TECNO and MediaTek have come together to start a new AI lab, aiming to boost innovation in artificial intelligence (AI) technology. This initiative was officially launched in Shenzhen on September 19, 2024, with the goal of enhancing AI applications for smart devices and enriching mobile experiences, especially in emerging markets.
Key Figures at the Launch Event
The launch event featured several notable attendees, including Mr. Shi Tuanwei, General Manager of the TECNO TEX AI Center; Ms. Liu Longzhi, Global Head of PR at TECNO; Dr. Lu Zhongli, Deputy General Manager of MediaTek’s Computing and AI Technology Business Unit; and Mr. Li Shaoding, Associate Director of MediaTek’s Wireless Product Software Development Department.
The main aim of this partnership is to advance AI technology through collaborative efforts, specifically focusing on AI solutions for smart devices like smartphones. The lab plans to deliver improved AI experiences that make smart devices more effective and beneficial in daily life, particularly in rapidly growing markets.
Focus Areas of the AI Laboratory
The TECNO and MediaTek AI Laboratory will prioritize several key innovation areas, including:
- Large Language Models (LLMs) – Utilizing advanced AI models to enhance communication and data comprehension.
- Intelligent Agents and AI Assistants – Creating smart assistants that help users manage tasks efficiently.
- AI Imaging on Mobile Devices – Enhancing mobile photography and video capabilities with AI-driven improvements.
- Generative AI Solutions – Developing AI solutions that can function directly on devices (edge deployment), ensuring quicker and more efficient AI services.
These advancements are expected to popularize AI technology in emerging markets, offering users improved services and smarter mobile applications.
TECNO’s Vision in the Collaboration
TECNO has extensive experience catering to users in emerging markets. Their involvement in this collaboration is crucial to ensure that AI innovations are not only state-of-the-art but also practical for everyday use. TECNO's vision revolves around deeply integrating AI into users' lives with useful and user-friendly applications.
TECNO is particularly focused on AI-powered products like their smart assistant, Ella. Ella helps users with daily tasks such as writing, translation, searching, schedule management, and photo editing. A notable feature of Ella is its deep connection with localized language recognition, making it especially valuable in areas with limited global language support.
In addition to their AI vision, TECNO is also innovating in areas like large models, AI-generated content (AIGC) for imaging, and AI voice assistants that cater to minority languages. These innovations aim to make AI more accessible and useful for a wider range of users.
MediaTek’s Role in the AI Laboratory
MediaTek, a leader in chip design and computing platforms, plays an important role in enabling efficient AI operations on mobile devices. Their mobile computing platform is tailored to run AI algorithms that power various applications, from intelligent agents to generative AI solutions.
MediaTek's contributions to this partnership will focus on several key areas, including:
- Generative AI – Developing AI that can autonomously generate content or perform tasks.
- Multimodal AI – Enhancing AI's ability to process and understand a variety of data types, including images, text, and audio.
- Agent Intelligence – Creating intelligent agents that can assist users with complex tasks.
During the launch event, leaders from both TECNO and MediaTek highlighted the significance of this collaboration for the future of AI technology. Mr. Shi Tuanwei from TECNO remarked, “AI technology will lead technological development over the next 20 years. This partnership will enhance the AI application experience, ushering in a new generation of AI smartphones.” Dr. Lu Zhongli from MediaTek added, “Generative AI, multimodal, and agent intelligence are the future trends in AI. This joint effort will revolutionize the terminal application ecosystem through edge AI technology.”
Significance of the Collaboration
The formation of this joint AI laboratory represents a key moment in the smartphone industry. By embedding AI into smart devices, TECNO and MediaTek aim to speed up the development of AI-enabled smartphones and make these technologies more accessible to users in emerging markets.
This collaboration is poised to drive AI innovation and influence the future of smart devices, boosting productivity, creativity, and convenience for users worldwide. As AI becomes more integrated into daily technology, users can anticipate more intelligent, efficient, and personalized mobile experiences.
