Nothing Phone (3) launch probably delayed; CEO prioritizes AI
What's the story
Nothing might have delayed the launch of its next flagship, the Phone (3). In a recent video, the company's founder, Carl Pei, can be seen prioritizing artificial intelligence (AI). However, he also added, "Expect to see some of these features starting to come out with the Phone 3 next year." The phrasing is slightly confusing as it could be interpreted to mean either Phone (3) will launch next year or that these features will debut on the device next year.
AI integration
Unique experiences to bridge user-app interaction
Pei envisions a future where smartphones operate without apps and instead use AI to facilitate interaction. However, he explained that creating a phone without apps is not feasible. Instead, Nothing is developing unique AI experiences that act as bridges between the user and the apps installed on the phone. These features will be gradually introduced starting with Phone (3) next year, offering a customizable intelligent chat assistant and a unique home screen filled with contextual information.
New features
AI companion and home screen interface
During his presentation, Pei introduced an AI companion that appears on the phone's onboarding screen to personalize itself based on user needs. A new home screen interface was also showcased, featuring multiple square widget-like boxes displaying dynamic and contextual information curated by the AI. Pei emphasized that this integration of hardware and AI aims to create useful features for users.
AI capabilities
Phone (3) to feature deeply integrated AI
The upcoming Phone (3) will feature deeply integrated AI within the operating system to deliver a personalized user experience. Pei stated that the reimagined home screen will serve as a window to launch apps and deliver information. The AI companion, described by Pei as "fun, thoughtful, and will also have a good sense of humor," will be accessible from various interfaces including the home screen, lock screen, glyph interface, and even via earphones.
Twitter Post
Take a look at Pei's post
There's been a lot of hype around AI. Some great, some confusing. It’s great to see new companies rethinking the user experience and form factors. However, there is no doubt that smartphones will remain the main consumer AI form factor for the foreseeable future. With over 4… pic.twitter.com/ERJc7xhwBa
— Carl Pei (@getpeid) June 5, 2024