Meta and OpenAI are preparing dedicated AI hardware after earlier devices from other companies drew frustration and backlash. Both appear to be introducing their software agents first, in the hope that people will find them useful and then want to interact with them through physical devices.

Meta plans to launch its pendant-like Muse Charm before this year’s holiday season; it has a screen showing the Muse agent and is described as a quick way to talk to it and share what is happening nearby. OpenAI’s device, developed with former Apple designer Jony Ive, is not expected to ship before February 2027. Its new Dots agents are customisable animated blobs, while the company says ChatGPT is moving towards a personal-assistant role. The article notes that questionable Muse behaviour on Facebook Marketplace and a glitch in a Dots voice demonstration suggest the technology still needs work.