Global Components Shortage to Hit Mobile Sales This Quarter

By: Arun Dagar

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Updated on: 06-Jan-2022

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The January-March quarter shipment of phones projected to drop by about 20% from this quarter’s average of 54-55 million units, according to initial estimates the smartphones shipments will reduce by 11-14%.

Due to the ensuing component shortage and future uncertainty the brands will try to focus on the segments in which they have a stronghold and bulk up their supplies for that particular segment to reduce losses and maintain revenue. They will reduce shipments for other categories to avoid inventory pile-up and the expected limited consumer demands.

According to a report the total mobile phone shipments in the January-March quarter is expected to be near 43 million and for smartphones, to be 30 million against the quarter average of 35-36 million.

These estimates are done due to the increase in Covid-19 cases globally and the latest restrictions imposed in China and Hong Kong which has started to deteriorate an already disrupted supply chain network of the electric components. The risk of the Omicron and Delta variants will force customers to restrict themselves from buying new and expensive smartphones due to the looming financial uncertainty.

The consumers will be focussing on more savings and less extravagant expenses as they look to brace themselves for a probable third wave of the pandemic this year.

Due to this the industry experts, expect new handset launches to be impacted negatively, with less rollouts in this quarter. Whereas in the January-March quarter of 2019, 2020 and 2021, 60, 46 and 67 new mobile phones were launched respectively. The launches in 2020 was low due to the pandemic caused lockdowns, which halted productions as well as demand for new handsets while the 2021 numbers are high because of renewed demand.

However, the global semi-conductor chipset shortage has forced mobile phone brands to focus on newer 5G phones and to develop them for the future use. Big brands will look to research and develop affordable 5G handsets this year to gain advantage in the race and will reduce their focus on the ageing 4G phones which may lose sheen due to the wider reach of affordable 5G tech.

January-March is usually the least favourable quarter in terms of handset sales as a major chunk of the sales happen during the festive season that starts from Diwali and ends in December.

Since the global chip shortage was expected to ease-off by the end of the first half of this year, the latest spike in Covid-19 cases and the resulting restrictions around the world threatens to send this road to recovery for the global manufacturers off-track and may even worsen the current supply chain blockade, which will seriously affect the sales of handsets this year as compared to the resurgence seen in last year’s sales figures.

This year again promises to be full of challenges for the mobile phone makers and will test them to their limits.

Vivo S20 Series Teased with New Snapdragon 7 Gen 3, Pre-Orders Begin in China

By: Bhumika

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Updated on: 19-Nov-2024

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Key Highlights:

• Vivo S20 series pre-reservations are now available in China.
• The standard model was spotted with a Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 on Geekbench.
• The Pro model is expected to feature a MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ chipset and a 50MP selfie camera.
• Early reservations come with benefits like a 44W charger and a one-year extended warranty.

Vivo has officially opened pre-reservations for its upcoming S20 series, though the exact launch date remains under wraps. The lineup will likely consist of the Vivo S20 and the Vivo S20 Pro, successors to the previous S19 and S19 Pro models. Vivo is offering a variety of benefits to early reservers in China, such as discounts and exclusive items like Vivo TWS 4 earbuds, Vivo Pad 3, or credit points. The first teaser for the S20 series has also been shared, revealing the sleek rear design featuring a vertically aligned camera layout, accompanied by a ring flash.

The standard Vivo S20 model has recently been spotted on the Geekbench benchmarking website under the model number V2429A. The listing reveals that the phone will run on Android 15 and be powered by a Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 processor, with impressive multi-core performance of 3,422 points and single-core performance of 1,223 points. The device appears to feature 14.9GB of RAM, likely debuting with 16GB of memory, which will provide smooth multitasking and gaming performance.

Additionally, rumors suggest that the Vivo S20 Pro will be equipped with a MediaTek Dimensity 9300 chipset and a 6.67-inch display with a 1.5K resolution (1,260 x 2,800 pixels). The Pro version is expected to house a powerful triple-camera setup, including a 50MP Sony IMX921 main sensor, a 50MP ultra-wide angle lens, and a 50MP periscope telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The front camera is also tipped to feature a 50MP sensor for high-quality selfies. With a large 5,500mAh battery and 90W fast charging, the Vivo S20 Pro is expected to be a powerful contender in the smartphone market.

As for the design, the rear of the phone boasts a stylish, vertically aligned camera setup, which complements the modern and premium look of the device. While Vivo has yet to announce a release date, the pre-reservation offer, limited to 2,500 customers, is already attracting interest.

The Vivo S20 series, with its strong performance specs and premium features, is shaping up to be a major contender in the smartphone space, and early reservations are already generating excitement among tech enthusiasts.

