Tag: Computers

Xiaomi has just added three more smartphones to its list of devices that will no longer receive official updates. This unfortunate news affects the Xiaomi Mi 10T, Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro, and POCO X3.

These smartphones have now joined the ranks of devices that won’t receive any more attention or care from the tech giant. In simpler terms, they won’t be getting any official updates.

Released towards the end of 2020, these phones have enjoyed three years in the market. According to the company‘s support policies, it’s now time to cease official updates for these models.

Xiaomi’s Latest Update: Three Smartphones Run Out of Support

It’s worth noting that the Xiaomi Mi 10T, Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro, and POCO X3 still fall under Xiaomi’s old update policy. It stipulates a three-year update period, a period that has now come to an end.

The decision to discontinue updates may be easier to accept for the POCO X3, a more modestly specsed model. However, for owners of the Xiaomi Mi 10T and Mi 10T Pro, the news is a bit more disheartening.

With these phones being flagship models powered by the capable Snapdragon 865 processor, it’s reasonable to think they could handle more updates. After all, the Qualcomm processor in these devices still performs admirably.

It’s important to note that Xiaomi’s most recent products have a longer update support period, up to five years. Some smartphones released in 2021 and beyond will still receive updates for three years.

This shift reflects Xiaomi’s dedication to extending the lifespan of its devices. Aligning with changing user preferences to hold onto their smartphones for more years. In this fast-paced tech world, it’s a reminder of the evolving dynamics in the smartphone industry.

Despite the discontinuation of official updates for the Xiaomi Mi 10T, Mi 10T Pro, and POCO X3, users need not despair entirely. The vibrant Xiaomi community and the active custom ROM development scene often provide alternative avenues for those seeking to extend the life and functionality of their beloved devices. While it may not be the same as official updates, these dedicated communities can offer users creative solutions to keep their smartphones running smoothly and up to date.

Industry expert, Sarah Techson, who shared her analysis: “Xiaomi’s decision to discontinue updates for these models may be seen as a natural progression in the fast-paced smartphone industry. However, it’s important to note that custom ROM development communities offer an alternative path. For those who wish to keep their devices up to date and secure. This decision aligns with the evolving trend of manufacturers focusing on extending the lifespan of their products. Reflecting changing consumer preferences.”

Let’s delve deeper into custom ROM development solutions. One notable example is the “LineageOS” custom ROM, which is known for its wide device compatibility and timely security patches. Many Xiaomi users have turned to LineageOS as a reliable alternative to official updates.

In conclusion, the discontinuation of official updates for the Xiaomi Mi 10T, Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro, and POCO X3 may mark the end of one chapter. But it opens doors to another. The dedicated Xiaomi community and custom ROM development scene offer viable options for users looking to prolong the life of their cherished devices. With changing consumer preferences and a focus on device longevity, Xiaomi’s decision reflects the evolving landscape of the smartphone industry.

The long-running Wano Country arc is coming to an end, as the final few episodes have already started airing. The war is finally over, and the biggest banquet is being thrown in samurai land. As the curtains are closing, a new looming threat approaches the Wano Country. And one of the greatest One Piece characters, Akagami Shanks, is set to make his return in the next episode. As a result, fans are madly waiting to see the powers of a Yonko in the upcoming anime episode. So, let’s learn all about One Piece anime episode 1081, along with its release date and time in this guide.

One Piece Episode 1081 Release Date and Timings

It is confirmed that Shanks will finally make a comeback to the anime after years, as shown in the episode 1081 teaser shown at the end of last week’s episode (#1080). One Piece episode 1081, titled “The World Will Burn! The Onslaught of a Navy Admiral,” will be released on October 29, 2023, (Sunday) at 09:30 AM JST. Ryokyugyu, one of the strongest admirals, will also make an appearance.

