Lenovo's Innovative AI Assistant Integrates Across Devices

Key Insights from ZDNET

Lenovo and Motorola captured attention at CES not only with their innovative hardware like the Motorola Razr Fold but also with major AI-related news.

Introducing Lenovo Qira, a groundbreaking AI assistant designed to operate across a broad spectrum of Lenovo and Motorola gadgetry, including smartphones, wearables, PCs, and tablets. Unlike conventional chatbots such as ChatGPT, Qira actively performs tasks across multiple devices and applications, including online and offline file transfers.

"Qira is not merely another digital assistant; it represents a new paradigm of intelligence across our devices," explained Dan Dery, Lenovo's VP of AI Ecosystem. "Our aim is to integrate AI into your daily life as a seamless companion that supports you naturally and persistently."

Motorola stepped into the spotlight with a new AI wearable featuring Qira integration. As a proof of concept, it was demonstrated to be very promising.

The Concept of Ambient Intelligence

Qira is designed as a personal ambient intelligence system, implying that it is aware of its context and accessible across an array of devices. It merges user interactions, documents, and device memories into a cohesive knowledge base, offering a personalized and evolving model termed "the user's living world."

This system is intended to streamline user experience by reducing the need for constant context switching and requiring minimal input to complete tasks. Features like Next Move offer tailored suggestions based on current activities, while Catch Me Up provides summaries for catching up with missed events.

Privacy and consent are at the heart of Qira, employing a hybrid architecture that favors processing on the device to maintain personal data securely. When cloud processing is necessary, Lenovo assures the use of secure services with protective measures.

The initial rollout is planned for select Lenovo devices in the first quarter of 2026, with subsequent expansion to compatible Motorola smartphones. On Lenovo products, it appears as Lenovo Qira, while on Motorola devices, it will be known as Motorola Qira.

Exploring Project Maxwell

Motorola's 312 Labs is addressing previous challenges with Project Maxwell, an "AI Perceptive Companion Proof of Concept."

Designed to support tasks without needing a phone, this device integrates Motorola Qira. Equipped with a camera, it provides context-sensitive assistance based on what you're observing. Featuring a magnetic back and a chain, it can be worn as a necklace for convenience.

During demonstrations, Project Maxwell demonstrated versatile task assistance, such as navigating directions, booking an Uber, and composing texts. Users interact directly with the pin, bypassing the need for a phone, while the pin manages each task comprehensively. The capability does not just mimic other AI assistants but stands out in how it executes tasks.

Although users aren't required to interact through their phone, those who choose to can observe Qira's comprehensive task execution process. For instance, in an Uber booking example, Qira opens the app, inputs the destination, selects payment methods, and confirms the ride request.

Similarly, sending texts through Qira follows a streamlined procedure—opening the app, choosing the correct contact, composing the message, and sending it. This type of support in a compact form has great potential as a daily assistant.