Last week was no exception to interesting tech news from smartphone makers to chip manufacturers. The news ranged from an innovative repair mechanism revolutionising OLED screen maintenance to Apple’s encryption standoff in the UK. Unexpected ventures like Apple’s mid-90s sneakers generated new interest, while strides in 5G connectivity, AI language models, and cutting-edge smartphone designs underscore made the headlines.
Dive into our weekly tech news summary to read more about what happened last week.
New Laser Technology Makes OLED Screen Repair More Affordable, and Fixing Green Lines in Seconds
OLED panels are popular in high-end products due to their superior image quality and high cost. However, they also have disadvantages like fragility and high cost. A laser machine has been introduced to repair green lines on OLED displays without the need for replacement parts. This machine recreates broken internal traces of the OLED panel, which carry electrical signals across the display. The repair process takes just a few seconds, and the green line disappears instantly. The first generation of this product is expected to become more common and developed in the near future.
Apple iPhone users in the UK may soon lose iMessage & FaceTime
Apple may remove two key features from its iPhones in the UK due to the UK government’s Online Safety Bill, which will regulate messaging services. The bill aims to monitor messages for CSAM and illegal content, and requires access to end-to-end encryption-based messages. Apple is opposed to this bill, which has faced criticism from WhatsApp and Signal, which have withdrawn their services. The UK government is currently in an 8-week consultation period, and tech companies like Apple are hoping to revise the bill based on feedback.
Apple Sneakers: The Most Expensive Shoes You Could Ever Own Now on Auction
Apple has produced many interesting products, including the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and AirPods. However, the company’s history also includes rare and collector’s items like the Apple Newton, Lisa, and Pippin game console. A pair of Apple Computer Sneakers from the mid-1990s, created as promotional items for Apple employees, are now available for purchase at a price of $50,000. These sneakers feature a white upper with a rainbow Apple logo on the tongue and lateral quarter, and a faux “Air” cushioning window in the heel. Although not produced by Apple, these sneakers are highly valuable and are not aimed at standard users but at collectors.
TSMC plans to launch a more advanced version of its 3nm process
TSMC, a Taiwanese semiconductor company, is struggling with poor yields from its 3nm process node, with a 55% yield. However, the company has confirmed a more advanced process is in development, which is expected to bring performance improvements. TSMC cut the ribbons off its 3nm process in late last year, and reports suggest Apple’s upcoming A17 and M2 chips will be based on the new processor. The global semiconductor industry is valued between $500 billion and $600 billion, with a projected $1 trillion market by 2030. The market distribution is expected to be high-computing power products, mobile computing, high-growth industries, and smart wearable devices.
Huawei Mate 60 will ditch Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and feature “Spirit Island” design like iPhone 14 Pro
Huawei has faced challenges in the tech world, but they are planning to launch the Mate 60 series. The Mate 60 series is expected to feature the “Spirit Island” design, similar to the iPhone 14 Pro’s front-facing camera module. The design is similar to the Honor V20 and Pill-shaped front camera housing, but differs in interactivity. Huawei is taking Honor’s technology and adding new features similar to Apple’s. The Mate 60 series is expected to be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, but some reports suggest it may be powered by Huawei’s self-developed chip due to ongoing US sanctions against the company.
Huawei has not officially announced the Mate 60 series, but leaks suggest it is in the works and could be released in the near future.
China surpasses 670 million 5G smartphone users, deploys 2.9 million base stations
China’s 5G telecommunications sector has seen significant progress, with 676 million 5G smartphone users and 3 million base stations deployed. The industry has experienced a 6.2% increase in revenue and 17.1% rise in total business volume. Over 2.12 billion mobile IoT devices are currently in use, with transformative potential in sectors like healthcare, education, and transportation. China’s “Hundred Cities, Thousand Parks” industrial internet campaign has fueled digital transformation and innovation. Major telecom firms are focusing on next-generation technologies like 5G, cloud computing, big data, and AI, which are driving the sector’s growth. China is also focusing on improving 5G network quality, expanding coverage, and reducing costs.
Meta rolls out its ChatGPT rival Llama 2 for Free
Meta has launched its own AI-based system, Llama 2, in collaboration with Microsoft. This free AI language model is open for personal and commercial use, competing with ChatGPT and Google Bard. Meta aims to be more accessible than competitors by being more transparent with data and code, reducing bias. Open source drives innovation and improves safety and security. The company is also collaborating with Qualcomm to bring on-device AI with Llama 2 models.
Users can download the models directly or through partnerships.
Red Magic 8S Pro With Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, 6,000mAh Battery Debuts In Global Markets
Nubia launched the Red Magic 8S Pro and Red Magic 8S Pro+ smartphones in global markets. The Red Magic 8S Pro features a 6.8-inch AMOLED screen, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Leading Version, 16GB LPDDR5x RAM, and 512GB UFS 4.0 storage. It comes in Midnight, Platinum, and Aurora editions, with prices starting at EUR 649/$649 in Europe and America, and EUR 779/$779 in the 16GB + 512GB configuration.
Nokia plans to start selling refurbished smartphones from H2 2023
Nokia plans to sell refurbished phones as part of its environmental sustainability strategy, according to HMD Global’s Sustainability Progress Report 2023. The company will include remanufacturing of Nokia phones for resale and a tree-planting campaign. The initiative will be tied to its Europe operations and will be interesting to see how it expands to other markets.
Upcoming Tecno POVA Will Feature A Unique LED Light Strip On The Back Panel
The Tecno POVA smartphone is expected to feature an LED light strip on the back panel around the camera module, called ‘Arc Interface’. The device will light up on receiving notifications and come in various colors. The exact name and launch timeline remain unknown.
Gloture introduces WearCool: A waist pack Air Conditioner to beat the heat outdoors
Tokyo-based Gloture has introduced WearCool, a portable air conditioner belt designed to provide relief from summer heat. The device, weighing 488 grams, uses heat-absorbing PCM and fans to deliver cool air to the upper body. The mobile app allows users to control fan speed and configurations.
With a maximum battery life of 17 hours, WearCool offers a comfortable outdoor experience.
Apple’s recent patent hints at the development of a rollable iPhone
Apple has filed a patent for a rollable display, potentially incorporating it into future products like iPhones, iPads, televisions, desktop displays, and vehicle dashboards. The patent application aims to prevent glass layer cracking by configuring the display to roll. Other companies, like LG, OPPO, and Motorola, have also explored the rollable sector.
Rumors suggest Apple is working on a foldable MacBook in 2026.
