OPPO Establishes AI Center, Announces Arrival of Generative AI Features on Reno Series

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Leading global technology company OPPO today announced the establishment of the OPPO AI Center. Through dedicated research and development into AI and its applications, the new Center aims to further strengthen OPPO’s AI capabilities and explore a broader range of user-centric AI products and features that will enable OPPO to bring users the latest experiences at the forefront of AI.

OPPO has announced that, within the second quarter of 2024, the OPPO Reno11 Series will be equipped with advanced generative AI capabilities, including the innovative OPPO AI Eraser function and more. These advancements mark OPPO’s dedication to pioneering the cutting edge of AI and to enhancing the accessibility of AI technology for users worldwide.

“Following feature phones and smartphones, next-gen AI Smartphones will represent the third major transformative stage in the mobile phone industry. In the era of AI Smartphones, both the mobile phone industry and user experience will witness revolutionary changes,” said Pete Lau, Chief Product Officer of OPPO. “OPPO is dedicated to becoming a contributor and promoter of AI Smartphones. We look forward to working together with our industry partners to jointly drive the innovation of the mobile phone industry and reshape the intelligent experience of mobile phones.”

OPPO outlines four distinctive characteristics of AI Smartphones

In response to the AI Smartphone era, OPPO, based on its forward-looking research and accumulation of knowledge on large models and generative AI technology, defines four major characteristics of AI smartphones:

● AI Smartphones must efficiently utilize computing resources to meet the computational needs of generative AI in the AI era.

● AI Smartphones should be aware of the world in real time through sensors, understanding the complex information of users and the environment.

● AI Smartphones also need to possess powerful self-learning capabilities.

● AI Smartphones will have multimodal content generation abilities, providing users with continuous inspiration and knowledge support.

With these distinctive characteristics, the arrival of AI Smartphones will revolutionize the mobile industry. Various AI services will be integrated into intelligent agents, enabling users to enjoy services that better meet their individual needs. This new ecosystem will significantly complement and enhance the current app ecosystem. OPPO will provide AI capabilities as well as a development platform to support this brand-new ecosystem.

Reno series to include generative AI features

OPPO has released its own large language model, AndesGPT, which comprises as many as 180 billion parameters. Through three underlying major technical characteristics: dialogue enhancement, personalization, and cloud-device collaboration, its capabilities focus on knowledge, memory, tools, and creation. Following their introduction on the new OPPO Find X7 series, OPPO’s generative AI features such as intelligent object removal in photos and phone conversation summary have captured the imagination of both end users and the wider technology industry.

With smartphones and their surrounding ecosystems set to be completely transformed by AI, OPPO is leading the way in the application of the latest AI technologies on smart devices. In line with OPPO's brand mission of “Technology for Mankind, Kindness for the World”, OPPO plans to expand its own generative AI capabilities to more product lines and markets.

Within the second quarter of 2024, OPPO will roll out an array of generative AI features, including OPPO AI Eraser and more, to its Reno 11 series globally. With constant innovation generated from the OPPO AI center, future generations of OPPO smartphones will enjoy even more exciting AI features.

Learn more about the OPPO devices by visiting https://www.oppo.com/ph/ or follow OPPO Philippines’ official social media pages on Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.

Globe’s next-gen leaders delve into AI and humanity at International Design Conference

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Globe’s next generation leaders shared invaluable insights on the blend of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the human experience at the 7th International Design Conference, an event that marked the 50th anniversary of the Design Center of the Philippines.

Returning with more disruptive design concepts and an immersive environment that encouraged attendees to rethink limits, the two-day conference, held in cooperation with Globe, unveiled the evolving landscape and transformative potential of design.

Design luminaries and game-changers from the design sector and the Philippine creative economy collaborated to captivate audiences with immersive keynote presentations, provocative fireside chats, inspiring case studies, future-focused visioning, and an industry meet-up.

Globe’s Wil Sarmiento, Director and Head of Customer Lifecycle, and Paolo Toledo, Director and Head of Creatives, stood out with their forward-thinking perspectives. They joined world-renowned personalities such as award-winning design critic and author Alice Rawsthorn, program director of the Danish Design Centre Christina Melander; Sarah ichioka, founding director of Desire Lines; Dr. Anna Whicher, Policy Consultant of the “Making Design Count: The Value and Impact of Design on the Philippine Economy”; and Professor Daniela Bohlinger, Sustainability Design Pioneer.

