New Bloomberg revelation: The first OpenAI smart speaker — the company's long-awaited AI-powered smart speaker — is a doughnut-shaped, screenless device priced at $300 to $400. The design is by Jony Ive, while the launch is set for early 2027. The SecNews editorial team analyzes the new data released on August 6, 2026, and what it means for the AI hardware race against Amazon Echo and Google Nest.
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Design like a hockey puck or a donut
According to a new Bloomberg report by Mark Gurman, the OpenAI smart speaker will be the size of a hockey puck, donut-shaped, and made of a high-end metal material. It will be battery-operated, so the user can easily carry it from room to room with one hand.
- Price: $300–400 (new range, up from original estimate of $200–300)
- Design: Jony Ive (formerly of Apple), via LoveFrom and io Products
- Display: None — purely voice interface
- AI engine: GPT-Live, OpenAI's full-duplex voice model
- Sensors: Camera, microphones and environmental sensors
- Special features: Moving mechanical parts that "give personality" to the device
- Release: Early 2027, with a possible reveal by late 2026
What makes the speaker stand out?
This isn't another Echo or HomePod. OpenAI wants to position it as the "first computer designed for AI," with light signals that show when it's listening and moving parts that show when it's responding. It feels like a human companion for the home, not a passive assistant.
The critical technical element is GPT-Live. This is OpenAI's full-duplex voice technology that was released earlier this year and can listen and speak simultaneously, respond to natural interruptions in the conversation, and continue the flow without waiting for commands.
OpenAI smart speaker against Amazon and Google
At $300–400, the OpenAI smart speaker is positioned in a premium zone. The Amazon Echo Dot starts at $50, the Apple HomePod costs $299, while the Sonos Era 300 goes for $449. OpenAI is making it clear that it doesn't want to compete on price, but on cognitive ability.
For Amazon and Google, this move gives them about 18 months to respond with their own AI-first hardware. Neither has been idle — both are investing heavily in agentic AI for their consumer devices.
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Apple's lawsuit is an absolute disgrace
OpenAI said on August 6 that “we are building something completely new and different from anything at Apple.” The statement comes amid a lawsuit filed by Apple against OpenAI and two former employees, alleging theft of trade secrets and designs. OpenAI acquired Jony Ive’s io Products for $6.5 billion in 2025.
Also useful: Apple sues OpenAI: Emails expose trade secrets dispute
What does it mean for the Greek market?
The official launch is set for early 2027, with a possible reveal at the end of 2026. For Greek consumers, availability will depend on OpenAI's European roadmap and compliance with the EU AI Act, especially if the device uses facial recognition for payments — an element mentioned in previous leaks.
The SecNews technical team will monitor every new leak, the official unveiling by the end of 2026 and the final commercial release, with an emphasis on availability and operation in Greek. Sources: MacRumors, Bloomberg, TechCrunch, Reuters.
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