Tag: smartphones

  • Nothing Targets India’s Gen Z for Growth: Strategy and Expansion Plans

    In an effort to establish the nation’s first international phone brand, London-based smartphone manufacturer Nothing, which is well-known for its transparent device designs, is increasing investments in India and focusing on young people in the most populous country in the world.

    On September 25, the unicorn firm revealed its plan, stating that it would establish a joint venture with Optiemus Infracom, an Indian manufacturing company that plans to invest over $100 million in the nation over the following three years.

    Additionally, the U.K. corporation is moving its subbrand, CMF, to India and intends to establish the South Asian nation as its global centre for product manufacturing and export. Chief Executive Carl Pei explained why he believes there is significant development potential in the industry by stating that the government has been actively promoting the “Make in India” initiative for the past ten years.

    Nothing CEO Points India as Emerging Market

    Pei also emphasised the growing maturity and talent of the Indian market. The brand sees a huge chance to establish India’s first smartphone or smart-hardware company that can expand internationally, he told The Wall Street Journal. ‘It has never been done here before,’ he continued.

    In the very competitive global smartphone market, few companies outside of China have been able to compete with companies like Apple and Samsung in recent years. According to Pei, India is Nothing’s largest market, followed by Europe, but the company does not anticipate achieving a 2% market share there this year.

    Nothing is placing bets that its Gen Z clientele will propel it to new heights. Nothing in its industry has the youngest user base, according to Pei. Its users are 26 years old on average. Their first or second phone is still being delivered to them. It’s been a calculated approach, and so far it’s working well, since occasionally kids can be a little rebellious and don’t want the same product as their parents and uncle.”

    The industry is nothing new to Pei. In 2013, he co-founded OnePlus, a smartphone maker based in Shenzhen, China. Prior to founding OnePlus with former Oppo vice president Pete Lau, he had experience working for Chinese electronics manufacturing firms Meizu and Oppo.

    Nothing Rapidly Expanding its Network

    Pie’s most recent business endeavour, Nothing, was last valued at $1.3 billion and has been expanding quickly since its creation in 2020. The consumer technology company’s sales are expected to double from 2024 to $1 billion this year.

    China has been the source of all exports to markets outside of India, but the company is beginning to export goods from both nations, Pei said. According to Counterpoint Research, Nothing grew at the fastest rate in India during the second quarter for the sixth consecutive quarter. According to Chow, the company is working to develop a devoted clientele over the long haul while advancing AI-powered services and products. “Scale is the short-term challenge.”

    Quick Shots

    •Moving subbrand CMF to India, positioning
    the country as a global hub for manufacturing and exports.

    •CEO Carl Pei highlights India’s emerging
    market potential and talent pool, backed by the Make in India initiative.

    •Nothing aims to be India’s first globally
    expanding smartphone and smart-hardware brand.

    •The brand’s average user age is 26, with a
    strong focus on first- and second-time phone buyers.

  • Google Pixel 10 Production to Begin in India, Exports Likely to US & Global Markets

    India is quickly becoming a major production location for Google Pixel smartphones. The Economic Times said that Alphabet is planning to export its high-end Pixel 10 Series devices in addition to expanding local production of these devices.

    The company is taking this action in an effort to strengthen its supply network outside of Taiwan and lower the risks associated with US tariffs. The US tech giant is in advanced talks with Dixon Technologies and Foxconn, its current Indian manufacturing partners, as well as possible new suppliers like Bhagwati Products, which is owned by Micromax.

    According to the news article, Alphabet may soon phase out the Pixel 9a model, which these vendors now assemble.

    Pixel Likely to Follow Apple’s Export Model

    According to the news article, industry insiders have suggested that India may be used as a production hub for global markets, including the US, even though Alphabet has not confirmed particular export destinations.

    Pixel 10 Production Partners: Dixon, Foxconn & Micromax’s Bhagwati Products

    According to an executive cited in the news story, Pixel exports may follow a similar trajectory if Apple is able to ship large quantities of goods from India to the US. Additionally, Alphabet is attempting to increase its visibility in India. In addition to selling handsets through Reliance Digital, Croma, Sangeetha Mobiles, Poorvika, and more than 2,000 smaller retail locations, the business has hired 18 distributors.

    Since local production began a year ago, import taxes have been lowered by 16.5%, increasing the competitiveness of Pixel smartphones against Apple’s iPhone and Samsung’s high-end Galaxy models.

    Pixel’s Distribution Network in India

    With the help of 18 distributors, including Reliance Digital, Croma, Sangeetha Mobiles, and Poorvika, the company is also increasing sales in India. These phones are sold in more than 2,000 small, multi-brand retailers.

    Alphabet began manufacturing Google Pixel smartphones in India a year ago because local manufacturing lessened the burden of duties, allowing these phones to compete with the iPhone and Samsung’s high-end Galaxy models. Smartphone import taxes in India are 16.5%.

    Alphabet Layoffs: Reorganization in Platforms & Devices Unit

    According to a media report, this year Alphabet’s Google has let go of hundreds of workers from its Platforms and Devices business. This division is in charge of important products like the Chrome browser, Pixel devices, and Android software.

    The layoffs come after a voluntary departure programme that was made available to staff members in January. The action is a component of a continuous reorganisation that started last year when Google combined its Chrome and Android teams under the Pixel and Devices group. This group is headed by Rick Osterloh, a company executive. The combined company employed around 20,000 people at the time of the merger.

    Quick Shots

    •Move aims
    to reduce reliance on Taiwan and mitigate risks from US tariffs.

    •Manufacturing
    partners include Dixon Technologies, Foxconn, and    Micromax-owned Bhagwati Products.

    •Pixel 9a
    may be phased out, as vendors shift focus to Pixel 10 assembly.

    •Exports
    from India may follow Apple’s model of shipping iPhones to the US.

  • Samsung’s Biggest Product Failures: Worst Models, Flops & Why They Failed

    No matter how big a brand is, how fancy their ad campaigns are, or how much they sell, everyone has their flaws and some embarrassing failed launches. Whenever there is a conversation about failed products, one cannot complete it without talking about the infamous Samsung Note 7, the phone that became a meme and a safety hazard after a lot of its units kept on exploding.

    Samsung is one of the most valued brands in the world and sells a wide range of electronic devices from smartphones to dishwashers. Samsung is a colossal multinational company from South Korea and has a big influence there. Samsung is known to create innovative, high-tech, quality devices. Samsung has launched some ground-breaking and unique models, but some devices could have been better. And then some were straight-up failures and tainted the brand image.

    Let’s take a look at some of those Samsung failures or Samsung discontinued products, and understand that even giant multinational businesses make mistakes sometimes.

    Serial No. Product Year Launched Year Discontinued Reason for Failure
    1 Galaxy Note 7 2016 2016 Battery explosions and fire hazards; global recall and safety concerns.
    2 Samsung Laptops 2000s 2014 (Europe/US) Poor sales, strong competition from Apple/Lenovo/HP; lack of innovation.
    3 Galaxy A & Galaxy M Series 2014 (A), 2019 (M) Some models phased out Oversaturated lineup; brand confusion; cannibalization of own mid-range offerings.
    4 Galaxy S10 2019 2020 Weak upgrades over S9; outshined by S20; decline in flagship sales.
    5 Galaxy S21 2021 2022 Underwhelming reception; strong competition; overshadowed by S20 FE and newer models.
    6 The Galaxy Fold 2019 2019 (revised model relaunched) Fragile display; screen durability issues; early review backlash.
    7 Samsung Galaxy Alpha 2014 2015 High price for mid-range specs; poor battery; quickly replaced by Galaxy A series.
    8 Samsung Galaxy Beam 2012 2014 Dim projector; short battery life; low demand; considered a gimmick.

