如果把当下最让人迷惑的科技产品拉个清单，AI 硬件网红们绝对榜上有名。 从 699 美元的 Humane Ai Pin 到 200 美元的 Rabbit R1，这些 AI 创业公司都在兜售同一个美丽的谎言：你需要专门的硬件才能体验真正的 AI。 今天，这个名单上又多了一个新成员——AI Key。 这是一款定位于「AI 助手」的外接硬件，厂商宣传它可随插随拔，通过 iPhone 的 USB 接口连接后，能够帮助你动动嘴操作手机上的应用和功能，从消 息、地图到拍照、社交软件，几乎覆盖常见任务。 类似于手机 Agent，它的用法也并不复杂。 只需提出你的需求，确认它调用的应用，接着设备会自动模拟点击、滑动和输入操作。用户既可以盯着它执行，也可以完全交给它处理，并在需要时随时 中止或修改。 值得注意的是，虽然苹果提供了如「快捷指令」这类系统级自动化工具，但第三方应用无法深度调用或控制其他应用的行为，这也解释了为什么市场上会 出现这类试图填补空白的外接硬件。 外观小巧的它拥有三种配色：午夜黑、蛋奶白和达维粉，售价 89 美元，厂商承诺圣诞节前全球发货。创始人 Adam Cohen Hillel 在 X 平台表示，首批产 ...

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the emergence of AI hardware products, particularly the AI Key, which connects to iPhones and aims to enhance user interaction with applications. However, it questions the necessity of additional hardware for AI capabilities when smartphones already possess advanced AI functionalities [9][10][20]. Group 1: AI Hardware Market - The AI Key is a new external hardware device that connects to iPhones via USB, allowing voice commands to control various applications [4][8]. - The device is priced at $89 and has seen significant demand, with initial stock selling out in just 7 hours [8]. - The article highlights a trend among AI startups to promote specialized hardware as essential for experiencing AI, despite existing capabilities in smartphones [2][9]. Group 2: Comparison with Existing Technology - Current smartphones, such as the iPhone 16 Pro, are equipped with powerful AI models and features that can perform tasks without the need for additional hardware [10][12]. - Apple and other smartphone manufacturers are integrating AI into their devices, making it a native feature rather than a separate function [28][29]. - The article argues that the best AI hardware form factor remains the smartphone, despite claims of potential obsolescence from industry leaders [9][10]. Group 3: Challenges and Limitations of AI Hardware - Previous AI hardware products, like Humane Ai Pin and Rabbit R1, faced significant issues such as overheating and poor battery life, leading to their decline [16][18]. - The article suggests that many AI hardware startups struggle with supply chain management and quality control, which can result in negative user experiences and financial difficulties [17][20]. - It emphasizes that the concepts promoted by these devices may ultimately be absorbed into existing platforms rather than thriving as standalone products [19][20]. Group 4: Philosophical Perspective on AI - The article explores the distinction between viewing AI as a "function" requiring dedicated hardware versus an "attribute" that enhances existing systems [22][23]. - It argues that true innovation in AI should focus on integrating AI capabilities into all devices rather than creating separate AI-specific hardware [34][36]. - The vision for the future includes a seamless integration of AI into everyday devices, leading to a more intelligent environment without the need for specialized AI hardware [37][38].