The Wano land has been successfully liberated after Luffy’s battle with Kaido. Yet, word of the two Yonkos being overthrown by the worst generation has spread to every part of the globe. Thus, a Marine Admiral has moved in to take advantage and capture the pirates, making his side triumph. A crucial fight is about to take place, and you should know about the release date and time for One Piece episode 1081 around the world below:

• Japan – 09:30 AM JST
• Brazil – 11:00 PM BRT (October 28)
• U.S.A – 09:00 PM CDT/ 7:00 PM PST (October 28)
• India – 07:30 AM IST
• Canada – 10:00 PM EDT (October 28)
• France – 04:00 AM CEST
• Spain – 4:00 AM CEST
• Philippines – 10:00 AM PHT
• UK – 03:00 AM BST
• South Africa – 04:00 AM SAST
• Australia – 11:30 AM ACST
• Mexico – 8:00 PM CST (October 28)
• Russia – 05:00 AM MST

One Piece Episode 1081 Release Time in India

One Piece Episode 1081 will be streamed on October 29, 2023, at 7:30 AM IST for Indian viewers. You can now stream the Wano Country arc and subsequent episodes on Crunchyroll, as it has officially made them available to all Indian fans.

One Piece Anime Episode 1081 Countdown Timer

We have included a countdown timer to assist you in keeping track of the release of the next episode. The countdown below lets you know when One Piece Episode 1081 will be released. Remember to bookmark this page and come back to see how long it will be before you can stream episode 1081 where Shanks will return.

Countdown to Shanks’ Return

Where to Watch One Piece Anime Episode 1081?

The much-awaited One Piece episode 1081 will be shown on well-known anime streaming services, including Crunchyroll, Funimation, Netflix, Fuji TV, and others, moving us one step closer to the conclusion of the Wano County arc.

Note: The availability of One Piece on the aforementioned anime streaming platforms varies from region to region.

What Happened in One Piece Anime Episode 1080?

The last episode of One Piece showcased the latest bounties of the Straw Hats and other pirates who took part in the Raid on Onigashima. More importantly, the new four emperors of the sea were announced and that includes our captain Luffy. With the biggest banquet being conducted, Admiral Ryokugyu made his way to the Wano Country and defeated the remaining all-stars of the Beast Pirates. Now, he is on his way to capture Luffy, which will be covered in the upcoming episode. A breakout battle is about to ensue, and you should not miss out on it at any cost.

That’s everything we know about One Piece episode 1081’s release date and timings. We are also excited to see Shanks back on screen this Sunday. As a manga fan, I can assure you that this is going to be a legendary moment that is going to break the internet as it will showcase Shanks’ powers. So, be sure to watch the episode and let us know if you have any doubts in the comments below.

As more and more people turn to tablets for work meetings, remote learning, and movie watching, the significance of tablets has increasingly become a top choice for many. Like Blackview Tab 16, with its 11-inch display and outstanding performance. Which was instantly adored and praised by global users upon its debut. Yet, Blackview doesn’t rest on its laurels and they continue to innovate. Word has it, that they’re about to launch their latest flagship, Tab 18. Which boasts a 12-inch larger display and comprehensive hardware upgrades. Additionally, on the software front, Tab 18 features intelligent enhancements. Tailored to user favorite habits. Aiming to offer users an even more immersive, efficient, convenient, and smarter ultra-large display experience.

Compared to its predecessor, Tab 18 is set to offer some notable upgrades. Not only will it sport an ultra-large 12-inch 2.4K display with WideVive L1 support and debut support for the all-new magnetic S Pen Gen 2, but it will also feature four upgraded Harman Kardon speakers tuned by Harman AudioEFX® 2.0. Under the hood, Tab 18 boasts the smoother 6nm Helio G99 chipset, up to 24GB RAM, 256GB ROM with up to 1TB TF card expansion, and an impressive 8800mAh battery.

Additionally, its enhanced 8MP & 16MP cameras are powered by the latest ArcSoft® 7.0 algorithm. Running on the fully-upgraded DokeOS_P 4.0 based on Android 13 and smartly enhanced to adapt to user favorite habits through features. Such as upgraded split-screen function, all-new PC mode 2.0 and upgraded timer customization, Tab 18 aims to provide users with a more immersive audiovisual feast and a smarter, more convenient, and efficient ultra-large display lifestyle.

