ChatGPT Smart Speaker With Built-in Camera To Be Launched Soon By OpenAI
OpenAISunday, 22 February 2026 at 03:09
According to rumors, OpenAI will soon make an entrance in the consumer market. The first rumors talked about a wearable made by the company and powered by ChatGPT. However, a new report suggests that the device might not be a wearable. In fact, it could be a smart speaker.
OpenAI To Launch a ChatGPT Smart Speaker Next Year
The new information comes from The Information (via Engadget) and states that the device will enter the segment of smart speakers that has devices like Amazon's Echo series or Google Home. OpenAI's speaker will feature a built-in camera for facial recognition and object identification.
OpenAI plans to sell it as a more attractive and smarter companion for your house. It won't be hard to convince users that anything powered by ChatGPT can be really useful at home. The device could cost between $200 and $300 and is expected to launch early in 2027.
The smart speaker will use the camera to recognize objects nearby and scan faces with Face ID-like authentication. It might also be able to listen to conversations in its surroundings to collect data and build contextual responses.
The speaker will try to assist users when requested. For example, it may suggest that one user go to bed early if he has a major event the next morning.
Jony Ive To Lead The Design
To recall, OpenAI hired former Apple designer Jony Ive to lead its hardware approach. Ive's design firm, io Products, was acquired by OpenAI in 2025 for $6.5 billion. Over 200 employees are working on the company's hardware division. This data basically shows that the company is seriously working on the consumer tech market.
The Privacy Concerns
Obviously, some privacy concerns arise. An always-on camera and microphone certainly will generate some buzz among privacy-watchers. The company will need to be crystal clear in clarifying what it aims to do with the stored data.
In addition to smart speakers, OpenAI is reportedly working on other AI-powered devices. The rumors point to smart glasses and a smart lamp. However, there is still no forecast for these releases.
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Key Points
- Rumors indicate OpenAI is preparing its first consumer hardware device
- The product may be a ChatGPT-powered smart speaker instead of a wearable
- Expected to compete with speakers like Amazon Echo and Google Home devices
- Built-in camera could enable facial recognition and object identification
- Face ID-like authentication and contextual AI assistance are rumored features
- Estimated price range between $200 and $300
- Possible launch window: early 2027
- Design reportedly led by Jony Ive after OpenAI’s hardware push
- Privacy concerns may arise due to always-on camera and microphone
- Part of a broader AI hardware strategy that may also include smart glasses and other AI-powered home devices
A Move To Escape From Bankruptcy?
According to reports, OpenAI faces high bankruptcy risks by 2027 due to massive cash burn, with projections of up to $14 billion in losses for 2026 alone. That's a surprising twist considering the success of ChatGPT, but in fact, the bills are coming fast.
As per R&D World and Central Texas College reports. While the company is not currently bankrupt, the reliance on and need for continuous, massive funding from partners like Microsoft is critical to survival.
The company's move onto hardware, might be a way to diversify its operations and ensure the revenue from other branches.
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