Google Pixel shipments dipped to 2 million units in Q1 2024.
Q4 2023 saw a 4% year-over-year decline in shipments.
Google Pixel achieved 10 million global shipments in 2023.
Revenue from Pixel chipsets increased by 36% year-over-year.
According to a recent estimate byglobal research firm Canalys, shipments of Google Pixel smartphones fell marginally in Q1 2024 to approximately 2 million units.
While this is broadly consistent with Q1 2023, it represents a reduction of approximately 1 million units from the previous quarter, Q4 2023, which witnessed a 4% year-over-year decline.
Furthermore, the Pixel has been gaining traction in areas such as Japan, accounting for approximately 3% of the smartphone market share in North America.
Furthermore, according to the Canalys analysis, Google’s revenue from these chipsets increased by 36% year on year, indicating that, while unit sales may have slowed, the Mountain View giant’s cash stream remains strong.
Contextualizing the Dip
Q4 2023 saw a 4% year-over-year decline in shipments.
While any decline in shipments raises eyebrows, the temporary dip has to be considered against the bigger backdrop of the Pixel.
The nature of smartphone markets is to fluctuate, and minor quarterly adjustments are not unknown, especially in an ever-evolving, highly competitive mobile device landscape.
How many Google Pixel units were shipped in Q1 2024?
Approximately 2 million Google Pixel units were shipped in Q1 2024, reflecting a slight decline from the previous quarter.
How did Google Pixel shipments in Q1 2024 compare to Q1 2023?
The shipments in Q1 2024 were broadly consistent with Q1 2023 but showed a reduction of about 1 million units from Q4 2023.
What was the performance of Tensor chipsets in the market?
Tensor chipsets, found in Google Pixels, had the smallest category of shipments, with Huawei outperforming Tensor by shipping 8 million units during the same period.
Did Google Pixel achieve any significant milestones in 2023?
Yes, Google Pixel achieved a significant milestone in 2023 by shipping 10 million units globally and gaining traction in key markets such as Japan and North America.
Geekbench listings report a base clock speed of 2.02GHz and a peak of 2.30GHz, which suggests it may be a new Snapdragon 4 Gen 3 chipset.
The listings on the shop pages point out that the Moto G85 5G will come in two variants: a base model with 8GB RAM, and one higher-end model with 12GB RAM and 256GB of storage.
The latter will supposedly cost around €300 (£260).
Imminent Launch
Leaked renders show Moto G85 5G with curved-edge display and slim bezel
With renders and specifications now making their way into the public domain, it is anticipated that Motorola will officially unveil the Moto G85 5G in the near future.
The Moto G85 5G features a much-altered design from its predecessor, the Moto G84. It includes a curved-edge display, slim bezel, and a uni-body dual-camera bump with an LED flash module on the back.
What are the camera specifications of the Moto G85 5G?
The Moto G85 5G boasts a 50MP primary camera with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), indicating a strong imaging system for a mid-range smartphone.
Which chipset powers the Moto G85 5G?
Leaks suggest that the Moto G85 5G is powered by an unannounced Qualcomm chipset with an Adreno 619 GPU, similar to the Snapdragon 695 and Snapdragon 480 chipsets. Geekbench listings hint it may be a new Snapdragon 4 Gen 3 chipset.
What are the available variants and pricing of the Moto G85 5G?
The Moto G85 5G will come in two variants: a base model with 8GB RAM and a higher-end model with 12GB RAM and 256GB of storage. The higher-end model is expected to cost around €300 (£260).
Despite pushing the repair-friendly process of paperwork and supplying the right stuff to small, local repair shops, there was a host of problems iFixit faced, which indicated that Samsung might not be that committed to accessible repairs.
The major roadblocks for iFixit included parts being exorbitantly priced, making it cheaper for users to replace gadgets than to repair them, and Samsung’s designs where the gadgets come bonded and require expensive pre-glued bundles to fix.
More than half of iFixit’s 100,000+ instructions are authored by the community of repair people, and it asks them to share their expertise.
The elimination of limits on part quantity will help repair companies that, until now, were hobbled by those rules.
Broader Repair Advocacy
iFixit continues to support repair-friendly practices and regulations.
iFixit remains committed to supporting repair-friendly practices and regulations, having just introduced repair parts for Kobo devices and added more than 10,000 new components this year alone, including laptop batteries and refrigerator ice makers.
Independent repair businesses are under threat from monopolistic actions that limit access to critical components and tools.
