Software giant OpenAI is accelerating the development of its first personal AI hardware device. According to reports from Taiwanese media, Economic Daily News, and supply chain sources, the project, internally known as "Project Gumdrop", marks OpenAI's official entry into the hardware field from a pure software service.

The device is currently in the design phase, and its exact form has not been finalized yet. However, it is likely to take the form of an "intelligent pen" or a "portable audio device." In terms of features, the device is expected to be equipped with a microphone and camera, with the core selling point being the ability to directly transmit handwritten notes to ChatGPT for processing. To ensure the stability of the global supply chain and avoid manufacturing risks in specific regions, OpenAI has decided to transfer the manufacturing orders from Luxshare Precision to Foxconn, with production lines expected to be established in Vietnam or the United States.

Although the project is ambitious, its development path has not been smooth. Previous reports indicated that Project Gumdrop faced technical challenges such as software vulnerabilities, privacy compliance, and inadequate cloud infrastructure. Currently, OpenAI aims 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 the cloud infrastructure orders related to OpenAI, with the cooperation covering the entire industry chain from computing infrastructure to consumer electronics.

Key points:

  • 🖋️ Real-time cloud upload of handwritten notes: The hardware, codenamed Gumdrop, focuses on directly synchronizing handwritten content to ChatGPT, possibly in the form of an intelligent pen.

  • 🏭 Foxconn secures exclusive manufacturing: OpenAI adjusts its supply chain strategy, transferring orders from Luxshare Precision to Foxconn, and plans to assemble the products in non-China regions.

  • 📅 Expected to launch after 2026: Due to software bugs and privacy challenges, the product is still in the design phase, and it is expected to be released on the market as early as 2026 or 2027.