Honor unveiled two new artificial intelligence (AI) innovations at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2024 in Shanghai on Monday. The smartphone maker unveiled its AI Defocus Eye Protection technology, which can reduce the risk of myopia caused by staring at a display for long periods of time. It also showed off its AI-powered Deepfake Detection technology, which can detect videos that have been created or altered using synthetic means and AI. Interestingly, the company said both features will be implemented on-device and not via cloud servers.
Honor unveils new AI technology
According to a newsroom post from MWC Shanghai, the Chinese consumer technology brand showed off new on-device AI innovations aimed at keeping users safe. The announcement was made during Honor's keynote session at the event titled “Synergy Between Humans and AI: Intelligent Devices Empower People.” In addition to showcasing new technological advancements, the company also highlighted the need to build human-centric on-device AI capabilities accelerated by dedicated hardware to protect user privacy.
Honor's AI Defocus Eye Protection
Photo credit: MWC Shanghai/Honor
The company said that AI Defocus Eye Protection was designed to address the global rise in myopia caused by prolonged screen use. Various studies have shown that peripheral defocus lenses are effective in curbing an individual's myopia. These glasses alter vision and slow down the eye elongation process that leads to eye diseases. Now, Honor's technology uses AI to simulate defocus glasses on the display of smart devices.
According to the company, AI Defocus Eye Protection can reduce users' temporary myopia by an average of 13 degrees after 25 minutes of use. Citing research, the brand said some users have experienced reductions of up to 75 degrees.
Honor's AI Deepfake Detection
Photo credit: MWC Shanghai/Honor
Deepfakes have also become a major issue in recent years, accelerated by the introduction of video-generative AI models. Many AI scientists, tech companies, and regulatory bodies acknowledge that deepfakes play a role in spreading misinformation and manipulating people. Honor's AI deepfake detection is an on-device technology that can analyze videos frame-by-frame, checking “information invisible to the human eye, such as eye contact, lighting, image clarity, and video playback.”
The AI technology was trained using a large dataset of videos and images related to online scams. The company claims it can identify, screen and compare in under three seconds. The feature can display a risk warning if a deepfake is detected. Honor says this will help protect people from falling for scams.