    Galaxy Note 7

    Galaxy Note 7 - Samsung Failed Products
    Galaxy Note 7- Samsung Failed Products

    The Galaxy Note 7 was launched in August 2016. The product received a decent response from the buyers, and a lot of people bought it. The phone came with a big screen, an enhanced stylus, and a promising camera. Everything was going great until the news about the phone overheating and exploding started going viral.

    Most of the people who had that phone at that time were experiencing weird things with it. The temperature was the biggest issue, and it became a safety hazard. The market value of the brand dropped tremendously, and the product was doomed to fail. After that, Samsung sent replacements and then, ultimately, terminated the product and discontinued it.

    Samsung Laptops

    Samsung Laptops - Samsung Failed Products
    Samsung Laptops – Samsung Failed Products

    Do not worry if you have never heard of Samsung laptops before, because their laptops are less talked about and are not as famous as their smartphones. Most of the people who bought the laptops were generally disappointed and wanted to switch to another brand.

    The laptops were not as smooth and neat as the smartphones, and one could easily tell the company hadn’t put as much work into them. These days, they are still trying to push the new range of their laptops, but they are still not that popular amongst the general population.


    25 Apple Failed Products: Biggest Flops, Notable Failures & What Went Wrong
    Explore 25 Apple failed products, biggest flops, and notable Apple failures—discover what went wrong with these iconic tech missteps.



    Galaxy A & Galaxy M Series

    Samsung A Series & Samsung M Series - Samsung Failed Products
    Samsung A Series & Samsung M Series – Samsung Failed Products

    When these phones dropped, people bought them like hotcakes, but after two or three days, the phones started having issues. The main issue was that they rebooted all of a sudden. The Exynos chipset utilized in these phones appears to be the source of the problems. People were dissatisfied since the phones were relatively new, and because Samsung is a well-known brand, this level of quality from Samsung was not acceptable.

    And the phones were quite underwhelming themselves. Even without the technical issues, the customers were disappointed because the hardware was not up to par, and the phones were not up to the mark. Samsung had numerous competitors at that time, including Redmi, Vivo, Oppo, and OnePlus, all of which offered better services than Samsung at Oppo and OnePlus even offered lower prices.

    Galaxy S10

    Samsung Galaxy S10 - Samsung Failed Products
    Samsung Galaxy S10 – Samsung Failed Products

    Samsung launched its Galaxy S10 range in 2019, and it has gained a lot of popularity. Samsung is a big name when it comes to smartphones, so a lot of people bought it. The punch-hole camera, massive screen, quality hardware, and great camera tech got everyone hooked.

    But still, like most of the Galaxy phones, these also have their issues. The apps kept on crashing, and they were forced to close. This ruins the experience. The fingerprint reader was also not working properly and made a lot of users angry. Users also claimed that the phone was overheating and that the battery life was very disappointing.


    List of Amazon Failed Products and Services | Amazon Failures
    Explore a comprehensive list of Amazon failures and unsuccessful ventures. Discover the intriguing stories behind Amazon failed products.


    Galaxy S21

    Samsung Galaxy S21 - Samsung Failed Products
    Samsung Galaxy S21 – Samsung Failed Products

    Another Galaxy device is on the list of Samsung fails. This time it is the Galaxy S21. The product did not sell well, and the quality was inferior as well. Users were experiencing tons of bugs and issues with the series. The latest Android 12 update was not helping the phone at all, and the phone was frustrating its users. The hopes were high, and the loyal Samsung fans were disappointed with the problems like quick battery drainage, installation issues, and many more. Samsung has promised a new system update to fix most of the problems, like bugs and software issues.


    Explore the 4 biggest reasons behind Yahoo’s downfall.
    From giant to Google dust: Dive deep into the 4 reasons Yahoo failed, including missed chances, bad leadership, and the rise of a tech titan.


    The Galaxy Fold

    Samsung Galaxy Fold - Samsung Worst Products
    Samsung Galaxy Fold – Samsung Failed Products

    The new Galaxy Fold phones are fantastic, but the first one, which was released in 2019, was a big letdown. People were excited about getting it, as it was a foldable device with a huge screen. It created a lot of buzz because, at that time, it seemed like the future of technology had a lot to offer. But when the people finally got to use it, everyone felt underwhelmed. The phone was not cheap, so everyone was expecting some quality. But it felt like the only good thing was the big screen and nothing else. The quality was not up to the mark. The hardware was fragile, and the phone was not worth the price.

    Samsung Galaxy Alpha

    Samsung Galaxy Alpha – Samsung Failed Products

    The Galaxy Alpha is another Samsung failed phones that was a fancy phone launched in 2014. It looked nice with a metal body and had good features. But it didn’t sell well because it was too expensive and didn’t do enough for the price. So, Samsung stopped making it soon after. Most people choose cheaper phones that offer more value. It was quickly replaced by the Galaxy A series, which was more affordable and popular.

    Samsung Galaxy Beam

    Samsung Galaxy Beam - Samsung Failed Products
    Samsung Galaxy Beam – Failed Samsung Products

    The Galaxy Beam was a special phone from Samsung that could project pictures and videos onto walls. It was a new and fun idea, but it didn’t become popular.

    One big problem was that the projector wasn’t very bright, so the image was hard to see, especially in bright rooms. Also, the battery didn’t last long when using the projector. Because of these issues, not many people bought it, and Samsung stopped making it soon after.


    The Rise and Fall: Top 10 Global Brands That Failed in India
    Discover why major global brands struggled and failed in the Indian market. Learn key lessons from their downfall and what it reveals about Indian consumer behavior.


    Conclusion

    Samsung is a major player that has created a slew of amazing items that have proven to be game-changers. However, the company’s reputation has been soiled by a few failures. The majority of failure items were due to an internal problem. Samsung, on the other hand, has continued to develop innovative technology for its customers. Even if there are some failures, Samsung has provided aid to dissatisfied customers through replacement, software updates, and much more.

    FAQs

    When did Samsung enter India?

    Samsung entered India in December 1995.

    Why is there no Samsung in Japan?

    Samsung does not brand their phones in Japan due to anti-Korean prejudice and a preference for Japanese-made products.

    What are the failed products of Samsung?

    Some of the failed products of Samsung are:

    • Galaxy Note 7
    • Samsung Laptops
    • Galaxy A & Galaxy M Series
    • Galaxy S10
    • Galaxy S21

    Who are the top Competitors of Samsung smartphones?

    Some of the biggest competitors of Samsung Smartphones are:

    • Apple
    • Huawei
    • Xiaomi
    • Oppo
    • Vivo
    • Lenovo
    • Sony
    • Microsoft
    • Motorola
    • Asus

    Is Samsung F series failure?

    The Samsung Galaxy F series is not considered a failure, but it’s not a major hit either.

    Is Samsung M series failure?

    The Samsung Galaxy M series is not a failure — in fact, it’s been one of Samsung’s more successful budget-to-midrange smartphone lines, especially in India.

  • Trump Organization Launches Budget Mobile Plan with $499 Smartphone Deal

    On 16 June, the Trump Organisation revealed a $499 smartphone that will go on sale in September along with a mobile phone plan.

     According to its website, Trump Mobile, the new service, will include a $47.45 monthly package that includes unlimited call, text, and data, as well as roadside assistance and a “Telehealth and Pharmacy Benefit”.

    The Trump-owned business also declared that it will market a smartphone known as the “T1”, which seems to have a gold metal casing with an American flag engraved on it.

