At MWC Barcelona 2024, George Zhao, CEO of HONOR Device Co., Ltd., took the stage with industry leaders for a thought-provoking panel discussion. The session, titled “Putting Humans First in AI Development: Key Considerations for Creating AI for Smart Devices,” also featured John Hoffman, CEO of GSMA Ltd., and Alex Katouzia, Group GM of MCX, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. Together, they underscored the significance of crafting AI devices that champion an intuitive, human-centric experience while ensuring user privacy.

“We believe AI will reconstruct the operation system and rebuild our future smartphone experience. HONOR will advance our AI strategy by integrating it across MagicOS and all HONOR devices, ensuring a human-centric experience that delights our users with every interaction,” Zhao stated, emphasizing HONOR’s commitment to developing AI devices designed with human needs at the core.

HONOR’s expertise in on-device AI is demonstrated through the launch of MagicOS 8.0 at MWC, which fully integrated platform-level AI and the industry’s first intent-based user interface (IUI). MagicOS 8.0 also boasts Magic Portal, an intent-based shortcut recommendation feature that lets users seamlessly switch and access services between apps with a single drag. It supports 100 major apps globally.

HONOR also partnered with Qualcomm to demonstrate the use of open-source Llama 2 on the new HONOR Magic6 Pro, showcasing the power of on-device AI even for offline use. HONOR is pioneering an open ecosystem, inviting global partners such as Qualcomm and GSMA to join forces. “By fostering open collaboration, we’re creating on-device AI experiences for the benefit of consumers,” Zhao remarked.

“We want to make it easy for people to develop and innovate on top of our platforms,” said Katouzian. “Cooperation and openness are great for the industry, so Qualcomm’s cooperation with our partners is key. We believe that innovation and technology will make our partnerships stronger. As long as we can continue to innovate and cooperate with our partners, our potential is truly boundless.”

John Hoffman added, “AI is poised to revolutionize everything, and we are excited to see companies like HONOR and Qualcomm leveraging on-device AI technology to innovate smart devices, empowering people’s lives. GSMA, in collaboration with HONOR, has also unveiled the “6G Terminal Vision” whitepaper, outlining a grand vision for the development of 6G terminals in the AI era and charting the course for future industry advancements.”

According to Zhao, the current wave of AI breakthroughs is unprecedented in history and will profoundly affect smart devices. HONOR’s strategic focus is to bring AI to MagicOS, introducing the industry’s first intent-based UI (IUI), incorporating a new kernel, new UI, and an interconnected ecosystem empowered by AI to devices from smartphones to PCs, providing users with a cross-device, cross-application, and cross-ecosystem experience.

“Platform-level AI and LLMs enable HONOR to seamlessly blend AI devices such as AI PCs and AI smartphones into users’ daily lives, understanding their intent and anticipating their needs,” Zhao shared. He added that the more consumers engage with these devices, the more tailored and helpful the experience becomes.

Alex also noted the ongoing shift of AI processing from the cloud to personal devices, including smartphones and PCs. “With better quantization or shrinking of the models, and working hand-in-hand with our partners such as HONOR and other industry partners such as the OS vendors, we will be able to take that [cloud AI] capability and data and move more of that onto the device. The growth potential for on-device AI is virtually limitless.”

“AI cannot exist without a foundation of security,” Zhao declared, highlighting HONOR’s PFAST principle in AI development—Privacy, Fairness and Justice, Accountability, Security and Reliability, Transparency and Controllability. “We call upon the industry to collaborate on AI governance to ensure the privacy and security of individuals,” Zhao urged. The HONOR MagicGuard technology and obtained privacy certifications, such as the ePrivacySeal, are key initiatives in this endeavour.

Driven by the rapid advancements in AI, 6G will bring exciting possibilities but also complex challenges. HONOR and GSMA have released a “6G Terminal Vision” whitepaper at MWC. Developed with contributing partners China Unicom, China Mobile, China Telecom, Du, Telstra and Inmarsat, this forward-looking document outlines the vision for a human-centric intelligent world shaped by the transformative capabilities of 6G and AI.

At an event at the back of the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Nothing revealed the design of its new smartphone, Phone (2a). The Phone (2a) embodies the first-ever internal smartphone design concept that was created a few months after Nothing launched in 2020. It integrates the phone’s components into its external design, showcasing key functions in new and innovative ways.

Behind the iconic “eyes” – represented by cameras inside the NFC coil – is the hub of intelligence that powers the phone, much like a brain. The rest of the elements are positioned using a circular grid system. This extends to the edge of the phone to create more rounded corners, which now have a larger radius. Overall, this gives a coherent and softer look and feel to the device.

Phone (2a) features an industry-first with its 90° angle unibody cover wrapping around the edges to create a new dimension and perspective to our design, while seamlessly integrating the dual camera module. Not only is this structure aesthetically pleasing, it makes the device sturdier, with a notable improvement in drop test results.

To further captivate interest, Nothing created a sense of asymmetrical balance where the lower part of Phone (2a) is purposefully designed to disrupt the flow of the top. The battery cover was designed drawing inspiration from Massimo Vignelli’s New York subway map.

The camera ‘bump’ also plays a role in stabilising the phone when it’s lying flat on a surface as well as helping minimise finger obstructions when taking a picture. Further product information will be detailed during the ‘Fresh Eyes’ event on March 5 at 3.30 PM GST tune into https://nothing.tech/pages/event

The Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2024, held on February 26 in Barcelona, Spain, saw Huawei showcase a lineup of high-end, fashion-forward flagship products that drew significant attention, notably the HUAWEI Mate 60 RS ULTIMATE DESIGN, HUAWEI FreeClip, and HUAWEI WATCH GT 4. Huawei’s exhibition space reflected its focus on the user experience through scenario-based zones: ULTIMATE DESIGN, Fashion Forward, XMAGE, Creation of Beauty, and Fitness & Health. These zones demonstrated Huawei’s continuous investment in innovation and commitment to building rich, personalised and fashion-forward experiences for its global consumers.

