OpenAI says its job this year is to make AI actually useful

OpenAI says it will focus on practical adoption in 2026 and aims to close the gap between AI capability and everyday use, and the company plans to reveal a first physical product this year though its availability is not confirmed.

OpenAI says it will focus on practical adoption as it moves into 2026 and aims to make AI more useful. The company is preparing a first physical product, widely reported to be a screenless device for ChatGPT-like interaction. Chris Lehane, OpenAI's chief global affairs officer, told Axios the company is "on track" to reveal that product this year but did not confirm when it will be available. OpenAI has said it is working with designer Jony Ive and LoveFrom, and CFO Sarah Frier wrote that the company aims to close the distance between how intelligence is advancing and how individuals, companies, and countries adopt it. Key facts: - OpenAI has announced a focus on "practical adoption" for 2026 and aims to make artificial intelligence more useful in day-to-day settings. - The company is preparing a first physical product, which media reports describe as a screenless device for interacting with ChatGPT-like technology. - Chris Lehane told Axios the product is "on track" to be revealed this year but he did not specify availability timing. - OpenAI is working with Jony Ive's firm LoveFrom on the product design. - CFO Sarah Frier said the company intends to close the gap between AI capabilities and everyday use and suggested new economic models could emerge as intelligence enters areas like research and industry. - OpenAI has introduced a free ad- and commerce-supported tier and began showing ads to users last week. Summary: OpenAI's stated focus on practical adoption is aimed at narrowing the distance between technical capability and routine use. The company says it will reveal a physical product in 2026 but has not confirmed when it will be available. Undetermined at this time.