Category: All News

  • Apple overtakes Samsung as leader in smartphone market by 2023 despite declining demand

    Apple overtakes Samsung as leader in smartphone market by 2023 despite declining demand

    Apple Surpasses Samsung as Leading Smartphone Vendor in 2023

    Apple has taken the top spot as the leading smartphone vendor in 2023, dethroning Samsung, according to the latest report from IDC. The tech giant shipped a record-breaking 80.5 million devices in the final quarter of the year, with a total of 234.6 million devices shipped throughout the year. On the other hand, Samsung shipped 53 million devices in the fourth quarter, bringing their annual total to 226.6 million.

    A Significant Turning Point

    This marks a significant turning point in the smartphone market, as it is the first time since 2010 that a company other than Samsung has claimed the top spot in this fiercely competitive industry.

    Xiaomi Takes Third Place

    Apart from Apple and Samsung, Xiaomi secured the third position with 145.9 million sales, followed by Oppo with 103.1 million and Transsion in fifth place with 94.9 million.

    Declining Smartphone Market

    However, despite the success of individual companies, the overall smartphone market experienced a decline. Global shipments dropped by 3.2% year-over-year, totaling 1.17 billion units in 2023. The market faced economic challenges and inventory issues earlier in the year, but the second half showed signs of recovery with a healthy 8.5% growth in the final quarter.

    Apple’s Success Factors

    According to IDC, Apple’s success can be attributed to the demand for high-end devices, which currently account for over 20% of the market. The company’s aggressive trade-in programs and financing options have also played a crucial role in capitalizing on this trend.

    Diversification of the Android Ecosystem

    While Apple’s rise may have contributed to Samsung’s decline, the Android ecosystem itself is undergoing diversification. Huawei is making a comeback in China, and brands like OnePlus, Honor, and Google are offering competitive devices in the lower end of the premium segment. The market is also witnessing advancements in AI and the introduction of foldable phones, further highlighting the dynamic nature of the industry.

    Microsoft Surpasses Apple in Market Cap

    In another significant tech development, Microsoft has surpassed Apple to become the world’s most valuable company by market cap. This achievement is partly driven by Microsoft’s focus on generative AI. Over the past year, the company’s market value has soared by over $1 trillion, signaling a significant shift in the tech landscape.

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  • HarmonyOS 4 Update Takes Huawei WATCH GT 3/Pro Series to the Next Level

    HarmonyOS 4 Update Takes Huawei WATCH GT 3/Pro Series to the Next Level

    New Updates for Huawei WATCH GT 3/Pro Series

    Chinese tech giant Huawei has recently announced new updates for its WATCH GT 3/Pro series. The latest version, HarmonyOS 4, brings several improvements and exciting features that aim to enhance the user experience.

    Introducing the Chessboard Desktop

    One of the highlights of this update is the introduction of a new chessboard desktop that displays application names. With enhanced animations and sliding motions of the app icons, navigating your Huawei watch becomes more intuitive and visually appealing.

    Anti-Accidental Touch Function for Fitness Enthusiasts

    For fitness and sports enthusiasts, Huawei has added a handy anti-accidental touch function. During workouts, when the screen goes off, the watch automatically locks the crown click and rotation functions to prevent unintended inputs. This thoughtful addition demonstrates Huawei's attention to the practical needs of its users.

    Customizable Sports Data and Card Style Layouts

    The new update allows users to customize sports data and card style layouts, providing a richer interface during exercises. Additionally, a new feature has been added that turns on the screen when a notification is received, ensuring that important messages are never missed.

    Optimized User Experience and Enhanced Functionality

    Aside from introducing new features, Huawei has also optimized existing ones. The interface display now boasts clearer fonts and colors, making key information stand out. Settings have been reorganized, improving the overall user experience, and the alarm clock functionality has been enhanced. Moreover, for fitness enthusiasts, the update ensures more accurate and reliable exercise data.

    Conclusion

    With the release of HarmonyOS 4, Huawei continues to prioritize user satisfaction by offering a range of new features and optimizations for its WATCH GT 3/Pro series. These updates not only enhance the user experience but also cater to the practical needs of fitness enthusiasts. Whether it's the new chessboard desktop or the anti-accidental touch function, Huawei's commitment to providing innovative solutions shines through in this latest update.

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  • Microsoft’s Accessible AI Assistant Benefits Regular Users

    Microsoft’s Accessible AI Assistant Benefits Regular Users

    Microsoft Releases Consumer Iteration of Copilot Utilizing OpenAI’s ChatGPT Technology

    In a groundbreaking move within the AI sector, Microsoft has unveiled a consumer-friendly version of Copilot, driven by OpenAI’s ChatGPT technology. Priced at $20 monthly, this fresh release offers a more cost-effective and user-friendly option compared to its predecessor, which was tailored to larger enterprises at $30 per user each month with a minimum subscription requirement of 300 users. The removal of the mandatory subscription threshold now allows small businesses and individuals unrestricted access to the AI assistant.

