Lenovo recently introduced a concept laptop, named the Lenovo Auto Twist AI PC, at the IFA in Berlin. This innovative laptop can independently rotate its lid to ensure optimal visibility and closes automatically when left unattended. The standout feature of this device is the interaction between its lid and base, along with AI-driven functionalities aimed at improving user interaction. Let’s explore further.
Enhancing Video Calls with Automatic Lid Movement
The company highlights that the Dual Degree of Freedom automatic rotation makes this laptop suitable for both personal and professional applications. The device utilizes AI models to monitor user movements, ensuring that users remain within the camera’s view during video calls. This rotating capability is particularly beneficial for enhancing video conferencing.
The laptop supports voice commands to switch between different modes, such as "close laptop," "laptop mode," and "tablet mode." This concept follows the Lenovo Thinkbook Plus Twist, released last year, which featured an additional E Ink screen on the reverse side of its lid.
Performance and Future Prospects
While Lenovo has described the AI PC’s capabilities as displaying "exceptional performance," they have not disclosed specific details about the machine’s internal components. According to Jennifer Pattison Tuohy from The Verge, the Auto Twist AI PC reacts to voice commands within a second or two, though she notes that the motors are somewhat slow, requiring about 10 seconds to complete a command.
Lenovo’s communication director, Jeff Witt, stated, "We’re still experimenting with that. A lot of these concepts don’t come to market, but you may see elements of them down the line. It’s got face tracking; it’s basically a video conferencing system built into a laptop. There’s a lot of accessibility potential." There is hope that this innovative concept will make its way to consumers soon.
The Internationale Funkausstellung Berlin, commonly known as IFA, stands out as one of the most expansive and long-standing technology trade fairs worldwide, taking place every year in Berlin, Germany. Since its inception in 1924, the event has served as a pivotal meeting place for the consumer electronics and home appliance sectors.
This year’s IFA will occur from September 6 to 10 at Messe Berlin. The event is particularly noteworthy as it celebrates the fair’s 100th anniversary. Organizers anticipate attendance from over 180,000 visitors from 139 nations, who will have the opportunity to explore more than 1,800 exhibits from leading technology brands.
Brands and Innovations
Key companies participating this year include major players such as Honor, Samsung, LG, Philips, Hisense, and Lenovo. These brands will utilize IFA 2024 to exhibit their latest advancements in areas like artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, and sustainability.
This article will highlight what to expect from IFA Berlin 2024, though it will not cover everything. With around 93 million products projected to be announced, detailing each one is unfeasible. However, this should provide a glimpse into what the show has in store.
Smartphones and Tablets
You won’t typically find Samsung, Apple, or Google unveiling new phones at IFA or similar trade fairs. However, Honor plans to take advantage of this opportunity. The brand is set to debut its latest foldable phone, Magic V3, at the event, which claims to be the world’s thinnest foldable. Honor has aggressively promoted this device, including a Guinness World Record attempt and multiple jabs at Samsung. Additionally, Honor is expected to introduce its MagicPad 2 tablet.
TCL will also participate in the smartphone showcase, likely launching its new Nxtpaper phone. The brand plans to unveil new QD-Mini LED televisions and has hinted at a “new cutting-edge sound solution,” aiming to establish a new category within its TV series.
Laptops
Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon X Plus 8-core chip is set to appear in laptops, with IFA being the launchpad for several new models. Lenovo is expected to reveal a new IdeaPad Slim 5 featuring the Snapdragon X Plus X1P-42-100, with a 14-inch OLED display and various configurations offering up to 32GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. Another Lenovo model, the ThinkBook 16 G7 QOY, will also feature the new processor, boasting a 16-inch display and an 84-watt-hour battery.
Acer plans to unveil the Acer Swift Go 14 AI SFG14-01, a laptop with the Snapdragon X Plus X1P-42-100, offering a 14.5-inch display and a 75-watt-hour battery.
Home Appliances
Home appliance innovations are always a focal point at IFA, and this year is no exception. Samsung will hold a press conference on August 5, though specific details remain under wraps. Last year, Samsung impressed attendees with technology like the 98-inch Neo QLED 8K TV, gaming monitors, and a new Freestyle projector.
Panasonic returns for the 2024 event, though details on new products are limited. Historically, Panasonic has used the fair to showcase their latest TVs, often launching them earlier in the year. Surprise announcements are anticipated, especially given Panasonic’s reputation for high-quality audio products, such as Technics turntables.
