How the Rise of AI-Based Operating Systems Poses a Threat to Apple and Google?
The world of technology is constantly evolving and Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of the biggest technological advancements in recent times. Companies like Google and Microsoft are investing heavily in developing AI-based platforms and systems. One major area where these companies are applying AI is in the development of generative AI, a system that can create content that mimics what a human may produce.
While so far the focus has been on search engines that find and deliver information, the real threat from these AI systems could come in the form of a shakeup of the entire software ecosystem. Developers are now looking to build their products around AI platforms instead of operating systems; and tech giants like Apple and Google need to be mindful of the impact this could have on their businesses.
Operating Systems vs. AI Platforms
An operating system (OS) is a tool for managing various components of a computer, such as the processor, memory, storage, inputs, and outputs. The OS allows the software to be simpler, but also more stable. For example, an internet browser, social media app, or photo editor can run smoothly on an OS like iOS or Windows.
Apple and Google have built so much functionality directly into their respective iOS and Android operating systems that it’s sometimes difficult to see where the OS ends and an app begins. However, these platforms are incompatible, which means software built for one OS cannot run on another. This issue has forced developers to either pick one platform or create multiple versions of their products for each.
With the rise of AI systems like OpenAI’s GPT-4, developers will soon be creating products not for an operating system but for the specific AI model that best suits their needs. This will establish a flywheel effect: as more software is created for an AI platform, the more that ecosystem expands—which in turn entices other application providers to join the party.
AI-Based Operating Systems Could Be More Profitable
Unlike current operating systems, which are static and don’t change with increased usage, AI-based operating systems could be dynamic and constantly learning. These platforms can charge based on usage, not a flat fee, which is a profitable business model.
The AI companies that grow the biggest won’t necessarily be those with the best chatbots, but those that ensure their models are easiest to plug into and have the widest array of use cases.
Conclusion
AI-based systems offer a host of underlying technologies that could disrupt the entire software ecosystem. Operating systems will no longer be the focal point for developers, instead, they will be building their products around AI platforms. With the rise of these platforms, companies like Apple and Google may face a real threat to their businesses.
