Joe Gebbia Spotted with Strange Earbuds in San Francisco
Joe Gebbia, the US Chief Design Officer and co-founder of Airbnb, recently sparked online speculation after being photographed using a peculiar metallic device. The video, shared on X and viewed over 500,000 times, shows Gebbia sipping espresso at a San Francisco coffee shop while wearing open-earbuds with a matching circular disc on the table. The device bears an uncanny resemblance to hardware seen in a controversial OpenAI hoax ad from February 2026.
Could This Be OpenAI Hardware?
OpenAI has remained silent on the matter, but the device’s design echoes a fake ad that circulated online. The video featured actor Alexander Skarsgård interacting with similar earbuds and a disc. While OpenAI dismissed the earlier ad as “fake news,” the timing raises questions. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Apple designer Jony Ive recently announced plans to develop AI-powered hardware, with a potential 2027 launch.
Similarities to Existing Products
- Soundcore AeroClips: Share the open-ear design but lack the disc.
- Sony LinkBuds Clip: Similar shape but no matching case.
- Huawei FreeClip 2: Closest match, though unlikely for a US official.
Why the Public Prototype Test?
Testing hardware in a tech-heavy city like San Francisco seems risky. Gebbia’s role as Chief Design Officer involves improving government website usability, not hardware development. Theories range from a soft launch teaser to a startup prototype test. However, OpenAI’s denial and the lack of official statements suggest this might simply be a coincidence.
AI Detector Results and Skepticism
WIRED analyzed the video using Hive’s AI detection software, which found no evidence of deepfakes. Still, AI detectors are not foolproof. The device could be a synthetic hoax or just an unusual pair of headphones. Until OpenAI or Gebbia confirms, the mystery remains unsolved.
What’s Next?
OpenAI’s hardware partnership with Jony Ive remains the most plausible connection. The company’s vision for “happy and fulfilled” users aligns with the device’s design. Whether this is a genuine prototype or a viral prank, the tech world will be watching closely. Share your theories in the comments!