LG, another leader in home appliances, will not be left behind. Alongside their typical array of white goods like washing machines and refrigerators, LG will introduce ThinQ On, a new AI-powered home hub. It is designed to control various connected smart devices and is Matter-certified for maximum compatibility. We are eager to see how it compares to existing smart speaker setups and will explore its features at LG’s booth in Berlin.
IFA 2024 will be a significant platform for artificial intelligence (AI) technology this year. Building on the momentum from CES 2024 and Computex 2024, AI is expected to play a crucial role in many products and announcements at this year’s event.
AI is projected to significantly impact the home sector, with LG already announcing plans to unveil new AI-powered appliances. We can anticipate many more innovative home devices utilizing AI technology.
Beyond home appliances, AI will likely influence other IFA areas, such as smartphones, tablets, and wearables. Honor has confirmed that its latest phone and tablet will feature AI-powered capabilities, and similar announcements are expected from other companies.
Future Tech: Flying Cars and Eyewear
IFA is not afraid to showcase bold concepts. This year, Alef Aeronautics will present a non-operational model of their Model A flying car. With over 2,850 pre-orders already in place, this electric two-seater may soon become a reality. Look forward to learning more about its production timeline and features during the company’s keynote on September 8th.
Apple's latest AI advancements were unveiled at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June. While the exact date for a public rollout is still unknown, various AI features are anticipated to arrive next year on iPhones, iPads, and Macs. Beta versions have been made available by the Cupertino tech firm. The Developer Beta 3 for iOS and iPadOS 18.1, along with macOS 15.1 Sequoia, introduces an AI-driven 'Clean Up' tool within the Photos app, aiming to rival Google's Magic Eraser and Samsung's Object Eraser.
Apple's 'Clean Up' AI Feature Competes with Magic and Object Eraser
Before diving into the specifics, it's important to note that the beta version is unstable and not advisable for installation on primary devices. The feature is available exclusively on devices that support Apple Intelligence, which includes the iPhone 15 Pro models and Macs and iPads powered by M-series chips.
The Clean Up tool, as its name implies, can identify and eliminate distracting objects and strangers from photos. It also offers functionalities such as healing blemishes and pixelating people's faces to protect their privacy. While it automatically detects and removes undesired elements, users can choose to tap, brush, or circle objects they prefer not to include in the image. Additionally, you can zoom in to adjust finer details. The tool is also adept at removing unwanted shadows and reflections.
Editing Photos with the Clean Up Tool
You can access the Clean Up feature while editing a photo in the Photos app. It is represented by an eraser-style icon located in the bottom toolbar. Edited images will have a 'Modified with Clean Up' label and this information will be added to the EXIF data. The tool is compatible with all images, regardless of whether they were taken with another phone or a DSLR.
Despite its capabilities, the AI-powered Clean Up feature isn't entirely perfect. It is expected to undergo refinements before the release of a stable version.
Realme has recently launched a cutting-edge feature called ‘AI Ultra-clear’ for its Realme 13 Pro and Realme 13 Pro+ models. This AI-driven function enhances the clarity and detail of blurred images, effectively refining photos that cannot be captured again.
AI Technology and Competitors
While Realme’s innovation is noteworthy, it’s not entirely new in the tech world. Google has already introduced a similar feature called Photo Unblur. Initially released with the Pixel 8 series, this feature is now also available in the latest Pixel 9 series. However, it’s crucial to highlight that Google’s Pixel devices are flagship models, which come with a higher price tag. Realme’s addition of this feature to its more budget-friendly models is a welcome development. The company has not clarified whether the image processing occurs on the device or through a cloud server. In contrast, Google’s flagship devices reportedly manage the processing internally.
Camera Specifications
Focusing on the camera capabilities, both the Realme 13 Pro and Realme 13 Pro+ are equipped with a 50 MP main camera and an 8 MP ultrawide lens. The Pro+ variant further includes a 50 MP 3x periscope telephoto lens with a sensor size of 1/1.95″. The main camera on the Pro+ model features a larger 1/1.56″ sensor compared to the 1/1.95″ sensor on the standard model, while the ultrawide camera remains consistent across both models.
Samsung is preparing to introduce ten new washing machines in India just in time for the upcoming festive season. Among these offerings is a front-load washing machine powered by AI, expected to hit the market by the end of this month. This fresh lineup is part of Samsung’s high-end Bespoke AI series.
