Samsung Electronics is reportedly on the verge of supplying its latest Exynos application processor for OpenAI‘s upcoming AI earbuds, a move that not only broadens the chipset’s application beyond smartphones but also fortifies its collaboration with the leading AI organization. Industry insiders disclosed on Friday that Samsung is “very close” to finalizing an agreement for the Exynos processor, which is engineered using a 2-nanometer-class process, to be utilized in the device internally codenamed “Sweetpea.”
This news follows speculation from various tech news outlets that the Exynos processor is currently the “most favored” option, bolstered by a post from tech insider Smart Pikachu on X (formerly Twitter). The report suggested that OpenAI’s inaugural hardware will feature earbuds designed to perform actions typically done via an iPhone by issuing commands to Siri.
While both Samsung and OpenAI have refrained from commenting on the matter, sources assert that the partnership between the two companies appears to have strengthened, particularly after former Apple chief design officer Jonathan Ive joined OpenAI to spearhead its device initiatives. The new earbuds are expected to function as standalone wearables, eliminating the need for a connected smartphone, thus necessitating a processing power similar to that of a smartphone.
High-performance application processors generally consume considerable power and generate significant heat, posing challenges for integration into compact devices like earbuds. However, Samsung has indicated that the Exynos 2600 represents a marked improvement in power efficiency and thermal management compared to its predecessors, thanks to its advanced 2-nanometer-class gate-all-around (GAA) transistor architecture.
Samsung has cultivated expertise in crafting application processors for wearable devices through its Exynos W series, which powers the Galaxy Watch, an experience that could benefit its pursuit of this new market. Despite this groundwork, it remains unclear whether the processor designated for the OpenAI device will be based on the Exynos 2600 or an evolved variant of the Exynos W series.
Performance considerations suggest that the chipset may derive from the Exynos 2600, given the need for smartphone-level capabilities. However, elements such as a focus on low-power operation, sensor integration, and voice processing indicate that an upgraded version of the Exynos W platform is also a possibility, especially since the most advanced Exynos W1000 is already built on a 3-nanometer GAA architecture.
Should the supply agreement be finalized, it could signal a significant milestone for Samsung’s application processor business, particularly as the OpenAI device is projected to ship between 40 million and 50 million units in its first year. This collaboration could also help rejuvenate Samsung’s System LSI and Foundry divisions, which have faced losses in recent years.
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