Last week, we saw several exciting announcements and unveilings in the tech industry. Apple enthusiasts were thrilled to learn more about the possibility of third-party watch faces for the Apple Watch. Meanwhile, Ola, the Indian ride-hailing giant, hinted at the launch of a new electric scooter model, further expanding its eco-friendly transportation offerings.

ASUS, a prominent player in the gaming industry, launched its ROG Ally handheld gaming console in the Indian market, creating anticipation among gaming enthusiasts. Additionally, Xiaomi unveiled its latest tablet, the Xiaomi Pad 6, in India, presenting consumers with a powerful device featuring impressive specifications.

Beyond the realm of technology, international trade dynamics were disrupted as ASML Holding, a leading semiconductor equipment manufacturer, encountered potential export restrictions on advanced chipmaking machines being sent to China. This development reflects the growing scrutiny on technology transfers and highlights the intricate landscape of global trade relations. More on this below.

Here were the Top News Stories from Last Week

• Apple Watch In The News Again For Saving Lives!

The Apple Watch’s heart rate monitoring feature has potentially saved another life by alerting Ohio resident, Kimmie Watkins, of an abnormally high heartbeat during rest. After being notified by her watch, Watkins sought medical help and was diagnosed with a saddle pulmonary embolism (SPE), a highly fatal blood clot condition. The Apple Watch’s life-saving capabilities have been demonstrated in previous instances, including detecting a 12-year-old’s cancer and identifying internal bleeding in a man earlier this year.

• The World’s Largest Fully Functional iPhone

YouTuber Matthew Beem has captured attention with his latest video, “I Built the World’s Largest iPhone.” Standing at around two meters tall, this gigantic iPhone is a combination of various devices, featuring touch panels used for TVs and connected to a Mac mini for full functionality. From taking selfies to using Apple Pay and navigating through New York City, Beem demonstrates how this colossal creation can mimic the functions of a regular iPhone, but on a much grander scale.

• Xiaomi reportedly cancels MIUI 14.5 update

According to recent reports, Xiaomi has dropped plans to release MIUI 14.5 and is instead focusing on MIUI 15, which is expected to be based on Android 14. This means Xiaomi devices that receive the MIUI 15 update will also get an upgrade to Android 14. However, the company has previously delivered newer MIUI versions based on older Android platforms for older smartphones, so there could also be Android 13-based MIUI 15 builds. More information on the software’s new features is expected to emerge as it approaches the testing phase.

• Ola to launch a new S1 electric scooter in July

Ola is preparing to introduce a new electric scooter to its S1 lineup, as teased by CEO Bhavish Aggarwal on Twitter. The teaser hints at an LED headlight design similar to older S1 models and a small front windscreen. However, further details remain under wraps until the official launch in July 2023, part of Ola’s “#endICEAge” event.

• Realme to follow other BBK brands in exiting German market

BBK-owned Realme may exit the German market due to a patent infringement lawsuit by Nokia. The lawsuit, initially aimed at Oppo and OnePlus, caused both companies to halt operations in Germany after a court ruled they violated Nokia’s patents for 4G and 5G signal processing. Realme plans to shift its focus to other European markets like Italy, Poland, Spain, and the Balkans as its presence dwindles in Germany.

• Apple confirms no third-party watch faces for Apple Watch in near future

Apple’s Vice Presidents, Kevin Lynch and Deidre Caldbeck, discuss the company’s commitment to stability over third-party watch face customization for the Apple Watch. Apple prioritizes maintaining the watch face’s compatibility with the operating system, even after major watchOS updates. The interview also touched on the removal of Force Touch due to the introduction of larger screens and user interaction challenges, and the future plans for easier access to the Control Center and a new widget system in the upcoming watchOS update.

• Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 2 launch timeframe tipped, to arrive with different name

Qualcomm is reportedly developing an enhanced version of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, tentatively named the Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 2. The chip, manufactured using the TSMC 4nm process, will offer top-tier performance, but its use may be limited due to high costs. The chip is expected to be officially announced next week, with rumors suggesting that the Red Magic 8S Pro, iQOO 11S, and OnePlus Ace 2 Pro could be the first phones to feature this new chip.

