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Tech wrap Sep 11: Sony PS5 Pro, Sonos Ace, JioPhone Prima 2, HMD 110, more

Tech wrap Sep 11: Sony PS5 Pro, Sonos Ace, JioPhone Prima 2, HMD 110, more

by | Sep 11, 2024 | Technology


5 min read Last Updated : Sep 11 2024 | 8:03 PM IST


With the PlayStation 5 Pro, Sony is offering a mid-cycle enhancement to the PS5 gaming console. Revealed at a special event on September 10, the PS5 Pro features significant performance upgrades and some subtle design tweaks. It will be released in select regions starting November 7.


US audio device manufacturer Sonos has entered the Indian market with the launch of the Sonos Ace. These over-ear headphones mark Sonos’s debut in the personal audio sector. The Sonos Ace features support for lossless and spatial audio, as well as Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and an Aware Mode.

 


Reliance Industries Limited has introduced the JioPhone Prima 2, a budget-friendly 4G feature phone powered by a Qualcomm chip. Running on KaiOS, this device includes apps like YouTube, Facebook, and Google Assistant. It also supports JioCinema and JioChat, along with UPI and QR code payments through JioPay.


On September 11, HMD Global introduced the HMD 105 4G and HMD 110 4G feature phones in India. These devices provide access to YouTube, YouTube Music, and YouTube Shorts via the Cloud Phone App. Additionally, they allow UPI transactions without needing an internet connection through a pre-installed app.


China’s Huawei unveiled the Mate XT Ultimate Design, the world’s first tri-fold smartphone, in its home market on September 10. This device boasts a 10.2-inch OLED display that can be folded into a regular smartphone or a dual-screen foldable format. Huawei’s announcement followed closely behind Apple’s reveal of the iPhone 16 series, positioning Huawei as a direct competitor to the American tech giant, especially in China.


At the “It’s Glowtime” event on September 9, Apple introduced a range of new features for the iPhone 16 series, such as the Camera Control button, Apple Intelligence, and Visual Intelligence. However, some features will not be available on the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro at launch.


Samsung is said to be preparing to include anti-reflective displays in its forthcoming Galaxy Tab S10 series, akin to those on the Galaxy S24 Ultra smartphone. As reported by 9To5Google, the Galaxy Tab S10+ and Tab S10 Ultra are anticipated to incorporate this technology, although specifics on its application are not yet clear.


Microsoft has launched its new Xbox Game Pass Standard subscription plan for consoles in India. Announced in July, this new plan replaces the previous Xbox Game Pass for Console offering. It provides a balanced option between the entry-level Xbox Game Pass Core and the more comprehensive Xbox Game Pass Ultimate plans.


Samsung is expected to soon release the Fan Edition (FE) variant of its flagship Galaxy S24 smartphone. According to SamMobile, the Galaxy S24 FE is anticipated to debut in October alongside the Galaxy Tab S10 series. The new Fan Edition model is rumored to be priced higher than the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE. Leaked images indicate that while the Galaxy S24 FE will share a similar design with the S23 FE, it will come in new color options.


Google has rolled out updates designed to enhance tab management across devices. While Chrome already supports saving Tab Groups on signed-in desktops, the new updates will improve how users organize and access their tabs on phones and tablets.


Starting at Rs 21,999, the Redmi Pad Pro offers a practical everyday tablet experience with a vibrant display, impressive speakers, long battery life, and sufficient performance for regular tasks.


As India’s fast-expanding quick commerce sector gains traction, emerging direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands are heavily investing in this channel to fuel their growth.


Zoho Corp’s IT management division, ManageEngine, has been intensifying its focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), aiming to establish itself as a leader in digital transformation for IT services.


On Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of supply chain resilience for the economy and advocated for increased investment in domestic semiconductor manufacturing, which underpins technologies ranging from smartphones to electric vehicles and artificial intelligence.


Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on Wednesday that the government has begun developing the second phase of the semiconductor policy, Semicon 2.0, which is anticipated to be implemented within the next 3-4 months.


On Tuesday, China’s Huawei Technologies introduced a three-way foldable phone, aiming to strengthen its position against Apple in the world’s largest smartphone market with a new and increasingly popular form factor in China.


In a significant legal blow to Apple Inc and Google, the European Union has achieved major victories in its ongoing quest for Big Tech accountability. These rulings mark a key milestone in the EU’s efforts to curb corporate power and promote a fair market. Apple has lost its appeal against a €13 billion ($14.4 billion) tax bill, while Google has been slapped with a €2.4 billion fine for market abuse, sending a strong signal to Silicon Valley.