Sarmiento, delivered a keynote that delved into the future skills in the age of human-machine collaboration, underscoring the potential of a symbiotic relationship that harnesses the strengths of both.

“Remember the value that you bring to the table: creativity, empathy, and the ability to change. AI will open doors that only humanity will be able to walk through,” he pointed out.

In a thought-provoking panel discussion led by Beth MacDonald, Chief People Officer of Biocellion SPC, Toledo, highlighted the intrinsic value of human intuition and design in an AI-driven world.

“Being human is the greatest design of all. While technology provides efficient solutions, it simply answers “what’s right” or “what’s needed”. BUT it's us humans who trigger innovation and purpose. We hold the power to ask “what's next?” and more importantly, “what for?” he said.

The International Design Conference, with its rich legacy of championing design innovation, is a thought leadership platform that celebrates the intersection of design, business, technology, and policy while thriving at the edge of disciplines to remain provocative and to use design and creativity to ask difficult questions and to take the audience to new territories.

Globe's design leaders not only contributed to this dialogue but also illuminated the path forward, emphasizing a future where technology and human ingenuity seamlessly converge.

For more information about the International Design Conference and its key takeaways, please visit www.facebook.com/DTI.DesignCenterPH.

To learn more about Globe, go to https://www.globe.com.ph/.

Seven ways tech and AI can help parents raise digitally responsible kids

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Kids today have access to information in a way that previous generations never had growing up. The challenge for parents is to help them learn how to be responsible digital citizens.

Thankfully, parents also have access to AI-powered apps and devices that can help them safeguard their kids’ online and real-life safety. Tech and AI can provide valuable, accessible, and round-the-clock assistance in safeguarding their children’s wellbeing.

Here are 7 ways tech and AI can help parents raise digitally responsible kids and make parenting a little easier.

1. Maximize generative AI to make learning about internet safety more interesting!

Besides capturing their attention, it’s also equally important to make sure that kids are interested in what we’re trying to engage them in.

If you’re looking for fun, creative ways to teach your kids about internet safety, try asking Bard—Google’s conversational generative AI chatbot! Simple questions like “What's a fun way to teach internet safety to kids?” or prompts like “Interactive websites that teach internet safety” can give you an entire list of ideas and activities that you can try out with your kids.

From book and story recommendations, interactive online games, conversation starters, and even additional tips, Bard will never run out of ideas on how you can make learning about internet safety an enjoyable experience.

2. Monitoring and limiting kids’ online interactions.

Tech can help protect kids from potential risks through content filtering based on their age. Tools by Google, for instance, make it possible for parents to monitor their children’s screen time, set limits and shut off their devices at bedtime.

If your kid is under 13, you can download Google's Family Link to track and control online activity, including text messaging and social media, using your own phone. TikTok's Digital Wellbeing features also allow you to remotely manage your kid’s TikTok from your phone. Circle Home Plus is a device and subscription service that pairs with your existing router and lets you pause access to the internet, create time limits, and add content filters to all devices on your home network (including Wi-Fi devices), plus manage phones and tablets outside the home.

3. Teaching kids empathy through situations IRL.

PLDT Home and Google’s Be Internet Awesome video series features Sam and his AI friend Robo-berto in fun and enlightening adventures that illustrate how kids can be smart, alert, strong, kind, and brave online.

The songs and situations that Sam finds himself in impart valuable lessons on digital responsibility such as thinking before you click and bullying. In one episode, Sam discovers that forwarding the posts of his friends can hurt them.

“Ako po’y nanliliit, ako ba ay nanglait? Parang di niya na gets, ibang react ba ang ipapalit?” he sings and turns to his friend Robo-berto. The robot sings, “Pag online chikahan, medyo hirap maintindihan.”

4. Making it easier to raise critical thinkers.

AI can analyze web content and online interactions to detect and block inappropriate or harmful websites and social media platforms. It can also identify signs of cyberbullying and harassment and analyze patterns and potential risks by monitoring various data sources.

At a young age, children can be trained to think critically about the accuracy of the information they read or watch. Is the story or post backed by credible evidence? AI can help filter information and trace the source of a story and its authenticity.

