CEO Lay Ren highlights strategic vision and innovations for the new era of AI phones
As the tech community eagerly awaits the launch of OPPO’s Reno12 series in July 2024, all eyes are on the potential impact of AI smartphones.
Dubbed an “AI Phone,” the Reno12 series is set to introduce advanced Artificial Intelligence features to users in the UAE and beyond, marking a new chapter in smartphone innovation.
In a conversation with select journalists in the UAE, Lay Ren, CEO of OPPO MEA, discussed the distinct features of the Reno12, the company’s strategic direction, and the future of AI in smartphones.
Welcoming the AI phone revolution, Ren stated, “The smartphone industry has undergone significant changes, moving from feature phones to smartphones. Now, OPPO sees us approaching the next major transformation: the era of AI phones, driven by generative AI technologies.”
“This evolution is more than just smarter devices; it’s about fundamentally changing how we interact with our phones.”
OPPO’s Vision: From Novelty to Necessity “OPPO is dedicated to making AI phones a mainstream necessity, not just a novelty. With the Reno12 series, we aim to advance and popularize AI smartphones,” Ren explained.
Generative AI: A Game Changer In the past year, generative AI technologies have surged in popularity, especially after the introduction of ChatGPT in 2022. Unlike the previous generation of discriminative AI, which focused on analysis and decision-making, generative AI has the ability to create and innovate. It can engage in conversation, summarize texts, write code, produce art, and even generate videos, bringing a new level of creativity to AI. This shift is poised to transform various industries, including smartphones.
“We believe that, after the evolution from feature phones to smartphones, generative AI will usher in the third phase of the smartphone industry: the era of AI phones,” Ren added.
Smartphones: The Gateway to AI
With nearly 5 billion people using smartphones daily, these devices are pivotal for unlocking the potential of AI. Their extensive input and output capabilities, combined with advancing hardware, position smartphones as key drivers in the popularization of AI, with smartphone manufacturers playing a crucial role.
The Future of AI Phones
Demand for AI phones is surging. According to the International Data Corporation (IDC), shipments of AI phones under $1000 are expected to increase by 250% in 2024, reaching 35 million units. As generative AI becomes more integrated into daily life, it is set to enhance user experiences in entertainment, productivity, and beyond.
OPPO’s Commitment to Accessibility: 50 Million AI Phones by 2024
Guided by the principle “Technology for mankind, Kindness for the world,” OPPO aims to make AI technology accessible to all, not just to those purchasing high-end devices. “By the end of 2024, we aim to have approximately 50 million AI phones in use globally. This ambitious target underscores our commitment to democratizing AI technology and delivering an intelligent mobile experience,” Ren said.
Investing in AI Innovation
OPPO is heavily invested in AI, with substantial R&D expenditures. The company has set up an AI Centre and filed over 5,000 AI-related patents. OPPO is also developing its own large language models (LLMs) and working on large vision models and multimodal technology. Notably, OPPO is the first smartphone maker to deploy an LLM with 7 billion parameters directly on a device.
Collaborative Efforts
In addition to its innovations, OPPO partners with industry leaders to enhance AI phone capabilities. “Collaborations with Google, MediaTek, and Microsoft will bring advanced AI features and improved performance to the Reno12 series,” Ren noted.
With Google, the Reno12 series will incorporate the Google Gemini family of LLMs, offering features like AI Toolbox, AI Writer, and AI Recording Summary.
Through its partnership with MediaTek, OPPO is optimizing chip storage and computational efficiency for future flagship models.
Its collaboration with Microsoft will integrate Microsoft’s capabilities for more efficient voice and text conversion and better connectivity between desktop AI and phones.
These partnerships ensure that OPPO’s AI phones deliver exceptional functionality and a seamless user experience.
Introducing the Reno12 Series
“AI has been part of OPPO’s strategy for years, enhancing user experiences,” Ren said. The Reno12 series introduces innovative GenAI features designed to boost creativity, productivity, and personalization. For example, the AI Eraser feature allows users to effortlessly remove unwanted objects from photos by simply circling them, with minimal traces of post-processing.
“With the Reno12 series set to launch, OPPO is leading the charge in the AI phone revolution. With a clear vision, significant AI investments, and strategic collaborations, OPPO is poised to usher in a new era. The Reno12 series is not just a smartphone but a gateway to the future, bringing generative AI’s power to users around the world,” Ren concluded.
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