First Published: Sep 11 2024 | 8:03 PM IST



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Centre to get Semicon 2.0 policy in place in next 3-4 months: Vaishnaw

Centre to get Semicon 2.0 policy in place in next 3-4 months: Vaishnaw

by | Sep 11, 2024 | Technology


2 min read Last Updated : Sep 11 2024 | 6:30 PM IST


The second instalment of the Semicon India mission, under which the Centre provided fiscal support to firms establishing chip facilities in the country, is in advanced stages and is expected to be out in the next 3-4 months, said Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Wednesday.


Vaishnaw, who was addressing a press conference at the Semicon India event in Noida, said that the scope of the scheme will be much larger than Semicon 1.0.


The Minister, however, did not specify the outlay of the next phase of the Semicon programme.


“We are now at a phase where the 1st phase of the Semicon programme is practically complete. Now we are formulating Semicon 2.0, which will be a much expanded form of the 1st phase,” said Vaishnaw.

 


The Minister, during the press conference, also announced that the state of Uttar Pradesh will soon become the fourth state in the country to have a semiconductor facility. Till now, only the states of Gujarat, Assam, and Maharashtra have got a chip unit.


Vaishnaw also said that under Semicon 2.0, an equal focus will be on ecosystem partners, equipment manufacturing, fabs, ATMPs, and other segments of the overall semiconductor ecosystem.


Further, the Minister emphasised three key focus areas under the new scheme: attracting equipment manufacturers, promoting the development of specialised materials, and securing chemical supplies essential for the semiconductor industry in India.


Under the 1st phase of the India Semiconductor Mission, with an outlay of Rs 76,000 crore, five chip projects have been approved by the Union Cabinet, with the total investment committed till date reaching Rs 1.5 trillion.


The approved projects include Tata Electronics’ semiconductor fab in Dholera, Gujarat, three chip packaging units by Micron, CG Power, and Kaynes Semicon in Gujarat, and an ATMP unit by Tata Semiconductor in Assam.


The $10 billion Tower-Adani fab unit, which was recently announced by the Maharashtra government, is yet to be approved by the central government under the India Semiconductor Mission.

First Published: Sep 11 2024 | 6:30 PM IST



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NXP Semiconductors to invest more than billion in India as it boosts R&D efforts

NXP Semiconductors to invest more than $1 billion in India as it boosts R&D efforts

by | Sep 11, 2024 | Technology


Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the inauguration of SEMICON India 2024, in Greater Noida | (Photo: PTI)

2 min read Last Updated : Sep 11 2024 | 6:04 PM IST


NXP Semiconductors will invest over $1 billion in India, doubling its research and development efforts, the Dutch company’s CEO said on Wednesday, joining global names betting on a country looking to establish its presence in the industry.


“NXP is committed to double its R&D efforts here in the country in the next few years, which is far in excess of a billion dollars,” CEO Kurt Sievers said at the Semicon India conference near New Delhi.


He said the company is in talks with the automotive sector and other industries in the country, where it has four semiconductor design centers, with about 3,000 employees.

 


Though chipmaking is still at a nascent stage in India, it is a crucial element of its economic strategy, with a $10 billion incentive package allocated to bolster efforts to rival global chipmaking powerhouses like Taiwan. India expects its semiconductor market to be worth $63 billion by 2026.


Major players like Nvidia and AMD have established substantial research and design centers in the country, underscoring its rising importance in the global ecosystem that is aiming to reduce its reliance on hubs like China and Taiwan.


“India’s contribution of about 20 per cent of chip designing talent to the industry is growing and we are preparing an 85,000-strong semiconductor workforce of technicians, engineers and R&D experts,” Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said at the event.


In February, India gave the go-ahead to construct three semiconductor plants worth Rs 1.26 trillion ($15 billion) to firms including Tata Group and CG Power, as the country pursues its goal of becoming an electronics powerhouse.


Micron CEO Sanjay Mehrotra said last year that the US memory chip maker’s planned $2.7 billion testing and packaging unit in Gujarat would help create about 5,000 jobs in the state.


Chipmaking equipment vendor Applied Materials said in June last year that it would invest $400 million over four years in a new engineering center in India.

