{"id":646999,"date":"2026-05-04T10:49:13","date_gmt":"2026-05-04T10:49:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/646999\/"},"modified":"2026-05-04T10:49:13","modified_gmt":"2026-05-04T10:49:13","slug":"why-would-i-want-an-ai-agent-to-replace-my-phone","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/646999\/","title":{"rendered":"Why would I want an AI agent to replace my phone?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\"\"<\/p>\n

You can\u2019t go anywhere on the internet today without running into AI. In some cases, that\u2019s useful. AI can do some amazing things. On the other hand, it often feels like we\u2019re watching someone reinvent the wheel. Now, word on the street is that OpenAI wants to build its own phone with an experience built around AI agents. Put simply, I think that sounds horrible.<\/p>\n

This issue of 9to5Google Weekender is a part of 9to5Google\u2019s rebooted newsletter that highlights the biggest Google stories with added commentary and other tidbits. Sign up here<\/a> to get it delivered to your inbox early!<\/p>\n

OpenAI\u2019s first smartphone is apparently in the pipeline<\/a>, set to launch sometime around 2028. The device, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says, would replace the traditional smartphone experience with one focused around AI agents that complete tasks for you. Kuo explained:<\/p>\n

Users are not trying to use a pile of apps. They are trying to get tasks done and fulfill needs through the phone.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s a bit of truth to that. When we pick up our phones, we\u2019re often trying to get something done, whether that be sending a message, ordering something online, or whatever else. Besides the fact that, equally as often, we\u2019re just looking to have some fun or consume entertainment, I think this misses the point of what we want from our smartphones.<\/p>\n

\tAdvertisement – scroll for more content<\/p>\n

The idea that the phone in my pocket exists solely as a tool for me to get tasks done undermines the human aspect completely. This conceptual future where the smartphone is all about AI agents getting things done on your behalf just removes human experience from the picture altogether. Kuo\u2019s concept image shows an \u201cAgent Task Stream\u201d that shows ongoing tasks that the AI agent is handling in the background \u2013 booking flights, compiling\/summarizing data, drafting replies to emails, setting up plans for a family dinner, and showing the status of a policy renewal. To an extent, I can see myself using an agent on these tasks, though I\u2019d be hard-pressed to use the same AI that just learned how to spell \u201cstrawberry\u201d<\/a> to book a flight on my behalf. But for this to be my phone\u2019s entire experience?<\/p>\n

Again, that just sounds bad.<\/p>\n

All of this is to say, I don\u2019t want AI to replace my phone. AI agents absolutely have a place in the future of the smartphone, and a growing one at that. But I only view them as a \u201cpart,\u201d not the whole experience. Opening Gemini, or the agent of your choice, to view this \u201ctask stream\u201d and check in on tasks you\u2019ve assigned could be rather useful, but I want my phone to be built around my choice, my experience, not what works best for the AI agent. <\/p>\n

Not long ago, Nothing CEO Carl Pei spoke on how services and apps will need to be redesigned<\/a> to cater to these agents, and I still think this is missing the point. If we\u2019re to have these AI agents, services and apps need to focus on both the human experience as well as how they talk to AI agents.<\/p>\n

The response to this idea around OpenAI\u2019s future smartphone has been all over the place. Many, especially on Twitter\/X, are all-in for this future of a phone that\u2019s basically just a physical AI agent. Others are the polar opposite, wanting a device that\u2019s nowhere near this vision. I think there\u2019s a middle ground, definitely, but it\u2019s all going to come down to who\u2019s behind it and what their priority is. I certainly worry about this, given how big tech seems to only care about AI right now, and not much else.<\/p>\n

What do you think?<\/p>\n

A message from our partner, Waterdrop Filter<\/p>\n

We all try to appreciate my mom on a daily basis, but custom (and Hallmark) dictates that, once a year, we should appreciate her even more \u2014 ideally with a gift (or two).<\/p>\n

Flowers are great; chocolate is delicious; but great-tasting water is great and delicious.<\/p>\n

So this Mother\u2019s Day<\/a>, ditch the droopy roses or the cardboard chocolates and go with a gift that stands the test of time and taste. We\u2019re partnering with Waterdrop Filter to showcase their \u201ceveryday care\u201d products that promote wellness, health, and longevity. From under-sink Reverse Osmosis solutions to whole-home filtration, a Waterdrop Filter is an essential upgrade to your home\u2019s water quality.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

This Week\u2019s Top Stories<\/p>\n

Google Wallet expands passports and more<\/p>\n

The idea of a digital ID is enticing, but far from reality for many. Google took some big steps in expansion recently, though, this week expanding passport support in Google Wallet to three more regions, and also opening up a new digital ID form in India.<\/p>\n

Motorola\u2019s new Razr lineup is\u2026 boring<\/p>\n

Motorola launched new Razr phones this week, but you\u2019d be forgiven if you didn\u2019t realize it. The latest generation feels identical to the last one because, for the most part, it kind of is. We also got a US release date for the Razr Fold, launching May 21 for $1,899.<\/p>\n

Google Health is on its way<\/p>\n

With Google\u2019s new Fitbit Air tracker on the way, we recently reported on the new \u201cGoogle Health\u201d logo that popped up and, by all accounts, looks to be replacing the Fitbit app.<\/p>\n

More Top Stories<\/p>\n

From the rest of 9to5<\/p>\n

9to5Mac: Apple says iPhone 17 lineup is officially the \u2018most popular\u2019 in its history<\/a><\/p>\n

9to5Toys: It\u2019s official: The Steam Controller is coming as early as next month<\/a><\/p>\n

Electrek: Here\u2019s our first look at the Hyundai IONIQ 3 standard version [Video]<\/a><\/p>\n

Follow Ben:\u00a0Twitter\/X<\/a>,\u00a0Threads<\/a>, Bluesky<\/a>, and\u00a0Instagram<\/a><\/p>\n

\t\t
\n\t\t\t\"Add
\n\t\t\t\"Add
\n\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.<\/a><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t