MWC 2024: With transparent displays and bendable phones, an exciting tone has been set for the year
MWC 2024 made a lot of noise this year too, all thanks to the innovative products that were showcased by tech companies. Here is a look at some of the best innovative gadgets that I saw at the tech show. Key Points
India TodayWhere do stolen phones go? To IMEI ‘changers’; Police busts gang in Delhi
Police in west Delhi have arrested three individuals for allegedly changing the IMEIs of stolen mobile phones. The gang reportedly aided snatchers and thieves in the area. The accused, residents of Tilak Nagar, were found with 79 stolen phones and a laptop containing incriminating software. Despite the changed IMEIs, police have linked some phones to four cases but are facing difficulties in connecting others. Key Points
Economic TimesNavi Mumbai Crime Branch nabs mobile snatching gang; 29 phones seized
A gang in Navi Mumbai has been busted for snatching mobile phones from pedestrians on bikes. 29 phones were seized and four people have been arrested. Key Points
Hindustan TimesIndian mobile companies may find it tough to regain market share
Indian mobile manufacturers face challenges as they attempt to re-enter the domestic smartphone market, which is currently dominated by Chinese brands. An ET survey found that none of the mobile retail shops in Delhi sold Indian mobile brands. Demand is mostly for 5G phones over 4G phones, with a focus on the above ₹10,000 segment. Key Points
Economic TimesCentre to roll out pan-India mobile tracking system to aid finding lost devices
The Indian government is planning the pan-India rollout of a tracking system for lost and stolen mobile phones. The Centre for Department of Telematics has been testing the CEIR system in several regions of the country for some time. Telecoms operators will be able to view an IMEI – a 15-digit unique identifier on all Indian mobiles – to trace the device or block it should it be cloned. The CEIR will ease reporting of lost or stolen phones and enable the public to be more aware of cloned and fake mobiles, the government said. Key Points
Economic Times
The surprising way cellphones changed our lives
The first ever call made with a mobile phone was a conversation 50 years ago between two rivals developing cellphone technology. Since then, the devices have found some unexpected uses. Key Points
BBCVodafone-Idea reveals eligible Xiaomi phones for 5G support, but when will it launch 5G in India?
Vodafone-Idea (Vi) has announced the list of Xiaomi phones that are set to get support for 5G services. But, Vi hasn’t yet released 5G in any of the Indian cities yet, unlike Jio and Airtel. Here is everything we know so far about Vi 5G launch. Key Points
India TodayAre you planning to buy a foldable smartphone? Get the basics right
With the planned entry of the likes of Chinese smartphone brands such as Oppo and Tecno, and US major Google, in this segment, Samsungs stronghold of the market is under threat. But this only spells good news for consumers who will have more choice. Key Points
Economic TimesSmartphone users exhibit slowdown in upgrading
From less than 12 months to now 18 months, smartphone users in the country are waiting longer before upgrading. The total number of smartphones in Indian market was estimated at around 15-16 crore units in 2022, dominated by budget phones with prices ranging between Rs 6,000 and Rs 15,000. Key Points
The Tribune IndiaSangrur: Three held for duping eCommerce companies of ₹19L
Police busted an eCommerce fraud gang in India, arresting three people who allegedly created fake IDs to order mobile phones and claim refunds for defects. The trio took around INR19.68 lakh ($26,600) from companies including Flipkart, police said. A fourth suspect is still on the run. The accused sold the mobiles in the market after receiving refunds. Key Points
Hindustan Times
Smartphone makers are wasting no time in the race for innovation and loyalty
Will AI define the smartphone class of 2024? Likely. Phone makers aren’t pondering over the ideal time for new launches. That’s good news for consumers, with experience defined by significant forward steps across specs and collaborations Key Points
Hindustan TimesDo you use your smartphone in the toilet? Here’s why you must stop
A study found that 61.6% of people take their smartphones to the toilet, which can have serious health consequences. Smartphones carry more germs than toilet seats and can cause infections. Germs can survive on phone screens for up to 28 days. Key Points
mintDozens of mobile phones stolen during power cut at Gurugram's Sunburn Festival
Over two dozen mobile phones were stolen during a power outage at a music festival in Gurugram. Police arrested 12 suspects and the recovered some of the stolen mobiles. Key Points
