The upcoming iPhone 17 lineup, including the new ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air, presents a challenging decision for users accustomed to the Pro models. The 17 Air offers a sleek design but comes with compromises such as a single rear camera, potential battery life reductions, and a larger display size. While the 17 Air promises a glimpse into future design trends, users must weigh these factors against the features of the 17 Pro and Pro Max, which remain largely unknown.
Apple has started selling replacement parts for the iPhone 16, including cameras, displays, and batteries, as part of its self-service repair program. This move follows pressure from repairability advocates and aims to extend device lifespan and reduce waste. The program, launched in 2022, allows customers to access parts, tools, and manuals for repairs, countering Apple's previous restrictions on unauthorized repairs. The company is also focusing on services and AI tools to offset revenue from less frequent device upgrades.
As the holiday season approaches, retailers are stocking up on supersize TVs, with screens over 8 feet wide, to meet growing consumer demand. Despite accounting for only 1.7% of TV sales revenue, sales of TVs 97 inches or larger have increased tenfold this year. Improved technology and reduced prices are driving this trend, with models now available from $2,000 to $25,000. Retailers like Best Buy are expanding their offerings, and manufacturers are adding features to enhance viewing experiences, making these large TVs a popular choice for home entertainment.
CES 2024 in Las Vegas is set to showcase a plethora of tech innovations, with AI being a central theme across various products, from OLED TVs to smart home devices. Samsung is introducing its LaserSlim OLED TV, Microsoft is launching a 'Copilot Key' for Windows keyboards, and Nvidia teases a special address that may reveal new graphics cards. Additionally, companies like Roku, LG, and Dell are integrating AI into their products for enhanced user experiences. Gizmodo will provide live coverage from the event, highlighting the latest tech advancements and product launches.
Researchers at ICFO, in collaboration with Qurv, have developed a new type of non-toxic silver telluride (Ag2Te) quantum dots for shortwave infrared (SWIR) photodetectors and image sensors, compatible with CMOS technology for consumer electronics. These quantum dots avoid the use of heavy metals like lead or mercury, complying with RoHS regulations, and exhibit high performance with a spectral range up to 1,600nm. The study, published in Nature Photonics, demonstrates the potential of these quantum dots in various applications, including automotive and service robotics, by enabling reliable operation in conditions like bright sunlight and fog. The team aims to further improve the performance and stability of these photodetectors for market applications.
Microsoft is rebranding its Edge browser as an "AI Browser," emphasizing its integration with AI capabilities like Bing AI and OpenAI's DALL-E 3. The company has updated its app store descriptions to highlight these features and privacy aspects, although the AI branding is not present in the Microsoft Store. This move is part of a broader trend where companies are increasingly branding their products with "AI" to signify the integration of advanced deep learning algorithms, as seen with LG's latest TVs. The trend is expected to continue, with AI becoming a common feature in a wide range of consumer devices, potentially diluting the term's significance.
Roku Inc. is expanding its product line by launching its first high-end televisions, the Pro Series, in sizes 55-inch, 65-inch, and 75-inch, with prices reaching up to $1,500. This move positions Roku to compete directly with established brands like Samsung and LG in the premium TV market segment, aiming to boost the company's sales and revenue growth.
Vizio has settled a class-action lawsuit for $3 million over misleading advertising claims that its 60 Hz and 120 Hz TVs had an "effective" refresh rate of 120 Hz and 240 Hz, respectively, due to backlight scanning technology. The lawsuit argued that this technology does not actually increase the refresh rate and can introduce drawbacks like reduced brightness and flickering. Affected customers in California can file a claim for compensation, and Vizio has agreed to stop using "effective" refresh rate marketing and provide a service package, while denying any wrongdoing.
SSD prices are projected to rise by 50% in 2024 due to a significant increase in NAND flash memory pricing, with TLC NAND pricing already up by 120% over the last two years. This comes after manufacturers like Phison and Western Digital have initiated price hikes to counteract financial losses and supply chain issues. Consumers can expect to see the cost of SSDs and HDDs climb, suggesting that those considering an upgrade to next-gen storage solutions should act soon before prices surge further.
Smartphone manufacturers are turning to foldable devices as a new strategy to rejuvenate the stagnant smartphone market. They are betting on the novelty and advanced features of foldable phones to attract consumers and boost sales in a sector that has seen lackluster growth in recent years.
