OpenAI’s hardware can compete with AirPods Ultra and lose

Jony Ive and Sam Altman made a big promise when he sold the launch a completely new concept More than a year ago on AI hardware.

The latest report suggests so OpenAI can technically fulfilling this promise, however, may at least partially compete with the upcoming one AirPods model. If so, I can easily see the AirPods Ultra proving the more popular choice…

The promise of OpenAI’s hardware device

Dual They teased the AI ​​machines device in a video presented last May. It was disappointingly light on details about what form the device might take, but the pair claimed it was something entirely new.

“I think this is the most beautiful piece of technology the world will ever see”

“And so it’s just common sense to at least think, surely there’s more to these legacy products.”

“I am absolutely convinced that we are on the verge of a new generation of technology that can literally make us better ourselves.”

As I said at the timeyou can’t make those kinds of promises and then launch the form factor we’ve seen before.

Smart speaker with camera and sensor

One of the smart hardware products we’ve definitely seen before is the smart speaker. However, the latest report suggests that this is what we have to wait for now. Bloomberg says that what will make the difference the inclusion of cameras and other sensors.

OpenAI’s long-awaited push into consumer devices is slated to begin with a mobile, screen-free smart speaker (…) This includes a camera and other sensors that help understand the user’s surroundings and context, as well as advanced AI models beyond what’s available in conventional smart speakers.

Whether or not this really makes it an entirely new type of technology is debatable, but it’s not hard to see how such a device could be dramatically more capable than existing smart speakers.

But it can partially compete with AirPods Ultra

However, this combination – a device that can talk to us, connect to cameras to be aware of our surroundings – is not new. Thanks to Visual Intelligence, we have it on iPhone. We have seen that too Meta smart glasses and competing models. Finally, it’s very similar what are we waiting for? from the upcoming AirPods Ultra.

The biggest change to Apple’s AirPods lineup is a new version of AirPods with built-in cameras. This pair of AirPods will have cameras on both the left and right earcups. However, the cameras are not designed to take photos and videos. Instead, they’ll be used in conjunction with Siri to provide context for your surroundings. Bloomberg described them as “eyes” for Siri.

Of course, speakers and headphones don’t compete with each other, although there is some overlap between use cases. A smart speaker is more convenient at home, requires nothing to your ears and is addressed by more than one person. But OpenAI specifically talked about a device you’ll carry around with you, and I have to say, AirPods seem like a massively more convenient form factor for use outside the home.

Maybe we’ll be pleasantly surprised, but as things stand, I can’t imagine carrying a portable speaker with me on a regular basis, except for those times. when I already didfor example, going away for the weekend and wanting decent quality music in my hotel room or holiday apartment. Contrary to what the promo video suggests, I can’t imagine any scenario where I’d take it to a bar with me.

To me then, the AirPods Ultra seem to have more potential than a smart speaker. How do you feel about it? Please take our survey and share your thoughts in the comments.

The author of the photo Aksar Dave about Splash