The smartphone industry is set for another major transformation with the introduction of generative AI capabilities in high-end models (AI smartphones). Tech giants like Google, Samsung, and Microsoft are integrating powerful AI algorithms into their flagship devices to offer new futuristic features. Although pricing remains a hurdle, early adoption by tech enthusiasts signals an exciting future. Let us look into the details of the AI smartphone revolution in the coming days.
Key Highlights
- AI smartphones like Google’s Pixel and Samsung’s Galaxy S series can provide personalized and contextual suggestions based on user data and preferences. The AI engine analyzes usage patterns to optimize performance.
- Real-time translation, enhanced photography through AI image processing, and intelligent charging are some of the features enabled by onboard AI chips and neural processing units.
- The circle search feature in Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra lets users identify objects seen through the camera and get details like product information, prices, local availability, etc.
- AI-powered cameras can capture flattering portraits and suggest creative compositions and effects. Text and graphics can be automatically enhanced.
- The high cost of the latest AI chipsets has limited these features to premium models priced above $1000. But prices could fall rapidly with progress in AI hardware.
Features enabled in Ai Smartphones
Here are some of the key features enabled in AI smartphones:
- AI Cameras: Cameras with AI capabilities can automatically adjust settings, detect scenes, identify objects and people, suggest creative compositions, and apply artistic filters and effects. This improves photography.
- Voice Assistants: Smartphones have on-device voice assistants like Siri, Bixby, and Google Assistant that can understand natural language commands, answer questions, and control phone functions.
- Adaptive Battery: The phone learns the user’s charging habits and optimizes battery charging to preserve battery health.
- Predictive Text: Smart typing suggestions and next-word predictions that learn from the user’s writing style. It helps speed up typing.
- Real-time Translation: AI-powered real-time translation allows translating conversations, videos, and texts seamlessly in different languages.
- Enhanced Security: AI has improved face unlock, fingerprint unlock, and other biometric authentication for greater accuracy and security.
- Contextual App Suggestions: The phone suggests apps based on location, time of day, and user habits. It makes it easier to find relevant apps.
- AR/VR capabilities: Some phones have AI chips tuned for augmented and virtual reality experiences via cameras and sensors.
- Gaming: AI can enhance gaming performance, graphics, and capabilities.
AI makes smartphones more personalized, intuitive, smarter, and contextual.
AI-enabled PCs and GenAI smartphones
a. AI-Enabled PCs
By 2027, six out of ten PCs will be AI-native, and one in five computers shipped this year will have AI-enabled chips. These personal computers are equipped with system-on-a-chip (SoC) functionalities that are specifically designed to execute generative AI (genAI) tasks on-site. Several key factors are propelling the shift from cloud-based processing to on-device AI:
- Performance Enhancement: Migrating AI workloads from the cloud to edge devices eliminates the round-trip latency over networks, resulting in improved performance.
- Privacy and Security: Keeping data on local devices enhances privacy and security by avoiding cloud exposure.
- Cost Efficiency: Limiting access to costly cloud resources for training large language models (LLMs) reduces expenses.
- Edge Dominance: By 2025, over 50% of enterprise-managed data processing is anticipated to take place outside of data centers or the cloud, with edge computing overtaking the cloud as the fastest-growing compute segment.
b. GenAI Smartphones
These smartphones are set to explode in popularity. Over the course of the following year, smartphone shipments equipped with AI are anticipated to soar. Here’s why they matter:
- Local AI Processing: GenAI smartphones incorporate specialized chips for local AI processing, enhancing efficiency and responsiveness.
- Unleashing Possibilities: AI unlocks limitless possibilities, from personalized recommendations to real-time language translation and image recognition.
- Magic Call: Imagine a smartphone that interprets what you’re reading, writes for you, and manages your life. Google’s new AI app, Gemini, aims to do just that.
Driving Factors
- With the maturation of smartphone technology, unique AI features are key differentiators for high-end models aimed at early tech adopters.
- Steady improvements in on-device AI through dedicated neural processing units and AI accelerator chips.
- The growth of AI semiconductor startups has focused on machine learning applications.
- Strategic investments by tech giants in developing AI algorithms customized for smartphones.
- Increasing consumer comfort with AI and expectations for smarter, more contextual devices.
The road ahead
As AI processors and software get more sophisticated while dropping in price, AI integration will rapidly move beyond flagship smartphones.
AI is expected to become a must-have feature even in mid-range devices over the next few years. With enhanced on-device intelligence, smartphones could transform into intelligent personal assistants rather than just communication devices.
