OpenAI Thinks We Need Another Smart Speaker (This One Watches You)

OpenAI is building a camera-equipped smart speaker priced between Dhs 735 and 1,100, targeting a February 2027 launch. The device features Face ID-level facial recognition and proactive AI suggestions, developed by a 200+ person hardware team heavily recruited from Apple. According to The Information's report, this marks OpenAI's first major hardware push beyond software.

Ex-Apple team leads hardware push

OpenAI's hardware division employs over 200 people, including more than 20 poached directly from Apple in 2025. Key hires include Tang Tan, former head of iPhone and Apple Watch design; Evans Hankey from Apple's industrial design team; supply chain expert Scott Cannon; and Adam Cue, son of Apple executive Eddy Cue.

Jony Ive provides final design oversight through his LoveFrom firm, following OpenAI's $6.5 billion acquisition of Ive's io Products in May 2025. The arrangement stops short of full integration — Ive's team operates separately, creating what sources describe as internal tensions over LoveFrom's secretive approach and slow revision cycles.

Manufacturing discussions are underway with China's Luxshare, which assembles iPhones and AirPods, and Goertek, which produces components for AirPods and HomePod. The team operates from a separate San Francisco office near LoveFrom's headquarters.

Camera-equipped speaker targets smart home control

The flagship device integrates a camera for passive environmental observation, enabling Face ID-level facial recognition and context-aware responses through ChatGPT integration. Features include automated grocery ordering via voice shopping and proactive suggestions, such as bedtime reminders based on user behaviour patterns.

Sam Altman and Ive have described prototypes as "joyful" and "active participants" in daily life, with Altman calling them the "coolest tech ever." The emphasis on screenless design aligns with the team's "peaceful" user experience, contrasting with display-heavy competitors.

For UAE smart home enthusiasts, this could represent a significant upgrade from current smart home protocols, particularly for luxury properties in Dubai, where integrated home automation is increasingly standard. The device's context-aware AI could potentially integrate with Etisalat's smart city initiatives and Vision 2031 technology goals.

Product pipeline extends to wearables and lighting

Beyond the smart speaker, OpenAI plans smart glasses for mass production around 2028, directly competing with Meta's Ray-Ban collaboration and anticipated Apple wearables. A smart lamp prototype is complete but lacks a confirmed release timeline.

The company is also exploring an AI pin or "pocket device," though specifics remain unclear. All products emphasise the screenless approach, focusing on voice and gesture interaction rather than traditional displays.

This hardware strategy parallels broader industry moves toward AI-first devices, as seen in Qualcomm's wearables roadmap and competitive responses from established players.

Challenges include proving AI hardware value

The fundamental challenge remains demonstrating what The Information sources call a "qualitative change" in user experience that justifies dedicated AI hardware. Existing smart speakers from Amazon and Google already offer voice assistants — OpenAI must prove why camera integration and proactive suggestions warrant premium pricing.

Internal friction centres on LoveFrom's design process, which some team members find too secretive and slow for hardware development timelines. The February 2027 target leaves little margin for delays, particularly given the complexity of manufacturing consumer electronics at scale.

UAE pricing will likely reflect the premium positioning, potentially placing it above current smart speaker options in a market where consumers have proven willing to pay for luxury tech that integrates seamlessly with high-end home installations.

OpenAI smart speaker pricing and availability

The smart speaker is priced between US$200-300 (approximately Dhs 735-1,100), positioning it in premium smart speaker territory above Amazon Echo but below high-end audio brands. February 2027 represents the earliest possible launch window, with UAE availability likely following shortly after US release.

Pre-production prototypes exist as of November 2025, but consumer-ready units require finalising manufacturing partnerships with Chinese suppliers. UAE retailers and pricing will be confirmed closer to launch, though premium electronics typically arrive through major distributors like Jumbo Electronics and Sharaf DG.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much will the OpenAI smart speaker cost in UAE?

The OpenAI smart speaker is priced US$200-300, approximately Dhs 735-1,100 in UAE. Final UAE pricing and retailers will be confirmed closer to the February 2027 launch window.

What makes OpenAI's smart speaker different from Amazon Echo or Google Nest?

OpenAI's speaker includes a camera for facial recognition and environmental observation, plus proactive AI suggestions through ChatGPT integration. It can automatically order groceries and provide context-aware responses based on visual input.

Will OpenAI's smart speaker work with existing smart home devices in UAE?

Integration details aren't confirmed, but the device's advanced AI could potentially work with existing smart home protocols. UAE users should wait for compatibility announcements with local systems and Etisalat smart city services.

Is the OpenAI smart speaker worth waiting for versus buying current options?

If you need a smart speaker now, current options work well. The OpenAI device's camera features and proactive AI represent potential advantages, but the February 2027 timeline and premium pricing make immediate alternatives more practical.

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