Qualcomm CEO: AI's Future is 'Bigger Than People Think'
Cristiano Amon discusses the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, the future of personal devices, and Qualcomm's role in the global semiconductor market.
Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon believes artificial intelligence will surpass current expectations, likening its potential to the early days of the internet. He stated that if current perceptions of AI are significant, its long-term impact will likely be "way bigger than people thought."
Amon, speaking with TIME editor-in-chief Sam Jacobs, described the competitive nature of the semiconductor industry using the analogy of gladiators in the Colosseum, where outcomes can be win, lose, or mutual destruction. He noted that success in this environment merely allows for continued participation.
Regarding the future of personal computing, Amon envisions a shift away from smartphones as the primary interface for interacting with information. Qualcomm is exploring numerous designs for personal AI devices, including glasses, jewelry, pens, bracelets, and watches. Amon expressed confidence that wearable glasses, positioned as "prime real estate" due to their proximity to the user's senses, are a strong contender to become a mainstream device.
"The future of computing is AI," Amon asserted, explaining that for a computing company like Qualcomm, being an AI company is no longer a separate consideration but an inherent characteristic. "Those things are no longer separable."
On the subject of the semiconductor supply chain and international relations, Amon shared his perspective following a trip with President Trump to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping. He expressed optimism about the value of providing semiconductors from American technology stacks to Chinese companies.
When questioned about potential concerns regarding American companies selling advanced chips to China, Amon highlighted the ubiquity of chips in modern devices, including consumer electronics, cars, and appliances. He framed the issue as a choice between "American technology for America? Or do you like American technology for the world?" He also pointed out that virtually all leading semiconductor companies currently have business operations in China, suggesting this global exposure is beneficial.