
What happened
OpenAI is developing a doughnut-shaped smart speaker roughly the size of a hockey puck, slated for release in 2027, with moving parts designed to give it personality and a price tag exceeding $300.
Why it matters
The device positions OpenAI to enter the smart speaker market, currently dominated by Amazon and Google, with an AI-first design intended to set it apart from existing competitors and give users a new way to interact with AI at home.
What to watch
The product is scheduled for 2027 release; it will have no display and be designed for one-handed portability around the home.
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OpenAI's move into the smart speaker category marks a significant shift in how the company is commercializing its AI technology. Rather than relying solely on software and cloud-based services, the company is now designing a hardware product intended to bring AI capabilities directly into users' homes. The timing—a 2027 release—suggests OpenAI is taking a deliberate approach to product development, moving beyond chatbots and text-based interfaces to create a physical form factor that can stand out in a market currently controlled by Amazon and Google's established ecosystems. The emphasis on design elements such as moving parts and a distinctive doughnut shape indicates OpenAI recognizes that differentiation in the smart speaker space requires more than software; it needs physical and aesthetic appeal to justify a price point exceeding $300, which places it above many current smart speakers.
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