Bloomberg Leaks OpenAI's First AI Hardware: A Screenless, Donut-Shaped Home Device
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported that OpenAI is collaborating with former Apple designer Jony Ive on its first AI hardware device, a screenless, donut-shaped home assistant estimated to cost $300 to $400. The hockey-puck-sized device is projected to launch around 2027 and will feature advanced voice interaction capabilities. This marks OpenAI's official entry into the consumer hardware market, shifting the focus from software-only AI to dedicated physical devices. By partnering with Jony Ive's team, OpenAI aims to challenge traditional smart home assistants with a screenless, voice-first interface powered by next-generation AI models. The device will feature physical moving parts that automatically shift to indicate responsiveness, alongside a camera system, lights, and other sensors. It will utilize advanced AI models to support highly natural, human-like voice conversations, similar to ChatGPT's Advanced Voice Mode.
## BACKGROUND
OpenAI has been expanding its ecosystem beyond web and mobile apps, notably through its Advanced Voice Mode powered by GPT-4o, which enables native voice-to-voice interactions. To design this hardware, OpenAI partnered with LoveFrom, the design firm founded by legendary former Apple designer Jony Ive, bringing in a team of hardware engineers.