Baidu, China’s leading search engine provider, has announced that its newest AI model, Ernie 3.5, has surpassed OpenAI’s ChatGPT in various key metrics. In addition, Baidu claims that Ernie 3.5 has outperformed GPT-4 in several Chinese language capabilities. These assertions were made based on comprehensive ability scores derived from tests conducted by China Science Daily, using datasets like AGIEval and C-Eval, commonly used benchmarks for evaluating AI model performance.
Credit: CNBC
Advancements in Chinese Language Capabilities with Ernie 3.5
The emergence of ChatGPT, supported by Microsoft, has sparked a wave of excitement around AI technology globally, including in China. This has prompted several domestic companies, such as Baidu, Alibaba Group, and Tencent Holdings, to develop their own AI models to compete in this space. Huawei is set to unveil its highly anticipated Pangu AI model upgrade on July 7, further fueling the competitive landscape and innovation in the industry.
Baidu introduced its language AI Ernie Bot earlier this year, making it the first major Chinese tech company to offer an AI product as a rival to ChatGPT. Ernie Bot, built on Baidu’s previous Ernie 3.0 AI model, has been undergoing invite-only testing for the past three months.
Baidu highlights that its new Ernie 3.5 model boasts improved training and inference efficiency, setting the stage for faster and more cost-effective iterations in the future. Baidu also mentions that Ernie 3.5 supports external “plugins,” which are additional applications enabling the AI to handle specific scenarios like text summarization and generating precise answers. Notably, ChatGPT introduced plugin support earlier this year as well.
Skullcandy is known for its range of wearable audio equipment including headphones, earphones, hands-free devices, audio backpacks, MP3 players, and other products. The American company has now made an exciting foray into the Bluetooth speaker space with its latest lineup. The company has unveiled the Ounce, Kilo, and Terrain speaker series with different levels of portability and unique features to cater to various needs.
The Skullcandy Ounce speaker is the most compact model among the lot. The portable speaker is designed with convenience in mind as it integrates a “ballistic nylon strap” that makes it easy to carry on the go. The sound quality is also top-notch regardless of the compact size. The speaker’s battery can provide up to 14 to 18 hours of usage on a single charge.
For users seeking a more robust and rugged option, the Skullcandy Kilo series was also unveiled. The Kilo has durability as its backbone as it is built to withstand the elements. It also has a carabiner for easy attachment. The Kilo can provide an estimated 24-hour battery life making it ideal for outdoor usage.
Finally, the Skullcandy Terrain series is the topmost model among the lot. It flaunts proprietary features and advanced specifications one of which is the SKDY Multi-Link feature. This feature allows users to sync up to 98 other Skullcandy speakers simultaneously for an immersive audio experience. The series also boasts Skullcandy Supreme Sound, ensuring exceptional audio performance. With Bluetooth 5.3 and multi-device pairing capability, users can easily connect multiple devices to the speaker for added convenience.
Pricing & Availability
Skullcandy’s Ounce Bluetooth speaker is priced at $29.99 making it the most affordable model released. The Skullcandy Kilo is priced at $39.99. The Skullcandy Terrain comes in three variants – Terrain Mini priced at $39.99, Terrain priced at $59.99, and Terrain XL priced at $79.99. The speakers are available in a wide range of colour options including light grey/blue, black/space grey, dark blue/blue blaze, and Astro Dust. The products are available for purchase on Skullcandy’s website and Amazon.
Nothing has just announced that it has raised a sizeable 96 million US Dollars in a fundraising round led by Highland Europe. This news arrives just ahead of its highly anticipated Phone (2) launch and hints at its future plans for expansion.
Nothing receives $96 million in funding for future tech innovation & expansion
Notably, the announcement also comes after the company recently teased that it is collaborating with the known music group, Swedish House Mafia, for its Glyph Composer feature on the Phone (2). As per official notes, the brand employs over 450 people across seven offices globally. The company states it is seeking to bring cutting edge products to the market that bring innovation and community collaboration as well. Nothing has held two community financing rounds and has attracted over 8,000 private investors so far.
Furthermore, it aims on building products for the young and creative and work for a more “sustainable future.” As of right now, the company is gearing up to finally unveil the Nothing Phone (2) model on the 11th of July 2023. This device will arrive with a lower carbon footprint than its predecessor, showcasing the brand’s efforts in its sustainability goals. It is even working on bridging the gap between the company and its users, to push product innovation and better communication from its community feedback programs.
