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What comes after the smartphone? Amazon’s Panos Panay will make his case atTechCrunch Disrupt 2026
Panos Panay, Amazon's SVP of Devices, will speak at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 about the evolution of hardware beyond smartphones, focusing on AI integration. His expertise from Microsoft positions him uniquely to discuss future trends in tech, including the rise of generative AI and the shift from phones to new devices like smart assistants and wearables.
Key points
- Panos Panay is the SVP of Devices and Services at Amazon.
- TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 will occur in San Francisco from October 13-15.
- The smartphone has dominated tech for nearly 20 years, but AI is shifting focus toward smarter devices.
- Panay previously worked at Microsoft for 19 years, overseeing the development of Surface devices and Windows 11.
- Under Panay, Amazon has been revamping Alexa with generative AI features, moving beyond traditional devices.
- Disrupt 2026 serves as a platform for industry leaders to share insights and trends affecting startups.
Why it matters
- The shift from smartphone-centric development to AI-driven hardware aligns with current trends in the tech industry for 2025.
- Historically, tech conferences like Disrupt have highlighted pivotal shifts in hardware and software integration.
- The evolution of personal assistants and smart devices reflects a growing consumer preference for seamless technology integration.
Panos Panay's insights at Disrupt 2026 on the future of tech emphasize a transition from smartphones to AI-integrated devices, reflecting significant industry shifts that could redefine user interaction with technology.