Roundtable Discussion: Software vs. Hardware - The Next Big Thing in AI at 36Kr 2025 AI Partner Conference for All Industries

▤ Summary

This article covers a roundtable at the 2025 AI Partner Conference in Beijing about whether AI’s next wave will be led by software or hardware. The speakers argue that AI applications, agents, and vertical scenario solutions are becoming more important as model competition matures. They also highlight strong opportunities in AI-enabled hardware, especially products that combine existing devices with new AI interaction features. The discussion emphasizes customization first, then standardization, and points to China’s software and supply-chain advantages as a path to commercialization. Overall, the piece frames AI as a long-cycle market with opportunities across both enterprise software and smart devices.

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