According to the Nothing CEO Carl Pei “In just over two years, we’ve assembled one of the strongest teams in the industry and sold over 1.5 million devices worldwide. It’s clear that there’s real demand for an innovative challenger in the consumer tech industry, and with this new round of financing, we’ve never been better positioned to realize our vision to make tech fun again.”
OnePlus is gearing up to launch a bunch of new products in the Indian market next month. One of the highlighting announcements is the upcoming Nord 3 smartphone model. But prior to its release, a new leak has revealed the key specs and design from leaked promotional renders.
OnePlus Nord 3 specs & design revealed
Looking at the leaked promotional images, we can see that the Nord 3 will be equipped with the MediaTek Dimensity 9000 SoC. This chipset will be paired with up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and will offer a vapor chamber cooling system to manage thermals. Apart from just its specifications, the leaked renders also offer us a look at the device’s design. We can see that the front houses a center aligned punch hole cutout for the selfie shooter, while the rear features two circular camera modules that house its three image sensors.
The two camera modules are flanked by a dual LED flash system as well. On the left side, one can find the volume rockers. Meanwhile, the right side houses the power button and the alert slider. The device will sport a tall 6.74 inch AMOLED display with a Full HD+ resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. The rear features a 50 megapixel triple camera setup, while the front is expected to house a 16 megapixel selfie shooter.
Under the hood, a large 5,000mAh battery pack might power this device, which could support 80W SuperVOOC fast charging. These leaks were shared by known tipster Evan Blass, who shared the information on Twitter. Notably, the leaks also arrives mere days ahead of the company’s launch event on July 5. During the event, OnePlus will even announce the new Nord CE 3 and Nord Buds 2R as well.
Keychron has launched some interesting keyboards in the past, including the one that splits in two. There is no lack of customizability in the company’s keyboards. This is further evidenced by the newly launched Keychron K14 Pro mechanical keyboard, which supports personalized arrangement. It comes with colorful RGB lights and a built-in 4,000mAh battery that can last up to 3-5 weeks. Here are the details.
Keychron K14 Pro Specs and Pricing
The K14 Pro is a 70% layout keyboard, which means it has a smaller form factor than a traditional full-size keyboard. This makes it a good option for users who want a more compact and portable keyboard. It has 72 keys and uses OSA height PBT double-color injection keycaps. The K14 Pro supports two connection methods: Bluetooth and wired.
It is compatible with both MacOS and Windows operating systems. The keyboard can also be connected to up to three devices at the same time, and users can quickly switch between them using shortcut keys. The K14 Pro supports QMK / VIA open-source key programming, which means users can customize the functions of the keyboard to their liking.
Further, the Keychron keyboard is equipped with self-developed K Pro switches, which are hot-swappable, allowing users to easily change the switches in the keyboard without having to solder. The K14 Pro supports full-key no punching, which means all of the keys are fully functional. It is ergonomically designed and comes with a tripod to support three-angle switching. This helps to reduce wrist strain and improve comfort during typing.
The Keychron K14 Pro has a built-in 4000mAh battery, which lasts up to 3-5 weeks. It can also be fully charged in 6 hours. The keyboard will be available for purchase in China for 418 yuan ($57). It’s yet to make it to the global market.
Redmi 12 is the latest mid-ranger from the Xiaomi sub-brand. The device has already been made official in Thailand, and despite the company’s complicated branding of devices, this one has received a rather simple name. It appears to be the successor to last year’s Redmi 11 and brings a design similar to the Note 12 series. The good news is that the device could soon launch in India, as its software has now been finalized for the market.
Redmi 12 is a balanced mid-range smartphone
Folks over at Xiaomiui have spotted the MIUI-V14.0.2.0.TMXINXM software on the official MIUI server, suggesting that the Redmi 12 is ready to be unveiled in India. It appears that Xiaomi has equipped the Redmi 12 with custom software specifically for the Indian market. This build might differ from the one found on the device’s Thai counterpart. The Indian version of MIUI is likely to offer users language support, local services, and unique features tailored to India.
Since the Redmi 12 is already official in Thailand, we know all about its specifications. The smartphone comes with a 6.79-inch LCD display that offers an FHD+ resolution, a 90Hz refresh rate, and 550 nits peak brightness. Redmi 12 features triple rear cameras. For photography, the device gets a 50MP main sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 2MP macro sensor on the rear. There is an 8MP selfie shooter on the front.