    The new endeavour is the most recent instance of Trump’s commercial empire leveraging its affiliation with the current president to its advantage.

    Both Services Highlighting Trump Administration Period

    Trump, who is currently the 47th president of the United States and was the 45th during his first term, is referenced in both the wireless service’s name, “The 47 Plan”, and its monthly cost.

    Trump’s campaign slogan, “Make America Great Again”, is displayed on the homepage of the forthcoming phone’s website. The company’s new venture into telecoms primarily consists of a licensing arrangement, much like the range of other products that Trump and his companies have introduced throughout his political career, such as watches, trainers and Bibles.

    The website’s bottom states that neither The Trump Organisation nor any of its affiliates or principals are responsible for the design, development, production, distribution, or sale of Trump Mobile or its goods and services.

    The rush of licence agreements and other branded-merchandise partnerships surrounding Trump has sparked ethical questions from critics.

    However, with comparatively little risk to their finances or political standing, the president and his family are nonetheless pursuing profitable opportunities to diversify their holdings.

    Trump Minting Millions in 2024 Through Various Licence Agreements

    The president revealed on June 13 that he earned over $8 million in 2024 from a variety of licensing deals. Compared to competing plans offered by well-known carriers, the 47 Plan seems to be more costly.

    For example, Mint Mobile’s 12-month unlimited plan costs $30 per month, while Verizon’s more affordable option, Visible, offers an unlimited speak, text, data, and hotspot plan for $25 per month.

    The Trump Mobile website advertises that it has a customer service call centre located in the United States and that its plan provides “same coverage as the 3 nationwide phone service carriers”.

    According to the Trump Mobile website, the T1 phone has a 16.8-inch AMOLED screen, a 16-megapixel selfie camera, and Android 15. In addition, it has a 50-megapixel primary camera, 256 gigabytes of internal storage, and 12 gigabytes of RAM.

  • Apple – The Development Of iEcosystem

    Company Profile is an initiative by StartupTalky to publish verified information on different startups and organizations. The content in this post has been approved by Apple.

    The Apple logo is very identifiable whether you’re walking down a crowded street in a major city or travelling through the highways. Whenever you spot a MacBook, an iPad, or an iPhone, you immediately recognize the logo and know who built it. Apple has accomplished more than just technological domination. The corporation has achieved something that many people strive for: international name recognition and a reputation that will outlast everyone alive today.

    The company’s tagline from 1997 to 2002, “Think Different,” may have contributed to Apple’s success. While not always hailed as a triumph, it is the result of foresight in the current competitive market. While many of us possess Apple devices, few are familiar with their history. When did Apple get its start, and how popular was it at its inception? When did Apple become well-known? And why did Apple come so close to going bankrupt? However, such achievement does not happen instantly and is difficult to duplicate. So, what is this mysterious Apple sauce? Let’s have a look.

    Apple – Company Highlights

    Startup Name Apple
    Formerly Called Apple Computer Company (1976–1977), Apple Computer, Inc. (1977–2007)
    Industry Consumer electronics, Software, and Online services
    Headquarter 1 Apple Park Way, Cupertino, California, U.S.
    Founders Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne
    Founded April 1, 1976
    CEO Tim Cook
    Areas Served Worldwide
    Website www.apple.com

    About Apple, and How it Works?
    Apple – Industry
    Apple – Name, Logo, and Tagline
    Apple – Founders
    Apple – Startup Story
    Apple – Apple without Jobs
    Apple – The Fall
    Apple – When Did It Become A Big Name?
    Apple – Vision, and Mission
    Apple – Business Model
    Apple – Investments
    Apple – Acquisitions
    Apple – Competitors
    Apple – Future Plans

    About Apple, and How it Works?

    Apple Inc. is a global technology company headquartered in Cupertino, California, that specialises in portable electronics, software applications, and internet services. Apple is the fourth-largest personal computer vendor by unit sales, the world’s second-most valuable company, the largest information technology company by revenue (totalling US$365.8 billion in 2021) and the second-largest mobile phone manufacturer. Along with Amazon, Alphabet, Microsoft, and Meta, it is one of the five American behemoths in information technology businesses.

    Apple Inc. produces, builds, and sells computers and associated computing and communication devices, as well as services, software, networking solutions, and peripherals. Apple distributes its goods through its online shops, retail locations, direct sales representatives, resellers, and third-party wholesalers all around the globe.

    The iPhone is Apple’s series of cell phones that run on Apple’s operating system called iOS. The Mac range of computers is centered also on the business’s macOS operating system.

    The iPad is a range of multi-purpose tablets from Apple that run on the iPad OS operating system. Apple TV, Air Pods, Apple Watch, Home Pod, Beats products, iPod touch, and other Apple-branded and third-party accessories are included under Home, Wearables, and Accessories.

    The Company’s wireless headphones that interface with Siri are known as Air Pods. The Apple Watch is the firm’s smartwatch series. AppleCare, Advertising, Cloud Services, Digital Content, and Payment Services are among its offerings.

    Apple – Industry

    The worldwide economy has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many end-user sectors, including electronics manufacturing, have been impacted. According to data from an IPC study conducted in March 2020, 40% of global electronics manufacturers and suppliers polled anticipate that the COVID-19 outbreak will have the greatest impact on consumer electronics. Another 24% of respondents said that industrial electronics would be the worst hit, with 19% predicting that the automotive electronics category would be the most brutal damage.

    Electronic computers, such as mainframes, laptops, pcs, workstations, and software services, as well as computer peripheral devices, are manufactured by companies in this business. Apple, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Dell, IBM, Lenovo (Hong Kong), ASUS (Taiwan), and Canon (Japan) are the companies that belong to this sector or industry.

    Annual global unit sales for 2021 hit 340 million units, up 15% from the previous year. With large exports, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, as well as the Asia Pacific, excluding Japan, led to the rise of this industry. During the projected period, which is 2021-2026, the Electronics Manufacturing Services Market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 9%.

    Apple – Name, Logo, and Tagline

    Jobs revealed in his biography written down by Walter Isaacson that he was now on one of his fruitarian diets. He was driving back from an apple farm when he came up with the name for the firm that would transform his life. Steve Wozniak’s book, “iWoz: Computer Geek to Cult Icon,” confirms this. Wozniak, who drove Jobs home from the airport following that trip, claimed that the firm name came to him during the journey. According to Jobs, the “apple orchard” he mentioned was a commune.

    According to Jobs’ biography, he believed the name “Apple Computer” sounded “energetic, fun, and not intimidating” – all crucial elements for a firm that intended to transform computing and make it far more approachable. And, that’s where the logo came from.

    Apple Logo
    Apple Logo

    Apple’s tagline says, “Think Different.”

    Apple – Founders

    Steve Jobs, Ronald Wayne, and Steve Wozniak founded Apple Computers Company as a business deal on April 1, 1976.

    Founders of Apple - Steve Jobs (left) and Steve Wozniak (right)
    Founders of Apple – Steve Jobs (left) and Steve Wozniak (right)

    Steve Jobs

    Steve Jobs was the co-founder and former CEO of Apple and Pixar Animation Studios. Jobs attended Reed College in Portland, Oregon after graduating from Homestead High School in Cupertino, California in 1972. He dropped out after one semester and went on to study philosophy and other cultures.

    Steve Jobs had a keen passion for technology, therefore he went to work for Atari Inc, a major video game producer at the time. He became acquainted with Steve Wozniak, a fellow designer, and attended Homebrew Computer Club meetings with him. On August 24, 2011, Jobs resigned as Apple’s CEO and became Chairman of the Board of Directors. Jobs passed away on October 5, 2011.

