Jony Ive’s first OpenAI hardware device sounds rather like … a HomePad

Jony Ive and Sam Altman have been teasing an AI hardware device for a long time now, and it’s increasingly looking like that tease was premature. We’re still not expecting to see a launch until some point next year. OpenAI continues to be exceedingly vague about what form its first hardware device might take, but an interview yesterday seems to point to something rather like a HomePad … Apple’s upcoming ‘HomePad’ We’ve long been expecting Apple to launch a new smart home device combining a smart speaker with a display. Since that sounds rather like a combo HomePod and iPad, we’ve been referring to it as a HomePad (though one report suggested it may be branded a HomePod Touch). Apple’s hope is that it will serve as a “command center for the home” with a combination of Apple apps, Apple Intelligence, and integration with HomeKit […] It will feature a square display that Bloomberg says is roughly 6 inches and “about the size of two iPhones side by side.” It’s possible there may be options for both wall mounting and placing onto a kitchen countertop or desk, and it looks likely to be launched alongside the new iPhones in September of this year. OpenAI’s mysterious hardware device Ive and Altman made big claims for OpenAI’s upcoming hardware device in a frustrating teaser video more than a year ago. In particular, they strongly implied it was going to be a completely new form factor, unlike any other smart device seen to date. “I think it is the coolest piece of technology that the world will have ever seen” Independent reporting, however, has suggested that this may have been hyperbolic even by tech industry standards. Recent reporting suggests it may be nothing more than a smart speaker with a camera, able to perform similar tasks to Visual Intelligence or Ray-Ban Meta glasses. Latest clue The company is sticking to its strategy of trying to remain mysterious about the product, but Joanna Stern’s interview of OpenAI president Greg Brockman yesterday provided at least a potential clue. Brockman deflected a question about it to ChatGPT, but didn’t disagree with what it said, nor with Stern pointing to reports of a speaker. ChatGPT: My take, something ambient and low friction, voice first but not voice only and with a clear privacy signal. Stern: So what what do you make of these reports that it’s a speaker? Brockman: Well, I’ll tell you we’re building a family of devices, right? Stern asked whether the device would need a screen, and Brockman replied, “We’ll just have to see.” Whether that was a clue in the form of a pun or just chance phrasing isn’t clear, but I do find it interesting that he didn’t dismiss this. It could be argued that if people are suggesting a screen and you’re not planning to deliver one, you should probably shoot down that idea in order to manage expectations. You can watch the full interview below and then share your thoughts in the comments. If you want to jump directly to talk of the devices, this begins at 6:32. What are your thoughts? Please share in the comments. Apple products on Amazon Renewed Official Apple Store on Amazon Discounted AirPods Pro 3 Wireless CarPlay adapter AirTag holders and accessories Mac Pro-style Mac mini casing FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.