The Humane Ai Pin and Rabbit handheld have garnered considerable attention for their unique approaches in combining generative AI with hardware. Humane, in particular, is showcasing its wearable as a glimpse into life beyond the smartphone. This raises the question: What exactly is the issue with smartphones? While the form factor may have reached a plateau, smartphones continue to be ubiquitous, held by billions of individuals worldwide.
Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to meet with Jerry Yue amidst the bustling atmosphere of Deutsch Telekom’s Mobile World Congress booth. Following a product demonstration and a discussion, I was impressed by the vision of the founder and CEO of Brain.ai (also known as Brain Technologies) regarding the future of smartphones. Although I reserve my final judgment until I spend more time with the product, the concept presented paints a vivid picture of how generative AI could be fundamental in the next wave of devices.
The concept of the “future of smartphones” may seem exaggerated, but it appears that major players in the industry are closely observing how first-party generative AI forms the core of the product’s operating system. However, for consumers, adapting to this new interface may pose a challenge. The paradigm shift in the smartphone operating system demands a demonstration to fully grasp its differences and benefits. While I was initially skeptical, witnessing the system in action highlighted its effectiveness.
The operating system is not entirely detached from Google’s open system, utilizing the Android kernel as its foundation. Like Huawei’s HarmonyOS developed during the Trump era, Brain.ai has created a system distinct from Android by integrating generative AI as the basis for user interaction, device response, and interface design.
While the concept of an “AI phone” is not entirely new, it is gaining prominence and will likely become a recurring theme in the years ahead. Generative AI has been a part of device integration for some time, particularly in areas like computational photography. Recently, companies like Samsung are embracing generative AI, ushering in a new era of technology integration.
With the increasing investment in generative AI by companies like Google, the trend is set to intensify in the years ahead. Companies not embracing this technology risk falling behind. Brain.ai takes a deeper approach with its utilization of generative AI, offering a new level of integration that surpasses current implementations.
From a hardware perspective, Brain.ai’s system adapts to various devices, starting with the T-Mobile REVVL. The operating system transcends hardware limitations, providing a personalized experience irrespective of the device’s specifications. The integration of generative AI transforms the user experience, marking a significant shift in smartphone technology.