ByteDance's AI Smartphone Faces Backlash Over Control Issues

ByteDance has faced backlash over its AI-powered smartphone, the Nubia M153, after major Chinese apps restricted its voice-operated functions. The company announced it has scaled back the capabilities of its AI assistant, Doubao, stating it would prevent the smartphone from claiming incentives meant for active human users.

Furthermore, ByteDance will disable Doubao's interaction with financial apps, including Alipay, as well as suspend AI features in competitive games to ensure fair play. This decision comes after leading platforms, such as Alipay, owned by Ant Group, began limiting Doubao's operations.

Early user Chen Tang, a 21-year-old freelancer, reported that Doubao could not operate several major apps, including Pinduoduo, Taobao, and Ele.me, indicating significant limitations on the AI's functionality.