Joe Gebbia & Mysterious OpenAI Device: AI Hardware Leak?

What is Joe Gebbia, the co-founder of Airbnb and recently appointed US Chief Design Officer, using? A social media post showing Gebbia with a curious metallic device – resembling earbuds paired with a small, clamshell-shaped disc – has sparked speculation online. The image, circulating on X (formerly Twitter), has ignited theories ranging from a prototype OpenAI hardware device to a new open-ear audio technology. The mystery surrounding the device underscores the growing interest in wearable AI and the potential for discreet, integrated technology.

The Device: A Closer Look

The device appears to consist of two metallic earbuds that don’t fully occlude the ear canal – a design known as “open-ear” – and a small, circular disc. The earbuds bisect Gebbia’s ears in the photo, and the disc rests on the counter in front of him. This configuration immediately drew comparisons to a widely circulated, but ultimately debunked, promotional video for OpenAI hardware that surfaced in February. That video featured actor Alexander Skarsgård interacting with a similar-looking device. OpenAI President Greg Brockman quickly dismissed the video as “fake news” on X at the time.

Although the OpenAI connection is a popular theory, several commercially available products share design similarities with Gebbia’s device. Huawei’s FreeClip 2, released earlier this year, features a comparable open-ear design. However, the case accompanying the FreeClip 2 doesn’t match the clamshell-shaped disc seen with Gebbia. Given Gebbia’s position as a government official, using technology from Huawei, a Chinese company facing security concerns and effectively banned from selling phones in the US, would be unusual.

Experts at WIRED suggest the earbuds are most likely open-ear models, citing similarities to the Soundcore AeroClips or Sony’s LinkBuds Clip. However, the case remains unidentified.

Open-Ear Technology: How It Works

Open-ear earbuds, unlike traditional earbuds or headphones, don’t seal off the ear canal. Instead, they transmit sound via bone conduction or directional audio, leaving the ear open to ambient sounds. This design offers several advantages. Users can remain aware of their surroundings, enhancing safety during activities like running or cycling. They also tend to be more comfortable for extended wear, as they avoid the pressure buildup associated with in-ear designs. The trade-off is typically lower sound isolation and potentially reduced bass response compared to traditional earbuds.

The OpenAI Connection: Speculation and Denial

The timing of Gebbia’s sighting coincides with increasing anticipation for potential hardware releases from OpenAI. The company, known for its AI models like ChatGPT and DALL-E, has been actively exploring hardware development in partnership with Jony Ive, Apple’s former chief design officer as reported by Wired. Rumors suggest OpenAI may ship devices to consumers as early as 2027.

The possibility that Gebbia is testing a prototype OpenAI device is compelling, given Ive’s involvement and the visual similarities to the earlier, debunked promotional video. However, OpenAI has declined to comment on the matter, maintaining its previous denial of involvement with the initial “fake” ad.

AI Detection and the Potential for Deepfakes

Adding another layer of complexity, WIRED tested the image and video of Gebbia using AI detection software from Hive. The software indicated a low probability that the imagery was AI-generated. However, it’s crucial to note that AI detection tools are not foolproof and can produce false positives. The possibility of a sophisticated deepfake cannot be entirely ruled out.

Gebbia’s Role and Government Tech Adoption

Joe Gebbia’s appointment as the first Chief Design Officer of the United States in August 2025, under President Donald Trump, is central to this story. He was tasked with leading the National Design Studio within the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Gebbia’s background as the co-founder of Airbnb suggests a focus on user-centered design and streamlined digital experiences. His role aims to improve the usability and accessibility of government websites and services.

The fact that Gebbia, a high-ranking government official, is seen using an unidentifiable piece of technology raises questions about potential government adoption of emerging technologies. It also highlights the challenges of balancing innovation with security concerns, particularly when considering technology from companies like Huawei.

What’s Next: Unraveling the Mystery

For now, the identity of the device remains unknown. Further investigation is needed to determine its origin and functionality. It’s possible Gebbia will address the speculation directly, but he has not yet responded to requests for comment. The situation underscores the increasing difficulty of distinguishing between genuine product launches, prototypes, and sophisticated disinformation in the rapidly evolving tech landscape. The coming months will likely reveal whether this is a glimpse into the future of wearable AI, a clever marketing ploy, or simply a case of a design-focused official experimenting with new audio technology.