by Rob Morel -
Published on 08 March 2025 00:00 GMT
The Barcelona Mobile Industry Meet showcased the pervasive influence of AI across various sectors. The event highlighted how AI has become an integral part of new device development, with demonstrations of concrete AI applications dominating the stands of telecom operators and tech vendors.
AI features were ubiquitous at the conference, with almost every stand showcasing AI integration in consumer devices and telecom networks. Manufacturers are optimistic about maintaining the momentum of smartphone sales, which recovered from two years of decline to expand by 6.3% in 2024, reaching over 1.2 billion units.
Google futurologist Ray Kurzweil predicted that within a decade, AI could interact directly with human brain systems, significantly augmenting human intelligence. This vision underscores the potential for AI to revolutionize how we interact with technology.
Samsung demonstrated a smartphone capable of executing simple tasks based on natural language requests, aligning with the industry trend towards AI "agents" that act independently on behalf of users. Meanwhile, China's Honor introduced a tool to detect AI-generated "deepfake" images or videos, addressing growing concerns about digital authenticity.
The event underscored AI's role in shaping the future of mobile technology, emphasizing both its practical applications and transformative potential.