ChatGPT that you simply put on behind your ear? Perhaps. OpenAI is reportedly creating its first AI-powered gadget and can unveil it within the second half of the 12 months, Axios reported on Monday.
Chris Lehane, OpenAI’s chief world affairs officer, mentioned at Axios Home Davos that the units can be “among the many massive coming points of interest for OpenAI in 2026,” the positioning reported. Lehane mentioned the corporate hopes to introduce the brand new merchandise within the latter a part of the 12 months, however didn’t present any particulars in regards to the gadget or when it will be accessible for buy.
A consultant for OpenAI did not instantly reply to a request for remark.
(Disclosure: Ziff Davis, CNET’s mum or dad firm, in April filed a lawsuit in opposition to OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in coaching and working its AI methods.)
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If an earlier leak additionally proves true, the ChatGPT-powered gadget can be worn proper behind your ear.
According to a leak earlier this month from @zhihuipikachu, a consumer-electronics blogger, the OpenAI gadget coming later this 12 months can be a rival to Apple’s AirPods and can encompass two pill-shaped devices that relaxation behind the ear. They are going to be metallic and saved inside an egg-shaped case. The leak mentioned to count on the preliminary launch round September 2026, but additionally mentioned there can be a complete of 5 units (launched) by the fourth quarter of 2028.
No matter the brand new gadget is, will probably be the inevitable creation of an organization that set its sights on creating AI-powered {hardware} from the second it bought tech design company IO for $6.5 billion in Might 2025. IO was based by former Apple design chief Jony Ive and others to develop {hardware} merchandise closely built-in with AI. On the time, hypothesis was that OpenAI and former IO designers would collaborate to create an AI-powered smartphone.
In November, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Ive mentioned they had developed a prototype for a screenless gadget that might filter out “digital noise” and keep away from sending fixed notifications and alerts. This gadget would depend on ambient intelligence, be taught from its environment and supply spatial consciousness, all whereas working quietly within the background.
Altman mentioned the gadget can be “easy, stunning and playful,” however didn’t supply particulars about what it will be.
ChatGPT, launched in 2022 by OpenAI, is an AI assistant designed to perform all kinds of duties, reminiscent of creating paperwork, translating languages, answering questions and extra. It and comparable merchandise are quickly transferring into a variety of tech merchandise and on a regular basis units, together with smart earbuds and wearables. Corporations are racing to embed conversational AI into merchandise of every kind, sparking each pleasure and controversy over privacy, data security and other issues.
