 |
|
|
|||||
Apples annual iPhone event is happening next week, when the company is expected to unveil a range of new devices that includes its thinnest phone to date. Its also the first iPhone event since the embarrassing Apple Intelligence flub earlier this year, which saw the company push back AI-powered Siri features announced last year all the way into 2026. Apple is rarely first to introduce cutting-edge new features, instead preferring to wait until it can offer a differentiated take on technology thats ready for the mainstream. With AI, though, Apple has essentially issued a mea culpa; it actually wanted to jump into the fray, but just couldnt get ready in time. With that in mind, its worth looking at the current smartphone landscape to see what the new iPhones will be going up against. Apple made the case last year that AI would transform the smartphone experience, even if it whiffed on actually shipping anything to that end. So what about the alternatives? {"blockType":"creator-network-promo","data":{"mediaUrl":"https:\/\/images.fastcompany.com\/image\/upload\/f_webp,q_auto,c_fit\/wp-cms-2\/2025\/03\/multicore_logo.jpg","headline":"Multicore","description":"Multicore is about technology hardware and design. It's written from Tokyo by Sam Byford. To learn more visit multicore.blog","substackDomain":"https:\/\/www.multicore.blog","colorTheme":"salmon","redirectUrl":""}} Google Pixel 10 Pro The just-announced Pixel 10 Pro phones are Googles most advanced yet when it comes to AI capabilities, and arguably the most AI-forward options on the market. Googles AI focus with the Pixel 10 line goes right down to the decisions it made with the Tensor G5 system-on-chip, which was designed in-house and, for the first time, fabricated on TSMCs leading-edge 3nm process. But that hasnt brought a huge leap in performance; instead, Google is devoting a huge amount of the die space to Tensor cores, which handle on-device processing tasks. That means that the Pixel 10 doesnt perform all that well in benchmarks or gaming compared to other current flagship phonesGoogle is putting its silicon where its mouth is when it comes to the importance of AI. This year, Magic Cue is the most prominent new AI feature, and its notably reminiscent of what Apple claimed the iPhone would be able to do with Apple Intelligence. Its a context-aware feature that proactively surfaces information from across your other apps; for example, if youre in a chat and a friend mentions a restaurant reservation thats buried in another inbox, Magic Cue will suggest the information and relevant actions right there within your current app. This all runs on-device using Googles Gemini Nano model. Pixel phones have long been ahead of the curve when it comes to processing language on-device. The auto-transcribing Recorder app is a godsend for journalists, while the ability to automatically add translated subtitles to any audio or video in real time opens up whole new worlds of content. This year, the Pixel 10 adds the ability to translate phone calls in real time, meaning the person on the other end of the call hears you talking in their language in what sounds something like your own voice. Its hard to say exactly how reliant the Pixel phones are on their AI-focused silicon, because most of these features simply dont work on other phones. What is clear, though, is that Google has identified AI as the biggest differentiator for its own smartphones, which historically have been a minor player in terms of market share. This feels like more of a long-term play rather than something that will attract most consumers today. But its hard to deny that the Pixel 10 Pro offers the most advanced and complete implementation of AI technology on a smartphone today. Samsung Galaxy Samsung, meanwhile, didnt shower itself in glory during the years when it was pushing its Bixby voice assistant on everyone, but Galaxy phones are in much better shape today when it comes to AI. Although much of the Galaxy AI suite relies heavily on Googles own technology, Samsung has implemented it in smart ways and benefits from tight collaboration with Google. The Circle to Search feature, for example, which scans whats on your screen for text and visual information and lets you search based on that, actually made its debut on Samsung phones in 2024 before later coming to Googles own Pixel. Samsung has also been up to speed when launching features like real-time Gemini Live chat across its phones and watches. And all of this works alongside Samsungs own system-level implementation of features like generative photo editing, writing and translation tools. Samsungs Galaxy Z Fold 7 is also the most advanced foldable phone available in the U.S., a form factor that Ive found is particularly well-suited for AI workflows. The square-ish inner screen can be an awkward fit for many mobile apps, but ChatGPT and Gemini have handy column-based interfaces that give more real estate for responses, which often include tables or other formatting that can be difficult to read on a regular phone screen. AI apps are also especially well-suited for multitasking; foldable phones let you essentially run two full-size phone apps at once, which is very helpful when editing and cross-referencing. Apple iPhone Part of the reason the botched Apple Intelligence rollout was so surprising is that it felt like Apple should have this in the bag from a hardware perspective. Apple Silicon is the envy of the entire tech industry, with Apples homegrown chips powering unbeatable performance across Macs and iPhones alike. The A17 chip in last years iPhones does have a lot of theoretical AI capability due to the large on-board NPU, which Apple calls the Neural Engine, but its difficult to see how that truly improves the current iOS experience. Right now the chip mostly seems to be deployed to speed up core functionality like photo processing and Face ID scanning, which isnt nothing, but might not be maximizing the potential of the silicon. There is definitely a conceivable future where Apple delivers the best overall AI smartphone