OpenAI finally launches hardware… for Codex

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- OpenAI launched Codex Micro, a $230 square button pad co-developed with keyboard maker Work Louder as a limited-run collaboration for monitoring and managing Codex agents, available on Supply Co while supplies last.
- The pad closely mirrors Work Louder's Creator Micro 2, featuring 13 mechanical switches alongside a joystick, dial, and touch sensor, and ships with 32 additional Codex-themed keycaps.
- Codex Micro uses six frosted keys to display a color-coded live view of Codex thread status — complete, needs feedback, running, or error — with command keys assignable to push-to-talk, accept/reject changes, and send, per Work Louder cofounder Mike Di Genova.
- All device controls are configurable from the ChatGPT desktop app, including using the dial to adjust reasoning level and the joystick to launch common workflows.
- The product is separate from OpenAI's primary hardware project with former Apple designer Jony Ive, rumored to be a smart speaker launching next year, which came under renewed scrutiny this week after Apple sued OpenAI alleging hardware secret theft.
Why it matters: OpenAI is shipping a $230 limited-run button pad built by Work Louder for monitoring Codex agents — its first physical product, distinct from the Jony Ive smart speaker project now under renewed scrutiny after Apple sued OpenAI over alleged hardware secret theft, allegations OpenAI says are without merit.

