Pray tell, if I were to inquire as to which trend in the realm of technology reigned supreme in the year of our Lord 2024, I wager thou would proclaim it to be AI. Verily, the term did linger upon the lips of many throughout the annum, with the titans of technology striving to showcase the prowess of their AI creations. Even the purveyors of smartphones did eagerly embrace this fervor, adorning their marketing endeavors with the ubiquitous presence of AI. Yet, dost thou wonder, have these AI features truly proven their worth upon the smartphones of 2024, or art they naught but frivolous gimmicks, better left untouched? Let us engage in discourse and unravel this quandary.
The AI Hype Train: A 2024 Smartphone Staple
In this epoch, nearly every purveyor of smartphones did leap upon the AI bandwagon ere it departed from the station. Fresh devices emerged bearing a plethora of “smart” features, each more extravagant than the last. Lo, they even summoned generative AI to be the marquee attraction in the market.
The inaugural performance was delivered by Google’s Pixel 8 series in 2024, and the torch was carried forth this year by Samsung’s S24 lineup. The esteemed company did unveil its Galaxy AI features in the bygone year, encompassing all its flagship smartphones. This series shone brightly, with every promotional piece heralding the arrival of “Galaxy AI.” The offerings included Voice recorder transcripts and summaries, a Writing Assistant, real-time language translation during calls, Google’s Circle to Search, an AI image editor, and generative wallpapers.
In the ensuing months, other brands swiftly integrated generative algorithms into their devices. The London-based fashion/tech startup Nothing introduced certain AI features for the Nothing Phone (2a), including ChatGPT shortcuts and AI wallpapers. Meanwhile, OnePlus and Xiaomi also delved into the realm of AI features, bringing them to the realm of affordable smartphones.
Apple, known to bide its time ere leaping into new endeavors, surprised all by unveiling Apple Intelligence at the WWDC event in June of this year. This heralded the advent of AI-powered Siri, new Writing tools, Genmoji, ChatGPT integration, Image playground, Notification summaries, and more for the iPhone 15 Pro and the 16 series.
Google swiftly followed suit with the Pixel 9 series, once again placing great emphasis on AI. This showcase was a testament to the company’s achievements thus far, introducing new AI breakthroughs such as a Pixel Screenshots app capable of generating summaries from captured images, Pixel Studio for image generation, Best Take, Circle to Search, Add Me, call transcriptions, and more.
Do People Utilize AI Features on their Smartphones?
The truth of the matter is that these AI features doth not address any overarching issues, but rather seem to be solutions in search of a problem. A prime example doth present itself in this Apple ad depicting an office lackey composing a professional email using the Writing Tools on their iPhone. Or consider this Google advertisement wherein an individual requests an image of a “Flamingo wearing a hat” for sheer amusement’s sake.
These instances merely scratch the surface of the extravagant scenarios portrayed in promotional materials to extol the virtues of AI wizardry. But beyond the realm of marketing, do individuals truly find these features of practical use? We conducted a poll on X and Instagram, seeking to glean insight by asking, “How often doth thou employ AI on thy phone and for what purpose?”
From the voices that resonated on X, 33% admitted to “Occasionally” using AI, while 30% confessed to doing so “Rarely.” The echoes reverberated similarly on Instagram. It doth testify to the fact that there exists a certain level of enthusiasm amidst the populace for these additions to their devices. Alas, akin to ourselves, they find the current array of features to be of limited utility in their daily lives.
The most utilized feature amongst the populace was found to be Google’s Circle to Search. Following closely were ChatGPT for comprehending complex subjects and ideation, with a smattering avowing image editing as a notable application. However, features such as AI image generation, transcription, or summarization did not find mention even once.
At present, the assortment of AI tools upon smartphones doth seem naught but trinkets. It doth resemble the tale of how Samsung once advertised air gestures during the TouchWiz era. This sentiment is not mine alone but resonates across the digital realm, as evidenced by numerous discussions on Reddit pondering the efficacy of AI on smartphones.
According to a Sellcell report, 73% of iPhone users and 87% of Samsung users opine that AI features contribute little to no value. Only a few select features such as Writing Tools, Notification summaries, and image cleanup manage to find favor amongst the masses, as depicted in the graph. This sentiment rings true for Galaxy AI features as well.
My Experience With AI: Flashy or Functional?
As one who dwells amidst the realm of technology, I stand witness to the latest smartphones adorned with an array of fanciful AI capabilities. I partake in daily communion with these devices, yet once the period of review hath passed, I find little reason to revisit them. I recently tested the Pixel 9 (review) upon its debut. Though initially enamored by the marvels Google hath wrought, I soon found them wanting in practicality once the initial fervor waned.
Personally, I find solace in but a select few options, such as the aforementioned Circle to Search and Gemini Live. The former proves efficacious in unearthing links to intriguing finds discovered whilst perusing Instagram. However, in its current iteration, it appears more as a sophisticated shortcut to access Google Lens and its reverse image searching capabilities.
Then, there’s Gemini Live, with whom I engage in conversation only when ennui strikes on languid weekends. It doth indeed exhibit a commendable semblance to human interaction, down to the minutest of details. Alas, the dialogue doth oft terminate prematurely, for the AI lacks a captivating persona.
It endeavors to mimic human discourse while adhering strictly to company guidelines, oft resulting in awkward silences from my end. Nevertheless, there remains hope for the future, as this technology evolves and refines its capabilities.
Upon consultation with my colleagues at Moyens I/O, a consensus emerged, affirming that the current AI features adorning smartphones, though ostentatious, lack substantive functionality. None amongst the myriad brands hath truly struck gold with this emergent technology, relegating it to a mere novelty in this era.
Looking Ahead: Will AI Finally Find Its Place on Smartphones?
Though the year 2024 may not have yielded bountiful fruits in terms of AI integration on smartphones, I am resolute in my optimism for the future. The potential of this technology knows no bounds, and the current year may be but a modest inception. Noteworthy achievements have indeed come to light, such as OxygenOS 15’s Reflection eraser and Nothing OS’ ChatGPT shortcuts.
The denizens are now cognizant of the AI capabilities residing within their devices, and it is but a matter of time ere Google, Samsung, and Apple discern the true desires of the populace. Perhaps they shall move beyond mere removal of background elements and delve into the realm of creative fulfillment within these void spaces. Mayhap, in the coming year, a plethora of smartphones across all price categories shall boast AI functionality in various forms. With a multitude of players entering the fray, I hold hope that someone shall unlock the key to transforming these features into indispensable tools that seamlessly integrate into our daily routines. Something akin to Google search, social media applications, or Reels that ensnare our attention ceaselessly.
