AI on Phones: Gimmicks Over Genuine Help

2024-12-31

Phone manufacturers are touting impressive AI capabilities, but often focus on flashy gimmicks like face-swapping and quirky emojis instead of truly improving our daily lives. Features like live transcription are valuable, but they’re overshadowed by a barrage of superficial AI-powered novelties.

The true potential of AI lies in simplifying everyday tasks and freeing up our time. Instead of creating endless wallpapers, phone makers should prioritize features that streamline our routines. For example, imagine an AI that automatically provides real-time train schedules, eliminating the need to manually input information and navigate delayed train lists.

This “train time” scenario highlights a broader desire for contextually aware notifications. Just as our phones recognize nearby Tesco stores and offer relevant rewards, they could anticipate our daily commutes and proactively display train arrival times.

While this requires collaboration between phone manufacturers and transportation apps like Trainline, it demonstrates the power of AI to anticipate our needs and reduce the number of steps required to access crucial information.

Honor’s Magic Portal, which allows users to quickly switch between apps with a single swipe, exemplifies a more user-centric approach to AI. However, even this feature requires an initial user input.

The ideal future involves phones that proactively deliver information before we even search for it. This shift in focus would empower users to spend less time navigating their devices and more time enjoying the world around them.

What Undercode Says:

This article effectively critiques the current state of AI on smartphones. While the focus on flashy gimmicks is undeniable, the author misses a crucial point: these “superficial” features are often driven by user demand.

The desire for novelty and entertainment is deeply ingrained in human nature. Features like Genmoji and generative wallpapers tap into this desire, offering users a playful and creative outlet. Moreover, these features often serve as a gateway to broader AI capabilities.

For example, a user who enjoys creating unique wallpapers with AI might become more interested in exploring other AI-powered creative tools. This gradual exposure can foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of AI’s potential.

However, the author rightly emphasizes the need for AI to address real-world problems. Streamlining daily commutes, as suggested, is a prime example of how AI can truly improve our lives.

The “train time” scenario highlights the potential of AI to anticipate our needs and provide personalized, proactive assistance. This level of contextual awareness would not only enhance user experience but also increase efficiency and reduce stress.

Ultimately, the success of AI on smartphones will depend on a balanced approach. While entertaining gimmicks have their place, the focus should gradually shift towards developing AI that seamlessly integrates into our daily lives, anticipating our needs, and solving real-world problems.

This requires a deeper understanding of user behavior and a commitment to developing AI that is not just intelligent, but also genuinely helpful and user-friendly.