Chinese Startup StepFun Launches a Phone Built Around an AI Agent, Not Apps
60-second summary
StepFun’s new STEPX Neo phone begins pre‑orders in China on October 13, priced at 3,999 yuan, and distinguishes itself by embedding an AI agent directly into the operating system rather than offering it as a separate app. This integration aims to streamline user interaction, signaling Chinese startups’ push toward AI‑first hardware and potentially spurring competition in the smart‑phone market.
StepFun's STEPX Neo opened for pre-orders in China on Oct. 13 at 3,999 yuan, with an AI agent built into the operating system instead of bolted on as an app.