Tag: Apple iPhones

  • US to Investigate China’s Semiconductor Industry for Antitrust Issues

    US to Investigate China’s Semiconductor Industry for Antitrust Issues

    The White House has declared a new probe into China’s trade behaviors, claiming they have diminished competition in the semiconductor sector. The Biden administration asserts that China “consistently employs non-market policies and practices,” which undermine competition and foster dependencies on “foundational semiconductors.”

    Investigation Details

    The US Trade Representative’s Office will oversee the inquiry, looking closely at how China’s policies and practices affect “the creation of silicon carbide substrates or other wafers utilized as components in semiconductor manufacturing.”

    China’s Response

    A representative from China’s Ministry of Commerce expressed to the New York Times (through Engadget) that the nation “strongly opposes and regrets” the investigation. They stated that it will “employ all necessary actions to firmly protect its rights and interests.”

    Ongoing Tensions

    Tensions between the two nations have been escalating since 2022, following President Biden’s introduction of new export regulations that limited the shipment of GPUs, CPU lithography machinery, and design software to China. Earlier this year, the US increased tariffs on products imported from China.

    In 2023, China retaliated by prohibiting the use of Apple iPhones, as well as AMD and Intel CPUs, in government sectors and enterprises. In October, it also initiated an investigation into Nvidia, accusing the company of anti-monopoly infractions related to its $6.9 billion acquisition of Israeli network products provider Mellanox Technologies back in 2020. Just this month, China restricted the export of crucial minerals needed for microchip production to the US.

    Whitehouse.gov | Engadget | New York Times

    Source: Link

    Tags: , ,
  • Potential DSLR-Like Features Expected in the Capture Button of iPhone 16

    Potential DSLR-Like Features Expected in the Capture Button of iPhone 16

    Leaks and rumors surrounding the iPhone 16 series have been circulating online for some time now. Apple's next-generation flagship smartphones are expected to be released in September this year. Previous reports have hinted at the inclusion of a dedicated Capture button on the iPhone 16 models. Now, a Weibo user named Instant Digital, who has a mixed track record, has shared some details about this Capture button.

    iPhone 16's Capture button may resemble a DSLR button, according to Instant Digital. It will have the ability to detect multiple levels of pressure, much like the two-step buttons found on digital cameras. The main function of this button will be to trigger the capture of images or videos. However, a light or halfway press will allow users to lock and adjust the focus. This feature would provide convenience compared to having to tap the screen to lock the focus on the subject, ensuring that the image doesn't turn out blurry. Additionally, a recent report suggests that the Capture button may also support zoom in and out functions.

    It is worth noting that some Sony Xperia phones already feature two-stage shutter buttons. These dedicated Capture buttons allow users to quickly capture photos. On the other hand, the Action button on the iPhone 15 Pro models can only be programmed to launch the camera app. The inclusion of the Capture button on the iPhone 16 indicates Apple's focus on photography with its next-generation offerings. This addition could greatly benefit serious photographers and videographers.

    However, it is still unclear whether the Capture button will be present on all iPhone 16 models. Early renders of the iPhone 16 Pro show the dedicated button located on the bottom right side of the device.

    Tags: , , ,
  • Could iOS 18 possibly become the most significant update in the history of iPhones, ponders Gurman

    Could iOS 18 possibly become the most significant update in the history of iPhones, ponders Gurman

    Apple is set to release a major update for its iPhone operating system, iOS 18, which is expected to be the largest software update in the history of the iPhone, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Gurman shared this information in the subscriber-only Q&A section of his Power On newsletter.

    The specifics of iOS 18's features have not been disclosed by Gurman, but he mentioned that more details will be shared in the future. However, there are a few changes that are already anticipated for the update. One of the expected features is the inclusion of support for Rich Communication Services (RCS), which is a messaging standard that will enhance communication between iPhones and Android devices.

    Apple announced its intention to support RCS in the Messages app on the iPhone in November 2023, with plans to implement it "later" in 2024. It is likely that this timeframe aligns with the launch of iOS 18. With RCS support, iPhone users will have the ability to send high-resolution photos and videos, receive read receipts and typing indicators, and participate in group chats with both Android and iPhone users.

    Additionally, Apple is reported to be working on generative artificial intelligence (AI) technology. According to Gurman, this technology is expected to enhance the capabilities of Siri and the Messages app in terms of answering questions and auto-completing sentences. Apple is also exploring the integration of similar AI features into other apps such as Apple Music, Pages, Keynote, and Xcode.

    Furthermore, The Information has revealed that Apple is planning to integrate large language models into Siri, enabling users to automate complex tasks with deeper integration into the Shortcuts app. This feature is expected to be part of an iPhone software update in 2024, which is likely to be iOS 18.

