During this shopping season, are you looking to give your friends and family a gift of "future technology"? Unfortunately, there are not many options for artificial intelligence gadgets. Since OpenAI launched ChatGPT in 2022, generative AI has gained significant traction in Silicon Valley. Despite numerous companies investing in developing new tools, there are very few companies that have truly created new hardware centered around this technology.
Analyst Paul Gagnon noted that at this year's CES in January, there were high hopes for generative AI devices, especially from companies like Humane and Rabbit, which claimed to offer features such as translation, answering questions, recording voice sleep, and setting alarms. However, commentators pointed out that many newly launched devices did not perform well, being slow and prone to malfunction. The initial promises mentioned by Gagnon now seem somewhat vague, and it has become difficult to explain these commitments to consumers.
Ben Bajarin from Creative Strategies pointed out that the main reason generative AI hardware has failed to make breakthroughs is the limited computing power of current devices, which urgently need more powerful chips and components to enhance performance, especially when compared to smartphones. Additionally, consumers find these AI devices to be overpriced and are confused about their actual functionalities.
For instance, Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses require a phone to run the accompanying app, and a stable internet connection is also necessary. Ryan Reith, Vice President of IDC's Mobile Device Project, stated that both Huawei and Lenovo are promoting new personal computers capable of performing generative AI tasks, but consumers are not buying in. "I think consumers actually don't need to purchase these expensive computers," Reith said, noting that people wonder why they should spend money on new computers when they can already access tools like ChatGPT on existing ones.
In fact, while generative artificial intelligence is currently very popular in Silicon Valley, its widespread application is still in its early stages. Bajarin mentioned that while he can list productivity statistics showing how people are using AI today, the actual number of AI users remains very low, and this technology is on the verge of true mainstream adoption. Steve Koenig, Vice President of Research at the Consumer Technology Association, also stated that it may not be until 2025 that consumers will see a real explosion of generative AI computers, smartphones, and new devices.
Although generative AI hardware has not made significant progress at this time, here are some devices that early users can try. Meta launched its second-generation Ray-Ban smart glasses in 2023, which, although lacking augmented reality features, allow users to take photos, listen to music, and ask Meta's AI digital assistant for information about their surroundings. For example, when you are wandering in front of supermarket shelves, you can ask it to recommend recipes. Currently, Meta is selling certain versions of the glasses at a 20% discount until December 2nd. Online, a Ray-Ban Meta Skyler model is priced at $239.20 instead of $299.
Next is Rabbit's r1. This $200 gadget resembles a mini orange tablet, giving it a playful appearance, and it is designed to work alongside a Nintendo Switch rather than an Apple iPad. The r1 features a camera and dual microphones, allowing it to record audio, set timers, and even help users recall past conversations. Although this device faced criticism after its March launch for not surpassing smartphone capabilities, Rabbit's representative Jesse Lyu stated that they quickly improved user experience based on feedback and released many updates. Despite challenges, the r1 has sold over 100,000 units, far exceeding the expected 3,000 units, and has a return rate of less than 5%.
Lastly, Bee AI has also shown weak performance. After raising $7 million in July, the company launched its generative AI device, Bee, on Black Friday. Bee looks like a smart IoT watch and functions similarly to a high-end digital assistant. Maria de Lourdes Zollo, the visionary behind Bee AI, stated that Bee can listen to and analyze voice and conversations to provide summaries and to-do lists. While Bee offers a version compatible with Apple Watch that consumers can purchase for $49.99 to enjoy its basic features, more advanced functionalities require a monthly payment of $15. Notably, during Black Friday, Bee also offered shoppers a three-month free subscription service, with the device expected to ship before Christmas.
In conclusion, while these new devices each have their unique features, consumers still harbor concerns about the practical applications of generative AI, and the tech community needs to continue working hard to ensure that AI gadgets truly become a part of everyday life.
