The first week of July 2023 was pretty interesting with new product releases to pivotal legislative decisions, the period was a whirlwind of activity that shaped the trajectory of various tech sectors. Twitter also saw a brand new rival in the form of Threads from Meta.
In the realm of consumer electronics, major brands like Asus, OnePlus, Fairphone, and Samsung marked their presence by unveiling innovative devices. Asus’ ROG Ally handheld gaming console found its way into the Indian market, offering gaming enthusiasts a blend of performance and convenience. OnePlus added to its Nord lineup, with the Nord 3 and Nord CE 3 capturing attention due to their impressive specs. Fairphone, known for its sustainable and ethical approach, made its much-awaited Fairphone 4 5G available in the US. Samsung quietly launched the Snapdragon variant of the Galaxy S21 FE in India, while Apple revealed more details about its 15-inch MacBook Air, illustrating how the transition to Apple Silicon made its larger format possible.
Amidst these product announcements, a significant legal development took place in France, as lawmakers passed a bill allowing police to remotely access and activate suspects’ digital devices. This move sparked intense debates about privacy rights and the potential for state surveillance.
In essence, last week exemplified the ongoing interplay between rapid technological advancements, shifting market dynamics, and evolving societal norms.
Here were the top tech news stories from last week.
Reliance Jio and HMD Global Release Feature Phones with UPI Support
Reliance Jio and HMD Global unveiled new affordable feature phones, including the Nokia 110 4G and Nokia 110 2G, all supporting UPI payments. The 4G model, offering Bluetooth 5.0 and Micro USB 2.0, is priced at Rs. 2,499, while the 2G model, with 2G network support, is set at Rs. 1,699. Both models feature wireless FM radio functionality and long-lasting batteries.
Nokia and Apple Sign New Long-Term Patent Agreement
Nokia and Apple have entered a new long-term patent cross-license agreement, focusing on Nokia’s 5G technology and other critical patents. With the previous agreement set to expire by year-end, the new deal will ensure Apple’s payment to Nokia for multiple years from 2024. The partnership highlights Nokia’s contributions to cellular standards and affirms Apple’s plan to incorporate Nokia’s technology into its future 5G-enabled devices.
Xiaomi Gears Up for New Flagship Release with Advanced Manufacturing System
Xiaomi has launched its new manufacturing line, the Xiaomi Smart Manufacturing Digital Intelligence System 2.0, at its Beijing Yizhuang Smart Factory. The new system promises enhanced precision and intelligence, leading to stronger and thinner products. Xiaomi’s upcoming MIX Fold 3, scheduled for an August release, will be the first product manufactured under this new system. Featuring a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor and a quad-camera setup with a 5X periscope telephoto lens, the new foldable phone will also support 67W wired and 50W wireless fast charging. The phone’s international availability remains uncertain.
Xiaomi Bolsters Customer Service with 3-Layer Escalation Matrix in India
Celebrating its 9th anniversary in India, Xiaomi has rolled out a new customer service initiative, the 3-Layer Escalation Matrix. Intended to streamline the resolution process for customer complaints, the system promises swift, efficient responses to issues within a specified time frame. Customers can lodge complaints via multiple platforms, including the Mi Store app, Xiaomi Service+ app, or Xiaomi’s official website. Complaints that remain unresolved within 48 hours automatically escalate to higher levels, ultimately reaching the company’s President’s office if necessary, promising a response within 12 hours. Customer complaint statuses can be tracked via the Xiaomi Service+ app.
Xiaomi Preps MIUI 15 Update, Improved Animations and More Expected
Ahead of the Android 14 release, Xiaomi has been found testing alpha builds of its latest MIUI 15 software, hinting that development began several months ago. The new update, potentially based on both Android 13 and 14, is expected to offer improved animations and numerous other upgrades. Specific features remain under wraps, but the release timeline should mirror MIUI 14, suggesting a rollout to compatible Xiaomi phones by Q1 2024. Initial testing appears to be taking place on a device codenamed garnet, rumored to be part of the forthcoming Redmi Note 13 lineup.
