Do You Really Need That AI Device?

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In this edition, we take a look at the state of AI and whether consumer AI devices are worth the hype.

Earlier this week, it was reported that OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Apple design legend Sir Jony Ive are seeking $1 billion in funding to pursue their AI hardware aspirations. While these reports have piqued the interest of tech enthusiasts, it still begs the question: Do we need AI devices or apps enough?

What You Can Do With AI Devices Can Be Done With Apps Too

You’re not alone if you’re wondering whether you need dedicated AI devices or if your phone with AI apps is enough. For the most part, your phone is enough.

For example, AI software like OpenAI's ChatGPT and Google's Gemini are already running on our existing devices. These apps offer wide AI capabilities without specialized devices. But, there's a catch - seamless, always-on AI remains elusive on current smartphones. 

AI Is Not Ready To Fit On Our Phones Just Yet

The problem is that you still need to do a lot of leg work, right? Fishing out the smartphone from where you last kept it, unlocking it, then going to a designated app and navigating through that hole — basically, a lot of work, and AI is all about making things easier for us, isn’t it?

This is where AI devices come into play.

Smartphones in their current technological state aren’t enough. Google's Pixel 8 and Samsung's Galaxy S24 still require internet connectivity for certain AI features. Apple, on the other hand, is working to miniaturize large language models for on-device AI without cloud reliance.

If the idea is to have our very own Jarvis (from Iron Man) capability, where you state your intentions and technology just works, then we need more than just smartphones as we know today.

We’re Still Reliant On The Cloud, And That’s Where The Software Comes In

Many smartphone AI features are essentially shortcuts to more powerful cloud-based software and hardware. This allows continuous updates without impacting users, offering flexibility and accessibility across devices.

However, the future lies in AI chips optimized for mobile power constraints, which would enable truly local, on-device intelligence.

According to research reports, the global AI device market is expected to reach $473 billion by 2033, whereas the AI software market is projected to reach a whopping $1.5 trillion by 2028.

How OEMs Are Embracing The AI Wave

Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) have been integrating AI into products through software and hardware solutions. Smartphones now feature dedicated AI processors and neural engines for tasks like image recognition and natural language processing.

Since ChatGPT's launch, there's been a surge in AI software from smartphone makers. Samsung's Galaxy S24 boasts Galaxy AI with live translations and generative image editing powered by Alphabet's Gemini. Apple is also expected to bring generative AI to iPhones, with the A17 Pro chip's neural engine hinting at ambitious plans.

The AI Device Hype Train: Hits Or Misses?

A new wave of devices is hitting the market in the race to integrate AI seamlessly into our lives. But are these devices truly revolutionary or just overhyped gimmicks? Let's take a closer look.

Humane AI Pin: Wearable Convenience Or Missed Mark?

Touting a shirt-mounted design and palm-projected interface, the Humane AI Pin promises hands-free assistance powered by generative AI. However, early reviews suggest this wearable might not be our desired AI hardware solution.

Rabbit R1: Voice-Controlled Marvel Or Mere Mirage?

Hailed as a potential game-changer at CES 2024, the $199 Rabbit R1 aims to replicate smartphone tasks through voice commands alone. With a touch screen, camera, and connectivity options, some laud it as the AI-powered future, while others question the hype.

Brilliant Labs' Frame Glasses: Augmented Reality Genius Or Expensive Fad?

Coming April 15, the $349 Frame glasses boast "AI superpowers" like translations, web searches, and visual analysis projected before your eyes. But will these multimodal capabilities be truly revolutionary or just a flashy gimmick?

Meta's Ray-Ban Smart Glasses: Zuckerberg's Vision Or Hollow Hype?

Mark Zuckerberg can't stop flaunting Meta's $299 Ray-Ban Smart Glasses, which allow voice controls for calls, music, live streams, and object identification. But amidst the fanfare, are these smart glasses a glimpse into the future or another over-hyped Meta product?

The Road Ahead

As this wave of AI device offerings crashes into the market, the question lingers: Are they groundbreaking innovations or simply riding the AI hype train to the bank? Time will ultimately judge their real-world usability and seamless integration into our lives.

What It Means

• For you (consumers): Think smarter homes that learn your habits, devices that offer tailored experiences, easier ways to control things, and better security.

• For businesses: More efficient operations, better data-driven decisions, machines that can predict problems to prevent them, boring tasks get done automatically, and new ways of working.

What's Coming

• AI on the edge: Your devices get faster and work better offline because they'll have their mini-brains. This also protects your privacy.

• Super-efficient chips: Inspired by how our brains work, these chips could give devices amazing new AI abilities.

What Are The Challenges

• Cost: AI-specific hardware can be expensive for both consumers and businesses.

• Security: Hardware vulnerabilities could be exploited to compromise AI systems.

• Ethical Considerations: Ensuring fairness, accountability, and responsible use of AI hardware in both consumer and enterprise settings.

That's all for this week! If you found these updates useful, you'll like more from this newsletter. Get deeper dives, hot takes, and all the latest tech news delivered straight to your inbox.