Under the hood, the Redmi 12 is powered by a MediaTek Helio G88 processor, paired with up to 8GB RAM and 256GB internal storage. It is fueled by a 5,000mAh battery unit with support for 18W fast charging. The device carries a price tag of THB 5,299 ($148) for the 8GB + 128GB variant.
A former Samsung Electronics employee was indicted last month for the alleged leak of company secrets to rival firms. South Korean prosecutors have revealed further details, claiming that the ex-Samsung executive aimed to utilize the stolen data to support Foxconn in establishing a chip factory in China.
The individual in question has been identified as Choi Jinseog, according to Reuters. Although the initial indictment did not disclose any names, media reports subsequently linked Choi to Foxconn through his association with the company. The indictment suggests that Choi’s firm, Jin Semiconductor, which had a contract with Foxconn in 2018, obtained confidential information about Samsung’s supplier network, trade secrets, and cleanroom management.
The Allegations against Choi Jinseog: Leaking Company Secrets
Choi reportedly poached a significant number of employees from Samsung and its affiliates in order to illicitly acquire information. He also obtained cleanroom information through Cho Young-sik, an employee at Samoo Architects & Engineers, a Samsung C&T subsidiary involved in architectural design and construction management. Additionally, Choi allegedly acquired blueprints of Samsung’s plant from an employee at HanmiGlobal.
While the prosecution claims that the stolen information was intended to aid Foxconn in building a chip factory in China, Choi’s lawyer maintains that the factory was never constructed. The lawyer argues that the information Choi obtained does not pertain to chip design or manufacturing and suggests that industry standards are publicly available for cleanroom construction. Foxconn, Samoo Architects & Engineers, and HanmiGlobal have not been implicated in any wrongdoing.
Choi Jinseog, once a prominent figure in the South Korean chip industry, had a successful career at Samsung, where he played a key role in the development of DRAM memory chips and wafer processing technology. He later joined SK Hynix as Chief Technology Officer. The intended Foxconn plant was reportedly meant to produce 20nm DRAM memory chips with a planned production capacity of 100,000 wafers per month. It is important to note that the allegations against Choi Jinseog are subject to legal proceedings and further investigation.
Apple failed to overturn a lawsuit alleging that CEO Tim Cook withheld crucial information regarding declining iPhone demand in China. The lawsuit centers around Apple’s November 2018 analyst call, during which Cook stated that the company was facing sales pressure in certain markets, but specifically excluded China from that category.
However, it was later revealed that Apple had instructed its suppliers to reduce production in China, leading to a substantial $9 billion cut in revenue forecasts. Shareholders argue that Cook’s statement during the earnings call misled them and prevented them from making informed decisions, resulting in potential financial losses.
The lawsuit highlights the significance of Cook’s comment regarding China, suggesting that shareholders would have suffered financially had they been aware of the declining demand in the region. By omitting China from the list of markets facing challenges, Cook allegedly withheld critical information that could have impacted investment decisions.
The company is defending CEO Tim Cook’s comments about China, stating that they were a protected statement of opinion. The company’s attorneys argue that the lawsuit fails to present any false or misleading statements.
The outcome of this legal battle may have broader implications for corporate governance and the responsibilities of CEOs in disclosing pertinent information to shareholders. As the case proceeds, investors and industry observers closely monitor its developments, hoping for clarity and transparency in the realm of corporate leadership.
U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers has ruled that shareholders can proceed with a class-action lawsuit against Apple, accusing CEO Tim Cook of withholding information about declining iPhone demand in China. The judge stated that jurors could infer from Cook’s comments that he was discussing Apple’s sales outlook in China, and failure to disclose data suggesting falling demand put investors at risk.
The lawsuit gained class-action status in February 2022, and the incident caused Apple’s market value to drop by $74 billion, with shares falling 10 percent. However, in 2023, Apple’s market value has soared to $3 trillion four times its value in 2018, when the event occurred.
The trial date for the class-action lawsuit remains uncertain, leaving the outcome of the legal battle and its potential impact on Apple’s reputation and financial standing in question.
