OpenAI has announced the Codex Micro, a $230 light-up keyboard designed to work with its Codex coding assistant. The device was co-designed with specialty keyboard maker Work Louder.
The Codex Micro is positioned as an alternative interface for managing so-called agents — semi-autonomous bots that can write and run code. Key hardware features include:
- light-up “Agent Keys” that display agent status;
- customizable “Command Keys” for frequent Codex actions;
- a joystick for launching common workflows;
- a dial that adjusts an agent’s "reasoning" level, effectively controlling how much time and compute an agent spends on a task.
OpenAI says the Micro can serve as a “command center for agentic work,” enabling users to manage agents without relying solely on phone or desktop apps. The keyboard is controllable and customizable via the ChatGPT desktop app. In an email to TechCrunch, OpenAI characterized the Micro as a limited-run collaboration, suggesting it is more of a novelty than a mass-market product.
Reports of a more consequential device in development
Separately, Bloomberg reported on Tuesday that OpenAI is developing a different, yet-to-be-released device described as a portable, screenless smart speaker that would integrate with ChatGPT and include “mechanical elements that can move on their own.” Details remain scarce and OpenAI has not provided specifics; Bloomberg noted the device is still in development and subject to change.
The Bloomberg report also states that former Apple engineers are involved in the design of this unreleased device.
Legal context: Apple lawsuit and OpenAI’s denial
The hardware news comes amid a legal clash between Apple and OpenAI. Apple sued OpenAI last week, alleging that OpenAI senior leadership pursued a deliberate strategy to obtain Apple’s confidential information and used it in developing its own hardware. OpenAI has denied the allegations of wrongdoing.
In summary: the Codex Micro represents a limited-edition hardware experiment aimed at Codex and ChatGPT users, while reports of a more ambitious, screenless, mobile device with moving parts point to broader hardware ambitions at OpenAI — developments unfolding alongside an active legal dispute with Apple.
