This ambitious target reflects the commitment of the company toward the development of a strong local supplier base and reducing dependence on Chinese vendors, while at the same time providing a dose of realism to inflated expectations.
The iPhone maker’s India revenue is expected to rise 20% in FY25, after having grown by about 70% in FY24 to reach an estimated $10 billion, and having reported “a record March quarter for iPhones, with a shipment volume growth of nearly 20% year-on-year,” as per Navkendar Singh, associate vice-president at market researcher International Data Corp. (IDC) India.
Realistic Estimates
Apple to Boost iPhone Production in India to 25% by 2028
Apple plans to grow India’s iPhone production share to 25% by 2028.
Previous sources estimated even higher ambitions: 25% by 2025 and 50% by 2027.
Currently, there are 14 Apple supplier facilities in India.
A local ecosystem is essential to execute the long-term production ambitions of Apple.
“Apple makes roughly 200 million iPhones a year. A quarter or 50 million iPhones from India within three to four years seems steep, since the premiumization trend would not stay for long. Even if it is 30 million units, it would be substantial, and it is the most likely candidate to cross Rs 1 trillion revenue from India operations,” said Faisal Kawoosa, chief analyst and founder at research firm Techarc.
Apple is pushing to build a strong local network of vendors in India to reduce its reliance on Chinese suppliers.
14 Apple supplier facilities are already operating in India
As more and more suppliers join the list, notably Flex Ltd, Jabil Inc, and Cheng Uei Precision Industry, India is looking to become a significant node in Apple’s global supply chain.
The strategy not only helps increase production but also spreads the economic benefit by including more Indian suppliers in Apple’s supply chain.
What is Apple’s target for iPhone production in India by 2028?
Apple aims to increase the production share of iPhones in India to 25% by 2028.
How does the current production share in India compare to Apple’s future target?
Currently, Apple produces 14% of its iPhones in India, with a goal to reach 25% by 2028.
Why is Apple increasing iPhone production in India?
Apple is increasing production in India to reduce reliance on Chinese suppliers and build a strong local supplier base.
What were the earlier estimates for Apple’s iPhone production in India?
Earlier estimates suggested that Apple would achieve 25% production in India by 2025 and 50% by 2027.
How many Apple supplier facilities are currently operating in India?
There are currently 14 Apple supplier facilities operating in India.
What is anticipated timeline for Samsung’s shift to 3nm chips ?
Mass Production in 2024: Samsung is preparing to start mass-producing the 3nm Exynos processors in the latter half of 2024.
Integration into Galaxy S25: Analysts expect these 3nm processors to be integrated into the Galaxy S25 smartphones, which are anticipated to launch in late 2024.
Official Unveiling in 2025: The formal unveiling of the 3nm APs, codenamed “Solomon,” might be planned for 2025, potentially aligning with broader announcements or additional products using the new technology.
What does DigiTimes report suggest on Samsung Exynos 3nm chip ?
That’s according to DigiTimes, which published a report on Samsung’s Exynos 3nm chip this week.
Industry sources report that Samsung will officially unveil its 3nm APs, codenamed “Solomon,” in 2025. The System LSI Division completed the tape-out in early 2024, and the project has moved to the Semiconductor Foundry Division for prototype manufacturing.
The 3nm Exynos APs, using the Gate-All-Around (GAA) process, are expected to outperform the previous Exynos 2400 found in the Galaxy S24 series.
Analysts predict these new APs will be integrated into the Galaxy S25 smartphones starting in late 2024, boosting Samsung’s competitiveness in the semiconductor market.
Whereas sophisticated AI workloads will remain in the cloud, Apple aims at stressing on-device AI, where bespoke hardware will keep user data private and performance lightning-fast.
Apple books 2nm chip capacity from TSMC for future devices
Though it requires stringent supply chain management, securing elite manufacturing capacity lets Apple keep pushing boundaries.
FAQs
What has Apple done to secure future chip supplies?
Apple has booked manufacturing space at TSMC for their next 2nm processing node, ensuring a steady supply of advanced chips for future devices.
Why is Apple securing 2nm chip capacity from TSMC?
Apple aims to guarantee the availability of cutting-edge chips for its A-series, M-series processors, and new AI chips, maintaining its technical lead in the market.
When will TSMC’s 2nm node enter mass production?
TSMC’s 2nm node is expected to enter mass production in late 2024.
How does securing 2nm chips benefit Apple consumers?
Securing 2nm chip capacity ensures Apple can continue to deliver powerful, efficient, and advanced devices, keeping their products at the forefront of technology.
How does Apple’s strategy affect its competition?
By securing advanced chip manufacturing capacity, Apple maintains its competitive edge, potentially staying ahead of rivals in technological advancements.
Apple COO Jeff Williams Reportedly Visits Taiwan to Secure 2nm Chips. Details?
Apple Chief Operating Officer Jeff Williams has visited Taiwan to secure supply of TSMC’s upcoming 2nm chips, Economic Daily News reports.
The visit apparently involved a meeting between Williams and TSMC President Wei Zhejia to discuss custom AI chips and ensure that Apple will be able to access the chipmaker’s 2nm manufacturing process, which is set to begin production in 2025.
The iPhone 15 Pro is powered by the A17 Pro chip, which is manufactured with TSMC’s 3nm process. This process allows for more transistors to be packed into a smaller space, delivering improvements in performance and efficiency.
Apple’s M4 chip, which just debuted in the new iPad Pro, uses an enhanced version of this 3nm technology.
