iKKO Mind One is the square smartphone that only AI could make happen

For years now, smartphone design has been following predictable paths: rectangular shapes, thin edges, and increasingly large displays. But something is changing. The advance of artificial intelligence, increasingly integrated everywhere, may soon revolutionize the form factor of smartphones as well, transforming not only how we use them, but also how they are designed. If so far it has been hardware that dictates the limits of the user experience, AI could reverse this logic: it will be design that follows function, and no longer the other way around. Already, folding, sliding or secondary screen models are being experimented with, but artificial intelligence could go even further: from work to gaming, from writing to photography, devices could adapt to the context in which they are used, change the interface in real time, and, who knows, even change shape based on the activities performed. An early sign of this change comes from iKKO Audio, a company based in Hong Kong, which, after launching ActiveBuds earbuds with a built-in smart operating system, is now offering a card-sized cell phone through a crowdfunding campaign.

iKKO Mind One, in fact, is an unconventional-looking 4G LTE smartphone, as it is square, designed to boost productivity and help you stay focused on real life. Measuring 86 x 72 x 8.9 mm in size and weighing 132 grams, the device integrates a 4.02-inch AMOLED display, MediaTek MT8781 octa-core processor with 8GB of RAM, a 50-megapixel Sony flip-up camera, 256GB of storage space, and a 2,200 mAh battery that provides up to 16 hours of video playback. It runs Android 15 and integrates the proprietary iKKO AI operating system, designed to enhance productivity with numerous tools that can perform real-time translations, record voice notes, do synthesis, and more.So that these AI tools are always accessible anywhere, the smartphone can connect to the proprietary NovaLink infrastructure, which provides free global network access in more than 60 regions, without requiring SIM or Wi-Fi. In addition, it can accommodate a nano SIM and also comes with a pay-as-you-go vSIM to connect to local networks in more than 140 countries.

For the more demanding users, however, there is an expansion case that, in addition to serving as a 500 mAh mini powerbank, adds a physical QWERTY keyboard and a 3.5 mm audio connector.In this regard, audiophiles will appreciate the Cirrus Logic CS43198 DAC converter - built into the case - for clear, high-resolution, lossless sound. Presented in four different colors namely Jet Black, Pearl White, Blush Pink and Sky Blue, iKKO Mind One is not yet on the market but can be pre-ordered on Kickstarter starting at $369 - about 320 euros - and first deliveries are scheduled from next December worldwide.

Opening image: Photo credits iKKO