“Huawei will continue to cement its position as a global high-end, fashion-forward, and technology-driven brand”, said Kevin Ho, COO of the Huawei Consumer Business Group, “In 2024, we will continue to increase R&D investments in smart devices, fitness & health, and digital creation. These efforts will make innovative products and services more accessible to users worldwide, and create cutting-edge, pioneering, and personalised lifestyles for consumers.”

Over the past year, Huawei CBG has seen steady growth, making breakthroughs in the global high-end wearable, audio, tablet, PC, and smartphone markets, by releasing an intriguing lineup of products. Huawei has held flagship product launch events across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Latin America, and Asia Pacific regions, demonstrating its commitment to growing its global presence as a premium brand.

Notable 2023 smartphone releases like the HUAWEI Mate 60 Series and HUAWEI Mate X5 have solidified Huawei’s technical prowess. Huawei also introduced ULTIMATE DESIGN, a new ultra-high-end brand that offers distinctive aesthetics, craftsmanship, and cutting-edge technology. According to Counterpoint Research, Huawei gained a 5% market share in the global high-end smartphone market in 2023, ranking third among all brands. In the first two weeks of 2024, Huawei ranked first in the Chinese market for smartphone sales volume.

Beyond smartphones, Huawei strengthened its leadership in wearables, with global shipments surpassing 150 million units by the end of 2023. Huawei has held the top spot in the Chinese smartwatch market for five consecutive years, with HUAWEI Health App boasting over 450 million users. And in 2023, Huawei celebrated a decade of tablet innovation with a milestone of over 100 million tablets shipped. Huawei’s commitment to design innovation was evident in its “Fashion Forward” exhibition zone. In 2023, Huawei unveiled its “Fashion Forward” campaign. Huawei’s substantial investment in R&D is what drives its ability to forge new design paradigms for each new product, leading the industry’s fashion trends.

While developing HUAWEI Mate 60 RS ULTIMATE DESIGN, for instance, rare earth elements were added to the red ceramics sintering process for the first time. Each phone underwent 1400°C calcining and was subject to more than 50 processes during the 60-day manufacturing process, all of which proved crucial for creating the vibrant red body. Another example is the HUAWEI WATCH ULTIMATE DESIGN, Huawei’s first-ever gold smartwatch, featuring 18K gold and Zirconium-based Liquid metal. The HUAWEI FreeClip earbuds also showcase innovation with their C-bridge Design for both durability and a comfortable, breathable fit, with a refreshingly original look and feel. The HUAWEI WATCH GT 4, with its distinctive octagonal design, showcases meticulous attention to detail.

To gain insight into the design and aesthetic trends across different cultures, Huawei has set up Aesthetics Research Centers in Paris, Milan, and London. These centres serve as global platforms that fuel the continuous advancement in bridging technology and design. Huawei’s Fitness & Health exhibition captivated visitors with its focus on smart wearables, one of the most crucial sectors in Huawei CBG’s global business. 2023 saw the release of several flagship smart wearables, including the HUAWEI WATCH Ultimate, the first daily smartwatch to support two-way BeiDou satellite messaging; the HUAWEI WATCH 4, which introduced the all-new Health Glance feature; the HUAWEI WATCH GT 4, which came with brand-new Activity Rings and the Stay Fit App; and the HUAWEI WATCH ULTIMATE DESIGN, Huawei’s first ever gold smartwatch.

Huawei has made continuous breakthroughs in technology, design, health management, and science-based workout monitoring, earning global consumer recognition. The HUAWEI WATCH GT 4 is a testament to this success, exceeding 2.5 million units shipped globally within just three months of its launch. A decade of expertise in wearables has also allowed Huawei to develop its proprietary TruSeen vital signs monitoring technology, now in its fifth generation after eight years of refinement. In 2023, Huawei underscored its position as an industry innovator with over 800 smart wearable patent applications. This commitment is further demonstrated by the opening of its third Health Lab last year in Helsinki, Finland and the network of global R&D centres.

In 2024, Huawei will prioritise addressing three industry challenges: sleep, blood pressure, and mental health management. The goal is to provide even more accurate, convenient, and comprehensive health management solutions for everyone. The HUAWEI MatePad Pro 13.2″, Huawei’s latest flagship tablet, and the collection of digital artworks by creators from across the globe using the tablet drew interest at MWC 2024. Launched in 2023 as the first tablet to support NearLink technology, it was also the thinnest tablet with the narrowest bezels and the highest screen-to-body ratio. The tablet works seamlessly with HUAWEI M-Pencil (3^rd generation), the first stylus to support 10,000+ pressure sensing levels, offering an unprecedented stylus experience. In 2023, Huawei also launched the global GoPaint Activity, inviting creators worldwide to showcase works made on Huawei tablets.

Huawei pledges continued investment in digital creation throughout 2024, prioritising technologies like PaperMatte Display and NearLink, to provide consumers with enhanced experiences. The GoPaint Activity will also expand to more countries and regions, making it a global platform for the digital art community. Huawei’s achievements in mobile imaging are similarly impressive with its XMAGE brand, encompassing optical systems, imaging technology, and image processing. The HUAWEI XMAGE Awards in 2023 saw over 600,000+ submissions from nearly 100 countries and regions, inspiring users to capture and share the beauty around them.

Huawei’s showcase at MWC 2024 demonstrated the company’s commitment to the global high-end market. 2024 will be critical as Huawei breaks boundaries, making high-end, fashion-forward, technology-driven products, services, and experiences more accessible worldwide.