This past week in the world of tech was pretty exciting with new model launches, brand unveilings, and controversial tech policies. CMF by Nothing is a brand focused on bringing affordable products with an emphasis on premium design, while Xiaomi’s Redmi 12 5G made a successful landing in India, alongside the company’s next budget-friendly tablet, Redmi Pad SE.
Elsewhere, the OnePlus Open leak revealed changes to its foldable phone’s camera module and form factor, while Nokia took a somewhat nostalgic step back with the introduction of the not-so-smart 130 and 150 models. The resilience of Huawei’s handset business amidst the US restrictions also made headlines, as did Apple’s Satellite SOS feature’s role in averting a major forest fire in Canada. Finally, India’s impending laptop and tablet import restriction, set to kick off in November, rounded off a week that bristled with both innovation and debate.
Check out all the top stories from last week below.
CMF by Nothing: A sub-brand for affordable products
Nothing is introducing CMF by Nothing, a sub-brand offering affordable products with improved designs. CMF stands for Colour, Material, and Finish, and follows OnePlus’ Nord sub-brand. The brand aims to provide premium design and quality, while focusing on user experience. CMF will launch its first smartwatch and earbuds by the end of this year.
Redmi 12 5G launched in India with Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chip, glass back, 50MP camera, and more
Xiaomi has launched the Redmi 12 series in India, featuring the Redmi 12 and Redmi 12 5G. Both smartphones have a similar design and build, with a 6.79-inch display and Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chips. They have dual-band WiFi, Bluetooth 5.3, GNSS, MicroSD card slot, 3.5mm headphone jack, fingerprint sensor, and IR blaster. The Redmi 12 series will be available in Jade Black, Pastel Blue, or Moonstone Silver color options.
Redmi Pad SE is Xiaomi’s next budget tablet, Here’s everything you need to know
Xiaomi’s Redmi Pad SE is set to launch as the next budget tablet, with downgraded features compared to the original Redmi Pad. The device will be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 chip, LPDDR4x RAM, and feature a 10.x-inch display with 2K resolution and 90Hz refresh rate. It will be available in Europe and select international markets.
Royal Enfield Provides A Glimpse into Electric Motorcycles that may Debut in 2025
Royal Enfield, a subsidiary of Eicher Motors, reported its highest quarterly revenue in 2023, with a 21.1 percent increase in bike sales. The company’s managing director, Siddhartha Lal, announced that EVs are at the core of Eicher Motors and Royal Enfield. With Eicher Motors’ recent equity acquisition of Stark Future, Enfield is preparing to revolutionize the electric motorcycle landscape.
Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 to be made on TSMC N3E process, feature Phoenix Cores
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 SoC is expected to launch in late 2024, based on TSMC’s new 3nm process node and featuring Nuvia’s Phoenix cores. The chipset is expected to offer a significant performance leap, with Samsung, Oppo, and Xiaomi likely to use the latest Qualcomm chips in their flagships.
Xiaomi Sells 300,000 Units Of Redmi 12 Series On The First Day Of Sale
Xiaomi sold 300,000 units of the Redmi 12 series on the first day of sale in India, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s budget smartphone offerings. The Redmi 12 5G and 4G smartphones were well-received, with the brand likely making INR 3 billion. The phones are available in 4GB + 128GB, 6GB + 128GB, and 8GB + 256GB variants.
OnePlus Open Updated Leaked Renders Reveal Significant Changes To Camera Module And Form Factor
OnePlus has updated leaked renders of its first-ever foldable phone, the OnePlus Open, which may debut in the third quarter of this year. The updated renders reveal significant changes to the camera module and form factor, with a wider aspect ratio and a smaller, wallet-sized design. The device features a circular camera module with two sensors, a periscope lens, and an ‘H’ branding. The OnePlus Open also features a boxy form factor with power and volume rocker buttons, a fingerprint scanner, and quad speakers.
Nokia Takes a Step Back with the Not-So-Smart 130 and 150
Nokia has introduced two new models, the Nokia 130 and Nokia 150, to cater to older users who prefer older phones over smartphones. The Nokia 150, a refreshed version of the Nokia 150, features a 1450 mAh battery, a 0.3 Megapixel camera, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. It uses an OS called S30+ and has a 2.4-inch screen with a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels and a long battery life. The Nokia 130, on the other hand, has a 2.4-inch screen with a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels and a 1450 mAh battery. Both phones target specific groups of people and offer different features and capabilities.
Nintendo Switch 2 to Launch in 2024 with LCD Display Instead of OLED and Backwards Compatibility
Nintendo plans to launch the Nintendo Switch 2 in 2024, with an LCD display instead of OLED and backwards compatibility. The console is expected to be backward compatible with older games and will be backward compatible with digital and physical games. The Switch 2 will run digital and physical games without issues, allowing users to access their library and replay games they played in low quality. The release date is not confirmed, but more information on pricing and technical specifications is expected in the future.
Huawei’s Handset Business makes remarkable comeback amidst US Restrictions
Huawei’s handset business has made a remarkable comeback, with its share of the domestic smartphone market soaring by 76.1% in the second quarter. The company secured the second spot in the high-end sector, trailing Vivo and Apple. Despite US government restrictions, Huawei remains steadfast in its efforts to rebuild its smartphone business. The company’s unwavering commitment to research and development, with R&D spending reaching $23.8 billion in 2022, has contributed to its upward trajectory and remarkable recovery.
Apple’s Satellite SOS Feature Helps Prevent a Major Forest Fire on an Island in Canada
Apple’s Satellite SOS feature has been used to prevent a major forest fire on an island in Canada. Canadian residents in Missanabie, Ontario, used the iPhone 14’s SOS via satellite feature to call for emergency services during connectivity blackouts. The MNRF arrived promptly after being contacted through the satellite feature. The feature provides a lifeline in emergency situations, highlighting the revolutionary impact of technology on public safety and disaster management.
India’s laptop and tablet import restriction will be effective from November
India’s controversial import policy on laptops, tablets, and personal computers has been pushed to November 1, following a three-month grace period. The move aims to promote local manufacturing in the IT hardware sector and attract global tech giants to India. The policy also includes exemption clauses for research and development purposes.
Huawei dismisses 5G launch rumors, though it leaves the door open to a possible future release
Huawei has denied rumors about launching 5G smartphones after October, stating that such information is false. The company uses 4G Qualcomm chips in its flagship phones, but rumors about a 5G phone launch persist due to US sanctions. Huawei’s CEO, Richard Yu, clarified that they should source 5G chips domestically using advanced semiconductor design tools. However, production capabilities may be limited, leading to a limited shipment of flagship models. Huawei remains determined to launch 5G models, despite a 58% surge in smartphone sales in Q2 2023.
OPPO ends operations in France despite legal victory against Nokia
Chinese smartphone manufacturer OPPO has halted operations in France due to Yang Technology’s discontinuing sales, making OPPO phones unavailable for purchase. This comes after OPPO’s recent patent victory against Nokia, which reduced immediate legal threats. OPPO has assured customers that after-sales service and software updates will continue.
The Barbie takeover: Apple Watch Series 9 may launch in a Pink color
The Apple Watch Series 9 is set to launch alongside iPhones next month, with leaked details suggesting a possible Barbie-inspired color. The aluminum variant will feature red, silver, and pink colors, while the steel version will be available in gold, graphite, and silver. The upcoming Apple Watch Ultra 2 will feature a Dark Gray/Titanium Black color option.
