TechRadar reports that OpenAI is working on a new piece of hardware, described as a hockey puck-sized donut-shaped device. Designed with the involvement of Jony Ive's LoveFrom studio, this unconfirmed device is rumored to include multiple cameras, sensors, microphones, and even shape-shifting components. Bloomberg's report, though not verified, has been detailed enough to inspire a visual imagination of the gadget's potential. It could cost between $300 and $400, or around £220-£300 / AU$425-AU$570, positioning it as a mid-range wearable in a rapidly growing market.
To explore the concept further, the author asked Gemini and ChatGPT to visualize the device using a detailed prompt. The results were unexpectedly good, showing plausible, even charming interpretations of a gadget that, to many, remains conceptually unclear. Both models took the challenge seriously, generating images that captured the donut-like form and technological features in ways that felt both creative and grounded in the original idea.
AI Device Visualized by Gemini and ChatGPT
Gemini's take on the AI donut was colorful and whimsical. It imagined a pair of white and gray devices with prominent speaker grills and subtly placed cameras and sensors. The design included multiple moving parts that hinted at dynamic interaction, possibly indicating a device capable of expressing itself through physical movement. Gemini also introduced a name for the concept—"Aether," a reference to the ancient belief in a pure, ethereal substance that filled the space beyond Earth. This fictional addition tied the concept to something timeless, even mystical, and added depth to the visual.
Although Gemini was uncertain whether the device would be wireless or connected, it leaned into the "Aether" concept by suggesting a broader system or platform. The pendant version seemed a bit awkward, but the overall design resembled a modernized version of a classic candy, with a playful, approachable look. The suggestion of movement in the design pointed to a functionality that goes beyond standard smart speakers, indicating a more interactive and expressive interface.
ChatGPT's Version: Quiet and Practical
ChatGPT's interpretation was more straightforward and minimalist. The design featured a simple speaker grill and smaller indicator lights, making it feel less intrusive. The schematic included in the image clearly outlined each component, adding an educational or informative dimension. The pendant version appeared more streamlined and less obtrusive, fitting well with the minimalist aesthetic often associated with Jony Ive's work. This version focused on clarity and practicality over visual flair.
ChatGPT's Practical Design Approach
While Gemini leaned into the symbolic and slightly fantastical elements, ChatGPT emphasized real-world utility. Its version included a cutaway view of the device's interior, which reinforced the idea of a wearable designed for consistent, reliable use. This grounded approach suggested a product aimed at daily use, perhaps as a personal assistant or a tool for hands-free commands, rather than as a novelty item.
It is critical to acknowledge that both Gemini and ChatGPT generated these images based on unconfirmed rumors and an interpreted set of features. The final product, if OpenAI releases it, could look completely different. However, the ability of current AI systems to produce such detailed and accurate visualizations highlights how far generative design tools have advanced. They are now capable of not only creating images but maintaining a consistent vision across multiple outputs, suggesting a level of coherence and intelligence that continues to evolve.
Market Positioning and Justification Concerns
Despite the intriguing visuals, a key question remains: what justifies the production of a $300+ donut-shaped AI wearable, especially when cheaper alternatives exist? The Rabbit R1, for example, is a $199 device with similar features, including sensors, a camera, and rotating components. The proposed OpenAI device would need to solve a problem that current wearables don't address, or offer a unique value proposition that justifies its higher price point.
OpenAI plans to release an AI smart speaker in 2027, according to a Bloomberg report on Thursday. It’ll reportedly be palm-size and doughnut-shaped and have a wireless design that will let people carry it around. The report, which cited unnamed people familiar with the project, also indicates that the small speaker will cost $300 to $400, a steep price compared with around $100 to $200 for most smart speakers (except for high-end Bose and Sonos options). The device would work like ChatGPT on your phone, but it would use more advanced models that can learn about the user and talk with them in tailored ways over time. A representative from OpenAI did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The report also says the speaker will have parts that move to signal how it’s interacting, something usually left to screen icons. It will have indicator lights plus a camera system and sensors to help it collect and process information about its environment. But OpenAI faces a potential legal roadblock to making the device available to consumers. Last month, Apple sued the artificial intelligence company, alleging it stole confidential product design and development information and asked manufacturers to copy Apple’s metal finishing. The Bloomberg report says that the OpenAI speaker was designed with help from LoveFrom studio, launched by former Apple designer Jony Ive. Last year, OpenAI acquired a separate Ive-founded startup, IO, focused on devices. Apple is similarly rumored to be working on AI-powered devices for the home. A first wave could arrive this fall, with smart display devices that take advantage of its new Siri AI capabilities. (Disclosure: Ziff Davis, CNET’s parent company, in 2025 filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.)
Ultimately, OpenAI's ambition appears to be about embedding its AI into the physical world in a more tangible way. Rather than just existing as a voice behind the screen, OpenAI may want to be a constant, visible presence in users' lives. The device could be a step toward personalizing AI interactions, turning them into something more interactive and embodied. Whether that ambition is worth the cost remains to be seen, but the creative renderings from Gemini and ChatGPT at least offer a glimpse into the possibilities.