Some observers might be underwhelmed with the current state of smartphone AI use cases, as they might see somewhat-limited value for other artificial intelligence use cases. There has not yet been an equivalent of an “iPhone moment” when value crystallized in a new way.
But that is a common theme for any new computing technology.
In fact, we might argue that prior “iPhone” moments have happened for prior waves of computing technology.
The introduction of the IBM PC in 1981 was a pivotal moment for personal computing within the business world.
The launch of the Apple Macintosh in 1984 popularized the graphical user interface, revolutionizing how people interacted with computers and making computing more intuitive and accessible to a broader audience.
The Mosaic web browser release in 1993 played a crucial role in popularizing the World Wide Web, making the internet more user-friendly and visually appealing.
The launch of the App Store in 2008 created a new ecosystem for mobile software.
The debut of Siri on the iPhone 4S in 2011 changed how people interacted with their smartphones.
There arguably is a predictable pattern of new technology incremental improvement, infrastructure development, and the creation of compelling use cases, even if the first implementations are unspectacular.
Network effects might often explain why value increases over time, but attractive experiences people desire also have to be created. And that typically takes some time and much trial and error, plus creation of ecosystems of capability.
Ride hailing doesn’t work without smartphones. E-commerce doesn’t work without secure and easy payments. Visual media doesn’t work without broadband. Food delivery doesn’t work without smartphones, location ability, navigation, ordering, payment and fulfillment systems.
Internet value, for example, grew over time. In the 1970s and 1980s the internet was primarily a text-based tool for researchers and government agencies, used for sharing files and messages.
The World Wide Web brought user-friendly multimedia browsers while internet access moved from slow dial-up to broadband.
Likewise, early web apps were static and limited, offering basic interactivity like online forms. Today’s apps are highly-dynamic, personalized and capable of transaction support of many types.
Cloud computing, social media, search and e-commerce likewise progressed in similar fashion.
And there are network effects. Online maps lead to turn-by-turn directions (navigation) to contextual information to ride hailing using smartphones.
The point is that usefulness develops over time as the ecosystem grows; the platforms improve and innovators create new and desired experiences.
The “iPhone moment” for smartphone AI might likewise take some time. But it will come.
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