• Xiaomi Pad 6 went on sale for the first time last week

Xiaomi’s flagship tablet, the Pad 6, has launched in India, offering a top-tier Snapdragon 870 chipset, an 11-inch 2.8K resolution screen with a 144Hz refresh rate, and up to 8GB RAM and 256GB storage. The Pad 6 is available for purchase from Mi.com, Amazon India, and Xiaomi retail stores, with special discounts for ICICI Bank credit card holders. However, the tablet lacks SIM connectivity, relying solely on Wi-Fi.

• ASUS ROG Ally Handheld Gaming Console announced in India for Rs 69,990, sale starts in July

ASUS has officially announced the ROG Ally handheld gaming console in India, featuring a 7-inch FHD display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a Ryzen Z1 or Z1 Extreme processor, and up to 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 512GB of storage. The first sale is set for July 12, with an early flash sale planned for July 7 on Flipkart. The gaming console will also be available at ASUS Exclusive Stores and the ASUS Eshop, with special launch offers for early buyers.

• Google Eyes India for Pixel Production: A Major Shift in Global Manufacturing?

Google is reportedly in talks with potential partners in India to shift some of its Pixel smartphone production from China, a move that follows Apple’s lead in diversifying production. This step aligns with the Indian government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, promising lucrative incentives to tech companies for local manufacturing. However, it’s still uncertain if these discussions will result in a firm agreement.

• Titan Submarine Vanishes: Steering by a Game Controller?

A tourist submarine from OceanGate Expeditions, dubbed the Titan, which was on an expedition to the Titanic, with five individuals onboard is presumed to be lost. Questions are arising concerning the sub’s unconventional design, which includes the use of a Logitech F710 wireless PC game controller for navigation. Ever since its dissapearance, concerns about the submarine’s safety standards and OceanGate’s previous brushes with safety regulations are coming to light.

• Nothing Phone (2)’s Unique Type C Cable Revealed: 2 Years of Development for Seamless Design and Durability

Nothing, the tech company founded by Carl Pei, has unveiled the key features of its USB Type C cable that will accompany the upcoming Nothing Phone (2). The cable’s design went through a rigorous 2-year development process, with over 20 rejected concepts before achieving a seamless, transparent design. The cable boasts an industry-first molding technique and has undergone more than 25 tests for resistance and durability, surpassing general industry standards.

• ASML Faces New Export Restrictions: Implications for Chipmaking Industry and Global Trade

ASML Holding, Europe’s largest technology firm, is set to encounter additional export restrictions on the shipment of advanced chipmaking machines to China. The Dutch government’s forthcoming regulations will require ASML to obtain export licenses for deep ultraviolet (DUV) lithography systems. With China accounting for a significant portion of ASML’s sales, these restrictions mark a notable shift in trade dynamics and highlight the increasing complexities surrounding technology transfers and international trade relations in the semiconductor industry.

• YouTube Suffers Global Service Disruption: Video Playback and Live Streaming Temporarily Unavailable”

YouTube experienced a widespread service disruption on June 22, 2023, impacting users worldwide and rendering video playback, live streaming, and other functionalities temporarily unavailable. With over 13,000 incident reports recorded on Downdetector, the outage affected regions including the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia. While YouTube has not provided an official statement on the cause, initial indications point towards technical complications. Services were restored eventually.

• OnePlus Teases Arrival of New Nord Devices in India: Nord 3 5G, Nord CE 3, and Nord Buds 2r

OnePlus has launched a dedicated microsite on its official website, hinting at the imminent release of three upcoming Nord-branded devices in India. The microsite reveals two new smartphones listed as New Nord #1 and New Nord #2, believed to be the Nord 3 5G and Nord CE 3 respectively. The site also confirms the availability of the OnePlus Nord Buds 2r, set to debut on July 5, featuring a semi-in-ear design and multiple color options. Stay tuned for more details as OnePlus unveils further information leading up to the launch event.

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