Topic / Subject

OpenAI is reportedly building consumer hardware, starting with a camera-equipped smart speaker, in a big swing from “AI app” to “AI device.”

Key Details

• Reuters reports The Information says OpenAI has 200+ people working on a family of AI-powered devices, including a smart speaker, plus concepts like smart glasses and a smart lamp.
• The smart speaker is reportedly expected to cost $200–$300 and include a camera to take in information about users and their surroundings.
• Timing sounds long: the speaker reportedly wouldn’t ship before February 2027 (at the earliest), and smart glasses mass production is said to be no earlier than 2028.
• OpenAI did not immediately respond to Reuters’ request for comment (as of publication).
• The Verge adds that The Information’s reporting also mentions object + conversation recognition, and a Face ID–style facial recognition idea that could enable purchases (reported, not confirmed).

Quick Links (clickable):

• Reuters — The Information report recap
• The Verge — explainer + reported features

Breakdown

This is the clearest signal yet that OpenAI wants AI to live in your home, not just on your phone or laptop.

But let’s keep it clean: what’s “confirmed” right now is the reporting (The Information → summarized by Reuters and The Verge). What’s not confirmed is the product name, final features, and ship date — because OpenAI hasn’t announced anything publicly.

Why it matters anyway: a smart speaker with a camera is basically “ChatGPT with eyes” in a living room form factor. If OpenAI can make it feel more natural than today’s voice assistants — and actually useful without being creepy — that’s a real consumer beachhead.

The flip side is obvious: a camera + any kind of facial recognition is where hype meets privacy headaches fast. Even the idea will trigger questions about what’s always-on, what’s stored, and what’s shared.

What to Watch Next

• Does OpenAI respond with a denial/clarification, or stay quiet and let the reporting sit?
• Any follow-up specifics on privacy controls (camera indicator, local processing, opt-in recognition, data retention).
• Whether this stays “concepts and prototypes” or turns into real-world signals: partners, filings, hiring spikes, or supply-chain chatter.

TL;DR / Summary

Reuters says The Information reports OpenAI is building consumer devices — starting with a $200–$300 smart speaker with a camera, but not expected before early 2027. It’s a serious “AI goes physical” move… with big privacy questions attached.

Sources

• Reuters — recap of The Information report
• The Verge — feature/timeline details (citing The Information)

Comment

Would you put a camera-equipped “ChatGPT speaker” in your house — or is that an instant no?