AI-powered operating systems are on the horizon, and they're expected to revolutionize the way we interact with technology. Essentially, these AI-powered devices will allow users to ask for outcomes and get them without having to visit apps or websites. For instance, an AI assistant could book travel, order lunch, or restock paper towels.
However, this shift towards AI-powered operating systems poses significant challenges for app developers and the tech industry as a whole. Historically, companies have relied on keeping consumers within their apps to sell ads, upsell services, and build loyalty. But with AI agents taking over this role, businesses could miss out on opportunities to monetize additional services.
Companies like Uber and DoorDash are already exploring ways to work with AI-powered platforms, but some developers are hesitant to cooperate due to concerns about losing control over the supply of their products. For instance, Rabbit, a startup behind the R1 device that debuted at CES 2024, encountered this issue when major app developers declined to grant the company API access.
Amazon has also sued another startup, Perplexity, over an agent that could purchase items on behalf of users. The startup had to stop scraping Amazon's site in order for its agent to buy products.
Despite these challenges, many tech companies are cautiously optimistic about the potential for novel app experiences mediated by AI tools. They see opportunities for growth and innovation, even if the business model may need to be reevaluated.
Meanwhile, OpenAI is facing internal pressure on research priorities after Vice President of Research Jerry Tworek departed the company. His departure comes as the company faces increased competition from Google and Anthropic.
As we move forward, it's unclear which AI lab will deliver the next breakthrough in AI. With extraordinary access to capital, computing power, and research talent, OpenAI still has a strong foundation for innovation. However, its competition has never been fiercer. The future of AI-powered operating systems is uncertain, but one thing is clear β the tech industry's business model needs to adapt quickly to this new reality.
However, this shift towards AI-powered operating systems poses significant challenges for app developers and the tech industry as a whole. Historically, companies have relied on keeping consumers within their apps to sell ads, upsell services, and build loyalty. But with AI agents taking over this role, businesses could miss out on opportunities to monetize additional services.
Companies like Uber and DoorDash are already exploring ways to work with AI-powered platforms, but some developers are hesitant to cooperate due to concerns about losing control over the supply of their products. For instance, Rabbit, a startup behind the R1 device that debuted at CES 2024, encountered this issue when major app developers declined to grant the company API access.
Amazon has also sued another startup, Perplexity, over an agent that could purchase items on behalf of users. The startup had to stop scraping Amazon's site in order for its agent to buy products.
Despite these challenges, many tech companies are cautiously optimistic about the potential for novel app experiences mediated by AI tools. They see opportunities for growth and innovation, even if the business model may need to be reevaluated.
Meanwhile, OpenAI is facing internal pressure on research priorities after Vice President of Research Jerry Tworek departed the company. His departure comes as the company faces increased competition from Google and Anthropic.
As we move forward, it's unclear which AI lab will deliver the next breakthrough in AI. With extraordinary access to capital, computing power, and research talent, OpenAI still has a strong foundation for innovation. However, its competition has never been fiercer. The future of AI-powered operating systems is uncertain, but one thing is clear β the tech industry's business model needs to adapt quickly to this new reality.