News/Mobile
Google’s NotebookLM AI tool expands to mobile devices
Google is bringing its powerful AI research tool NotebookLM to mobile platforms, making sophisticated research and document analysis available on smartphones for the first time. This expansion indicates Google's commitment to making advanced AI research capabilities more accessible across different devices, just as the company prepares for its annual developer conference where AI innovations are likely to take center stage. The big picture: Google plans to release standalone mobile apps for its NotebookLM AI research workspace on both iOS and Android platforms on May 20, coinciding with the first day of the Google I/O developer conference. The apps have already...
read May 2, 2025Despite Siri AI setback, Apple sees growth in services, iPad, and other AI features
Apple CEO Tim Cook has publicly addressed one of the company's most significant recent challenges: the delay of its enhanced Siri features originally promised as part of the Apple Intelligence rollout. Despite this setback, Apple reported modest revenue growth, with iPhone sales up 2% year-over-year and overall sales increasing 5%, bolstered by strong performance in services and iPad categories. The acknowledgment of AI development challenges from one of tech's most powerful companies highlights the complexity of implementing advanced AI features even for organizations with vast resources. The big picture: Apple has postponed its promised Siri 2.0 upgrade to iOS 19,...
read Apr 30, 2025Samsung’s One UI 8 may introduce AI video summarization
Samsung appears poised to expand its Galaxy AI capabilities with a new video summarization feature in its upcoming One UI 8 software update. This development represents part of a growing trend among tech giants to apply AI tools to multimedia content, potentially transforming how users consume video across their devices. By enabling on-device video summarization for any media, Samsung could differentiate its offering from more limited implementations like YouTube's existing feature. The big picture: One UI 8 may introduce a Galaxy AI tool that can summarize any video played on Samsung devices, not just content from specific platforms. The feature...
read Apr 28, 2025AI-driven FOMO stalls purchase decisions for smartphone consumers
The current debate over smartphone AI features represents the growing divide between industry hype and practical user value, particularly for consumers outside tech-intensive work environments. As manufacturers integrate more AI capabilities into devices like the upcoming iPhone 16, many users are questioning whether these features justify upgrading, especially when their current devices meet their core communication needs adequately. The big picture: AI features in smartphones remain at an early stage where their utility varies dramatically based on individual lifestyle and professional needs. A MacRumors forum user with a functioning iPhone 12 is weighing whether to upgrade primarily for AI capabilities,...
read Apr 25, 2025Perplexity launches AI voice assistant to rival Siri on iOS
Perplexity's new Voice Assistant feature brings powerful AI capabilities to iOS users, offering a compelling alternative to Apple's delayed Siri enhancements. This update significantly expands accessibility to conversational AI on Apple devices, notably including older iPhones and iPads that won't support Apple Intelligence, while providing sophisticated integration with various apps and services. The big picture: Perplexity has updated its iOS app with a new Voice Assistant feature that allows users to interact with AI through voice commands even when navigating away from the app. The assistant can perform complex tasks across multiple apps, including drafting emails, controlling smart home devices,...
read Apr 25, 2025Vivo unveils AI-powered FunTouch OS 15 upgrades
Vivo is aggressively expanding its AI capabilities in Funtouch OS 15 with a comprehensive suite of intelligent features that mirror many tools previously exclusive to Google's Pixel devices. This update significantly enhances the company's Android 15-based operating system, building upon performance improvements introduced in September 2024 to deliver practical AI applications for everyday smartphone use. The big picture: Vivo's latest Funtouch OS 15 update integrates Google's Magic Eraser technology alongside eight additional AI-powered features focused on image manipulation, language translation, and content discovery. The update brings the popular "Circle to Search" functionality to Vivo devices, allowing users to search for...
