OpenAI to enter the hardware segment with new AI device

After establishing itself in the field of generative AI, OpenAI now wants to enter the hardware segment. With former Apple design chief Jony Ive onboard, OpenAI is now seeking to integrate generative AI better with our world. While OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has not revealed much about the product, he has hinted at the product’s vision – a device to embed generative AI with our lives seamlessly. Work has been going on this upcoming AI Companion device with Jony Ive taking care of the design front.

There have been a number of speculations – some suggest it could be an AI smart glass, while some believe it could be similar to the Humane AI Pin. Industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo is leaning towards the latter.

According to Kuo, the OpenAI hardware will sport a compact form factor, which will be reminiscent of the iconic iPod Shuffle, but will be slightly larger than the Humane AI Pin. While the design and specs could still evolve, the early prototype suggests a strong focus on elegance and minimalism, which are also trademarks of Ive’s past work at Apple.

Kuo says the device won’t be assembled in China. Instead, OpenAI is looking at Vietnam as the likely production base to sidestep potential geopolitical complications.

“Assembly and shipping will occur outside China to reduce geopolitical risks, with Vietnam currently the likely assembly location,” he wrote in a post on X.