OpenAI is developing the first consumer device in its history: a portable smart speaker without a screen, designed to serve as an "AI companion" within the home, in a move aimed at expanding the company's presence in the smart device market.

According to Bloomberg, the device is still in development and is being designed as a home hub relying on artificial intelligence technologies. It will allow users to control smart home devices, play media, answer questions, reply to messages, and leverage the capabilities of the ChatGPT platform.

The project represents a strategic step for OpenAI as it potentially prepares for an initial public offering in the coming months. It also positions the company in direct competition with major tech firms, led by Apple, Amazon, and Google, which already have a strong presence in the smart assistant and device market.

These developments come amid rising tensions between OpenAI and Apple, after the latter filed a lawsuit last week accusing OpenAI of using trade secrets to accelerate its device development. OpenAI, in turn, asserts that its new device is fundamentally different from Apple's current products and does not rely on any of Apple's proprietary technologies or trade secrets.