AI has given us countless hours of entertainment, allowing us to enjoy computer-generated images in movies and TV shows. Because they are so used to technology in a way their parents aren’t, kids can learn for themselves how to evaluate deepfake technology when it’s being used to sway or harm their young minds.

5. Keeping parents well-informed about their children’s location.

AI-powered GPS and geolocation technologies can help parents keep abreast of their children’s whereabouts. Are they in school, with friends, in the mall? Or are they in a place where they would normally not go? Wearable devices like watches or smartphone apps use AI algorithms to provide real-time location updates and geofencing capabilities. They can also alert parents if their child goes beyond predetermined safe zones.

6. Making homes more secure.

Surveillance and security systems are now so advanced that you can monitor your home 24/7 from your phone. AI-powered cameras and systems use algorithms to analyze video feeds to detect unusual behavior, identify potential dangers — like if someone left the door open — and send an alert.

7. Monitoring the family’s health.

Tech has made it possible for wearable devices and smartphones to track vital signs and provide health monitoring. They can detect irregularities in their sleep patterns, heart rate and activity levels among many others. When these irregularities are detected in your children, the device will alert you to potential health issues.

8. Assessing children’s development.

Apps and online tools use AI algorithms to analyze videos or recordings of a child's behavior and provide insights on their cognitive, motor, and social development. Parents can also use AI-powered scheduling apps to manage their kids’ school routines and homework to simplify the family’s daily schedule.

PLDT Home is committed to keeping children safe online and at the same time giving them access to information that helps in their education, wellbeing, and growth. This contributes to the PLDT Group’s broader commitment to help the country attain UN Sustainable Development Goal No. 16 which promotes just, peaceful and inclusive societies including the end to abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children.

Symph commits to empowering Individuals via AI app, creating a smarter, more connected future

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Symph is a dynamic software development consulting firm in the Philippines where they build web and mobile apps accessible and enjoyable for everyone, pushing the limits of technology, and creating a smarter, more connected future.

To inspire and empower people to embrace and reap the benefits of Artificial Intelligence, Symph works with team of developers, designers, project managers, marketers, product owners, and QA pros are committed to crafting AI apps that are not just functional, but also fun for everyone.

Recently, Symph, had a #SymphAI30x30 Media Party held in BGC last May 23, 2023. Just a few days earlier, on May 18, 2023, another press conference took place at The Company Cebu. And now, it was Manila's turn to host this remarkable event.

Symph is dedicated to empowering individuals and fostering understanding of AI's role within society. The event served as a crucial step toward achieving these goals. Symph extends its heartfelt thanks to the media representatives who actively supported the event, aiding in educating the public about the impact of AI on the community and addressing potential challenges.

Symph is eagerly anticipating its upcoming AI events and initiatives. With a strong commitment to #BuildOpenlyWithAI, the company invites everyone to join them in pushing the boundaries of technology and shaping a future where humans are the drivers, not mere subjects, of technology.

"We have this theme, Build Openly with AI. We share our AI apps as work-in-progress. More importantly, we invite the community to try the apps and we listen to their feedback. Together, we are building the future we want to create," Symph Chief Operating Officer, Jarrhey dela Peña stated during the event.

During the press conference, Symph showcased the AI apps developed by its talented team based in Manila. 

Edson Carreon, full-stack developer, introduced Grognak,

Grognak an AI Caveman app that simplifies complex topics for better understanding. This app holds great potential for museums and tech or science-related events, making learning a fun and effortless experience for kids.

Ragan Lamoc, full-stack developer, demonstrated Fitplanr.

It is an AI-powered personal trainer app that generates custom gym programs. By seamlessly integrating with gyms and fitness amenities, Fitplanr empowers both gym-goers and beginners to kickstart their workouts with confidence.

Jarrhey dela Peña showcased Prompeteer which was developed by Michael Suarez, AI and Fullstack engineer based in Cebu. 

Jarrhey personally uses the app daily, which empowers users to create AI-powered chatbots without coding. After Jarrhey demoed the app, media participants were able to create their own AI apps within minutes. Prompeteer offers businesses an opportunity to showcase their brand persona through an AI app, helping customers make informed purchase decisions through engaging conversations.

Symph is excited to captivate audiences with its upcoming AI events and initiatives. The company is dedicated to reshaping the AI landscape, constantly exploring new horizons and pushing the boundaries of technological advancements. With their unwavering commitment to #BuildOpenlyWithAI, Symph invites everyone to join them on this exciting journey. Get ready to be inspired and amazed!

