Without question, AI-powered features have been integral for smartphones nowadays. And although it’s still “limited” what users can do with AI on their phones, MediaTek is trying to bring more advanced capabilities to mobile devices. This, as the semiconductor company is eyeing video generative AI for mobile, as part of its goals for the near future.

A few months ago at MWC 2024, MediaTek showcased on-device generative AI video diffusion powered entirely by its Dimensity 9300 processor. This leading smartphone chip incorporates the world’s first hardware-based generative AI Engine with secure, personalized AI. It is capable of bandwidth reduction, LoRA Fusion, and 8X faster generative AI performance, compared to MediaTek’s preceding AI processor.

Sooner rather than later, users can perhaps elevate the short video-editing experience on their smartphones by leveraging video generative AI, something reserved for heavyweight devices and software programs for now.

World’s first 5G-advanced satellite broadband

Aside from video generative AI on mobile devices, MediaTek is working on improving connectivity across various technologies. For instance, the company is working on a 5G-NR-NTN satellite chip that can deliver broadband speeds of up to 100mbps. They are working with Rohde & Schwarz for this innovation. One industry that will surely benefit from this is the automotive industry, with MediaTek utilizing advanced LEO satellite support over the Ku-band.

New platforms for 5G IoT, wearables

Meanwhile, the newly-announced MediaTek T300 platform will make it easy for IoT designers to transition to 5G-NR especially for applications requiring ultra-efficient connectivity and long-lasting battery life. This includes wearables, lightweight AR devices, and always-connected IoT devices. MediaTek likewise demonstrated at MWC 2024 how it can achieve consistent low latency for AR and IoT devices. This was made possible by the company’s new RedCap RFSoC using the Keysight UXM5G Wireless Test Platform.

5G CPE for better performance

Moreover, MediaTek showcased its latest 5G CPE devices powered by the T830 platform. Using three transmission antennae (3TX) applicable across 5G NR band combinations, MediaTek eyes performance enhancements for Wi-Fi routers, promising low latency, low loss, and a significant reduction in network delay.

Auto industry collaborations

Earlier in the year, MediaTek also released AI-driven chipsets specifically for smart cars. This is another aspect the company wants to build on. Using OpenSynergy Hypervisor technology, MediaTek wants advanced safety-first features through a virtualized OS within the vehicle. Additionally, MediaTek and ACCESS Twine4Car are working together to develop richer multiscreen entertainment and interactive services. Of course, the former already has the Dimensity Auto smart cockpit and infotainment platforms working to provide highly capable processing.

These platforms can handle demanding processes. These include multiple operating systems, wireless connectivity feeds, and multiple concurrent video playbacks. It can even support advanced 3D graphics and generative AI for the driver and passengers in the vehicle, elevating the overall smart car experience.

Smart home IoT connectivity

Lastly, MediaTek is envisioning a “home gateway” concept which it calls “Ambient Computing.” This will allow users to manage their network of IoT devices in a better, faster, and more direct manner. This will be done by having the technology solve the indoor-outdoor network barrier through bypassing third-party networks.

In other words, users will be able to control everything from their mobile device, minus third-party services. And because multiple devices are working together, a user may technically use a PC to accelerate tasks on the smartphone — beyond what’s possible on a mobile chip. That extends the phone’s life considerably, too.

Xiaomi is bringing high refresh rate displays to its budget line with the announcement of the Redmi A3. The latest addition to the entry-level Redmi line boasts of an expansive 6.71-inch HD+ display with up to a 90Hz refresh rate.

The Redmi A3 is available in Midnight Black, Star Blue, and Forest Green. The smartphone is priced at PhP 3,399 (3GB+64GB) and PhP 3,999 (4GB+128GB) respectively for its two configurations.

Customers may preorder the phone until April 27 via Lazada, Shopee, and TikTok. General sale begins April 26th in all Xiaomi stores nationwide. Freebies are a Basic Piston Earphone for online purchases and a 3-month Viu Premium subscription for in-store purchases.

The Redmi A3’s immersive screen allows users to consume various content in high-definition with better smoothness, a boost for a phone of its price point. The screen has Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection as well, and DC dimming to reduce blue light exposure.

The phone also sports a refined design that lets go of the iPhone-looking camera arrangement. Instead, the main camera is now in the middle as part of a watch face-looking setup similar to other Android phone offerings.

Speaking of, an 8MP main shooter highlights the back of the Redmi A3. In front is a 5MP front camera. The phone is powered by a MediaTek Helio G36 processor and runs on an Android 14-based OS. Furthermore, it has a 5,000mAh battery with 10W of USB-C charging.

Other handy Redmi A3 features for users to utilize include a 3.5mm jack, Face Unlock, and Fingerprint Unlock.

For the longest time, Google kept Pixel and Android behind two different teams. While the Pixel team dealt with devices made by and for the brand, the Android team ships a product meant for brands outside of the company’s purview. However, the days of separation are at an end. Google is officially merging its Pixel and Android teams together.

In a shocking announcement, the company has confirmed that the teams handling hardware and software will fall under a single team headed by Rick Osterloh. Prior to the merge, Osterloh was the senior vice president of devices and service, which was Google’s hardware branch. He will now oversee both hardware and software.

Because of the new leadership change, Hiroshi Lockheimer, former head of Android, will now move on to other projects within Alphabet. Of note, the change is not harsh for Lockheimer. He and Osterloh had been contemplating on the merge for a while.

Now, why the change? As is the case with everything today, it’s all because of AI. Speaking to The Verge, Osterloh explains that the merge will help with “full-stack innovation.” With how technology is these days, it’s now impossible to develop AI without having a close eye on hardware, such as in Google’s AI developments for the Pixel camera. Merging the teams will help streamline development, especially when hardware is involved.

Despite the change, outside brands, like Qualcomm’s Cristiano Amon, remains confident of Android’s capabilities outside of Google. Just expect more AI coming out in the near future.

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