Last week, we got a first look at OnePlus’s first-ever foldable phone. Now, reliable tipster Steve Hemmerstoffer (aka onleaks) has shared the complete specification sheet of the OnePlus V Fold. The brand has already confirmed that it will debut its foldable phones in the third quarter of this year with rumors hinting at an August launch. Read on to know about the latest information.
OnePlus V Fold full spec sheet leaked
The OnePlus V Fold is said to feature a 6.3-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate exterior. On the interior, the foldable phone will have a large 7.8-inch AMOLED screen bearing a 2K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate as well. The leaked renders revealed a tall form factor and thin bezels around the screen.
In the photography department, the OnePlus V Fold’s triple rear camera setup is tipped to comprise a 48MP main camera, a 48MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 64MP telephoto unit. The exact optical zoom details remain unknown. For selfies, the main display will have a 32MP camera whereas the interior screen will feature a 20MP snapper.
Under the hood, the OnePlus V Fold will reportedly be powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor. It will pack up to 16GB RAM and 256GB storage. The foldable phone is said to be backed by a 4,800mAh battery unit with support for 67W fast charging. Software-wise, it is expected to run on OxygenOS 13.1 based on Android 13.
Leaked renders have revealed a slimmer design, an alert slider, and a protruding camera module with Hasselblad branding on the OnePlus V Fold.
Plenty of smartphones are set to launch in India next week i.e. the first week of July. Earlier today, Amazon announced the dates of its annual Prime Day sale in the country. It will take place on June 15 and 16th. Now, ahead of the official launch of the upcoming smartphones, their prices were accidentally leaked by the e-commerce platform. However, it has now been taken down. Read on to know more about it below.
Prices of upcoming phones leaked on Amazon
Motorola will kick off next week’s launches in India with the Razr 40 series. The Lenovo-owned brand will announce the standard Razr 40 and Razr 40 Ultra on July 3. The Amazon listing revealed that the upcoming clamshell foldable phone will start at Rs 59,999. However, it remains to be seen whether this is for the standard or ultra variant of the device.
After Motorola, Vivo sub-brand iQOO will launch the iQOO Neo 7 Pro on July 4. It is said to carry a price tag of Rs 33,999. The device was tipped to cost Rs 35,999 without bank offers.
Amazon also reveals that the Realme Narzo 60 Series 5G will start at Rs 17,999. It is expected to be for the Narzo 60 5G and not the Pro variant of the device. Both phones are scheduled to launch on July 6. Another phone called iTel P40+ is already teased to arrive soon with a 7000mAh battery under Rs 9,000 price tag.
It’s worth noting that the aforementioned prices of all upcoming devices are expected to be for the base variant. Additionally, OnePlus is also gearing up for its Nord Summer launch event on July 5 whereas Samsung will announce the Galaxy M34 5G on July 7.
Last week, Redmi Note 12R was listed by China Telecom revealing its entire specs. Today, the smartwatch finally goes official in the brand’s home country china.
As Xiaomiui points out, the device shares most of its features with the recently released Redmi 12. In fact, we can consider Redmi Note 12R as a 5G version of Redmi 12.
Let’s go through its specifications along with pricing and availability.
Redmi Note 12R Specications
The Redmi Note 12R’s cameras look similar to Samsung smartphones. In other words, they don’t have a noticeable bump and are separated from one another. But they are arranged similarly to the cameras on iPhones.
The main highlight of the handset is the newly announced Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset, which enables 5G connectivity. This chip is the major reason that makes the phone different from the 4G-only Redmi 12, which has a MediaTek Helio G88 SoC.
Further, the device sports a 6.79-inch centered punch-hole display (LCD) with an FHD+ resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate.
It comes with a dual-camera system on the rear comprising a 50MP primary shooter and a 2MP depth sensor. On the front, there’s a 5MP snapper for selfies and video calls. For comparison, the Redmi 12 has an additional 8MP ultra-unit on the back and an 8MP front-facing camera.
On the software front, the Redmi Note 12R boots MIUI 14 based on Android 13. Finally, it draws energy from a 5,000mAh battery and carries support for 18W wired charging.
Redmi Note 12R Price
The Redmi Note 12R arrives in 4GB + 128GB, 6GB + 128GB, 8GB + 128GB, and 8GB + 256GB memory configurations. The base variant starts at just ¥999 (~$140) in China.
The handset can be availed in either black, blue, or silver gradient color options from China Telecom. There’s no official word on its international availability yet.