The transition to 2nm chips should bring further improvements, with projected performance gains of 10 to 15 percent and power consumption reductions of up to 30 percent compared to the 3nm process.
Securing an early supply of 2nm chips is critical for Apple, as TSMC remains the only company capable of manufacturing them at the scale and quality required.
This exclusivity is vital for Apple to meet the high demand for its products while limiting competitors’ access to these more advanced chips.
For its 3nm chips, Apple booked all of TSMC’s available chipmaking capacity.
The company’s 2nm chips could first appear in 2025’s iPhone 17 lineup.
The smartphone is available for purchase starting today across Flipkart
Buyers can get an instant cashback of Rs 2500 or opt for a no-cost EMI starting at INR 45 per day, along with additional benefits.
Commenting on the launch of the new product, Geetaj Channana, Head of Corporate Strategy at vivo India, said, “The vivo premium Y series is known to deliver stellar designs and camera performance at an affordable price. With the Y200 Pro 5G, we want to equip our young, tech-savvy users with a smartphone that matches their style and empowers them with the latest technology.
With the segment’s slimmest 3D curved display, an attractive and sophisticated Silk Glass design, and enhanced camera performance, we believe the Y200 Pro 5G will address the core needs of our users and stand out in the segment.”
Vivo Y200: Key Specs
200 Pro 5G has been launched in India for Rs 24,999
It includes a slim body, a 2.3mm narrow frame, and a silk cloud feather texture for a comfortable grip.
It has a 64MP primary camera with Optical Image Stabilization and Bokeh Flare Portrait, Super Night Mode, Wedding Style Portrait, Vlog Movie Creator mode, and Live Photo mode.
Vivo claims the Y200 Pro 5G offers four years of battery health and 24-dimension security protection
The Y200 GT is priced between CNY 1,499 (Rs 17,000) for the 8/128GB variant and CNY 2,099 (Rs 23,000) for the fully loaded 12/512GB version.
Both the Y200t and Y200 GT will go on open sale on May 24 in China, and there is no current information on when the devices might be revealed for the Indian market.
Vivo Y200 Pro 5G Specs
GENERAL
Sim Type
Dual Sim, GSM+GSM
Dual Sim
Yes
Sim Size
Nano+Nano SIM
Device Type
Smartphone
Release Date
May 21, 2024
In The Box
Y200 Pro 5G, USB Cable, Charger, Eject Tool, Phone Case, Protective Film (applied), Warranty Card
DESIGN
Dimensions
74.92 x 164.42 x 7.49 mm
Weight
172 g
Colors
Silk Green, Silk Black
DISPLAY
Type
Color AMOLED Screen (1B Colors)
Touch
Yes
Size
6.78 inches, 2400 x 1080 pixels, 120 Hz
Aspect Ratio
20:9
PPI
~ 388 PPI
Screen to Body Ratio
~ 91.04%
Features
Local Peak Brightness:1300 nits, Color Gamut: 100% P3, Color Saturation 105% NTSC
Notch
Yes, Punch Hole
Curved Display
Yes
MEMORY
RAM
8 GB
Expandable RAM
Upto 8 GB Extra Virtual RAM
Storage
128 GB
Storage Type
UFS 2.2
Card Slot
No
CONNECTIVITY
GPRS
Yes
EDGE
Yes
3G
Yes
4G
Yes
5G
Yes
5G Bands
n1/n3/n5/n8/n28/n77/n78
VoLTE
Yes, Dual Stand-By
Wifi
Yes, with wifi-hotspot
Wifi Version
2.4 GHz, 5 GHz
Bluetooth
Yes, v5.1
USB
Yes, USB-C
USB Features
USB on-the-go, USB Charging
EXTRA
GPS
GPS, BeiDou, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, Navic
Fingerprint Sensor
Yes, In Display
Face Unlock
Yes
Sensors
Gyroscope, E-compass, Proximity Sensor, Ambient Light Sensor, Color Temperature Sensor, Accelerometer
Splash Resistant
Yes
IP Rating
IP54
Dust Resistant
Yes
Extra Features
LPDDR4X RAM
CAMERA
Rear Camera
64 MP f/1.79 (Main)
2 MP f/2.4 (Macro) with autofocus
Features
Night, Portrait, Photo, Video, Micro Movie, High resolution, Pano, Live Photo, Slo-mo, Time-lapse, Pro, Documents, Double Exposure, Dual View, Supermoon
Video Recording
4K, 1080p
Flash
Yes, LED
Front Camera
Punch Hole 16 MP f/2.45 (Wide Angle)
Front Video Recording
1080p
TECHNICAL
OS
Android v14
Custom UI
Funtouch OS 14
Chipset
Qualcomm Snapdragon 695
CPU
2.2 GHz, Octa Core Processor
Core Details
2 × 2.2 GHz & 6 × 1.8 GHz
GPU
Adreno 619
Java
No
Browser
Yes
MULTIMEDIA
Email
Yes
Music
AAC, WAV, MP3, MP2, MP1, MIDI, Vorbis, APE, FLAC, OPUS
What is the price of the Vivo Y200 Pro 5G in India?
The Vivo Y200 Pro 5G is priced at Rs 24,999 for the single 8GB+128GB variant.
Where can I purchase the Vivo Y200 Pro 5G?
The Vivo Y200 Pro 5G is available for purchase on Flipkart, Vivo India e-Store, and partner retail stores.
What are the key specifications of the Vivo Y200 Pro 5G?
