The rise of AI agents: Are smartphone apps facing extinction?

At the Mobile World Congress in February and more recently at the Qualcomm Snapdragon Summit, a technological shift began to emerge that may redefine how we interact with our smartphones. The future of smartphone apps is potentially endangered as companies like Qualcomm advocate for a transition to generative AI as the primary mode of interaction on mobile devices.

At the Snapdragon Summit, CEO Cristiano Amon articulated a vision that challenges the traditional app-centric user experience. The proposal is to replace app-based interactions with an AI “agent” that would serve as the fundamental interface on mobile devices. This AI agent would access every aspect of a user’s digital life, handling tasks ranging from calendar management to financial transactions, and could even split and manage dinner bills.

This approach is reminiscent of AI assistants such as Siri or Alexa but significantly more advanced, offering a seamless, cross-device experience that adapts based on the gadget in use. Eric Dulkeith of IBM Research described the AI agent as a singular entity capable of handling a wide array of tasks.

The anticipated shift is supported by new technological advancements, such as the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip from Qualcomm, which will enable these AI agents to operate using an integrated neural processing unit (NPU). Next year’s Android smartphones are expected to incorporate these capabilities, while the recently released Pixel 9 series has already introduced the AI-powered Gemini Advanced to replace Google Assistant.

Despite these advancements, analysts predict that this transformation will be gradual. Leo Gebbie of CCS Insight noted that widespread adoption could take time as powerful AI NPUs are initially available only in premium devices. There is a consensus that apps will not vanish immediately but will gradually take a background role as AI agents become more prominent.

Qualcomm is preparing developers for this transition with its AI Hub, providing resources and tools to integrate generative AI features into apps. Additionally, the emphasis on on-device AI aims to protect user data by keeping information local rather than in the cloud.

Geoff Blaber, CEO of CCS Insight, acknowledged the potential for AI to revolutionize digital interaction paradigms but stressed that several obstacles remain. Convincing major stakeholders to embrace this shift is one hurdle, as companies controlling vast amounts of user data might be reluctant to relinquish their dominance. Furthermore, regulatory bodies, mindful of privacy and monopoly issues, may impose requirements that affect how AI agents are deployed and operate.

The path to a fully realised AI-driven smartphone experience may be convoluted, with potential conflicts arising from multiple AIs competing for resources on a single device. In this evolving landscape, apps are expected to undergo significant changes in form and function, likely serving as extensions to AI agents instead of standalone entities.

The Snapdragon Summit painted a picture of gradual change rather than an abrupt end for traditional apps. While AI agents are poised to become more integral to daily digital interactions, apps, as we know them, may linger for some time yet, albeit in a reimagined form. The industry stands at the cusp of transformation, with expectations that these new technologies will provide improved functionality and user experiences in the years to come.

Source: Noah Wire Services