The AI Tamagotchis are coming
Meta and OpenAI are shifting their AI strategies toward dedicated physical hardware, drawing inspiration from the 'Tamagotchi' concept. Both companies are testing consumer appetite for small, agent-based devices like the Muse Charm and OpenAI's upcoming hardware.
Why it matters
This represents a significant pivot in the AI industry, moving from software-only interfaces to integrated physical products that aim to make AI more personal and accessible.
While AI has made plenty of inroads on people’s phones and computers, it’s largely failed in dedicated devices. But over the next year, two major AI companies, Meta and OpenAI, will attempt to change that. And they’re apparently betting on a similar path: testing appetite for physical hardware with their cutesy software agents.
“Hardware is hard” is a tech industry mantra. Dedicated AI devices like the Friend and Humane AI Pin have inspired mainly frustration and backlash, which may only worsen as public anger against AI grows. Meta and OpenAI, however, are both pushing ahead. OpenAI is working with famed ex-Apple designer Jony Ive and plans to ship no earlier than February of 2027, per a public filing. Meta aims to launch a pendant-like device sooner, before this year’s holiday shopping season.
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