In an announcement today, Pavel Durov, the CEO of Telegram, unveiled the forthcoming addition of the Stories feature to the popular messaging app. The new feature, which is set to debut in early July, follows years of persistent user demand, as more than half of all feature requests received by Telegram pertained to the integration of Stories.
The Rise of Stories on Telegram: Responding to User Demand
Initially, Telegram was reluctant to integrate this feature, citing its ubiquitous presence across various platforms. However, responding to user demand, the company has decided to move forward with it. The implementation of Stories on Telegram will give users the ability to control their Stories’ visibility, ranging from making it available for everyone, to only specific contacts or a group of close friends. The stories will appear in an expandable section on top of the users’ chat list.
In a user-friendly feature, Telegram will provide the option to hide Stories posted by certain contacts. This can be done by moving the specific contact’s Stories to the “Hidden” list within the Contacts section. Additionally, users can add captions, links and tag other users in their Stories. A unique feature to be introduced allows users to simultaneously post photos and videos captured by both front and rear cameras.
Furthermore, users can decide the expiration duration for their Stories, with options to have them disappear in six, 12, 24, or 48 hours. There’s also an option to keep the Stories permanently displayed on the user’s profile page, resembling Instagram’s Story highlights feature.
Telegram hopes this feature will enrich user-profiles and foster a more intimate connection between contacts. According to Durov, it will also benefit channels by allowing more exposure and subscribers, with the soon-to-be-introduced ability to repost messages from channels to stories.
After internal testing of the Stories feature, even the initially skeptical Telegram team members expressed their appreciation for it. Stories are currently in the final testing stage and Durov anticipates that they will “herald a new era on Telegram”, enhancing the social media aspects of the platform.
As part of the upcoming Amazon Prime Day sale in India, the e-commerce platform has revealed the launch dates of a bunch of electronics like the Oppo Enco Air 3 Pro earbuds. Apart from that, Realme will also be launching the Realme Buds Wireless 3 neckband on July 12.
So far, the brand has teased two color options for the earbuds: Black and White. The black option comes with a yellow wire, while the white one features a black wire. Apart from that, tipster Sudhanshu Ambhore has leaked the specifications of the Realme Buds Wireless 3 neckband. For starters, the neckband has a model number RMA2119. It measures 44 x 10.5 x 2.2 cm and weighs 30 grams.
The earbuds reportedly feature 13.6mm Dynamic Bass drivers and an effective range of connectivity is 10 meters. Other than that, the Buds Wireless 3 will also boast water resistance, but the exact level of resistance is currently unknown. Lastly, the teaser reveals that the pricing of the neckband earbuds will be below ₹3,000, with many speculating that it could cost around ₹2,500. To get an idea of what we can anticipate from the upcoming Realme Buds Wireless 3, let’s explore the specifications and features of the Realme Buds Wireless 2.
Realme Buds Wireless 2 specs
The Realme Buds Wireless 2 boasts an Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) capability capable of reducing noise levels by up to 25dB. The inclusion of Vocplus AI noise cancellation enhances call quality. Additionally, the earbuds support Sony LDAC Hi-Res audio playback and are equipped with a 13.6mm bass boost driver. Bluetooth 5.0 ensures reliable wireless connectivity.
With an IPX5 rating, the Buds Wireless 2 offers water resistance, sweat resistance, and splash resistance. The device provides up to 18 hours of battery life when ANC is activated. Charging the earbuds to full capacity takes approximately 50 minutes. Realme claims that a quick 10-minute charge can deliver around 12 hours of playback time.
Nokia has launched a new G-series phone. It is dubbed the Nokia G42. HMD Global has partnered with iFixit to bring repair guides and OEM parts including displays, battery, and charging ports for the latest smartphone. This means that the Nokia G42 is the first user-repairable phone from HMD Global. Read on to know more about what the device offers out of the box.
Nokia G42 specifications and features
The Nokia G42 comes with a 6.52-inch LCD display bearing a waterdrop notch. It offers an HD+ resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate. The screen is shielded by Gorilla Glass. Design-wise, the device is IP52 certified and has a side-mounted fingerprint scanner. There is a rectangular camera module on the back panel.
On the imaging front, the Nokia G42 features triple rear cameras. The setup comprises a 50MP primary sensor, a 2MP macro lens, and a 2MP depth unit. Upfront, the device has an 8MP selfie snapper.
