Powering Up Efficiency: SKT, MediaTek, and Nota Collaborate on AI-driven Smartphone Battery Life Boost

Lucas Brown
3 min readFeb 27, 2024

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At the recent MWC Barcelona 2024, SK Telecom (SKT), a leading South Korean telecommunications company, unveiled a groundbreaking collaboration with MediaTek, a global application processor maker, and Nota AI, a rising star in the field of AI light-weighting. Together, they announced the development of a novel “on-device AI-based Smartphone Power Saving Technology.” This innovation has the potential to revolutionize how we experience battery life on our smartphones.

The Challenge: Standby Drain, a Persistent Foe

Smartphone users are all too familiar with the frustration of dwindling battery life. Even with minimal usage, our devices seem to drain power quickly. This is often due to “standby drain,” where the phone remains connected to the network even after data transmission is complete, waiting for potential future activity. This continuous connection, though seemingly minor, significantly impacts battery life.

Enter AI: Predicting the Future, Saving Power

SKT, MediaTek, and Nota’s innovative solution leverages the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to tackle this challenge. The technology utilizes “on-device AI,” meaning the AI algorithms run directly on the smartphone, eliminating the need for constant communication with external servers. This approach not only improves efficiency but also enhances data privacy as information remains on the device.

The Solution: Predicting Needs, Optimizing Connections

The core of this technology lies in “AI light weighting,” a technique developed by Nota AI. This allows for the creation of lightweight and efficient AI models that can run directly on smartphones without compromising processing power or battery life.

The AI model continuously analyzes user behavior and network activity. By predicting the likelihood of future data transmission within a specific timeframe, the technology can intelligently adjust the connection between the smartphone and the base station. This ensures that the phone remains connected only when necessary, significantly reducing standby drain and extending battery life.

SKT AI Technologies at MWC Barcelona 2024

The collaboration between SKT, MediaTek, and Nota serves as a prime example of SKT’s commitment to driving innovation through cutting-edge AI technologies. During MWC 2024, SKT showcased various AI-powered solutions aimed at enhancing user experience, including AI-assisted customer service and network optimization tools.

A Glimpse into the Future of Smartphones

This collaborative effort marks a significant step forward in the quest for longer-lasting smartphones. By harnessing the combined expertise of industry leaders in telecommunications, chipmaking, and AI, the technology paves the way for a future where our smartphones can truly live up to their potential, offering uninterrupted usage without compromising functionality or battery life.

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