L'IA de poche: des téléphones puissants en vedette au salon chinois

At the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai, tech firms unveiled a new wave of smartphones designed around artificial intelligence, capable of performing complex tasks through voice commands and autonomous decision-making. These so-called “agentic” phones aim to redefine how users interact with technology, potentially disrupting traditional app ecosystems. Among the highlights was Nubia’s NaviX Ultra, powered by Doubao, a popular AI chatbot developed by ByteDance. The device marks a step forward in integrating AI directly into consumer hardware, offering capabilities ranging from ordering food to managing daily tasks with minimal user input. The conference showcased multiple prototypes, each aiming to push the boundaries of AI integration within mobile devices. Nubia’s NaviX Ultra, while not attempting to override existing applications, instead focuses on collaboration with third-party platforms. This approach contrasts sharply with the initial version of the Doubao Phone, which faced restrictions from major Chinese tech companies like Alibaba, Tencent, and JD.com. These firms limited the phone’s access to their services, effectively disabling key functions related to payments and other critical operations. In response, ByteDance adjusted the AI agent’s permissions, restricting its power in situations involving financial transactions. Honor, another prominent smartphone manufacturer, presented its “Robot Phone,” featuring an interactive camera mounted on a robotic arm. This device is designed to respond to human gestures and perform actions like taking selfies or stabilizing video recordings. According to Honor, the phone will include an AI agent composed of multiple models, some co-developed with Alibaba, set to launch later this year. The company emphasized a “companion-centric” design philosophy, focusing on intuitive interaction and seamless integration with AI-driven functionalities. In addition to established manufacturers, startups are also making waves in the agentic phone space. Shanghai-based StepFun introduced the STEPX Neo, an AI agent-native smartphone. The company claims to have formed deep partnerships with major Chinese platforms, including Alipay and Didi. These collaborations enable the STEPX Neo to offer comprehensive support for travel bookings, daily purchases, local services, office productivity, and even video editing. StepFun’s chairman Yin Qi highlighted the importance of these alliances in creating a cohesive ecosystem around the AI-powered device. Beyond China, global players are also exploring similar technologies. Google has been enhancing its smartphones with advanced AI features, allowing users to schedule appointments and manage tasks more efficiently. Meanwhile, US-based startup Brain Technologies partnered with SoftBank Corp to launch the Natural AI Phone in Japan earlier this year. During a demonstration, the phone successfully sent an apology message via voice command, though it occasionally struggled with executing more complex requests. Despite these challenges, the product represents a growing interest in AI-integrated mobile solutions outside of Asia. Industry experts suggest that while the current landscape is fragmented, the potential for agentic phones to reshape the digital economy is immense. Marc Einstein of Counterpoint Research noted that no single player has emerged as a dominant force in this emerging field. However, he predicts that within five to ten years, the way users engage with apps on their phones will undergo a fundamental transformation. This shift could lead to significant changes in business models and user behavior, as AI becomes more deeply integrated into everyday technology. As the competition intensifies, the success of these devices will depend largely on overcoming technical hurdles and securing cooperation from major platform providers. For now, the agentic phone concept remains in its early stages, but the momentum behind it suggests that the future of mobile computing may soon be defined by AI-driven autonomy rather than traditional app interactions.