OpenAI’s first device will be a screenless home AI system that can play music, control appliances, and respond to messages and questions, according to Bloomberg. I can’t help but ask what makes this device different from Apple’s HomePod with SiriAI?
The OpenAI product is intended to be the first of a family of solutions and is expected to use the recently-introduced GPT-Live large language model (LLM). The latter is an advanced model capable of processing information swiftly and of providing natural responses to conversations.
This expertise might help it deliver more accurate responses to requests, though the information could also become a gold mine for data brokers, hackers, and advertisers if there turns out to be any way they can get their hands on it. It’s not yet known how — or even if — OpenAI proposes protecting user privacy within its systems.
The device, which is still under development, is explained as being a home companion that also includes a built-in camera and sensors so it can gather contextual information about where you are, becoming an expert on you and your needs. It also features autonomous mechanical elements that physically shift on their own, intended to give the product a “personality,” rather than being a boring black box.
While OpenAI’s development is not yet complete and things could change before it reaches market, based on Bloomberg’s report I’m not terribly clear how unique it is going to be. After all, as LLM support is introduced in existing smart speaker systems from Apple, or even Amazon, what unique features does this device bring that consumers can’t live without? More particularly, what problems does it solve and why does it exist? What’s also unclear is how far along OpenAI is on the road to mass manufacturing the device. Apple’s recent lawsuit against OpenAI confirmed the challenger is speaking with Apple’s own manufacturing partners as well as hiring hundreds of Apple engineers. Despite the talent war, I consider it unlikely OpenAI will be able to lock in the kinds of manufacturing deals it needs to bring the product to market at an acceptable price.
That suggests either that its inaugural “home companion” will seem incredibly expensive (as so many of the products Jony Ive has designed since leaving Apple seem to be), or that OpenAI will sell these things at a subsidy.
Bloomberg suggests the systems will cost $200 to $300. That seems low given the current component market, expected design quality and the technology used if the plan is to make something good. And it leaves me wondering how deeply investors will underwrite hardware sales, given the eye-watering losses the company is already making.
Given ongoing speculation that Apple plans something similar in the form of a hybrid HomePod/iPad equipped with AI and limited mobility, the recent lawsuit strongly suggests Apple feels some of OpenAI’s plans cross the line into using proprietary technologies and ideas Cupertino has spent years pursuing. Apple’s lawsuit seems to bring much more meaningful evidence than just an argument concerning product design.
We also don’t know the extent to which consumers will be open to semi-sentient AI devices lurking in their lives. While Apple can lean into its loyal customer base and broaden its offering with rock-solid promises concerning user privacy, OpenAI has less to bring to the launch party.
That means it is attempting to pivot millions who use its services into investing in its hardware. It presumably hopes that it will be able to drive that transition by using the design involvement of acclaimed Apple designer Jony Ive as a form of magic talisman.
The challenge is that while Ive is a big name in Apple history, Apple users are extremely loyal and may react against the involvement of their favorite designer. It’s like finding out someone you thought was on your team actually supported someone else.
It will be different outside Apple, where less loyal cohorts might see the product introduction as a chance to put a design from Ive through its paces without signing up to a Mac, iPhone, iPad, or HomePod.
For the rest of us, the question will be whether OpenAI’s Ive-designed product channels the successful design ethic of the iMac, or that of the far less successful hockey puck mouse. Like (timely World Cup klaxon) France against Spain, OpenAI’s investors have to hope the best version of Ive’s design principles show up, because their risked fortunes potentially depend on it. You can follow me on social media! Join me on BlueSky, LinkedIn, Mastodon and subscribe to The Core.