OpenAI Releases $230 Codex Micro Keyboard

OpenAI released its first branded hardware device, the Codex Micro, on May 15, 2024. This specialized mini-keyboard, priced at $230, is designed to allow users to monitor and interact with multiple Codex AI agents. The device is a limited-run collaboration with Work Louder, a company known for its customizable keyboards aimed at creative professionals.

The Codex Micro features six frosted keys in its top two rows that provide color-coded live feedback on up to six Codex threads. These keys can indicate the status of an AI agent, such as idle (white), thinking (blue), or task complete (green). Additionally, the keys can flash amber to signal that the AI requires human input or a decision, and red to denote an error within a thread. This visual cueing system is intended to allow users to quickly identify which AI tasks require immediate attention without needing to focus on their computer screen.

A single tap on one of these illuminated keys will bring the corresponding Codex window to the user's screen, facilitating a more streamlined workflow. The keyboard's design aims to enhance the user experience for those managing multiple AI-driven tasks, offering a tangible interface for digital agents. The launch marks OpenAI's entry into the hardware market, following speculation about the company's broader hardware ambitions, including a potential smart speaker.