The key specifications include a 6.78-inch AMOLED curved display, Snapdragon 695 5G chipset, 64MP OIS primary camera, 5000mAh battery with 44W fast charging, and Funtouch OS 14 based on Android 13.
What are the colour options for the Vivo Y200 Pro 5G?
The Vivo Y200 Pro 5G is available in Silk Green and Silk Black colour options.
Does the Vivo Y200 Pro 5G support expandable RAM?
Yes, the Vivo Y200 Pro 5G supports expandable RAM up to 16GB.
What offers are available with the Vivo Y200 Pro 5G?
Buyers can get an instant cashback of Rs 2500 or opt for a no-cost EMI starting at INR 45 per day, along with additional benefits.
Vivo Expands its Premium Y series with the All-new Y200 Pro 5G, a Stylish Smartphone with the Segment’s Slimmest 3D Curved Display. Details?
•The smartphone comes with an advanced 3D curved display, the slimmest in its segment, and a 64 MP OIS Anti-Shake Camera. •Offers a flagship imaging experience with an enhanced portrait and night mode.
vivo, today introduced its latest offering in the premium Y series portfolio, the vivo Y200 Pro 5G.
With the segment’s slimmest 3D-curved display – a first in the vivo Y series, an exemplary camera setup, and efficient performance capabilities, the smartphone aims to offer a complete experience to the users.
The Y200 Pro 5G flaunts an elegant design and will be available in two superior colors – Silk Green and Silk Black.
Priced at INR 24,999, the Y200 Pro 5G will have a single 8GB+128GB storage variant and will be available for purchase starting today across Flipkart, vivo India e-Store, and all partner retail stores.
Consumers purchasing the smartphone using SBI Card, IDFC First Bank, IndusInd Bank, and Federal Bank among others can receive an instant cashback of INR 2500, or avail of the option of owing the all-new Y200 Pro 5G at INR 45 per day, along with additional benefits such as V-Shield protection.
Does Vivo Y200 Pro have a Vibrant and Trendy Design ?
Featuring a silk cloud feather texture design with a 2.3mm narrow frame and an ultra-slim body, the vivo Y200 Pro 5G offers a comfortable grip in an attractive body design.
It has a 6.78-inch AMOLED Curved Display with FHD resolution, a 120 Hz refresh rate, and weighs merely 172gm.
Additionally, the display, certified by SGS Low Blue Light Eye Care, protects users’ eyes. The all-new comprehensive cushioning structure offers enhanced durability which makes the screen shatter-resistant.
Does Vivo Y200 Pro 5G have Top-notch Camera Capabilities?
Featuring a distinctive camera design, the Y200 Pro 5G comes with a 64MP Optical Image Stabilization anti-shake night portrait camera that captures high-quality images.
It also brings the Bokeh Flare Portrait feature, offering a range of effects for a personalized touch.
The customizable bokeh level with each unique flare effect adds a special touch to the camera output.
The Y200 Pro 5G also comes with the Super Night Mode for night photography, which enhances brightness, vividness, and clarity in low light or nighttime environments, providing better imaging results.
The newly upgraded flagship-standard OIS module reduces shakes through a precise structure, improving the quality of images taken in low light, and making details in the dark parts of the images clearer.
The vivo Y200 Pro 5G also comes with vivo’s exclusive Wedding Style Portrait feature, Vlog Movie Creator mode, and Live photo feature to enhance the camera experience further.
What are the upgrades from the Vivo Y100 series?
The Vivo Y200 brings the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 SoC, which is an upgrade from the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 SoC from the Vivo Y100 5G.
The 64MP OmniVision OV64B sensor is replaced with a 50MP Sony LYT-600 sensor.
The battery and fast charging are upgraded from a 5000mAh battery + 44W fast charging to a 6,000mAh battery and 80W fast charging.
Vivo Y200t has a larger 6.7-inch display compared to the 6.64-inch panel on the Vivo Y100t.
The chipset is replaced from Dimensity 8200 to a Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1.
The fast charging speed is 44W fast charging from 120W but the battery capacity is increased from 5,000mAh to 6,000mAh cell.
The Vivo Y100t had a 64MP camera but the Y200t has a 50MP.
The 16MP selfie shooter on the front is trimmed down to 8MP.
Does Vivo Y200 Pro 5G have a Strong Battery Life and Performance ?
For long-lasting power, vivo Y200 Pro 5G boasts a powerful 5000 mAh battery with a 44W fast charger that offers uninterrupted all-day usage.
The smartphone runs on Funtouch OS 14 and is paired with 8GB RAM which can be further extended by 8GB. It promises four years of battery health and comes with 24-dimension security protection.
The Y200 Pro 5G is powered by Snapdragon 695 5G, featuring a 6nm advanced processor chipset with an octa-core CPU architecture that offers reliable and smooth performance all the time.
Does Vivo Y200 Pro 5G show commitment Make in India ?
Like all vivo devices, vivo Y200 Pro 5G follows vivo’s commitment to ‘Make in India’ and is manufactured at vivo’s Greater Noida facility that employs around 10,000 men and women, ensuring all vivo devices sold in India are made by fellow Indians.
