The decision to shut down Workplace came after a decade of development and fierce competition from both new and established companies, including Zoom Workplace, Microsoft Teams, and Google Workspace.
The growth of Workplace has been dampened by the COVID-19 epidemic and the resumption that followed back to office employment, and the loss of key personnel.
Competing with Slackand Microsoft Teams, for example, Meta struggled to differentiate Workplace in an increasingly crowded market for remote work tools.
Market Competition
Discontinuation part of Meta’s broader cost-cutting strategy
Closure by Workplace is set in a broader strategy of cost-cutting and simplification by Meta, with recent layoffs across different departments.
The ten-year-long adventure of the platform ends with the decision to discontinue Workplace
It should go without saying that users of the service are urged to look into other options, like the suggested Workvivo, in order to satisfy their future workplace communication demands.
FAQs
When will Meta discontinue the Workplace platform?
Meta will discontinue the Workplace platform on August 31, 2025. Users can continue to use the service until this date.
Why is Meta shutting down Workplace?
Meta is shutting down Workplace due to fierce competition and a shift in focus toward the metaverse and artificial intelligence. The platform struggled to stand out against competitors.
What alternatives are suggested for Workplace users?
Users are encouraged to explore alternatives like Workvivo to meet their future workplace communication needs. Other options include Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Google Workspace.
How did the COVID-19 pandemic impact Workplace?
The COVID-19 pandemic initially boosted remote work tools, but the return to office work and loss of key personnel negatively impacted Workplace. This contributed to its eventual discontinuation.
With this rollout, Google said “hundreds of millions” of users will have access to AI Overviews, and the company expects to make it available to over a billion people by the end of the year.
“We’ve been working on AI for well over a decade and yet we know we are still in the very early days of this incredible platform shift” said Sundar Pichai, the chief executive of Google parent firm Alphabet.
“We are encouraged to see not only an increase in search usage, but also an increase in user satisfaction,” Pichai said.
“This is just a glimpse of how we’re reimagining Google Search — combining the very best of Search today with Gemini’s advanced capabilities. Soon, Google will do the searching, simplifying, researching, planning, brainstorming and so much more” Reid said.
“For example, if you search for your license plate. In the past, you would find pictures of cars and you would have to scroll and find the license plate. We can automatically answer it now for you” Pichai said.
“You can also ask more complex questions.
The New Search Experience
Google introduces AI Overviews in Search after year-long Labs phase
Google is setting the SGE’s “AI Overviews” as the standard Search experience as of right now.
This new search experience, with the help of Gemini, will bring the traditional search results further down the page for a large number of searches where Google’s systems think that generative AI could be helpful.
Rollout begins in the US, with global access by the end of 2024
The rollout for all users is first for the US, and other countries are soon to follow.
By the end of 2024, Google estimates that more than a billion users will have access to AI Overviews.
New Options to Search
AI Overviews generate summaries and responses in real-time
Google will add a “web” option to search, so users can bypass AI answers and see just links, even though AI Overviews is the new feature but resembles Knowledge Panels or Featured Snippets.
The move comes amidst rising competition from industry stalwarts Microsoft, OpenAI, and Perplexity; the growing rise of AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Copilot, and Claude; and Google conforming to the changing, more conversational way consumers now interact with information.
Google’s Need for AI Search
New search experience prioritizes AI-generated results over traditional links
The possible effects of Google Search’s AI makeover on websites that significantly rely on Search traffic are one area of concern.
According to some estimates, this change may cause up to 25% of visitors to disappear over the next few years, making the problems that many websites already confront even worse.
Google is officially launching its AI-powered “Overviews” in Search for all users
Search advertisements will still show up in specific spots and will be clearly labeled as sponsored and organic results.
Search and shopping advertising beneath search results in SGE are among the new ad formats that Google is experimenting with, according to remarks made by Philipp Schindler, Alphabet’s chief business officer, last month.
FAQs
What are Google’s AI-powered Search Overviews?
