Consumer Electronics

We Do Solar democratizes solar power: The Germany-based startup developed a solar array for renters that’s primed for strong sales amid the energy crisis. But there’s room for improvement.

An IONIQ 5-powered countryside retreat: Hyundai is putting its EVs’ bidirectional charging capabilities on full display. It’s a competitive marketing strategy that could promote EV adoption during an energy crisis.

Heavy EVs could be weighing down the industry: Truckers are struggling to transport EVs due to weight limits. More battery R&D could help and boost safety.

Feds give states long leash on EV charging station deployment: The USDOT has approved a $5B national rollout of EV charging stations. But few requirements could lead to a bungled job.

Apple’s manufacturing shift from China: The iPhone maker is looking to India and Vietnam to manufacture its most profitable products—a sign that Apple’s long time reliance on China’s manufacturing could be coming to an end.

EVs needn’t contribute to the energy crisis: Stanford researchers are concerned about EV charging draining the energy grid at night. But new charging technologies point to a less worrisome outcome.

Zuck has a golden opportunity if he doesn't muck it up: Meta’s market valuation drops are tied to its metaverse aspirations. Its upcoming product releases need to be crowd pleasers.

2022’s global EV boom: This year could mark a turning point in EV adoption. Broader demand is driving more competition among automakers and could yield more affordable options outside China.

Regulators ramp up efforts on Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard buy: Inquiries into the $68.7 billion blockbuster deal are intensifying, and momentum could carry over to similar gaming mergers.

Fisker’s ‘affordable and sustainable’ EV: The automaker will soon start production of its Ocean EV to compete with Tesla. It illustrates the industry’s difficulties with building a truly affordable EV.

EV segment expanding to SUVs, trucks, delivery vehicles: Various plans are in the works to develop efficient EV service vehicles. Tesla wants to know where you’d like superchargers, and Jeep is all in on all-electric vehicles.

pple seeks to expand market share across product lines: Apple Watches, AirPods, and even iPhones are available in the widest range of prices ever, allowing Apple to attract new customers and grow market share.

SIM cards are the new headphone jacks: Apple has unceremoniously retired the SIM card from US iPhone 14 models, making eSIM the only choice for upgraders. Is the rest of the industry ready?

Chipmakers warn of worst downturn in a decade: Recovery from shortages was expected by late 2022, but chip manufacturers are bracing for tougher times as supply chains are challenged by economic uncertainty and political conflict.

While Amazon Prime Day was bigger than ever this year, one key category took a hit. Electronics sales decreased by 5% from last Prime Day, while growth shot past 25% in home, garden, and tools, as well as in beauty and health.

Spending has shifted away from consumer electronics: That’s creating a challenging environment for Best Buy to navigate.

2022 will present retailers with a host of challenges as soaring consumer prices, high unemployment, and a plummeting currency weigh heavily on shoppers’ minds—and wallets.

Job-killing EVs: Ford cuts workers as it doubles down on EV production, which requires different skills and less labor. But retrained workers could fill other tech talent shortages.

Short list of EV winners: Only about 20 EV models qualify for tax credits. Trouble could be ahead for EV adoption as price-sensitive consumers have even fewer affordable options.

We unpack the potential for cheaper consumer health devices as the FDA makes hearing aids directly available.