We live in a world where Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer just a small aspect of a niche science-fiction movie but is gradually becoming something prominently used in everyday life, whether you realise it or not. So how exactly is AI currently being used to allow us to get the most out of our devices?
What is AI?
So, first, to understand how AI is incorporated in our devices, we must first understand what, exactly, AI is. In simple terms, AI is the use of programmes/machines that simulate human intelligence to complete assigned tasks. AI encompasses various technologies like machine learning, natural language processing and computer vision enabling machines to perform tasks that would have previously required human intelligence.
How Does AI Enhance Mobile Devices?
With the ever rapidly evolving tech space, AI has made transformative changes within our mobile devices. There are several ways in which mobile devices and handsets utilise AI to enhance user experience, satisfaction and efficiency. What are some of the main ways in which AI enhances our devices?
Predictive Text
Perhaps one of the most well-known implementations of AI in mobile devices, that you may not have even realised is AI driven is that of predictive text. Using natural language processing algorithms, AI learns from your typing habits and frequent words/phrases you use to predict the next word or phrase you intend to type to offer contextually relevant suggestions. To a similar point, when you begin typing a singular word, it also predicts the actual word you are typing based on the same patterns and algorithms – which is where auto-correct comes into play.
The aim is of course to accelerate typing speed and minimise the number of errors. While in the near past it may have felt that, with auto-correct, it had the opposite effect, however in recent times predictive texting seems to have evolved to be a more complete and accurate system.
Virtual Assistants
Virtual assistants have rapidly become something which we interact with in our everyday lives. They are now extremely important features in modern smartphones with Siri, Bixby and Google Assistant for example featuring across Apple, Samsung and Google devices. These virtual assistants offer hands free, voice-activated functionalities to respond to instructions, commands and questions while also offering the ability to provide information and perform tasks.
Task Automation
AI is also able to automate simple tasks to help save valuable time. This is a consequence of AI learning from user behaviour and as a result can now automate some tasks like setting reminders and organising emails. One example of this we find incredibly useful is that when buying a ticket for an event, arranging a hotel stay or booking a flight through your handset, AI can recognise this an automatically add this to calendar for you immediately.
Face Detection
Facial detection is a feature of AI that has improved both convenience and photography when using mobile devices. AI in smartphones can no identify and focus on human faces and features. As a result of this, functions like Face ID are possible to unlock devices quicker while still remaining secure. Not only that but from a photography perspective AI facial recognition has helped to ensure sharp images and portraits while also allow for automatic face tagging.
As a further example. Google Best Take uses a facial detection algorithm so that you can take the perfect group image by offering the ability to swap out an individual facial expression for your favourite one.
Enhanced Battery Life
AI algorithms can also optimise battery usage by intelligently managing resource allocation, background tasks and app usage. One example of this is optimised battery charging, whereby based on your own regular charging habits, AI will establish when to allow your battery to fully charge. The less time a battery spends at 100% while on charge is beneficial to its long-term health, therefore by minimising the amount of time this occurs, AI is effectively extending the longevity of your device’s battery.
Does the Use of AI in Mobile Devices Pose an Ethical Challenge?
Perhaps the largest challenge that the use of AI in mobile devices is that of privacy. It is worth noting that for some, the use of AI in smartphones will undoubtedly raise privacy concerns. AI is continually collecting personal date to optimise algorithms, therefore striking a balance between safeguarding and leveraging AI use for optimised experience is of vital importance. Transparent data usage policies are essential to ease these concerns and build trust among users.
The Future of AI in Mobile Devices
The integration of AI in mobile phones had already revolutionised the way we interact with our devices. As AI technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more personalized and intuitive user experiences, improved virtual assistants, and enhanced capabilities for tasks such as image recognition and natural language processing. It extremely clear that the use of AI in mobile devices will continue to evolve and further influence the way we utilise smartphones in our daily lives.