Google’s AI-powered Search Overviews use generative AI to create summaries and responses in addition to traditional search results.
This new feature aims to provide more informative and concise answers to user queries.
How does the new Search Generative Experience work?
The Search Generative Experience integrates AI Overviews with regular search results, prioritizing AI-generated responses for relevant queries.
Traditional search results are moved further down the page when AI summaries are displayed.
When will the AI-powered Search Overviews be available to users?
The rollout for AI-powered Search Overviews has begun in the US and is expected to be available globally by the end of 2024.
Google estimates that more than a billion users will have access to this new search experience.
Can users opt to see traditional search results instead of AI Overviews?
Yes, Google is adding a “web” option to search, allowing users to bypass AI answers and see only traditional links.
This option provides flexibility for users who prefer the classic search experience.
Generative AI in Search : Does Google do the searching for you?
Get quick answers with AI Overviews
Sometimes you want a quick answer, but you don’t have time to piece together all the information you need. Search will do the work for you with AI Overviews.
People have already used AI Overviews billions of times through our experiment in Search Labs.
They like that they can get both a quick overview of a topic and links to learn more. We’ve found that with AI Overviews, people use Search more, and are more satisfied with their results.
So today, AI Overviews will begin rolling out to everyone in the U.S., with more countries coming soon.
That means that this week, hundreds of millions of users will have access to AI Overviews, and we expect to bring them to over a billion people by the end of the year.
With AI Overviews, people are visiting a greater diversity of websites for help with more complex questions.
And we see that the links included in AI Overviews get more clicks than if the page had appeared as a traditional web listing for that query. As we expand this experience, we’ll continue to focus on sending valuable traffic to publishers and creators.
As always, ads will continue to appear in dedicated slots throughout the page, with clear labeling to distinguish between organic and sponsored results.
Adjust your AI Overview
Soon, you’ll be able to adjust your AI Overview with options to simplify the language or break it down in more detail.
This can be particularly useful if you’re new to a topic, or if you’re trying to simplify something to satisfy your kid’s curiosity.
This update is coming soon to Search Labs, for English queries in the U.S.
Ask your most complex questions
With our custom Gemini model’s multi-step reasoning capabilities, AI Overviews will help with increasingly complex questions.
Rather than breaking your question into multiple searches, you can ask your most complex questions, with all the nuances and caveats you have in mind, all in one go.
For example, maybe you’re looking for a new yoga or pilates studio, and you want one that’s popular with locals, conveniently located for your commute, and also offers a discount for new members.
Soon, with just one search, you’ll be able to ask something like “find the best yoga or pilates studios in Boston and show me details on their intro offers, and walking time from Beacon Hill.”
These multi-step reasoning capabilities are coming soon to AI Overviews in Search Labs, for English queries in the U.S.
Plan ahead
Beyond finding the right answer or information for a complex question, Search will also be able to plan with you.
With planning capabilities directly in Search, you can get help creating plans for whatever you need, starting with meals and vacations.
Search for something like “create a 3 day meal plan for a group that’s easy to prepare,” and you’ll get a starting point with a wide range of recipes from across the web.
If you want to change anything, you can easily ask for whatever adjustments you need, like swapping dinner to a vegetarian dish. Just like that, Search will customize your meal plan. You’ll be able to quickly export your meal plan to Docs or Gmail.
Meal and trip planning are available now in Search Labs in English in the U.S. Later this year, we’ll add customization capabilities and more categories like parties, date night and workouts.
Explore an AI-organized results page
When you’re looking for fresh ideas, it can take a lot of work to find inspiration and consider all your options. Soon, when you’re looking for ideas, Search will use generative AI to brainstorm with you and create an AI-organized results page that makes it easy to explore.
You’ll see helpful results categorized under unique, AI-generated headlines, featuring a wide range of perspectives and content types.
For English searches in the U.S., you’ll start to see this new AI-organized search results page when you look for inspiration — starting soon with dining and recipes, followed by movies, music, books, hotels, shopping and more.
