The device, which is still under development, is explained as being a home companion that also includes a built-in camera and sensors so it can gather contextual information about where you are, becoming an expert on you and your needs. It also features autonomous mechanical elements that physically shift on their own, intended to give the product a “personality,” rather than being a boring black box.
Can we live without this?
While OpenAI’s development is not yet complete and things could change before it reaches market, based on Bloomberg’s report I’m not terribly clear how unique it is going to be. After all, as LLM support is introduced in existing smart speaker systems from Apple, or even Amazon, what unique features does this device bring that consumers can’t live without? More particularly, what problems does it solve and why does it exist?
Manufacturing economics
What’s also unclear is how far along OpenAI is on the road to mass manufacturing the device. Apple’s recent lawsuit against OpenAI confirmed the challenger is speaking with Apple’s own manufacturing partners as well as hiring hundreds of Apple engineers. Despite the talent war, I consider it unlikely OpenAI will be able to lock in the kinds of manufacturing deals it needs to bring the product to market at an acceptable price.
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