Report: OpenAI's first "AI hardware" is a "smart pen" or "audio device," exclusively manufactured by Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd., expected to be launched this year or next year

According to Taiwan's Economic Daily, the latest supply chain news shows that OpenAI's first "AI hardware" will be exclusively manufactured by Hon Hai, expected to officially hit the market in 2026 or 2027. The report states that this highly anticipated new product is likely to be a "smart pen" or a wearable audio device. Hon Hai's exclusive manufacturing, Vietnam or US production Sources reveal that OpenAI has internally named the hardware project "Gumdrop." The project was initially planned to be outsourced to Luxshare Precision, but was ultimately secured by Hon Hai. Currently, Hon Hai has confirmed that production will take place at its factory in Vietnam, while not ruling out the possibility of utilizing its US factory for production. For Hon Hai, securing OpenAI's AI server orders and further obtaining terminal hardware means that the company has successfully achieved full coverage of orders from OpenAI from "cloud" (AI servers) to "end" (terminal devices), becoming the first in the manufacturing industry to complete a closed-loop layout for the OpenAI ecosystem. Product form: "Smart pen" or audio device designed by Jony Ive This product, described by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman as "simple, beautiful, and fun," is personally designed by Apple's legendary former designer Jony Ive. According to details disclosed by the supply chain, this mysterious hardware may be a "smart pen" or a wearable audio device. Its product features include: Lightweight form: Similar in size to the iPod Shuffle, highly portable, can be placed in pockets, on desks, or worn around the neck. Interactive functions: Equipped with a microphone and camera, capable of perceiving users' life scenarios. AI integration: Supports direct transcription of handwritten notes and real-time uploading to ChatGPT for processing. Ive previously revealed that the product is expected to be launched within two years. With the design and supply chain in place, this AI hardware, embodying the vision of the "post-smartphone era," is accelerating towards us