OpenAI's camera-equipped AI smart speakers might launch in 2027

OpenAI's purported AI-powered smart speaker has long been featured in countless rumours that seemed unreliable, but a new report from a credible source has revealed that the speaker, with built-in camera and facial recognition capabilities, might launch in early 2027.

The smart AI-powered speaker is part of OpenAI's first-gen lineup of hardware products in collaboration with former Apple design chief Jony Ive. The partnership is reportedly valued at $6.5 billion, as mentioned in a report from The Information, Ghacks reported.

Innovative features of OpenAI's smart speaker

The internal device team, comprising around 200 employees, is working on the smart speaker. The speaker is projected to retail between £200 and £300.

Although OpenAI has not officially confirmed the device or a release date, reports suggest that the speaker will be equipped with a facial recognition system like Apple’s FaceID.

The feature is believed to recognise users and observe their behaviour, providing suggestions in view of daily tasks. For instance, the device could detect late-night activity before a scheduled meeting and recommend rest.

OpenAI's other hardware products

For the unversed, the smart speaker is anticipated to be one of OpenAI's first-ever consumer hardware products. It may not launch before February 2027.

The company has also hinted at other projects, including AI-powered smart glasses that might not launch earlier than 2028, and an AI-enabled smart lamp, not to mention some other smart home gadgets still under consideration.

Privacy concerns regarding the use of cameras and facial recognition would determine the success of OpenAI's foray into integrated AI hardware experiences.

Those eager to get their hands on OpenAI's first and most notable hardware offering note that the company will soon disclose how facial data will be processed or stored.