Qualcomm is working on more than 40 different designs for AI-powered wearable devices, CEO Cristiano Amon revealed in an interview on CNBC's "The Tech Download" podcast. The designs span smart glasses, camera-equipped earbuds, smartwatches, digital pins, and smart jewelry, all built around the idea of always-on devices that connect users to an AI agent capable of handling tasks.
Wearable devices take center stage
Amon explained that the core concept is for users to carry a device that perceives and understands context, enabling direct interaction with an AI agent. The agent could perform actions such as booking restaurants or making payments without requiring the user to open multiple apps.
Agents become the new app
Traditional apps will not disappear, Amon said, but they will be orchestrated by AI agents that coordinate between services. He pictured a person wearing smart glasses who remembers to book a table - the agent then handles search, comparison, booking, payment, and confirmation. This shift toward AI Agents & Automation is set to change how tasks are completed across devices.
The smartphone enters a new phase
Smartphones will also be affected, Amon said, noting that the current form already revolves around digital assistants. New device categories will be built around the same AI agent concept, reflecting a broader view that AI will determine how hardware is designed and used in the coming years.
Smart glasses lead expectations
Amon predicted that smart glasses could eventually reach popularity levels close to those of smartphones. Last year, global smartphone shipments surpassed 1.2 billion units, making smart glasses a potential massive new tech category if they deliver a practical, integrated user experience.
Privacy determines adoption trajectory
Despite the enthusiasm, Amon cautioned that success depends on balancing smart functions with privacy protection. As devices continuously analyze surroundings, building safeguards to protect user data and maintain trust is essential.
New competition in the device market
Qualcomm's vision opens a new competitive phase, with AI-powered devices raising questions about future dominance. It remains to be seen whether incumbents like Apple and Samsung will lead this wave or if new players will emerge.
Why this matters for IT and Development
Qualcomm's roadmap will directly affect those working in AI for IT & Development, as AI agent coordination across devices will demand new infrastructure, APIs, and security frameworks. The shift from app-centric to agent-centric interaction requires expertise in AI integration, edge computing, and privacy-preserving architectures, creating opportunities and challenges in building cross-device experiences.
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