In today’s tech update, we’re diving into some exciting developments, including a surprising decline in the wearables market, new smartphone launches, and updates on Android 16. Let's get started!
Wearables Market Sees Decline
The wearables market has witnessed a decline in its overall size for the first time in the third quarter of 2024. Brands like Noise, Boat, and Titan still dominate the market, but overall sales are dropping. Noise leads with a 27.4% market share, followed by Boat at 16.8%, and Titan at 12.6%. The primary reason for this decline is the market’s saturation, leading to reduced demand for smartwatches. Consumers are no longer purchasing them at the same rate, and sales have been affected as a result. However, there’s a new trend emerging in wearables: smart rings. Around 91,000 smart rings have been sold recently, suggesting that consumers are shifting their focus from traditional smartwatches to these smaller, more compact devices.
Smartphone Launches: Oppo, ASUS, and More
Several new smartphones have hit the market recently. Let’s take a look at some of them.
Oppo's New Launch: Oppo has launched a new phone Oppo Find X8 series with impressive camera performance. It’s available in two variants: the non-Pro version priced at Rs 79,999, and the Pro version, which comes with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage for Rs 99,999. While the price of the Pro variant might seem slightly high, it’s considered reasonable when factoring in the available offers.
ASUS's Gaming Phone: ASUS has also launched its latest gaming phone, the ROG Phone 9 series. However, it seems that this phone is not as well-received as its predecessors. With a focus on gaming features, the phone’s appeal appears to be waning as other flagship devices surpass it in terms of innovation. Despite this, the phone still offers a solid 12GB RAM and 256GB storage option, priced starting around Rs 1 lakh.
Android 16 Developer Preview & New Features
The Developer Preview 1 of Android 16 has been rolled out, bringing several exciting updates. Some of the new features in this update include:
- Audio Sharing: Users can now share audio between multiple devices.
- Notification Cooldown: This feature helps manage the frequency of notifications.
- Revamped Modes: Several modes have been revamped for better user experience.
- Experimental Display Mode: A new display mode has been introduced for testing.
- Health Connect Upgrade: Enhancements in health-related features and connectivity.
The code name for this version is “Baklava”, and it’s one of the more intriguing names in recent Android releases.
Upcoming Smartphone Launches: Redmi, Vivo, and OnePlus
Here’s a quick preview of some smartphones expected to launch soon:
Redmi's Upcoming Model: Redmi’s upcoming Note 14 Pro is set to launch in India on 9th December 2024. It will feature a 1.5K resolution display, a Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset, and a 6,000mAh battery. This is expected to be a budget-friendly option, but with powerful features suitable for everyday use.
Vivo V50 Series: Vivo is preparing to launch its V50 in the V-series lineup. The phone will come with a 50MP triple camera setup, a 50MP selfie camera, and a massive 6,500mAh battery. It will also feature a slim design, measuring just 7.19mm thick.
Realme Upcoming Models: Realme is gearing up for the release of the Realme GT Neo 7. The new phone is expected to feature a 7,000mAh battery and support for 100W fast charging. The launch is set to take place in China in December, followed by a release in India.
Prasar Bharati Launches Free OTT Platform: Waves
Prasar Bharati has launched a new free OTT platform called Waves, offering a variety of content without any subscription fees. The platform includes:
- Ramayan
- Mahabharat
- Devotional songs
- E-books
- Radio programs
- Games
All of these features are available free of charge, making it an exciting option for those looking for free entertainment.
Strange iPhone 11 Incident: A Reddit User's Story
A Reddit user recently reported a bizarre incident involving their iPhone 11. While using earphones, they heard sounds as if someone was talking about a car crash, despite not being on a call, video, or audio session. It was as though they were hearing an ongoing phone call through their earphones. This strange phenomenon may have been a bug or interference from an unrelated phone call that somehow ended up in their audio feed.
Conclusion
That’s all for today’s tech news. From the decline in the wearables market to new smartphone launches and updates on Android 16, there's a lot happening in the tech world. Keep an eye on these developments as we continue to see exciting innovations and new trends shaping the future of technology. Stay tuned for more updates!