    Addressing the Escalating Demand for AI Tools

    The launch of a consumer edition of Copilot by Microsoft underscores the company’s recognition of the surging desire for AI tools across a broader spectrum of users. Seamlessly integrated with Microsoft Office, this version empowers users to harness AI for a multitude of tasks including data synthesis, content generation, and answering queries within applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. This incorporation is especially compelling as it blends the advanced capabilities of AI with everyday productivity tools, making AI a pragmatic component of both professional and personal endeavors.

    Promoting the Democratization of AI Technology

    By extending its AI assistant to individual consumers and smaller enterprises, Microsoft is not solely executing a strategic maneuver but also championing the democratization of AI technology. This initiative aims to render AI more accessible and valuable to a wider array of users. Moreover, Microsoft intends to introduce a tool for developing topic-specific Copilots, catering to the diverse requirements of its user base.

    Distinctive Advantage through Office Integration

    Despite the comparable pricing and features of Microsoft’s recent offerings with OpenAI’s ChatGPT Plus, the integration of Copilot with Office bestows upon it a unique edge. Users can seamlessly employ AI capabilities within their familiar productivity suite, heightening their efficiency and output.

    Deliberations on Data Privacy

    It is crucial to note that Microsoft’s stance on data privacy varies between its consumer and corporate iterations of Copilot. For the consumer version, Microsoft plans to retain a portion of data for model refinement and augmentation. Nevertheless, this practice raises apprehensions about user privacy and the utilization of personal data.

    Final Thoughts

    In summary, Microsoft’s rollout of a consumer-grade Copilot with OpenAI’s ChatGPT technology signifies a momentous stride towards democratizing AI tools. With its integration into Microsoft Office, AI becomes more attainable and functional for professional and personal usage. While the fresh offering competes with similar products in terms of price and functionality, the Office integration confers a unique advantage. Nonetheless, users should prudently ponder the data privacy implications linked to Microsoft’s retention and application of personal data.

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  • New in India: POCO X6 & X6 Pro with 6.67″ FHD+ AMOLED, Dimensity 8300 Ultra/Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 SoC

    New in India: POCO X6 & X6 Pro with 6.67″ FHD+ AMOLED, Dimensity 8300 Ultra/Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 SoC

    POCO X6 Series: Economical Mid-Range Smartphones with Remarkable Attributes

    POCO, a well-known mobile phone brand, has recently introduced its POCO X6 series in the mid-range segment of the Indian market. The standout offering in this lineup is the POCO X6 Pro, which not only delivers robust performance but also holds the distinction of being the first smartphone in India to showcase the MediaTek Dimensity 8300 Ultra chipset along with Xiaomi’s HyperOS. Conversely, the standard POCO X6 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset, presenting users with a variety of choices based on their preferences.

    Exclusive Availability on Flipkart

    Commencing today, the POCO X6 series is now exclusively accessible for purchase on Flipkart. The pricing details are outlined as follows:

    • POCO X6:
    • 8GB RAM + 256GB storage variant: Rs 21,999
    • 12GB RAM + 512GB storage variant: Rs 24,999
    • POCO X6 Pro:
    • 8GB RAM + 256GB storage variant: Rs 26,999
    • 12GB RAM + 512GB storage variant: Rs 28,999

    The POCO X6 offers color choices in Snowstorm White and Mirror Black, while the X6 Pro presents Racing Grey, Spectre Black, and POCO Yellow options.

    Exciting Incentives for Purchasers

    Buyers of the POCO X6 series have the opportunity to enjoy several enticing incentives. ICICI Bank credit and debit cardholders, along with those opting for EMI transactions, are eligible for a discount of Rs 2,000. Moreover, customers can receive an exchange bonus of up to Rs 2,000 when selecting either the POCO X6 or X6 Pro.

    Impressive Specifications

    The POCO X6 and X6 Pro both showcase impressive specifications. They feature a 6.67-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with a high 120Hz refresh rate and Gorilla Glass protection. The phones are equipped with a triple camera system, including a 64MP primary camera.

    In terms of battery capacity, the POCO X6 Pro houses a 5,000mAh battery, whereas the POCO X6 sports a slightly larger 5,100mAh battery. Both models support 67W fast charging for rapid and convenient charging.

