They confirm what OpenAI’s new physical device will be like: a speaker without a screen, shaped like a donut and with its own movement

The device will, in essence, be a portable smart speakerbut with a central difference with respect to the current products in this category: it will be conceived from the beginning as a artificial intelligence-oriented computer. The company seeks to help users perform tasks and maintain conversations in a more natural way.

As reported Bloomberg based on sources linked to the development of the device, it is a circular equipmentwhose format would allow it to be easily moved with one hand through different rooms of the house.

OpenAI aims for this product to be the first of a future family of devices. The company also aims, in the longer term, to develop a hardware line that could eventually replace the current smartphones.

The device will have speakers and microphones to receive orders and maintain conversations with users. Will work with battery and can be used in different positions: in your hand, on a nightstand or resting on the kitchen counter.

One of its most particular characteristics will be the presence of components capable of moving by themselves. The objective is that these movements allow us to show when the device is processing a response or interacting with a person and, in this way, give it a more dynamic appearance than that of traditional smart speakers.

It will also incorporate lights which will indicate, among other things, when you are listening. These resources are designed to make the interaction more personal.

The operation will be related to the ChatGPT voice mode currently available in mobile applications, although OpenAI will use more advanced models to achieve interactions more similar to a human conversation.

The device will also be designed to progressively learn about each user. That way, you can adapt your conversations and behave in a more personalized way over time.

Unlike other artificial intelligence devices that remain permanently active, OpenAI seeks to make this product can be used throughout the day. The company believes that a speaker with these characteristics may be an easier way to enter the hardware market before moving towards other formats.

The team will also have a camera system and other sensors capable of capturing information from the environment. This visual data will be used by artificial intelligence to interpret what is happening around the device.

The project was developed in collaboration with LoveFromthe design studio of Jony Ive. The British designer was one of the figures responsible for defining the aesthetics of iconic Apple products such as the iPhone, iPad, iPod and Apple Watch.

Ive was also co-founder of a startup dedicated to the development of artificial intelligence devices that OpenAI acquired last year. The operation had been presented as part of the company’s strategy to advance hardware development.

Like other products designed by Ive, the new OpenAI team will have a premium aesthetics and will use high quality materials, including metal.

The company would have analyzed a price between US$300 and US$400 per unit. That value would put it above most smart speakers currently available, although below the price of a standard iPhone.

The design also acquires a particular relevance due to the legal dispute between OpenAI and Apple. The Cupertino company sued OpenAI and questioned, among other aspects, the use of certain techniques related to metallic finishes.

According to Apple, OpenAI would have asked one of its historical suppliers to develop a metal finishing technique for a future product. The company argued in its lawsuit that OpenAI and its partners would have led the supplier to believe that Apple had authorized that work.

“OpenAI and its cohorts they cheated on the partner making him believe that they had Apple’s permission for him to carry out the confidential metal finishing technique for the benefit of OpenAI,” Apple stated in its court filing.

OpenAI responded that that accusation was “too vague and generalized”. Additionally, it’s unclear whether Apple’s reference to that technique pertains specifically to the donut-shaped device, to another company product, or to a concept that was ultimately scrapped.

OpenAI maintains that the new device does not use or infringe Apple trade secrets. According to reports, the company conducted an internal investigation after Apple filed its lawsuit and concluded that the product does not infringe the technology company’s secrets.

That argument was also included by OpenAI in a court presentation to request the dismissal of Apple’s lawsuit.

“OpenAI is creating something completely new and different to everything Apple does,” the company said in that document.

The dispute could, however, affect launch plans. Apple requested a few days ago a injunctive relief against OpenAI and, if granted, it could complicate the planned schedule for the new device.

OpenAI’s intention is to present the team during this year and start marketing it in 2027. Internally, the company continues to work at full speed on development, which is confidential.

The legal conflict also raised the tone of the accusations between both companies. OpenAI described Apple’s proposals as “careless, aggressive and strangely personal”.

Meanwhile, Patrick Curran, OpenAI’s lawyer, argued in a communication addressed to Apple’s legal representatives that the lawsuit was based on an incorrect representation of the facts and accusations. “speculative at best”.

The circular device also represents a different bet than Apple’s current strategy in the home. The Cupertino company has the line of speakers HomePodbut it still doesn’t offer a battery-powered version or a home device focused specifically on artificial intelligence.