Future Initiatives
iFixit, one of the most prominent right-to-repair campaigners
It will be releasing new repairability scorecards for other classes of devices, and partnering with third-party point-of-sale providers to make repair content more easily available.
The decision to end the Samsung partnership highlights iFixit’s ongoing mission to prioritize repairability and consumer choice, even when faced with challenges from major manufacturers.
FAQs
Why did iFixit end its partnership with Samsung?
iFixit ended its partnership with Samsung due to concerns over repairability, including high parts prices and designs requiring expensive pre-glued bundles, which made repairs less accessible and affordable.
What were the main issues iFixit faced with Samsung?
The main issues included exorbitantly priced parts, designs where gadgets were bonded, requiring costly pre-glued bundles, and a lack of follow-through on public repair programs by Samsung.
What changes will take effect after iFixit ends the partnership?
Starting June 2024, iFixit will no longer be an official distributor of Samsung parts and tools. Existing guides will remain, but no new guides will be published in partnership with Samsung.
Will iFixit still offer Samsung repair kits?
Yes, iFixit will continue to offer repair kits with Samsung components, sourcing OEM parts when possible and clearly stating if parts are genuine or generic.
From advocating the use of non-toxic glue to pizza sauce to promote cheese adhesion to advising the daily eating of rocks for digestive health, these AI-generated responses have cast serious doubt on the technology’s dependability and safety.
Google’s AI search tool gives hazardous and absurd suggestions
Lack of discernment and common sense.
One particularly scary situation was when the AI accepted a user’s clearly joking statement of a dog giving birth to a cow as fact, showing a basic lack of common sense and the inability to recognize satire from the truth.
Another bizarre example saw the AI claiming astronauts provide massages and sing to sleep while in space, casting doubt on the AI’s knowledge base.
Erosion of User Trust
AI fails to recognize satire, showing a lack of common sense.
Some of the recommendations, like adding glue to dishes, can be dismissed as ridiculous, but far more severe are those that would include rock consumption—these pose real hazards to user health
This is because it fails to exercise judgment and to eliminate harmful content—a failure that seriously diminishes its credibility.
Google’s Response and Way Forward
Errors include recommending eating rocks and using glue in food
In response, Google said it is conscious of the criticism but maintains that the examples are very rare and don’t represent the larger experiences of users.
The business said it will go to great lengths to avoid showing results that violate its policies and will act accordingly if it does happen.
What kind of errors has Google’s AI search tool made?
Google’s AI search tool has made several serious errors, such as recommending the consumption of rocks for digestive health and suggesting the use of non-toxic glue in pizza sauce for better cheese adhesion.
How did the AI handle a user’s satirical statement?
The AI failed to recognize a satirical statement where a user joked about a dog giving birth to a cow, accepting it as fact and demonstrating a lack of basic discernment and common sense.
Why are these AI search errors concerning for users?
These errors are concerning because they can potentially mislead users into acting on dangerous or absurd recommendations, eroding trust in the reliability and safety of Google’s search engine.
What is Google’s response to the criticism of its AI search tool?
Google has acknowledged the criticism but maintains that these examples are very rare and do not reflect the broader user experience. The company is committed to preventing such errors and ensuring user safety.
Total revenue rose 27% year on year to RMB75.5 billion, which is £7.4 billion.
Most importantly, its adjusted net profit rose to an all-time high of RMB 6.5 bln, or £640m, which doubled year on year despite heavy investments in its smart electric vehicle business.
Xiaomi’s Stellar Q1 2024 Performance Powered by Diversified Growth Engines
Gross profit margin rose to 22.3%, up 2.8 percentage points year on year.
Smartphone shipments were up 33.7% to 40.6 million units, marking the third consecutive quarter of growth.
Smartphone revenue also continued its growth streak for the fourth quarter in a row, coming in at RMB46.5 billion.
The IoT and lifestyle segment is also doing well, with record revenue of RMB20.4 billion, up 21% year over year, driven by innovation in smart home appliances.
The SU7, praised for its eco-friendly technology, received over 88,000 orders in just a few weeks, prompting Xiaomi to target 100,000 deliveries in 2024 alone.
Its strong quarterly results confirm this diversification strategy’s early success.
FAQs
How much did Xiaomi’s revenue grow in Q1 2024?
Xiaomi’s revenue grew by 27% year-on-year in Q1 2024, reaching RMB 75.5 billion, which is approximately £7.4 billion.
What was Xiaomi’s adjusted net profit for Q1 2024?