    On the software front, the POCO X6 Pro operates on Xiaomi’s novel HyperOS based on Android 14, while the POCO X6 is powered by MIUI 14 based on Android 13.

    Additional features of the POCO X6 series encompass an IP54 rating for water and dust resistance, an in-display fingerprint sensor for heightened security, dual speakers for an immersive audio experience, and an IR blaster for remote control functionalities.

    With its competitive pricing, powerful performance, and remarkable features, the POCO X6 series aims to offer users a compelling option in the mid-range smartphone category. The exclusive availability on Flipkart and the appealing incentives serve to enhance the overall value proposition.

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  • Pre-order Perks for Galaxy S24 Series Possibly Revealed in Last-Minute Leak

    Pre-order Perks for Galaxy S24 Series Possibly Revealed in Last-Minute Leak

    Potential Pre-Order Deals Surface Ahead of Samsung Galaxy S24 Launch Event

    Ahead of Samsung’s highly anticipated Galaxy S24 launch event, scheduled for tomorrow, January 17th, some potential pre-order deals have surfaced online. Leaks reportedly from Samsung Austria have provided insights into storage upgrades, trade-in bonuses, and exclusive online colors for the upcoming Galaxy S24 series.

    Storage Upgrades and Limited Editions

    According to the leaked information, buyers in Austria, and potentially other European regions, will enjoy a free storage upgrade when purchasing a Galaxy S24. For instance, those who opt for the 128GB model may receive the 256GB version instead, and so forth. However, it is worth noting that the 1TB upgrade for the Galaxy S24 Ultra might be limited to just 2,000 units across select participating retailers.

    Trade-In Bonus

    In addition to the storage upgrade, Samsung is offering a trade-in bonus during the pre-order period, which runs from January 17th to 30th. Customers who trade in their old devices can expect to receive a guaranteed €100 bonus on top of the standard trade-in value.

    Exclusive Online Colors

    Samsung is also introducing exclusive online color options for the Galaxy S24 series. Previous reports indicated that the Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus would be available in Onyx Black, Marble Gray, Cobalt Violet, and Amber Yellow, while the S24 Ultra would come in Titanium Black, Titanium Violet, Titanium Yellow, and Titanium Gray.

    However, the latest leak reveals that the S24 and S24 Plus will have additional online-exclusive colors, namely Jade Green, Sapphire Blue, and Sandstone Orange. The S24 Ultra will also feature exclusive online colors, including Titanium Green, Titanium Blue, and Titanium Orange.

    Specifications and Features

    As for the specifications, all three smartphones in the Galaxy S24 series will boast a Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen with a 120Hz refresh rate. The devices will also feature a glass-sandwich build protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus.

    While the Galaxy S24 Plus and Galaxy S24 will predominantly use the Exynos 2400 processor, the US and Canada variants will be equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC. On the other hand, the Ultra model will come with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor in all markets worldwide.

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  • Republic Day Sale: Realme Narzo 60x Discount Deal

    Republic Day Sale: Realme Narzo 60x Discount Deal

    Realme Narzo 60x Smartphone Discounted as Part of Republic Day Sale

    Realme, the manufacturer of the Narzo 60x smartphone, has introduced a price reduction for the model in India. Initially launched in September 2023, the device is now being offered at a discounted rate during the Republic Day Sale event. Here’s a comprehensive overview of this promotional offer.

    Details of the Republic Day Sale

    The Republic Day Sale for the Narzo 60x was made public through Realme’s announcement on X (previously known as Twitter). This ongoing sale is set to continue until January 19, 2024. Throughout this promotional period, the smartphone’s price has been decreased by an amount of up to 1,800 INR (approximately 22 US Dollars). The Narzo 60x is presented in two distinct storage variants: 4GB + 128GB and 6GB + 128GB options.

    Pricing and Variation in Colors

    Both iterations of the Narzo 60x are now accessible at a discounted price of 11,499 INR (around 139 US Dollars) and 12,499 INR (about 150 US Dollars) respectively. Additionally, consumers can select from two color options: Stellar Green and Nebula Purple.

    Features and Specifications

    The Narzo 60x showcases a expansive 6.72-inch IPS LCD display with Full HD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. It is fueled by the MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ SoC and is equipped with a sizable 5,000mAh battery that supports 33W wired fast charging. Operating on Android 13 OS with Realme UI 4.0 overlay, this smartphone is outfitted with a dual-camera setup comprising a 50-megapixel rear camera setup and an 8-megapixel front-facing selfie camera. Notable features include Bluetooth 5.2, 190 grams in weight, a thickness of 7.9mm, and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.

