Will.I.AM launched an AI Teddy bear

Will.i.am has introduced a new hardware category at CES 2026 called MÖFO™ (Modular Omni Function Operator). Developed in partnership with Qualcomm, the device attempts to move away from the traditional app-based smartphone model in favor of an “agentic” interface driven by voice and physical interaction.

MÖFO arrives at a time when the industry is increasingly debating whether AI should exist as an app on existing phones or as standalone hardware. Will.i.am’s venture argues for the latter, positioning the device as a unified intelligence rather than a container for third-party software.

Technical Foundation: UPCBA and Snapdragon

The device is built on a proprietary architecture called UPCBA (Universal Perceptive Compute & Bus Architecture). Unlike standard mobile devices, this system is designed specifically to host AI agents.

Key technical specifications include:

Processor: Snapdragon® 8 Elite, optimized for edge AI processing.
Connectivity: Integrated 5G, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth.
Physical Modularly: Eight configurable USB-C ports designed to let the AI agent interface directly with external hardware like cameras and microphones without intermediary software layers.

A Shift in User Interface

MÖFO departs from the industry-standard touchscreen. The device features an expressive digital face and utilizes touch sensors on its “head” and “belly” to register user inputs such as taps or holds.

The user experience relies on natural language processing rather than navigating menus. For audio, the device includes a docking station in its chassis for wireless earbuds, intended to facilitate a transition between ambient interaction and private use.

There are no menus. No swipes. No settings labyrinths.
You talk. MÖFO listens—and responds with voice, motion, and expression.

MÖFO is slated for a 2026 release through a series of limited-quantity “drops.” While the partnership with Qualcomm provides significant technical backing, the success of the device will likely depend on whether consumers are willing to adopt a secondary dedicated AI device alongside, or in place of, their current smartphones.

Stay tuned for a full review of everything MÖFO has showcased at the event once we get our hands on the review unit.