What is an “ambient intelligence layer” and why should you care? Lenovo thinks it has multi-device AI figured out with Quira, but there’s more to the story

As a researcher at CES 2026, I was really impressed with Lenovo’s new PC hardware – some of the most exciting I saw at the show. However, their two-hour presentation at the Sphere was almost entirely focused on AI, which felt a bit surprising given the strength of their physical products.

The world’s top PC maker was particularly eager to demonstrate a new platform called “Personal Ambient Intelligence,” which is designed to function seamlessly across all your devices.

I first learned about this ‘super agent’ technology from Luca Rossi, Lenovo’s Executive VP and President of Intelligent Devices Group. He mentioned it during a roundtable discussion at IFA 2025, and I was fortunate enough to be there.

Rossi explained that China is leading the way with AI that works smoothly across all your devices – computers, tablets, phones, and smartwatches. He believes Lenovo, with its broad range of hardware, is uniquely suited to develop this kind of all-encompassing AI technology.

That future, as envisioned by Lenovo, is Qira.

Hands-on with Lenovo Qira at CES 2026

Qira is a new AI assistant from Lenovo and Motorola created to be constantly available and help you whenever you need it. It functions on Lenovo computers, tablets, and phones, as well as Motorola devices and other wearable technology like a project called Maxwell.

During Lenovo’s presentation at CES 2026, you might have noticed the speakers wearing a pendant. That was Project Maxwell, a new wearable device from Motorola that constantly records what you see and hear. While it feels a bit like something out of a science fiction movie and raises privacy concerns, Motorola argues it’s essential for the advanced AI assistance it offers.

I recently got a preview of the company’s new AI feature before their big presentation. Honestly, it seems like a lifesaver for someone like me who struggles with organization. However, it requires sharing a lot of personal information to work its best, and I’m hesitant about that.

I must admit that Qira looks like a godsend for someone as disorganized as I am.

Qira is currently being tested, but it’s already working well on Lenovo laptops and Motorola phones. It’s designed to be subtle – a small icon that appears when you need it and disappears when you don’t, letting you work independently or offering help when requested.

Qira adapts to all your devices, learning how you work and what you like over time. While the initial demonstration had a few minor glitches between computers and phones, it generally performed as expected. For example, I was able to search for vacation spots on one device, and then Qira suggested dinner options on another, using my previous searches as a reference.

Qira can follow your directions within other applications, even without an internet connection. It can also work with other AI tools to help you get things done, and generally assists with almost any task you’re working on.

Lenovo isn’t trying to rival AI giants like Copilot, Gemini, or ChatGPT with its new AI plans. Instead, the company aims to collaborate with them, recognizing the growing need for powerful AI models and cloud computing resources.

Is Qira intended to be a closed ecosystem?

I recently joined Lenovo’s Luca Rossi for another discussion at CES 2026, where reporters had further questions about Qira.

Rossi predicts that Qira will eventually be available on the majority of Lenovo devices. Currently, running Qira requires significant computing power, but this will become less of an issue as the software becomes more efficient and devices are equipped with more powerful AI hardware, like Neural Processing Units (NPUs). This applies to both phones and computers.

Qira isn’t meant to be limited to specific devices. I asked if I could use it on my custom-built gaming PC, and Rossi confirmed they don’t plan to restrict its use to a closed system.

Qira will initially be available on Lenovo and Motorola devices, probably in March or April of 2026, before becoming compatible with a wider range of PCs, phones, and wearable technology as the platform develops.

How does Qira handle data security?

Qira security often asked for your permission, but it’s still uncertain exactly how the data collected from various devices will be managed.

Following the presentation, Rossi explained that Lenovo will be upfront and clear with users about how Qira works. They’ll make it easy to understand what information stays on your device and what’s sent to Lenovo’s AI servers.

This kind of AI help – which Lenovo calls an ‘AI twin’ – represents a significant leap in data collection, and it will likely take people a while to adjust to it.

I was really impressed with Qira at CES 2026, even though I’m usually very careful about sharing my personal data. My quick look at it left me wanting more, and I think Qira has the potential to be a truly groundbreaking technology. It could be remembered as the first step towards a future where deeply integrated AI assistants are commonplace.

Lenovo Qira FAQ

When does Qira launch?

Qira is planned to become available in early 2026 on certain Lenovo and Motorola phones, most likely around March or April.

Does Qira only work on Lenovo and Motorola devices?

Currently, Qira is still being tested as a “beta” version, so that’s correct. But I understand the developers don’t plan to limit it to just one phone – they intend to release it for other devices soon.

Is Qira based on one single AI model?

Qira isn’t an AI model itself, but rather a smart system that gathers information from various sources – like AI models, devices, and its surroundings – and combines it all into a unified view.

How does Qira handle data privacy?

Details about data privacy and security are still limited, but Lenovo says the device is built to store your personal information on the device itself as much as possible. Any data that needs to be stored online will use secure cloud services, and you’ll have control over what information is shared.

What is Project Maxwell?

Motorola’s new wearable, Project Maxwell, is a necklace-like amulet. It features a camera, microphone, and speaker, allowing its AI assistant, Qira, to connect with you even when you’re not using your phone, tablet, or computer.

2026-01-12 23:41