TECNO has revealed a new collaboration with the University of Leeds in the UK and Dar Al-Hekma University in Saudi Arabia, aiming to improve the representation of various skin tones, especially for consumers in Saudi Arabia. This partnership focuses on enhancing TECNO's Universal Tone technology, which is intended to accurately capture a broad range of skin tones, giving users more genuine mobile imaging experiences. The project showcases TECNO's dedication to innovation, particularly in regions like Saudi Arabia, where skin tones are diverse and rich.
Details of the Partnership
The technology utilizes AI to enhance mobile imaging systems, ensuring they can genuinely capture the full variety of human skin tones. Although TECNO's technology has progressed globally, the company understands the need to address specific regional demands, especially in Saudi Arabia, where skin tones can vary from light to dark brown and olive. Working with these academic institutions, TECNO will expand its skin tone database, focusing on Saudi Arabia, to provide a more precise and representative imaging experience for local users.
Research Team Expertise
The research team behind this project includes Professor Kaida Xiao, a well-known authority in color and imaging science at the University of Leeds, along with Professor Ahmed Nasseraldin from Dar Al-Hekma University. Their joint expertise will enable TECNO to create a more extensive skin tone database tailored for the Saudi market. By collecting and studying various skin tones that are specific to the region, TECNO intends to improve its Universal Tone technology to better represent the unique complexions of the local population.
Development of New Skin Tone Patches
A crucial aspect of this partnership will be the development of new skin tone patches specifically for Saudi Arabia. These patches are set to increase TECNO's existing global database of 268, ensuring that their devices accurately depict local skin tones. The collaboration will also emphasize refining TECNO's imaging algorithms to suit the subtle differences found in Saudi skin tones, thus further improving the technology’s accuracy.
As part of TECNO's larger strategy called “Glocalization,” this initiative aims to adapt global innovations to meet local demands. TECNO has previously collaborated with academic institutions like NTU Singapore to align with the aesthetic preferences of Southeast Asia, reinforcing the company's pledge towards inclusive imaging technologies.
By enhancing Universal Tone for Saudi Arabia, TECNO seeks to guarantee that individuals of all skin tones are genuinely represented in mobile imaging. This effort supports TECNO's mission to pioneer inclusive technology while celebrating the beauty of diversity worldwide.