    Final Thoughts

    Realme’s discount offer on the Narzo 60x smartphone during India’s Republic Day Sale presents an excellent opportunity for prospective buyers. With the smartphone available in different storage capacities and color choices, along with standout features like a high refresh rate display, robust processor, and swift-charging battery, this discounted rate makes the Narzo 60x an appealing option for those seeking a budget-friendly device with impressive specifications.

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  • OxygenOS 14.0.0.401 Arrives for OnePlus 11 with Bug Fixes & January 2024 Security Update

    OxygenOS 14.0.0.401 Arrives for OnePlus 11 with Bug Fixes & January 2024 Security Update

    The OxygenOS 14.0.0.401 Update for OnePlus 11 in India

    The latest OxygenOS 14.0.0.401 update (CPH2447_14.0.0.401(EX01)) is being gradually rolled out to OnePlus 11 users located in India. This update introduces a range of enhancements and fixes aimed at enriching the overall user interaction.

    System Enhancements:

    • Incorporates the January 2024 Android security patch, which bolsters system security measures and shields users from potential security loopholes.
    • Enhances system stability and efficiency, leading to a more fluid and responsive user interface experience.
    • Protracts battery longevity in specific scenarios by refining power usage efficiency, enabling users to extend their device usage duration.
    • Addresses an issue that hindered users from switching between specific applications in recent activities, augmenting multitasking capabilities.
    • Resolves a screen flicker problem that emerged when interacting with the ongoing call bubble in the status bar, offering a seamless and pleasurable calling environment.
    • Rectifies an issue where the Smart Sidebar would cease functioning, ensuring continuous access to crucial shortcuts and features.
    • The Background stream attribute in Smart Sidebar has been eliminated, streamlining the user interface and amplifying overall functionality.
    • Enhances ROM vitalization and optimizes app compression, resulting in heightened functional steadfastness and enhanced app execution fluency.

    Interconnection Solutions:

    • Fixes a bug in the car display Settings, guaranteeing a smooth and trouble-free connection experience with car systems.
    • Resolves an inconvenience where Car Connect might fail to automatically establish a link with your car, simplifying the process for users to connect and relish the perks of seamless integration.

    OnePlus abides by an incremental strategy for software updates, initially releasing them to a restricted user base before progressively expanding the update distribution to a broader audience. This strategy ensures comprehensive testing and secures a seamless, glitch-free operational experience for all users. While the update is presently accessible to OnePlus 11 users in India, users in other regions can anticipate receipt of the update in the forthcoming days.

    Remain engaged as OnePlus persists in advancing its OxygenOS, fostering an even more enhanced user engagement atmosphere.

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  • Realme C55 & Narzo N55 in India can now participate in Realme UI 5.0 Open Beta Program

    Realme C55 & Narzo N55 in India can now participate in Realme UI 5.0 Open Beta Program

    Realme is introducing the Realme UI 5.0 Open Beta program for the Narzo N55 and Realme C55 smartphones in the Indian market. This program offers the latest Android 14 operating system, which includes several new features and upgrades. Here is everything you need to know about it.

    Realme UI 5.0 Open Beta Program for Realme C55 and Narzo N55

    Realme, the Chinese smartphone manufacturer, has recently announced the Realme UI 5.0 open beta program for the C55 and Narzo N55 models. It is important to note that this update is an early version of the Android 14 OS based Realme UI 5.0 custom skin, not the final build. Consequently, the software may have some issues and occasional glitches. In addition to the latest Android iteration, the update will also include Aquamorphic themed ringtones, revamped system notification sounds, improved system animations, and more.

    Enhanced Features and Known Issues

    Users can expect an enhanced photo and video permission management system with this update. However, there are a few known issues with the Realme UI 5.0 beta. One of them is the non-functional desktop sliding feature when using floating windows. Additionally, the Glance Lock screen feature is currently not working on the Realme UI 5.0 beta for the C55 and Narzo N55 models.

    Important Instructions for Users

    Before updating their devices to this latest custom skin, users should ensure that their battery is charged to at least 60 percent. Those interested in applying for the beta program can do so through the “Software Update Application” option in the “Settings” menu. It is also necessary to enable Developer Mode for this purpose.

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  • OnePlus 12R Receives NBTC Certification Before Launch

    OnePlus 12R Receives NBTC Certification Before Launch

    OnePlus to Reveal Latest Flagship, the OnePlus 12 Series, on January 23rd

    The upcoming global release of OnePlus’ latest flagship smartphones, the OnePlus 12 series, is scheduled for January 23rd, bringing excitement beyond just the Indian market. This anticipated launch unveils two models within the series: the OnePlus 12 and the OnePlus 12R.

