In an interesting week for tech enthusiasts, Apple’s latest iPhone 15 Pro’s widely reported overheating issue gets a fix, but not without further controversy. Interestingly, while Apple moves away from the titanium build for its flagship device, Samsung might be leaning into it for its forthcoming Galaxy S24 series. Speaking of luxury, Huawei adds a touch of premium with its Ultimate Gold Edition smartwatch for European consumers, flaunting 18K gold accents and a stunning ceramic frame.
Meanwhile, Samsung extends its product line with the launch of the Galaxy SmartTag 2 and the much-anticipated Fan Edition devices, marking its strong presence in both the Indian and global markets. Google’s Pixel 8 series announcement emphasizes the brand’s commitment to longevity, promising seven years of spare parts.
OnePlus diversifies its portfolio with the new Pad Go for Indian tech aficionados, and in the durability showdown between Apple and Samsung, the results might surprise many. Furthermore, global streaming giant, Netflix, hints at a price surge post the Hollywood actors’ strike resolution.
Check out all the important tech news stories from last week down below!
Apple finally addresses iPhone 15 Pro overheating issue with new iOS 17 update
Apple has addressed the overheating issue on the iPhone 15 lineup, claiming third-party apps and optimization issues with iOS 17. The latest iOS 17.0.3 patch targets iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max models, removing the titanium build.
Samsung Galaxy S24 series may feature a Titanium body, similar to the iPhone 15 Pro
Rumors suggest Samsung may use titanium for the Galaxy S24 series’ body, similar to Apple’s iPhone 15 series. The Galaxy S24, S24+, and S24 Ultra models may feature titanium frames, potentially reducing weight. Samsung may use titanium frames as a marketing term for their premium devices, expected to launch in early 2024.
Huawei Watch Ultimate Gold Edition luxury smartwatch now available in UK & Europe
Huawei has introduced the Huawei Watch Ultimate Gold Edition to Europe, featuring 18K gold sections, a crown, PVD strap, and butterfly buckle. The watch is built with a nano-crystalline ceramic frame and CNC machining, and features a 1.5-inch LTPO OLED display, 530 mAh battery, and health monitoring features. The watch is priced at €2,999 in the Eurozone and £2,699 in the UK.
Samsung Galaxy SmartTag 2 unveiled with up to 700 days battery life
Samsung has launched the Galaxy SmartTag 2, an improved version of its popular item tracker. The device features improved Compass View functionality, Power Saving Mode, and a sleek design. It is rated IP67 for water and dust resistance and integrates with SmartThings Station for easy tracking of tagged items.
Google Pixel 8 Pro launched with Tensor G3 chip, upgraded cameras, thermometer
After months of leaks and rumors, Google has finally made the Pixel 8 Pro official. The handset was unveiled last week during the Made by Google event alongside the Pixel 8 and Pixel Watch 2. The new Pixel brings several improvements, with the latest Tensor G3 chip being the major one. Google has also packed a thermometer on the back of the phone. The cameras also see a slight improvement and so does the display. Check out the article for more details on the new Pixel 8 series.
Amazfit Active launched with 1.75” AMOLED, 14 days battery, lightweight build
Amazfit makes some amazing smartwatches that don’t cost you a fortune but offer a premium experience. The wearable maker has today announced a new smartwatch for the global market called the Amazfit Active. It brings a large 1.75-inch AMOLED display and lightweight design. The wearable has square dial and is claimed to last up to 14 days. You also get GPS services and 5 ATM water resistance.
Samsung Announces India Prices And Availability Of Galaxy Buds FE, Galaxy Tab S9 FE, S9+ FE
After a long wait and plenty of leaks and rumors, Samsung finally unveiled Fan Edition devices globally. These include the S23 FE smartphone, Tab S9 FE, S9+ FE and the Galaxy Buds FE. The South Korean brand says that the new FE devices are the perfect entry point for those who want to experience Galaxy flagship devices for the first time. Now Samsung India has revealed the pricing and availability of all four devices in the country.
