Report: OpenAI’s first "AI hardware" is a "smart pen" or "audio device," exclusively manufactured by Hon Hai, expected to launch this year or next.

Report: OpenAI’s first "AI hardware" is a "smart pen" or "audio device," exclusively manufactured by Hon Hai, expected to launch this year or next.

According to Taiwan's Economic Daily, the latest supply chain news shows that OpenAI's first "AI hardware" product will be exclusively manufactured by Foxconn, and is expected to officially hit the market in 2026 or 2027.

The report states that this highly anticipated new product is very likelyto be a "smart pen" or wearable audio device.

Foxconn exclusive manufacturer, production in Vietnam or the USA

Sources reveal that internally, OpenAI has named this hardware project "Gumdrop." The project was initially planned to be manufactured by Luxshare Precision, but was ultimately secured by Foxconn. Currently, Foxconn has confirmed production at its Vietnam factory, while production in its US factories is also a possibility.

For Foxconn, after securing the order for OpenAI's AI servers, winning the order for terminal hardware means the company has successfully achieved full coverage of OpenAI's orders from "cloud" (AI servers) to "terminal" (end devices), becoming the first ODM manufacturer to complete a closed-loop layout for the OpenAI ecosystem.

Product form: "Smart pen" or audio device led by Jony Ive

This product, described by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman as "simple, beautiful, and fun," is being designed by former Apple legend Jony Ive.

According to supply chain details, this mysterious hardware is likely a "smart pen" or wearable audio device. Its product features include:

  • Lightweight design: Similar in size to the iPod Shuffle, highly portable, and can be placed in a pocket, on a desk, or hung around the neck.
  • Interaction features: Equipped with a microphone and camera, able to perceive users' daily scenarios.
  • AI integration: Supports direct transcription of handwritten notes and real-time uploading to ChatGPT for processing.

Ive previously mentioned that the product could launch within two years. With both design and supply chain in place, this AI hardware, embodying the vision of the "post-smartphone era," is quickly approaching us.

This article is from WeChat public account "Hard AI". For more cutting-edge AI news, please check here.

Risk Warning and DisclaimerThe market involves risks, and investment needs to be cautious. This article does not constitute personal investment advice, nor does it take into account the individual investment objectives, financial situation, or needs of specific users. Users should consider whether any opinions, views, or conclusions in this article are suitable for their particular circumstances. Investments made based on this article are at your own risk.