Term
On-Device AI
Definition
On-Device AI is a type of artificial intelligence that operates directly on devices like smartphones or tablets, instead of relying on remote servers or the cloud. This allows it to work independently of an internet connection.
Where you’ll find it
On-Device AI is typically embedded within applications that require real-time processing, such as mobile apps for language translation or facial recognition. It is important for platforms and devices that prioritize privacy and data security, enabling functions directly on users' devices without needing to send data elsewhere for processing.
Common use cases
- Enhancing user privacy by processing all data locally, which reduces the risk of data breaches.
- Providing real-time AI functionalities even when devices are offline or have unstable internet connections.
- Improving the speed and responsiveness of apps by eliminating delays caused by data transfer to and from the cloud.
Things to watch out for
- Limited processing power compared to cloud-based AI, as devices might not handle complex AI tasks efficiently.
- Greater demand on device resources such as battery life and storage.
- Developers must ensure that AI capabilities are well optimized for the hardware to avoid performance issues.
Related terms
- Edge Computing
- Machine Learning
- Data Privacy
- Real-Time Processing
- Cloud Computing