Are AI Phones Just a Gimmick?
Recently, Lu Weibing’s comments on OPPO’s implications sparked a debate. Lu stated, “AI is the future, an omnipresent capability, but AI phones are just a gimmick!”
In response, OPPO’s Liu Zuohu said, “AI phones are not a gimmick; within three months, other companies will follow suit.”
So, are AI phones just a gimmick or a trend? With the release of OPPO’s sub-brand OnePlus Ace 3V, although it is a mid-range phone, it claims to be the first AI phone for young people. OnePlus also positions itself as a popularizer of AI phones. At the launch event, one of the founders of 360, and a pioneer of AI in China, Zhou Hongyi, appeared and spoke about AI, openly supporting OPPO and OnePlus. Zhou Hongyi stated how AI impacts young people and made eight major predictions about AI phones!
Zhou Hongyi, who had also engaged in mobile phone production and sales years ago and has been vigorously researching AI in recent years, holds more authority on this subject. At the event, he presented eight major predictions about AI phones:
- The best tools for young people to embrace AI are smartphones and browsers.
- Large models running on smartphones will emerge.
- AI phones do not equate to “running large models on devices” but will be achieved through a combination of cloud and mobile methods.
- The basic functions of phones will be fully AI-driven, integrating large models with smartphone APIs and underlying systems to change the game rules.
- Mobile apps may disappear, disrupting the current form of phones.
- Smartphone manufacturers that do not pivot towards AI will become the next “Nokia,” marking the arrival of the era of Intelligent Smartphone 2.0.
- AI will enable Chinese phones to take the inside track.
- The popularity of AI phones will depend on the sub-thousand RMB category. Smartphones in this price range carrying large models will truly embody “technological equality.” AI phones must reach every household like PCs to spark a new industrial revolution.
Zhou Hongyi’s insights are highly relevant; smartphones are currently the primary terminal for almost everyone, especially among young people. To understand, recognize, and embrace AI, smartphones and browsers stand out as the best choices. AI’s larger models are the sophisticated way to engage with AI. Zhou Hongyi’s statement that large AI models will appear on smartphones indicates that phones will become smarter and more convenient in the future.
Zhou Hongyi emphasized that the basic functions of phones will be entirely AI-driven and that smartphones may evolve to integrate AI fully. He also warned that not embracing AI would lead to becoming the next “Nokia,” a harsh but realistic analogy. Nokia, once a global mobile phone giant, faded into obscurity amidst the rise of smartphones powered by Android and Apple ecosystems—a poignant example.
Beyond discussing AI phones, Zhou suggested that AI will transform phones, ushering in the era of Intelligent Smartphone 2.0. He predicted that AI will enable Chinese phones to take the lead in innovation.
Zhou Hongyi’s eight major predictions are highly relevant; AI will revolutionize not only the world but also the realm of smartphones. Meizu has even shifted away from traditional phones towards AI, and Apple has redirected its focus on intensive AI development, with other major phone manufacturers following suit. In the future, one voice command, one input—AI phones will complete tasks for you. AI phones represent a new era in the history of mobile development. How do you perceive Zhou Hongyi’s eight major predictions? Let’s discuss!