Xiaomi’s adjusted net profit for Q1 2024 reached an all-time high of RMB 6.5 billion, or £640 million, doubling year-on-year despite significant investments in its smart electric vehicle business.
How did Xiaomi’s smartphone shipments perform in Q1 2024?
Xiaomi’s smartphone shipments increased by 33.7%, totaling 40.6 million units in Q1 2024. This marked the third consecutive quarter of growth in smartphone shipments.
What were the highlights of Xiaomi’s IoT and lifestyle segment in Q1 2024?
The IoT and lifestyle segment achieved record revenue of RMB 20.4 billion, up 21% year-over-year, driven by innovation in smart home appliances.
Major privacy flaw found in Apple’s Wi-Fi Positioning System.
Researchers demonstrate tracking military movements using the flaw.
Starlink mitigates issue with randomized router IDs.
Apple plans to limit database access to protect privacy.
Security researchers have uncovered a significant privacy risk in how Apple’s mobile devices determine their location.
The issue lies in Apple’s Wi-Fi Positioning System (WPS),which uses a massive database ofWi-Fi routers to pinpoint a device’s whereabouts, especially in areas with poor GPS signal.
Unlike Google, which processes location data on its servers, Apple’s approach sends nearby router details to the device itself, allowing it to calculate its position.
However, researchers found that querying Apple’s system could reveal the locations of up to 400 additional routers nearby.
Apple Location Services vulnerability discovered
By repeatedly exploiting this, they could essentially recreate Apple’s entire global WPS database.
While Starlink has already randomized router IDs to mitigate the issue, the vulnerability raises serious privacy concerns about unintended location tracking of individuals and sensitive sites like military bases or domestic violence shelters.
Apple states it will limit database access to address the flaw.
Starlink mitigates issue with randomized router IDs.
However, the incident underscores the privacy trade-offs of location services and the need for more robust safeguards.
Users can opt-out of having their home routers mapped by adding “_nomap” to their network name, but a more comprehensive solution is needed from Apple to regain trust.
This hard-learned lesson should prompt better privacy protections as our ubiquitous connected devices continue evolving.
Companies must weigh operational conveniences against fundamental rights to privacy and security.
FAQs
What is the privacy flaw in Apple’s location tracking system?
The privacy flaw lies in Apple’s Wi-Fi Positioning System (WPS), which uses a large database of Wi-Fi routers to determine a device’s location. Researchers discovered that querying Apple’s system could expose the locations of up to 400 nearby routers, enabling them to recreate the entire global WPS database.
How did researchers demonstrate the severity of this flaw?
Researchers demonstrated the flaw’s severity by tracking the movements of military forces in Ukraine using data from Starlink satellite internet routers.
What steps has Apple taken to address this privacy issue?
In response to the identified flaw, Apple has stated that it will limit access to its WPS database to prevent misuse.
Why is this privacy flaw particularly concerning for sensitive sites?
The privacy flaw is particularly concerning for sensitive sites like military bases and domestic violence shelters because it allows for unintended location tracking. This could compromise the security and privacy of these locations, potentially putting individuals at risk.
Google’s updated Weather app now on more Android phones.
Features sleek Material You design and NowCast functionality.
Real-time precipitation forecasts enhance user experience.
Availability not limited to latest Android versions.
Google’s redesigned Weather app with its modern look and enhanced features is being spotted across a wider range of Android smartphones, not just Pixel devices.
Originally exclusive to the Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet, the updated app has now appeared on recent models like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4,OnePlus Open,Honor Magic 6 RS, and even some older phones running outdated Android versions.
Weather App’s New Features
Google’s redesigned weather interface displayed on a Pixel 7, showcasing a sleek and modern look with enhanced visuals and functionality
But the real highlight is the new NowCast feature, providing hyper-local, real-time precipitation forecasts down to the minute.
This gives Android users an experience akin to Apple’s popular Dark Sky weather platform after its departure from Android left a gap.
While the extent of the rollout remains unclear, reports indicate the redesigned app doesn’t necessarily require the latest Android OS.
Interesting, my old Nokia 4.2 got the new Google Weather “app” after an update to the Google app, today. This phone is on Android 11. I have never seen the new Google Weather on anything but a Pixel on Android 14, so it must be more widely rolling out.
— Sir Plew (@LBPHeretic) May 23, 2024
This suggests Google may be making more of its AI-powered services available across the Android ecosystem over time.
Let’s see how users actually react to this brand-new weather app though, before passing any judgment.
Google Expands Improved Weather App to More Android Devices.
FAQs:
Which phones are now receiving the updated Google Weather app?
