With the rapid development of artificial intelligence technology, AI is no longer limited to the scope of software applications, but gradually penetrate into the field of hardware, opening a new era of “AI + hardware”. In this wave, domestic and foreign Internet giants have come down to the field, competing layout, trying to occupy a place in this trillion-dollar market.Tech Planet has learned a number of exclusive information, which reveals the latest dynamics and competition pattern in this field.
I. Byte Jump's multi-dimensional exploration
As one of the leaders of the Internet industry, ByteDance’s layout in the field of “AI+Hardware” is particularly active.Tech Planet understands that ByteDance’s PICO team has begun to research and develop a variety of wearable devices since the second half of last year, including earphones and stereos, which are all planned to be equipped with AI technology. However, a person close to ByteDance revealed that PICO did not formally set up a R&D program for AI headphones and speakers, and the relevant patent is only an entry in the company’s internal technology innovation competition, which has not yet been put into actual production.
Nevertheless, byte jumping another team – bean bag team, but in the “AI + hardware” field has made significant progress. The team is committed to the exploration of the combination of hardware and software of large models, and has gradually applied the relevant technology to learning machines, robot dogs, robots and other hardware devices. This cross-field integration not only improves the intelligence level of hardware devices, but also brings users a more convenient and efficient interaction experience.
Particularly noteworthy is that ByteDance recently acquired headphone maker Oladance for about $50 million, a move that is seen as a signal for ByteDance to accelerate its layout of the wearable device market. Through this acquisition, Byte Jump not only obtained advanced headset manufacturing technology, but also further strengthened its own hardware R & D team, laying a solid foundation for future AI hardware products.
Unlike byte jumping, Meituan’s layout in the field of “AI+hardware” is more focused on the education hardware market. tech planet has learned exclusively that Meituan is developing an AI business called “Pretty Fish” and is working with the children’s wearable device manufacturer “Little Genius”. “Little Genius” has reached a cooperation. Meituan’s self-developed “Pretty Fish Le Companion” AI voice interactive APP will be mounted on the Little Genius Z10 watch, providing users with a richer and more interesting interactive experience.
This layout reflects Meituan’s deep understanding of the education market. With the change in the concept of family education and the trend of consumption upgrading, more and more parents are paying attention to the overall development of their children. By launching AI voice interactive applications, Meituan aims to meet the needs of children’s companionship and learning, and to promote children’s creativity and knowledge reserves. This differentiated layout strategy will not only help Meituan occupy a place in the education hardware market, but will also lay a solid foundation for its future diversification.
III. Baidu's forerunner advantage
In the field of “AI + hardware”, Baidu is undoubtedly a pioneer. As early as May 2023, Baidu released Xiaodu Qinghe learning cell phone, this set of cell phones, dictionary pens, phone watches, translators, hearing treasure, word card six functions in one of the learning phone, quickly won the attention of the market. According to Jingdong data, Xiaodu Qinghe learning cell phone achieved remarkable sales results after its release and topped the sales list of learning cell phones during the 618 shopping festival this year.
Subsequently, Baidu launched Xiaodu Learning Machine Z30 based on Wenxin’s large model capabilities.This learning machine not only has powerful AI learning capabilities, but also provides customized learning solutions based on the user’s individual needs. According to official data, Xiaodu Learning Machine Z30 quickly gained market recognition after its release, and the cumulative number of users has exceeded 2 million.
Baidu’s success is not by chance. As one of the earliest Internet companies to lay out the AI field in China, Baidu has accumulated rich experience and technical reserves in AI technology. These advantages make Baidu in the field of “AI + hardware” has a strong competitiveness, but also set an example for other Internet companies.
IV. KU Xunfei's AI headset new breakthroughs
In the field of AI headphones, KU Xunfei also showed strong strength. At the 2024 Xunfei headset new conference, KU Xunfei launched three AI headphones such as iFLYBUDS Pro2, iFLYBUDS 2 and viaim Kit 2. These headphones not only have excellent sound quality and wearing comfort, but also carry advanced AI technology, which can realize intelligent noise reduction, voice transcription, simultaneous interpretation and other functions
KDDI’s breakthrough in the field of AI headsets not only improves the level of product intelligence, but also brings users a more convenient and efficient office experience. With the rise of remote office and mobile office, the AI headset market is expected to see explosive growth. KDDI, as one of the leaders in this field, is expected to occupy a larger market share in the future.
V. The collective layout of the Internet giant
In addition to the above companies, many domestic Internet companies have also joined the “AI + hardware” battlefield. Alibaba by investing in Zhejiang Precision Learning Company, the layout of the AI auxiliary machine market; Tencent through the launch of a variety of intelligent hardware products, constantly expanding their own layout in the field of smart home; Huawei is relying on its advantages in the field of 5G, Internet of Things, accelerating the integration of “AI + hardware” and innovation.
The collective layout of these Internet manufacturers not only promotes the rapid development of the “AI + hardware” field, but also accelerates the reshuffle and reorganization of the entire industry. In this fierce competition, only those enterprises with core technology, innovation and market insight can stand out and become the industry leader.
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