experience due to its on-device capabilities, but despite its hardware advantage, right now were nowhere close. Its unlikely that the iPhone 17 lineup will do anything to change thatat least not until Apple gets its AI software in order. That said, Apple is much better at keeping software leaks under wraps than its hardware. Its possible the new iPhonesand the new chip that powers themwill come with some new AI features that were developed separately from the Siri disaster. Itll be interesting to see to what extent next weeks iPhone announcement does or doesnt mention AI. But regardless of whats in the pipeline, the bar has already been set a whole lot higher than where the iPhone is currently at. {"blockType":"creator-network-promo","data":{"mediaUrl":"https:\/\/images.fastcompany.com\/image\/upload\/f_webp,q_auto,c_fit\/wp-cms-2\/2025\/03\/multicore_logo.jpg","headline":"Multicore","description":"Multicore is about technology hardware and design. It's written from Tokyo by Sam Byford. To learn more visit multicore.blog","substackDomain":"https:\/\/www.multicore.blog","colorTheme":"salmon","redirectUrl":""}}
Category:
E-Commerce
Theres a great clip from the Today Show back in 1994. Anchors Katie Couric and Bryant Gumbel are trying to figure out what, exactly, “the internet” is. They’re confused by an email address. Theyre not quite sure what @ means. Its funny now, but also a reminder of how big changes often start. I think well look back on the early days of stablecoins the same way. Dubbed stablecoin summer, it sounds like nothing more than a fad right now. However, its actually the beginning of a long-overdue upgrade to how money works for everyone, not just for finance nerds or crypto bros. What’s different this time? Stablecoins are digital dollars that move at internet speed. Thanks to the GENIUS Act, they now have a formal regulatory framework in the U.S., including access to the Feds payment rails. Translation: These dollars are just as legitimate as the ones in our bank accountsbut theyre faster, always on, and programmable (meaning they can be engineered to do specific things based on milestones, such as send money only when an electronic signature is completed). Its tempting to frame this all as a Wall Street or capital markets story. And full disclosure, there is a big capital markets story and I am a student of financial history and fintech. My college thesis was on mortgage markets and I spent years at fintechs SoFi, Brex, and now Figure. But Im also a person with a mortgage and young kids, and what excites me most is how this plays out in real life, with real life impact. Here are five ways this shift to stablecoins is changing how we save, spend, and invest. 1. Paycheck stability With stablecoin-based payroll, you can get paid the minute you clock out. No processing delays. No Friday-to-Monday gaps. According to Korn Ferry, there are currently more than 80 million gig workers in the U.S., and projections indicate that over 50% of the workforce will be involved in the gig economy by 2027. Stablecoins will be a game-changer for gig workers, freelancers, and anyone juggling multiple income streams. While there are other innovations in real-time payments that could theoretically bring paycheck stability, it is the programmable nature of stablecoins that makes this innovation most likely. Online verifications could be done automatically (such as hours worked, compliance, etc.) which would enable payroll software to release funds instantly, post shift or employment period completion. 2. Borderless money movement Ever tried wiring money overseas? The fees, the delays, the confusion, the currency conversionnone of it makes sense in a global, connected world. With stablecoins, you can send money across borders in seconds. Whether its friends splitting a vacation rental in Berlin or getting funds to a cousin in Bogota, the experience is ultra-smooth. And, theres no arbitrary ~3% penalty just because someone lives in a different country. 3. Your money, your hours If you want to shift cash into a yield account on a Saturday night or rebalance your investments before the market opens, stablecoin makes that possible. Tokenized assetslike on-chain Treasuries or private creditdont need to follow Wall Streets calendar. You move when youre ready, not when the bank is. That kind of flexibility starts to feel really important when the system stutters, like it did in 2023 with the fall of SVB, First Republic, and Signature Bank. When those banks froze, people realized just how fragile their financial options really were. Stablecoin plus self-custody gives people back some control. 4. Yield that doesnt hide behind glass For years, banks have borrowed money for next to nothing, then loaned it back at higher rates. Its the oldest play in finance, and the least transparent. Now, platforms like Aave, Compound, and Democratized Prime let stablecoin holders tap into real yields, without the middlemen. Its a more transparent and low-cost system, where your money can finally pull its weight. 5. AI and stablecoin One additional opportunity looks beyond present-day needs. In AI, there is a lot of talk about autonomous agents that will do tasks for humans (search the internet, buy an item when the price drops, or plan a trip). These agents will need to be able to pay for things we approve of on our behalf, and therefore they will need programmable money that works around the clock (as these agents are always on). They will need stablecoin. The beginning of something better Stablecoins arent here to replace the dollar. Theyre here to make it more useful, with less friction, more control, and fewer delays. Its akin to deciding between snail mail and a text. The rails of money are finally catching up with the rest of the internet. Years from now, just like that clip from the Today Show, well laugh at how uncertain this moment felt. But right now, were at the part where things start to click. No one wonders what @ means anymore. And soon, no one will wonder why their paycheck hasnt cleared yet. Michael Tannenbaum is the CEO of Figure.
