The Rise of AI Models and Their Impact on Smartphone Usage

As artificial intelligence (AI) keeps getting smarter; and in some cases, such as with DeepSeek, allegedly cheaper to create; the future of intelligence in smartphones could look very different.

DeepSeek has been making headlines for its intelligent responses, fast learning, and the fact that it’s free to use, with the app shooting to the top of app store download lists.

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Advanced AI tools can provide more intuitive and context-aware search functionalities. This means users can find information faster and more accurately, reducing the time spent searching to find what they are looking for.

AI can also analyse user behaviour and preferences to offer personalised content and recommendations. This could lead to more tailored app experiences, increasing user satisfaction and engagement.

Voice and Conversational Interfaces

As AI tools improve, voice recognition and natural language processing will become more sophisticated. Users may rely more on voice commands to interact with their smartphones, leading to a shift in how people use their devices.

AI could also automate routine tasks, such as scheduling, reminders, and even managing smart home devices. This could streamline how users interact with their smartphones, making them more efficient tools for daily life.

Privacy and Security

Concerns have been raised around privacy and security when it comes to using AI tools. These include, but are not limited to, data breaches due to the large amounts of personal data being collected and processed, the potential for unauthorised access to sensitive information, bias and discrimination stemming from biased training data, lack of transparency in how AI algorithms make decisions, and vulnerabilities to adversarial attacks where malicious actors can manipulate input data to trick the AI system into making incorrect outputs.

On the other hand, analysts and commentators say that AI can help identify and mitigate security threats more effectively. As users become more aware of privacy concerns, AI-driven tools can offer better protection for personal data, potentially increasing user trust in smartphones.

Content Creation and Social Interactions

AI tools can assist in content creation, such as photo editing, video processing, and even writing. This could democratise content creation, allowing more users to produce high-quality media directly from their smartphones.

In addition, AI-driven tools could change how people communicate and interact socially, influencing messaging apps and social media platforms. Features like real-time translation and sentiment analysis could enhance communication.

The integration of AI tools like DeepSeek into smartphones is likely to lead to a more efficient, personalised, and engaging user experience, potentially changing the way users interact with technology in their daily lives. As these tools evolve, they may redefine the smartphone landscape and the role these devices play in our lives.

Availability

TECNO and itel devices are available at select retail partners including Ackermans, Dunns, Edgars, Game, HiFi Corp, Jet, Mr Price, OK Furniture, PEP, TFG, and Vodacom (availability and prices may vary per device, per retailer and per store, while stocks last).

Fans of TECNO and itel can also take advantage of the Smart Start Sale, that is currently happening exclusively at Mr Price and TFG stores (availability and prices may vary per device, per retailer and per store, while stocks last. Promotion period and price for all offers starts and ends at each retailer’s discretion. E&OE). Here is the full list of available deals:

Retailer	Model	Price	Deal Period
Mr Price	SPARK 10 Pro	R2,999 (Save R4,000)	24 January 2025 – 02 February 2025
	SPARK 10 5G	R1,999 (Save R3,500)
	SPARK 10C	R1,899 (Save R1,600)
	SPARK GO 2023	R1,499 (Save R1,000)
	POP 7	R1,399 (Save R100)
	A60	R899 (Save R500)
TFG	SPARK GO 2023	R1,399 (Save R1,100)

For more information about the Smart Start Sale, as well as other updates, news, and competitions, follow TECNO’s Facebook page and itel’s Facebook page.