OpenAI gears up for audio-first AI device, merges teams to build advanced voice models
OpenAI is reportedly ramping up work on advanced audio AI by merging key internal teams. The company is said to be developing a new audio generation model that could launch in early 2026.
New Delhi: OpenAI is said to be refocusing on audio-based AI with its new hardware gearing up. Recent reports suggest that the company has restructured the internal teams to hasten the process of creating advanced audio AI models that might be used to drive a future audio-first device.
The AI company based in San Francisco is reported to have combined its engineering, product and research departments to make the work on the next generation audio capabilities easier. The move is an indication of the increased interest OpenAI is showing in turning voice interactions into a more natural part of its products going forward and not just text-based AI experiences.
New audio AI model
According to a report by The Information, OpenAI has been developing a new audio generation model in the last two months. According to people who are conversant with the issue, it is possible that the model might be launched in early 2026. It is likely to greatly enhance the functionality of the current capabilities, including the Advanced Voice mode of ChatGPT.
The next model is reported to have more natural speech, better control with the user interruptions and the possibility of responding even when the user is speaking. Assuming that they are presented as such, this would be a significant breakthrough in the process of humanising AI discussions.
Audio-first device planned for late 2026
The new audio AI model can come sooner, but the model of the audio-first device of OpenAI will not be released earlier than the end of 2026. The product is supposedly made to be a screenless experience akin to other products such as the Humane Pin powered by AI and the AI Pendant by Limitless. Both of those products did not succeed in the market, and Humane closed down, and Limitless was purchased by Meta.
The information about the hardware of OpenAI is scarce. Nevertheless, there is another report that indicates that the company is reviewing vendors, and soon production planning could start. Foxconn is also being proposed as a manufacturing partner, and the manufacturing may occur in its Vietnam plant.
More devices, including an AI pen
Besides the audio-first device, OpenAI has also indicated that it is developing two other hardware products. One of those is supposed to be an AI pen, and no particulars of its functionality or the time of launch have been released yet.
In the meantime, OpenAI has not officially verified any of these plans. Nevertheless, the news of internal rearrangement and updated emphasis on audio AI indicates that the company is preparing the foundation to go further into voice-driven AI experiences in the next few years.