Google has announced that it will provide spare parts for the Pixel 8 series for the same 7-year duration, aligning with its software policy commitment. This ensures that the latest-generation Pixel 8 series lasts its entire lifespan for customers. Google’s hardware and software commitment is expected to be shared in the coming weeks.
OnePlus Pad Go with MediaTek Helio G99, 2.4K display launched in India
OnePlus has launched the Pad Go in India, a watered-down version of the original OnePlus Pad. The device features a flat-edge design, an Oreo-style camera cutout, and an 11.35-inch IPS LCD display with a 2.4K resolution and 90Hz refresh rate. It runs on OxygenOS 13.2 and has 8MP cameras on both sides. The Pad Go supports Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.2, GPS, and USB-C ports. It will be available for open sale on October 20th and pre-order on Amazon, Flipkart, and OnePlus Experience Stores.
iPhone 15 Pro Max Loses to Galaxy S23 Ultra in Drop Test, Despite Titanium Build
Apple’s new titanium case for the iPhone 15 Pro Max is one of its biggest selling points. It’s supposed to be stronger and more durable than the aluminum used in previous iPhones. However, a recent drop test by YouTuber PhoneBuff shows that the titanium body doesn’t offer any significant real-world benefit in terms of drop protection.
Netflix plans subscription price increase post Hollywood Actors’ strike
Netflix is set to increase subscription prices globally following the resolution of the Hollywood actors’ strike. The hike follows a trend in the industry, where competitors have previously increased prices by 25%. Netflix’s approach to financial challenges, such as cracking down on password sharing, has attracted 6 million new subscribers and boosted its membership to 238 million globally.
OpenAI plans In-House AI Chip Production amidst industry challenges
OpenAI is considering developing its own AI chips to address a shortage of high-performance processors and operational costs. CEO Sam Altman prioritizes reducing reliance on third-party vendors, including Nvidia. OpenAI is exploring options like building its own chips, collaborating with existing chipmakers, and diversifying its supplier base.
iPhone 16 trial production to start in Chengdu, China this December
iPhone 15 series has just launched and leaks of iPhone 16 have already started to surface. A leak from tipster Fixed Focus Digital, reported by CNMO, suggests that Apple has started working on its next flagship series iPhone 16.
China’s Smartphone Market Shows Signs of Revival, Thanks to Huawei’s New Releases
China’s smartphone market is expected to recover in 2023, with Huawei’ launch of the 5G-enabled Mate 60 Pro series boosting sales by 41%. The Mate 60 Pro series, backed by Huawei’s HarmonyOS, could attract new customers and reintroduce those who switched to other brands.
OnePlus Open is the Best Foldable Smartphone Right Now, Says Company CEO Pete Lau
OnePlus and OPPO have partnered to create the OnePlus Open, a foldable phone with a unique blend of expertise in foldable design and camera technology. The phone will feature high pixel density, a streamlined hinge, and the brand’s signature textured alert slider. The collaboration aims to redefine the foldable phone market.
Google Pixel 9 Lineup will Have Bigger Displays than its Predecessors, Reliable Leak States
Just days after the launch of Google’s Pixel 8 series, reliable tipster Ross Young has already shifted the spotlight onto the next big thing from the tech giant. Young recently tweeted details about the display sizes for the upcoming Google Pixel 9 series, hinting that the devices will sport larger screens compared to their predecessors.
Huawei is working on self-developed CMOS image sensors
Huawei is developing its own CMOS image sensor due to sanctions and a rift with Sony. The development process includes thinning stop layers and epitaxial layers, enabling compatibility with back-illuminated technology. This move is not exclusive to Huawei, as other Chinese manufacturers are exploring CMOS sensor development.
Pixel 7 Pro now has Pixel 8 Pro’s exclusive camera features—thanks to mod!
Google announced new camera features for its Pixel 8 series smartphones, including manual focus, shutter speed adjustments, and ISO controls. Tipster Kamila Wojciechowska managed to run these features on her Pixel 7 Pro by modding the Pixel 8’s Google Camera APK. The Pixel 8 Pro’s exclusive camera features may be available on Samsung or Xiaomi phones in the future.
Meanwhile, Google has now shipped nearly 40 million Pixel smartphones since the launch of the Pixel series in 2016.
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