AI Companion is the New Interface: Building a Learning Agent Device with China's Hardware Ecosystem

AI is rapidly evolving from chatbots to copilots, and now toward agent-based systems. But most AI experiences still live inside apps - fragmented, reactive, and short-lived. What if AI becomes a long-term companion instead?

In this talk, Jacky Hsu shares his journey from leading Microsoft Copilot and Agent product initiatives to building Ingora, an AI-native learning companion designed for children. He introduces a new paradigm: AI companions that combine agent intelligence, multimodal interaction (voice and vision), and hardware to support continuous, personalized learning.

The talk explores why traditional “AI tutor” models fall short, and how inquiry-driven interaction, emotional engagement, and long-horizon agent design can reshape learning experiences. Jacky also shares practical insights on building AI-native hardware products, including how China’s supply chain enables rapid iteration, cost efficiency, and new product possibilities that are difficult to achieve elsewhere.

This session offers a product and systems perspective on where AI is heading next — beyond apps, toward embodied, always-on companions.