Take a video, get help from AI
Search is so much more than just words in a text box. Often the questions you have are about the things you see around you, including objects in motion.
Thanks to advancements in video understanding, we’re able to take visual search to a whole new level, with the ability to ask questions with video.
Maybe you bought a record player at a thrift shop, but it’s not working when you turn it on and the metal piece with the needle is drifting unexpectedly. Searching with video saves you the time and trouble of finding the right words to describe this issue, and you’ll get an AI Overview with steps and resources to troubleshoot.
Searching with video will be available soon for Search Labs users in English in the U.S., and we’ll expand to more regions over time.
This is just a glimpse of how we’re reimagining Google Search — combining the very best of Search today with the Gemini model’s advanced capabilities.
Soon, Google will do the searching, simplifying, researching, planning, brainstorming and so much more.
Recently, reports have said that the device has acquired Bluetooth certification and is expected to go live in a short period of time.
While Samsung has already revealed the sixth-gen devices for the Galaxy A5x, Galaxy A3x, Galaxy M1x, and Galaxy M5x series, the Galaxy M35 happens to be the next in line.
If past launches are anything to go by, however, some key specifications can be gleaned.
Features expected: Exynos 1380 chipset and 6GB RAM
The Galaxy M35 will likely sport the same 50MP main camera and 6.6-inch Full HD+ AMOLED display as the Galaxy A35.
Other features said to be on offer include a Mali G68 GPU, a triple-lens camera setup with a 50MP primary camera, and a large 6,000mAh battery with 25W fast charging support.
As the launch draws closer, Samsung is expected to unveil more information about the Galaxy M35, shedding light on its pricing, availability, and any additional unique selling points.
Samsung Galaxy M35 5G Specs
GENERAL
Sim Type
Dual Sim, GSM+GSM (Hybrid Slot)
Dual Sim
Yes
Sim Size
Nano+Nano SIM
Device Type
Smartphone
Release Date
June 20, 2024 (Expected)
In The Box
Handset, Data Cable (USB Type C to C), Ejection pin, Quick Start Guide
Savi Soin, Senior Vice President and President of Qualcomm India, said, “Our focus on delivering premium experiences has been crucial in driving long-term partnerships in the industry. Our latest Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 Mobile Platform provides a host of flagship level, specially selected capabilities, packed with the latest on-device AI experiences. What brings POCO and Qualcomm together is our shared commitment to bring best in-class smartphone experiences to people and we look forward to bringing these extraordinary experiences to the people of India with their latest device launch.”
Saurabh Arora, Mobile, Compute and XR Business Development Lead, Qualcomm India Pvt. Ltd., said, “We are excited about the launch of POCO F6 powered by Snapdragon 8s Gen 3. This platform is specially curated to deliver experiences that enhance your creativity, entertainment, productivity, and beyond. With capabilities including on-device generative AI, advanced photography features, hyper-realistic mobile gaming, blazing connectivity and lossless high-def sound, the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 is designed with your favourite Snapdragon 8-series platform features for an extraordinary user experience.”
Himanshu Tandon, Country Head, POCO, said, “As pioneers of innovation in the Indian smartphone market, POCO is thrilled to unveil its latest collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies. The POCO F series which has become synonymous with performance and innovation has been pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in a mid-range phone. Taking forward this legacy, the POCO F6 is set to redefine the industry as the first device in India featuring the powerful Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset. With a track record of delivering flagship-level Qualcomm chipsets in our F-series lineup, we’re propelling towards the forefront of the mobile industry, ushering in a new era of on-device intelligence and Gen AI experiences.”
Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 supports generative AI, advanced photography, and gaming
POCO F6: Rumoured Specs
POCO F6 to be first in India with Snapdragon 8s Gen 3
The Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 Mobile Platform is Qualcomm’s latest chipset designed to offer premium experiences with features like generative AI, advanced mobile gaming, connectivity, and high-definition sound.
When will the POCO F6 be launched in India?
POCO has announced that the F6 5G smartphone will be launched later this month. The device will feature the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 Mobile Platform and will be available for purchase on Flipkart.