A Focus on AI-Driven Innovation
The new washing machines will feature a host of AI-driven functionalities aimed at simplifying laundry chores. These cutting-edge innovations promise to significantly lessen the effort involved in everyday laundry tasks, making them more efficient and environmentally friendly. With the incorporation of advanced AI technologies, Samsung seeks to develop a smarter home environment that aligns with the needs and preferences of its users.
These new models are set to broaden Samsung’s current range of washing machines available in India, providing consumers with more choices in the premium category. The company has highlighted that these washing machines prioritize convenience, aiming to revolutionize how users engage with their household appliances. The AI features integrated into these machines are anticipated to enhance users’ lifestyles by delivering smarter, more intuitive solutions that improve daily routines.
Expanding the Smart Home Ecosystem
Earlier this year, Samsung launched its 2024 Bespoke AI home appliances in India, which include refrigerators equipped with AI Vision Inside and AI Energy Saving capabilities. These appliances signify a leap forward in the company’s mission to establish a hyper-connected home ecosystem. Through features like habit learning and sensing, these devices are engineered to make household chores more manageable, ultimately freeing up more leisure time for consumers.
For instance, Samsung’s AI-powered refrigerators are capable of monitoring the expiration dates of food items and providing personalized recipe ideas through the Samsung Food feature. The AI Energy Saving function in SmartThings helps users track and reduce energy consumption, fostering a more sustainable lifestyle. Additionally, the Smart Forward feature guarantees that devices receive regular updates, while Samsung Knox ensures the security of users’ personal data.
Ola Electric, a company renowned in India for its electric scooters and ride-hailing services, has taken the industry by surprise with its announcement to venture into AI hardware. The company revealed its strategy to create a series of AI chips, marking a significant step towards India’s goals in the expanding field of artificial intelligence.
AI Chip Models and Features
The initial lineup of chips, set to be released in 2026, consists of three models: Bodhi 1, Ojas, and Sarv 1. Bodhi 1, recognized as the first AI chip to be designed and manufactured in India, focuses on AI inferencing. It is poised to be a formidable option for large language models (LLMs) and applications that need high-performance vision processing. Ola asserts that Bodhi 1 stands out in power efficiency, an essential attribute as AI systems increasingly demand more power.
Ojas, the second chip, is tailored to meet the rising demand for edge AI solutions. It is versatile enough for a range of applications in the automotive, mobile, and IoT sectors. Ola intends to incorporate Ojas into its future electric vehicles, potentially enhancing capabilities like charging optimization and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
Sarv 1 and Market Challenges
The third chip, Sarv 1, is a general-purpose server CPU utilizing the Arm instruction set, crafted to address the growing AI computational requirements of the data center industry.
During Ola’s presentation, the company showcased impressive performance and power efficiency metrics for their prototype chips, making comparisons with Nvidia GPUs. However, some important details were omitted, such as the specific Nvidia GPU model used as a benchmark and the location where these chips will be manufactured.
India’s Position in the Global AI Market
This development highlights India’s aspiration to join the global AI competition, which is currently dominated by the US and China. With a large pool of tech talent, India is well-positioned to advance in AI. Furthermore, the ongoing restrictions on the sale of advanced technology to China by companies like Nvidia and ASML may make India an appealing alternative market for these firms.
Nonetheless, Ola is confronted with substantial obstacles to make its bold AI chip initiative a reality. The AI hardware sector is currently ruled by well-established companies, and Ola must prove that its chips can hold their own in terms of performance, power efficiency, and cost. Additionally, the company needs to build a robust manufacturing infrastructure to produce these sophisticated silicon components.
OnePlus made headlines earlier this year with the introduction of its AI Eraser feature. More recently, the company discreetly unveiled three additional AI features in a community post. These new capabilities allow users to listen to articles, generate summaries, and create text. Unfortunately, these latest AI features are currently restricted to just two Nord devices and are only available in select regions. While there are plans to extend these features to other OnePlus phones eventually, the current limitation is somewhat disheartening.
The newly introduced OnePlus AI features include AI Speak, AI Summary, and AI Writer. As the names suggest, these features have distinct functionalities. AI Speak is designed to read articles from browsers and apps such as Google News. It offers options to adjust playback speed, switch between sentences, use a replay function, and select male or female voice options. The AI Summary tool allows users to create summaries of extensive web content, with results that can be copied, shared, and saved to Notes. Additionally, selected text can be stored in the File Dock. The AI Writer feature assists users in drafting text for various purposes like emails, social media posts, and reviews, and it will be suggested within relevant applications.
