OpenAI has unveiled its first hardware product amid accusations that it has stolen trade secrets from Apple.
The ChatGPT creator launched the Codex Micro, a $230 miniature keyboard, on Wednesday, advertising it as an AI coding assistant for users of its Codex tool.
Built in collaboration with hardware design company Work Louder, it features a joystick, a rotary dial, 12 keyboard buttons, a USB-C connection and Bluetooth capabilities.
“It makes jumping between tasks so much easier than ever before,” OpenAI said in a demonstration video.
“And by the way, the analogue stick is a great fidget toy while you’re waiting for Codex to complete its task.”
The unveiling of the Codex Micro comes less than a week after Apple filed a lawsuit accusing OpenAI of stealing hardware secrets through former employees of the Cupertino company.
In a statement, OpenAI said it was “not aware of any evidence that this complaint has merit.”
The company added: “We believe in fair competition and allowing people the freedom to work wherever they choose, and we’re focused on building innovative technology that empowers people everywhere.”
OpenAI is also working on another AI device that is designed to serve as a “humanlike” companion to everyday users, though no release date has been set.
The long-awaited gadget is being developed with former iPhone designer Jony Ive and is expected to come in the form of a screenless smart speaker.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman described it in a promo video last year as a “third core device” – with the first and second core being a computer and a smartphone – that is “the coolest piece of technology that the world will have ever seen.”
In a leaked internal staff call he gave further details, claiming it will be “capable of being fully aware of a user’s surroundings and life, will be unobtrusive, able to rest in one’s pocket or on one’s desk.”
This week, Bloomberg reported that it will come with a camera and additional sensors to “understand” a user’s environment, as well as a rechargeable batter to allow it to be carried anywhere.
The launch is rumoured to be scheduled to launch at some point in 2027.
