SoftBank will start selling the Natural AI Phone on Japão on April 24th. The device was developed by the American startup Brain Technologies. The device features a deeply integrated AI system that seeks to understand user intent and perform tasks without the need to switch between applications.
Yasuaki Adachi, general manager of SoftBank’s consumer business division, and Jerry Yue, CEO of Brain Technologies, participated in an interview about the project. The launch marks the first major commercial deployment of a native AI operating system at scale. The cash selling price is 93,600 yen, equivalent to around 590 dollars.
AI seeks to replace application grid with intent understanding
The Natural AI Phone uses a hybrid processing approach. More complex Tarefas runs in the cloud, while operations that require speed and efficiency are on the device itself. Brain Technologies worked closely with Qualcomm to optimize power consumption and add NPU support to the chips.
Jerry Yue explained that the focus is on the “humanity” of use. Hands and screen touch represent natural interfaces. Therefore, even with advances in voice and other formats, the touch screen remains central. The idea is that AI understands the user’s context and suggests or performs actions without the user having to navigate through isolated folders or applications.
- The AI agent analyzes what appears on the screen and the behavior history.
- Ele can perform tasks involving multiple applications at once.
- Exemplos include checking calendar, searching for a restaurant and confirming reservation via message.
- Há a dedicated physical button to quickly call the assistant.
- Dados conversation and use are limited to the device for individual optimization.
Essa architecture inverts the current model. Instead of placing AI within separate applications, the system integrates applications within AI. The result is an experience that reduces the stress of switching screens and menus.
Parceria exclusive with SoftBank lasts one year on Japão
SoftBank holds exclusive sales rights to Japão for 12 months. The device will be available in the operator’s store network starting next week. Pré-sales have already started.
Yasuaki Adachi commented that the schedule underwent internal adjustments. The company prioritized quality over rush. Strict Testes included AI hallucination checks and response time improvements. The focus was on delivering a complete smartphone, not just an AI concept.
The product also includes FeliCa support for mobile payments, meeting a specific request from the Japanese operator. Adachi mentioned that the initial audience should be made up of innovators and early adopters. Muitos knows AI tools like ChatGPT, but still doesn’t use it on a smartphone on a daily basis.
Desenvolvimento started with a proactive agent vision
Jerry Yue detailed that Brain Technologies built the system from the kernel. The intention was to abandon the old paradigm of hierarchical files, folders and applications. The agent must understand abstractions close to human thought and act at the deepest level possible.
Ele cited examples of how context is gathered in a similar way to coding tools that understand dependencies between files. In the case of the Natural AI Phone, the focus is on everyday tasks. The interface combines visual flair with natural language. An example is pressing and holding an element on the screen while speaking to generate new interactions.
The company sees humans as visual beings. Two-dimensional Informações are captured faster than linear voice sequences. Therefore, the balance between touch and spoken commands forms what they call “magic” in the experience.
Qualidade and continuous updates mark “Day 0”
Adachi reinforced that the launch represents the beginning. The product will evolve through software updates. The collaboration between SoftBank and Brain includes testing, customer feedback and constant refinement.
Internal Discussões occurred over the pace of development. The startup wanted to incorporate features quickly, while the operator prioritized stability. The result was a balance that allowed us to release a working device without disrupting AI progress.
Não there are public details about the exact timing of base operating system updates. The stated priority is the continued evolution of the Natural AI layer. Decisões on prioritizing security or new AI roles will be taken on a case-by-case basis.
The history of the partnership includes initial conversations with Brain through contacts with startups on Estados Unidos. Embora the main development was with Brain Technologies, SoftBank participated in testing and implementation definitions.
Ficha technique and what changes in practice
The device is compatible with 5G networks. Ele runs an adapted version of Android with the Natural OS layer overlaid. The AI agent can handle applications such as LINE, Google Calendar, Maps and other common services.
- Preço in cash: 93,600 yen.
- Opção special installment plan for new contracts with portability.
- Physical Botão dedicated to AI assistant.
- Processamento hybrid cloud and device.
- Suporte to FeliCa for payments.
- Foco initial in Japanese market with global expansion expected this year.
- Distribuição in more than 5 thousand SoftBank points of sale.
The central proposal is to reduce the friction of daily use. Instead of the user deciding which app to open and in what order, AI interprets the intent and coordinates the steps. Isso represents a paradigm shift compared to traditional smartphones.
SoftBank also simultaneously launched the free “Daredemo AI” service for users to experiment with generative AI functions such as image and music creation. The initiative seeks to familiarize more people with the technology before adopting the new hardware.
Brain Technologies, based at San Mateo, at Califórnia, aims to create more intuitive computing experiences. The Natural AI Phone is the first major commercial step towards this vision in partnership with an operator.