NXP, in July, posted its worst quarterly revenue decline in four years and forecast third-quarter revenue below estimates, stoking demand concerns for automotive chips.

 

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

First Published: Sep 11 2024 | 6:04 PM IST



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Govt to get Semicon 2.0 policy in place in 3-4 months: Ashwini Vaishnaw

Govt to get Semicon 2.0 policy in place in 3-4 months: Ashwini Vaishnaw

by | Sep 11, 2024 | Technology


Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnav | (Photo: PTI)

2 min read Last Updated : Sep 11 2024 | 4:35 PM IST


The government has started working on the second phase of the semiconductor policy, Semicon 2.0, which is expected to be in place in 3-4 months, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Wednesday.


Speaking at SEMICON India 2024, the minister said 3-4 states have attracted semiconductor investments, and one unit will soon come up in Uttar Pradesh.


“We are now at a stage when first stage of semicon project is completed. Now we are formulating Semicon 2.0 which will be an expanded form of Semicon 1.0. It will take us 3-4 months to put it in place,” Vaishnaw said.

 

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said that resilience of supply chains is critical for the economy as he made a pitch to boost investments in domestic manufacturing of semiconductors — the foundation of everything from smartphone to EV and AI.


Speaking at the SEMICON 2024 conference on the outskirts of the national capital, the Prime Minister said the Covid pandemic showed the importance of the supply chain and underscored the need to act to ward off any disruption.

“Resilience of the supply chain is very important,” he said. “India is working to create the same in different sectors of the economy.”

The world witnessed supply shocks during Covid-19, as stringent measures to control the spread of pandemic in China affected the industries and sectors dependent on imports from that country. One of the sectors impacted was chips that form a critical part of every electronic device.


Prime Minister showcased India’s reformist regime, stable policies and a market that has tasted technology to make a strong pitch for investments in semiconductor manufacturing.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

First Published: Sep 11 2024 | 4:35 PM IST



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HMD 105 4G and HMD 110 4G with YouTube Shorts, Music, UPI launched in India

HMD 105 4G and HMD 110 4G with YouTube Shorts, Music, UPI launched in India

by | Sep 11, 2024 | Technology


HMD 105 4G and HMD 110 4G

2 min read Last Updated : Sep 11 2024 | 4:29 PM IST


HMD Global launched the HMD 105 4G and HMD 110 4G feature phones in India on September 11. These phones offer access to YouTube, YouTube Music, and YouTube Shorts through the Cloud Phone App. In addition, they enable UPI transactions without internet access via a pre-loaded app.


“The HMD 105 4G and HMD 110 4G feature phones continue our legacy of bringing newest innovation on table in India with stylish new designs, host of entertainment via YouTube and UPI capabilities. These devices are our commitment to innovation, combining essential connectivity with advanced features like UPI integration and access to YouTube. We are excited to bring these modern conveniences to a broader audience, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to stay connected, entertained, and empowered.  With this launch, our aim is to bridge the digital divide and enable financial access for all within our feature phone category.” said Ravi Kunwar, vice president HMD Global India.

 


HMD 105 4G and HMD 110 4G: Price and availability


HMD 105 4G


Price: Rs 2,199


Colours: Black, Cyan, and Pink


HMD 110 4G


Price: Rs 2,399


Colours: Titanium and Blue


The HMD 105 4G and HMD 110 4G are available for purchase at retail stores, e-commerce platforms, and the official HMD website. Both handsets come with a 1-year replacement guarantee.


HMD 105 4G and HMD 110 4G: Features


Both the HMD 105 4G and HMD 110 4G are powered by a 1,450 mAh battery. The feature phones include multimedia options such as an MP3 player, wireless FM radio, support for a 32GB SD card, and Phone Talker.


These feature phones also support 13 input languages and offer rendering support for 23 languages.


HMD had previously launched the HMD 105 and HMD 110 in India in June this year. The earlier models come equipped with a built-in UPI app for digital transactions, automatic call recording, an MP3 player, FM radio, and more. These feature phones also support voice assistance and various multimedia functions.

