Tablet sales have dropped again, worldwide, Canalys has reported. The company released its report for 2023 as a whole, sharing the details for 2023. A detailed comparison is also made with 2022, along with some additional info for previous years.
The tablet sales have dropped again, this time the numbers for 2023 as a whole got released
First and foremost, let’s just say that tablet sales fell 10% in 2023 compared to the year before. 135.3 million tablets were sold, while that number was 150.7 a year before. Apple is still leading the pack, confidently.
Apple managed to ship out 54 million tablets sold and grabbed 40% of the market. Still, much like almost every other OEM in the top 5, Apple has also seen a decline YoY, an 11% decline, to be accurate.
Samsung is second-placed with 25.6 million tablets sold. The company grabbed 19% of the market and has seen a decline of 11.5%. Lenovo is third-placed with 9.3 million tablets sold, and 6.9% of the market. That company has also seen a decline of 19.4%.
Huawei has actually seen a considerable increase in sales
The fourth-placed company may surprise some of you, but it’s Huawei. Huawei managed to ship out 8.3 million tablets and grab 6.1% of the market. Huawei has also seen a huge boost in sales compared to 2022, a 32.1% increase.
Amazon took the fifth place with 7.7 million tablets sold, and 5.8% of the market. Amazon has seen a huge drop in sales compared to 2022, a 42.9% drop, to be exact.
If you’re wondering about Q4 in particular, you can check out the image below. Apple is first-placed and has been trailed by Samsung, Huawei, Lenovo, and Amazon. Huawei managed to sell quite a few tablets in Q4, as it has seen a 95.4% sales increase YoY.
Now, in the image below, you’ll see tablet sales across years since 2016. 2022 was obviously a peak year for tablet sales, while the sales have been declining since then, quite a bit.
The Apple Vision Pro, Apple’s latest venture into virtual reality, has undergone its first teardown by repair specialists at iFixit. The Apple Vision Pro is described as the company’s “most complex piece of hardware yet.” While a complete examination is still ongoing, initial insights reveal the intricacies of the spatial computing platform. The teardown process began with the removal of the front glass and progressed to the disassembly of components, shedding light on the device’s internal architecture and design choices.
The Appel Vision Pro is very complicated to repair
The teardown showcases the challenges associated with disassembling the Apple Vision Pro, emphasizing its highly complicated design. A comprehensive repairability score is pending, but the intricate construction of the headset is already evident.
The device contains modular parts but uses proprietary connectors. For example, the external battery pack that Apple Vision Pro uses to shed some weight off of the head incorporates a cable that has proprietary connectors on both ends. So you won’t be able to use another battery pack with similar specifications, even if you happen to have one.
One side of the power cable attaches with the Vision Pro magnetically and then its twisted to lock in place securely. It’s actually a good thing because the Vision Pro won’t suddenly loose power with an accidental pull. However, the other side of the cable is “a proprietary oversized Lightning connector”. This one is removable with a SIM-ejector tool.
The front-facing display consists of three different layers
The teardown also showcases the working of the front display. The system contains three distinct layers for the front facing display. It includes a widening layer, a lenticular layer, and the OLED display itself. Nonetheless, the end result of this “EyeSight technology” looks dim and weird from certain angles.
The examination of the Apple Vision Pro extended to its automatic interpupillary distance adjustment system, the layering of displays and hardware, and the inclusion of various sensors. The teardown team praised the device as “insanely ambitious”. However, they also acknowledged certain flaws, such as its weight and the presence of a tethered battery.
In conclusion, the teardown of the Apple Vision Pro provides a detailed glimpse into the device’s internal workings, highlighting both its ambitious design and the challenges associated with disassembly.
Google Meet is getting updated with a new feature that makes it possible for hosts and co-hosts to pin multiple tiles for all meeting participants to see. Obviously, this makes sense for large meeting scenarios where hosts need to focus everyone on specific content.
Pinning multiple tiles will help ensure the meeting is focused on the presentations and speakers. It’s worth noting that meeting participants will be able to unpin the tiles on their screen if they want to.
As per Google’s announcement, the new ability to pin multiple tiles in Meet will be available on the web and mobile devices. Although Google has already kicked off the roll-out of the feature, it will potentially take more than 15 days for it to be available for everyone.
There’s no restriction when it comes to availability, as Mountain View company confirmed the feature is available to all Google Workspace customers.
The Xiaomi 14 series will launch globally on February 25, the company has just confirmed. Xiaomi confirmed this via its official social media channels, though we still don’t know the exact time of the event.
It’s official, he Xiaomi 14 series will launch globally on February 25
What we do know is that this announcement will almost certainly come as part of the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona. The timing fits perfectly, even though Xiaomi opted not to mention that.
