Smartphones are indispensable and considered the ultimate solution for our daily needs. Now, with AI lurking around the corner ready to take over things, a new question arises: Are AI-powered devices poised to take their place? While it may seem a tad far-fetched right now, the reality is inching closer. 

Despite our reliance on smartphones for WhatsApp, Instagram, and even ordering meals from platforms like Zomato or Swiggy, recent developments suggest a shifting landscape. Case in point: Apple’s acquisition of Paris-based Datakalab, signaling a push towards bolstering on-device AI capabilities for the future iPhone 16.

In another update, Microsoft announced Phi-3, a compact yet powerful language model boasting an impressive 3.8 billion parameters. What sets Phi-3-Mini apart is its ability to operate directly on your smartphone, marking a significant leap forward in accessibility and convenience.

In 2022, Nokia CEO Pekka Lundmark predicted that smartphones may not stay relevant in 2030. During the World Economic Forum, Lundmark said, “By then, definitely the smartphone as we know it today will no longer be the most common interface. Many of these things will be built directly into our bodies.”

How soon until we shift to AI wearables?

With the introduction of the Nokia 5120 in 1998 to foldable touchscreen phones introduced in 2023, smartphones have certainly come a long way. Currently, AI and machine learning operate behind the scenes on our phones, powering various functions, including enhancing photos, translating languages, identifying music, and aiding gaming. 

Now smartphone makers see a chance to gear towards AI. According to the latest update, Qualcomm and MediaTek have introduced smartphone chipsets that enable the processing power required for AI applications.

In 2023, Samsung unveiled its groundbreaking generative AI model, Samsung Gauss, marking a significant leap forward in artificial intelligence technology. Google introduced its AI-powered Google Workspace suite, showcasing the increasing integration of AI into everyday tools and services. 

Not stopping there, Google teased a new generative search experience, hinting at its potential inclusion in future flagship Pixel phones. Meanwhile, Apple has been diligently incorporating AI and generative AI capabilities into its products. 

Meanwhile, Pete Lau, founder of OnePlus, has shared that he is optimistic about AI and believes, “AI is a vessel and smartphones fit the bill perfectly.”

As technology evolves, innovations like the Limitless AI Pendant and WIZPR Ring are launched to harness the power of AI and interact with large language models.  

Next in line is Elon Musk’s Neuralink, which is working on producing electronic devices that can be implanted into the brain and used for communication with machines and other individuals. They look forward to making it as common as a smartphone, further opening up a world of possibilities for both medical and technological advancements.  

The Future is AI

With the Humane Ai Pin review, the prospect of trusting and embracing devices seems slim. However, this is just the beginning. 

Adopting a nascent technology product requires time to gain acceptance. The debut of the MacBook in 2006 was marred by technical issues like unexpected shutdowns and palm-rest discolouration, drawing a considerable backlash. 

Similarly, the iPad was initially derided as nothing more than a ‘big iPod touch’, casting doubt on its purpose and potential success. Even the revolutionary iPhone faced skepticism upon its unveiling, with critics highlighting the absence of features like a physical keyboard and replaceable batteries, which were standard in contemporary phones. 

As technology continues to advance, it’s becoming clear that simply upgrading our smartphones may no longer suffice. Embracing AI gadgets alongside our trusty phones and a pair of earbuds seems like a convenient approach.