Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon believes your relationship with devices is about to change

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(SeaPRwire) –   Good morning. Editor-in-Chief Alyson Shontell writing from New York. I recently interviewed Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon for my podcast, 500: Titans and Disruptors of Industry. One major insight: Your phone may soon be far less central to your digital life.

This year, according to Amon, will mark the beginning of the AI agent era—devices powered by AI that can perform specific tasks autonomously. By 2028, he forecasts, significant computing workloads will migrate from smartphones to new, purpose-built AI-first devices. At that point, an AI-powered consumer device will emerge as the primary hub for personal assistance. Within five years, these devices are expected to dominate the market, reaching hundreds of millions of users worldwide.

Amon’s vision centers on smart glasses—devices closest to our eyes and ears, making them ideal for seamless interaction. But he also anticipates widespread adoption of other wearable forms, such as pendants, pins, and jewelry, all serving as discreet AI assistants. “The center of your digital life will no longer be the phone—it will be the agent,” Amon explained.

Given that his $200 billion company supplies chips for everything from PCs and Android phones to headphones, cars, and even data centers, his predictions carry considerable influence. Qualcomm collaborates with leading tech firms like OpenAI and Meta on next-generation hardware.

As I listened to Amon speak passionately about a future where devices are always connected and continuously learning from context, one thing became clear: our relationship with technology is poised for a fundamental shift. So what does this mean for you—a busy executive deeply reliant on devices?

Instead of constantly checking your phone for updates, tomorrow’s devices will anticipate your needs. They’ll act before you ask, delivering information or completing tasks at optimal times. Some may even gently prompt you to take action based on their understanding of your habits and goals.

In this evolving landscape, leaders might begin treating AI devices as strategic partners—akin to trusted C-suite advisors or chief of staff. You’ll need to manage these devices like employees, while your own teams may oversee their AI counterparts and coordinated networks of agents. This transformation also demands ongoing assessment of AI capabilities and a willingness to rethink workflows, roles, and organizational structures.

For a deeper dive into Cristiano Amon’s vision and insights on the AI devices of the future, listen to our full conversation on 500: Titans and Disruptors of Industry.—Alyson Shontell

Contact CEO Daily via Diane Brady at diane.brady@.com