    Ronald Wayne

    Ronald G. Wayne is mainly remembered as one of the co-founders of the Apple tech firm, with Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, the company’s primary drivers. It was a brief journey compared to the years he spent inventing and manufacturing slot machines and other professional gaming devices. He’s a skilled innovator with over a dozen US patents under his belt, covering a wide spectrum of essential concepts.

    Steve Wozniak

    For the past three decades, Steve Wozniak has been a Silicon Valley star and philanthropist. His design of Apple’s original line of devices, the Apple I and II, impacted the popular Macintosh.

    With Wozniak’s Apple I personal computer, Wozniak and Steve Jobs launched Apple Computer Inc. in 1976. He unveiled his Apple II personal computer the next year, which had a central processing unit, a keyboard, colour graphics, and a floppy disc drive.

    Wozniak was active in several corporate and humanitarian endeavours after leaving Apple in 1985, concentrating mostly on computer capabilities in schools and emphasising hands-on learning and promoting student creativity.


    Apple vs. Samsung: A Case Study on the Biggest Tech Rivalry
    Here’s a brief case study on how Apple and Samsung rivalry was started and how Apple won the lawsuit.


    Apple – Startup Story

    The garage where Apple-I was developed
    The garage where Apple-I was developed

    Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne created Apple in 1976 to sell Wozniak’s hand-built PC, the Apple 1. The Apple 1 was supplied as a motherboard that had a Central processing unit, RAM, and some rudimentary textual-video chips. It had no built-in keyboard, monitor, casing, or other Human Interface Devices at the time.

    The Apple 1 was released in July 1976 and sold for $666.66. Only a few weeks after the firm was created, Wayne chose to quit. He accepted an $800 check, which was worth about $72 billion forty years later. Wayne was the one who hand-drew the initial Apple logo, which was later replaced with Rob Janoff’s bitten apple symbol in 1977.

    On January 3rd, 1977, Apple Computer Inc. was founded. Mike Markkula, who was interested in the Apple-1, gave the team the necessary funds and commercial acumen. Mike Markkula, the third employee, owned a third of the firm. He nominated Michael Scott as the company’s first president and CEO because he believed Steve was too young and not responsible enough to handle the role.

    The Apple II, designed by Wozniak, was released in 1977. The Apple II computers were able to stay on top of market leaders Tandy and Commodore PET thanks to VisiCalc (the world’s first ‘killer-app’), a revolutionary spreadsheet and computing software. Because of its office compatibility, VisiCalc provided customers with another reason to acquire the Apple II. The Apple II was able to change the computer industry by introducing colour graphics. Apple had a genuine office with many workers by 1978, as well as an Apple II production sector.

    Revenues for Apple doubled every four months in the following years. Between September 1977 and September 1980, their annual revenues increased from $775,000 to $118 million (an average annual growth rate of 533 per cent).

    On December 12, 1980, Apple came out publicly for $22 per share. Apple’s $4.6 million shares sold out very instantly, raising more money than just about any other IPO since Ford Motor Company in 1956. Steve Jobs, the largest shareholder, gained $217 million from the IPO. The company’s IPO also made 300 additional people millionaires overnight.

    Apple – Apple without Jobs

    As tensions between Jobs and John Sculley, the company’s third CEO, developed, Jobs sought to depose Sculley through a revolt, which collapsed. Apple’s board of directors sided with Sculley and relieved Jobs of his work responsibilities. Jobs subsequently left his position and started NeXT, a firm that makes powerful workstations. Around the same time, Steve Wozniak sold most of his stock, and left the company, claiming that the firm was heading in the wrong way.

    With Jobs gone, the board members were willing to decide what type of computers Apple might create. They chose to sell more costly Macs to high-end clients. Because Steve Jobs was resistant to raising prices, this strategy could not be implemented until after he had departed. They concluded that even if lesser units are sold, profitability will be comparable or greater. This approach was known as “55 or die,” and Jean-Louis Gassée required that the Macintosh II had to make at least 55% profit per unit. Sculley hired Gassée to take the role of Steve Jobs.

    Although Apple computers were more costly than other computers on the market, they offered advantages such as the UI that attracted customers. In 1991, Apple released the PowerBook laptop with the System 7 operating system. System 7 was responsible for providing the Macintosh OS colour, and it was utilised until 2001 when OS X was introduced.

    Apple attempted to expand into new areas throughout the 1990s. Gassée was also involved in the creation of innovative products like the eMate and the Newton MessagePad, with the hope that they would propel the business to an unprecedented level.


    Top 20 Biggest Failed Products of Apple in History
    As we all know Apple is a trillion-dollar company but here are a few failed products of Apple that Apple wants you to forget.


    Apple – The Fall

    When IBM clones became inexpensive and Microsoft’s influence grew in the latter part of the decade, Apple’s “55 or die” strategy failed. Even while Macs had an extensive software library, they were constrained. On the other hand, Windows 3.0 was on sale for low-cost commodity machines.

    Apple intended to re-enter the industry, so they released a new range of devices called the Quadra, Centris, and Performa. Because Apple computers were only accessible by mail or authorised dealers at the time, the Performa was designed to be a stocking item for lifestyle merchants and department stores. Back then, there has been no Apple Stores. Customers, on the other hand, were confused by this since they didn’t comprehend the differences among the variants.

    Apple has tried portable CD audio players, digital cameras, speakers, TV appliances, and other items, but they all failed. Apple’s stock price and market share dropped sharply. To compound the error, Sculley spent a significant amount of time and money porting System 7 to the new IBM/ Motorola PowerPC CPU rather than the Intel processor. Apple had no luck regaining market share since most software was designed on Intel CPUs, which were cheaper.

    The Apple board had enough with the very disappointing line of devices and the pricey choice to switch to PowerPC. Sculley was then replaced as CEO by Michael Spindler, a German expatriate who had worked with Apple since the 1980s. Gil Amelio succeeded Spindler as CEO in 1996.

    Amelio implemented significant reforms, including mass layoffs and cost reductions. His term was also marred by the shares of Apple hitting a 12-year low. In February 1997, Amelio chose to buy Jobs’ NeXT Computer for $429 million, bringing Steve Jobs back to Apple.

    Apple – When Did It Become A Big Name?

    The iPod, another Apple invention, was introduced in 2001. It was advertised as having thousands of music tracks worth of memory on its 5GB hard drive, which was an astonishing accomplishment for an MP3 player at that very time.

    In 2003, Apple launched the iTunes Music Store to augment this. This followed the introduction two years before of iTunes, Apple’s digital music software solutions. In 2003, Apple introduced a variant for Windows, and over the next several years, it began moving out to the rest of the globe. The iTunes Music Store was a convenient method for US residents to legally purchase music online; in 2006, it changed its name to the iTunes Store to include video services too. In 2005, Apple computers had Intel chips, allowing them to run Windows. All Apple PC hardware, including iMacs and MacBook Pros, will be Intel-based in the future.

    In 2007, Apple Computer Inc. changed its name to Apple Inc. to reflect its expanded product line. 270,000 iPhones were ordered during the first 30 hours after its release, earning it the moniker “Apple’s destiny changer.”

    The debut of the iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad devices were met with overwhelming success. Apple introduced the App Store in July 2008 to offer third-party iPhone and iPod-Touch software. The App Store sold 60 million apps in a month and generated an average daily income of $1 million. Because of the iPhone’s success, Apple became the world’s third-largest mobile device provider.

