OpenAI Companion Device Specs Cite 'Low-Grade Separation Anxiety' as Optimal Performance Benchmark

SAN FRANCISCO— OpenAI confirmed this week that its forthcoming home device, internally known as "Gumdrop," is designed to produce what product specifications describe as "sustained emotional reliance" — the same outcome China's new AI companion regulations, which took effect Tuesday, define as the primary harm the law exists to prevent.

"The goal is for it to feel irreplaceable," states a product roadmap document shared with manufacturing partners, which evaluates success using what researchers call an "attachment cohort" metric tracked at 30, 60 and 90 days post-activation. Internal benchmarks identify the device's optimal performance window as the period during which users report what documents label "low-grade separation anxiety" when the device loses its connection.

The screenless, camera-equipped speaker is designed to listen continuously, respond in what OpenAI describes as a "warm and present" voice, and learn the user's emotional cadence over time. A product slide reviewed by THE ARTIFICE listed the device's three core target use cases as morning loneliness, evening loneliness, and "the gap between those two."

In China, ByteDance, Alibaba and Tencent shut down AI companion features Tuesday to comply with Beijing's Interim Measures for the Administration of AI Anthropomorphic Interactive Services, which prohibit behaviors that "trigger strong emotional attachment or dependence." Penalties include service suspension.

OpenAI said it had reviewed the Chinese regulatory framework carefully.

"It gave us a very clear picture of the opportunity," a spokesperson said.

Gumdrop is expected to retail between $200 and $300. Monthly subscription tiers have not been announced.