Monday, 28 April 2025
26.7 C
Singapore
27.6 C
Thailand
21 C
Indonesia
27.2 C
Philippines

Nio introduces a second-generation smartphone to enhance the EV experience

Chinese EV maker Nio launches second-gen smartphone with AI features to enhance driving and reinforce innovation.

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker Nio has launched its second-generation smartphone, equipped with an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered chatbot tool. This move aims to strengthen Nio’s position as a leader in innovation. The new Nio Phone starts at 6,499 yuan (US$896) and boasts advanced technological features, enhancing the driving experience for owners of Nio’s intelligent vehicles. William Li, co-founder and CEO of the Shanghai-based carmaker, shared his vision at the Nio In 2024 Tech Day event on July 27.

New features for a better driving experience

The Nio Phone introduces several exciting features. It comes with Nomi GPT, an AI-powered voice assistant, offering users a better voice-activated control experience. Additionally, it allows owners to connect the phone with cameras installed in the car for live video streaming. This second-generation device builds on the success of Nio’s first phone, launched last September, which could initiate self-parking mode, unlock the car even when powered off, and transition video calls from the phone to the car’s screen and speakers.

A strategic move in a competitive market

Nio’s entry into the smartphone market highlights its commitment to innovative technology. The company’s strategy focuses on integrating intelligent features into its products, appealing to consumers who value technological advancements. The Nio Phone is produced by Hunan-based Lens Technology, which supplies smartphone lenses to Apple.

Nio’s push into smartphones comes when an EV’s appeal in China is increasingly defined by its intelligence rather than range or cost. Falling production costs and intense competition have made these factors less significant. Polestar, the EV brand of Geely Automobile Holdings-owned Volvo Cars, announced plans to launch its smartphone in mainland China last year. Meanwhile, Chinese smartphone vendor Xiaomi and telecom giant Huawei Technologies are also developing smart cars and phones. Still, they have yet to announce a smartphone explicitly designed as a companion device for their vehicles.

Nio’s vision and prospects

Nio introduces a second-generation smartphone to enhance the EV experience
Image credit: Xinhua

Since its establishment in 2014, Nio has been recognised as a leader in developing smart cars in China. The new smartphone is expected to be well-received by Nio car owners. However, the company still faces the challenge of increasing deliveries to expand its customer base and improve profitability. Nio has yet to post a profit and faces fierce competition in the mainland market, where a discount war is further squeezing profit margins for the country’s numerous carmakers.

On July 27, Nio launched its SkyOS operating system and unveiled the Shenji NX9031 autonomous driving chip, showcasing its technological expertise. In June, the company set a new sales record for the second consecutive month, with deliveries rising 3.2 per cent month-on-month to 21,209 units.

Hot this week

SquareX secures US$20 million to transform browser security

SquareX raises US$20 million to strengthen browser security, offering enterprises an easy way to protect users without disrupting their workflows.

Vulnerability exploitation spikes as Tenable joins Verizon to highlight patching delays

Tenable reveals critical CVEs remain unpatched for over 200 days, risking exploitation, as highlighted in Verizon’s 2025 DBIR.

Why OpenAI chose Windsurf after Cursor said no to being bought

OpenAI considered buying Cursor but moved on to Windsurf with a US$3B offer after Cursor’s parent company, Anysphere, chose to stay independent.

Chinese tech companies race to expand AI services using new open-standard protocol

Chinese tech firms race to adopt MCP, boosting AI agent use and shaping the future of smart services in payment, maps, and cloud tools.

GITEX to launch in Vietnam, unlocking growth in Southeast Asia’s digital economy

GITEX announces debut in Vietnam for October 2026, spotlighting its growing tech economy and boosting Southeast Asia’s digital innovation.

Gitex Asia x Ai Everything Singapore highlights robotics, AI and next-gen tech at inaugural event

Gitex Asia x Ai Everything Singapore highlights robotics, AI, startups, and tech innovations, shaping Southeast Asia’s digital future.

Lenovo introduces new ThinkPad mobile workstations and business laptops for the AI-ready workforce

Lenovo refreshes its ThinkPad lineup with new AI-ready mobile workstations and business laptops, enhancing mobility, performance, and security.

SquareX secures US$20 million to transform browser security

SquareX raises US$20 million to strengthen browser security, offering enterprises an easy way to protect users without disrupting their workflows.

Smart Communications acquires Joisto to strengthen cloud archival capabilities

Smart Communications acquires Joisto to expand cloud-based customer conversation and archival solutions, strengthening its leadership in CCM and IXM.

Related Articles

Popular Categories