Let’s keep an eye out for the six notable upgrades in Tab 18

No.1 Display & Sound Upgrade: Dive into an Audio-visual Feast with an 12-inch Ultra-large Display

– 12-inch 2.4K FHD+ Display + 1080P WideVine L1 Support + Four Harman Kardon Speakers tuned by Harman AudioEFX® 2.0 + TÜV SÜD Low Blue Light certified + Three Eye-care Modes

To cater to users’ growing demands for an ultra-large display in their daily studies, mobile work, and leisure activities, Tab 18 comes equipped with an expansive 12-inch 2.4K FHD+ display. Delivering a vastly enhanced visual experience. Users can view more content when scanning through documents and significantly reduce scrolling while navigating spreadsheets. Watching movies or TV shows becomes an even more immersive experience. Moreover, with its WideVine L1 certification, Tab 18 not only introduces Netflix support for the first time ,but also ensures seamless 1080P HD streaming on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and Hulu.

Tab 18’s four upgraded Harman Kardon speakers, tuned by Harman AudioEFX® 2.0, deliver a surround sound experience in movie mode. Providing an enveloping auditory delight. But Harman AudioEFX® 2.0 doesn’t stop there; Tab 18 also offers music, gaming, and voice modes. Delivering everything from concert-level audio and expansive game soundscapes to crystal-clear online communications. Prioritizing users’ eye health, Tab 18 has secured the TÜV SÜD low blue light certification and offers three eye-care modes. Notably, the reading mode mirrors a Kindle’s black-and-white paper experience. Ensuring minimized eye strain during extended screen usage.

No. 2 Convenience Upgrades: Smartly Enhanced to Adapt to Users’ Favorite Habits

– Latest DokeOS_P 4.0 based on Android 13: Upgraded Split-screen Function + All-new Magnetic S Pen Gen 2 + Upgraded Notebook + All-new PC Mode 2.0 + Upgraded Timer Customization

To meet users’ growing demand for a convenient, efficient, and smart ultra-large display experience across work, study, and entertainment, Tab 18 has introduced its latest DokeOS_P 4.0 based on Android 13. Smartly enhanced to adapt to user favorite habits through features such as upgraded split-screen function, all-new PC mode 2.0, and upgraded timer customization.

For smart work, Tab 18’s Upgraded Split-screen Function allows users to attend remote meetings and take notes concurrently. With the all-new magnetic S Pen Gen 2, capturing and annotating in Upgraded Notebook is a breeze. When paired with a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse and in all-new PC Mode 2.0, Tab 18 will deliver a near-12-inch PC experience. And the pin-to-top function keeps essential apps upfront. 

For smart studying, the Upgraded Split-screen function seamlessly pairs with the magnetic S Pen Gen 2 and screenshots. Facilitating an efficient study-documentation flow. When paired with Bluetooth keyboard and mouse and in all-new PC Mode 2.0, Tab 18 replicates a 12-inch PC study environment. 

In leisure and daily routines, Tab 18’s Upgraded Timer Customization aids in smart time management for tasks like cooking or yoga. The pin-to-top feature in all-new PC Mode 2.0 enhances multitasking during entertainment sessions. But this is just a glimpse; Tab 18’s OS has more to uncover.

