OpenAI bets $40M on Opal's AI audio gadget
opal electronics raised $40m from openai to launch an ai-powered audio device in the next few months. the funding signals openai's strategy to move beyond chatbots into consumer hardware partnerships.
webcam maker opal electronics raised $40m in a series b round led by openai, valuing the company at $275m. the startup, backed by samsung and mkbhd, will launch an ai-powered audio device in the next four months that allows users to select models from different labs. opal is pivoting from cameras to ai hardware to emulate sony's multi-product strategy, while openai uses this as a vehicle to enter the consumer electronics market without building its own hardware from scratch. the deal gives openai a large stake but no control over opal's ip or design.