AI Toy: OpenAI Codex Micro

seriously... 
OpenAI promised "next iPhone-like" device...
delivered keypad for 10x price :(

Supply Co. x Work Louder | OpenAI

The Codex Micro is a $230 physical control pad designed by OpenAI in partnership with boutique keyboard maker Work Louder to monitor and control AI coding agents without constantly switching tabs. [1, 2, 3, 4]

Purpose of the Codex Micro

Visualizing AI Status: Its 13 RGB-lit keys show the real-time status of different AI coding tasks (such as thinking, waiting for approval, or throwing an error) using color codes. [1, 2]
Physical Approvals: It lets users tap a button to give Codex the "green light" to download packages or run tests instead of manually clicking pop-up notifications on screen. [1]
Quick Navigation: It includes a rotary dial to adjust the AI's "reasoning effort" in real time and a planar joystick to trigger specific workflows or actions like code reviews. [1, 2]
Workflow Focus: The main goal is keeping developers in a "flow state" by turning background AI actions into a physical, tangible presence on the desk. [1]

Is It Overpriced?

General Consensus: Many reviewers and online communities view the device as an overpriced, glorified desk toy. [1]
The Price Tag: Costing $230, it is significantly more expensive than standard macro pads or custom mechanical controllers, which can often be bought or programmed for a fraction of the cost. [1, 2, 3]
Functionality Limitations: Critics point out that it is fundamentally just a mechanical shortcut pad that doesn't actually make the AI smarter or solve problems that existing free or cheaper keyboard shortcuts cannot handle. [1, 2]
Luxury / Collectible Appeal: Supporters or buyers view it more as a limited-run luxury tech item or piece of OpenAI memorabilia rather than an essential productivity tool