No.3 Performance Upgrades: Effortlessly Enhancing the Multitasking Experience for Work, Study, and Entertainment

– Octa-core MediaTek Helio G99(6nm) + 1:1 RAM Expansion + Atomized Memory 2.0 + Smart Preloading + up to 24GB RAM + 256GB ROM + up to 1TB TF Card Expansion

To ensure users enjoy a seamless experience, whether they’re working, attending online classes, or streaming HD videos, Blackview has introduced its newly launched flagship tablet, Tab 18. It’s powered by an octa-core MediaTek Helio G99 processor, built on 6nm technology. With a clock speed reaching up to 2.2GHz. This processor ensures fluid performance, be it running demanding apps, gaming, or multitasking. With the processor’s enhancements and a suite of performance-optimizing features, such as 1:1 RAM Expansion, Atomized Memory 2.0, and Smart Pre-Loading. Tab 18 achieves an impressive AnTuTu score of 457,641 as well. Meaning a remarkable 70% increase over its predecessor. Further equipped with up to 24GB RAM, 256GB ROM, and support for up to 1TB TF card expansion, Tab 18 not only delivers a smooth user experience, but also offers abundant storage for treasured photos, videos, and documents. Meeting a wide range of needs for work, study, and entertainment.

No.4 Battery Life & Photography Upgrades: Never Settling for Battery Anxiety or Compromised Image Clarity

– 8800mAh Mega Battery + 12 Hours of Daily Use + 18 Days of Standby + 33W Fast Charging + 8 MP & 16 MP Cameras Backed by the Latest ArcSoft® 7.0 Algorithm

To ensure users never compromise due to battery anxiety during work, study, or entertainment, Tab 18 boasts an 8800 mAh mega battery. Unlike traditional laptops that typically last only about 4 hours, Tab 18 offers an impressive 12 hours of daily use. And also an astounding 18 days of standby. Plus, with its 33W fast charging capability, just an hour is all it takes for Tab 18 to juice up from 20% to 70%. Guaranteeing users a seamless and uninterrupted experience in any scenario.

Moreover, to effortlessly handle video chats, online classes, and face-to-face calls with family, Tab 18 is equipped with an 8 MP Samsung® front camera and a 16 MP rear camera. Backed by the latest ArcSoft® 7.0 algorithm, these cameras boast a 15% improvement in image clarity and quality over their predecessors. Tab 18 ensures that every video call feels as vivid and clear as an in-person conversation. Whether it’s for a business meeting or an intimate chat with loved ones. Guaranteeing a high-definition and genuine communication experience.

Other Highlights

To cater to diverse user preferences and needs, Tab 18 is available in three distinct color options. Namely Turquoise Green, Glacier Blue, and Space Grey. This makes it suitable for study, business, or entertainment purposes. In pursuit of maximum user comfort, Tab 18 boasts a slim profile of just 7.9mm and weighs a mere 632g. Positioning it among the sleekest and most portable tablets in its category.

In essence, Tab 18 offers users an ultra-large display smart lifestyle. Bridging the gap between the convenience of smartphones and the power of laptops. It’s reported, that the global launch event is set from November 11th to November 17th PT. You can click here for more details.

While wired earbuds aren’t as popular as their wireless counterparts, they are more affordable. And with the best wired earbuds, you can get the best sound quality for the money.

But, yes, not all the wired earbuds in the market are worth your time and money. While most will claim to deliver “HiFi audio,” their performance is average at best. That’s basically where this guide steps in. It will make sure that you consider the top-rated models when looking for the best wired earbuds.

Sennheiser IE 200 – Best Overall Wired Earbuds

For most, the Sennheiser IE 200 is a no-brainer pick. This in-ear monitor (IEM) offers great sound quality at a very reasonable price. And to top that off, this pair of wired earbuds provides a very comfortable fit. It comes with ear hooks, which keep the buds in place. That means you don’t need to worry about the buds falling off.

When it comes to sound performance, the Sennheiser IE 200 wired earbuds are fairly neutral. While the driver’s mid-range and bass performance is a bit under-amplified, they do offer a flat frequency response. This eventually results in a solid audio performance in most types of audio files.

Besides, the Sennheiser IE 200 comes with silicone and memory foam tips. These tips not only enhance comfort but also provide an isolated fit. As a result, you get excellent passive noise cancellation. Of course, you’ll still hear the engine rumbles and street noise with these, as there’s no Active Noise Cancellation (ANC).