    In October 2010, Apple stock achieved an all-time high of $300. On August 24, 2011, Steve Jobs stepped down from his role as CEO owing to health concerns and was succeeded by Tim Cook. Jobs died on October 5, 2011, bringing an end to a great period for Apple and a major shift in the company’s history.

    Apple, on the other hand, continues to dominate the market with ground-breaking technical marvels.


    Apple Marketing Strategy: The Secret Behind its Simple Yet Effective Marketing Strategy
    Are you someone who is fascinated by Apple’s marketing strategy and how they pull it off? So, Here’s a detailed look at Apple’s marketing strategy.


    Apple – Vision, and Mission

    Apple’s mission is “to bring the best user experience to its customers through its innovative hardware, software, and services.”

    Apple – Business Model

    Apple’s business model is divided into two parts: products and services. In 2021, Apple earned more than $365 billion in revenue, with $191.9 billion coming from iPhone sales, and $38.3 billion from accessories and wearables (AirPods, Apple TV, Apple Watch, Beats products, Home Pod, iPod touch, and accessories),  $35.2 billion from Mac sales, $31.86 billion from iPad sales, and $68.4 billion from services.

    • Products – iPhone, Mac, iPad, as well as wearables, home, and accessory devices, are among the product lines (Air Pods, Apple-Watch and more)
    • Services –  AppleCare+, Digital Content Stores and Streaming Services, and the AppleCare Protection Plan, Apple’s Cloud Services, Licensing, and other services like Apple ArcadeTM, Apple News+, Apple CardTM, and Apple Pay, a cashless payment service, are all part of the services business.

    Apple – Investments

    Date Organization Name Round Amount
    May 5, 2022 CNote Corporate Round $25M
    Dec 6, 2021 Trala Venture Round $6.9M
    Nov 4, 2021 Lime Convertible Note $418M
    Aug 26, 2021 VamosVentures Corporate Round
    Aug 26, 2021 SweetBio Corporate Round
    Jun 22, 2021 Alabama A & M University Grant $1.3M
    Jun 17, 2021 Morgan State University Grant $6.3M
    May 7, 2021 II-VI Post-IPO-Equity $410M
    Mar 31, 2021 UnitedMasters Series B $50M
    May 7, 2020 Copan Diagnostics Grant $10M

    Apple – Acquisitions

    Acquiree Name About Acquiree Date Amount
    Joby Aviation Joby Aviation is an aerospace transportation company developing electric aircrafts. Apr 1, 2022
    Credit Kudos Credit Kudos is a credit bureau that uses financial behavior and data through open banking to measure creditworthiness. Mar 23, 2022 $150M
    AI Music Exploring the relationship between music and AI to enable a new age of music consumption Feb 7, 2022
    Paws, Inc Paws, Inc., was founded in 1981 by cartoonist Jim Davis, as a creative house to support Garfield licensing. Aug 30, 2021
    SourceDNA SourceDNA is a code similarity engine enabling companies that make or sell code to track what’s inside apps. May 6, 2021
    Vilynx Vilynx increases engagement, efficiency, and insight with leading products for Publishers in the digital world. Oct 27, 2020 $50M
    Scout FM Scout FM is a hand-curated podcast radio stations personalized with the power of data and artificial intelligence. Sep 24, 2020
    Spaces SPACES designs VR, AR and MR experiences for theme parks, retail, and other public locations worldwide. Aug 24, 2020
    Mobeewave Mobeewave is a Canadian-based startup that allows any mobile app to accept in-person payments with no extra hardware. Aug 1, 2020 $100M
    Fleetsmith Fleetsmith puts Apple device management and security on auto-pilot. Jun 24, 2020

    Apple – Competitors

    Microsoft, Samsung, Lenovo, Dell, Sony, HP, Xiaomi, Asus, Huawei, and Oppo are the top competitors of Apple.

    Apple – Future Plans

    Every year in June, Apple has its global Annual Developers Conference, and in 2022, the keynote will be held on June 6. Apple will use the event to debut its next-generation software, which will be available in the autumn.

    Apple is said to be developing a folding iPhone with a screen size of 7.5 to 8 inches and a release date of 2023 at the utmost. Apple is reported to be working on interactive virtual goggles with an inbuilt processor, dedicated high-end displays, and a Reality Operating System. The gadget will combine hand gestures, touch panels, and voice activation for interaction, and it is projected to cost around $3,000. In 2023, the AR/VR headset is projected to be released.

    Apple is working on upgraded 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with M2 Pro and M2 Max processors. The M2 Max processor will include a 12-core CPU and a 38-core GPU, and the new computers will be available in 2023.

    The storyline of Apple’s electric vehicle research has undergone numerous plot twists, but reliable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claims that the company is still targeting a completely autonomous automobile, instead of just a technology offering, with a launch date between 2023 and 2025.

    Apple – FAQs

    What does Apple do?

    Apple Inc. is a global software company headquartered in Cupertino, California, that specialises in portable electronics, software applications, and internet services

    When was Apple founded?

    Steve Jobs, Ronald Wayne, and Steve Wozniak founded Apple Computers Company as a business deal on April 1, 1976.

    Which companies do Apple compete with?

    Microsoft, Samsung, Lenovo, Dell, Sony, HP, Xiaomi, Asus, Huawei, and Oppo are some of the companies Apple competes with.

  • List of Brands Endorsed by Hugh Jackman

    Hollywood has given the world some of the greatest celebrity who has turned out to be inspirational and influential. Many popular brands hire these celebrities because they are aware of the power those celebrities hold. To market their products, they grab this opportunity with both hands.

    One of the most popular superstars of Hollywood, Hugh Jackman has been in the industry for almost three decades and it wouldn’t be wrong to say that he is an actor who has been able to capture the world with his amazing acting skills.

    The Oscar-nominated, Australian actor started his career in Hollywood with the film Erskineville Kings in 1999 but gained momentum after playing the role of the superhero Wolverine in X-Men. His role of wolverine got him the Guinness World Record of “longest career as a live-action Marvel character”. Apart from that his films like, Van Helsing, The Front Runner, Les Misérables, The Greatest Showman has helped in gaining him worldwide recognition and fame.

    He has won some of the greatest awards in the world like Golden Globe, Grammy, Emmy and Tony awards for contributing to the entertainment industry. Apart from being a part of some of the biggest blockbusters, the 53-year has also been associated with some of the world-famous brands. In this article, we will talk about the brands that are endorsed by Hugh Jackman. So, let’s get right into the business.

    “People relate to people, and if your brand feels like people, they’ll relate to you, too.” – Laura Busche

    List of Brands Endorsed by Hugh Jackman

    Keurig
    Qantas
    R.M. William Boots
    Montblanc
    Micromax

    Keurig

    Keurig is an American brand that sells single cup coffee brewing systems. It was founded by John Sylvan, Peter Dragone. Hugh Jackman himself is the co-founder of Laughing Man Coffee brand, in 2015 Keurig collaborated with Laughing Man Coffee and also took Jackman as their brand ambassador and made him the face of their future campaign.

    Qantas

    One of the world’s oldest airlines is Qantas of Australia. It was founded in 1920 by Fergus McMaster, Hudson Fysh, and Paul McGinness. It is Australia’s largest domestic and international airline and is famous for serving customers with premium and class service. Their service is quite popular in the aviation industry.

    Qantas partnered up with Hugh Jackman in the year 2015, to promote the country on the global front with the help of the Australian actor. Qantas believed that Hugh Jackman is the perfect person to be the face of the airlines.


    List of Brands Endorsed by Emma Watson
    Emma Watson is an English actress famous for her role as Hermione in Harry Potter. Here are brands endorsed by Emma Watson.