The redesigned Google Weather app is now appearing on a variety of Android devices, including recent models like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4, OnePlus Open, and Honor Magic 6 RS, as well as some older phones running outdated Android versions.
What are the new features of Google’s updated Weather app?
The updated Weather app boasts a sleek Material You design and vibrant aesthetics, with the standout feature being NowCast, which provides hyper-local, real-time precipitation forecasts down to the minute.
Is the updated Google Weather app available only on the latest Android OS?
No, reports indicate that the redesigned Weather app does not necessarily require the latest Android OS, suggesting that Google is extending its AI-powered services across the Android ecosystem.
Why is the updated Google Weather app significant for Android users?
The revamped Weather app offers an experience similar to Apple’s popular Dark Sky platform, filling the gap left by its departure from Android. This enhances the overall user experience with hyper-local weather updates.
People prefer the classic “ten blue links” format for its no-frills value, especially when one wants to read through detailed information or access sites with low internet bandwidth.
Google recognized this trend by providing a “Web” filter worldwide, although the placement differs depending on mobile or desktop device use.
The filter is clearly accessible on smartphones but can be found under “More” options on PCs.
“We’ve added this after hearing from some that there are times when they’d prefer to just see links to web pages in their search results, such as if they’re looking for longer-form text documents, using a device with limited internet access, or those who just prefer text-based results shown separately from search features,” stated Google.
To use this filter
Start a Google Search as usual.
Tap the “Web” Filter: At the top of the search results page, you’ll find various filters. Tap the “Web” filter to view only text-based links without additional AI content.
If the “Web” filter isn’t immediately visible, it can be found under the “More” options menu.
This method ensures you bypass AI Overviews and other clutter like knowledge panels and featured snippets.
Quick URL Trick for Web Filter
New “Web” filter lets users bypass AI content for classic text-based results
Another way to access the “Web” filter is by adding “&udm=14” to the end of your Google search URL.
This trick can be implemented in various browsers:
Google Chrome
Go to Settings > Search Engine.
Edit the Google Search engine and input “{google:baseURL}search?q=%s&udm=14” into the URL field.
Microsoft Edge
Navigate to Settings > Privacy, search, and services > Address bar and search > Manage search engines.
Edit the Google Search engine and input the same URL format.
Other Chromium-based browsers, such as Brave, Opera, and Vivaldi, follow the same processes as Chrome and Edge.
Mozilla Firefox
Various browser settings allow for automated text-based search results
A service called “TenBlueLinks.org” allows you to automate this operation.
Also, a website called “udm14.com” can lead any search to Google’s “Web” filter.
These solutions provide a way for users to revert to a simpler, more traditional way of searching, answering the fears brought about by recent AI-powered modifications.
FAQs
What are AI Overviews in Google Search?
AI Overviews are new features in Google Search that provide quick answers directly in the search results, often leading to clutter and inaccuracies.
How can I bypass AI Overviews in Google Search?
You can bypass AI Overviews by using the “Web” filter, which shows only text-based links, or by adding “&udm=14” to the end of your Google search URL.
Where can I find the “Web” filter on Google Search?
The “Web” filter is readily accessible on mobile devices. On desktops, it may be found under the “More” options menu in the search results.
Can I automate the use of the “Web” filter in Google Chrome?
Yes, by editing the search engine settings in Chrome and adding “{google:baseURL}search?q=%s&udm=14” into the URL field.
Is the “Web” filter available on all browsers?
The “Web” filter can be accessed on Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Brave, Opera, Vivaldi, and Mozilla Firefox using specific URL adjustments or services like TenBlueLinks.org.
The slow scrolling problem has been prevalent on a number of Android TV devices.
Google has also implemented “faster data loading” in Android 14 for TV.
Furthermore, the update promises a 20% reduction in storage usage, although the specifics of how these improvements were achieved are not yet available.
Energy Efficiency Modes
Android 14 for TV offers significant reductions in boot latency and cold start-up times
Besides performance improvements, Android 14 for TV has two new energy modes: Low Energy and Optimized Energy.
Low-energy mode, applied when the device is on standby, actually cuts off network connectivity but continues some crucial updates and services.
Introduction of Low Energy and Optimized Energy modes to improve energy efficiency
Android 14 for TV also features an advanced energy mode with extra functions available while the TV is not in use, such as cast-over Ethernet and Google Home Platform controls.
When on standby, TVs with Android 14 for TV will not exceed 2W of power consumption.
