The London-based technology startup Nothing has secured $200 million in funding, positioning itself to introduce a new era of “AI-native” devices utilizing operating systems that will differ greatly from current versions.
In a statement that combines a celebration of technological innovation with a bold vision for the future, founder and CEO Carl Pei highlighted that the investment — which places Nothing’s valuation at $1.3 billion — will enhance the company’s distribution capabilities and speed up its innovation process.
Central to Nothing’s strategy is the integration of artificial intelligence. Pei emphasized that the company is laying the groundwork for an AI-focused operating system designed to offer a “hyper-personalized experience.” The specifics regarding whether this new operating system will build upon Android, similar to the existing Nothing OS, remain uncertain, prompting further inquiries.
This upcoming “AI-native platform” is expected to operate across a variety of popular devices, including smartphones, headphones, and smartwatches, as well as emerging technologies such as smart glasses, electric vehicles, and humanoid robots. Pei confidently anticipates that the new operating system will be adaptable to future innovations. However, he previously stated last October that “AI is just a tool” and cautioned against labeling the OS exclusively as an AI platform.
The company plans to launch its first AI-native devices in the coming year. A significant challenge will be cultivating consumer interest in a category that historically struggles to gain traction in the mass market, with major players like Apple also facing obstacles to success. The competitive landscape is further complicated by emerging projects, such as Jony Ive’s enigmatic “screen-free” device being developed in collaboration with OpenAI.
Nothing asserts that it is uniquely qualified to spearhead the development of these advanced AI devices. Pei commented, “Owning the last-mile distribution point with all its contextual and user knowledge is crucial to creating an operating system that can genuinely assist individuals in their everyday lives.” He added, “An AI OS that lacks awareness of its users and isn’t consistently present can’t provide a hyper-personalized experience. This marks the next chapter for Nothing, as we aim to seamlessly integrate AI into our hardware to redefine how technology enhances our lives.”
