Gadgets / The Economic Times
Apple's smartphone shipments in China experienced a 9% drop in the first quarter, making it the only major manufacturer to witness a decline. While the overall market grew by 3.3%, Apple's shipments fell to 9.8 million, reducing its market share to 13.7%. Xiaomi, the market leader, saw a significant 40% surge in shipments.
Netflix is testing an AI-powered search tool that understands natural language, moods, and preferences to recommend shows and movies more intuitively. Currently being trialled in Australia and New Zealand on iOS devices, the feature uses OpenAI technology and will soon expand to the U.S. It aims to end the endless scrolling and bring a more personalized Netflix and chill experience.
MAMI Select 2025 supports four emerging Indian filmmakers with full production resources; Films are shot on iPhone 16 Pro Max and edited on MacBook Pro across four regional languages; Premieres in April 2025, followed by a YouTube release on MAMIs official channel.
ASUS has launched its new ExpertBook P Series laptops in Indiacomprising the P1, P3, and P5 modelsdesigned for small businesses and professionals. The lineup features AI-powered performance, military-grade durability, enterprise-grade security, and nationwide onsite support. Partnering with Flipkart, ASUS is offering enhanced buying options including business demos, GST invoicing, and fast delivery.
Apple Watch users are encouraged to participate in Global Close Your Rings Day on April 24th, earning awards and stickers for completing activity goals. A study reveals that consistently closing Activity rings correlates with better sleep, heart health, and reduced stress.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman recently endorsed Cradlewise, a smart crib developed by Bengaluru-born entrepreneur Radhika Patil, for his newborn son. Priced at 1.5 lakh, the crib uses technology to detect early signs of waking and gently bounces the baby to promote better sleep. Altman recommended the product on X, calling it one of the few useful baby items he purchased. Cradlewise, co-founded by Radhika and her husband Bharath Patil, operates in both the U.S. and India.
The upcoming Pixel Watch 4, expected to launch in August 2025, may feature a thicker design to accommodate a larger battery, addressing long-standing complaints about battery life. Leaked renders reveal a 14.3mm thickness, up from 12.3mm in the Pixel Watch 3. The watch may also support Qi wireless charging, with no visible charging pins. While maintaining a familiar circular look, the design appears more modern with edge-to-edge glass and new side buttons.
The Barbie Box Challenge is a viral AI trend where users turn their photos into digital Barbie-style dolls using tools like ChatGPT and DALL-E. Inspired by childhood nostalgia and boosted by the 2023 Barbie movie, the trend allows full customization with accessories and slogans, mimicking action-figure packaging. Popular across Instagram and TikTok, it has sparked both praise for its creativity and criticism over AIs ethical and environmental impact.
Artificial intelligence, utilizing Midjourney, has generated a photorealistic image of Jesus Christ based on the Shroud of Turin. This AI-created depiction presents a solemn figure with subtle signs of crucifixion, contrasting with idealized portrayals. Experts caution against historical accuracy, suggesting Jesus likely had brown skin and a working-class appearance, challenging conventional Westernized images.
Apple strategically chartered cargo flights to transport 600 tons of iPhones from India to the U.S., circumventing potential tariff increases. This move, involving approximately 1.5 million iPhones, aimed to bolster U.S. inventory amidst trade tensions. Apple also expedited customs clearance in India, mirroring practices in China, to facilitate faster shipments from Foxconn plants.
Google is reportedly paying top AI talent to sit idle, preventing them from joining competitors. This strategy, revealed in a recent investigation, involves extended garden leave with full pay, effectively locking down expertise. Critics argue these noncompete agreements stifle innovation, while Google defends them as necessary to protect its interests in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
Amidst the Trump administration's tariff threats, Apple's stock price plummeted, yet retail stores experienced a surge in iPhone purchases. Customers, fearing significant price hikes due to potential 54% tariffs on Chinese-made iPhones, rushed to buy devices. This panic-buying boosted sales, creating a busy atmosphere reminiscent of the holiday season, potentially impacting Apple's upcoming quarterly results.
Gamers are alarmed as U.S. pre-orders for Nintendo Switch 2 are paused indefinitely, fearing price hikes due to Trump's global tariffs. Already criticized for high pricing, the console, and games like Mario Kart World, face further potential increases. Enthusiasts, disheartened by this economic impact, now grapple with higher costs in their favorite hobby.
Chinese startup DeepSeek's launch of its low-cost R1 large language model has sparked questions about India's lagging AI innovation. Zepto CEO Aadit Palicha attributes India's struggle to the absence of large, profitable internet companies, emphasizing the need for innovative, capital-generating enterprise to drive India's tech future.