“OpenAI president Greg Brockman revealed in a YouTube interview with Joanna Stern that the company is developing a 'family of devices' designed for interacting with its AI models. Brockman stopped short of confirming reports of a smart speaker planned for 2027. The announcement signals OpenAI's ambition to move beyond software and own the hardware layer of AI interaction.”
Key Takeaways
- Greg Brockman confirmed OpenAI is building a 'family of devices' for AI model interaction in a YouTube interview with Joanna Stern.
- Brockman did not confirm or deny reports of an OpenAI smart speaker reportedly launching as early as 2027.
- This marks a clear strategic push by OpenAI into consumer hardware, beyond its existing software and API products.
OpenAI president Greg Brockman confirms a new hardware lineup is in the works.
trending_upWhy It Matters
OpenAI entering hardware puts it in direct competition with Amazon Echo, Google Nest, and Apple's Siri-powered devices — all of which are racing to make AI assistants central to daily life. If OpenAI controls both the model and the device, it could lock users into its ecosystem in ways that pure software cannot. This also raises questions for Microsoft, OpenAI's primary backer, which has its own hardware ambitions via Surface devices. Developers and enterprise customers will be watching closely to see whether these devices offer new API surfaces or tighter integration with ChatGPT.
FAQ
What devices is OpenAI planning to build?
Brockman described a 'family of devices' but gave no specifics. Reports suggest at least one device could be a smart speaker, potentially launching in 2027 or earlier.
Who did Greg Brockman speak to about this announcement?
Brockman made the comments during an interview with journalist Joanna Stern on her YouTube channel. No formal press release or product announcement has accompanied the statement.
Why would OpenAI want to build its own hardware?
Owning hardware allows OpenAI to control the full user experience and reduce reliance on third-party platforms like smartphones or smart speakers. It also creates a direct consumer relationship and potential new revenue streams beyond subscriptions and API access.
