SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Feb. 19, 2025 – Applications with generative artificial intelligence (AI) such as ChatGPT, Claude, Le Chat, or Midjourney are currently mainly used by classic computers or smartphones. A good four out of five AI users (82 percent) access AI applications with personal computers or laptops. And a good half (55 percent) use a smartphone for this purpose. This was the result of a representative Forsa survey commissioned by the TÜV Association among 1,001 people aged 16 and over. According to the survey, other devices such as smart speakers (2 percent) or smart watches (0 percent) currently play hardly any role in the use of generative AI.
Device Usage Trends in Generative AI
"Computers are often more powerful and therefore better suited to complex tasks, while the use of AI on smartphones offers above all a high level of flexibility and mobility," says Patrick Gilroy, Artificial Intelligence Officer at the TÜV Association. "On smartphones, AI functions are often provided via apps that are specifically optimized for mobile use." These apps offer a user-friendly interface and are directly integrated into the mobile ecosystem. In contrast, AI applications on computers are usually provided via web browsers. These browser-based applications usually offer more flexibility and can be more powerful, especially when it comes to complex tasks. Gilroy: "Browser-based AI applications are often more versatile and can access more powerful hardware, which makes them ideal for demanding tasks such as extensive data analysis." The TÜV Association provides an overview of the advantages of the respective devices.
Benefits of Using AI on Smartphones
- Mobility: Smartphones enable access to AI applications on the go.
- Ease of Use: Modern smartphones are often more intuitive to use, making it easier to use AI applications.
- Integration: AI features are often integrated directly into mobile apps, allowing for seamless use. For example, using an AI-based translation app to take a photo of a poster and translate the text on it into another language.
Benefits of Using AI on Computers
- Performance: Computers generally have more computing power, making them better suited for complex AI applications.
- Screen Size: Larger screens make it easier to edit and analyze data.
- Software Diversity: Computers offer a wider range of software solutions that can be used for specialized AI applications.
- Integration: Results from AI applications can be used directly in other programs.
Security Considerations for AI Usage
Security plays an important role in the use of AI. Smartphones are somewhat more vulnerable to security risks because they are more often used on public networks. "It is important that users are aware of the security risks and take appropriate measures to protect their data," emphasizes Gilroy.
Generative AI Adoption in Germany
According to the results of the TÜV Association's AI survey, around one in two German citizens (53 percent) is currently using generative AI.
About the TÜV Association Survey
Methodology Note: The information is based on a representative Forsa survey commissioned by the TÜV Association among 1,001 people between the ages of 16 and 75. The survey was conducted in October 2024. The questions were: "Have you ever tried or used an application of generative artificial intelligence such as ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Google Gemini, or a program in which AI is integrated?", "And with which devices do you use generative AI?"
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