Perhaps the company is waiting to announce that once it announces the exact time and location of the event. For this launch, the company is using the ‘Lens to Legend’ caption, as you can see in the provided image.
Now, the company did not mention what phones exactly will launch. However, the Xiaomi 14 is expected, as is the Xiaomi 14 Ultra. The latter has been rumored a number of times thus far, and some sources mentioned it’s coming soon.
The Xiaomi 14 & Xiaomi 14 Ultra are expected
What rumors are also suggesting is that we’ll see two phones launched, which could mean that the Xiaomi 14 Pro won’t arrive at all. The Xiaomi 14 Ultra could replace the Xiaomi 14 Pro, and arrive to global markets alongside the Xiaomi 14.
Nothing has been confirmed just yet, though, we’re only guessing. As many of you already know, the Xiaomi 14 and Xiaomi 14 Pro did launch in China back in October.
Both devices are fueled by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and have rather powerful specs. Needless to say, however, the Xiaomi 14 Pro launched with a sharper and larger display and a more powerful camera setup.
Well, if the rumors are to be believed, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra will outdo the Xiaomi 14 Pro with its camera offerings. The phone is tipped to utilize variable aperture on the main camera and deliver four truly powerful rear-facing cameras. The Sony LYT-900 camera sensor will allegedly be used for the main camera.
Samsung recently confirmed that its smart TVs will lose access to Google Assistant beginning March 1. The best option for those looking to control their Samsung TVs with just the voice, Google Assistant has been quite popular among users.
Unfortunately, due to a change in Google‘s policy its Assistant will no longer be available on Samsung TVs beginning March 1, 2024, Samsung announced this week.
Those who don’t want to give up on controlling their Samsung TVs with their voice will have a few other smart options at their disposal, which they can try after March 1.
Both Bixby and Amazon Alexa allow users to control their TV with their voice. It’s also important to mention that Bixby and Amazon Alexa are available on select 2020 through 2023 TVs.
All 2022 Smart TV models
All 2021 Smart TV models
2020 8K and 4K QLED TVs
2020 Crystal UHD TVs
2020 Lifestyle TVs (Frame, Serif, Terrace, and Sero)
Another option would be to add your Samsung TV to the mobile SmartThings app, allowing you to control it from your phone. Basically, you’ll turn your phone into a remote, which isn’t quite the same as using Bixby or Alexa.
When we talk about the cloud, it’s not just a matter of data drifting weightlessly in some digital ether. The cloud environment is more like a bustling cityscape, with new buildings popping up every day.
This expansion is often referred to as the rapid growth of cloud services or, more specifically, “What Is SaaS Sprawl,” the unchecked proliferation of Software-as-a-Service applications within an organization.
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Key Strategies for Mitigating SaaS Sprawl Security Risks
Organizations need to implement comprehensive strategies to effectively combat the security risks associated with SaaS sprawl. These include the following steps:
Inventory Management: Keep an updated inventory of all SaaS applications, along with who is using them and for what purpose.
User Access Controls: Ensure access to SaaS applications is controlled and monitored, with strong password policies and two-factor authentication where possible.
Data Governance: Establish clear policies defining how data should be stored, shared, and protected within all SaaS platforms.
Compliance Monitoring: Regularly review and ensure that all SaaS applications comply with relevant regulations and industry standards.
Security Awareness Training: Educate employees about the risks of unsanctioned SaaS applications and encourage responsible usage.
Vendor Assessment: Conduct thorough security assessments of SaaS vendors before integrating their services into your business processes.
By being proactive and establishing robust SaaS security measures, businesses can rein in SaaS sprawl and protect themselves from the inherent risks it brings.
With the right tools and policies in place, companies can harness the power of the cloud without falling prey to its potential chaos.
Defining the Rapid Expansion of Cloud Services
The digital world is moving lightning, with companies racing to adopt the latest cloud technologies to stay competitive.
This rapid embrace can lead to a sprawl of SaaS applications, creating a complex web of tools that are often used without proper oversight or integration.
It’s like every department in a company deciding to build its mini-castle with its own set of rules, ignoring the fact they all reside within the same kingdom.
Recognizing the Challenges and Risks of Unmanaged Growth
With every new application added to the ecosystem, managing security configurations becomes a herculean effort.
It’s the digital equivalent of handing out keys to your house willy-nilly. Without proper control, you might as well leave your front door wide open.
This unmanaged growth can lead to inadvertent data exposure, compliance mishaps, and, understandably, many headaches for IT security teams.
Examining the Implications for Security when SaaS Applications Proliferate
The consequence of SaaS sprawl is not just about having too many apps to keep track of; it’s about what those apps could be doing under the radar.
Security breaches often occur not through complex hacking maneuvers but through simple oversights, like misconfigured privacy settings or outdated user access rights.
