OpenAI's first hardware device is shaping up to be a smart speaker that moves on its own — and it will cost you more than most speakers on the market.
According to Ars Technica, the device will use moving parts and lights to make it seem "more alive than today's stationary speaker products." The report is based on information from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, who has been tracking OpenAI's hardware plans since July.
What We Know About OpenAI's Smart Speaker Design
The speaker is described as doughnut-shaped and roughly the size of a hockey puck. It runs on a battery, making it small enough to carry around the home in one hand. Unlike most smart speakers, it has no screen.
According to The Next Web, the circular device will have moving parts that shift on their own. The design is the main point of the product — it is meant to feel like a companion rather than a traditional stationary speaker.
Pricing and OpenAI's Bigger Ambition
People familiar with the matter told Bloomberg that OpenAI has discussed pricing the speaker between $300 and $400. The company reportedly plans a 2027 release.
OpenAI is not just making another smart speaker. According to PhoneArena, the company views this device as a smartphone replacement. That is a bold ambition for a product that has no screen and relies on voice and movement to interact with users.
"The moving parts and lights aim to make the device seem 'more alive than today's stationary speaker products.'" — Ars Technica
How the Moving Parts Change the Smart Speaker Experience
Traditional smart speakers sit still on a table or shelf. OpenAI's device is different — it moves on its own. The moving parts react like a companion instead of a static gadget, according to Instagram.
This movement is not just for show. The design aims to create a more natural interaction between the user and the device. Instead of talking to a box, users would interact with something that responds with physical motion.
- The speaker is battery-powered, so it can be carried around the home
- It has no screen, relying entirely on voice and movement
- OpenAI has declined to comment on its product roadmap
Our Take: A Bold Bet on Hardware
OpenAI is known for software — ChatGPT, image generators, and other AI tools. Moving into hardware is a different game entirely. Building a physical product involves manufacturing, supply chains, and quality control, none of which are easy for a software company.
The $300 to $400 price point puts this speaker in premium territory. For that money, buyers expect something truly special. Moving parts that make the device feel "alive" could be that differentiator — or it could feel like a gimmick.
To put it plainly: OpenAI is betting that people want a device that feels like a companion, not just a tool. That is a big gamble. But if anyone can make AI feel personal, it is the company behind ChatGPT.
The 2027 release gives OpenAI time to get this right. Whether the moving parts will be enough to convince people to replace their smartphones remains to be seen.
