Tech giants are betting big on AI-powered devices, with Amazon, Meta, and OpenAI racing to develop "operating systems" that can seamlessly integrate into our daily lives. The idea is simple: instead of tapping through apps filled with ads and upsells, we'll be able to ask for an outcome, and get it. An AI assistant will book our travel, order us lunch, or restock our paper towels β all without the need to visit a website.
However, this new paradigm has major implications for businesses built around consumer tech companies. Uber and DoorDash have historically relied on keeping consumers in their apps, where they can serve ads, upsell other services, and build loyalty to keep users coming back. But AI-powered operating systems could strip these businesses down to their core services, reducing the need for users to visit the apps at all.
This has already happened with Rabbit, a startup behind the R1 device that debuted at CES 2024. Despite its best efforts, major app developers like Uber refused to grant access, leading the company to build workarounds to tap into existing apps.
Meanwhile, Amazon is suing Perplexity over an agent it offered that could purchase items on behalf of users. This move has raised questions about the potential for AI-powered operating systems to disrupt traditional business models.
Despite these challenges, many tech companies are cautiously optimistic about the potential for novel app experiences mediated by AI tools. Companies like DoorDash, Instacart, and Expedia have signed up to build early forms of AI apps within ChatGPT, while Ticketmaster, Uber, and OpenTable debuted as early features for Alexa+.
However, it's still unclear how these new operating systems will be funded, especially in a world where ad revenue is declining. The answer may lie in the development of new business models that prioritize user experience over profit margins.
One thing is certain: the future of AI-powered devices will be shaped by the tech industry's ability to navigate these complex questions and create innovative solutions that benefit users while generating revenue for companies.
However, this new paradigm has major implications for businesses built around consumer tech companies. Uber and DoorDash have historically relied on keeping consumers in their apps, where they can serve ads, upsell other services, and build loyalty to keep users coming back. But AI-powered operating systems could strip these businesses down to their core services, reducing the need for users to visit the apps at all.
This has already happened with Rabbit, a startup behind the R1 device that debuted at CES 2024. Despite its best efforts, major app developers like Uber refused to grant access, leading the company to build workarounds to tap into existing apps.
Meanwhile, Amazon is suing Perplexity over an agent it offered that could purchase items on behalf of users. This move has raised questions about the potential for AI-powered operating systems to disrupt traditional business models.
Despite these challenges, many tech companies are cautiously optimistic about the potential for novel app experiences mediated by AI tools. Companies like DoorDash, Instacart, and Expedia have signed up to build early forms of AI apps within ChatGPT, while Ticketmaster, Uber, and OpenTable debuted as early features for Alexa+.
However, it's still unclear how these new operating systems will be funded, especially in a world where ad revenue is declining. The answer may lie in the development of new business models that prioritize user experience over profit margins.
One thing is certain: the future of AI-powered devices will be shaped by the tech industry's ability to navigate these complex questions and create innovative solutions that benefit users while generating revenue for companies.