The advent of transformative new technologies invariably alters existing experiential logics while giving rise to novel product formsThis is particularly true in the era of large AI models, a time during which many individuals are zealously pursuing the ultimate AI device—the one that could usurp the role of the smartphone as the supreme terminalHowever, the current landscape—exemplified by the likes of the Rabbit R1 and other emergent forms—tells a different story: none approach the ubiquity and functionality of the smartphoneThe ongoing quest for the next super terminal has ignited disputes over the ideal medium for AI integrationA thorough exploration of the field suggests that smartphones have become indispensable to modern human life, serving not only as unparalleled devices but also as the most accessible and least costly interface for AI technology.
At the beginning of this year, numerous smartphone manufacturers unveiled their AI strategies, waving the banner of large models as though heralding the dawn of a new epochIn this evolution, the relationship between smartphones and AI is transforming, signaling a shift in the weight and control these technologies hold over one anotherMainstream domestic brands like Xiaomi, Honor, OPPO, and Vivo have recently rolled out the latest AI operating systems (OS), marking a departure from the previous year’s models where AI played a merely ancillary roleThis year, AI has undergone a profound integration with system architecture, fundamentally reshaping the existing user experience from the ground upThe emergence and application of smart agents are modifying the operational logic of smartphones, though it is important to recognize that these agents are still in their infancy and require greater collaboration with application developers.
When it comes to the concept of an AI phone, numerous analysts caution against claiming that we have truly achieved such a device, despite the deepening fusion of AI and smartphones
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An IDC research manager, Guo Tianxiang, indicated that apart from Apple, other manufacturers have yet to meaningfully merge AI with their systemsWhile there are hopeful expectations surrounding Huawei's Harmony OS, these are tempered by limitations in chip computing power.
The convergence of smartphones and AI is fundamentally redefining the logic behind product development, as highlighted by market research firm IDCA forecasted surge predicts that by 2024, global shipments of the next generation of AI smartphones will reach 170 million, constituting approximately 15% of total smartphone salesWith rapid iterations of new chips and user scenarios, the market share for AI smartphones is expected to leap beyond 50% by 2027.
In a smartphone market that has encountered innovation bottlenecks, the introduction of large AI models provides manufacturers with a rejuvenated direction for research and development, offering a fresh impetus toward iterative market advancementYet, the role of AI differs fundamentally from other elements, such as imaging, battery life, and cooling; this necessitates industry-wide discussion on how AI should be appropriately positioned.
Leading up to the launch of several flagship devices powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, various domestic manufacturers articulated their understanding and focal points regarding AI OS at developer conferencesTheir philosophical frameworks reveal considerable commonalityOPPO, for instance, outlines a three-phased approach to AIOS: application AI, system AI, and AI as systemThis emphasizes an OS’s core role in the AI smartphone ecosystem, suggesting that AI has transcended single-point functionality and evolved into a deeply integrated system-level experience.
In discussing the rise of OPPO's AI, Product Director Zhang Jun noted their introduction of the “One-Click Query” feature, which merges multimodal interactions—integrating visual and auditory data to respond to user commands
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This necessitates the orchestration and integration of AI platform resources, illustrating the demand for systemic AIVivo presents a similar philosophy; it asserts that while the arrival of large AI models has not fabricated new user needs, it has made existing interactions more intuitive and natural.
Vivo's Vice President, Zhou Wei, elaborates that AI is reconstructing user-device interactions to create a more intuitive experience, while also reengineering service interactions with the digital realm, thereby personalizing smart offerings and making the smartphone a warm digital assistantThis evolution is further represented in the connection users have with the physical world, facilitating smoother communication processes.
As the emphasis on AI's foundational impact continues, Xiaomi and Honor have also reiterated the need for AI to undertake systemic restructuring at its core, enhancing the proactivity of systems and intricately weaving AI characteristics into every facetHonor’s CEO Zhao Ming asserts that the future of AI OS must encompass various operational facets of smartphones, gradually diminishing the need for human intervention.
Despite all the optimistic rhetoric surrounding AI’s influence on system architecture, some experts warn that the reality may not be entirely straightforwardThe notion that AI is "devouring" existing systems reflects the reality of how AI has begun to alter established logical frameworksA researcher associated with an unnamed smartphone brand remarked that while suggesting AI is completely overtaking these systems might be overstating the case, AI is indeed reshaping existing operational narratives, evolving from a singular focus to a more interconnected and adaptive service function.
With the transition into system-level AI integration, device-side models are becoming increasingly compact, ushering in the era of smart agentsOPPO, Honor, and other manufacturers are making quick advancements in this direction
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The launch event for Honor witnessed a spike in demand for a coffee service managed through a smart agent named YOYO, bringing the device into contemporary conversations about AI applications.
Typically characterized as multi-faceted interaction tools, smart agents support natural dialogues that integrate voice recognition and tactile commands, deviating from traditional interaction paradigmsThey are designed to enhance user memory and comprehension, catering to personalized services and executing tasks within a particular domain more autonomously than previously envisioned.
However, current experiences with smart agents indicate that they remain relatively nascentGuo warned that while these agents can facilitate orders within third-party systems or execute searches, their ability to reconstruct existing application logic has not yet materializedEach smartphone manufacturer’s offerings seem limited to collaborating with specific applications, lacking a comprehensive approach.
Additionally, the evolution of smart agents faces financial constrictions, as manufacturers often require applications to grant extensive permissions for optimal user experiences and resource utilizationThis demand threatens to disrupt traditional app business modelsObserving the broader landscape, software application executives are beginning to recognize that if smartphone-provided smart agents can enhance user engagement, developers might be persuaded to relax permissions.
Overall, the emergence of smart agents heralds both opportunities and challenges for software applications, urging industry participants to find a harmonious balance among permission accessibility, enriched user experiences, and privacy considerations.
Yet fundamental questions linger about when genuinely AI-integrated smartphones will fully materializeThe current AI epoch marks a pivotal junction in smartphone development, inviting broader reliance on individualized smart interactions
The enhanced capacity for users to depend on customized interfaces and ecosystems could result in profound competitive dynamics among brands.
Currently, some manufacturers have initiated beta tests for their cutting-edge AI OS, offering consumers a taste of deeper intelligence and more intuitive operationsAs the smartphone market begins to rejuvenate, AI's contribution will likely fuel a renewed desire for upgrades.
As pointed out by Realme’s China President Xu Qi, the enhanced AI capabilities do significantly influence smartphone salesIn multiple overseas markets, it has surfaced as a widely sought feature among consumersHowever, opinions diverge about just how impactful AI features are at this stageIDC's Guo cautioned that, reminiscent of the introductory phase for 5G phones, while many high-end devices now boast AI capabilities, they don't qualify as essential or primary purchasing criteria for consumersRather, manufacturers are simply providing these features without much consumer choice.
This nuanced perspective provides an essential awareness about additional growth timelines for advanced AI experiences, indicating that the performance of AI will continue to resonate primarily in flagship modelsThe adaptation timelines for mid-range and lower-end devices must account for both performance limits and rising component costsAccording to Canalys analyst Zhong Xiaolei, NPU capabilities agreeable to the AI phone definition will gradually cascade down to next-tier and mid-range models, resulting in an anticipated increase in global penetration from 17% this year to approximately 30% in the next.
Despite these advancements, the question remains: can today’s smartphones genuinely be classified as AI phones? Consensus suggests not yetWhile AI technology continues to advance rapidly, it requires further maturation and the emergence of more powerful applications to realize its full potentialXu Qi suggested that the transformative AI experience remains an ongoing evolution, rather than-reaching fruition
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