OpenAI’s new AI smart speaker will reportedly sell for between $300 and $400

New details are emerging regarding OpenAI’s enigmatic hardware project, a device widely characterized as an AI-powered smart speaker intended to serve as the "physical manifestation" of ChatGPT.

A Premium "Donut" Design

According to a recent report from Bloomberg, the upcoming device will feature a unique, donut-shaped form factor. This design choice is reportedly intended to enhance portability, allowing users to easily move the unit between rooms, such as from a kitchen counter to a bedside table.

The hardware is expected to boast a high-end aesthetic, constructed from premium metal. Perhaps most intriguingly, sources indicate the device will incorporate distinct "moving parts," though the specific functionality of these components remains a mystery.

Pricing and Market Positioning

The report suggests the device will carry a premium price tag, with an estimated retail cost between $300 and $400. This positions the product significantly higher than standard smart home offerings:

• Amazon Echo range: Typically spans from $40 to $240.
• OpenAI’s target: A premium, high-fidelity AI experience.

"OpenAI releasing a smart home device has a certain logic to it, in that it would further integrate ChatGPT into users’ lives. However, historically speaking, smart speakers have not always been profitable and may prove a difficult market to break into."

Strategic Partnerships and Legal Hurdles

The development is being spearheaded in collaboration with LoveFrom, the renowned design studio established by former Apple design lead Jony Ive. While the project aims to deepen the integration of AI into the home, the path to market is not without obstacles.

OpenAI is currently embroiled in a legal battle with Apple, which has accused the AI lab of misappropriating trade secrets—allegations that OpenAI has firmly denied. If the project proceeds as planned, consumers can expect a potential launch sometime in 2027.