HONOR Unveils MagicOS 9.0: A Leap into AI-Powered Mobile Experience

This Android skin has an AI that can order coffee and manage subscriptions

HONOR's Magic OS software isn't exactly our top Android skin, but it still offers plenty of features. Now, the Chinese manufacturer has launched the Android 15-based Magic OS 9.0 skin in its home market, and it brings a ton of AI features. HONOR says this latest software introduces the MagicLM family of AI models, which supports text, speech, audio, visuals, and more. The company specifically singled out a three-billion-parameter on-device AI model as part of the MagicLM suite, saying it will support mid-range and premium phones. Otherwise, HONOR says its cloud-based AI models will run across the "full range" of its portfolio. It's unclear which features are on-device and which features require the cloud, though.

Honor announces MagicOS 9.0, its AI-filled Android 15 update

Honor is packing a ton of focus on AI in MagicOS 9.0, which is based on Android 15. The new OS brings an upgrade to the company's voice assistant that positions it as an LAM. Like other companies such as Google, Honor is making the decision to reposition it's virtual voice assistant as an AI helper. In the same way that Google Assistant has been slowly retreating in favor of Gemini, Honor is changing how "Yoyo," its voice assistant used in China, operates. In an announcement detailing MagicOS 9.0, Honor notes that it's virtual assistant has been completely upgraded. It can now put commands into action, theoretically ordering users coffee or carrying out other tasks. YOYO can accurately understand user needs, decompose task steps, and independently operate and retrieve various resources and third-party services on the phone, meeting user needs based on its learning of user behavior habits and usage scenario. This shift is similar to how other companies like Motorola are incorpoating AI, though this seems to be a real-world release. The new sort of AI model has taken on the name "LAM," for "Large Action Model.' The term was coined by Rabbit in the debut of its R1 device. Rather than spitting back words or language, the AI model is able to put commands into action. At Snapdragon Summit, where Honor also showed off the Magic 7 Pro for the first time, the company offered further details on the "Autopilot" portion of its new AI features. The HONOR Magic7 Series will debut the industry's first on-device AI Agent for an open ecosystem. From a simple text or voice prompt, the AI Agent can order takeout on the user's behalf. With consent, it can learn from users' habits to make intelligent decisions, for example it can understand if the user prefers their coffee with coconut milk, and order accordingly. These will be impressive if they work as described, but it remains to be seen how all of this will work with third-party Android apps, especially outside of China. Beyond that, the MagicOS 9.0 upgrade is also bringing upgrades to Magic Portal and Magic Capsule for the company's devices. The features allow users to circle and access text easily, along with image comprehension. This is another way Honor is pumping AI into it's latest software. With that, MAgic Portal is expanding with a 255% increase in service integration over MagicOS 8.0. MagicOS 9.0 also emphasizes deepfake prevention with a new detection feature. The feature will be useful in detecting scams as AI-powered malicious actors become more empowered. MagicOS 9.0 launches today in China and should expand globally in the months to come.

Honor Unveils Android 15-Based MagicOS 9.0 With These Features

List of AI features includes AI Notes, AI Documents and AI Translation Honor MagicOS 9.0 update for smartphones and other devices was unveiled in China on Wednesday. The update is based on Android 15 and brings features such as a smart capsule, which is Honor's own take on Apple's Dynamic Island, a new and intuitive animation engine, face swap detection, and an upgraded Turbo X system. Additionally, it also leverages artificial intelligence (AI) at its core and bundles several related features AI Notes, AI Translation and more. MagicOS 9.0 update will be available in public beta starting November 2024 through March 2025. A total of 36 devices, including smartphones and tablets will be compatible with the update. The list of models receiving Honor MagicOS 9.0 is as follows: Honor MagicOS 9.0 brings over 20 lock screen styles with customisation options and the ability to choose from 3D and anime elements. It includes a smart capsule feature that can provide alerts about the weather, face swap detection or medical appointments in real-time without taking up the entire screen. Honor has introduced a more intuitive animation engine which is claimed to result in more fluid interactions while changing the home screen layout, switching between apps or simply viewing information on the lock screen. The Turbo X Engine has also been upgraded to achieve 11 percent reduced power consumption during unified rendering while also increasing the power by up to 40 percent. AI is a big part of MagicOS 9.0. It brings a face swap detection feature that is claimed to protect users against deepfakes during video calls or other online interactions. The YOYO Agent -- Honor's AI assistant -- gets new capabilities including managing notifications, ordering drinks and comparing prices. Honor says it leverages the Magic Model family which includes a large language model, a large image model, a large voice model, and a multi-modal model. There are AI features in other system apps too. Users can take advantage of new capabilities courtesy of AI Notes, AI Documents, and AI Translation. The Magic Editor can remove unwanted objects from images, improve them with filters and even restore old photos. For daily task accomplishments, MagiOS 9.0 bundles a smart fitness coach which can generate personalised workout plans and provide adjustments in real time based on the user's routine. There is also a new travel assistant that provides recommendations for accommodation and transportation. Other features of the update include dual-device messaging, home and car integration, cross-device security, and a Circle-to-Search-like visual lookup feature dubbed Anydoor.

HONOR introduces MagicOS 9.0 -- Check out the new features

HONOR today introduced its latest mobile operating system, MagicOS 9.0, built on Android 15, exclusively for the Chinese market. The new OS integrates AI-powered features and advanced system-level AI throughout its platform, offering a range of smart services and seamless user experiences. Below is a detailed look at its key features. With the upgraded YOYO Agent powered by HONOR's Magic Large Model Family, complex tasks are simplified into single commands. This AI assistant learns user habits and processes instructions efficiently, managing apps and system controls. By circling content with your knuckles, you can instantly access related services using HONOR Anydoor. It understands user intent across a variety of needs, such as food, entertainment, and daily tasks, providing quick and efficient information retrieval. Smart Capsules provide critical real-time information like weather alerts, medical appointments, or face-swap detection without interrupting your workflow. These alerts ensure you stay informed without distractions. MagicOS 9.0 introduces an intuitive animation engine, providing a smooth experience for app switching and information viewing. The dynamic effects ensure interactions are natural and fluid. With the rise of AI technology, HONOR's face-swap detection helps users identify fraudulent AI-altered videos in real-time. This feature ensures secure interactions during video calls and online activities. MagicOS 9.0 includes AI tools designed to boost productivity: The AI-powered Magic Photo Editor provides tools to enhance photos: HONOR's AI search tool adapts to user preferences, providing more effective, personalized search results and solutions tailored to individual needs. MagicOS 9.0 introduces an AI-powered ecosystem for daily tasks: The upgraded Turbo X system, featuring a full-stack Vulkan graphics engine, delivers 40% faster rendering and 11% lower power consumption. The Predictive Scheduling Engine ensures smoother performance under heavy workloads, maintaining an average frame rate of 119.9 FPS with zero jitter. MagicOS 9.0 enhances connectivity between devices: MagicOS 9.0 introduces a personalized "digital human" assistant for a more engaging experience. Users can also choose from over 20 lock screen styles, including anime and 3D, to customize their device. HONOR has committed a 2 billion yuan investment to accelerate the development of AI features for its foldable devices, focusing on application ecosystems, gaming, and AI service integration. The HONOR Magic7 Series will be the first devices to feature MagicOS 9.0 out of the box. The upgrade will begin rolling out to eligible devices starting in November 2024, including: