Summary
- OpenAI's upcoming audio device, codenamed Dime, could arrive with a 2nm Exynos processor.
- The device could have high BOM due to HBM shortages and will use a simpler AI model.
- Dime could feature muscle signal sensors and ultrasonic technology to trigger the assistant.
OpenAI's long-awaited AI device, in collaboration with Jony Ive, has been a long time coming. While there have been countless speculations about what it could be, recent rumours have pointed towards it being an audio device. The latest information from a renowned tipster confirms it's internally called "Dime" and may arrive with a 2nm Exynos processor.
OpenAI Dime to Launch as AI-Powered Earbuds
The report, shared by tipster Smart Pikachu on X, suggests OpenAI had originally planned a more complex phone-like device with heavy compute capabilities. However, the plans were scaled back due to the ongoing global RAM shortage of High Bandwidth Memory (HBM). The device's BOM (bill of materials) is also reportedly very high.
As a result, the company has opted to release a simpler, audio-focused version first. It's initially expected to run an inferior AI model, as the more advanced model has been delayed until component costs stabilise. Besides, the brand has asked its supplier Foxconn to prepare for a total of 5 devices that will launch by Q4 2028.
As for the product itself, it's internally called DIme, an apt name for its small form factor, which is comparable to a US 10-cent coin. Leaked schematics associated with the project reveal the design, including a muscle signal window and an Ultrasonic Transmitter module.
For the uninitiated, this means the earbuds could feature advanced gesture or voice-recognition technology beyond standard microphones. We recently heard about Apple acquiring Q.ai, which could help it add more features to its wearables, such as the AirPods. With OpenAI and more firms leveraging AI to improve connected tech, the future of wearables looks quite exciting.
The audio-only version of the Dime is expected to launch in 2026. This aligns with previous comments from OpenAI CEO Sam Altman about creating a device less intrusive than a smartphone, supported by the hiring of former Apple design chief Jony Ive. More information about the Dime should be unveiled soon, so stay tuned.
Source
X/ @zhihuipikachu