First Published: Sep 11 2024 | 4:29 PM IST



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Xiaomi's Redmi Pad Pro 5G review: A balanced blend of features and value

Xiaomi's Redmi Pad Pro 5G review: A balanced blend of features and value

by | Sep 11, 2024 | Technology


5 min read Last Updated : Sep 11 2024 | 3:48 PM IST


Xiaomi’s latest tablet under its Redmi sub-brand, the Redmi Pad Pro 5G, promises exceptional value for money. Despite being a mid-range Android device, the Pad Pro offers flagship-level features such as Dolby Vision HDR support on a 2.5K resolution display, a premium metallic build with a sleek profile, and 5G connectivity. However, has Xiaomi compromised too much to keep the pricing competitive? Let’s find out:


Design


The Redmi Pad Pro features an all-metal body with a two-tone design, flat frame, and sleek profile. It feels sturdy and premium in hand, with a matte texture enhancing the grip. On the back, the tablet houses two large circular modules for the camera sensor and flash. Despite the noticeable camera bump, the tablet remains relatively stable when placed on a flat surface.

 


At the front, the display is encased in a metal frame, though a thin plastic border slightly detracts from the overall premium feel. While the fit and finish are generally impressive, the placement of the 3.5mm audio jack appears somewhat misaligned. The circular jack is positioned at the bottom, with a portion chipping off the edge of the device.


Overall, the Redmi Pad Pro feels lightweight and well-balanced. Holding the tablet in one hand for extended periods is comfortable, and the back panel resists fingerprints and smudges, maintaining a clean look.


Display and Audio


The Redmi Pad Pro features a 12.1-inch LCD panel with evenly sized bezels. Its 2.5K resolution display delivers crisp visuals and vibrant colours. By default, the display has a slightly warmer tone, but this can be adjusted in the Color Schemes section under Display Settings. The screen supports a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling, and is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3.


While there aren’t many additional display enhancement features, Xiaomi has included Dolby Vision HDR support for compatible content on streaming platforms like Netflix. However, YouTube lacks HDR viewing options. The display offers adequate brightness indoors but falls short when used outdoors.


In the audio department, the Redmi Pad Pro is equipped with a quad-speaker system, with two speakers on each side for a stereo effect. Complemented by Dolby Atmos surround sound, this setup provides an immersive audio experience. The built-in speakers deliver clear, crisp sound for streaming content and perform well for music playback, offering a hint of bass. They can also reach high volume levels without noticeable distortion.


Performance and Utility


Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2, paired with up to 8GB of RAM, the Redmi Pad Pro handles everyday tasks with ease. It performs smoothly when multitasking or during casual gaming. During testing, three apps in a multi-view setup were handled without stuttering or overheating. While the tablet manages casual games well, heavy titles like Call of Duty: Mobile or Genshin Impact at the highest graphics settings do not offer the smoothest experience.


The Redmi Pad Pro runs Android 14 with Xiaomi’s HyperOS. The user interface is clean and free from bloatware or unnecessary third-party apps, aside from useful ones like WPS Office and Netflix. There are no intrusive notifications or hidden ads within the native apps. However, in terms of utility, you can only open two apps in split-screen mode, with a third app limited to a floating window.


Accessories


Xiaomi offers two accessories specifically for the Redmi Pad Pro: the Redmi Smart Pen and the Redmi Pad Pro Keyboard. While neither supports auto-pairing or magnetic charging, once connected via Bluetooth, the connection remains stable and seamless.


The Redmi Pad Pro Keyboard features a full-sized layout with well-spaced keys. The keys offer sufficient travel and feedback, ensuring a comfortable typing experience. However, the absence of a trackpad and the need to charge the keyboard separately via USB-C detracts from its overall utility.


The Redmi Smart Pen is enjoyable to use. During testing, I did not notice any significant lag while sketching or taking notes. It offers enough battery life to last about a week with moderate use, but you’ll need to remember to turn it off when not in use. Like the keyboard, the Smart Pen also requires charging via USB-C.


Battery


The Redmi Pad Pro is equipped with a 10,000mAh battery and supports 33W wired charging. For everyday tasks such as watching YouTube videos, taking notes, reading articles, and scrolling through social media, the Pad Pro easily lasts more than two days. Even with gaming and binge-watching, the battery comfortably holds up for a full day before needing a recharge. When it does, the 33W charger takes approximately one hour and 50 minutes to fully charge from five per cent.


Verdict


Starting at Rs 21,999, the Redmi Pad Pro offers a practical everyday tablet experience with a vibrant display, impressive speakers, long battery life, and sufficient performance for regular tasks. The inclusion of 5G SIM support is a valuable addition. However, if you’re looking for a high-performance tablet or a portable workstation, there are other alternatives in the market better suited for those needs.

First Published: Sep 11 2024 | 3:48 PM IST



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