RBI to Launch Local Cloud Services in 2025, Challenging Global Giants

By: Bhumika

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Updated on: 18-Nov-2024

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Key Highlights:

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) plans to launch a cloud data storage service in 2025 for financial firms in India.
• This initiative aims to compete with global giants like Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure by using local IT companies.
• The cloud platform will help smaller financial firms access affordable data storage options and support the growth of India’s cloud services market.

In an ambitious move to strengthen India's digital economy, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is set to roll out a pilot cloud service in 2025 aimed at providing local cloud data storage solutions for the country's financial sector. This initiative, which will use local IT companies, seeks to provide an affordable alternative to global cloud giants like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud.

A Growing Market for Cloud Services in India

The cloud services market in India is rapidly expanding. In 2023, it was valued at $8.3 billion, and experts predict it could grow to $24.2 billion by 2028. Despite this growth, most of the market is dominated by foreign companies. The RBI's move to introduce local cloud solutions is seen as a strategic step to create competition and promote data localization, an important part of India's digital policy.

Details of the RBI's Cloud Project

The cloud service pilot will be targeted at smaller financial institutions that find it difficult to afford services from big international providers. The RBI has emphasized that this initiative will be affordable, aiming to help financial firms with their data storage needs without the high costs often associated with foreign cloud platforms.

The cloud platform will be built in phases, starting small and expanding gradually. Initial work will be handled by the Indian Financial Technology and Allied Services (IFTAS), which is part of the RBI's research wing. The RBI has also brought in EY as an advisor for the project. The platform will be designed and developed in collaboration with one or more private tech firms that specialize in cloud services.

Supporting India's Digital Sovereignty

The project aligns with the RBI's push for data localization, which aims to keep financial data within India’s borders. In line with this vision, the RBI is only inviting Indian companies with prior experience in cloud services to bid for the project. These companies will need to set up data centers in key locations like Mumbai and Hyderabad to ensure smooth operations across the country.

The pilot project will be funded by the RBI’s asset development fund, which is valued at ₹2.72 billion. Over time, the RBI plans to invite financial firms to take equity stakes in the cloud platform.

Casio Launches Ring Watch for 50th Anniversary: Compact, Stylish, and Functional

By: Bhumika

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Updated on: 18-Nov-2024

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Key Highlights:

• Casio's new ring watch, the CRW-001-1JR, celebrates the brand's 50th anniversary and is priced at $128.
• The six-segment LCD shows time, with features like flashing lights, stopwatch, and time zone adjustments.
• Made with advanced metal technology, it’s waterproof and offers a 2-year battery life, but lacks health-tracking features.

Casio is marking its 50th anniversary with the launch of the CRW-001-1JR Ring Watch, priced at $128 and available from December 2024. This compact, high-tech ring is a unique accessory designed for those who want a minimalist, futuristic timepiece. '

Design and Features

The ring watch features a six-segment LCD that shows the hours, minutes, and seconds. It also includes a flashing light function that illuminates at a set time. Despite its small size, the watch includes three buttons for controlling additional features like the stopwatch and time zone settings.

Made using metal injection molding and powdered metal, the ring is durable and features airtight glass bonding, making it waterproof for everyday use.

Battery Life and Durability

Powered by a replaceable battery, the CRW-001-1JR lasts up to 2 years on a single charge. With waterproofing and a sleek design, it’s built for daily wear. However, it doesn’t have the health-tracking features that are common in many smartwatches today, such as heart rate monitoring or sleep tracking.

A Unique Timepiece with Limited Features

While the Casio CRW-001-1JR Ring Watch may not offer the advanced health-tracking capabilities seen in many smartwatches today, its innovative design and durability make it an intriguing option for tech enthusiasts or those looking for a unique, compact timepiece. Whether you're seeking a stylish accessory or simply a different way to tell time, this ring watch provides an affordable and functional choice.

ANARC Smartwatch Launches in India: Premium Features at an Affordable Price

By: Bhumika

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Updated on: 18-Nov-2024

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Key Highlights:

• The ANARC Smartwatch has officially launched and is now available for Rs 6,999 on the official website.
• It offers a premium stainless steel design, 7-day battery life, and advanced health tracking sensors.
• With features like a 1.85-inch AMOLED display, Bluetooth calling, and IP68 water resistance, it promises great value at an affordable price.

The ANARC Smartwatch has officially launched and is now available for purchase at Rs 6,999 on the Layer website. Designed in London and manufactured in China, this smartwatch brings global expertise to a sleek, budget-friendly wearable. Whether you're looking for a stylish accessory or a fitness tracker, the ANARC Smartwatch promises a range of features that combine both form and function.

