News
Artificial Intelligence is a Game Changer for Personal Devices: Gartner
Emotion artificial intelligence (AI) systems are becoming so sophisticated that Gartner, Inc. predicts that by 2022, personal devices will know more about an individual’s emotional state than his or her own family. AI is generating multiple disruptive forces that are reshaping the way we interact with personal technologies.
“Emotion AI systems and affective computing are allowing everyday objects to detect, analyze, process and respond to people’s emotional states and moods to provide better context and a more personalized experience,” said Roberta Cozza, research director at Gartner. “To remain relevant, technology vendors must integrate AI into every aspect of their devices, or face marginalization.”
The current wave of emotion AI systems is being driven by the proliferation of virtual personal assistants (VPAs) and other AI-based technology for conversational systems. As a second wave emerges, AI technology will add value to more and more customer experience scenarios, including educational software, video games, diagnostic software, athletic and health performance, and the autonomous car.
“Prototypes and commercial products already exist and adding emotional context by analyzing data points from facial expressions, voice intonation and behavioral patterns will significantly enhance the user experience,” said Ms. Cozza. “Beyond smartphones and connected home devices, wearables and connected vehicles will collect, analyze and process users’ emotional data via computer vision, audio or sensors capturing behavioral data to adapt or respond to a user’s wants and needs.”
Other personal device predictions from Gartner include:
By 2021, 10 percent of wearables users will have changed lifestyles, and thereby extend their life spans by an average of six months.
As AI emotion systems evolve there is huge potential for specialized devices, such as medical wristbands, which can anticipate life-threatening conditions and facilitate an early response system. At the same time special apps are also being developed for diagnostic and therapy services that will help to recognize conditions such as depression or help children with autism.
“Even a basic wearable device could have a positive impact on the wearer’s health,” said Annette Zimmermann, research vice president at Gartner. “We are seeing growing numbers of users actively changing their behavior for the better with the adoption of a wearable device. Not only can this have beneficial influence on the amount of exercise they do but there is evidence that one or two out of 10 smartwatch and fitness band users discover a condition such as sleep apnea or cardiac arrhythmia through wearing the device.”
By 2020, 60 percent of personal technology device vendors will use third-party AI cloud services to enhance functionality and services.
Cloud-based AI technologies are driving compelling user experiences on a variety of connected devices. Cloud offerings from the big tech players, such as Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Tencent, Baidu and IBM, are starting to proliferate due to their attractive cost model, easy-to-use integration and potential to create complex services. A major catalyst for device vendors to use cloud AI services is the increased usage of VPAs and natural-language technologies, while the adoption of VPA-based, screenless devices such as Amazon Echo and Google Home is also on the rise, further increasing usage of cloud AI services.
“We are starting to see adoption of these services from high-profile vendors that are using them to widen their reach,” said Anthony Mullen, research director at Gartner. “Fitbit uses Alexa Skills to make user stats and functionality available through VPA speakers just as Netflix uses Actions for Google Assistant to voice control its service. Ultimately, vendors will compete on the best user experience and the smartness of their products, not the technology behind it.”
Through 2022, security technology combining machine learning, biometrics and user behavior will reduce passwords to account for less than 10 percent of all digital authentications.
Password-based simple authentication is becoming less and less effective for personal devices. Even today’s popular biometric technology — fingerprint authentication — is only around 75 percent successful due to contaminants such as dirt and sweat.
“Users need more convenient and accurate options for unlocking their devices,” said CK Lu, research director at Gartner. “Security technologies that combine machine learning, biometrics and user behavior will become necessary to improve ease of use, self-service and frictionless authentications. Within the next five years new security technology will recognize the user, prevent fraud and detect automation threats such as malware, remote access trojans and malicious bots.”
Gartner clients can learn more in the report: “Predicts 2018: Personal Devices.” This research is part of the Gartner Special Report “Predicts 2018: Stimulate Creativity to Generate Success,” a collection of research that focuses on predictions to help support the goals of capturing value from new opportunities and overcoming threats.

Gadgets
OnePlus Unveils Nord 5 Among Five New Product Launches

OnePlus is expanding its product ecosystem with the announcement of five new devices, including the latest addition to its popular Nord smartphone lineup. These new products are slated to launch in Europe and India next month, with full specifications and pricing to be revealed at the official launch event on July 8th.
Leading the charge is the Nord 5, the newest mid-range smartphone from the company. Notably, it’s the first Nord device to incorporate a flagship Qualcomm chip – the Snapdragon 8S Gen 3, designed for more affordable flagship phones. The Nord 5 will also boast an upgraded cooling system and support for LPDDR5X RAM. While full details are pending, initial images show a distinctive “Dry Ice” pale blue finish and a dual rear camera setup.
