OpenAI and Work Louder: the Micro Codex Revolutionizes Coding

OpenAI and Work Louder: the Codex Micro Revolutionizes Coding

OpenAI is finally launching hardware. This is not the mysterious AI-powered device that the company is developing with former Apple designer Jony Ive, a project already mired in a complex lawsuit. Instead, it is a product designed to be used with its coding platform, Codex.

The device, a square block of buttons called Codex Micro, is a collaboration between the AI company and keyboard manufacturer Work Louder. OpenAI stated that this is a limited edition collaboration that will provide users with more ways to monitor and manage their agents.

The pad closely resembles Work Louder's Creator Micro 2, and marketing images show what appears to be an identical layout of 13 mechanical switches accompanied by a joystick, a dial, and a touch sensor. The device also generally resembles another pad that Work Louder produced with Figma in 2023.

OpenAI announced that the Codex Micro will cost $230 and will be available on Supply Co while supplies last. It did not specify how many units were available as part of this partnership.

In a video explaining the device, Work Louder co-founder Mike Di Genova stated that the Micro features six frosted keys that provide a "live view of your Codex threads," using different colors to indicate the status of a task, such as whether it is completed, needs feedback, is running, or has encountered an error. There are also command keys that can be assigned to common actions, such as push-to-talk, accepting or rejecting changes, and sending, and the device comes with 32 additional keycaps featuring Codex icons. The joystick and dial can also be used to start common workflows and adjust the reasoning level, respectively, and OpenAI claims that all controls are configurable from the ChatGPT desktop app.

The device is distinct from OpenAI's main hardware project in development with Ive. Details about this device are scarce, but reports suggest it will be some sort of smart speaker allowing users to converse with ChatGPT. Its launch is expected next year. The product has recently come under renewed scrutiny this week after Apple filed a complaint accusing OpenAI of stealing hardware secrets, allegations that the company has called baseless.