Under the hood, the Nokia G42 is equipped with a Snapdragon 480+ processor. It is offered in 4GB and 6GB RAM options with both packing 128GB internal storage expandable via a microSD card slot. The smartphone draws its power from a 5,000mAh battery unit with 20W fast charging. The brand claims that the battery can retain 80% of its original capacity after 800 charging cycles.
Software-wise, the Nokia G42 runs on Android 13 OS and is guaranteed to receive two years of OS updates. Connectivity options on the device include 5G, dual 4G VoLTE, WiFi, Bluetooth, USB-C port, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.
The Nokia G42 is offered in Purple and Grey colors. The price of the 4GB + 128GB variant has not been announced. The 6GB + 128GB option retails at $199 / EUR249. It is available for purchase in the US, UK, and Europe.
Indian accessory brand Gizmore has launched yet another smartwatch in the country. Officially called Gizmore Prime, it is one of the most affordable circular smartwatches in the region sporting an AMOLED display.
The latest wearable form the company arrives just within a few weeks from the release of Gizmore Curve. Let’s go through its features, price, and availability.
Gizmore Prime is an affordable smartwatch with a classic look
The newly unveiled Gizmore Prime smartwatch features a zinc alloy metal casing. Further, it is fitted with a textured leather strap. In other words, the wearable offers a classic look.
It sports a 1.45-inch circular AMOLED display with a resolution of 412 x 412 pixels. The screen supports AOD (Always-on Display) and reaches up to 500 nits of peak brightness level. The panel is protected by 2.5D curved glass.
The watch comes with multiple watch faces. It also offers 100+ sports modes, in addition to common health functions, like heart rate monitoring, blood oxygen level monitoring, sleep tracking, stress monitoring, and menstrual cycle tracking.
The wearable is IP67-rated for dust and water resistance. It is rated to last for up to 10 days on a full charge. It arrives with other regular features, such as app notifications, weather, stopwatch, calculator, and more.
There’s also support for Bluetooth calling through the watch’s built-in speaker and microphone. These two pieces of hardware also enable voice assistant access.
Finally, the Gizmore Prime smartwatch can be availed in either black or brown color options. It is priced at ₹2,499.
However, the watch will be sold at a discounted price tag of ₹1,799 for a limited time. It will go on sale from June 29 via Flipkart and Gizmore.in.
India’s July calendar is filled with an array of smartphone and gadget launches. Oppo has sparked anticipation by listing the complete Reno 10 series on its Indian website, indicating an imminent launch. Furthermore, a teaser on Amazon India has disclosed that the Oppo Enco Air 3 Pro TWS earbuds are set to debut in the country on July 10.
According to the teaser, the upcoming Oppo Enco Air 3 Pro bears a striking resemblance to the previously launched Oppo Enco Free 3 in China. Additionally, Twitter user Shishir has shared the speculated specifications, which align with those of the Enco Free 3. It appears that Oppo may be rebranding the Enco Buds Free 3 as the Enco Air 3 Pro for its global release. Let’s explore the expected specifications of the device.
Oppo Enco Air 3 Pro (specs)
The upcoming Oppo Enco Air 3 Pro earbuds are rumored to feature 12.4mm drivers constructed with bamboo fiber. The earbuds are expected to utilize Bluetooth 5.3 for seamless connectivity and will support various codecs, including LDAC, LC3, AAC, and SBC.
The Enco Air 3 Pro will also feature spatial audio enhancing the listening experience. Additionally, the earbuds may offer up to 49dB of Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and a low-latency mode of approximately 47ms for optimal gaming performance.
Convenient touch gesture controls are anticipated to be present on the Enco Air 3 Pro, enabling easy and intuitive operation. Furthermore, the earbuds might support multi-device connectivity, allowing seamless switching between devices.
With an IP55 rating, the Enco Air 3 Pro could offer a battery life of up to 7 hours on a full charge, while the accompanying charging case may extend the total usage time to an impressive 30 hours.
TP Vision has launched the Philips x Kokoon Sleep Headphones for the global market. The innovative headset is presently up for crowdfunding on Kickstarter. The product was first launched in China in February this year as Philips N7808 sleep earphones. It is the product of a collaboration between TP Vision and sleep scientist Kokoon.
