AI: The Ultimate Sherlocking?

The article discusses the concept of "Sherlocking," which refers to Apple incorporating features from third-party apps into its own operating systems, often leading to the decline of those original apps. It traces the history of the Sherlock app, which allowed users to search the internet and files on their devices, and how it was eventually overshadowed by Apple's own enhancements. The rise of mobile apps in 2008 shifted the focus towards direct consumer relationships, with major companies like Amazon becoming dominant aggregators in their respective sectors.

The emergence of AI personal assistants, particularly Apple's Siri, is highlighted as a potential game-changer in user interaction. These assistants can integrate various services, offering convenience but also posing risks to app developers and service providers by shifting the primary user interface from their apps to the AI assistants. This could lead to a commoditization of services and a loss of direct customer relationships for businesses.

The article concludes that while aggregators will likely adapt and innovate, the trend towards AI-driven interfaces may signal a return to a universal access point for services, reminiscent of the original Sherlock app, now embodied in modern AI assistants like Siri. This evolution raises questions about the future dynamics between users, service providers, and tech giants.