OpenAI Doubles Down on Audio-First AI and Prepares Hardware Device

According to reports from The Information and TechCrunch on January 1–2, 2026, OpenAI is radically shifting its user experience (UX) strategy, moving focus from text chats to voice interaction. The company is developing new "audio-first" models capable of capturing subtle intonation nuances and responding in real-time with zero latency. The major scoop, however, is the preparation for the launch of the first dedicated ChatGPT device, where voice will be the primary interface.

This move is seen as OpenAI's attempt to move beyond smartphone screens and create a new category of wearable electronics. The device will likely integrate with partner ecosystems, but its "brain" will be a next-generation multimodal model. Experts note this is a direct challenge to existing voice assistants from Apple and Google, which have stagnated for years. OpenAI aims to make human-machine communication so natural that keyboards become obsolete.

Source: Indian Express / TechCrunch