Artificial Intelligence (AI) is shaping up to be a pivotal force in the technology sector. From industry giants like Google and Microsoft to mobile-focused firms like Nothing, AI is at the core of future strategies. This trend has only grown over the past two years, with AI becoming a common feature across all devices and services. Carl Pei, founder of Nothing, anticipates even more growth in AI applications. In a recent interview, he predicted that AI would revolutionize the tech industry within the next five years.
Carl Pei, also known as the co-founder of OnePlus and a recognized figure among Indian tech enthusiasts, believes that AI will drastically alter how we interact with technology. During the same interview, he expressed his hope that his company, Nothing, would remain influential and help drive these technological shifts.
In a discussion about the competitive landscape and the prospects for Nothing, Carl Pei, in a video interview with Carlos from Mexico, elaborated on his strategy to stay competitive. He remarked on the cyclical nature of the tech industry, where new entrants can disrupt established players. “There used to be other players who were really important, like Nokia and Blackberry. They were unstoppable before, but then they got overtaken by Apple and Google in this cycle,” Pei commented.
Pei is confident that the next big shift will be initiated by General AI, potentially introducing formidable new competitors. “And very soon, I think we’re going to enter a new cycle with AI or Gen AI. And I think there will be new players that are going to emerge. And maybe one day, if we’re lucky, we’re the ones that have to look behind our backs and not get overtaken,” Pei stated.
Discussing Nothing’s five-year outlook, Pei acknowledged the unpredictability of the future but was certain that AI would transform everything. “It’s really hard to foresee even what’s going to happen in the next 18 months. So, in 5 years, I don’t know, I think AI will change the way we live our lives. It will change society, and I hope that in five years from now, we can still have a place,” he noted.
Regarding how Nothing plans to compete in the AI space, Pei emphasized that their immediate goal is to ensure their products are competitive with other AI-enabled devices. He mentioned that users currently compare Nothing’s phones unfavorably with brands like Samsung, which are known for their AI features. Hence, catching up in AI capability is a priority.
Pei also highlighted the broader challenge of improving how smartphones are used. He envisions future Nothing phones enhancing the user experience by integrating the operating system (OS) more seamlessly with various apps and devices. He suggested that the OS should be designed to recognize and adapt to the array of devices a user owns. “The OS should sit above all devices, aware of the devices you currently possess, and then generate the UI based on your available resources. All your devices, including audio devices, phones, and other forms, should be interconnected,” Pei explained.