The Philips x Kokoon Sleep headphones are currently offered under crowdfunding for $175 on Kickstarter. The campaign has already raked in over 2100 backers with over $421,000 raised so far. Do note that the price will go up to $285 after the crowdfunding campaign. The pricing is similar to that of China where it was originally sold for 1,181 yuan ($174) and later retailed for 1,691 yuan ($249) after the launch period. The product will start shipping in October and is only open to backers in selected countries which include the US, the UK, the Netherlands, and France.
The Philips x Kokoon sleep headphones are a remarkable solution for improving sleep quality and comfort by creating an optimal sleep environment. The standout feature of the Philips earphones is their adjustable audio output that gradually fades as the wearer drifts into sleep. This gradual reduction in audio helps induce relaxation and promotes a seamless transition into deep sleep. The earphones are designed to match individual sleep patterns, ensuring a personalized and soothing experience.
The Philips x Kokoon Sleep Headphones boast a slim and sleek design and offer a comfortable fit throughout the night. It is just 6mm thick making it lightweight and unobstructive which allows users to wear them without discomfort. The small armature drivers used in these earphones deliver high-quality audio performance while maintaining a compact form factor.
The earphones lack active noise cancellation but employ intelligent noise-masking technology. By generating white noise, they effectively mask external disturbances that can disrupt sleep. This noise-masking feature creates a tranquil sleep environment, helping users achieve deeper and more restful sleep.
The Philips sleep earphones are also compatible with the Kokoon app, which offers advanced sleep management features. Through the app, users can access personalized sleep insights, track their sleep patterns, and optimize their sleep routines for improved rest. The incorporation of accelerometers and an optical heart rate monitor further enhances sleep analysis and monitoring capabilities.
The headphones also offer a battery life of up to 10 hours on a single charge which should ensure uninterrupted sleep throughout the night.
Google introduced Pixel as its own lineup of smartphones in 2016. It replaced the company’s Nexus series of handsets, which was the result of partnerships with leading Android OEMs.
Since its inception, these phones are being sold in India. However, despite being in the market for nearly seven years, the search giant has made no significant progress.
On the other hand, several other newcomers like Realme, Poco, and iQOO that entered India after 2016 have been quite successful in the region. If you were to argue that these are budget brands, it is worth adding that Google’s premium competitors like Apple, Samsung, and OnePlus have also done fairly well in the country.
So why Google is struggling in India? I try my best to answer this question in this opinion piece.
India is a developing nation. Though the phone penetration rate is nearing the 80% mark, not all handsets used by people are smartphones.
India is one of the largest feature phone markets in the world. As per IDC, in 2022 alone, companies shipped around 57 million units of feature phones in the country. That’s about 28% of the total mobile shipments (201 million) last year.
Thus, to garner market share, OEMs have to release handsets in the budget segment, especially the entry-level. This helps them to target low-income consumers as well as first-time smartphone buyers who are switching from feature phones.
For the last few quarters, this segment is struggling as brands are unable to produce this type of phones due to the current global economic scene. But it won’t be like this forever. However, Google does not sell budget and entry-level smartphones.
On the other hand, with the growing number of middle-class families with surplus income, consumers are gradually moving towards mid-range and more expensive smartphones. Thus, India is seeing a rise in sales of mid-range handsets.
Google’s ‘Pixel a’ series falls under this category. However, the new models are usually more expensive than competitors at launch.
Also, in terms of hardware specs, the ‘Pixel a’ series falls short in comparison with competitors. The only strong suite for Google is exclusive useful software features. But unfortunately, most of them are not available in India, such as ‘Call Screen’ and ‘Car Crash Detection’ to name a couple.
Brand perception among consumers
Google is a household name in India but we cannot say the same for its Pixel lineup of smartphones. When you think of premium smartphones, Apple, Samsung, and OnePlus are the three names that come to mind for Indian consumers.
With attractive deals, iPhones are being sold more in India than ever before. Apple sees great potential in India that it has started rolling out its first-party Apple retail stores in the country.
Then, there’s Samsung, which is generally considered the best alternative to Apple, especially in the ultra-premium segment. Further, OnePlus once ruled the premium segment in the region but it has fallen slightly with the availability of iPhones at a cheaper price.
Pixels in general do not stand out as a premium offering in India. They neither have the raw specs like OnePlus nor the familiarity factors associated with Samsung. While Apple has always been a luxury brand.