Key Features and Specifications

Here’s a breakdown of the standout features of the ANARC Smartwatch:

Premium Build Quality

Crafted from durable stainless steel, the ANARC Smartwatch boasts a premium look and feel, designed to withstand daily wear while offering a long-lasting finish. Whether you’re heading to the office or working out, this smartwatch is built to keep up.

Health Tracking & Sensors

Equipped with a 6-axis Accelerometer and a Gyroscope, the ANARC Smartwatch can accurately track your movements, balance, and activity. It also includes a Heart Rate Sensor for real-time heart rate monitoring, a SpO2 Sensor to track blood oxygen levels, and sleep tracking to help improve your rest. Additional features include stress monitoring and breathing exercises to help manage your mental well-being.

Display and Battery Performance

The 1.85-inch AMOLED display offers a vibrant viewing experience with a smooth 60Hz refresh rate and an impressive 700 nits brightness for visibility even in direct sunlight. The watch is powered by a 350mAh battery, providing up to 7 days of usage on a single charge, making it perfect for those who prefer fewer recharges.

Water Resistance and Durability

With an IP68 rating, the ANARC Smartwatch is water-resistant up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes, meaning it can handle everyday splashes, rain, or a quick dip in water. It’s also resistant to dust, making it a great choice for outdoor use.

Connectivity Features

For seamless connectivity, the smartwatch supports Bluetooth 5.2 for faster and more stable connections. It also offers Bluetooth calling, allowing you to make and receive calls directly from your watch, with noise cancellation for clear audio. Additionally, the smartwatch is compatible with True Wireless Stereo (TWS) earphones for a full audio experience.

What’s in the Box

The ANARC Smartwatch comes with everything you need to get started:

• Smartwatch
• Charging cable
• USB-to-Type-C converter
• Welcome card with setup instructions

Durability Testing

The ANARC Smartwatch has been rigorously tested for durability. It passed several high-stress tests, including the Crown Press Test (50,000 presses), Salt Spray Corrosion Test (48 hours), Micro-Drop Test (6,000 drops), and Humidity Test (48 hours at 95% humidity). The watch also exceeded industry standards for electrostatic discharge resistance, ensuring it can withstand everyday wear and tear.

iQOO 13 India Launch on December 3: Smaller Battery but Packed with Power

By: Bhumika

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Updated on: 18-Nov-2024

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Key Highlights:

• The iQOO 13, launching in India on December 3, 2024, will feature a 6000mAh battery, slightly smaller than the 6150mAh battery in the Chinese variant.
• Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, it also includes the iQOO Q2 Supercomputing chip for better gaming performance.
• The phone will support 120W fast charging, and come with IP68+IP69 water and dust resistance.
• iQOO 13 will be available in Nardo Grey and Legend Edition (in collaboration with BMW).

The iQOO 13, iQOO’s upcoming flagship phone, will officially launch in India on December 3, 2024. It’s shaping up to be a powerful device, but with one small difference compared to its Chinese counterpart: a slightly smaller battery. Here’s everything you need to know about the phone before it hits the Indian market.

Smaller Battery, Same Performance Power

The iQOO 13 will come with a 6000mAh battery in India, smaller than the 6150mAh battery found in the Chinese variant. While the smaller battery might raise a few eyebrows, it’s still large enough to support a full day of heavy use. Plus, the phone supports 120W fast charging, which means you’ll be able to top up the battery quickly, making it convenient for those who need a quick recharge.

Top-Notch Performance

Inside, the iQOO 13 packs some serious hardware. It will be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, paired with the iQOO Q2 Supercomputing chip. This combination promises outstanding performance, particularly for gaming, with 144fps game frame interpolation and 2K super-resolution. So, whether you're gaming or multitasking, the iQOO 13 should handle everything smoothly.

Cool Features and Design

The iQOO 13 isn’t just about raw power — it also comes with unique design elements. The phone features a cool iQOO Monster Halo light around the camera module, which can change colors for different notifications like calls, messages, gaming, and music. The phone also boasts an ultra-slim design, measuring just 0.813cm thin.

For durability, the iQOO 13 comes with IP68+IP69 certification, meaning it is both dustproof and waterproof, capable of surviving brief submersion in water and exposure to dust.

Key Specs Overview

Here’s a quick look at the confirmed specifications of the iQOO 13 for the Indian market:

Pricing and Availability

The iQOO 13 will be available in two color options: Nardo Grey and Legend Edition, a special variant made in collaboration with BMW. It will compete with other flagship phones like the OnePlus 13 and Xiaomi 15 in the Indian market. More details about the device’s pricing and additional features will be revealed closer to the launch date.