From Cloud to Edge: AI Gets Personal

What if generative AI models could run directly on your smartphone, creating images, video, and voice instantly—without relying on the cloud?

In this episode, Jennifer Li, General Partner at a16z, explains why on-device AI is poised to take center stage in 2025. Thanks to smaller, more efficient models and increasingly powerful devices, AI-powered experiences will become faster, more seamless, and more private.

From real-time voice agents to AR-powered cameras and smarter wearables, Jennifer explores how this shift unlocks new consumer and B2B applications. She also dives into the challenges, economics, and players that stand to benefit from this evolution.

Timecodes:
00:00: The Rise of On-Device AI
00:56: Smartphone Compute Power
01:59 Advantages of On-Device Models
03:33: Real-Time Applications
05:23: Economic Implications
06:47: Future Trends and Players
07:43: Looking Ahead to 2025

Resources:
Find Jennifer on X: https://x.com/JenniferHli
Check out all 50 Big Ideas: https://a16z.com/big-ideas-in-tech-2025/

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Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.