The CEO of Honor, George Zhao, recently emphasized the crucial role that data protection plays in the development and integration of artificial intelligence technology. In an interview with CNBC, Zhao stated that the transformative power of AI is rendered useless if user data is not adequately safeguarded. This message comes at a time when tech giant Apple is gearing up to introduce personalized AI tools on its devices, highlighting the increasing reliance on AI in the tech industry.
One of the key distinctions highlighted by Zhao is the importance of on-device AI as opposed to AI tools that rely on cloud computing. Honor’s approach involves keeping AI operations that involve personal data limited to the smartphone itself. This on-device AI strategy aims to enhance user privacy and data security by ensuring that sensitive information does not leave the device. In contrast, cloud-based AI tools may raise concerns about data transfer security and user privacy, as data is processed and stored on external servers.
Zhao also touched upon the challenges faced by manufacturers in balancing AI capabilities with energy usage and data privacy. The increasing power and complexity of network (cloud) AI have led to significant advancements in AI technology. However, Zhao believes that on-device AI holds the potential to provide more intimate and empowering experiences for consumers by understanding their needs and preferences better. The need to strike a balance between AI capabilities, energy efficiency, and data privacy remains a critical challenge for manufacturers in the tech industry.
In line with Honor’s philosophy, Zhao emphasized the importance of empowering individuals through mobile end devices. By focusing on personalization and user-centric design, Honor aims to make individuals stronger and more in control of their technology. This approach stands in contrast to systems that prioritize collecting large amounts of user data to deliver personalized features, potentially overshadowing the individual user in the process. Honor’s commitment to enhancing user empowerment and privacy underscores the company’s dedication to creating a more user-centric AI experience.
Honor’s Magic V2 folding phone, lauded for its innovative design and AI capabilities, received the prestigious “Best Smartphone in Asia Award” at the Shanghai MWC. With the impending release of the Magic V3, Honor is set to further advance its AI functionalities and offer consumers a glimpse into the future of AI technology in mobile devices. By focusing on data protection, user privacy, and on-device AI development, Honor is poised to shape the future of AI integration in smartphones and enhance the overall user experience.