    These are just a few of the rumored features that are expected to be included in iOS 18. More details about the update are expected to be unveiled soon.

    Tags: ,
  • Chinese Shopping Festival sees Huawei & Xiaomi smartphones outpace Apple iPhone sales in China

    Chinese Shopping Festival sees Huawei & Xiaomi smartphones outpace Apple iPhone sales in China

    Huawei and Xiaomi Outperform Apple in China’s Holiday Sales

    Chinese smartphone brands Huawei and Xiaomi have emerged as the top performers in the holiday sales period in China, surpassing Apple’s iPhones in the market. The success of these local brands can be attributed to the popular Singles Day sale, celebrated on November 11, which offers great deals to consumers.

    Chinese Tech Giants Outshine Apple

    According to a report by Counterpoint Research, Huawei and Xiaomi managed to outperform Apple and its latest iPhone 15 lineup in terms of sales. Domestic brands dominated the smartphone market during the 11.11 shopping period. The report highlighted that iPhone sales experienced a decline of 4 percent in the two weeks from October 30 to November 12.

    Huawei’s Impressive Growth

    In contrast, Huawei witnessed a substantial 66 percent year-on-year increase in sales during Singles Day. This remarkable growth can be attributed to its latest flagship 5G series, the Mate 60 lineup. Similarly, Xiaomi also experienced a notable 28 percent surge in sales during the same period. Interestingly, the surge in sales of these two domestic companies also contributed to a 5 percent year-on-year increase in the overall smartphone sales in the local market during the Singles Day sales period.

    Pricing Comparison

    Let’s take a look at the pricing of these smartphones. The Huawei Mate 60 series starts at a price of 5,499 Yuan (approximately 775 US Dollars), while the Xiaomi 14 lineup begins at 3,999 Yuan (approximately 563 US Dollars). On the other hand, the Apple iPhone 15 is sold for 5,999 Yuan (approximately 845 US Dollars). Xiaomi even shared its sales figures during the shopping festival, revealing that it generated over 22 billion Yuan (approximately 3 billion US Dollars) in revenue.

    Conclusion

    Huawei and Xiaomi have proven their dominance in the Chinese market, surpassing Apple in terms of sales during the holiday sales period. The popularity of the Singles Day sale played a significant role in boosting the sales of these local brands. With more affordable pricing and impressive features, Huawei and Xiaomi continue to attract consumers in China.

    Tags: , ,
  • Enhanced Samsung OLED Screens Enhance Battery Life for Latest Apple iPhones

    Enhanced Samsung OLED Screens Enhance Battery Life for Latest Apple iPhones

    Future Apple iPhones to Potentially Feature Extended Battery Life

    Reports suggest that Samsung Display is actively exploring the integration of novel materials in its OLED panels, a move that could lead to enhanced battery performance in upcoming Apple iPhones. The incorporation of blue phosphorescent material within the displays is anticipated to lower power consumption and elevate energy efficiency. It’s crucial to bear in mind that this fresh screen technology might not hit the market until 2026 or even with the release of the iPhone 18 lineup.

    Utilization of Blue Phosphorescent Material for Enhanced Energy Conservation

    Traditional OLED panels incorporate red, green, and blue phosphorescent materials. Although the red and green variants boast a 100 percent level of internal luminous efficiency, the efficiency of blue fluorescent materials lags behind at 25 percent. By substituting the current blue fluorescent material with phosphorescent material, Samsung aims to curtail power usage and optimize OLED screen performance. The company is actively engaged in the development of this cutting-edge blue phosphorescent material.

    Hurdles in the Development Journey

    The lifespan of the emerging materials from Samsung is roughly 55 percent of the durability of the blue fluorescent material featured in the M11 OLED material deployed in the iPhone 13 series. This suggests that the technology is still in its nascent stages and may not be progressing as seamlessly as initially envisioned. UBI analyst Yoon has raised concerns regarding the trajectory of this development. It’s imperative to highlight that the information presented is hinged on an unverified report, warranting a cautious approach.

    Wrapping Up

    To sum up, forthcoming Apple iPhones could potentially witness an enhancement in battery life courtesy of Samsung Display’s endeavors to leverage new materials in their OLED panels. The incorporation of blue phosphorescent material holds promise in significantly diminishing power consumption and bolstering energy efficiency. Nonetheless, the timeline for the integration of this technology into iPhones remains uncertain, with 2026 looming as a probable timeframe. Pending further official declarations, it’s advisable to approach this information skeptically, given its unofficial nature.

    Tags: , ,