AI Tamagotchis Are Coming: OpenAI and Meta Prep Hardware

Personal AI hardware has largely struggled in the past. Dedicated gadgets like the Friend and Humane AI Pin have mostly generated frustration and backlash. Despite this, tech giants Meta and OpenAI are pushing forward, counting on two main selling points: utility and cuteness.

OpenAI is collaborating with legendary ex-Apple designer Jony Ive, with plans to ship no earlier than February 2027 according to a public filing. Meanwhile, Meta aims to release a pendant-style device ahead of this year's holiday shopping season to provide quicker access to AI features.

Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event

While OpenAI's hardware didn't make an appearance at DevDay 2026, the company debuted a major new AI agent platform called Dots, featuring customizable colored blobs with eyes. During a press Q&A after the keynote, when asked if Dots would make their way into physical hardware, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman replied that it seemed like a very reasonable thing to assume.

“So, if you’re not wearing glasses, this is going to be by far the fastest way to talk to your Muse and to show it what’s going on around you.”

Mark Zuckerberg

Meta is more directly tying its hardware to the recently released Muse agent. Compared by CEO Mark Zuckerberg to a keychain, the device is called the Muse Charm and features a screen displaying the cuddly-looking AI agent, reminiscent of a Tamagotchi. Zuckerberg noted onstage that they packed substantial technology into the small device for rapid interaction.