When Humane introduced the Ai Pin last year, it seemed like the company was “solving” a problem that we don’t have. This wearable device is essentially a phone without a screen and is completely focused on AI with voice input at its core. A few months later, Rabbit r1 appeared, which brought a new type of his AI behavior. r1 can use several phone apps on your behalf.
These gadgets made it seem like we’d be inundated with AI products in the coming years, including the “AI iPhone” that Jony Ive and Sam Altman might be developing. However, AI is already installed not only on the iPhone and his Android device, which we use on a daily basis, but also on our main computer. All they need is the right AI.
It will be shortened to this month as OpenAI and Google deliver massive AI upgrades. His GPT-4o model for ChatGPT is now available to everyone, including users on the free plan. Google has built Gemini into all of its products, including Android, which will put AI front and center. And with GPT-4o and Gemini features already coming to mobile phones and the web, it looks like devices like Ai Pin and r1 are poised to become obsolete.
Ai Pin’s big selling point is its custom AI that perfectly processes voice commands so you can focus on the present moment. Real-world testing has shown that AI doesn’t always work properly and can cause issues with battery life.
But why buy an Ai Pin for $700, not including a second data plan, when your phone now has GPT-4o? Chats with are starting to sound like conversations with other people.
You can interrupt the AI without losing its train of thought, allowing you to update the prompt. ChatGPT’s voice also sounds surprisingly human.
Additionally, GPT-4o allows you to view and ask questions about AI images and videos. All you have to do is power your phone and give GPT-4o its “eyes”. It’s a much better experience than Aipin. Additionally, battery life is longer and there are no associated costs.
Gemini Assistant is expected to gain similar functionality later this fall, possibly as soon as Android 15 launches. Google demonstrated a Project Astra agent that works similarly to the voice features of his ChatGPT after the GPT-4o update.
ChatGPT has no control over the app, at least not yet. The same goes for Gemini. But the latter is built into every app and service Google offers. Interestingly, Google has built a new trip planner into Gemini that allows you to give complex instructions to her AI. An example from Google is:
My family and I are planning to go to Miami on Labor Day. Her son loves art and her husband really wants fresh seafood. Can you help me plan my weekend by getting flight and hotel information from Gmail?
Gemini takes your preferences into account, calculates your booking schedule and travel time, and suggests a customized itinerary. Gemini does not process reservations itself and does not process payments. But if Gemini can plan vacations for you now, I think future versions will also be able to make the purchases you need.
Why use a device like Rabbit r1, which is essentially an Android app running on an Android smartphone, when Gemini is already there?
I think other companies will want to offer similar AI assistant capabilities in the coming months and years. Microsoft can tailor GPT-4o to its needs. And Meta can add voice to AI. Then there’s Apple. iPhone makers should integrate AI capabilities into their products in a way that only Google can.
As for that “AI iPhone,” I’m already starting to wonder if we really need it if phone AI is going to get this far. We’re starting to see why Sam Altman teased in a recent interview that he might not want to use better AI in new products.