Main Highlights of Sennheiser IE 200

• Delivers fairly neutral sound
• Offers great passive noise cancellation
• Has a comfort-forward design
• Features replaceable MMCX cable

Etymotic ER4SR – Best Sounding Wired Earbuds

Looking for the best wired earbuds that will make mixing, monitoring, and other professional audio work a piece of cake? In that case, you need to check out the Etymotic ER4SR. These in-ears feature studio-focused frequency response, making them a reliable pick for carrying out professional audio tasks.

Each of the Etymotic ER4SR earbuds comes with a thin and smooth aluminum housing. They also boast triple flange ear tips. This design ensures that the earbuds do not fall off when you move your head. Although, the minimalistic design of these wired earbuds doesn’t offer any playback controls.

But that’s not a problem if you’re planning to use the wired earbuds with professional equipment. And like the Sennheiser IE 200, the Etymotic ER4SR utilizes MMCX connectors. That means you can replace the cables when they wear out or get damaged. However, it’s important to note that the cable already comes braided for extra durability.

Main Highlights of Etymotic ER4SR

• Offers accurate sound production
• Delivers secure and comfortable fit
• Has a minimalistic design
• Utilizes MMCX connectors

Marshall Mode – Best Mid-range Wired Earbuds

Marshall is pretty well-known in the audio space. Its high-end offerings make it to professional studios and live concert venues. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t offer any good budget-friendly audio solutions. Take the Marshall Mode, for example. It’s a pair of wired earbuds that won’t put a dent in your wallet.

Even though it’s affordable, the sound performance of these wired earbuds is on par with other high-end offerings. To be exact, it delivers smooth mid-range and clear high-frequencies. And although its bass is a little boosted, the drivers of the earbuds don’t distort even at high volume levels.

Moreover, thanks to featuring a low-profile design, the Marshall Mode wired earbuds are extremely comfortable. It even comes with a single-button remote on the cable, making it easier to control the playback. Also, its microphone does a great job of picking up your voice during phone calls. However, it doesn’t come with replaceable cables.

Main Highlights of Marshall Mode

• Solid sound performance
• Durable overall build
• Comfortable design
• Offers good calling performance

Linsoul KZ ZSN Pro X – Best Affordable Wired Earbuds

Don’t want to spend too much to get the best wired earbuds? You don’t need to! The KZ ZSN Pro X offers pretty much everything needed to deliver an excellent audio experience. And you can make it yours for less than $30. Wondering how good these cheap wired earbuds are?

In short, the sound quality of the KZ ZSN Pro X punches above its price point. The frequency response gently boosts the treble and bass notes. Thanks to that, you get a fantastic audio experience with pretty much any genre of music. Also, the sound doesn’t get distorted even when you boost the volume up to the highest level.

Besides, the KZ ZSN Pro X offers surprisingly good isolation. So, you don’t need to worry about getting distracted by less intense environmental noise. The wired earbuds come with four sets of silicone tips. These tips range from 10 mm to 14 mm in width, making it easier for you to get the best possible fit from the earbuds. You also get an integrated in-line mic with a remote.

Main Highlights of Linsoul KZ ZSN Pro X

• Offers great sound for the money
• Comes with multiple silicone tips
• Delivers great comfort
• Has an in-line mic and remote control

Personalizing your posts is the best way to stand out from the crowd on a social media platform like Instagram. Whether you are a content creator or just getting started, knowing how to change the background color on your Instagram story comes in handy. So, in this guide, we list a few different and creative ways to do so.

Change Background Color on Instagram Story to a Solid Color

If you want to place an image over a solid color background on your Instagram story, follow these steps:

1. When in the Story panel, click a random photo.

2. Now, tap on the horizontal three-dot icon in the top-right corner and select Draw.

3. Next, you will see different colors in the bottom panel. You can select anyone from this list or long press on any color to unveil the entire color palette.

4. Once you have selected a desired solid color, simply long press in the middle of the story, and it will turn into that particular color. Then, tap on Done at the top-right.

