Chinese-Speaking Phone Launches, Mirroring ‘Her’ Movie Technology
ByteDance, the tech giant best known for TikTok, has officially launched a revolutionary AI voice assistant for smartphones. This innovative feature, reminiscent of the AI character in the film “Her,” can perform tasks like booking tickets, opening tabs, and searching for information autonomously.
Launch Details
The new assistant is powered by ByteDance’s Doubao large language model (LLM). It was unveiled during the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2024 in Shanghai, China, on June 26, 2024. Initially, the AI assistant will be available on the M153 Nubia smartphone, although the release will be limited.
Functionality of the AI Assistant
- Operates at the operating system level, giving it access to user screens and apps.
- Performs tasks such as file organization, form completion, and restaurant suggestions based on budget and preferences.
- Stores personal information, turning it into reminders and to-do items.
Users can utilize the assistant to recall specific past events, such as “What seat was I in on last week’s train?” or “Where was that café I liked near the office?” This level of personalization sets it apart from traditional voice assistants like Apple’s Siri, which often struggle with response delays and lack emotional depth.
Technology Behind Doubao
ByteDance’s assistant employs an advanced speech-to-speech system, enabling it to respond swiftly and even allows for interruptions, much like a natural conversation. Reports from Guangdong Yangcheng Evening News state that the voice realism is approaching human-like quality, exhibiting a range of emotions such as joy and sadness.
Market and Competitors
This launch signifies a significant step towards an AI future that tech enthusiasts have long anticipated. Similar technologies are emerging globally, including OpenAI’s GPT-4o and Google’s Gemini Live mode, which also support real-time, dynamic conversations.
While many AI assistants are improving in functionality, Doubao distinguishes itself by being fully integrated into a Chinese-designed smartphone for the Chinese market. As ByteDance seeks partnerships with other smartphone manufacturers to license this technology, the implications for the AI landscape in China could be profound.
Conclusion
The unveiling of ByteDance’s AI assistant marks an exciting advance in the quest for intuitive, responsive technology. With its unique capabilities and focus on the Chinese market, it will be intriguing to see how this innovation reshapes user interaction with smartphones moving forward.