“It’s a new era for the PC and our collaboration with Microsoft combines the power of Snapdragon X Series with the power of Copilot+ to deliver groundbreaking AI capabilities that are redefining the personal computing experience – all with industry-leading performance and multi-day battery life,” said Alex Katouzian, Group General Manager, Mobile, Compute & XR, Qualcomm Technologies. “Today, our global OEM partners launched the first Copilot+ PCs exclusively powered by Snapdragon X Series in a variety of form factors and at multiple price points. We’re proud to enable this industry shift, which puts Windows PCs at the forefront of technology and allows users to push the boundaries of what’s possible across productivity, creativity, and entertainment.”
“Copilot+ PCs powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Series deliver performance per watt leadership to the Windows ecosystem while also powering groundbreaking AI experiences and exceptional battery life” said Pavan Davuluri, Corporate Vice President, Windows + Devices for Microsoft. “This is an inflection point for the Windows PC ecosystem, enabled by our deep partnership with Qualcomm. I am thrilled to be able to launch innovative Copilot+ PCs experiences and devices with Snapdragon, including Surface, that have leading performance and energy efficiency.”
Powering Groundbreaking AI Capabilities
Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite chip powers new AI-enabled laptops
Speakers from Microsoft and Qualcomm highlighted the collaborative efforts in bringing innovative hardware to consumers, showcasing features like the Windows Copilot, Recall, and Cocreator.
ASUS announced the new generation of AI-powered computing with the Vivobook S 15
The Vivobook S 15 includes advanced hardware such as the Snapdragon X Elite platform, up to 32 GB of RAM, and a 1 TB SSD.
It features a 3K 120 Hz OLED display, Harman Kardon-certified audio, and a 14.7 mm thin, 1.42 kg design.
The device, powered by the Snapdragon X Elite, is the company’s first Copilot+ PC with Windows AI features
AI-powered enhancements include Windows Studio Effects, an AiSense IR camera with presence detection, Adaptive Dimming, and Adaptive Lock.
The device also introduces the AI app StoryCube for managing digital assets.
The Vivobook S 15 includes advanced hardware such as the Snapdragon X Elite platform
The Vivobook S 15 offers extensive connectivity options with USB4 ports, USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, HDMI 2.1, a microSD card reader, and an audio combo jack.
It supports WiFi 7 for fast internet speeds and includes a 70 Wh battery for up to 18 hours of use.
AI-powered enhancements include Windows Studio Effects
These laptops feature Qualcomm’s 12-core Oryon CPU, Adreno GPU, and Hexagon NPU for efficient AI processing.
The new models offer offline access to large language models and enhanced productivity and creativity through Copilot+, leveraging generative AI and machine learning for various tasks.
Lenovo Supercharges Copilot+ PCs with Latest Yoga Slim 7x and ThinkPad T14s Gen 6
It also features advanced AI capabilities like text-to-image creation, photo and video editing, and productivity tools.
The ThinkPad T14s Gen 6, tailored for businessusers, includes a 14-inch display, up to 64 GB RAM, Wi-Fi 7, and 5G connectivity, focusing on productivity and security with integrated AI tools and robust security features.
Both laptops will be available starting June 2024, with the Yoga Slim 7x priced at $1,199 and the ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 at $1,699.
Qualcomm and Microsoft aim to transform the PC experience by combining the Snapdragon X Series’ AI capabilities with Copilot+’s intelligent features across this new range of laptops from leading manufacturers.
FAQs
What is the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite chip?
The Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite is a powerful chip designed for laptops, featuring an integrated Hexagon neural processing unit (NPU) and Oryon CPU, delivering industry-leading performance and power efficiency.
What is Microsoft Copilot+?
Microsoft Copilot+ is a suite of AI-powered features and applications that enhance productivity, creativity, and user experience on Windows PCs, leveraging advanced hardware like the Snapdragon X Elite chip.
Which PC manufacturers have launched new laptops with Snapdragon X Elite?
ASUS, Acer, Dell, HP, Lenovo, Microsoft, and Samsung have all launched new laptops featuring the Snapdragon X Elite chip, designed to support Microsoft Copilot+ AI capabilities.
What are some key features of the ASUS Vivobook S 15?
The ASUS Vivobook S 15 includes a Snapdragon X Elite platform, up to 32 GB of RAM, a 1 TB SSD, a 3K 120 Hz OLED display, Harman Kardon-certified audio, and various AI enhancements like Windows Studio Effects and AiSense IR camera.
How does the Snapdragon X Elite improve laptop performance?
The Snapdragon X Elite chip improves laptop performance by providing high efficiency and powerful AI processing capabilities, allowing for enhanced battery life, advanced AI features, and superior overall performance.
What are the benefits of using Snapdragon X Elite-powered laptops with Microsoft Copilot+?
Snapdragon X Elite-powered laptops with Microsoft Copilot+ offer exceptional battery life, powerful AI-enhanced productivity and creativity tools, seamless connectivity, and a superior user experience across various applications.
What are the main features of the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x?
The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x includes a 14.5-inch 3K OLED touch panel, up to 32 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD, and advanced AI capabilities such as text-to-image creation, photo and video editing, and productivity tools. It also offers extended battery life and portability.
Snapdragon X Series is the Exclusive Platform to Power the Next Generation of Windows PCs with Copilot+ Today.Details ?
* Snapdragon X Elite and Snapdragon X Plus are powering the launch of a new category of devices delivering Microsoft Copilot+ PC experiences.
* PCs with Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus deliver, multiple days of battery life, unparalleled performance plus efficiency to accelerate productivity and creativity with unique AI experiences powered by the world’s fastest NPU for laptops at 45 TOPS and leading performance per watt.
