Nothing CEO Carl Pei thinks the smartphone we use today is barely any different from the Palm Pilots and PDAs we used two decades ago. It’s the same lock screens, home screens, app stores, and full-screen apps experience.
According to Pei, it’s because the industry has not really evolved in 20 years, and he is convinced AI is the answer. Speaking at SXSW, Pei made a bold claim that apps are going to disappear. Not tomorrow, but the direction is clear, and founders better start paying attention.
Are your apps going to be obsolete in the future?
Pei’s argument starts with a simple, relatable example. Say you want to grab coffee with a friend. That one intention requires a messaging app, Maps, Uber, and your calendar. Four apps, multiple steps, all for one cup of coffee. “It’s very hard to get things done on a phone,” he said at SXSW.
His vision for the future is a device that skips all of that. “I know you very well, and if I know your intention, I just do it for you,” is how he describes the ideal smartphone of the future.
So what does Carl Pei think comes next?
Carl Pei breaks down the AI evolution into stages. First comes AI that can execute commands on your behalf, like booking a flight or a hotel. It’s similar to what Google and Samsung are trying with their smartphones using Gemini integration. He called this stage “super boring.”
The next stage is more interesting. An AI that understands your long-term goals and nudges you toward them over time, almost like a proactive life assistant rather than a reactive tool. The most powerful stage is when the system starts surfacing ideas you never even thought to ask for. “When the system knows us so well, it will come up with things that we don’t even knew we wanted,” Pei explained.
SXSW
For this to work, the interface itself has to change. Pei is clear that AI agents should not be tapping through menus like a robot pretending to be human. “You need to create an interface for the agent to use,” he said.
He also believes that voice will become the main input, but the display will remain the main output. “The interface that I really believe in is voice-in, because speaking is the easiest way to input something. And not audio out, it’s still a screen out. I think that’s the most efficient user interface.”
Nadeem Sarwar / Digital Trends
I agree with many of Carl Pei’s ideas, but I still believe a truly helpful AI assistant is years away. Companies like Rabbit, Humane, and even Apple have failed to create a useful AI assistant. Hopefully, a fast-moving company like Nothing can crack the code.
Google Maps has a long list of hidden (and sometimes, just underrated) features that help you navigate seamlessly. But I was not a big fan of using Google Maps for walking: that is, until I started using the right set of features that helped me navigate better.
Add layers to your map
See more information on the screen
Layers are an incredibly useful yet underrated feature that can be utilized for all modes of transport. These help add more details to your map beyond the default view, so you can plan your journey better.
To use layers, open your Google Maps app (Android, iPhone). Tap the layer icon on the upper right side (under your profile picture and nearby attractions options). You can switch your map type from default to satellite or terrain, and overlay your map with details, such as traffic, transit, biking, street view (perfect for walking), and 3D (Android)/raised buildings (iPhone) (for buildings). To turn off map details, go back to Layers and tap again on the details you want to disable.
In particular, adding a street view and 3D/raised buildings layer can help you gauge the terrain and get more information about the landscape, so you can avoid tricky paths and discover shortcuts.
Set up Live View
Just hold up your phone
A feature that can help you set out on walks with good navigation is Google Maps’ Live View. This lets you use augmented reality (AR) technology to see real-time navigation: beyond the directions you see on your map, you are able to see directions in your live view through your camera, overlaying instructions with your real view. This feature is very useful for travel and new areas, since it gives you navigational insights for walking that go beyond a 2D map.
To use Live View, search for a location on Google Maps, then tap “Directions.” Once the route appears, tap “Walk,” then tap “Live View” in the navigation options. You will be prompted to point your camera at things like buildings, stores, and signs around you, so Google Maps can analyze your surroundings and give you accurate directions.
Credit: Google
Download maps offline
Google Maps without an internet connection
Whether you’re on a hiking trip in a low-connectivity area or want offline maps for your favorite walking destinations, having specific map routes downloaded can be a great help. Google Maps lets you download maps to your device while you’re connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data, and use them when your device is offline.
For Android, open Google Maps and search for a specific place or location. In the placesheet, swipe right, then tap More > Download offline map > Download. For iPhone, search for a location on Google Maps, then, at the bottom of your screen, tap the name or address of the place. Tap More > Download offline map > Download.
After you download an area, use Google Maps as you normally would. If you go offline, your offline maps will guide you to your destination as long as the entire route is within the offline map.
Enable Detailed Voice Guidance
Get better instructions
Voice guidance is a basic yet powerful navigation tool that can come in handy during walks in unfamiliar locations and can be used to ensure your journey is on the right path. To ensure guidance audio is enabled, go to your Google Maps profile (upper right corner), then tap Settings > Navigation > Sound and Voice. Here, tap “Unmute” on “Guidance Audio.”
Apart from this, you can also use Google Assistant to help you along your journey, asking questions about your destination, nearby sights, detours, additional stops, etc. To use this feature on iPhone, map a walking route to a destination, then tap the mic icon in the upper-right corner. For Android, you can also say “Hey Google” after mapping your destination to activate the assistant.
Voice guidance is handy for both new and old places, like when you’re running errands and need to navigate hands-free.
Add multiple stops
Keep your trip going
If you walk regularly to run errands, Google Maps has a simple yet effective feature that can help you plan your route in a better way. With Maps’ multiple stop feature, you can add several stops between your current and final destination to minimize any wasted time and unnecessary detours.
To add multiple stops on Google Maps, search for a destination, then tap “Directions.” Select the walking option, then click the three dots on top (next to “Your Location”), and tap “Edit Stops.” You can now add a stop by searching for it and tapping “Add Stop,” and swap the stops at your convenience. Repeat this process by tapping “Add Stops” until your route is complete, then tap “Start” to begin your journey.
You can add up to ten stops in a single route on both mobile and desktop, and use the journey for multiple modes (walking, driving, and cycling) except public transport and flights. I find this Google Maps feature to be an essential tool for travel to walkable cities, especially when I’m planning a route I am unfamiliar with.
More to discover
A new feature to keep an eye out for, especially if you use Google Maps for walking and cycling, is Google’s Gemini boost, which will allow you to navigate hands-free and get real-time information about your journey. This feature has been rolling out for both Android and iOS users.
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