OpenAI's AI donut smart speaker hits $300-$400 price

OpenAI is entering the hardware market with a premium AI smart speaker priced at $300-$400, designed by Jony Ive's LoveFrom studio. According to Bloomberg, the device will have a distinctive 'donut shape' to facilitate portability between home locations like bedside tables or kitchen counters. It will feature high-quality metal construction, a premium aesthetic, and notably, 'moving parts'—a detail that has sparked curiosity among observers.

The device, expected to launch in 2027, is positioned as the 'physical manifestation' of ChatGPT. This move aligns with OpenAI's strategy to deepen user integration with its AI models. However, the smart speaker market is historically challenging, with profitability concerns and high competition, particularly from Amazon. The premium price point may further complicate market penetration. OpenAI's hardware ambitions are also overshadowed by its ongoing legal dispute with Apple, which accuses the AI lab of stealing trade secrets—a claim OpenAI denies.