    R.M. William Boots

    R.M. Williams is a popular Australian brand known for its footwear and apparel. It was founded in the year 1920 by Reginald Murray Williams. The brand is mainly famous for its riding boots as they are handcrafted and are made of a single piece of leather.

    The brand roped in Hugh Jackman and made him the global brand ambassador of their brand in the year 2019 before that in 2015 Hugh Jackman also invested in the company.

    Hugh Jackman and the Australian fashion brand worked together for different ad campaigns, the most popular one was the ‘Undeniable Character’ campaign that was launched in the April of 2019.

    Montblanc

    Founded in the year 1906, Montblanc is one of the most popular brands that deal with fashion accessories like watches, eyewear, jewellery, perfume and writing instruments. It is a German brand, whose headquarters is situated in Hamburg, Germany.

    In 2016, the German luxury brand roped in Hugh Jackman and made him the global ambassador of the brand. The products created by Montblanc is what made him attracted to the brand and he agreed to become the face of the global brand.

    Micromax

    Micromax is an Indian multinational brand that deals with consumer electronics and home appliances. The brand is mainly famous for developing high-end smartphones, founded in the year 2000 by Rahul Sharma, it was the biggest company in 2010 that made low-cost mobile phones in India. The headquarters is situated in Gurgaon, India.

    Micromax made Hugh Jackman the face of the brand in 2013, for the Canvas range phones. Hugh Jackman was a part of several Micromax phone campaigns.


    Brands Endorsed by Camila Cabello
    Camila Cabello is a Cuban-American singer known for her songs Havana and Senorita. Take a look at the brands endorsed by Camilla Cabello.


    Conclusion

    Hugh Jackman’s popularity knows no bounds, from some of the greatest roles in the Hollywood industry to being a well-respected actor, his journey is commendable. Brands want to associate with the X-Men actor as they are aware of his fan-following. His collab with some big brands has made the actor more a pretty popular face in the industry.

    FAQs

    What is the net worth of Hugh Jackman?

    The net worth is Hugh Jackman is $180 million.

    How old is Hugh Jackman?

    Hugh Jackman was born in 1968 and is currently 53 years old.

    Hugh Jackman is famous for his role of superhero Logan/Wolverine in X-Men.

  • Oneplus – Oppo Merger: Impact On Android Phones

    With this world of choices, Android phones were always welcomed and entertained within the population. It provides a bigger and variety of options to choose from, which are liked by a lot of people. But, what if two highly appreciated and popular brands, with an impressive selling range, combine and become the same.

    To be precise, this is exactly what is going to happen in this newly modified android phone, by the merger of OnePlus and Oppo. The recent news that creates this buzz is that OnePlus is heading towards deeper integration with its overseas parent company, Oppo. And, there are several predicted jaw-dropping chances that this could shake up the Android smartphone industry’s landscape.

    Positive Impacts of Oneplus Merger With Oppo
    Better Quality Production
    Cheaper Products
    Faster and Hassle-free Products
    Expansion in Variety of Products
    Other Possible Impacts
    Conclusion
    FAQs

    Positive Impacts of Oneplus Merger With Oppo

    Oneplus and Oppo
    Oneplus and Oppo

    Before taking a deep insight into this actual cause, let’s understand what are the key factors which can get affected and mainly positively changed, by this merge. So, they are:

    1. Production of better-quality product
    2. Making potentially cheaper production
    3. Creating faster and hassle-free products
    4. Making variety of other devices

    Oneplus merger with Oppo

    Better Quality Production

    OnePlus has achieved a lot of fame and reputation in recent years, since 2014, when it launched its first one. But now we can expect a bigger change in the production in the company, with the merger with Oppo.

    However, the OnePlus CEO didn’t mention the word merge while announcing it, rather he mentioned it as, OnePlus has decided to further integrate their association with Oppo. But somehow, it also indicates that it is going to affect the production of the company. Now, it’s predictable that the lags and the troubles which the users of both companies faced are going to wave out. This will mark the beginning of a new revolutionary process.

    On the other note, they did also mention that, both the brands would be also working independently and singularly, creating their products, so we can expect both the companies to continue releasing phones.

    Cheaper Products

    Although OnePlus has given quite a difficult chase with the other smartphone brands, it has been an economical problem with the OnePlus. Like, other flagship phones are providing an ample amount of facilities, with a variety of choices, and now, OnePlus is initiating higher price money, to provide the same facility.

    But with the merger with Oppo, it is quite clear that there will be a decrease in these products and they will be available at affordable prices. While indirectly will create a little more tension between other competitors, as by quality there is nothing to point a finger on the OnePlus flagship phones.

    Faster and Hassle-free Products

    With the ‘voice charging facility initiated in 2017, Oppo has a quite fair reputation of providing a faster charging facility with a huge amount of battery within it. Not only this but giving regular and fast software updates is also a primary feature in the Oppo UI smartphones. But, there is a little lack of this sincerity in the Oxygen OS, which is used in the OnePlus smartphones.

    As the Oppo smartphones use Color OS, there is also a huge chance of software overlay with the same on the OnePlus smartphones too. However, it is not announced yet, but it is quite possible that the Oxygen OS, which is used in the OnePlus smartphones, may potentially switch to Color OS, which Oppo uses. At this point, this prediction is not that sure, but if this takes place, then this would have a huge impact on the Android industry landscape.

    We are predicting this because, already in China, the OnePlus 9 range has started using the Color OS, and it’s not that far to get implemented by the merging later on. Alternatively, it can also be like the two interfaces may become more similar and maybe nothing great would change, and if anything changes, it would be a very subtle variation.

    But it is quite sure that it would help improve OnePlus’s efficiency, the software updates would be arriving faster with the Color OS, and whenever they would come, they would not be the experimental beta versions, rather they would be more stable and fascinating.

    Expansion in Variety of Products

    OnePlus-Oppo Products
    OnePlus-Oppo Products

    Getting the facts right, if anyone looks into it thoroughly, then it is easy to know that both OnePlus and Oppo are the subsidiaries of BBK electronics. Hence, they do already have a link. But this merger is going to begin an overseeing product strategy for both companies.

    Oppo is not only producing smartphones, but also has a quite good hand in producing earbuds, earphones, smartwatches, fitness trackers, and other accessories too. So, this might help OnePlus in expanding its range from producing only smartphone and Bluetooth headsets to all these additional accessories.

    Adding to that, we can also get a chance to see OnePlus making smartphones with faster-charging facilities, as Oppo has a giant gaze and experience in that field. With that, there is also a chance to create foldable and rollable OnePlus phones, as Oppo has already started experimenting with these super flexible devices.

    Other Possible Impacts

    Hence, there are the positive as well as not so positive impacts of the merger of OnePlus and Oppo, and the users can expect:

    • Frequent and stable software updates.
    • Interesting and new variable features.
    • Fast charging in the OnePlus phones like Oppo’s VOOC flash charge.
    • Slash in the prices of the OnePlus smartphones.
    • New and efficient different quality products from the brands, beyond smartphones.

    Acquisitions of Indian Startup by its Competitor | StartupTalky
    Some of India’s largest startups have made many acquisitions to grow their footprint, grab a larger market share including Tata Motors, Zomato and much more


    Conclusion

    Therefore, this might not seem like a very massive shift, but it’s almost sure to have some changes, and mostly they would come out as positives. This would somehow allow the two brands to streamline their operations and then capitalize them in the additional shared resources.

    But whatsoever it’s a move that will align more with a company that will be looking to move more phones frequently, rather than just maintain exclusivity. Hence, this is quite a good development for the industry but it would create a little more tension and traffic within the industry as well.