    Introduction of OnePlus 12 and 12R

    While the OnePlus 12 has made its entrance in China, the 12R emerges as the international rendition of the OnePlus Ace 3. Garnering multiple certifications worldwide—from TDRA and Bluetooth SIG to SIRIM, CQC, and IMDA—the 12R has recently surfaced on the NBTC certification platform under the model number CPH2609.

    This listing strongly hints at the phone supporting diverse network standards, including GSM, WCDMA, LTE, and NR. As the global iteration of the OnePlus Ace 3, expectations for the 12R align closely with its sibling in terms of features and specifications.

    Display Excellence and Feature-Rich Design

    Central to the smartphone’s allure stands a 6.78-inch BOE X1 OLED display, offering a high-resolution 1.5k screen with a sharp 450PPI. Featuring an impressive 4500 nits brightness and a fluid 120Hz refresh rate, the display also supports 2160Hz PWM dimming, vibrant 10-bit colors, and various HDR formats like HDR Vivid and HDR10+. For added durability, the screen receives protection from Gorilla Glass Victus 2.

    Pioneering Technological Advancements

    Introducing a remarkable rain touch technology, the OnePlus 12R empowers users to interact with their device even under wet conditions. Complementing this innovation is an ultra-thin fingerprint sensor beneath the screen, offering both convenience and secure access. Driving this powerhouse is the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC, alongside a maximum of 16GB LPDDR5X RAM and a spacious 1TB UFS 4.0 storage capacity.

    Photography Prowess

    Equipped with a triple rear camera configuration, the 12R presents a 50MP primary camera equipped with OIS, an 8MP ultra-wide lens for expansive shots, and a 2MP depth sensor for enhancing portrait imagery. On the front, users can capture stunning selfies with the 16MP front camera.

    Longevity and Rapid Charging

    To cater to user demands, the device incorporates a robust 5500 mAh battery. Complementing this is the 100W fast charging feature, ensuring swift and efficient replenishment of power reserves.

    With its stellar display, innovative technology, robust performance, and advanced camera functionalities, the OnePlus 12R is poised to carve a niche in the global smartphone landscape. Save the date for its official reveal on January 23rd to learn more about pricing and availability.

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  • Discount of Rs 10,000 on ASUS ROG Ally in India from Amazon and Flipkart

    Discount of Rs 10,000 on ASUS ROG Ally in India from Amazon and Flipkart

    ASUS ROG Ally Handheld Gaming Console Discounted in India

    ASUS has rolled out a significant price reduction on the well-received ROG Ally handheld gaming console during the ongoing Republic Day Sales in India. This move by the Taiwanese tech powerhouse brings the ROG Ally within reach of Indian gamers. Participating in this initiative are both Amazon and Flipkart.

    Discount Breakdown and Price Adjustments

    Initially priced at 69,990 INR, the ROG Ally has now been graciously marked down to 59,990 INR as part of the Republic Day Sale. In a further boon for buyers, those using SBI credit cards can avail an extra discount of 1,500 INR when shopping on Amazon. Over on Flipkart, a discount of 1,250 INR is up for grabs for ICICI Bank credit cardholders. Furthermore, buyers can opt for No-Cost EMI alternatives on specific cards.

    Standout Features

    The ASUS ROG Ally stands out as a portable gaming solution operating on Windows, facilitating gamers to revel in AAA titles on the fly. Powered by AMD’s Zen 4 architecture-based Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, it ensures seamless and potent performance. Boasting 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 512GB of PCIe Gen 4 storage, this console presents abundant space for games and data.

    Immersive Gameplay

    Equipped with a 7-inch LCD screen featuring a 120Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync technology, the ROG Ally guarantees a fluid and immersive gaming journey. Noteworthy attributes include a 7ms response time, support for 10-point multitouch, and Gorilla Glass Victus protection. Backed by a 40Wh battery pack with 65W fast charging, gamers can engage in extended play sessions worry-free.

    Advanced Controls and Functions

    Crafted with gamers at the forefront, ASUS has packed the ROG Ally with features aimed at elevating the gaming experience. From two analog thumbsticks and ABXY buttons to dual programmable grip buttons on the side, users are furnished with precision control and customization avenues. External display compatibility enables gamers to savor their preferred titles on larger screens.

    Final Thoughts

    Featuring formidable specs and a reduced price point, the ASUS ROG Ally handheld gaming console emerges as an irresistible choice for gaming aficionados in India. This price slash, coupled with supplementary discounts and No-Cost EMI alternatives, positions it as the most economically feasible it has been in the Indian market. Gaming enthusiasts can make the most of this limited-time opportunity on Amazon and Flipkart amid the Republic Day Sales.

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