Chinese Tech Firms Unveil AI Agent Smartphones

Chinese tech firms are showcasing new "agentic" AI phones designed to understand user intent and coordinate tasks across various services. At the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai, companies like StepFun, Nubia, and Honor demonstrated these advanced smartphones. For example, StepFun's new StepX Neo phone can find the nearest EV charging station and order coffee to be delivered when the charging is almost done. Its built-in AI agent, Amoo, connects these requests and uses stored preferences for seamless execution. StepFun's AI agent can also assist with workplace tasks and travel planning. This is possible because its operating system integrates with major services like Alipay, Trip.com, Didi Chuxing, and Meituan. Nubia introduced its NaviX Ultra, described as the world's first mass-produced AI agent phone. It uses ByteDance's Doubao AI assistant to manage schedules and control multiple apps. Honor also presented its RobotPhone, featuring a camera with a built-in mechanical gimbal that tracks user movements. These innovations could change how we interact with our smartphones, making them far more proactive and intelligent.