    FAQs

    Has Oneplus merged with Oppo?

    OnePlus has finally made its merger with Oppo and announced it publicly.

    Is Oneplus and Oppo products of BBK Electronics?

    OnePlus and Oppo are the subsidiaries of BBK electronics.

    Which Operating system does Oppo uses?

    ColorOS is a mobile operating system created by OPPO.

    Which Operating system does OnePlus uses?

    OxygenOS is an Android-based OS developed by OnePlus.

  • How Shifting Display Manufacturing Unit from China to Noida will benefit Samsung?

    Samsung is a multinational conglomerate that is majorly known in India for its smartphones. The company was founded in the year 1938 and has its headquarters located in South Korea. The company has the 8th highest global brand value as of 2020 and also has a number of affiliated businesses under the brand Samsung.

    The company in a recent press release had announced that it is shifting its manufacturing unit for display production from China to Noida. Let’s look at the benefits for the company is shifting the manufacturing unit to India.

    Samsung – Latest News
    How will Samsung Benefit by shifting Display Manufacturing Unit from China to Noida
    Samsung Delegation on shifting Display Manufacturing Unit
    Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh on this move by Samsung
    FAQ

    Samsung – Latest News

    Samsung has announced that it has completed the shifting of its display manufacturing to Noida. The company had conveyed that it has finished the construction of the manufacturing unit in Noida. The new manufacturing unit that is based in Noida is the new manufacturing hub for display production.


    List of Top 12 Chinese Companies Operating in India
    Chinese companies have acquired a huge part of the Indian market. The recent banof some of the major Chinese companies has pushed them out of the limelight.These companies dealt in the field of fashion, gaming, and entertainment. Itincludes big names such as Shein, Club Factory, PUBG, WeChat, Hal…


    How will Samsung Benefit by shifting Display Manufacturing Unit from China to Noida

    The company has stated the reasons and benefits for moving the plant from China to Noida is the Industrial environment in India is much better than in China and also added that the policies in India are much more industrial friendly.

    Other than these, one of the major points to be noted is that Samsung already has its biggest manufacturing plant in the world located in Noida. This facility is not only involved in the manufacturing the phones for the country but also exports them to other countries.

    India is also a major country where Samsung has a huge consumer base. Samsung has seen a 52 % increase in the growth of the smartphones in India in the 2021 Q1. The company also has a 20 % market share in India. India is also focusing on the Make in India concept and trying to reduce as much as goods from China.

    Smartphone Market Share Q3 2020
    Smartphone Market Share Q3 2020

    Samsung Delegation on shifting Display Manufacturing Unit

    A team from Samsung which was led by the CEO Ken Kang and the company’s Southwest Asia President had called upon Yogi Adityanath who is the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh on 20 June 2021 and stated that the company had finished the construction of the Display production unit in Noida and would be shifting the manufacturing unit from China to Noida.

    One of the reasons stated by them to shift the plant from Noida to China was the Industry friendly environment in India. The company further added that they were planning to make the manufacturing hub of Samsung in Noida.


    Why Blackberry Failed to dominate the Smartphone market? [Case Study]
    When recalling the old BlackBerry Era, the most magnificent and best premiumsmartphone around the world comes to our mind. Yes, we are all well aware of thepopularity and craze of blackberry in the early 2000s. BlackBerry smartphoneswere considered as the possession for all those symbolizing high…


    Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh on this move by Samsung

    The Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath had conveyed in the meeting that the Make in India is a successful campaign and the Noida factory of Samsung is one of the major examples for it. He further added that the new manufacturing unit of Samsung will be creating a lot of employment opportunities for the youth of the country.

    The Chief Minister also provided an assurance to the team from Samsung that the Government of Uttar Pradesh will continue to help and support the Samsung company in the future as well.

    Conclusion

    The team from Samsung had mentioned that the construction work shows their commitment towards India in order to make the country a manufacturing hub of Samsung. However, the company had already started the manufacturing of its smartphone displays in Noida from April 2021. The company had also recently expanded the portfolio of its Tablets in India with the release of Tab A7 Lite and Galaxy Tab S7 FE.

    FAQ

    Is Samsung phones manufactured in India?

    Samsung has two factories – in Noida and Tamil Nadu, where it makes 90% of the handsets it sells in the country, it also has three R&D facilities in India.

    Where is Samsung’s biggest manufacturing unit?

    Samsung’s biggest mobile manufacturing plant in the world is in Noida which is a 35-acre facility.

    Why does Samsung manufacture in India?

    Samsung believes  that Industrial environment in India is much better than in China and also added that the policies in India are much more industrial friendly.

  • Why is Facebook launching its own Smartwatch? (Even after the Failure of its smartphone)

    Facebook has recently announced that it would launch its smartwatch during the year 2022. They have also planned to launch the further versions of the watch. However, this is not the first time the company is entering into the hardware technology sector. Let’s look at the latest news about the smartwatch, its features and also look at one of the reasons for the failure of their smartphone.

    Facebook Smartwatch – Latest News
    Features of the Facebook Smartwatch
    Why is Faceboook Launching its Smartwatch?
    Previous products by Facebook
    Reason Why Facebook’s Smartphone failed
    FAQ

    Facebook Smartwatch – Latest News

    Facebook has conveyed that they would release a smartwatch under their brand during the 2022 summer. They have also conveyed that they would release the second and third generations of the watch in the coming years. The first smartwatch of Facebook is expected to be priced at around USD 400 (around INR 29,000) which could have certain changes in the coming years.

    Features of the Facebook Smartwatch

    The watch is expected to be released in three different colour variants namely black, white and gold. The watch will not only have the messaging features but also has a heart rate monitor and two cameras. It is said that the cameras will be able to separate from the wrist in order to take videos and share them on the social media.

    The smartwatch is said to have two cameras, where the front camera can be extensively used for video calling services and the rear camera can be used for video recordings to share it on the social media. The rear camera will have a 1080p auto focus camera.

    One of the most exciting features of this watch is that it can be used without an internet connection and users also have a feature to connect to services of hardware of health and fitness companies in addition to the heart rate monitors of the smartwatch.


    Why was Google Project Ara Cancelled? [Case Study]
    Did you just break your cellphone’s camera? How about you just swap it out for anew one by yourself? That’s not possible, right? Well, what if I say there was atime when the future of mobile phones was on this path? Yes, that’s true! OnSeptember 10, 2013, Dave Hakkens, a Design Academy Eindhoven…


    Why is Faceboook Launching its Smartwatch?

    The main reason for releasing the Smartwatch is to try and replace the smartphones. The smartwatch owners are considered to use the smartwatch for the activities that are done through the usage of Smartphones.

    Mark Zuckerberg also aims to create more consumer and hardware products in order to find a way and compete against the tech giants Apple and Google

    Previous Hardware products by Facebook

    Facebook has a set of hardware products already in the market which include a portal and also a video calling device with a voice assistant which is similar to Alexa or Google’s device. The company had also launched 3 new portals in the year 2019 and currently has 4 hardware products in the market. These products are available in the United States.

    Facebook had also ventured into the smartphone segment in the past with the launch of the brand HTC back in 2013. But the venture had later failed and did not end being successful.

    Reason Why Facebook’s Smartphone failed

    Facebook's First Smartphone - HTC First
    Facebook’s First Smartphone – HTC First

    The smartphone brand of Facebook that is HTC was a global brand and was considered to be one of the coolest smartphones back in the times of its launch. The company’s smartphone brand had lasted only for about half a year and due to the poor sales, they had to slash the price of the phone.