Category:
E-Commerce
As the world muddles its way through this period of profound uncertainty, design must assume yet another mandate. Well beyond surface aesthetics and smooth usability, good design today calls for empathy, adaptability, resilience, and accountability. This new paradigm asks more of designers and challenges them to imagine solutions to pressing challenges. Through my work with iF Design, I have the privilege of engaging with extraordinary changemakers and thought leaders around the world, and what I see is a powerful and evolving imperative: Design must be human-centered, environmentally responsive, and future-focused. The insights that follow offer examples of this new paradigm in action. I hope the expert perspectives spark a renewed sense of optimism about the future and deliver hope for designs power to drive meaningful change. A new era of design is here, and its up to companies and designers alike to embrace the opportunity. Empathy Great design solves human problems; but to solve these problems, we must first identify them. Sure, technology and creativity are crucial, but the first step is always empathy. This goes beyond simply asking what users want; it involves getting immersed in their experiences, listening to their stories, observing their behaviors, and uncovering unspoken pain points and aspirations. This insight can then inform design choices, ensuring that products, services, and spaces feel intuitive, supportive, and resonant for the community(ies) that use them. Richard Trigg is a longtime design leader, UX strategist, and design partner at Tangent in London. When I asked how he defines great design, Trigg responded that his approach is all about empathy. He added, Ive worked across every kind of design from brand communications to digital products, but the thread that ties it all together is empathydesigning experiences that help people complete their goals while supporting business objectives and increasingly, the planet too. Adaptability Today, the world moves at an even faster pace than just a few years ago, and design is no exception. In this rapidly shifting landscape where AI and other emerging technologies threaten domination, and cultural sensitivities shift with the tides, adaptability is essential. Weve seen once cutting-edge designs become obsolete almost overnight and award-winning creative cancelled without warning. These examples underscore just how quickly technology can reshape society, and how anything that fails to take the future into consideration risks being left behind. Adaptability isnt just a competitive advantage. Its the foundation of lasting impact. The most successful designs are responsive, and account for the inevitability of change. Moreover, great design historically and now again increasingly, is built to be repaired, reused, and updated versus discarded. Kenny Arnold, a circular designer at the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, believes this will continue to be an important trend in design. However, companies should be able to clearly explain and provide evidence of how they incorporate circular design attributes into a product, (e.g. provide spare parts, easy repair, product as a service, etc.). By embracing flexibility and continuous evolution, we can create real solutions that remain relevant and create less waste. Resilience Among the areas of design most impacted by the climate crisis is our built environment. Increasingly, architects, urban planners, interior designers, and landscape architects have a growing urgency to respond and anticipate whats still coming. As Achim Nagel, architect and managing director of Primus Developments, a German real estate development company focused on creating sustainable and innovative residential and commercial buildings, says: I strongly believe that right now, we have a historical chance to develop completely new ideas and designs that help us form a safer and more resilient habitat for mankind. Perhaps not sophisticated and elegant in the ways we think of design today, but definitely NEW. Lisa SanFilippo, also an architect and now the senior design specialist in sustainability at market leader Turner Construction, describes the mandate as she sees it: Ultimately, resilient design is about anticipating disruption and responding in a way that protects people, supports recovery, and reduces long-term impact. Its not about overbuilding. Its about designing smarter, planning earlier, and making decisions that reflect both climate reality and human priorities. In both cases, were talking about a shift from short-term cost to long-term value, serving people and the planet in a risk-informed way. Accountability According to Harvard Business Review, while 65% of consumers say they want to buy purpose-driven or sustainable brands, only about 26% actually do.We spoke about this issue with Joe Brown, founder, publisher, and editorial director of one5c, an action-oriented sustainability and climate action publication. Companies, no matter who runs them, are ultimately beholden to the people who use their products. When consumers prioritize sustainability, it pushes companies to respond. But the products need to exist first. Rightfully, Joe calls this a chicken-and-egg issue where designers must create options consumers are eager to choose. Enter design. If consumers are ready to hold themselves accountable, its time for designers to do the same. In recent years, major brands have paid lip service to sustainable initiatives, recognizing environmental consciousness as a powerful value-add in todays market. Yet, as statistics show, many consumers are unwilling to sacrifice quality, functionality, aesthetic appeal, or affordability for the more sustainable alternative. The solution is clear: Designers must make sustainability a nonnegotiable in every design, while businesses must figure out how to make it profitable for shareholders and safe for workers. Exceptional design and responsibility can not only coexist, but must. Accountability from designers and their management will not only help the planet and consumers, but will future-proof leading companies. Final word A simple answer to the environmental crisis posed by harmful, short-lived products is the principle of fewer, better which was of course, the core philosophy of Bauhaus and other great design movements throughout time. This proposition calls for designs that are empathetic, adaptable, resilient and accountable to people and planet, our present and shared future. May the design and business worlds be inspired to rise to the challenge. Lisa Gralnek is global head of sustainability and impact for iF Design, managing director of iF Design USA Inc., and creator/host of the podcast, FUTURE OF XYZ.
Category:
E-Commerce
All news |
||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||