* The first wave of over 20 Copilot+ PCs powered by Snapdragon X Elite and Snapdragon X Plus were announced today from leading global OEMs including Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo, Microsoft, and Samsung. Devices are available for pre-order now and can be purchased from major retailers starting June 18.
During the Copilot+ debut, Microsoft and global OEMs announced PCs powered by Snapdragon® X Elite and Snapdragon® X Plus – the only devices that are capable of bringing Copilot+ experiences to life today.
The leading AI technology and performance efficiency of these platforms will power this groundbreaking new category, as Copilot+ revolutionizes how users interact with their PCs.
Together, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and Microsoft are taking intelligent computing to the next level and transforming the PC experience.
Qualcomm Technologies is restoring performance leadership to the Windows PC ecosystem with our leading NPU powered by Snapdragon X Elite which delivers the highest NPU performance per watt for laptops, up to 2.6X vs. M3 and up to 5.4X vs. Core Ultra 71.
With the integrated Qualcomm® Hexagon™ NPU architecture, it can deliver up to 24 TOPS/watt peak performance in uses cases like Super Resolution and with our leading Qualcomm Oryon™ CPU, Snapdragon X Elite leads in performance per watt, matching competitor peak PC CPU performance at 60% less power.
What are the Capilot + PCs launched today ?
Copilot+ PCs powered by Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus launched today include:
* Acer unveils the Swift 14 AI, offering new AI experiences to support everyday computing tasks. Combining the powerful Snapdragon X Series platforms, Copilot+ capabilities in Windows 11, and solutions such as Acer PurifiedView 2.0 and Acer PurifiedVoice 2.0, the Swift 14 AI seamlessly utilizes AI to elevate productivity and creativity.
It offers an option with a 2.5K touchscreen display for immersive visuals and stands out with a Copilot+ PC-exclusive design, featuring a unique AI logo on the cover and an Activity Indicator on the touchpad.
* ASUS incorporating Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus into the ASUS Vivobook S 15 signifies a paradigm shift in personal computing, delivering unprecedented AI power and efficiency.
As a result of integrated 45 NPU TOPS and an unmatched 45W TDP, supported by ASUS IceCool Thermal technology, users will enjoy lightning-fast on-device AI processing, enabling Copilot+ PC next-gen AI-powered features.
The ASUS Vivobook S 15 offers more than 18 hours of uninterrupted productivity, despite its 15.6-inch 3K 120 Hz OLED display. All this is combined with a slim form factor and a full set of I/O ports, making it a versatile on-the-go companion.
* Dell now offers five new laptops powered by Snapdragon X Elite and Snapdragon X Plus. With a comprehensive portfolio for consumer and commercial, XPS 13, Inspiron 14 Plus, Inspiron 14, Latitude 7455 and Latitude 5455 deliver exceptional speed and AI performance, and groundbreaking battery life to elevate computing and simplify tasks. The new devices also feature NGAI, enabling transformative AI PC experiences.
* HP’s next-gen AI PCs are designed and engineered around the Snapdragon X Elite processor and its dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU), capable of 45 trillion operations per second (TOPS), to run language models and generative AI locally on the device.
The HP OmniBook X AI PC and HP EliteBook Ultra AI PC deliver more power in sleek, ultra-thin, and cool form factors that harness the most powerful AI PC technologies with up to 26 hours of battery life, rapid charging, and AI optimization on device for greater productivity.
The HP EliteBook Ultra also delivers additional features for commercial customers, including Wolf Pro Security Next Gen Antivirus (NGAV) designed to protect the PC down to the firmware level with hardware security features that shield user credentials and other critical data, Microsoft Secured-Core PC designation (a chip-to-cloud security technology that provides secure identity, secure attestation, and cryptographic services), and a three-year warranty.
* Lenovo introduced the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x and Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6, its first AI PCs powered by Snapdragon X Elite.
These laptops offer top PC performance per watt and fast NPU-based AI processing up to 45 trillion operations per second (TOPS). Windows 11 and Copilot+ enhancements enable access to LLM capabilities offline, enhancing creativity, productivity and security.
The Yoga Slim 7x and ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 deliver innovative AI PC features, ensuring futuristic and streamlined consumer and business user experiences.
* Microsoft: The new Surface Laptop is the fastest, most intelligent Surface Laptop ever. Now in an updated, modern laptop design with razor-thin bezels, a brilliant touchscreen display, AI-enhanced camera, and a haptic touchpad.
It delivers incredible performance, ultra-long battery life and all-new AI experiences powered by Snapdragon X Elite and Snapdragon X Plus processors. Customers get a choice between a 13.8” and 15” display and four stunning colors.
The all-new Surface Pro is the most flexible 2-in-1 laptop, now reimagined with more speed and battery life for all-new AI experiences, powered by X Elite and X Plus.
It introduces a new, optional OLED with HDR display, and ultrawide field of view camera perfect for Windows Studio Effects. The new Surface Pro Flex Keyboard allows you to position your Surface Pro and keyboard where they suit you, designed to be used both attached or detached.
* Samsung: Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge is equipped with cutting-edge hybrid AI integrations, and powered by the fastest, most powerful Snapdragon X Elite for laptops backed by 45 TOPS NPU computing power.
This device joins the most hyperconnected Galaxy AI ecosystem. With 14-inch and 16-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display size options, Galaxy Book4 Edge unleashes new levels of creativity and productivity, and breaks down communications barriers with intuitive capabilities and simple language prompts.