Xiaomi Pad 6 Launching in Europe: Enhanced Display and Audio Features
Set to hit European shelves on July 10, the Xiaomi Pad 6 offers an improved tablet experience with upgraded display and audio features. The device boasts an 11-inch 2.8K LCD display with a 144Hz refresh rate and HDR10/Dolby Vision support. The Pad 6 is equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 SoC, up to 8 GB of RAM, and 256 GB of storage, along with WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 for reliable connectivity. The tablet caters to multimedia use with a 13MP rear camera, an 8MP front camera, and Dolby Atmos-supported quad speakers. It’s also compatible with the Xiaomi Smart Pen 2nd Gen and comes with a battery life bolstered by an 8,840mAh battery and 33W fast charging.
Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme Console Now Available on Flipkart in India
Asus’s new ROG Ally Z1 Extreme handheld gaming console is now on sale in India via Flipkart. The device, featuring a 7-inch IPS display, AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, 16GB RAM, and 512GB storage, offers an immersive gaming experience on Windows 11. The console is priced at Rs 69,990, with various bank offers and EMI options available.
OnePlus Expands Nord Lineup with New Nord 3 and Nord CE 3 Models
OnePlus unveiled two additions to its Nord lineup, the feature-rich mid-ranger Nord 3, and the more affordable Nord CE 3. The latter sports a 6.7-inch AMOLED display, Snapdragon 782G chipset, up to 12GB RAM, and a 5000mAh battery with 80W fast charging. Available in two variants, 8GB+128GB and 12GB+256GB, Nord CE 3 will be released in August, with prices starting at Rs 26,999.
Eco-Friendly Fairphone 4 5G Debuts in the US with Emphasis on Repairability and Privacy
The environmentally conscious and repairable Fairphone 4 5G has launched in the US, underlining the brand’s commitment to sustainability and privacy. The device, which uses 100% recycled plastics and offers easily replaceable parts, runs Murena’s privacy-centric /e/OS, devoid of Google services. The phone comes in two variants, starting at $599, and features a 6.3-inch display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G processor, up to 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage.
Samsung Quietly Launches Snapdragon 888 Variant of Galaxy S21 FE in India
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE, powered by the Snapdragon 888 chipset, has quietly gone on sale in India for INR 49,999, with an introductory price of INR 44,999. Replacing the Exynos processor, this model retains the same features, including a 6.4-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a 4,500mAh battery, and a camera setup featuring a 12MP primary sensor, 12MP ultra-wide angle lens, and an 8MP telephoto camera. The device also offers water and dust resistance with an IP68 rating.
Apple’s 15-Inch MacBook Air: A Triumph of Apple Silicon Over Intel’s Constraints
Apple’s marketing executives disclosed that they had wanted to create a 15-inch MacBook Air for years but were restricted by the high power consumption of Intel’s chips. The shift to Apple Silicon enabled the company to maintain a slim, light design without compromising on battery life or performance. This new, larger MacBook Air is not only beneficial for consumers but also serves enterprise customers who have long requested such a device. This demonstrates Apple’s commitment to its transition to Apple Silicon and its responsiveness to customer demands.
Threads by Instagram Gaining Traction Despite Missing Features
Despite lacking key features like search, hashtags, and a following feed, Threads by Instagram, Meta’s bid to challenge Twitter’s dominance, is gaining user momentum. Instagram’s head, Adam Mosseri, assured that these features are underway, although no timeline was given. Threads’ successful integration with Instagram has been instrumental in its initial success, having already attracted over 30 million signups and being the top free app in Apple’s App Store.
France Grants Police Remote Access to Suspects’ Devices, Stirring Privacy Concerns
French lawmakers have passed a justice reform bill granting police the power to remotely access and activate suspects’ device cameras, microphones, and GPS systems, stirring controversy. Critics argue the measure infringes on fundamental liberties and leans towards authoritarian surveillance. Although the law restricts usage to serious crimes and requires judicial approval, privacy advocates are concerned about the potential for abuse. Justice Minister Éric Dupond-Moretti argues the law is a necessary tool for saving lives.
