The Rise of App-less Phones: Are Apps Becoming Obsolete?
In a world where smartphones have become an essential part of our daily lives, the concept of app-less phones is gaining traction. Companies are now developing innovative devices that leverage artificial intelligence (AI) advancements to create smarter virtual assistants capable of handling various tasks without the need for specific apps. This could potentially mark the first major evolution in smartphones since the introduction of the iPhone. However, some skeptics argue that it may just be another AI-hype-fueled gimmick.
One such company that is pushing the boundaries of app-less phones is Humane Ai. They have developed a wearable device called the Humane Ai Pin, which is powered by a digital assistant utilizing multiple large language models like ChatGPT. The device can identify objects, take photos, and project information into the palm of your hand. Its main objective is to reduce reliance on smartphones and traditional apps.
At CES last month, Rabbit unveiled their latest creation, the R1. This tiny gadget can perform tasks typically done on a smartphone, such as ordering an Uber or booking a flight. Instead of navigating through various apps, users can simply hold the push-to-talk button and command the R1 with their voice. This streamlined approach aims to simplify the user experience and eliminate the need for multiple apps.
Deutsche Telekom, the parent company of T-Mobile, also showcased their concept Android phone at MWC 2024 (Mobile World Congress). This phone can generate an interface based on voice commands, thanks to large language and action models from Brain Technologies. Users can simply speak to the phone, and it will create a customized interface tailored to their query. This seamless integration of AI and voice commands could revolutionize the way we interact with our smartphones.
A Phone, A Friend, a new Lithuanian company, is taking a slightly different approach. They are developing a smartphone with a conversational digital assistant interface at its core. The goal is to create a more personal and humanized relationship between users and their phones. The AI-powered assistant can remember your preferences, nudge you on forgotten tasks, and even write for you. While still in the early stages of development, A Phone, A Friend aims to make smartphones more intuitive and user-friendly.
Jerry Yue, the founder of Brain Technologies, demonstrated the capabilities of their concept phone at MWC. By simply speaking into the phone, it generated an interface based on his query. For example, when he asked the phone to find a flight from San Francisco to New York, it presented multiple flight options similar to Google Flights. Yue was able to choose a flight, review the details, and complete the transaction using Google Pay. This level of convenience and efficiency could potentially revolutionize the way we interact with our smartphones.
While these app-less devices show great promise, they do not completely dismiss the importance of traditional apps. According to Yue, the founder of Brain Technologies, apps are still relevant, and their concept device is an Android phone that allows users to access apps as usual. The touchscreen interface is also here to stay, as it provides a graphical element that complements the AI-powered features. The combination of AI and a graphical interface seems to be the optimal approach for these companies.
Sierra, a startup specializing in AI-powered agents for customer experience enhancement, shares a similar view. They believe that in the future, a company’s AI version will be just as important, if not more important than its app or website. This shift could potentially change the way companies exist digitally and interact with their customers.
The founders of A Phone, A Friend also emphasize the humanization of smartphones through AI. They aim to create a more personal relationship between users and their devices, transforming them into friends rather than mere transactional tools. Their AI-powered assistant can remember user preferences, suggest personalized content, and even rewrite news headlines to make them less clickbaity. While still in the early stages of development, A Phone, A Friend’s vision aligns with the growing trend of human-centric technology.
Major players in the industry, such as Google and Samsung, have also recognized the potential of conversational AI. Google is replacing Google Assistant with Gemini on Android, while Samsung plans to revamp its assistant, Bixby, with generative AI and large language models. These advancements aim to provide users with more natural conversations and intelligent responses.
While app-less devices have yet to hit the market, the Rabbit R1 is set to launch in March, followed by the Humane Ai Pin in April. These devices will serve as a litmus test to determine if they truly spell the end for traditional apps. The future of smartphones is still uncertain, but one thing is clear: the integration of AI and conversational interfaces has the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with our devices. Whether it’s a complete replacement for apps or a complementary feature, only time will tell.