It also brings beloved Galaxy AI features like Circle to Search with Google, Live Translate and Chat Assist to the PC’s more expansive display. Experience the next level of personalized, powerful AI computing .
President Biden signs legislation forcing TikTok’s sale to a US company
Chinese legal restrictions may block the sale of TikTok’s algorithm
Investors may pay billions without securing TikTok’s recommendation system
Key bidders include Frank McCourt and Steven Mnuchin
A forced sale to an American company now appears to be the only way forward for the beleaguered video-sharing app, TikTok, whose future in the United States is now at risk.
Bidders may end up paying billions of dollars without securing the key asset that propelled TikTok to global prominence: its powerful recommendation system.
The Forced Sales Scenario
TikTok Buyout Faces $100 Billion Challenge Without Key Algorithm
On Monday, President Biden signed legislation giving Chinese parent company ByteDance up to nine months—maybe extended to 12—to transfer TikTok to a US-based company.
This comes after broad, bipartisan support in Congress either to ban the app on national security grounds or to require its sale.
While TikTok and its users and creators claim the proposed ban is illegal, a court fight now seems less and less likely under the Department of Justice’s guidelines as the sale option gains favor.
The Algorithm Conundrum
President Biden signs legislation forcing TikTok’s sale to a US company
Popularity with TikTok stems from its astute algorithm.
It is the app’s ability to create a customized video feed for each user according to his or her tastes and patterns of engagement.
Not like traditional social platforms, where the user has to make a conscious search for the content, TikTok’s algorithm takes the lead, hurling up an endless stream of engaging video in tune with individual tastes.
This dynamic recommendation engine has widely been reported as the main, if not only, reason behind TikTok’s meteoric rise and continued domination of the short-form video space.
But the Chinese government has issued legal restrictions on the sale of the algorithm, effectively blocking a prospective US buyer from gaining access to the app’s crown jewel.
A costly wager
Investors may pay billions without securing TikTok’s recommendation system
Among the groups of investors queuing to make a bid is one headed by real estate billionaire Frank McCourt and former Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin.
The app’s brand recognition and existing user base hold value, but replicating the algorithm’s magic could prove an insurmountable challenge.
FAQs
Why is TikTok being forced to sell to a US-based company?
TikTok is being forced to sell due to concerns over national security and bipartisan support in Congress, with President Biden signing legislation giving ByteDance up to 12 months to complete the sale.
What makes TikTok’s algorithm so valuable?
TikTok’s algorithm is valuable because it curates a personalized video feed for each user, driving the app’s popularity by providing an endless stream of engaging content tailored to individual preferences.
Can the Chinese government block the sale of TikTok’s algorithm?
Yes, the Chinese government has issued legal restrictions that may prevent the sale of TikTok’s algorithm to a US company, which poses a significant hurdle for potential buyers.
Who are some of the potential investors interested in buying TikTok?
Potential investors include real estate billionaire Frank McCourt and former Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, among other big-name investors.
How much is TikTok expected to sell for?
TikTok is projected to sell for around $100 billion, although the final price could vary depending on negotiations and the inclusion or exclusion of its algorithm.
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 Set to Raise Prices of High-End Android Phones
This price bump could have significant implications for the sub-$500 flagship smartphone segment, if the rumours by leaker Digital Chat Station come to fruition.
Devices in this affordable premium tier, priced at around 3,000 CNY (roughly Rs 35,000), may have to make some tight decisions about hardware configurations and profit margins.
The Redmi K50 Pro, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, was a surprisingly great value last year, but if the new Qualcomm processor proves too costly for manufacturers, its successor might not hold the same level of affordability.
Custom silicon drives up costs
Expected to be more expensive than Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
As expected, this ambitious engineering project does not come cheap.
According to leaks, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 CPU may cost around $200 per unit that Qualcomm may charge smartphone makers.
Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 to be launched at Snapdragon Summit in October
Any upward revision for the Gen 4 version will be tough to swallow for manufacturers, having to decide between absorbing the additional costs or passing them on to customers.
While Qualcomm’s bleeding-edge mobile chips have traditionally demanded a premium, just how that generational price increase factors in remains to be seen.
Qualcomm is expected to launch the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 at the Snapdragon Summit in October.
Why is the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 expected to be more expensive?
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 is expected to be more expensive due to its new, innovative technologies and custom Oryon CPU cores designed in-house for optimal performance and efficiency.
How might the price increase affect high-end Android phones?
The price increase for the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 could lead to higher prices for high-end Android phones, as manufacturers may need to pass on the additional costs to consumers.
What impact will the price increase have on sub-$500 flagship smartphones?
The price increase could force manufacturers of sub-$500 flagship smartphones to make tough decisions about hardware configurations and profit margins, potentially affecting the affordability of these devices.
What are Oryon CPU cores?
Oryon CPU cores are proprietary cores designed by Qualcomm to maximize performance and efficiency in their flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chip, rather than relying on standard Arm architectures.
While the price at or below $500 for such a substantially updated smartphone seems too good to be true, it’s still consistent with rumours that Apple’s likely intention is to maintain the iPhone SE lineup as the mainstream value play for battling mid-range Android competitors.