Joining the Nord 5 is the Nord CE5, expected to be a more budget-friendly option, though details are currently limited to its “Marble Mist” finish. Celina Shi, OnePlus’ European head of marketing, confirmed in an interview that both the Nord 5 and Nord CE5 will feature the new customizable Plus Key (replacing the signature Alert Slider) and enable the AI Plus Mind feature.
OnePlus is also introducing the OnePlus Pad Lite, described as an “entry-level” tablet. It retains the central, circular camera design seen on older OnePlus tablets, differentiating it from the newer Pad 3. While official specifications are scarce, a recent leak suggests it will feature an 11-inch LCD display, run on the MediaTek Helio G100 chipset, and be available in an optional cellular version.
Rounding out the announcements are a smaller 43mm OnePlus Watch 3, complementing the existing 47mm model, and a new pair of earbuds, the OnePlus Buds 4. These earbuds will include dual drivers, support Hi-Res audio, and be available in green or dark gray.
Apps
Samsung Health Hub Streamlines Doctor-Patient Communication

Samsung is stepping up its game in the health tech race with plans to develop a new hub, designed to simplify how users share health data directly with their doctors between appointments. This initiative aims to bridge the disconnect often experienced when patients struggle to recall medical advice or fitness suggestions.
Dr. Hon Pak, a Samsung health executive, highlighted the company’s commitment to cutting down this gap. They’re working on tools that will funnel data collected from smartwatches into a central location, also providing nudges to help users stay on track with doctor-prescribed goals. Pak emphasized the need to move away from fragmented health solutions. “There are a lot of innovations out there but it’s siloed,” Pak said. “We think there’s a responsibility and a potential for bringing the experience into an ecosystem so that the users have a more simple experience rather than having 10 different apps to manage your condition.”
While the full hub is still some time away, Samsung recently announced new features coming to its smartwatches as part of a One UI 8 software update. These enhancements will include tools for measuring antioxidant levels and vascular load, alongside a running coach and upgrades to sleep management. The features will be available on last year’s Samsung Galaxy Watch models, with the bedtime coach specifically coming to the Galaxy Watch 5 and newer devices. A beta program for these features is set to launch this month in the US and South Korea.
To check antioxidant levels on a new-generation Samsung watch, users will simply press their fingertip against the sensors on the device’s back. The feature can then suggest nutritional adjustments, like eating antioxidant-rich berries, to help improve readings. The vascular load feature measures pulse waves during sleep to assess arterial pressure, aiming to better identify the risk for stroke and other cardiovascular issues. The new running feature will help users train for races by analyzing baseline performance, and an enhanced sleep tool will suggest optimal bedtimes based on several days of analyzed data.
Smartwatches are evolving beyond simple notification companions, increasingly merging with sports watches and even medical-grade wearables. Competitors like Apple Inc., Garmin Ltd., and Alphabet Inc.’s Google have already made significant advancements in measuring heart conditions and sleep.
This shift towards more comprehensive health features in wearables aligns with broader trends, as noted by Pak. Increases in chronic diseases, healthcare workforce shortages, and rising medical costs are leading more people to seek care from home. “The burden is now on the patients and the families that have to provide that care,” he explained. “So with that, we have to be in the home.”
Samsung’s health platform currently boasts about 68 million monthly active customers. Looking ahead, Pak mentioned that more health sensors are planned for future Samsung devices, including earbuds. While features like cuff-less blood pressure tracking and non-invasive glucose tracking are in development, they are still years away from release.
Cars
Kia Launches Tasman Pickup Truck

The Kia Tasman, the brand’s first pickup truck, has been designed from the ground up to eschew the accepted compromises of conventional pickups, seamlessly transitioning between on- and off-road driving while providing customers with a practical, highly versatile package engineered to meet their diverse needs.
The Tasman is built on a brand-new pickup platform designed to offer confident off-road performance, outstanding load-carrying capacity, and exceptional durability. Its reinforced body-on-frame structure not only delivers best-in-class strength — for payloads up to 1,151kg and towing capacity up to 3,500kg — but provides the foundation for the Tasman’s unparalleled go-anywhere ability.
Optimized for rough terrain, the Tasman boasts a ground clearance of up to 252mm (X-Pro model) with approach, departure, and ramp-over angles of up to 32.2, 26.2, and 25.8 degrees respectively. The front suspension adopts a high-mount double-wishbone setup for better corrosion resistance and ground clearance, while the rear suspension uses a rigid axle with leaf springs, offering SUV-like comfort when unladen and excellent load-bearing support when hauling.
