OpenAI's first attempt to enter the hardware market has generated significant consumer skepticism. The company announced a smart speaker whose design was developed by Jony Ive.
According to Mashable, this gadget is a hybrid of Apple HomePod and Furby devices. While the HomePod is a premium smart speaker from Apple, Furby is a nostalgic, fuzzy robot toy known for its expressive moving eyes and ears.
Particular attention is drawn to OpenAI's collaboration with Jony Ive, former Apple design director. Because of this, the new product bears a striking resemblance to devices created by his former company.
During his time at Apple, Ive played a key role in creating products such as the iMac, iPod, iPhone, iPad, MacBook, and Apple Watch. The new smart speaker was presented last week, just a few days after Apple filed a lawsuit against OpenAI for trade secret theft.
The timing of the announcement is also telling, as there are rumors that Apple plans to change its primary AI development partner, switching from OpenAI's ChatGPT to Google Gemini to support Apple Intelligence.
OpenAI clearly aims to expand its ecosystem beyond software to solidify its status as a leading and recognized force in artificial intelligence. The smart speaker is positioned as a home companion capable of controlling other smart devices on the same Wi-Fi network. Furthermore, the device will be equipped with a camera to enhance functionality and achieve a more accurate understanding of user requests.
Nevertheless, it remains unclear why consumers would prefer to purchase a smart speaker from OpenAI, given the availability of well-integrated alternatives like the iPhone and HomePod.
The Codex Micro keyboard, developed by OpenAI in collaboration with Work Louder, sold out of stock in just one day after its launch. This accessory was made available in a limited edition last Wednesday, July 15th, with an approximate price of R$ 1,200.
This compact device, which resembles the partner's Creator Micro 2, is specifically designed for programmers. It incorporates 13 mechanical switches, a joystick, a rotary button, and a touch sensor. Additionally, users receive 32 extra customizable keys with Codex icons, allowing them to adapt the layout according to their preference.
The main innovation of the accessory lies in its ability to reduce the programmer's dependence on the main screen to interact with artificial intelligence. In a demonstration, Mike Di Genova, co-founder of Work Louder, explained that six matte keys have smart lighting to provide a real-time overview of interactions with Codex.
Each LED color indicates the status of a processed task, allowing the user to quickly identify whether code generation was successful, if the AI is awaiting human intervention, if the script is running, or if there was a system error. The other command keys are focused on increasing productivity and can be configured through the official ChatGPT desktop application, enabling shortcuts to activate the microphone, accept or reject code suggestions, and send text snippets.
The joystick and the knob are tools intended to initiate workflows and also to adjust the AI's reasoning level during more complex processes.
It is important to note that the Codex Micro is a niche product and is not related to the hardware project led by Jony Ive, former chief designer at Apple. Rumors suggest that the company's next initiative, under the leadership of Sam Altman, may be a smart speaker capable of conversing and simulating life, with a projected launch next year.
This future gadget is already involved in a legal dispute. Apple has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging theft of industrial secrets. The company accuses Sam Altman's firm of using confidential information to accelerate its potential entry into the physical device market, although OpenAI has refuted these allegations, classifying them as unfounded.