1,400:1 Contrast Ratio (typical), True Tone Display, Wide Colour Display (P3), Haptic Touch, 625 nits Max Brightness
MEMORY
Storage
64 GB
Card Slot
No
CONNECTIVITY
GPRS
Yes
EDGE
Yes
3G
Yes
4G
Yes
5G
Yes
VoLTE
Yes
Wifi
Yes, with wifi-hotspot
Bluetooth
Yes, v5.3, A2DP, LE
USB
Yes, Lightning Port
USB Features
USB Charging
EXTRA
GPS
Yes, with A-GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BEIDOU
Fingerprint Sensor
Yes, Front
Face Unlock
Yes
Sensors
Barometer, Three Axis Gyro, Accelerometer, Proximity Sensor, Ambient Light Sensor
3.5mm Headphone Jack
Lightning
NFC
Yes
Water Resistance
Yes
IP Rating
IP67
Dust Resistant
Yes
CAMERA
Rear Camera
12 MP f/1.8 with autofocus
Features
Deep Fusion, Smart HDR 4, Photographic Styles, Advanced Red-eye Correction, Auto Image Stabilisation, Burst Mode, Photo Geotagging
Video Recording
4K, 1080p
Flash
Yes, LED
Front Camera
10.8 MP f/2.2 with Retina Flash
Front Video Recording
1080p @ 30 fps FHD
TECHNICAL
OS
iOS v16
Chipset
Apple Bionic A15
CPU
3.22 GHz, Hexa Core Processor
Core Details
2×3.22 GHz Avalanche + 4xX.X GHz Blizzard
GPU
Apple GPU
Java
No
Browser
Yes
MULTIMEDIA
Email
Yes
Music
AAC, MP3, Apple Lossless, FLAC, Dolby Digital and Dolby Digital Plus
Video
HEVC, H.264 and ProRes
FM Radio
No
Document Reader
Yes
BATTERY
Type
Non-Removable Battery
Size
Li-ion Battery
Fast Charging
Yes, 18W Fast Charging
Wireless Charging
Yes, Works with Qi Chargers
Music Playback Time
50 hours
FAQs
What is the rumoured design change for the iPhone SE 4?
The iPhone SE 4 is rumoured to adopt a modern, all-screen design similar to the iPhone 14 series, moving away from the older iPhone 8 look.
How much will the iPhone SE 4 cost?
Leaks suggest the iPhone SE 4 might be priced between $429 and $500, making it an affordable option despite its upgraded features.
Will the iPhone SE 4 have Face ID?
Yes, the iPhone SE 4 is expected to feature Face ID biometrics, replacing the older Touch ID technology.
What type of display will the iPhone SE 4 have?
The iPhone SE 4 is rumoured to have an edge-to-edge OLED screen, a significant upgrade from the LCD technology used in the previous SE models.
What processor will power the iPhone SE 4?
The iPhone SE 4 is expected to be powered by Apple’s next A-series CPU, likely the A17 Bionic, ensuring top performance for budget iPhone users.
Will the iPhone SE 4 have USB-C charging?
Yes, the iPhone SE 4 is expected to switch to USB-C charging, aligning with modern standards and regulatory requirements.
Could Apple base iPhone SE 4 on the iPhone 14 ?
Leaked iPhone SE 4 CAD renders show the phone will look similar to the iPhone 14.
It could feature a notch at the front, for Face ID components. The renders also show a USB-C port at the bottom and an Action button on the right.
The iPhone SE 4 could have a single rear camera.Except a cost-cutting measure, the move will help Apple differentiate the iPhone SE 4 from the iPhone 14.
Using the same design and components as the iPhone 14 should help Apple save on cost, ensuring the next-gen iPhone SE costs less than $500.
The iPhone SE 4 is reportedly expected for a spring 2025 launch.
Is Apple rumored to increase iPhone SE price ?
According to leaker @Revegnus1, the iPhone SE could be around 10% more expensive in the US following the launch of its next generation next year.
Currently, Apple sells the iPhone SE 3 for prices starting at $429 for the 64GB version. A 10% increase would take the starting price to around $469.
At the same time, the leaker also claims that Apple wants to keep the price of the new iPhone SE below the $500 mark.
There’s also a chance that the company will keep the same $429 price as the current generation.
The starting prices for iPhones that Apple currently sells:
📝 WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.11.13: what’s new?
WhatsApp is working on a feature to clear the unread message count, and it will be available in a future update!https://t.co/HOiNedHle0 pic.twitter.com/VYhbGZzqTF
— WABetaInfo (@WABetaInfo) May 20, 2024
But WhatsApp usability improvements do not just stop here.
Once this option is selected, your unread message alerts will automatically reset each time you open the application.
This might be a game-changer for anybody overwhelmed with unread messages, especially in packed group chats.
Instead of being burdened by an overwhelming unread count, users can now begin each WhatsApp session with a clean slate, free to prioritize chats as they see fit without residual psychological pressure.
Of course, both of these are still under beta testing right now.
WhatsApp is not done helping make messaging interfaces even simpler, with pinned previews that condense critical information and unread resets that go a long way in lessening inbox anxiety.
FAQs
What is the new pinned message preview feature in WhatsApp?
The new pinned message preview feature allows users to see thumbnail previews of pinned media messages like photos, videos, or documents at the top of their chat without opening the message.
How does the one-tap unread message clearing option work in WhatsApp?
The one-tap unread message clearing option automatically resets unread message alerts each time you open WhatsApp, allowing users to start each session with a clean slate.
Are these features available to all WhatsApp users?
Currently, these features are in beta testing and available only to users on beta versions 2.24.11.12 and 2.24.11.13 of WhatsApp for Android. They may be rolled out to all users after testing.
How can I access the WhatsApp beta version to try these new features?
To access the WhatsApp beta version, you need to join the beta program through the Google Play Store. Once enrolled, you’ll receive beta updates automatically.
