What is OpenAI secretly building? AI gadget that serves as both 'a pen', an audio device

It had emerged over a year ago that Jony Ive, the former Apple hardware design chief, was collaborating with OpenAI on an AI-powered device, and now recent reports have spilt the beans on this mysterious AI project, suggesting it could be an AI-integrated pen.

OpenAI's upcoming gadget is likely to be manufactured by Foxconn, a renowned iPhone assembler. The device is expected to function as both “a pen” and “a ‘to-go’ audio device,” according to industry tipster Smart Pikachu.

This description indicates a pen-style device that could transcribe handwritten notes directly to ChatGPT. If it also serves as an audio device, chances are fair that users would be engaging in two-way communication with ChatGPT through a connected smartphone.

OpenAI's secret AI product is internally referred to as Gumdrop, for which the company initially aimed to partner with Chinese manufacturer Luxshare. However, a dispute over manufacturing locations has led OpenAI to consider Foxconn, with production expected to take place in Vietnam.

As outlined by Android Authority, the device might be built at a Foxconn site in the US, as the ChatGPT maker has facilities in several states.

While standalone AI devices have struggled to find a market, with early products like the Rabbit R1 and Humane AI Pin facing criticism, it is estimated that a pen-style device would offer a unique approach.

The noteworthy development is the lack of clarity regarding whether consumers will embrace dedicated AI hardware, but Gumdrop represents a surprising step into the future of AI integration.