Why dedicated AI gadgets should not exist.

Your Smartphone is the Ultimate AI Companion

Remember the days of lugging around a separate camera, an MP3 player, and a clunky GPS device? Thankfully, smartphones streamlined our tech by integrating all those functions into one powerful gadget. Now, there is a new wave of dedicated AI assistant devices like the Rabbit R1 and Humane AI Pin which are promising to be the next big thing. But are these specialized AI gadgets really necessary, or just a step backwards? They might be better off as apps.

Let’s face it, these dedicated AI assistants are like budget versions of smartphones with a hefty price tag ($200 for the rabbit and about $700 for the humane). Take the Rabbit R1, for instance. Dave2D in his review pointed out its underwhelming features and buggy performance. He said the R1 lacked basic functionalities like alarms and timers, and its “large action model”, a key selling point that allows interaction with apps, is still under development. Worst than that is the humane ai which, according to Marques Brownlee (MKBHD), suffers from limited features, buggy performance, and a short battery life, while still commanding a premium price tag. Why settle for devices that barely last 1hr and can’t even set an alarm when your phone does all that and more?

Mishaal Rahman, a renowned Android developer, recently exposed that the Rabbit R1 is essentially just an android app wrapped in external hardware. Can you imagine the absurd chaos of needing a separate device for every app? Spotify on a wristwatch, Uber on a key fob, Youtube on a… well, you get the picture. Well, these dedicated AI assistants are reinventing the wheel, asking us to carry yet another gadget when our phones already have powerful AI capabilities built-in.

A Glimmer of Hope: Wearable AI Done Right

Now, this isn’t to say AI has no place in our pockets (or on our wrists). Wearable AI like the Meta Rayban smart glasses offers a more promising approach. These sleek sunglasses integrate AI for tasks like taking calls, discreetly checking messages, or even playing music. I normally wear glasses, and they would be perfect for me. They don’t try to replace your phone; they enhance specific functionalities without being bulky or overwhelming.

The future of AI assistants lies in seamless integration with existing devices. Perhaps one day we’ll control our smart homes, phones, and even vehicles through a unified voice AI that intuitively switches contexts. Hum, I just described the Google assistant and Alexa which are present everywhere.

So, the next time you’re tempted by a dedicated AI assistant, remember this: your smartphone is already a powerhouse AI companion. It offers superior functionality, broader app compatibility, and a familiar interface. Let’s focus on developing intuitive AI features within existing devices, not creating a new wave of unnecessary gadgets destined for the tech graveyard. The future of AI is sleek, integrated, and most importantly, in your pocket already.