Both the AI Summary and AI Writer results can be regenerated if users are not satisfied with the initial output. All three features are bundled within the AI Toolkit, which is integrated into the sidebar. To access these features, OnePlus advises enabling screen recognition found under Settings > Accessibility & Convenience.
Availability and Future Rollout
Currently, the newly announced AI features are available on the OnePlus Nord 4 in regions including India, Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, South Asia, Russia, and Latin America. The features are also available on the Nord CE4 Lite 5G, but exclusively in India. Unfortunately, flagship OnePlus phone owners have not received these new AI tools yet. It seems that OnePlus may be testing these features first on mid-range Nord devices, with a broader release likely in the near future.
In a significant development that could alter the technology sector, reports suggest that the US Department of Justice (DoJ) is contemplating a major disbandment of Google. As per Bloomberg, the tech behemoth has been accused of unlawfully monopolizing the online search market, prompting the government to consider measures to revive competition.
Google May Undergo Division and Sale of Major Divisions
Following a pivotal court decision against Google, the DoJ is assessing various potential solutions, including the most radical: breaking the company into smaller parts. This would represent one of the most consequential antitrust actions since the Microsoft case over twenty years ago.
Although a breakup is an option, there are also less severe measures under review. These include mandating Google to share more data with rivals, restricting its AI development, and prohibiting exclusive agreements that have bolstered its market power.
Focus on Google’s Business Practices
The case revolves around Google’s dealings with Android, Chrome, and AdWords, where exclusive contracts with device makers have raised regulatory alarms. The DoJ is particularly concerned about how Google’s control over search could influence competition in the fast-developing AI field.
If a breakup ensues, there could be a sale of Android, Chrome, or AdWords. Such a step would have significant consequences for both the technology industry and consumers.
While Google intends to contest the court decision, the company faces a tough journey ahead. The prospect of Google’s breakup underscores the heightened scrutiny of large tech firms and the government’s resolve to ensure equitable competition.
Google has unveiled the eagerly awaited Pixel 9 series, featuring new AI capabilities, a redesigned appearance, and fresh color options. The phone is slated to hit the market on August 22. Unlike its predecessors, the Pixel 9 series doesn’t include the newest version of Android straight out of the box.
AI Features Adapted to Android 14
Traditionally, Pixel phones have been the prime platform for demonstrating the latest Android system features. This time around, users won’t have immediate access to the newest Android features. Fortunately, Google has adapted some of the features from Android 15 for Android 14. For instance, the Pixel 9’s screenshot interface incorporates the updated design from Android 15, placing the preview window above a new pill-shaped tray with rounded icons. Additionally, there’s a dedicated app for managing screenshots that can assist users in retrieving information from their stored screenshots and can function as a reminder.
Among the AI enhancements in the Pixel 9 series are Gemini Live and the Pixel Studio image generator. This tool allows users to create images directly on the device within seconds using text prompts. Another camera feature, “Add me,” simplifies group photo capturing by merging two separate images containing different individuals in the frames. Google developed these features using Android 14.
Hardware and Performance
On the hardware front, the Pixel 9 series is equipped with the Tensor G4 chip, which the company claims is more capable, energy-efficient, and enhances the phone’s ability to run AI features effectively. Additional details about the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold are available for those interested in learning more about these models.
Samsung has recently introduced several AI features to its new S series flagships. Additionally, the company has extended some of these features to older S and Z series devices. The latest development reveals that Samsung is planning to bring Galaxy AI to its more budget-friendly A series devices.
Galaxy A55 and A35 to Receive Galaxy AI with One UI 6.1.1
As per a report from SamMobile, Galaxy AI might be added to the A series, beginning with select 2024 models. The report suggests that Samsung will roll out certain AI features to devices already released this year, such as the Galaxy A55 and Galaxy A35. However, users should not expect to receive all the features that Galaxy AI offers.
Due to hardware limitations, some features might not be compatible with the Galaxy A series devices. Therefore, it’s challenging to implement these features in the same manner as on the flagship models.
Release Timeline and Compatibility
There is no specific release date available yet, but it is anticipated that the features will be rolled out with the One UI 6.1.1 update. Reportedly, Samsung has postponed the One UI 7 beta to focus on the One UI 6.1.1 update. The company has already introduced new AI features to the sixth-generation foldables with One UI 6.1.1. It is now believed that the focus has shifted to rolling out some of these features to other models, including the Galaxy A55 and A35.
Final Thoughts
Currently, there’s no detailed information about which specific features will be compatible with the A series devices. In theory, server-side features could be implemented on these devices. However, the final decision on how to shape the A series for future models rests with Samsung.
