The AI already in your phone | BBC News
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Introduction
As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, we are becoming accustomed to its ability to perform tasks that closely resemble human capabilities. From engaging in conversations to creating visuals and videos, AI has made impressive strides. Historically, much of this computing power has resided in massive supercomputers in the cloud, performing complex calculations and then relaying results to user devices, including smartphones. Central to this capability are Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), which have propelled companies like Nvidia into the spotlight as some of the most valuable entities in the tech industry.
Recently, a new wave of technology has emerged: Neural Processing Units (NPUs). These chips are specifically designed for AI and are significantly smaller than traditional GPUs. Their compact size allows them to be integrated into mobile devices, enabling them to conduct limited AI functions locally on phones. This development has prompted phone manufacturers to introduce features such as Apple's Intelligence, Samsung's Advanced Intelligence, and Google's Gemini, which promise more natural interactions.
Innovative Functionalities
Modern smartphones are equipped to assist users more intuitively based on received messages. For instance, new Honor phones can analyze message content and automatically select the appropriate app, such as opening maps for an address. Samsung's latest devices can summarize handwritten notes into organized lists. A particularly noteworthy feature in Google's new Pixel phones allows for real-time translation during conversations, as well as summarizing missed phone calls in text format for users.
Photo editing has also undergone significant improvements due to generative AI. Users can now remove undesired elements from images with a simple tap, allowing for seamless photo restoration. In some instances, AI can consider the background and fill in gaps effectively, although there are still quirks—like replacing removed objects with similar ones.
AI is making its way into PCs as well, as evidenced by the new Microsoft Surface Pro. This device features the Co-Pilot Plus brand of PCs and tablets that utilize onboard NPUs for various innovative applications. For instance, Microsoft Paint has received a generative AI upgrade, enabling even the least artistic users to produce visually appealing creations based on their rough sketches. Additionally, AI can subtly enhance video calls by adjusting eye positioning to maintain the appearance of eye contact, even when participants are distracted by their screens.
One of the most groundbreaking applications of AI in computing is a feature called "Recall." This function captures screenshots of users' activities every few seconds, allowing them to access previously seen content by simply describing it. Microsoft has emphasized privacy, ensuring that all data remains on the device and reassuring users about the security of this feature.
Understanding AI and Data Privacy
For AI to operate effectively, it requires considerable training data. Ideally, this data would encompass a broad spectrum of user information; however, concerns about data privacy are rising. The emergence of NPUs is partly a response to these anxieties, as they enable certain AI capabilities without compromising user privacy. While they may not rival the processing power of cloud-based AI, NPUs can provide a more personalized AI experience while safeguarding personal data.
Keywords
AI, smartphone, NPU, GPU, Honor phone, Samsung, Google, Pixel, Microsoft Surface Pro, Recall, data privacy, generative AI.
FAQ
What is the difference between GPUs and NPUs?
- GPUs (Graphics Processing Units) are general-purpose chips that excel at parallel processing tasks, primarily used for graphics rendering, while NPUs (Neural Processing Units) are specifically designed for AI-related computations and are more efficient for those tasks.
How do NPUs enhance smartphone capabilities?
- NPUs enable smartphones to perform limited AI functions directly on the device, allowing for features like natural language processing and photo editing without needing to connect to cloud services.
What is the Recall feature on Microsoft devices?
- Recall is a feature that captures screenshots of users' activities over time and allows users to retrieve information by describing what they remember, all while prioritizing user privacy.
Are AI functions on devices safe regarding privacy?
- Most manufacturers, including Microsoft, ensure that AI operations occur on the device itself, keeping user data local and minimizing the risk of exposure to cloud vulnerabilities.
What are some examples of AI features in smartphones?
- Examples include automatic app selection based on message content, real-time translation during calls, and photo editing tools that can remove or add elements to images.