What are the key features of the POCO F6?
The POCO F6 will include the powerful Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset, a 50MP rear camera with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), and a unique design with two circular camera modules and a ring-like flash.
When will the POCO F6 be available in India?
POCO has announced that the F6 will launch later this month. The device will be available for purchase on Flipkart, and the company has already teased its design and key specifications.
The 2024 ACSI survey interviewed 12,414 randomly selected consumers
The ACSI report did not provide a breakdown of each company’s score by category, but it did offer an overall look at the metrics and their year-over-year changes.
FAQs
What is the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI)?
The ACSI is an economic indicator that measures the satisfaction of consumers across various sectors, including the smartphone industry.
It is based on customer evaluations of the quality of products and services.
Why is the ACSI important for smartphone manufacturers?
The ACSI provides valuable insights into how consumers perceive and rate different smartphone brands.
High customer satisfaction scores can lead to increased brand loyalty, positive word-of-mouth, and potentially higher sales.
How did Samsung manage to catch up with Apple in the latest ACSI report?
According to the report, Samsung’s satisfaction score saw a 3% increase from the previous year, enabling it to tie with Apple at 82 out of 100.
This improvement allowed Samsung to close the gap and match Apple’s previously uncontested lead in customer satisfaction.
What factors contributed to the industry-wide improvement in customer satisfaction?
The increasing popularity of 5G smartphones is cited as a driving force behind the overall improvement in customer satisfaction within the industry.
The ACSI report found that 5G phones outperformed legacy technology in satisfaction by nearly 10 points, scoring 82 compared to 73 for non-5G devices.
There were stunning demonstrations and a palpable feeling in the air—so much so that Apple users were highly speculating about a possible Apple-OpenAI collaboration for iOS 18.
ChatGPT App for Desktop
ChatGPT Mac App with Screen-Viewing Feature Could Have Ethical Considerations
Unlike an agent that follows commands without question, a senior employee would challenge requests that seem illogical.
FAQs
What is the new feature in the ChatGPT Mac app?
The new feature allows ChatGPT to see and interact with the content on your screen, aiding tasks such as coding problems.
Initially, users can manually capture or upload screenshots, with future updates enabling full screen access with a single click.
Will the screen-viewing feature be available on other platforms?
Yes, the screen-viewing feature will also be available on iOS and iPadOS apps, demonstrating its utility in a tutoring context and providing a more interactive user experience across devices.
What is GPT-4o and what are its capabilities?
GPT-4o is OpenAI’s latest flagship model, offering significantly faster response times, improved natural language processing, and the ability to integrate with various applications.
It aims to enhance productivity and provide more nuanced responses.
Is there a confirmed collaboration between Apple and OpenAI?
While there is speculation about a potential Apple-OpenAI collaboration for iOS 18, no official confirmation has been made.
The anticipation is based on the new AI features and the native Mac app for ChatGPT.
Gemini AI introduced with AI Overview and Ask Photos features.
New AI models Imagine 3 and Veo for creating images and videos.
AI integration into Google Workspace with the new Gemini app.
Android 15 and Wear OS 5 updates announced with advanced AI capabilities.
Google I/O 2024 has just concluded and Google has shown off some of its latest products and updates.
No hardware announcements as such, but oh boy there was a lot to digest on the software front.
This year, there were many exciting unveilings related to artificial intelligence (AI) as well as updates to Android and Wear OS (software for wearable devices).
In Gmail, Gemini will summarize emails, write responses, and do actions you request to make email easier.
They also introduced an AI teammate named Chip that can monitor resources and track project progress in Workspace, showing AI’s potential for collaboration.
The New Gemini App and Gemini Gems
Gemini AI introduced with AI Overview and Ask Photos features
The new Gemini app is an upgraded Google Assistant that communicates through text, voice, and video.
It has a conversational interface called Gemini Live.
What is Gemini AI, and what new features does it bring?
Gemini AI, formerly known as Bard, is a central feature announced at Google I/O 2024.