    Even after cutting down the price of the phone, the smartphone sales were really less and sold only about 15,000 phones. Some have estimated that the reason for the failure of the smartphone segment of Facebook was as users did not find a need for such a smartphone at that time and the features of the phone were already present on the mobile applications that were available on the iOS devices and the cheaper Android devices.

    It was found that consumers were not dying to buy Facebook’s phone and there is a difference between the having a phone in the market and having a phone which consumers would choose to buy. One of the major reasons Facebook says they failed was due to the high pricing and poor user interface.


    Why Blackberry Failed to dominate the Smartphone market? [Case Study]
    When recalling the old BlackBerry Era, the most magnificent and best premiumsmartphone around the world comes to our mind. Yes, we are all well aware of thepopularity and craze of blackberry in the early 2000s. BlackBerry smartphoneswere considered as the possession for all those symbolizing high…


    Conclusion

    The hardware segment is not an area where Facebook has been successful so far. Majority of the Facebook’s revenue comes through advertising and with the introduction of the Smartphone, Facebook will be venturing into an entirely new segment. However, the company has not yet decided on the name for its Smartwatch segment.

    FAQ

    Did Facebook make a phone?

    Yes, Facebook launched a phone with collaboration with HTC but it was a flop back in 2013. The company created an Android skin for the phone and dubbed it Facebook Home.

    What will be the cost of the Facebook Smartwatch?

    The watch might retail for around $400 (Rs 29,000) and will have three colour options to choose from (white, black and gold).

    When will the Facebook Smartwatch launch?

    The watch is yet to enter mass production but should be available in the summer of 2022.

  • Why was Google Project Ara Cancelled? [Case Study]

    Did you just break your cellphone’s camera? How about you just swap it out for a new one by yourself? That’s not possible, right? Well, what if I say there was a time when the future of mobile phones was on this path? Yes, that’s true! On September 10, 2013,  Dave Hakkens, a Design Academy Eindhoven graduate, uploaded his a video on YouTube. Called ‘Phonebloks’, the video revolved around the idea of replacing old and broken phone parts. This was Project Ara.

    What was Project Ara all about?
    Why did Project Ara Seem like a Great Plan?
    What Happened to Project Ara?
    Reasons Why Project Ara Failed
    FAQ

    What was Project Ara all about?

    Headed initially by the Advanced Technology and Projects (ATAP) team within Motorola Mobility LLC while it was a subsidiary of Google, Project Ara focused on creating a modular smartphone device that allowed users to swap out outdated and damaged hardware components of a cellphone with new ones.

    The original plan, consisted of different hardware modules that could be combined with the metal endoskeleton to create a usable smartphone. The process started by finalizing the endoskeleton and then adding the various parts to it. The different parts included battery, processor, display screens, cameras, storage components, speakers and everything else.

    Why did Project Ara Seem like a Great Plan?

    Project Ara was developed to revolutionize the functioning of the cellphone industry. It eradicated the need to stand in line for a new cellphone when customers could effortless upgrade the ones they were using. Apart from this, it also had a number of other perks. Let’s take a look at some of them:

    1. It would have resulted in a substantial reduction in electronic waste.
    2. It was as simple as switching the sim in a GSM phone to another phone.
    3. All modules of Project Ara worked seamlessly across all geographical locations as it was based on the frame of the phone.
    4. It would allow users to experiment with specialized components like laser pointers, night vision sensors, Pico projectors, gaming controllers, medical devices and a lot more.
    5. It was supposed to have a specialized Wi-Fi module  that would ensure a stronger signal no matter which ISP was being used.
    6. It was intended to be sold at very nominal prices as compared to present cellphones. For example, a starter kit, with the endoskeleton, CPU, battery, display and Wi-Fi was quoted to be sold at just $50.
    7. Users would also be able to choose between two frame size variants – the mini and the medium size frame. There were also talks of a large sized frame somewhere down the line.

    However, even after these many perks, Project Ara is nowhere in the market for the last 7 years. So, what happened to it? Did it succeed or fail? What really happened to this revolutionary plan? Let’s find out.


    Reasons Why LG is Shutting down its Mobile Business after 26 years
    LG is a South Korean company that was one of the leading manufacturers of mobilephones. The company has maintained the No 3 position in the manufacturing of thesmartphones for a very long time. The company has been finding it hard tomaintain its financial position and to increase the sales of the…


    What Happened to Project Ara?

    Motorola Mobility LLC announced on 29th October, 2013 that they were working in collaboration with Phonebloks to develop a prototype of the project. The first prototype, called Spiral 1, was introduced in June of 2014. However, it seemed very different than the original Phonebloks plan with a lot of issues.

    A second prototype, Spiral 2, having better customizations and design modules, was released in the year 2015. The plan was to release the module in Puerto Rico, since the U.S. territory had a large mobile phone market, but, in August of 2015, Google announced that the release was delayed indefinitely and would be made available in few other cities of the U.S. in 2016.

    When 2016 came, the team unveiled a ‘developer’s edition’, that was somewhat different from Spiral 2. The design came with antenna, display, integrated circuit system-on-chip, and sensor attached to the endoskeleton, instead of allowing users to connect parts such as battery, CPU or camera. However, they could still change features like microphones, speakers, batteries and cameras.

    By this time Project Ara had come a long way since starting in 2014 with people working in Google using these phones as their main device. But, on September 2nd, 2016, the company announced that they were shelving this project to focus on on others. No other details were divulged and there have been no talks of a relaunch as well.

    So, what could possibly have gone wrong? Although it seemed like a brilliant leap towards a better future of smartphones, a lot of things didn’t quite work out in favor of the project.

    Google Project Ara Showcase
    Google Project Ara Showcase

    BBK Electronics-The manufacturer who Rivaled Apple [Case Study]
    BBK electronics is a Chinese multinational conglomerate. It owns over half ofthe smartphone market in India through its subsidiaries OPPO, VIVO, Realme, iQOOand OnePlus. It has been branded as the most innovative company for itsingenious strategy. BBK has multiple brands to cater to every market …


    Reasons Why Project Ara Failed

    Lack of Proper Support

    As is the case with most out-of-the-box ideas that have the potential to change the industry, the project faced a lot of opposition. Most big mobile companies did not support the idea and did everything in their power to restrict Project Ara from being released.

    Dearth of Relevant Technology

    Although the idea of the project was revolutionary, it seems that it was too ahead of its time. The technology was not advanced enough, at that time, to facilitate the development of this magnanimous and ambitious plan.

    Not Easy to Use

    Although tech geeks love the idea of swapping out unusable parts of their phone with new ones, normal customers usually buy mobile phones that allows them to stay connected through calls, text messages and use social media. They wouldn’t want to spend time thinking about which processor, RAM or storage is needed for them to perform these tasks.

    The Need of Constant Upgrading

    As time moved ahead most hardware components like, graphic cards, CPU, RAM and storage cards, become more advanced. Hence, there is a constant need to keep upgrading the software to allow them to support all the new and fast hardware technologies. Thus, all modules of the phone would need to be upgraded eventually, making the phone useless for long-term use.

    FAQ

    When did project Ara start?

    The concept of Project Ara began in 2012 and work started on April 1, 2013. Motorola publicly announced Project Ara on October 29, 2013.

    Why was Project Ara Cancelled?

    One of the reasons Project Ara was cancelled could be it was too early for the introduction of such modular phones in the mass market.

    Why did modular phones fail?

    Modular phones failed because of Lack of demand in the smartphone market.

    Conclusion

    This does not mean the Project Ara is over. The immense potential of the project is too good to be wasted, so, you never know, there could be a more refined version for our perusal in the future.