Tuned shock absorbers utilize frequency-sensitive valves and urethane bump stops to optimize ride quality over varied surfaces. Model-specific tires further enhance ability, with HT (Highway Terrain) tires ensuring smooth on-road driving for the base trim, and larger-diameter AT (All-Terrain) tires enabling the off-road focused X-Pro model to overcome even more rugged terrain.
Key powertrains and exhaust components are positioned above the frame to avoid damage during off-road excursions, while the air intake is also located 950mm above the ground. Located inside the front fender, facing rearward, its design helps to prevent water ingress during fording, allowing the Tasman to wade through depths of up to 800mm at speeds of up to 7km/h.
With the physical attributes to take on any terrain, the Tasman also delivers the engineering to match, with both the X-Line and the X-Pro equipped with four-wheel-drive (4WD) as standard. The 4WD system is paired with advanced off-road technologies, making it the most off-road-capable vehicle Kia has ever produced.
The Two-Speed Active Transfer Case (ATC) offers four selectable drive modes — 2H (rear-wheel drive), 4H (high-range 4WD), 4L (low-range 4WD), and 4A (automatic all-wheel drive) to adapt to various terrain and driving scenarios. An Electronic Locking Differential (e-LD) ensures even distribution of torque across both rear wheels, aiding traction on uneven or slippery surfaces.
Terrain-specific drive modes make use of an optimized 4WD drive logic (designed newly for Tasman) to ensure optimal torque distribution and superior traction by fine-tuning throttle response, power distribution, and traction control. For the Middle East and Africa, the Tasman also includes a dedicated ‘Desert’ mode, specially calibrated to handle sand dunes with ease, as well as gaining enhanced cooling performance in the form of a water-cooled oil cooler.
Additionally, X-Trek Mode provides low-speed off-road cruise control (under 10km/h) allowing the Tasman to navigate rough terrain without throttle input, allowing the driver to focus solely on steering. Further off-road-oriented technologies support confident driving, including a Ground View Monitor that displays underbody terrain through the infotainment screen, and an Off-Road Page showing real-time data on the engine, transmission, and cooling systems.
In the Middle East and Africa, customers can choose between the 2.5-liter turbo petrol engine equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and a 2.2-liter turbo diesel engine with a choice of an eight-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission (depending on market). To support the pickup’s 3,500kg towing capacity, the Tasman features enhanced cooling systems with an enlarged radiator and a high-capacity fan, as well as an advanced air-cooled transmission oil cooler. In the Middle East and Africa, an additional water-cooled system is equipped to cover low-speed towing conditions in the sandy areas.
A dedicated Tow Mode on the automatic transmission adjusts gear changes to balance ride comfort, efficiency, and towing performance, while additional towing features include Kia’s first Trailer Brake Controller and Trailer Stability Assist, which minimize trailer sway for safer towing. This state-of-the-art drivetrain technology was tested and proven in numerous locations.
The Tasman doesn’t just enable passengers to go anywhere, but to bring whatever they need with them too, thanks to a bed engineered for strength, versatility, and storage efficiency. Measuring 1,573mm long, 1,600mm wide, and 543mm deep, the bed offers a class-leading 1,212 liters of cargo volume. With a 1,194mm width between the wheel arches, it also accommodates standard-size pallets in global markets. The Tasman supports up to 1,151kg as a total payload, including the cabin loads.
Convenience features include divider slots for wooden partitions to better organize cargo, tie-down hooks and cargo rails with cleats, a bed liner for surface protection, side-mounted lighting, and a 220V inverter for versatile power needs. Kia has additionally developed a line of genuine accessories to enhance user experience while complimenting the Tasman’s rugged styling, including single and double-decker canopies, sports bars, bed covers, sliding trays, and side steps.
Inside, occupants benefit from best-in-class second-row legroom, headroom, and shoulder room, with slimmer front and rear seatbacks taking full advantage of the 2,214mm-long cabin. Second-row seats are also equipped with Kia’s segment-first sliding-linked reclining function, allowing users to comfortably recline — an uncommon feature in mid-size pickups.
Even greater refinement is delivered by the laminated acoustic glass on the windshield and front windows, along with generous sound-absorbing materials throughout the body. Optimized airflow channels and sealing strips minimize road and wind noise from entering the cabin.
Infotainment highlights include a Panoramic Wide Display — which brings together a 12.3-inch cluster display, a 5-inch segment display, and a 12.3-inch infotainment system display — powered by Kia’s latest Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) interface and paired with a Harman Kardon premium sound system. A folding Console Table offers usable flexibility, while further practicality is provided by a 33-liter under-seat storage compartment beneath the rear seat cushions, offering ample space for personal items and tools.
A Wide-Open Hinge allows the rear doors to open at up to 80 degrees, making it easier to load cargo or enter and exit the vehicle.