OpenAI has introduced an unexpected new product alongside its first hardware device. The company is now selling a ChatGPT-branded basketball for people who want to own OpenAI-themed merchandise. The basketball is priced at $70. It is made from 100 per cent rubber, making it suitable for outdoor games because it can handle different weather conditions better than leather basketballs.
According to the product listing, ChatGPT Basketball “comes from the Pause. Play. Prompt. campaign, a physical reminder that creativity doesn’t just live on our screens.” While OpenAI has not shared information about the Pause. Play. Prompt. campaign, it likely aims to encourage people to spend time away from their computers and enjoy activities outside.
OpenAI is mainly known for ChatGPT and other AI tools, so basketball is an unexpected addition to its online store.
Also read: OpenAI enters hardware market with Codex Micro: What is it and how much it costs
The ChatGPT Basketball is not the only new item OpenAI is selling. The company has also launched a collection of branded clothing. One of the products features the message, “Good research takes time,” while another is a $175 quarter-zip with the word “research” written in cursive.
For those unaware, OpenAI launched its first hardware device just this week, the Codex Micro. The $230 mini keyboard is designed for people who use Codex, OpenAI’s AI coding platform. It is a compact square-shaped pad with 13 mechanical keys, a joystick, a dial and a touch sensor. The controls can be customised through the ChatGPT desktop app.
Also read: Sam Altman admits OpenAI’s past year was not its best, says it is his fault
In a video introducing the device, Work Louder co-founder Mike Di Genova explained some of its key features. He said the Micro has six frosted keys that offer a “live view of your Codex threads,” and uses different colours to show the status of a task. The lights can indicate whether a task is complete, running, needs feedback, or has run into an error.
The Codex Micro is different from OpenAI’s hardware project with Jony Ive. That upcoming product is reportedly still under development and is reported to be an AI-focused device that allows users to interact with ChatGPT through voice.
Only time will tell whether ChatGPT Basketball becomes popular, but it is certainly one of the company’s most unexpected products so far.