What are the benefits of the pinned message preview feature?
The pinned message preview feature helps users quickly identify pinned media messages without scrolling through the chat, making it easier to access important information.
How to use whatsapp chat filters for iPhone users ?
The filters that will appear at the top of users’ chat list: All, Unread, Groups, which can be selected with just a tap:
All: The default view of all your conversations.
Unread: This filter enables users to access conversations that remain unread. It displays messages that you have either marked as unread or have not yet opened, allowing you to prioritise your responses.
Groups: This filter organises all group chats in one place, making it easier to find your favourites. It will also display subgroups within Communities.
Apart from this, the update changelog also mentions that WhatsApp is introducing audio support to screen sharing during video calls, along with a revamped interface featuring updated icons and illustrations.
How to automatically clear notifications with ease in whatsapp ?
According to WABetaInfo, a reliable source for WhatsApp news, the messaging app is developing a feature that will automatically clear the unread message count each time the app is opened.
As of now the unread message count can serve as a constant reminder of conversations that haven’t been viewed or read yet, causing a bit of that social media anxiety.
However, by automatically resetting the counter, WhatsApp can now provide its users with a fresh start every time they open the app, allowing them to focus on new and important messages.
Who will benefit from whatsapp clear unread messages feature ?
This feature is particularly beneficial for users who receive a high volume of messages, especially from active group chats.
Group chats can often result in a significant number of unread messages, many of which may not be immediately relevant.
By resetting the unread message count automatically, users can prioritise new messages and manage their conversations more efficiently.
This approach helps prevent older, less important messages from overshadowing new notifications, ensuring users can address the most recent conversations.
WhatsApp feature will let you view media for pinned messages in previews. How it works ?
A screenshot shared by the publication shows that beta testers can now explore a preview feature when pinning a media message.
This feature allows users to view a thumbnail of the media content directly within the pinned message preview.
Whether it’s a photo, video, or other media file, users can quickly identify the content without needing to select the pinned message.
To test if this feature is already available for their account, users can pin any media message and locate the thumbnail display in the pinned message preview area.
By adding the thumbnail for the pinned messages directly to the top of the screen, users can easily preview the content without navigating to the pinned message.
This enhancement can significantly save users time and effort, improving navigation within the conversation.
Previously, users needed to manually select the pinned message to see its content.
With this update, users will no longer have to navigate away from the current view to access the content of a pinned message, as the thumbnail provides an immediate view of the content directly from the main screen.
Where is the whatsapp preview feature for Pinned messages currently available?
This preview feature for pinned messages is currently available to some beta testers who have installed the latest WhatsApp beta for Android from the Google Play Store.
The feature is expected to roll out to even more users over the coming days, according to WA Beta Info
If accurate, the OPPO flagship would be one of the first smartphones to use MediaTek’s new 6nm mid-range silicon.
The Dimensity 8250 promises a performance boost over its predecessor while retaining power efficiency.
OPPO seems to be betting big on this chip, with the Reno 12 tipped to arrive in generous 12GB and 16GB RAM options paired with up to 512GB of storage.
Camera Prowess and Design Highlights
OPPO Reno 12 to feature MediaTek Dimensity 8250 chipset
It doesn’t look like the Reno 12 will be skimping out on the imaging front either. According to the leaked specs, it’ll feature a rather powerful triple camera setup, headlined by dual 50MP cameras, one regular and one telephoto with 2x optical zoom.
An 8MP ultrawide will complete the rather versatile setup, while the selfie camera will be another 50MP affair.
The renders point at a familiar OPPO aesthetic with curved edges and a punch-hole cutout in the screen.
The 6.7-inch AMOLED panel should bring a smooth Full HD+ resolution and probably high refresh rate support.
Other highlights include the sizeable 4,880mAh-rated battery with 80W fast charging, an in-display fingerprint scanner, IR blaster, and Android 14-based ColorOS 14 right out of the box.
OPPO has already confirmed the Reno 12 will be available in peach, silver, and black hues across four RAM/storage configurations: 12/256GB, 12/512GB, 16/256GB, and 16/512GB.
A Powerful Mid-Range Contender
7-inch AMOLED display with Full HD+ resolution
While pricing remains unknown, the Reno 12 specs leak positions it as an intriguing mid-range offering from OPPO.
The Dimensity 8250 chip paired with plenty of RAM and storage options should provide for a snappy Android experience.
Meanwhile, the capable triple camera array and large AMOLED display hint at solid multimedia capabilities fitting for the “Reno” moniker.
If priced competitively, the Reno 12 could be a tempting all-rounder for Chinese smartphone buyers.
The OPPO Reno 12 is expected to use MediaTek’s all-new Dimensity 8250 chipset, offering improved performance and power efficiency.
What are the camera specifications for the OPPO Reno 12?
The Reno 12 will feature a triple camera setup, including dual 50MP cameras (regular and telephoto with 2x optical zoom) and an 8MP ultrawide camera, along with a 50MP selfie camera.
What display features can we expect from the OPPO Reno 12?
The Reno 12 will sport a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with Full HD+ resolution and likely support a high refresh rate for smooth visuals.
What are the RAM and storage options for the OPPO Reno 12?
The Reno 12 will be available in configurations of 12GB and 16GB RAM, paired with 256GB or 512GB of storage.
What colours will the OPPO Reno 12 be available in?
OPPO has confirmed that the Reno 12 will be available in peach, silver, and black hues.