5. With your solid background color now set, it is time to select the image you want to share in your story. To do this, tap the Sticker icon at the top right.

6. From the pop-up panel, tap on the “Image Upload” sticker.

7. Now, select the image you want to upload and resize it as you want using two-finger gestures. You can also tap on the uploaded image to see more frame options. Then, decorate your story with text or additional stickers. You are all set to share the story now.

Change Background Color on Instagram Story to a Gradient

Several people prefer gradients over solid colors, and if you are one of them, learn to set a gradient as your Instagram story background:

1. For a gradient background, tap on the Create (Aa) icon in the left panel of your Instagram story creation section.

2. You will instantly see a gradient background pop up on your screen. In the bottom right corner, tap the small colored circle to shuffle through the different gradient templates.

3. Once you come across the gradient you want to use as the background, tap on the sticker icon at the top and select the “image upload” sticker again.

4. Then, just like you did when selecting a solid background color, select the image you want to upload. Once you are done resizing and positioning it as you want, your Instagram story is now share-ready.

Use Camera Roll Photo as Background on Instagram Story

Whether you want to add multiple photos to your Instagram story or want to do something different with it, you can use images from your camera roll as backgrounds too. Here’s how:

1. First and foremost, tap the small square icon in the bottom left corner of your Instagram story creation screen.

2. Then, select the image you want to use as the story background.

3. Now, tap on the Sticker icon at the top and select the image upload sticker to select the photo you want to add on top of your story background. That’s it.

Getting Creative with Backgrounds for Instagram Stories

There are a couple of things that you can use to your advantage to bring out that creative side in you. To do this, you can use the Eraser tool in the Instagram story edit options. Let me show you how:

1. Firstly, select the image that you want to share in your story.

2. Then, use the “Draw” tool, which we showed in the first section, and place a solid background on top of the image, preferably one that goes well with the color scheme of your image.

3. Now, tap on the Eraser icon at the top and start swiping your fingers across the screen to reveal the image underneath.

Well, now that you have seen my noob attempt at doing something creative with Instagram story backgrounds, you get the idea of how you can improve how you present your content. You can do a whole bunch of different things such as adding music to your Instagram stories to make them even more aesthetic. You can also check out our guide to save Instagram story with music if you need help on that front. Let me know in the comments if this guide helped you or not.

According to Canalys, the global smartphone market fell slightly by 1% to 293.4 million units in Q3 2023, with vendors pushing new models following a healthy inventory level in Q2. Samsung held onto the leading position with a 20% market share, despite a small dip from Q3 2022, while Apple claimed second place with a 17% market share. The decline in the global smartphone market is attributed to global macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainties. This brought some sort of frailty to the nascent recovery and channel operations. Canalys forecasts suggest decelerating medium-to-long-term smartphone market growth. Meticulous monitoring of stock turnover and end demand is critical to avoid turbulence from high inventory.

Highlights of Canalys report

• Earlier iteration of new folding screen products boosted Samsung and took it to the top spot
• Driven by demand for new iPhone 15 products, Apple followed closely behind. It was able to ship 50 million units, taking a market share of 17%.
• Due to Xiaomi’s strong performance in emerging markets, it ranked third. Its shipments hit 41.5 million units, achieving an annual growth of 2%.
• OPPO (including OnePlus) ranks fourth, with shipments of 26.4 million units and a market share of 9%.
• Transsion (including Tecno, Infinix, and iTel) maintained its fifth position. It also continued its strong momentum from the previous quarter. The company shipped 26 million units, holding its place in the top 5.

Samsung tops sales list

Samsung retained its market leadership with a shipment of 57.4 million units and a 20% market share globally. Many thanks to an early update of its foldable devices. Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip and Fold 5 series were released two weeks earlier than usual to bolster Q3 2023 revenue and market performance. Samsung’s performance shows early signs of recovery after a tough end to 2022. The rebound is particularly connected to product launches, which drove an increase in sell-in volume. Samsung’s Q3 profit beat expectations, raising hopes for chip recovery.

