Elon Musk's aerospace company SpaceX recently showed investors a prototype of a smartphone-shaped artificial intelligence (AI) device, according to foreign media reports. The industry is watching closely to see whether Musk, who has denied rumors of smartphone development, will attempt to build an independent AI ecosystem by entering the hardware market.
The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported Monday, citing multiple sources, that SpaceX showed some investors a prototype of a portable AI device with a design thinner than an iPhone ahead of its initial public offering (IPO). The device operates on a proprietary operating system (OS) and is designed to integrate technology from Musk's AI company xAI, according to the report. It is expected to be equipped with Qualcomm's Snapdragon chipset.
However, SpaceX told investors that the project is still in its early stages. The design may also change, and whether the actual product will be launched has not been decided. The WSJ said, "SpaceX and Qualcomm did not respond to requests for comment."
SpaceX's move is seen as a symbolic example of Musk's AI strategy. It reflects a vision to expand the Starlink satellite communications network and grow the space business while connecting AI services into a single ecosystem.
Some interpret it as being in line with the recent trend of AI companies jumping into the development of new types of dedicated devices. China's ByteDance has launched a smartphone that runs its AI model Doubao, and OpenAI is also known to be developing its own AI device.
Observations that Musk is planning a consumer device have been raised steadily in the past. Because xAI's chatbot is serviced on Apple's iOS and Google's Android OS, a proprietary device could significantly reduce dependence on other platforms.
However, Musk has consistently drawn a line against the smartphone development theory. Last October, he said, "The idea of making a phone alone makes me want to die," while adding, "But if I have to make one, I will." In February this year, regarding a report that he was developing a smartphone that connects directly to the Starlink satellite network, he denied it, saying, "We are not developing a phone."