read Apr 25, 2025Motorola’s new Razr phones debut Moto AI and Perplexity features
Motorola is betting big on artificial intelligence with its expanded Moto AI platform, now available across its new Razr smartphone lineup. The company's partnership with Perplexity brings advanced AI search capabilities directly to users' pockets, while new AI features aim to simplify information management and enhance productivity. This integration represents Motorola's strategy to differentiate itself in the competitive smartphone market through exclusive AI functionality. The big picture: Motorola is integrating its Moto AI platform across its new Razr smartphone lineup while partnering with Perplexity to provide advanced AI search capabilities. The new lineup includes three models: Razr Ultra ($1,299.99), Razr+...
read Apr 25, 2025Google pays Samsung billions to preinstall Gemini AI
Google's billion-dollar push to dominate AI on Samsung devices has emerged as a critical issue in its ongoing antitrust battle with the Department of Justice. Following Judge Amit Mehta's ruling that Google's search engine constitutes an illegal monopoly, new testimony reveals the company has pivoted to securing premium placement for its Gemini AI assistant through massive financial incentives to device manufacturers—mirroring the same business practices that landed it in legal trouble in the first place. The big picture: Google pays Samsung an "enormous sum of money" monthly to preinstall the Gemini AI app on Samsung devices, according to testimony from...
read Apr 25, 2025How AI is transforming smartphone communication
AI chatbots are revolutionizing smartphone messaging by integrating directly into existing chat platforms, helping users manage conversations and file sharing more efficiently. These new tools are transforming how people handle their personal communications, from group planning to automated replies, by bringing AI capabilities directly into the platforms people already use rather than requiring additional apps or services. The big picture: AI messaging assistants are evolving beyond standalone apps to become integrated components of everyday communication platforms. Text.ai enables users to add AI capabilities directly to existing chat platforms without requiring additional accounts or applications. This integration approach allows AI to...
read Apr 24, 2025Motorola’s new Razr phones prioritize AI features
Motorola is betting big on artificial intelligence with its latest foldable smartphone lineup, creating a distinct competitive edge in the crowded mobile market. The company's new Razr, Razr+, and Razr Ultra models feature an expanded ecosystem of AI tools beyond Google's Gemini, including preinstalled Perplexity AI and forthcoming Microsoft Copilot integration—signaling how smartphone manufacturers are increasingly differentiating their products through AI partnerships rather than just hardware specifications. The big picture: Motorola unveiled three new Razr foldable smartphones at a New York City event, with prices ranging from $700 to $1,300 depending on the model. The lineup includes the base Razr...
read Apr 24, 2025WhatsApp’s new AI feature sparks user privacy concerns
Meta's latest WhatsApp update introduces an AI assistant that's technically optional but practically unavoidable, sparking user complaints about forced technology adoption. The prominent Meta AI icon embedded in the messaging interface has triggered debates about user choice, privacy implications, and the ethics of integrating AI features into widely-used communication platforms without providing removal options. The big picture: WhatsApp has embedded a new AI assistant powered by Meta's Llama 4 language model directly into its messaging interface, with no option for users to remove it from their app. Key details: The Meta AI appears as a permanent blue circle with pink...
read Apr 24, 2025Turf war? Perplexity challenges Siri with advanced AI chatbot…for iPhones
Perplexity AI has launched a new voice assistant feature for iOS that competes with Siri's functionality, despite Apple's system-level limitations. This development represents a significant step toward creating alternative voice assistants on the iPhone, potentially delivering on CEO Aravind Srinivas' recent promise to create "a version of Siri that works reliably on basic stuff" – demonstrating how quickly AI companies can now implement features that traditionally required deep system integration. The competitive landscape: Despite Siri's privileged position as Apple's native voice assistant, Perplexity has managed to implement similar functionality within the constraints of iOS. Siri maintains exclusive access to system-level...
