OpenAI Plans AI-Powered Smart Speaker with Facial Recognition

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According to a report from The Information, OpenAI is developing an AI-powered smart speaker with a facial recognition camera that could cost between $200 and $300. The device is intended to allow users to purchase items by identifying them through facial recognition similar to Apple's Face ID. However, the product is not expected to launch until at least February 2027, raising concerns about OpenAI's ability to stay afloat financially until then.

Why it matters

OpenAI, the company behind the popular ChatGPT AI assistant, is facing significant financial challenges and may run out of cash as soon as 2027. The smart speaker with facial recognition is seen as a potential revenue stream to help keep the company solvent, but the long delay in launching the product raises doubts about its viability. Additionally, there are concerns about consumer acceptance of a smart speaker with built-in facial recognition technology, which could be viewed as an invasion of privacy.

The details

According to sources within OpenAI's 200-employee AI device group, the smart speaker will use facial recognition to allow users to purchase items and perform other actions. The device is being designed by Sir Jony Ive, the former Apple executive who was hired by OpenAI last year at a cost of $6.5 billion. While the company has said Ive's first product will be announced this year, the smart speaker is not expected to launch until at least February 2027, which could be too late to save the company from running out of cash.

• OpenAI hired Sir Jony Ive in May 2025.
• The smart speaker is expected to launch in February 2027 or later.

What’s next

OpenAI is reportedly also working on AI-powered smart glasses and a smart lamp, but these products are not expected to be ready for mass production until 2028 at the earliest.