TECH NEWS – With this move, OpenAI could tap into a market segment that Apple hasn’t exploited yet.

Last week, Apple filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, accusing the company of stealing proprietary technology, circuit designs, and component architecture for several upcoming consumer AI devices. Bloomberg editor Mark Gurman described how OpenAI is developing a unique smart speaker, the first in a series of upcoming consumer AI devices. This screenless smart speaker is designed to function as the “computer” of the AI era. Users will be able to control smart home devices, play media files, answer questions, respond to messages, and take advantage of the wide range of features offered by OpenAI’s ChatGPT. The device will enable users to build a human-like relationship with it.

The more the device gets to know its owner, the more personalized and proactive it becomes—anticipating needs and proactively offering relevant information. The smart speaker will have mechanical components that allow it to move around the house and a rechargeable battery. Its communication capabilities will rely on GPT-Live, an advanced version of ChatGPT Voice Mode that can listen, process information, and speak simultaneously. The smart speaker will have a camera and other sensors to help it understand its surroundings.

If OpenAI thought highlighting this product would refute Apple’s claims in the lawsuit, it was likely mistaken. Apple is developing a similar smart home device, codenamed J595, which reportedly features a screen and robotic arm. However, the company is expected to first launch a more traditional smart home hub, codenamed J490. This hub is expected to feature a new operating system, a 7-inch square display, video conferencing capabilities, and facial recognition.

OpenAI is developing several AI devices, including earbuds with the internal codename Sweetpea, which may be sold under the Dime brand, and a pen-shaped device with the codename Gumdrop. Recently, it seemed that OpenAI was focusing on developing an AI phone that would rely on real-time inferences from AI agents using a combination of on-device and cloud-based models rather than standalone apps to perform various productivity tasks. However, in light of today’s news, it appears that this AI phone has been put on the back burner.

Meanwhile, Apple is working to integrate AI into several future products, including voice-only and AR-based smart glasses and camera-equipped AirPods Pro. However, according to recent reports, development of the AirPods Pro has been put on hold. Apple is also developing a wearable, AI-powered badge or pendant equipped with multiple cameras, speakers, microphones, and wireless charging capabilities. The badge/pendant would presumably relay commands to Siri while leaving most processing to the iPhone, even though it has a comparable chip to those in AirPods or the Apple Watch.

Source: WCCFTech, Bloomberg