OpenAI says it is building a family of devices for ChatGPT

In short: OpenAI says it is working on multiple new devices meant to help people use its AI chatbots, and it expects them “soon.”

What happened

OpenAI president Greg Brockman said the company is building a “family of devices” for interacting with OpenAI’s AI models. He shared this in an interview with Joanna Stern on her YouTube channel.

Brockman did not confirm what these devices will be. He also did not confirm reports that OpenAI is working on a smart speaker, or earlier rumors that the device could be a wearable, like a small gadget you clip on your clothes. He did not give a release date, and only said people can “expect them soon.”

Brockman also addressed questions about Apple’s lawsuit against OpenAI. When asked if it could affect OpenAI’s device work with former Apple designer Jony Ive, Brockman said OpenAI is focused on its own development and has “no interest in other companies’ trade secrets” (confidential business information).

He said he expects a shift toward talking to computers instead of typing for the “vast majority” of tasks. He mentioned that speaking out loud in offices could be awkward, and pointed to soundproof “beak” masks that some people use, even if he does not think that is a good long-term answer.

Brockman also said OpenAI is working on ways to improve trust and privacy. He mentioned building “verifiable, auditable guarantees,” which means proof you can check later, like a receipt, that only the AI can review certain private data.

Why it matters

If OpenAI releases its own devices, it could change how people access chatbots in daily life, more like having a dedicated tool instead of opening an app. It also puts more attention on privacy promises, since these tools may handle personal conversations.

Source: The Verge AI