read Apr 23, 2025Deboost the boast: Apple urged to temper AI claims about Siri capabilities
Apple's advertising of its AI features has run afoul of the Better Business Bureau's watchdog division, highlighting the tension between aggressive tech marketing and actual product readiness. The National Advertising Division has recommended Apple modify claims about feature availability, particularly those labeled "Available Now" that were actually rolled out gradually over several months. This scrutiny comes at a particularly challenging time for Apple, which faces delays in its much-hyped Siri upgrades while trying to catch up in the competitive AI landscape. The big picture: The Better Business Bureau's advertising division has recommended Apple modify some of its Apple Intelligence marketing...
read Apr 17, 2025AI is reshaping the mobile industry in 5 key ways in 2025
Mobile World Congress 2025 has definitively transformed AI from an emerging technology to a foundational element across the mobile industry. With over 109,000 attendees and 2,900 exhibitors, the Barcelona event showcased how artificial intelligence is now embedded in everything from smartphone chips to network infrastructure. This mainstreaming of AI signals a significant shift in how mobile technology will develop, with implications reaching far beyond premium devices into midrange phones, wearables, and telecommunications infrastructure. 1. More Phone Makers Are Going All In on AI Honor and Oppo unveiled ambitious AI initiatives that signal major strategic shifts in mobile technology development. Honor...
read Apr 16, 2025Honor copies iPhone camera feature using Google Lens
Honor is introducing a dedicated "AI Camera Button" on its new Honor 400 Lite mid-range smartphone, joining the growing trend of specialized hardware controls in modern devices. The physical button offers both standard camera functionality and direct access to Google Lens capabilities, positioning the device to compete in the increasingly AI-focused smartphone market while maintaining an affordable £249.99 price point. The big picture: Honor's new physical "AI Camera Button" combines camera controls with AI features, specifically Google Lens integration. The button functions as both a shutter control and an AI assistant launcher, mimicking features recently introduced by competitors like Apple...
read Apr 16, 2025Long-term care: Samsung extends 6-year software support to budget Galaxy A36 and A26
Samsung is pushing the boundaries of budget smartphone support with its newest Galaxy A-series phones, creating unprecedented longevity in the sub-$500 market. The company's commitment to six years of software updates for devices starting at just $300 represents a significant shift in the affordable smartphone segment, where extended support has traditionally been reserved for premium devices. This move comes as Apple exits the truly affordable market with its $599 iPhone 16e, creating an opportunity for Samsung to capture more budget-conscious consumers seeking long-term value. The big picture: Samsung's new Galaxy A36 and A26 phones will receive six years of software...
read Apr 15, 2025Google tests AI Mode shortcut in Android Search bar, replacing voice and Lens icons
Google is testing a significant UI change to make AI Mode more accessible directly from the Search bar on Android devices. The new design replaces the traditional voice and Lens icons with a prominent AI Mode circle, creating a more streamlined entry point for users to access Google's generative AI capabilities. This update represents Google's ongoing efforts to integrate AI Mode more deeply into its core search experience as the feature continues to expand its availability. The big picture: Google is experimenting with a more prominent placement for AI Mode by integrating it directly into the Search field on Android....
read Apr 15, 2025MediaTek’s new chip brings agentic AI to smartphones for autonomous decision-making
MediaTek's new Dimensity 9400+ chipset signals a significant shift in mobile computing as the industry moves toward devices capable of performing complex AI tasks independently. The chip represents a pivotal advancement in on-device artificial intelligence, incorporating agentic AI capabilities that allow smartphones to autonomously make decisions and execute multi-step tasks without continuous human direction, fundamentally changing how users interact with their devices. The big picture: MediaTek's Dimensity 9400+ introduces autonomous decision-making capabilities to mobile devices, moving beyond simple response-based AI to systems that can anticipate needs and execute complex tasks independently. The new system on chip (SoC) features a powerful...
read Apr 14, 2025Moody Views: Netflix partners with OpenAI to develop vibe-based content search for iOS users
Netflix is partnering with OpenAI to develop an AI-powered search feature designed to better understand viewers' specific content preferences beyond basic genre or actor searches. This move represents a significant step in Netflix's AI integration strategy, potentially transforming how users discover content by enabling more nuanced, mood-based search capabilities. The limited rollout signals Netflix's cautious approach to AI implementation while still positioning itself at the forefront of streaming technology innovation. The big picture: Netflix is testing an OpenAI-powered search function that aims to understand viewers' exact viewing intentions, according to a Bloomberg report. The enhanced search capabilities would allow users...
read Apr 14, 2025Bad Weather? Whatever. Samsung’s Galaxy XCover7 Pro brings functionality to harsh environments.