It introduces AI Overview for improved search and Ask Photos for natural language photo searches. It also enhances the Notebook LM learning tool and supports over 35 languages.
How does Project Astra enhance AI capabilities?
Project Astra connects Gemini AI to cameras, enabling it to see and understand the environment.
This technology allows Gemini to identify and explain objects, hinting at future applications like smart glasses with AI capabilities.
What new AI models were introduced for creating digital content?
Google introduced Imagine 3 for creating images from text descriptions and Veo for making high-definition videos and editing existing ones.
These models showcase Google’s advancements in AI-driven content creation.
How is Gemini AI integrated into Google Workspace?
Gemini AI is being integrated into Google Workspace to enhance productivity.
Features include email summarization, automated responses, and task management through a new AI teammate named Chip.
What are the key updates in Android 15 and Wear OS 5?
Android 15 includes advanced AI capabilities, better accessibility features, and on-device processing for privacy. Wear OS 5 aims to improve the functionality and user experience of Google’s wearable devices.
How can I locate EV charging stations using Google Maps?
You can find nearby EV charging stations directly through the Google Maps app. This feature helps you plan routes and locate chargers efficiently.
What new feature helps with road visibility on Google Maps?
Roads are now highlighted in blue when searched on Google Maps, making it easier to identify and navigate them, especially in unfamiliar areas.
Does Google Maps provide detailed descriptions of charging stations?
Yes, Google Maps uses AI-powered summaries based on user reviews to describe the specific locations of charging stations, making it easier to find them.
Can I see hotels with EV charging facilities on Google Maps?
Yes, Google Maps now displays hotels with EV charging facilities, catering to the needs of electric vehicle owners.
How do I change the default gas station preference to EV charging stations in Google Maps?
You can change this preference in the navigation settings of the app, prioritizing EV charging stations instead of nearby gas stations.
What are AI-powered summaries for google maps for EV Vehicles ?
Locating charging stations has often posed a challenge for EV owners, especially in unfamiliar areas or complex environments like multi-level parking lots. To address this issue, Google Maps will now show AI-powered summaries derived from user reviews to precisely pinpoint the location of chargers. These summaries will provide detailed instructions, ensuring users can navigate effortlessly to the charging point.
What are Nearby chargers on the in-car map ?
Google Maps is also enhancing the in-car navigation experience for EV drivers by displaying nearby charging stations directly on the map.
This feature will offer real-time data on port availability and charging speeds, enabling users to make informed decisions while on the move.
With a global rollout planned in the coming months, this update will provide added convenience to drivers with Google-built-in vehicles.
What are Suggested charging stops on Google Maps?
Google Maps is also enhancing its existing feature that recommends optimal charging locations for vehicles with Google built-in.
This functionality now extends to multi-stop journeys. Imagine you’re planning a summer adventure across national parks – Google Maps will analyse your car’s battery level and intelligently suggest charging stops along the way, ensuring a smooth and worry-free trip.
This update is set for a global rollout in the coming months, but only for vehicles with Google’s built-in system.
What is EV filter on Google maps?
Google is also introducing a new EV filter on google.com/travel.
This filter will allow users to search for hotels equipped with on-site EV charging stations, ensuring a seamless transition from road trip to comfortable stay, all within the familiar Google Search interface.
How to find the nearest charging station using Google Maps?
Open Google Maps app on your smartphone
On the home screen, scroll right to left on the preset search options (just below the search bar)
Tap on “More” option and choose “Charging Stations”
That’s it, Google Maps will now list down all the charging stations available near you.
How to find charging stations while using Google Maps ?
To find charging stations while using Google Maps, head to settings and define your charger type from the Maps settings under EV charging settings option.
Once done, Google maps will list your charging stations within the active maps just like it does with the gas stations.
POCO gained 5.9% market share, surpassing OnePlus in shipments
5G smartphones comprised 69% of shipments, with a 21% drop in average selling price
The Indian phone market grew 11.5% in Q1 2024, with 34 million units shipped, says IDC.
