The landscape of consumer technology is on the brink of transformative shifts, as revealed by Qualcomm executives, who provide insights into the six most crucial trends that will shape the industry in 2024. From the evolution of AI-powered PCs to the integration of generative AI in personal devices, these trends promise to redefine user experiences and propel technology into a new era.
“This innovation is not just an evolution in the PC market, but a revolution, driving the demand for AI PCs forward and reshaping the computing experience for businesses and consumers into the new year.”
Kedar Kondap, Senior Vice President and GM of Compute and Gaming, Qualcomm Technologies’
- AI PCs and the “Super Cycle”:
A significant upheaval is predicted in the PC market, with a “super cycle” of laptop replacements driven by AI advancements. Morgan Stanley forecasts a substantial shift, anticipating 40% of laptops to be replaced in 2024, a figure set to rise to 65% by 2025. Qualcomm Technologies’ Kedar Kondap envisions a market-defining super cycle, where the convergence of new laptops and AI advancements will usher in a new era for PCs. - Generative AI Moves to Personal Devices:
Generative AI, once centered around the cloud, is transitioning to personal devices. Concerns about privacy, latency, and cost are driving this shift, enabling on-device AI capabilities. Qualcomm Technologies’ Durga Malladi emphasizes that personal devices, including smartphones, PCs, vehicles, and IoT devices, will become hubs for multi-modal generative AI models. This shift promises enhanced privacy-focused, personalized AI experiences and reduced cloud costs for developers. - Smartphone Evolution with Generative AI:
Smartphones are set to become even more indispensable with the integration of generative AI capabilities. Qualcomm Technologies’ Chris Patrick highlights the evolution of personal AI assistants on smartphones, leveraging multi-modal generative AI models and combining on-device sensor data. This integration is poised to deliver personalized content and meaningful experiences by utilizing various modalities. - AI Boosting Creativity:
The creative and marketing process is witnessing deeper integration of AI. Qualcomm Incorporated’s Don McGuire notes how generative AI is transforming learning, playing, and working. This integration enhances productivity, reduces time-to-market, and fosters creativity by streamlining repetitive tasks. Access to vast data allows generative AI to provide valuable insights, enabling marketers to target specific audiences effectively and create highly personalized content. - Consumers Drive Open Multi-Device Ecosystems:
Consumers are becoming advocates for open multi-device ecosystems, demanding freedom and interoperability across brands. Qualcomm Technologies’ Alex Katouzian predicts that consumers will push for enhanced communication and functionality across devices, driving device makers to open their ecosystems. This shift towards open ecosystems empowers consumers with more choices, allowing them to select devices tailored to their specific needs. - Mixed Reality Redefining the World:
Mixed reality, virtual reality, and extended reality (XR) are poised to enter the mainstream in 2024. Qualcomm Technologies’ Hugo Swart emphasizes the rapid progress of XR, fueled by widespread adoption, smaller devices, and advancements in spatial computing. Affordable hardware options mark just the beginning, with generative AI playing a pivotal role in enhancing and scaling XR experiences. Voice interfaces, personal assistants, and lifelike 3D avatars powered by generative AI will become integral in the XR space.
The year 2024 holds promises of groundbreaking advancements in consumer technology, driven by the convergence of AI, generative models, and personal devices. From redefining the PC market to transforming smartphones into indispensable companions, these trends forecast a future where technology seamlessly integrates into our lives, providing personalized, innovative, and immersive experiences. As generative AI takes center stage, the tech landscape is set for a remarkable evolution.