Android 14 for TV promises a 20% reduction in storage usage and lower memory device optimization
During the session, “What’s New on Google TV and the Android TV OS,” at Google I/O, it was Paul Lammertsma, a Developer Relations Engineer on Android, who underlined these improvements, explaining how important they are for developers to build engaging apps for the next generation of TVs.
Lower Memory Device Optimization
Google has now elaborated on the exact performance improvements.
What are the key performance improvements in Android 14 for TV?
Android 14 for TV reduces boot latency and cold start-up times, enhancing both vertical and horizontal scrolling performance.
How much has the cold start-up time improved for the Google TV home screen launcher?
The cold start-up time for the Google TV home screen launcher has decreased by over 4 seconds.
What new energy modes are introduced in Android 14 for TV?
Android 14 for TV introduces Low Energy and Optimized Energy modes to enhance energy efficiency during standby.
What benefits do the new energy modes offer?
Low Energy mode cuts off network connectivity while maintaining crucial updates, and Optimized Energy mode enables services like Google Assistant and Wi-Fi casting from standby.
How does Android 14 for TV comply with upcoming EU energy regulations?
TVs with Android 14 for TV will not exceed 2W of power consumption in standby mode, aligning with the upcoming EU regulations effective from May 9, 2025.
What screen sizes is Apple considering for the foldable MacBook?
Apple is considering two screen sizes: 20.25 inches and 18.8 inches, which, when folded, will be equivalent to 14-15 inches and 13-14 inches, respectively.
Who will supply the foldable panels for the MacBook?
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes that LG Display will be the exclusive supplier of the foldable panels for the MacBook.
When will production of the foldable panels begin?
Production of the foldable panels is expected to start in the fourth quarter of 2025.
What chip will power the foldable MacBook?
The foldable MacBook will be powered by Apple’s upcoming M5 chip.
What are the expected costs of the foldable screen and hinge components?
The foldable screen is expected to cost between $600-$650 per unit, and each hinge is estimated to cost $200-$250.
When can we expect the foldable MacBook to be released?
The foldable MacBook assembly will begin in the first half of 2026, with a potential release later that year.
What are Expected features of the first all-screen MacBook ?
Here are some of the key features Kuo expects to see in the all-screen MacBook:
Multiple foldable screen options are still possible, with the rumored 20.3-inch display potentially replaced by an 18.8-inch panel.
The former would, when folded, resemble a current 14-15-inch MacBook, while the latter would correspond better to a modern day 13-14-inch model like the smaller MacBook Air.
A 2026 debut is now expected for the device, one year earlier than previously reported.
The MacBook is expected to receive an M5-series chip, which lines up with the expected timeline of the M4 spreading to the whole Mac lineup by the end of 2025.
Apple’s goal is to provide a crease-free design for the foldable display.
What does Kuo say on Apple’s design ambition ?
Apple aims to make the panel as crease-free as possible, requiring high design specifications for both the panel and the hinge.
As a result, the cost of the panel and hinge is very high. Current preliminary estimates put the panel and hinge costs at around $600–650 and $200–250, respectively.
This high component cost means this MacBook is expected to reach a starting price point that greatly exceeds Apple’s current laptop line. Kuo writes:
Given the high cost of the display and hinge, the foldable MacBook is likely to be expensive. Unless Apple can significantly improve yields and reduce costs before mass production, the BOM cost of the foldable MacBook could approach that of the current Vision Pro.
MacBook With Foldable Display Will Actually Have 18.8-Inch Screen, Analyst Says. Details?
Less than two hours after Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said a MacBook with either an 18.8-inch or 20.2-inch foldable screen would launch in 2026, display industry expert Ross Young has said the device will indeed feature around an 18.8-inch screen.
In a post on social media platform X, limited to his paying subscribers, Young said he expects the device to be equipped with an 18.76-inch display instead of a 20.25-inch display for “cost reasons.”
In a folded position, Kuo said an 18.8-inch MacBook would be similar in size to a traditional 13-inch or 14-inch MacBook.
It is expected that a MacBook with a foldable screen would feature an all-screen design with a virtual keyboard, but exact design details have yet to be rumored.
Kuo said Apple is aiming to make the foldable screen “as crease-free as possible,” and he said this could result in the device being nearly as expensive as Apple’s Vision Pro headset, which starts at $3,499.
He also said the foldable-screen MacBook will be equipped with Apple’s next-generation M5 chip, which has yet to be announced.
It seems like a foldable-screen MacBook is still a few years away, and Apple will firm up its plans for the device as its launch gets closer.
