Without screens, with AI and a known format that no one expected

Although OpenAI did not officially confirm the format, different sources agree that the company’s first physical device would seek integrate almost invisibly in daily life, moving away from screens and opting for simplicity.

According to the leaker known as Smart Pikachuthe project—whose internal name would be Gumdrop— would be in the form of a smart pen with audio capabilities. The idea would not be to reinvent writing, but combine it with generative AI.

Among the functions being considered are the digitization of handwritten notes, automatic transcription and direct interaction with ChatGPT, either through writing or voice commands. In that scenario, the pen would act as a OpenAI Assistant Physical Extensionwithout having to constantly resort to the cell phone.

The possible format fits the design philosophy that made Jony Ive famous during his time at Apple: powerful, but almost invisible technology. Instead of adding screens or notifications, the device would seek to reduce friction between the person and the AI.

Ive himself maintained in different interviews that the future of hardware does not involve adding more stimuli, but rather create objects that feel naturaleven emotional.

The leaks also indicate that the device would be manufactured by FoxconnApple’s historic industrial partner, famous for assembling iconic products such as iPhones, iPads, Kindles and even PlayStation consoles. Initially, OpenAI would have evaluated working with Luxshare, but ultimately would have opted for Foxconn for logistical and geopolitical reasons.

Part of the production could be carried out in Vietnam, although assembly in the United States is not ruled out, in line with the industrial relocation strategy that several technology companies are exploring.

The context is not simple. The first attempts to bring AI to physical devices left more doubts than certainties.

He Rabbit R1 burst in like the first alternative to the cell phone. Unlike the user experience with apps, the user could ask R1 questions using a press button. Then, a series of automated scripts called “rabbits” were in charge of completing the task. The project was ambitious; However, it was criticized for doing the opposite of what it promoted.

Developed by former Apple executives, Human AI Pin It also failed to consolidate. This portable device, which was attached to clothing using magnets as a brooch, allowed you to make calls, send emails and text messages, make ChatGPT-style queries and even take photographs using voice commands.

Its high price—around $700—and its practical limitations they ended up sealing their commercial destiny

In that scenario, OpenAI will need to demonstrate that a dedicated device can be really usefuland not just a technological curiosity. The advantage is clear: unlike its competitors, the company controls the AI ​​model that millions of people already use daily.

For now, everything surrounding the device remains shrouded in mystery. There is no release date, price or official confirmation of the format. But if one thing is clear, it is that OpenAI and Jony Ive are not seeking to compete with the cell phone, but rather to rethink how users interact with artificial intelligence in the physical world.