OpenAI\'s first hardware product may take the form of a screenless portable smart speaker, according to foreign media reports. The device is being developed with a camera and multiple sensors. Details emerged after a trademark lawsuit indicated the first product is neither wearable nor an in-ear device. The product is said to be designed for both fixed use and room-to-room portability on a rechargeable battery. OpenAI is also reported to be developing about five products, including longer-term plans that may include a smartphone replacement.

Amazon took years of persistent experiments and trial and error to build a new voice-based computing experience. The Verge examined the internal process behind the creation of the Echo smart speaker and Alexa voice assistant. Jeff Bezos had long believed computing would move from keyboards and screens to voice. Engineers faced challenges in understanding speech and context, and in improving speed and accuracy. Competition and an unusual quiet launch strategy also shaped development and early reception.