According to Taiwanese media, the Economic Daily News, and supply chain sources, OpenAI is accelerating the development of its first personal AI hardware device, codenamed "Project Gumdrop." This marks OpenAI's official entry into the hardware field, starting a new journey.
The device is currently in the design phase, and its specific form has not been finalized yet. However, it is likely to take the form of a "smart pen" or a "portable audio device." Such a design is not only interesting but also highly practical, offering users a brand-new interactive experience.
In terms of features, Gumdrop is expected to be equipped with a microphone and a camera. Its core selling point is that users can directly transmit handwritten notes to ChatGPT for processing. This means that when taking class notes or meeting records, users can more easily convert handwritten content into digital text, saving many manual input steps.
To ensure stability in the global supply chain and reduce production risks, OpenAI has decided to transfer the production order from Luxshare Precision to Foxconn. The production line is expected to be set up in Vietnam or the United States. This strategy not only ensures a stable supply of the product but also reduces the risks brought by geopolitical factors.
However, it is worth noting that Project Gumdrop faced some technical challenges in its early stages, including software vulnerabilities, privacy compliance, and an incomplete cloud infrastructure. OpenAI is working hard to solve these issues in order to officially launch the product in 2026 or 2027.
At that time, Foxconn will not only be responsible for the production of the terminal device but may also take over orders related to OpenAI's cloud infrastructure. This collaboration will cover the entire industrial chain, from basic computing power to consumer electronics. Over time, Gumdrop may become an indispensable smart assistant in our lives. Looking forward to the release of this product!