India TodayMWC 2024: Motorola's bendable phone is super cool, it can be bent in any shape
Motorola is turning heads with its latest innovation — a bendable phone that's not just flexible, it's moldable! That's right. Just imagine a smartphone that you can shape into whatever form you fancy. Key Points
India TodayIndia’s trade policy is working great — for Vietnam
Elsewhere in Asia, the contest is about semiconductors, the high-value heart of communication, transportation, artificial intelligence, and a lot else besides. From Thailand to Singapore and Malaysia, several countries are now in the fray to shift the locus of front-end chip manufacturing from East to Southeast and South Asia. India is trying tostep on that ladder via packaging and testing. While those plans are yet to bear fruit, cheap labor has already made the nation an upcoming rival to Vietnam in a low-value-added activity like assembling electronics parts. Key Points
Economic Times
Mobile calling began 50 years ago, today inventor Martin Cooper is worried about smartphone addiction
50 years ago today, the first commercial mobile phone call was made by Martin Cooper, the 'father of cell phones'. However, decades later, he is calling out smartphone addiction in people and finds it heartbreaking when he sees someone using their phones while crossing a road. Key Points
India TodayLooking for 5G phones under Rs 40,000? Pixel 7a and more available at discounted prices in India
5G phones under Rs 40,000: The Pixel 7a, OnePlus 11R, and iQOO Neo 7 are available at lower prices, but only if you have select bank cards. Here are all the details. Key Points
India TodayApple, Tesla love affair with China ending? Users told to shun Western products
Tesla, Apple may lose millions of customers in China, which is urging people to choose local products. The two are resorting to discounts to stay competive. Key Points
Hindustan TimesSamsung tipped to launch Galaxy Z Fold 5, Galaxy Z Flip 5 foldable phones in July
Samsung is tipped to be preparing to launch the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5 foldable phones by the end of July. The devices are also expected to make it to India. Here is what we know so far. Key Points
India TodayApple CEO Tim Cook doesn't want people using phones too much, urges parents to limit their kids' screen time
Apple CEO Tim Cook says he doesn't want people to use their phones too much as that is not what the company wants. He also added that parents should limit their kids' screen time. Key Points
India Today
MWC 2024: HMD gives a glimpse of new phones that are launching in India in July
HMD Global - which previously sold phones under the Nokia brand - is now gearing up to sell devices in India with its badge on them. Two HMD-branded smartphones and a Barbie-themed flip phone is set to hit the country and other global markets in July 2024. Here are the details. Key Points
India TodayNothing Phone 2a might be announced this week, and there are a bunch of details we already know about it
It seems that Nothing is preparing to launch a budget smartphone after unveiling two premium phones all over the world. The leaks so far have suggested that the Nothing Phone 2a was in the making and that it could debut soon. The company has now hinted the same. Key Points
India TodayHow flight mode on mobile helped Hyderabad Police to uncover Rs 712 crore Chinese scam
Hyderabad cybercrime police have uncovered an Rs 712 crore ($96 million) investment scam, overseen by China-based masterminds. The criminals were exposed when data associated with the scheme was not wiped from one of the fraudsters' phones. Officials believe that if data on the first phone had remained, losses could have been even greater. Key Points
Economic TimesAmazon accidentally reveals Motorola Razr 40, iQOO Neo 7 Pro and Narzo 60 prices ahead of their India launch
While the Prime Day sale will begin on July 15, Amazon is revealing discounted prices of smartphones to help users create a shop list. It accidentally also revealed the prices of some upcoming phone. Key Points
India TodayAround 5.4 lakh mobile phones blocked, 2.6 lakh lost ones traced using DoT portal
India's artificial intelligence-based Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) has, within a month of its launch on 16 May, allowed mobile phone users to block 541,428 devices and track another 255,882 lost phones. Market estimates put the total value of lost or stolen phones at around Rs. 1,200 crores, with over 50,000 devices lost or stolen each month. Key Points
Economic Times
India’s production push is not moving past the assembly line