Also, Google does not have a wide after-sales network like the competition. And it is not consistent with its product lineup since it skipped the launch of Pixel 4, Pixel 5, and Pixel 6 in India.
Distribution and production
Google has the potential of improving the Pixel brand perception in India through solid distribution. But unfortunately, it is still lacking in this regard.
Currently, Pixels are sold exclusively online via Flipkart in India, and that too in limited quantity. Thus, they get sold out very quickly at times. For the unaware, previously, Pixels were available at select offline stores like Reliance Digital.
Google sells mid-rangers and premium devices, which are expensive for most Indians. Hence, these products need to be experienced by consumers to understand what they are getting in return for their investment.
Despite being in India for years, Google is yet to initiate local manufacturing (assembling) of its Pixel smartphones in India. This has now become crucial for any brand to break into the country.
India imposes heavy import duty on finished products to boost its local manufacturing under Make in India program. This is one of the several reasons why Pixels are more expensive in India than other markets.
Closing thoughts
Google is in no position to release entry-level and budget smartphones. So that’s out of the equation.
However, the company can work on the remaining factors discussed above. The Pixel brand perception can be improved with appropriate marketing tactics. Most importantly, the handsets must hit the offline markets.
Google cannot bring certain software features to India due to complexity and regulatory concerns. But the search giant has enough resources to develop new features for Indian consumers. Finally, as for local production, Google is already working on it. If it succeeds, this could bring down the price and enhance availability.
Samsung‘s Galaxy S FE series has gained popularity among users seeking a high-quality Samsung experience at a more affordable price point. These devices have established a reputation for being well-rounded smartphones that offer excellent value for money. Interestingly, Samsung opted not to release an S22 FE last year, which came as a surprise to many. However, recent rumors indicate that the S23 FE is in the works, and renowned tipster Onleaks has shared insights into its design.
According to a Smartprix report in collaboration with tipster OnLeaks, the Galaxy S23 FE will adapt the design language of the other Galaxy S23 series devices. This means a minimalistic design with three camera lenses protruding from the back. The sides will be curved to make it comfortable to hold, and the phone will feature a USB-C port and speaker grille at the bottom.
Up front, the display will likely come with symmetrical bezels and a tiny top-center punch hole for the camera. The report mentions that the display will measure around 6.4 inches, while the complete device will measure 158 x 76.3 x 8.2mm. Let’s take a look at what else is known about the smartphone so far.
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE specs & details
A recent report claims that the Galaxy S23 FE will be launching in the third quarter of 2023. Unfortunately, the report goes on to say that the device will only be made available in select markets. Specs-wise, the Galaxy S23 FE is predominantly rumored to come with an Exynos 2200 chipset, however, rumors are also rife that some markets could get a Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 version.
Apart from that, the device is said to feature a 120Hz AMOLED panel which could measure 6.4 inches with an FHD+ resolution. According to rumors, the Galaxy S23 FE is speculated to offer multiple storage configurations, giving users the choice between 6GB or 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of storage. The phone is expected to come with a 4500mAh battery, which will support 25W fast charging. Picture quality on the Galaxy S23 FE could improve as rumors suggest that the device will feature a 50MP camera, instead of the 12MP camera on the Galaxy S21 FE.
IKEA could soon release two new products, the VALLHORN Motion Sensor and PARASOLL Open/Close sensor. This information is based on two FCC filings that were revealed. The filings indicate that the two sensors will be battery-powered and integrated into the smart home ecosystem.
The IKEA VALLHORN Motion Sensor is powered by two AA batteries and has a dimension of 2.77 x 2.77 inches. The sketches of the device indicate s that it is rated IP44 water and dust resistant. The VALLHORN Motion Sensor looks similar to the TRADFRI Wireless motion detector and it will trigger smart home devices like lights.
The PARASOLL Open/Close Sensor will alert you when there is an open door or window. It operates with a single AAA battery and is secured in location by a screw or adhesive strip. IKEA could possibly integrate a smart thermostat with the gadget. This will allow it to give an alert when you try to put on a heater while the windows are open. The gadget will also alert you when an intruder enters the house.
The two IKEA sensors will likely be compatible with the IKEA Home Smart system and controlled via the companion app. IKEA is partnering with Leedarson on the two sensors but a release date is not known yet. IKEA has not provided any official information on the optics of the release of the two gadgets. The pricing details are also lacking at this time.
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