Apple Teams with Alibaba, Samsung with Zhipu

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In a notable turn of events in the tech landscape, two global giants, Apple and Samsung, have both made significant announcements regarding their ventures into artificial intelligence (AI) on the same day, marking a crucial juncture in the evolution of AI-driven smartphonesFebruary 11 has emerged as a pivotal date as Apple partners with Alibaba to explore AI functionalities tailored specifically for iPhone users in ChinaWhile the exact details of this collaboration remain somewhat murky, the intent is clear: Apple is determined to tap into the burgeoning Chinese market while integrating advanced AI technology into its devices.

On the other hand, Samsung is taking a more concrete approach through its collaboration with Zhizhu AI, which promises to deeply integrate Zhizhu's Agentic GLM technology into the latest Galaxy S25 flagship smartphone seriesThis partnership not only includes various practical applications but could potentially redefine how AI functions within smartphones, creating pathways for innovative user experiences.

The technological leap represented by AI-enabled smartphones is only just beginning to gain momentumCentral to this development is the ongoing competition to create a comprehensive ecosystem where AI capabilities can be seamlessly transformed into solutions for scenarios that users encounter frequentlyThe partnership between Samsung and Zhizhu AI might provide us a glimpse into future advancements and real-world applications of AI technology in mobile devices.

The Grounding of AI Functionality

Despite the mobile phone's status as the most prevalent form of personal technology, the question of how to effectively integrate AI capabilities into these devices remains largely unansweredSamsung and Zhizhu AI's collaboration represents a forward-thinking answer to this questionThey’ll introduce robust AI functionalities that cater to real-world applications, including real-time voice and video calls, image processing, system function calls, AI-based searching, and even generating social media posts.

Delving into specific functionalities we can expect with the Galaxy S25, we can outline several exciting features:

  • Real-Time AI Video and Voice Calls: Utilizing Zhizhu's GLM-Realtime technology, the Galaxy S25 promises enhanced communication experiences with low latency, handling multiple data types simultaneously and accurately recognizing text within images or video feeds.
  • Intelligent Voice Assistant: This feature will come with multi-turn memory capabilities, allowing it to perform tasks like translating and searching with fluidity.
  • Voice-Triggered System Commands: Users can invoke system-level functions through voice commands, enhancing user interactivity and ease of use.
  • Social Media Content Generation: The AI can automatically create content for platforms like Xiaohongshu, Weibo, and WeChat based on uploaded images.
  • Instant AI Search: Users can engage Zhizhu’s intelligent agent for immediate, concise, and accurate search results directly from their phones.
  • Personalized Smart Assistant: The Galaxy AI will feature functionalities like schedule management and route planning, which will eventually integrate with the Zhizhu intelligent agent platform.

This pivot towards practical AI applications marks a departure from the initial nebulous thoughts surrounding AI

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Instead of lofty concepts, Samsung's collaboration with Zhizhu is about implementing AI that resonates with users by addressing their immediate needs and elevating the overall smartphone experience.

The Dawn of AI Smartphone Revolution

AI smartphones are not an entirely new phenomenonHowever, advancements in large model technologies are prompting radical shifts in our understanding of what an AI smartphone can beTraditionally, these devices relied heavily on cloud computingNow, the spotlight has shifted toward enhancing on-device AI capabilitiesThis allows for more efficient processing, a higher degree of privacy, and overall enhanced user experience.

According to IDC, global shipments of the next generation of AI smartphones are projected to reach 170 million units by 2024, comprising approximately 15% of all smartphone shipmentsIn the Chinese market, AI smartphones are expected to gain traction rapidly, with projections indicating a surpass of 50% market share by 2027. Moreover, smartphones equipped with generative AI features are anticipated to command an average selling price that is more than double that of non-AI counterparts, indicating a stronger inclination towards premium products in the smartphone market.

Indeed, the AI Agent features being introduced could be a hallmark distinction in the ongoing ‘close combat’ between Samsung and Apple, particularly as it relates to the pricing strategy for high-end devicesThe introduction of Zhizhu’s AutoGLM technology in the AI smartphone sector could open up new market opportunities.

In April 2023, Zhizhu AI embarked on research focused on intelligent agents, leading to the launch of their premiere product, AutoGLM, in October 2024. The core premise of AutoGLM—redefining how we use smartphones through AI—has reverberated positively in the marketplace, culminating in collaborations with other smartphone companies like Honor.

Opening New Narratives with AI Agents

The essence of AI Agent technology lies in its ability to act autonomously and engage users in multi-modal interactions

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For instance, the Agentic GLM from Zhizhu has the proficiency to process text, voice, image, and video data simultaneously and utilize various tools effectivelyThis evolution paves the way for innovative applications in the mobile sector.

Consider the numerous possibilities: the AI Agent could evolve into a highly personalized assistant that manages schedules or devises optimal travel routesIt will be able to engage users in a way that closely mimics human interaction by combining voice, imagery, and videoMoreover, localized AI capabilities reduce the frequency of data uploads to the cloud, bolstering user privacy significantly.

Investment firms have expressed optimism about the outlook for the AI smartphone market, notably praising the implementation of AI Agent technologiesResearch from Guosheng Securities highlights that Zhizhu's AutoGLM heralds a critical moment for AI assistants in smartphonesMoving forward, it is speculated that mainstream phone manufacturers will likely release their own Agent applications, either through in-house development or partnerships with AI model providersThe increasing processing power of devices, paired with ongoing optimizations in AI models, heralds a forthcoming era for the widespread deployment of AI Agents.

Furthermore, Citic Securities emphasized that technologies like AutoGLM would facilitate more direct interaction pathways, allowing it to respond to voice commands and execute complex tasks, hence providing immense convenience to users and potentially drawing them towards upgrading their devices.

With the maturation of AI Agent technology, it is becoming evident that AI smartphones are poised to play an essential role in the next generation of smart hardwareIn conclusion, AI Agents are on the verge of revolutionizing the way individuals engage with their smart devices, opening up possibilities that define the new era of smartphone technologyThe frontier of AI-driven smartphones is upon us, and the journey of AI Agents is just beginning.

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