Perplexity AI, the search engine fully powered by artificial intelligence (AI), could soon market a device also based on the technology. But what could it possibly be used for?
Less than 50 dollars
“ We plan to make a simple device, worth less than $50, that will reliably answer your questions verbally. Just do it, but do it really well », Announced Aravind Srinivas, CEO of the startup valued at $9 billion. “ If this post gets more than 5000 likes, I will “, he continued. And the post actually got 5,000 likes, to which the entrepreneur replied “ It’s gone “.
While Srinivas did not provide further information, it is likely that this device has the same function as his platform, with the ability to answer any question in the same way as a search engine.
— Aravind Srinivas (@AravSrinivas) November 26, 2024
Hardware is gaining ground among AI companies
Obviously, physical products are of increasing interest to companies specializing in artificial intelligence. Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, collaborates with famous designer Jony Ive on a device using AI to create an experience “ which is less socially disruptive than the iPhone “. Likewise, the Midjourney teams formed teams dedicated to hardware during the summer, without specifying the exact content of their project.
Other startups have launched directly into the sector, like Friend. It offers a pendant housing an AI, directly connected to the smartphone, acting as the companion of its wearer.
There is therefore no shortage of ideas, but they still need to convince consumers. A task that turns out to be complicated. The Humane AI Pin, although very promising, did not meet with the expected success, pushing the company to look for a buyer. However, his device was intended to replace the smartphone.
Commercial success is far from guaranteed
In this context, the Perplexity AI project seems complex to carry out. Especially since a simple device answering the user’s questions does not appear necessary, while smartphones are integrating more and more AI capabilities. Additionally, apps like ChatGPT also offer such functions.
But the cause is not lost in advance. For example, the Rabbit R1 has been a great success. This portable assistant powered by AI had already sold 130,000 units in June, the company indicated at the time.
Questions about the profitability of such devices still arise, especially for companies specializing in generative artificial intelligence, which must spend colossal sums as the technology is expensive in energy. The bet is very daring, because it is not guaranteed that investments in production will be compensated in the event of commercial failure.
- Aravind Srinivas, CEO of Perplexity AI, said he wanted to create a device that answers questions orally.
- It would be marketed for less than $50.
- More and more AI companies are launching into hardware, but it is not guaranteed that success will be there.