Other brands

Apple claimed second place with a 17% market share globally and shipped 50.0 million units in Q3 2023. Xiaomi sits in third place with 41.5 million units shipped globally and a 14% market share in Q3 2023. OPPO and TRANSSION shipped 26.4 million and 26.0 million units, respectively, with a 9% market share each in Q3 2023. Other brands accounted for 32% of the global smartphone market share in Q3 2023.

Canalys senior analyst, Sanyam Chaurasia, said that as the holiday season approaches, emerging markets have a growing demand for new products. This drove the development of brands and channels. Xiaomi and Transsion maintained their strong performances from the previous quarter. This makes them the only two vendors in the top five to achieve growth.

Sanyam Chaurasia said

“Xiaomi successfully returned inventory to normal levels in the first half of 2023. It actively released cost-effective entry-level models of the Redmi digital series in emerging markets. This allowed it to regain growth momentum in the third quarter.

Gizchina News of the week

At the same time, Transsion’s shipments in its core African market have increased, helping it achieve a staggering 40% year-on-year growth. Despite currency fluctuations and import restrictions in these markets, new demand for upgrades persists. Buyers have gradually adapted to the high-inflation environment.

In the Middle East market, Transsion has captured the growing low-end demand in some low-price markets through its strong local team. In the Latin American market, active channel construction and new product launches have also helped Transsion further expand locally”.

Outlook

Canalys maintains its forecast of marginal declines for 2023. It said shipments will stabilize around these levels in 2022 as we move into the middle of 2023. Decline rates will start to improve soon, although this is more connected to the stark contrast between 2022 and 2023 shrinking.

Canalys research analyst Lucas Zhong believes that brands are seeking opportunities to consolidate their positions in the high-end market. They are working to enhance the competitiveness of high-end product lines and focus on improving product hardware design and software UI.

Lucas Zhong said

“Under this trend, we believe that the competition intensity in the global folding screen market will continue to escalate. Samsung released the Galaxy Z Flip and Fold 5 series two weeks earlier than in previous years. This gave a boost to its revenue and market performance in the third quarter.

However, as the market supply of foldable screen models continues to diversify, this trend will also pose a challenge to Samsung’s current dominance in this market segment. OPPO strategically launched Find N3 and OnePlus Open models in different regions. This shows the ambition of Chinese brands to enter the global folding screen market.

In addition, excessive differentiation among the iPhone 14 series has also caused Apple to face demand issues. It reduced USB Type-C and Smart Island to standard models in the iPhone 15 series to narrow the gap. With this, it was able to stimulate demand and consolidate its high-end market position.

Android brands are building an ecosystem

Lucas Zhong also said that Android brands are working hard to build an ecosystem to compete with iOS. Users are increasingly willing to switch camps for a better ecological experience. This has also led major brands to begin developing operating systems and enhancing their brand image.

For example, the Huawei Mate 60 series provides a complete ecological experience through a self-developed SoC and HarmonyOS. Xiaomi’s new HyperOS has also improved the interconnection experience between multiple devices and has become a recent focus. The system is expected to open up multiple revenue growth curves for the brand beyond mobile phones.

However, the key to the success of a brand OS still depends on whether it can provide users with a unique and attractive experience. Therefore, brands still need to continue to invest in collaborative research and development of software and hardware.

Final Words

Canalys predicts that the global smartphone market will achieve moderate growth in 2024 under cautious conditions. Mobile brands expect to have relatively healthy inventory levels at the end of 2023. There will be enough room to rebuild inventories in preparation for a potential demand recovery.

However, performance will diverge between regions due to risk factors such as regional conflicts and geography. Therefore, brands need to remain flexible in their development strategies to seize growth opportunities in specific regions.

In addition, brands also need to closely monitor terminal demand in different regions to strategically optimize resource allocation and avoid demand fluctuations. At present, mid- to long-term market growth still faces bottlenecks due to factors such as extended replacement cycles in major markets.