SAN FRANCISCO: OpenAI is accelerating preparations to introduce its first hardware device, marking a shift beyond its core focus on artificial intelligence software, according to industry reports.
The device, reportedly named “Dime,” is expected to take the form of AI-powered smart earbuds, allowing users to interact with OpenAI’s models primarily through voice and audio commands.
Sources familiar with the project indicate that the company has opted to develop an audio wearable rather than a complex standalone device, aiming to keep the product simple, accessible, and cost-effective for a broader consumer base.
While official specifications have not yet been disclosed, the earbuds are expected to support voice commands, real-time AI assistance, and continuous audio-based interaction with OpenAI’s systems.
Reports suggest the product’s name surfaced through patent filings in China, pointing to OpenAI’s work on an audio-focused wearable device.
OpenAI is reportedly targeting a launch timeline toward the end of 2026, with commercial availability expected in early 2027, subject to development progress and supply chain conditions.
Industry sources also indicate that the company has delayed work on more advanced AI hardware, such as phone-like devices, due in part to global shortages of memory chips.
OpenAI has not publicly commented on the reports. The move into hardware would represent a significant expansion of the company’s product strategy as it explores new ways to deliver AI-powered services directly to consumers.