Samsung's latest rugged smartphone, the Galaxy XCover7 Pro, represents a significant evolution in durable mobile technology designed for harsh environments. This 6.6-inch device builds upon Samsung's expertise in creating resilient phones with enhanced features like a 120Hz refresh rate and improved audio capabilities, positioning it as a specialized tool for professionals working in challenging conditions where standard smartphones would fail. The big picture: Samsung has announced the Galaxy XCover7 Pro, a rugged smartphone certified to withstand extreme conditions including drops, temperature fluctuations, and brief underwater submersion. The device features MIL-STD-810H certification and IP68 resistance rating, making it suitable for high-intensity...
read Apr 14, 2025Near future connectivity: China’s 5G push to contribute $2 trillion to economy by 2030
China's mobile technology sector is driving unprecedented economic growth, with 5G adoption rapidly transforming the nation's digital landscape. A new GSMA report highlights how mobile technologies will contribute $2 trillion to China's economy by 2030, representing 8.3% of GDP, with manufacturing expected to account for 40% of this economic impact. This acceleration demonstrates how advanced mobile infrastructure is becoming a cornerstone of China's economic strategy and provides insights into one of the world's most advanced digital ecosystems. The big picture: China has already surpassed 1 billion 5G connections in 2024, with adoption rates projected to reach 88% by the end...
read Apr 13, 2025Motorola Edge 60 Fusion brings AI and military-grade durability to India’s mid-range market
Motorola's new Edge 60 Fusion smartphone brings AI capabilities and premium durability to India's mid-range market, packed with high-end specifications and substantial Reliance Jio partner benefits. The device combines military-grade protection, advanced camera technology, and an AI layer designed to personalize the user experience through contextual awareness and security-focused local processing. Key details: The Motorola Edge 60 Fusion will launch in India on April 9, 2025, with prices starting at Rs 20,999 for the 8GB/256GB variant and Rs 22,999 for the 12GB/256GB model. The device features military-grade durability with MIL-810H certification, IP68/IP69 water and dust resistance, and Gorilla Glass 7i...
read Apr 12, 2025Apple’s WWDC 2025: A crucial reset for delayed AI features and iOS redesign
Apple's upcoming WWDC 2025 keynote represents a critical moment for the tech giant as it attempts to reset expectations around its delayed AI features while unveiling its next-generation software enhancements. The June 9 event takes on unusual significance because Apple must address its incomplete rollout of Apple Intelligence—particularly the promised Siri upgrades that were heavily promoted but have yet to materialize. This keynote offers Apple a chance to rebuild trust with consumers while charting a clearer path forward in the increasingly competitive AI landscape. Why this matters: WWDC 2025 will serve as Apple's opportunity to address its unfulfilled AI promises...
read Apr 12, 2025Nothing’s AI assistant “Essential Space” could cost $120 per year after free trial
Nothing's planned AI service "Essential Space" might come with a substantial price tag according to evidence discovered in the company's app code. The AI assistant, currently offered as a free early access feature on Nothing Phone (3a) devices, appears to be heading toward a subscription model that could cost users as much as $120 annually after initial trial periods expire. The big picture: Nothing is developing a dedicated AI assistant called "Essential Space" that analyzes screenshots, pictures, and voice recordings to generate actionable information, but app code suggests the currently free service may eventually require a paid subscription. The AI-powered...
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