Competition coming for the Switch: More powerful devices that can leverage 5G connectivity and vast libraries of popular PC and mobile games will be the foundation for next-generation handheld gaming.
Spam texts are soaring: The FCC is fast-tracking regulation that could quash spam SMS at the network level to combat a growing telecommunications problem.
At the end of the day, we think the value of Hims & Hers’ new sex report lies more in the titillating topic than the novelty of its findings.
Netflix is learning that games are a long, costly business: The streamer announced that it’s building its own game studio after those it’s acquired run into trouble.
Instagram’s shopping tab sings its swan song: The app is testing a home screen without the tab that’s prompted complaints from celebrities and average users.
The average selling price (ASP) of smartphones will be $413 worldwide this year, up $70 from 2020.
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.
Google makes Fitbit data easier for doctors to parse with Cloud integration: But that may not be enough of a lure to help it make up ground in the healthcare cloud market.
Fitbit’s last days: Google is requiring Fitbit customers to transition to Google accounts starting next year. This could solidify Google’s wearables ecosystem and increase market share but risks alienating Fitbit fans.
Gaming has a brand safety problem: Major controversies on streaming platform Twitch highlight the challenge in reaching gaming audiences.
Smartwatches and fitness trackers face slump: Rising inflation, economic uncertainty, and slowing innovation are ending pandemic-era hyper-growth as the segment matures.
Cost of the tech cold war: The FCC’s list of potential security threats grows longer with ComNet and China Unicom’s inclusion. The cost to rip and replace equipment and services may adversely affect smaller telecoms.
All eyes on TikTok: The social video network says it’s banning political ads and fundraising on its platform, but a poor enforcement record and ties to the Chinese government raise doubts that it can remain neutral.
More repairable iPhones: Easier repair earns the iPhone 14 a 7/10 score from iFixit, revealing that Apple is complying with right-to-repair, a feature other smartphones should definitely copy.
Among US adults 34 and younger, 30% had used visual search for shopping as of August, and 12% used it regularly. By comparison, 22% of US adults overall had used the functionality, and 8% used it regularly.
Global eSIM adoption is inevitable: 3.4B devices will be eSIM compatible by 2025. We can expect to see an increase in 5G connectivity in smartphones, laptops, tablets, and wearables.
Matter around the corner: A leaked Google Nest router hints at the industry-wide transition to a faster, more robust Wi-Fi 6E, which could also be the launchpad for the Matter smart home standard.
EU moves to make IoT devices safer: Smart home device manufacturers are being compelled to develop more secure devices and be more transparent about flaws and fixes. Industry-wide standards are needed.