Know more about Symph, visit: https://www.symph.co/

Brave New World – How AI Will Impact Work and Jobs

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There’s no doubt that the advent of broadly-available Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers businesses the prospect of increased productivity and accelerated innovation, whilst also enabling society to help solve some of its toughest - and most persistent – challenges: disease, famine, climate control and natural disasters.

AI is already delivering tangible economic benefits for many organizations across Asia Pacific. For example, leading global container shipping company OOCL reports that applying AI to their business is already saving them $10m annually, whilst Apollo Hospitals in India are using AI to help predict heart disease amongst its patients.

While the benefits of Artificial Intelligence are undeniable, AI is a disrupter, especially when it comes to the displacement of jobs. The ramifications of AI on the workforce is a regular topic of discussion among CEOs and government leaders across Asia Pacific.

That said, it is also pertinent to examine the far-reaching implication that AI brings to the workforce. Will the social disruptions that AI can potentially create ultimately overshadow its benefits?

The Evolution of Jobs in the AI-Shaped Future

To put things in perspective: large-scale disruption is a challenge with every industrial revolution. Technology will always have profound implications on the creation, elimination, or evolution of jobs. For example, just a few years ago, it was common for offices to have a pool of typists. Clearly, this role is no longer relevant in today’s modern office, thanks to the proliferation of personal computing. The advent of AI will reshape jobs in a similar way.

Microsoft recently partnered with the leading technology advisory firm IDC to assess the digital transformation landscape across the region. Titled “Unlocking the Economic Impact of Digital Transformation in Asia Pacific”, the study surveyed 1,560 business and IT leaders from 15 Asia Pacific economies[i]. It showed that 85% of jobs in Asia Pacific will be transformed in the next three years. (See chart below)

Diving deeper into the results, the respondents said that over 50% of jobs will be redeployed to a new position and/or retrained and upskilled for digital transformation. What’s interesting is that the Study shows that 26% of jobs will be newly created roles from digital transformation, which will offset the 27% of jobs that will he outsourced or automated. In other words, the overall workforce effect will be broadly neutral.

These are clear indications that how businesses organize work, how people find employment and the skills people need to prepare for the workforce are changing dramatically. These changes are likely to accelerate in the decade ahead.

As AI continues to transform the nature of work, education, skills, and training will have to transform as well in order to ensure that people are prepared for the jobs of the future and businesses have access to the talent they need to succeed. And as traditional models of employment transform, there will be a need to modernize legal frameworks to recognize new ways of working, provide adequate worker protections, and maintain social safety nets.

Building a Better Future Together

The recently published, ‘The Future Computed, Artificial Intelligence and its Role in Society’, makes sense of this AI conundrum as it offers three conclusions on AI and the impact on work and jobs:.

(You can download the book here for free today).

• First, the organizations and countries that will fare best in the AI race will be early adopters. The reason is straightforward: AI will be useful wherever intelligence is needed and it helps us to be more productive in nearly every field of human endeavor, which can lead to economic growth. Put simply, new jobs and economic progress will favor those that embrace the technology, not those that resist it.

• Second, while AI will help improve daily life in many ways and help solve big societal problems, its important to remain critical when examining the issues that it can bring. Beyond AI deployment, what’s equally important is to prepare society and the workforce for the impending changes that AI will catalyze by addressing the need for strong ethical principles, the evolution of laws, the importance of training for new skills, and even labor market reforms. These aspects must all come together in order to make the most of this new technology.

• Third, to fully realize the benefits of AI, and to minimize the negative outcomes, technology companies, private and public organizations need to come together with a sense of shared responsibility -- AI must be democratized.

The AI building blocks that Microsoft is developing today, such as computer vision, speech, and knowledge recognition, should be made available to all so that they can create their own AI-based solutions. AI should not be controlled by just a few organizations. The AI future should be built by everyone with a vision on how AI can benefit economies and societies as well as how we can tackle AI issues and their implications.

The future of AI can burn brightly or dimly. Disruption is a norm, and the ability to adapt to disruptions is what defines all of us. And to adapt to the fast-approaching, rapidly evolving AI future, all parties – from workers to enterprises to governments - will need to spend more time listening to each other, collaborate and constantly learn new knowledge and skills.