The technology was demonstrated on Newnal's proprietary mobile devices, showcasing an AI avatar integrated with traditional smartphone functions. While the concept is ambitious, it reflects the growing trend of agentic AI, where AI models act on behalf of users. Despite potential challenges and past failures in similar technologies, experts like Dipanjan Chatterjee see promise in these innovations, suggesting they offer a glimpse into the future of mobile devices beyond traditional touchscreens.
Key takeaways:
- Newnal, a South Korean startup, introduced a mobile operating system that creates a personalized AI avatar using blockchain technology, which looks and acts like the user.
- The AI avatar is trained on the user's personal data, offering a unique experience for each user, unlike other AI models that rely on internet data.
- The technology was demonstrated at MWC 2025, showcasing its integration into proprietary mobile devices with a focus on privacy and user control.
- Analysts see potential in agentic AI, despite current limitations, drawing parallels to past technological evolutions like the Apple Newton to iPhone transition.