This marks the third straight quarter of growth.
Q4 2023 had a 25% rise in shipments year over year.
“Mass-market brands are prioritizing value-driven strategies in response to sluggish demand growth in the volume-driven segment,” said Chaurasia. “In Q1, brands such as Xiaomi, vivo, and OPPO introduced their latest models – Redmi Note 13, V30, and Reno 11 series – at a higher price compared to the previous generation models. Vendors are aggressively pricing their products to capitalize on the premiumization trend fueled by wider channel access and easy financing options.
Price hikes are expected to continue as operational pressures rise due to higher component costs, despite import duty reductions on a few parts. Brands are also prioritizing channel incentives and retail investments, driving costs up further. This year, brands will look to justify incremental pricing beyond the 5G capabilities. This will be mainly through design language, user experience and other integrated smartphone AIoT offerings.”
“Emphasis on localization in the Indian smartphone ecosystem has become inevitable,” said Chaurasia. “While in 2024 growth catalysts seem to be limited to just 5G device upgrades and premiumization, vendors must focus on long-term strategies for share sustainability.
Amid the government localization push, vendors must further focus on restructuring local distribution, leveraging local manufacturing partners and appointing Indian leadership. Additionally, they need to prioritize enhancing user experience and educating consumers for effective device engagement. Expanding into smaller cities, bolstering mainline retail, and building channel confidence will be crucial.”
While most brands achieved double-digit growth in Q1, brands outside the top 5 continue to challenge the market share of leading players,” said Canalys Senior Analyst Sanyam Chaurasia. “Vendors’ price correction and promotional strategies towards the end of Q4 2023 assisted inventory management in Q1. Republic Day sales in January accelerated the momentum, with brands leveraging promotions to push their latest offerings. Samsung’s latest flagship Galaxy S24 had a stronger volume than its predecessor, owing to lucrative pre-booking offers on upgrade value, Samsung Finance+ and extensive AI features marketing. Xiaomi saw a robust Q1 resurgence fueled by the Redmi 13C 5G and Redmi Note 13 5G series, along with POCO’s early launch of the X6 series.
OPPO saw a modest decline, having streamlined its portfolio with fewer new releases in the mid-high price ranges. Out of the top 5 – Motorola, Infinix, and Apple achieved high double-digit growth, narrowing the market share gap from top players. Apple’s growth was driven by its cashcow iPhone 15 model which received multiple price cuts and promotional deals on the e-commerce platform.”
“The first few months of the year have provided momentum for the smartphone market in India. However, the second half of the year will be crucial. IDC estimates a modest overall annual growth in the mid-single digits for 2024,” says Navkendar Singh, Associate Vice President, of Devices Research, IDC.
Commenting on the market value dynamics, Senior Research Analyst Shilpi Jain said, “During the quarter, India’s smartphone market reached its highest ever Q1 value. The growth was driven by the strengthening trend of premiumization, with consumers upgrading to higher-value smartphones across price tiers. According to Counterpoint’s Consumer Lens survey, more than one-third of mid-tier consumers are willing to upgrade to the premium segment. Factors driving this trend include affordable financing schemes, better value for trade-ins, and bundled schemes, along with the demand for top-tier features such as AI, gaming, and imaging enhancements.
With a one-fourth share, Samsung led the market in terms of value. Also, at ~$425, Samsung’s ASP was its highest ever, driven by its leading position in the >INR 20,000 segment. This can be attributed to a stronger mix of its newly launched Galaxy S24 series due to its features such as GenAI, and the newly revamped A series, along with the increasing popularity of Samsung’s financing schemes. Apple also had a record quarter in India in terms of value, leading the premium segment both in value and volume terms, driven by the latest iPhone 15 series, especially in offline channels.”
Commenting on the market dynamics, Research Analyst Shubham Singh said, “The onset of 2024 brought a promising start for OEMs, with better inventory levels allowing them to fill channels with multiple new launches. However, sales were less than expected due to a drop in retail footfalls and a section of consumers cutting down on discretionary spending.
