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According to reports, OpenAI’s inaugural device crafted by Jony Ive bears a resemblance to HomePod 2.0.

**OpenAI’s Hardware Aspirations: The Smart Speaker and More**

OpenAI is stepping into the hardware realm, partnering with acclaimed designer Jony Ive to create a new series of devices. A recent article from *The Information* indicates that the first product set to debut is a smart speaker, expected to arrive on the market early next year.

### Smart Speaker: The Initial OpenAI Offering

The smart speaker, projected to be priced between $200 and $300, will showcase cutting-edge features, including a camera that can collect data about its users and the environment. This capability might enable the device to identify objects and even partake in discussions occurring nearby. Furthermore, the speaker will utilize facial recognition technology akin to Apple’s Face ID, allowing users to make purchases simply by recognizing items.

### Additional Products in Progress

Aside from the smart speaker, OpenAI is allegedly developing two other groundbreaking products: smart glasses and a smart lamp. These gadgets are part of a wider strategy to weave AI into everyday items, enhancing user engagement and experience.

### Collaboration Dynamics

The collaboration between Jony Ive and OpenAI is intricate. While Ive continues to manage his design firm, LoveFrom, which is tasked with crafting potential designs for OpenAI devices, the actual development of hardware and software is overseen by OpenAI’s internal team. This split of responsibilities has led to some friction, with reports of delays in design updates and communication challenges between the teams.

Additionally, merging members from the Io team, acquired by OpenAI, with the current hardware team has posed further challenges, complicating the development process.

### Competitive Environment

As OpenAI gears up to release its smart speaker, the competitive environment is intensifying. Apple is also pushing its own AI initiatives, which include a lineup of wearables and new HomePod products. The competition between these two technology behemoths will be closely monitored as they both strive to innovate within the AI-focused hardware sector.

### Conclusion

OpenAI’s entry into hardware, commencing with a smart speaker designed by Jony Ive, signifies a notable advancement in the integration of AI into consumer products. With sophisticated functionalities and an emphasis on user interaction, the forthcoming products may transform how consumers interact with technology in their everyday routines. As the launch nears, excitement for these devices is anticipated to increase, sparking discussions regarding their possible influence on the market.

Fishing Nets Rise as Efficient Protection Against Combat Drones

ship-launched DragonFire laser systems to China’s anti-drone microwave apparatus. Up to this point, nevertheless, none have created a universal answer, especially in areas with high civilian populations. Consequently, Ukraine and Russia have reverted to analog methods to counter the devastating technology, utilizing nets to capture adversary drones. Hung above roads, hospitals, military assets, and essential infrastructure, the repurposed fishing nets represent a return to basics for global armed forces.

Employing nets for drone capture

Verizon Provides Complimentary Google Pixel 10a Without Trade-In Requirement Prior to Official Launch

The preorder offers for the Pixel 10a have arrived, and they look promising.

The Google Pixel 10a was unveiled just a few days ago, yet numerous preorder offers have surfaced that could reduce the price of this budget Android phone even further (or make it free) if you play your cards right. Verizon’s deal stands out, providing the Pixel 10a for FREE when you add a line with an eligible unlimited plan on their website.

You don’t have to opt for the priciest unlimited plans to take advantage of this deal, either. Verizon’s Unlimited Welcome, Unlimited Plus, and Unlimited Ultimate plans will ALL secure you the free Pixel 10a, and there’s also the possibility of a $200 gift card if you’re transitioning from a competitor. This is a Google Pixel 10a offer that continues to give, so if you’re interested, act quickly.

Although the Google Pixel 10a may not represent a significant leap from its predecessor, it remains an excellent budget Android phone with an enhanced display, exceptional battery life and charging times, and a top-tier camera featuring Gemini AI software capabilities. Additionally, it comes with a commitment to seven years of OS and security updates.

The main disadvantage of the Pixel 10a is more about comparison than any flaw in the phone itself. Indeed, since the 10a retains the previous-generation Tensor G4 chipset, it feels more like an enhanced iteration of the Google Pixel 9a than a completely new device.

On the positive side, the Pixel 9a from 2025 was an outstanding phone in its own right. Take that highly regarded foundation, add a more durable glass display, and some flagship-level battery performance, and you have a fantastic overall offering.

Naturally, if you prefer the ease of unlocked phones, preordering the Pixel 10a through Best Buy or Amazon is the advisable choice. However, if you’re currently a Verizon customer (or considering switching), this offer is definitely worth serious thought.

Down with Scroll Fade! – Frontend Masters Blog

David Bushell is very sick of the “scroll fade” effect. It’s the effect where, as you scroll down a page, elements slide into place. Often, all the elements. I agree it’s overplayed since it’s usually movement for the sake of it, not adding anything to the experience. It’s true that movement catches our eye, but […]

Piggyback’s Fantastic Metroid Prime Art Book Has a Nearly 30% Discount

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond launched on the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 in December, but if you’re itching for some more lore, Metroid Prime 1–3: A Visual Retrospective is a nice way to dig in, especially now that it’s on sale. Normally $49.99, you can currently buy the hardcover version for $36.59 (about $13 off) […]

OpenAI’s First ChatGPT Device Might Be a Smart Speaker with a Camera

OpenAI’s first hardware release will be a smart speaker with a camera that will probably cost between $200 and $300, according to The Information. The device will be able to recognize things like “items on a nearby table or conversations people are having in the vicinity,” The Information says, and it will have a Face […]

Amazon Attributes AI Coding Agent’s Mistake to Human Employees

Amazon Web Services suffered a 13-hour outage to one system in December as a result of its AI coding assistant Kiro’s actions, according to the Financial Times. Numerous unnamed Amazon employees told the FT that AI agent Kiro was responsible for the December incident affecting an AWS service in parts of mainland China. People familiar […]