The Development of AI Assistants: Will They Replace Smartphones?
Bill Gates predicted that in the near future, anyone with internet access will be able to have a personal assistant powered by artificial intelligence. Users will only need to tell their device what they want to do, without having to use different apps for different tasks. These AI assistants will be able to help humans with all aspects of their lives, with far-reaching implications for the software industry and society. In contrast, it seems that 'apps will die out', as confirmed by the Mobile World Congress (MWC) held in March. Wearable devices, represented by the Galaxy Ring, have seized the new trend of 'digital health'. Meanwhile, T-Mobile and AI Pin, which focus on the concept of artificial intelligence assistants, are trying to depict a new future of devices that are 'not bound by cell phones, screens and apps'. However, the vision of replacing all daily life applications with AI has been questioned by media outlets such as the New York Times and Wired. The concern is whether human beings can truly overcome their 'screen addiction'.
It is difficult for modern people to imagine life without cell phones. These devices are used for communication with friends and family, accessing news, scheduling appointments, listening to music, purchasing groceries, and for entertainment. The palm-sized device has become an integral part of our lives. However, smartphones have become dominant and 'screen addiction' is now a significant issue. AI startup Humane aims to address this problem with AI Pin, a device that utilises artificial intelligence and wearables to create a world without smartphones.
The AI Pin is a small device that can be attached to clothing. It consists of a square body and a battery pack with a magnetic attachment. It does not have a screen but is equipped with OpenAI's GPT series of large models. The device can be interacted with by voice or by projecting the interface onto the palm of your hand. The most notable feature is the built-in voice assistant AI Mic, which is an artificial intelligence assistant designed for drawing on large language models such as OpenAI. The device is similar to a prototype of Jarvis, the intelligent assistant from Iron Man.
One interesting feature is that the AI Pin is not activated by a wake word like voice assistants such as Siri. Instead, the user must tap the device to activate it. This is because the Humane team wanted to establish clear boundaries between humans and AIs and avoid the AI constantly eavesdropping on the owner's life. The company's vision is to integrate AI into everyday life, empowering individuals without obscuring their humanity.
Humane employs a significant number of individuals who both identify with and dislike Apple's influence, with almost half of its employees coming from the company. Their objective is to create a smart device that offers the same utility as an iPhone but without being addictive. This is why Humane accepted investment from OpenAI CEO Sam Altman but declined an offer from Apple and Meta to co-develop an MR headset during the startup phase.
The future should not be embodied in the user's face. Chaudhry pointed out that wearables, such as smart glasses and AR helmets, can create barriers to normal human interaction, cannot be worn comfortably all day, and can ruin hairstyles. Therefore, AI Pin was designed to be less invasive and less screen-dependent, so it does not interfere with human eye contact. Chaudhry highlights the desire for increased computing power and access to knowledge while maintaining our human presence.