India's $10 billion plan to produce semiconductors is under threat, potentially exposing a fault line in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's campaign for greater economic self-reliance. Critics argue that the success of India's smartphone manufacturing industry is a hollow claim, created by low-end assembly-line jobs with expensive state subsidies and protectionist import duties. The government is expected to reject incentives for a proposed 28-nanometer chip unit, which would make sense only as a quick pathway to more sophisticated production. The PLI program, a $24 billion subsidy scheme, is also under scrutiny. Key Points
mintA day at Xiaomi’s Bawal assembly plant: Witnessing the birth of one of India’s most affordable smartphones
We visited a Xiaomi factory in India and saw how the Redmi A2 – the company's latest entry-level offering – is made. Check out what goes on behind the scenes at the assembly line. Key Points
The Indian ExpressNeed a Social-Media Detox? Start With an Analog Watch
More women are using old-school timepieces, not phones or smartwatches, to check the hour. Some are emulating Rihanna. Others see it as self-care. Could taking your wrist offline lead to inner peace? Key Points
mintJharkhand CM awards laptops, cash prizes to CBSE, ICSE, JAC, Olympiad toppers
A total of ₹1.32 crore, laptops and mobile phones were distributed among the students. Key Points
Hindustan TimesDelhi mayor alleges attack by BJP councillors amid ruckus in MCD house
Ruckus ensued in the MCD house during the elections of the Standing Committee members. The BJP councillors protested against pictures being clicked using mobile phones inside the voting booth. | Latest News Delhi Key Points
Hindustan Times
Xiaomi India extends warranty of some phones by 2 years, here are the details
Xiaomi India has extended the warranty of some phones by two years. The company has announced the extension via its Discord handle. Here are the details. Key Points
India TodayPune police foil robbery attempt, two arrested for planning to steal phones during palkhi
The Pune police have apprehended two suspects planning to target individuals participating in the upcoming palki procession. Stolen mobile phones valued at ?1.10 lakh were recovered from them, and further investigations revealed that the thefts were planned during the palkhi procession. Multiple cases have been registered, and the police have put stringent measures in place to ensure safety and maintain law and order during the event. Key Points
Hindustan Times15 mobiles seized in last 4 days from Goindwal jail
Fifteen mobile phones were seized in the last four days from Goindwal Central Jail, with one inmate facing charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The jail has been in the limelight for wrong reasons since its opening in December 2021, with several rackets being run from the prison, including drug and weapon smuggling. Key Points
Hindustan TimesView: Modi’s $24 billion manufacturing push is stuck on the assembly line
Already, influential critics are asking if the much-touted success in becoming a hub for smartphone manufacturing is a hollow claim. Low-end assembly-line jobs, created with the help of expensive state subsidies and protectionist import duties, would only make sense if they were a quick pathway to more sophisticated production, such as of microprocessors. Key Points
Economic TimesSamsung Galaxy M14, Redmi K50i, and more discounted during Amazon Revolution 5G Sale
The Amazon sale purely includes 5G phones, which is something that is also pretty evident from the name of the event. The Samsung Galaxy M14, Redmi K50i, Xiaomi 12 Pro, iQOO Neo 7, and more are on sale. Key Points
India Today
6 joint issues smartphone overuse can cause
Joint disorders are becoming common in younger kids due to overuse of smartphones. All you want to know from an expert. | Health Key Points
Hindustan TimesNothing phones now lets users record calls discreetly, here is how
Nothing, the innovative tech company founded by Carl Pei, has announced the addition of a new feature that allows users to record phone calls discreetly, without alerting other participants on the call. Here is everything to know. Key Points
India TodayPhone makers seek competitive tax, tariff regime for export push
The industry has highlighted to the government that the domestic market for mobile phones has saturated, while the exports are growing at a fast pace, now contributing 25% of total local production. The industry, which exported $11.1 billion worth of mobile phones in FY23, wants to target the $50-billion export mark over the next few years. Key Points
Economic TimesSocial media influencers and reel hunters upset netizens: Kedarnath Dham mulls ban on mobile phones
This comes days after a video of a YouTuber purportedly proposing to her boyfriend inside the temple premises went viral on social media and enraged netizens. The BKTC has termed this a trend that is hurting the shrine's religious sanctity . Key Points
Economic Times