Smartphone Maker Honor’s “AI Defocus Display” Is a Game-Changer for Eye Health

Pioneering smartphone display technology: Honor is set to unveil its groundbreaking AI Defocus display on the upcoming Magic V3 handset at IFA 2024, aiming to combat eye strain and transient myopia associated with prolonged screen use.

How AI Defocus technology works: The innovative display system employs on-device AI algorithms to mimic traditional optical methods used in specialized eyewear, reducing eye strain and fighting nearsightedness.

• Defocus signals are embedded into display layers, effectively reducing eye stress and providing a more comfortable viewing experience.
• According to Honor, the display and AI model combination can reduce near work-induced transient myopia by an average of 13 degrees after just 25 minutes of use.
• The technology helps eliminate eye elongation, a primary cause of myopia, by incorporating multiple segments (DIMS) into the display.

Key benefits and features: Honor’s AI Defocus display technology offers several advantages for users concerned about eye health and comfort during extended screen time.

• Testing has shown an increase in central choroid thickness, an indicator of reduced eye strain and improved eye health.
• The technology currently supports popular apps like YouTube and Amazon Kindle, with plans to expand compatibility to more applications in the future.
• The Magic V3 also features ultra-high PWM dimming, which significantly reduces screen flicker for enhanced eye protection.

The growing myopia epidemic: Honor’s focus on eye health technology addresses a pressing global issue that has seen a sharp increase in recent years.

• The National Institutes of Health predicts that half the world’s population will be affected by myopia by 2050.
• The rise in nearsightedness cases is attributed to increased computer and smartphone use, which causes prolonged near focus and eventual eyeball elongation.
• Optometrists have traditionally used defocus glasses with specialized lenses to create intentional defocus in front of the retina, a method now being adapted for smartphone displays.

Broader implications for smartphone technology: Honor’s AI Defocus display represents a significant shift in how manufacturers approach user well-being in device design.

• This innovation could potentially set a new standard for eye health considerations in smartphone development, encouraging other manufacturers to prioritize similar features.
• As screen time continues to increase globally, technologies like AI Defocus may become crucial in mitigating the long-term health effects of digital device usage.
• The success of this technology could lead to further research and development in the intersection of AI, display technology, and user health, potentially extending beyond eye strain to address other health concerns related to smartphone use.