OpenAI acquired Jony Ive's startup io in May 2025 to bolster its hardware development capabilities.
- The device will use high-quality materials like metal, aiming for a premium look and feel.
- The smart speaker will operate as a more advanced version of voice mode in OpenAI's ChatGPT app.
- OpenAI has not officially announced the smart speaker, but Bloomberg's sources confirm its development.
Context
OpenAI's foray into hardware comes at a time when AI-driven devices are gaining traction in the consumer market. Companies like Amazon and Google have already established a presence with their smart speakers, but OpenAI's unique design and advanced features could differentiate its offering.
The acquisition of Jony Ive's startup io highlights OpenAI's commitment to creating innovative and high-quality hardware. Ive, known for his work on the iPhone, brings a wealth of experience in industrial design, which could be crucial in making OpenAI's smart speaker a success.
The smart speaker market is highly competitive, and OpenAI's entry could shake up the landscape. The company's focus on AI and personalized assistance sets it apart from traditional smart speakers, which primarily rely on voice commands and basic automation.