During the quarter, vivo captured the top spot by volume for the first time ever, with a 19% share driven by its 5G leadership and CMF (Color, Material, Finish) positioning, along with strong imaging capabilities. Key OEMs focused on diversifying their channel strategies during the quarter, which led to growth in shipments in offline channels, with inventory building up by the end of the quarter.”
Fueling Growth: New Launches and Promotions
Indian Smartphone Market Soars in Q1 2024: POCO Beats OnePlus for 6th Place and More
All this helped drive demand and reduce inventories.
“Several new launches across multiple price segments happened during the quarter, coupled with increased promotional activities, particularly around premium offerings. Brands continued their focus on microfinancing schemes to drive affordability. eTailers organized several sales events and offered discounts on models nearing their end-of-life (EOL), resulting in increased demand and lean inventory,” said Upasana Joshi, Senior Research Manager, Client Devices, IDC India.
Market Dynamics: Segments and Brands
Indian phone market grew 11.5% in Q1 2024 with 34 million units shipped
The mass budget segment, which is priced between US$100 and US$200, posted a year-on-year growth of 22%, taking up a 48% share, five percentage points higher than a year ago. Vivo, Xiaomi, and Samsung put together held a 53% share of this segment.
The entry-premium segment (US$200-US$400) expanded to a 23% market share, growing by 25% year-on-year, with OPPO and Realme accounting for nearly 30% of this segment.
They also improve the user experience with strong after-sales service and support.
Mr. Himanshu Tandon, Country Head, POCO India, said in a statement, “POCO’s remarkable progress is a clear reflection of our unwavering dedication to innovation and our deep understanding of our consumers’ needs. As we move forward, we are more determined than ever to maintain this momentum and set new benchmarks in the industry. We owe this milestone to the massive support and love that we have received from our POCO family. We believe that 2024 holds great promise for us.”
5G Smartphones: Gaining Traction
The top shipped 5G models were the Xiaomi Redmi 13C, Vivo T2x, Samsung Galaxy A15, Vivo Y28, and Apple iPhone 14
Of these total shipments, 23 million were 5G smartphones, comprising 69% of the market, up significantly from 46% in Q1 2023.
However, there is the luring of first-time smartphone users and keeping a check on the impact of the second-hand market.
Moreover, market concentration amongst the top brands is weakening, with smaller brands and sub-brands gaining in volume.
FAQs
What was the growth rate of the Indian phone market in Q1 2024?
The Indian phone market grew by 11.5% in Q1 2024, with 34 million units shipped.
Which segment saw the highest year-on-year growth?
The mass budget segment, priced between US$100 and US$200, posted a 22% year-on-year growth, capturing a 48% market share.
How did POCO perform in Q1 2024?
POCO experienced significant growth, achieving a 5.9% market share and surpassing OnePlus in smartphone shipments.
What percentage of the market did 5G smartphones capture?
In Q1 2024, 5G smartphones accounted for 69% of the market, with 23 million units shipped.
What was the average selling price for 5G smartphones in Q1 2024?
The average selling price for 5G smartphones dropped by 21% year-on-year to US$337 in Q1 2024.
What is Indian smartphone segment wise analysis for Q1 2024 ?
Segment-wise Analysis
Entry-Level Segment (Sub-US$100)
Declined by 14% year-over-year, capturing a 15% market share, down from 20% a year ago.
Xiaomi led this segment, followed by POCO and itel. Mass Budget Segment (US$100<US$200)
Witnessed a 22% year-over-year growth, reaching a 48% market share, up from 44% a year ago.
The top three brands were vivo, Xiaomi, and Samsung, collectively holding 53% of this segment.
Entry-Premium Segment (US$200<US$400)
Expanded to a 23% market share, growing by 25% year-over-year.
OPPO and realme gained significant shares, accounting for nearly 30% of this segment.
Mid-Premium Segment (US$400<US$600)
Experienced a 46% decline in unit terms, representing a 3% market share, down from 6% a year ago.
