According to a recent report, OpenAI is working on its own hardware device and, in parallel, on new audio models for ChatGPT. The two projects are closely linked. The goal is apparently to make speech interaction with AI significantly more natural, thereby laying the foundation for a new product category. The focus is clearly on audio, not on displays or traditional input methods.
The information comes from a report by The Information. The author, Stephanie Palazzolo, cites several people familiar with OpenAI's internal projects. The report describes both technical details of new ChatGPT audio models and concrete hints about OpenAI's first hardware product.
New audio models for ChatGPT
OpenAI is currently working on a new architecture for ChatGPT's audio models. This is intended to enable responses that sound more natural and emotional than before. At the same time, the responses should be more accurate and detailed.
A key feature is the ability to speak simultaneously with a human user. Current models can only respond alternately. The new audio model is designed to enable genuine conversational dynamics and handle interruptions more effectively. This should make dialogues sound less technical and significantly smoother.
According to the report, OpenAI plans to release this new audio model in the first quarter of 2026. This would create the technical foundation upon which future hardware products will be built.
OpenAI's first hardware device
The planned OpenAI device itself is not expected to be released until about a year later. This is not a single experiment, but rather the start of a whole series of devices currently under development.
According to sources, the first product will be primarily audio-based. A display apparently plays no central role or is not even planned. Instead, OpenAI is relying on speech as the primary interface between humans and AI.
Planned audio ecosystem
The report describes a larger product ecosystem focused entirely on audio. Internal ideas include smart glasses and a smart speaker without a display. While no specific products have been announced, the direction is clear: OpenAI is considering hardware that continuously listens, speaks, and reacts.
This concept differs significantly from traditional smartphones or smart displays. The interaction is intended to be more natural, direct, and less screen-centric.
Assessment and context
A fully audio-based OpenAI device is considered a bold move. Many people still prefer text-based AI interactions, for reasons such as environment or discretion. Audio is not equally suitable in every situation.
Nevertheless, interest in the project is high, also because of the people involved. Besides Sam Altman, Jony Ive also plays a role in the broader context of the hardware plans. This increases expectations regarding design, usability, and long-term vision.
OpenAI is focusing on audio as the next development step
OpenAI is apparently preparing for its next big step. New audio models for ChatGPT and a fully speech-focused hardware device are set to fundamentally change how we interact with AI. While many details remain to be seen, the direction is clear. OpenAI is banking on audio as a central element of future AI experiences and is consciously accepting the associated risks. (Image: Shutterstock / Vitor Miranda)
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