At the IFA 2024 event, Tecno showcased an impressive lineup of AI advancements set to enhance its smartphones soon. Known for merging innovation and affordability, Tecno is embracing the AI wave by integrating successful elements from both Apple and Google’s AI initiatives.
The company’s spokesperson highlighted, “Our emphasis lies in AI language localization, which encompasses translations for minority languages and advancements in semantic recognition. Moreover, we are focused on merging AI with local applications to transform smart devices into personalized assistants. This will enable users to perform various tasks, such as booking a taxi, finding directions, and ordering food in a seamless and intuitive manner.”
A significant highlight is the introduction of the proprietary Ella AI assistant, which is built on Google’s Gemini framework. Based on initial interactions, it has demonstrated a remarkable ability to handle natural language queries and engage in more fluid, conversational exchanges.
Among the practical AI features being rolled out is real-time translation, enabling both phone calls and face-to-face communication by converting spoken words into written text instantaneously.
Moreover, the Ella Assistant is programmed to intelligently manage commands across different applications. In a demonstration, Tecno showed how users can ask the AI to summon a ride, which it does by presenting options from various apps, conveniently organized on one interface.
Additionally, Tecno is taking cues from Apple’s Writing Tools by introducing functions that summarize both local and online content. Users will benefit from capabilities such as editing, proofreading, rewriting, adjusting styles, and generating new content from scratch.
Tecno also unveiled its own version of Circle to Search, dubbed AI Search. This feature allows users to swipe their screens to quickly look up what is displayed on their devices, showcasing its practical AI edge.
On the creative side, Tecno has introduced AI Artboard, a feature that allows users to generate images based on text prompts. While details about the underlying image generation model remain under wraps, speculation suggests it may utilize the Google Imagen technology, thanks to its integration with Gemini.
Not stopping there, Tecno is drawing inspiration from the editing tools found in Google Photos for its AI Image Editing system. Users will enjoy the ability to manipulate images using simple natural language commands, like “brighten the skin tone,” “enlarge the eyes,” or “remove the car from the background.” This new toolkit includes features such as AI Erase to eliminate unwanted objects, AI Cutout to extract selected elements from images, and even capabilities for video generation.
While Tecno’s announcements at IFA 2024 primarily centered around AI and software, the company also generated excitement with its introduction of the innovative tri-fold Phantom Ultimate 2 concept smartphone, highlighting its commitment to pioneering both software and hardware advancements in the mobile arena.
