OpenAI’s first piece of hardware

Community
, , , ,
1

OpenAI’s first piece of hardware could arrive in “less than” two years, according to Ive, in an interview with Laurene Powell Jobs at Emerson Collective’s 2025 Demo Day.

device1
device1510×510 23.5 KB

Any guesses how this device might look like?

It was announced it would not have a screen, which means:

· voice is the default input

· tone, emotion, presence become the UI

· the device must feel close, tactile, comforting

· the interaction model is ambient, not manual

I’d like to think it’s some sort of pendant, because:

· stays in a stable position

· is near your mouth and chest (good for mics)

· works with any outfit

· doesn’t need daily coordination

· won’t get lost like a pocket device

· can be gender-neutral or customized

· has meaning (pendants feel symbolic, not technological), very different from a phone

This is the opposite of smartphones. It’s closer to a presence/companion.

Something you wear, not something you hold.

Something that feels almost alive in the way it responds.

Design wise, I think it needs to:

· avoid sharp edges

· avoid complexity

· avoid anything “tech-looking”

· favor forms found in nature

· prefer symbolism over literal function

· could have a simple logo carved or engraved on it, no bold colors or lights

· waterproof, to avoid having to remove it in rain/shower/swimming/gym

· probably have matching headphones for privacy reasons

It could be a circle/round shape:

· universal

· spiritual

· ancient

· balanced

· familiar

· easy to wear

Attached an image found on a jewelry store, for reference.

What do you think?

2 Likes
2

Cool post.

I can see this being it. It does feel very … cultish though. OpenAI is really pushing to “own” the concept of a circle - which is hilarious - but, hey, some people I speak to call ChatGPT “Chat”.

I don’t think OpenAI has that “cult-level status” yet for this to work. I would almost feel weird around someone wearing this, similar to the glasses with cameras in them.

I’m sure there’s some books and shows involving a “cult-like worn symbol” doubling as a surveillance tool

1 Like
3

my guess is an ear cuff. we all know sam likes the movie her. so i think an ear cuff with bone conducting speaker, not an ear piece like in the movie…

3 Likes
4

I doubt this is an ear cuff a bit, since it’s meant to be easy to wear, always on, seamless. And they did mention it might be the size of an ipod shuffle at some point.