Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the competitive dynamics between AI application providers, like Perplexity, and smartphone manufacturers, highlighting the struggle for control over user interaction and data in the AI era [1][4][17]. Group 1: AI Application Providers - Perplexity is attempting to promote its AI browser, Perplexity Comet, by lobbying Android phone brands for pre-installation, aiming to secure a primary entry point for AI interactions [1][4]. - The strategy of pre-installation is seen as a challenge to smartphone manufacturers, who prefer to maintain control over their devices' AI capabilities and user data [3][12]. Group 2: Smartphone Manufacturers - Major smartphone brands, including Xiaomi, OPPO, and Samsung, are developing their own AI models and integrating them into core functionalities, making them reluctant to allow external AI applications to dominate user interactions [8][16]. - Manufacturers view the pre-installation of external AI applications as a threat to their strategic control over user data and experience, which they believe is essential for long-term competitiveness [17][18]. Group 3: Competitive Dynamics - The relationship between AI application providers and smartphone manufacturers is characterized by a complex interplay of competition and cooperation, where both parties seek to leverage their strengths [5][12]. - The article draws parallels between the current situation in the AI mobile sector and the past experiences of car manufacturers with Apple’s CarPlay, emphasizing the importance of controlling user interaction and data [13][16].