Smart mobile devices, as we know them today, may have their days numbered. A technological revolution, driven by artificial intelligence, is underway and promises to redefine the way we interact with technology.
Projections indicate that, in the next decade, wearable accessories with artificial intelligence, such as smart glasses, have the potential to take on the central role of cell phones. This change is detailed in a recent Fortune survey.
This anticipation reflects a growing realization in Silicon Valley that today’s cell phones were not designed for the new era of artificial intelligence. Virtual assistants of the future will need to interact proactively with users, interpreting the surrounding environment in real time, without the need for manual commands or opening applications.
Large technology companies invest in new platforms with artificial intelligence
Giants in the technology sector are already in a fast-paced race to develop these new gadgets. Fortune highlighted that companies like Google and Meta are focused on creating AI-powered smart glasses.
At the same time, OpenAI completed the acquisition of Jony Ive’s hardware startup, known for his work on the iPhone, in a deal valued at 6.5 billion dollars. The goal is to launch an innovative series of consumer products based on artificial intelligence.
Cristiano Amon, CEO of Qualcomm, told Fortune that smart glasses are emerging as the main replacement for smartphones. He justified that its position close to the user’s eyes, ears and mouth allows artificial intelligence to capture visual, auditory and verbal information efficiently.
The executive predicted an increase in the availability of wearable devices with AI this year, with an expectation of accelerated adoption in the coming years.
This futuristic technology could allow users to ask their glasses to identify products, compare prices, or get answers about what they’re looking at, all without needing to pick up their phone.
Challenges and privacy issues on the technological horizon
The transition to these new devices will depend on sixth generation (6G) wireless networks. However, this change also raises important questions about privacy.
Future devices with artificial intelligence would have the ability to continuously collect data from users’ environments, raising significant concerns about the security of personal information. The balance between the convenience provided by AI and protecting users’ privacy will be a fundamental challenge for the industry.
As Fortune points out, companies that dominate the artificial intelligence competition will not stand out just for creating the best device. They will need to earn consumers’ trust by demonstrating that they are worthy of holding their most intimate data.