OnePlus led this segment with a 38% share, followed by vivo and OPPO.
Premium Segment (US$600<US$800)
Held a 2% market share and witnessed a 21% decline in unit terms.
Key models included the iPhone 13, Galaxy S23FE/S23, iPhone 12, and OnePlus12.
Apple’s share declined year-over-year to 45%, while Samsung increased its share to 44%, up from 16% a year ago.
Super-Premium Segment (US$800+)
Recorded the highest growth at 44%, increasing its share from 7% to 9%.
The iPhone14/15/14 Plus/15 Plus dominated this segment with a 64% share, followed by the Galaxy S24/S24 Ultra/S23/S24+ with a 25% share.
Apple led the segment with a 69% share, followed by Samsung at 31%.
What are the 5G Smartphone Trends for Indian Smartphone Market ?
Out of the total shipments, 23 million were 5G smartphones, constituting 69% of the market. This reflects a significant rise from 46% in 1Q23.
The average selling price (ASP) of 5G smartphones decreased by 21% YoY to US$337 in 1Q24.
Within the 5G category, the mass budget segment (US$100<US$200) observed a threefold growth, capturing a 46% market share.
Top shipped 5G models included Xiaomi’s Redmi 13C, vivo’s T2x, Samsung’s Galaxy A15, vivo’s Y28, and Apple’s iPhone 14.
What is Brand wise Performance for India Smartphone Market ?
POCO exhibited remarkable YoY growth of 72.2% in Q1 2024, securing a 5.9% market share and surpassing OnePlus in shipments.
vivo emerged as the leading brand, overtaking Samsung, with a diverse product portfolio across price segments and distribution channels.
Motorola registered the highest growth among the top 10 brands, primarily driven by affordable launches.
Apple witnessed a 19% YoY growth in shipments, with iPhone 14/15 constituting 56% of total shipments.
As it did ahead of the US launch, Apple is holding multi-day trainings to teach employees how to demonstrate the advanced device and answer customer questions.
Training held in Cupertino for staff from Australia, China, Germany, and other countries
Australia, China, Germany, France, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore are the countries from which retail staff have been flown to Cupertino for the training, suggesting that they may be among the first countries to receive the headset outside America.
Gurman writes: The company began holding training sessions in recent days and has flown hundreds of employees from its international stores to Cupertino, California, to learn how to demonstrate the device for customers, according to people with knowledge of the matter…the company is training workers from Germany, France, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore and China, indicating that those areas will be some of the first international markets for the device.
Will the Vision Pro Arrive in India?
Apple Prepares for International Launch of Vision Pro Mixed Reality Headset; Could Happen After WWDC
Notably, the launch plans conspicuously exclude India from the rollout, even though the company’s CEO, Tim Cook, had previously hinted that the device may make its way to China by 2024.
Vision Pro’s international release likely after WWDC in June.
Months after it went on sale in the US, the Vision Pro doesn’t seem to be raking in the cash it once was.
According to reports, Apple has cut shipments due to lackluster sales, and some stores reportedly move only a few units a week.
In areas such as Hong Kong, resellers are even selling the headset for lower than its retail price.
No Imminent Refresh on the Horizon
Apple trains international employees for Vision Pro launch outside the US
Which countries are the first to receive the Apple Vision Pro outside the US?
Apple has trained employees from Australia, China, Germany, France, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore, indicating these countries might be among the first to receive the headset.
When is the Apple Vision Pro expected to launch internationally?
While the exact date is not confirmed, reports indicate the Vision Pro will reach new markets after Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference in June.
Why is India not included in the initial international rollout of the Vision Pro?
Despite previous hints from CEO Tim Cook about a possible launch in China by 2024, India is not included in the initial rollout plans.
How have Vision Pro sales been since its launch in the US?
Reports suggest that Apple has cut shipments due to lackluster sales, with some stores moving only a few units per week, and resellers in places like Hong Kong selling the headset below retail price.
