Nothing's founder and CEO, Carl Pei, has shared insights into the company’s ambitions for future software, particularly focusing on Nothing OS and its deeper integration of AI. Pei pointed out that smartphones play a crucial role in how people connect and access information, but he also highlighted the current dominance of Google and Apple in the market. "We’re thinking about how we maneuver here,” Pei stated, indicating that Nothing aims to innovate by developing an operating system designed to enhance user experience.
A Small Player in a Big Game
Despite his vision, Nothing is still a small entity in the smartphone market when stacked against giants like Apple and Google. Pei mentioned that putting all efforts into creating a fully independent OS might not be the smartest move. Instead, he intends to weave advanced AI into Nothing OS, utilizing models from larger tech firms to improve its features. Although Pei did not go into detail, his remarks suggest that Nothing OS could see substantial upgrades, potentially changing how users engage with their devices.
Personalization through AI
Pei believes that AI has made the process of developing operating systems easier, allowing for levels of personalization that other platforms haven't achieved yet. He ruled out the option of building the OS completely from scratch, prioritizing user experience over core technical elements. He stressed the idea that smartphones could become smarter by harnessing the vast amounts of data they gather.
You shouldn’t call it the AI operating system though.
While Pei did not confirm whether additional funding would be pursued for this initiative, he mentioned that Nothing could continue on its own if needed. He made it clear that AI will be important, but it won't be the main focus. "We shouldn’t call it the AI operating system,” he clarified, adding that real success would depend on "who can create the best market fit” and offer a captivating user experience.
HarmonyOS Next: A New Frontier
In a related note, Huawei has introduced HarmonyOS Next, a brand-new operating system designed to break away from the conventional Android framework. Unlike earlier versions of HarmonyOS, which could run Android apps, HarmonyOS Next is constructed from scratch, boasting its own application ecosystem and improved privacy features that Huawei hopes will ensure its independence. This OS, developed to navigate geopolitical challenges, aims to provide a seamless experience across multiple devices in Huawei’s ecosystem.
