ChatGPT gets a body: OpenAI prepares this ‘living’ device that will be able to become your new roommate

Design with the signature of the Apple legend

OpenAI’s first hardware product will be a direct result of the acquisition of startup io Products, which belonged to Jony Ive, the legendary former chief designer of Apple. OpenAI allegedly set aside 6.5 billion dollars for this acquisition in 2025, clearly signaling its ambitions. Ive’s acclaimed design studio LoveFrom was also involved in the development, and the team includes a large number of former Apple designers and engineers who were responsible for creating some of the most successful products in history, such as the iPhone and Mac. Their experience guarantees a high level of design and attention to detail.

The device itself will be designed for home use, but will be easily portable thanks to the built-in rechargeable battery. This will enable users to effortlessly move it from one room to another, making it an ever-present companion. Although it won’t have a screen, which is a deliberate design decision to encourage voice interaction, it will be equipped with a camera and a number of other sensors. These sensors will help him to better understand the environment and the context in which the user is, enabling him to give more relevant and accurate answers.

Physical manifestation ChatGPT-ja

Like any other smart speaker on the market, this one will be able to perform standard tasks such as controlling smart home appliances, playing music and podcasts, and answering questions and messages. However, given that it is a product of OpenAI, at its heartž an advanced version of ChatGPT will be built in. According to the available information, it will use an improved version of the recently introduced voice mode of operation, known as GPT-Live, which enables a completely natural and fluid conversation. Users will be able to conduct real two-way conversations, interrupt the assistant in the middle of a sentence, and sometimes the assistant will interrupt them, imitating the dynamics of human interaction.

What makes this speaker particularly intriguing and unique is the claim that it will contain “mechanical elements that can move independently”. This is to create the illusion and impression that the device is “alive”, and not just an inanimate object that passively responds to commands. The final goal of this innovation is for users to experience it as a “physical manifestation of ChatGPT”, and to give the abstract AI model a concrete, tangible form.

Information, forecasting and the issue of privacy

OpenAI believes the device’s main selling point will be its unique “personality” and ability to “connect with users on a human level.” The device is designed to become more and more personalized over time as it collects more context about the user’s habits, interests and routine. The more it is used, the more proactive it becomes. The company hopes that the device will be able to anticipate user needs and offer relevant information or help. Even before they are directly requested. To achieve this, the device could have access to personal data such as calendars, messages and e-mails, which inevitably raises serious questions about privacy and data security. Users will have to decide if they are willing to share so much personal information in exchange for advanced personalization.

Marketing plans and legal battles

Entering the hardware market represents a significant and strategic step for OpenAI, by which it enters into direct competition with technological giants such as Amazon, Google and Apple, which more have dominated this sector for years. Although the market for smart speakers is mostly quite saturated, OpenAI plans to stand out with a unique approach aimed at superior artificial intelligence and interaction that goes beyond the capabilities of existing assistants. According to unofficial reports, OpenAI’s hardware division is working on about five different products, including a device that could replace the smartphone in the future.

The smart speaker is expected to be presented to the public later this year, while the global market launch is planned for 2027. However, the entire project found itself at the center of a serious legal dispute with Apple. Jony Ive’s former employer accuses OpenAI of stealing business secrets and illegally recruiting key employees. Apple is seeking an injunction that could significantly delay or even completely prevent the launch of the product. OpenAI, on the other hand, strongly denies the accusations, claiming that their device is fundamentally different from any existing or planned Apple product. More details about OpenAI’s smart speaker are also available, shedding light on the technological background of this ambitious project.

*with the use of AI