AI is a technology not a product
In a post on Daring Fireball, John Gruber contends that artificial intelligence is a technology, not a product. He draws parallels to electricity and the internet, which are underlying enablers rather than consumer goods. Gruber criticizes the current trend of marketing AI as a standalone product, arguing that this approach leads to unsustainable business models and user disappointment. He points to the success of companies that have integrated AI into existing products (e.g., Apple, Google) versus those that have launched AI-only offerings. The piece emphasizes that developers should treat AI as a component to enhance functionality, not as the core value proposition. Gruber's perspective is rooted in historical patterns of technology adoption, where the most enduring innovations are those that become invisible infrastructure. The article does not announce any specific product or release but offers a strategic viewpoint for the industry.
Developers should embed AI into existing systems rather than build standalone AI products.