OpenAI's moving smart speaker: why wait until 2027

openai and lovefrom are building a battery-powered, hockey-puck-shaped speaker equipped with a camera, microphones, and mechanical parts that move physically to indicate engagement. priced above $300 and shipping in 2027, this device represents openai's first foray into proprietary hardware designed to showcase an 'always-on' ai assistant. by developing a screenless form factor that relies on motion rather than visuals, openai is betting that the future of consumer ai lies in ambient, physical presence rather than smartphone apps. the launch creates a direct collision course with amazon, google, and apple in the smart home market.