Apple and Google Turn to Device Cameras for Next Wave of Mobile AI 

[focus-text-wrap]Key Takeaways[/focus-text-wrap]

• Apple is reportedly exploring adding a camera to future Apple Watches.
• The upgrade would extend Apple’s computer vision platform to new devices.
• Google is also expanding its AI camera integrations.

After initially focusing on search and personal assistants, mobile AI is taking a visual turn.

Emerging products and features from Apple and Google suggest the next frontier for on-device AI will be driven by cameras and computer vision.

Apple’s AI Watch Upgrade May Feature a Camera

The Apple Watch has come a long way since its launch in 2015. But its next major upgrade could be its biggest yet.

According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is working on a new version of the smart wearable that has a built-in camera.

As Gurman pointed out, a camera-equipped watch would let Apple extend its computer vision platform Visual Intelligence to new devices.

But before it launches the platform on watches, Apple first needs to improve Visual Intelligence functionality, which risks falling behind Google’s equivalent platform for Android.

Google Debuts Gemini Live Video

In a recent teaser, Google showcased Gemini Live Video, a new platform that grants AI access to users’ camera feeds in real time, letting them ask questions about objects around them. The feature will start rolling out to Gemini Advanced subscribers this month.

Building on the success of platforms like Visual Intelligence and Google Lens, Gemini Live Video represents the first time such tools have been integrated directly with mobile assistants.

But as Google steams ahead with the technology, Apple is still fumbling Siri’s AI overhaul, which faces ongoing challenges.

Big Tech AI Race

Responding to Google’s accelerated AI integration, Apple recently reorganized its senior leadership in a move designed to restart Siri development.

Previously, Siri was overseen by Apple’s AI chief John Giannandrea. But in a recent executive reshuffle , Apple appointed Mike Rockwell to the role instead.

Formerly, Apple’s Vision Pro lead, Rockwell, will bring computer vision experience to Siri, which could help it close the gap with Google’s Gemini and make the most of the device cameras.