OpenAI readies 'Sweetpea' to rival Apple AirPods with AI tech
What's the story
OpenAI is gearing up to take on Apple's AirPods with its own AI-powered device, codenamed "Sweetpea." The company has partnered with Jony Ive for the project and plans to launch it in September 2028. According to industry insider Smart Pikachu, Foxconn has been instructed to prepare five devices by Q4 2028, including a home-style device and a ChatGPT-powered pen.
Unique features
'Sweetpea' design and technology
The 'Sweetpea' is expected to sport a unique design, shaped like an egg stone. It could be powered by a 2nm smartphone-style chip, possibly from Samsung's Exynos range. The device may also come with a custom chip that would let it "replace iPhone actions by commanding Siri."
Future plans
OpenAI's vision for the AI device
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman had previously told his employees about the new AI device. He said it would be pocket-sized and serve as a "third device" to complement smartphones, not replace them. A Bloomberg report also suggested that this AI device could be a pen with built-in cameras and microphones that are always on to keep track of the user's surroundings.
Collaboration details
OpenAI's hardware product development with Ive
In a chat with Emerson Collective last year, Ive and Altman confirmed their work on multiple hardware products. They hinted at a possible 2027 launch for these new AI-powered devices. Altman also revealed that OpenAI already has the first prototypes of these devices, which he finds "jaw-dropping good."