It’s akin to forgetting to check that all the windows are locked before leaving the house – an invitation to trouble.
The Importance of Robust Security Settings in Cloud Software
Imagine each SaaS application as a door into your organization. Just as with a real door, you want to ensure it’s secure with the right locks and alarms in place. In the digital space, the equivalent precautions are robust security settings.
However, organizations often neglect or set up these configurations haphazardly, resulting in vulnerabilities that are all too easy for cybercriminals to exploit.
Identifying Common Security Gaps in SaaS Configurations
Common gaps can include excessive user permissions, default passwords left unchanged, and open access points that should have been restricted.
One real-life example is a widely used communication tool that, without proper configuration, could let someone eavesdrop on private meetings—turning a digital conference room into a veritable open house.
Cloud Commandments: Adhering to Compliance Standards in the age of SaaS Expansion
You’re not above the law when you’re floating in the cloud. The expanding realm of SaaS operates under stringent regulations that demand compliance.
Adherence to these standards is not just a bureaucratic checkmark; it’s a covenant that builds a bridge of trust with your customers.
Ensuring ongoing compliance is a dynamic process that calls for regular reevaluation against the evolving backdrop of legal frameworks.
In the end, the sprawl of SaaS applications represents both a formidable challenge and an incredible opportunity for growth and innovation.
By understanding and implementing strong security measures, businesses can harness the full power of the cloud without risking a downfall from the skies.
In this burgeoning digital age, knowledge and vigilance are the keys to the kingdom.
Samsung will launch a new premium mid-range smartphone in a month or two. The company is readying the Galaxy A55 as the successor to last year’s Galaxy A54. The handset has been subject to several leaks lately, including an exclusive leak from us showing its official renders in three colors. The device has also picked up a handful of regulatory certifications in recent weeks. It has just been certified by the FCC.
FCC certifies Galaxy A55 with Wi-Fi 6 and NFC
The FCC certified the Galaxy A55 with the model number SM-A556E, including its dual-SIM (DS) variant. It is the global version of the phone. Other model numbers for the phone include SM-A556B and SM-A556U. The documents uploaded to the agency’s website confirm that the device has slots for two physical SIM cards. We also expect a micro SD card slot for expandable storage.
This certification also confirms the presence of Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), and NFC connectivity options on the Galaxy A55. Additionally, we can see that the FCC tested the device with a Samsung-made charging adapter bearing the model number EP-TA800. It has a maximum output power of 25W (9V/2.77A). That might be the charging speed of the phone, though the charger won’t come bundled in the box.
While we don’t have a confirmation yet, the Galaxy A55 could come in 128GB and 256GB storage variants, paired with 6GB/8GB RAM. Samsung’s in-house Exynos 1480 4nm chipset is expected to power the phone. It features four high-performance CPU cores clocked at 2.75GHz and four efficiency cores at 2.05GHz. The chipset incorporates a 5G modem and an Xclipse 530 custom GPU developed in collaboration with AMD.
The Galaxy A55 features a metallic frame and will ship with Android 14 out of the box. Unfortunately, not much else is known about it at the moment. It remains to be seen if Samsung keeps the display specs and the camera setup unchanged. The Galaxy A54 features a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, FHD+ resolution, HDR10+ support, and 1000 nits of peak brightness. It has a 50MP primary rear camera with 4K video recording.
The Galaxy A35 may arrive alongside this phone
Rumors say Samsung will unveil the Galaxy A55 in April. The phone may be accompanied by the Galaxy A35, a slightly less premium device with a plastic frame. The latter has already picked up the FCC certification, as well as numerous other regulatory approvals around the world. As we revealed in an exclusive leak last month, the Galaxy A35 will look identical to its more powerful sibling.
Snap, the company which owns the AI-plagued Snapchat messaging app, is now laying off one-tenth of its workforce (via Reuters).
The 10% job cut equates to around 530 employees, meaning the 2023 layoff spree in tech is not over yet.
Snapchat, the report reads, has “long struggled to turn its popularity with young users into consistent revenue growth” and thus competing with Meta’s products like Instagram and Facebook is becoming harder by the day.
“In order to best position our business to execute on our highest priorities, and to ensure we have the capacity to invest incrementally to support our growth over time, we have made the difficult decision to restructure our team”, Snap announced.
According to a principal analyst at a research firm, the layoff move by Snap is an attempt “to garner some goodwill with investors, who rewarded its competitor for its cost-cutting measures”.
Snap joins other tech and media firms such as Amazon and Alphabet (Google’s parent company) that announced layoffs in January 2024.
So far, over 32,000 workers have been laid off from more than 100 companies in tech since the start of the year, according to tracking website Layoffs.fyi. If the current rate (32,000/month) continues in full swing, that could lead to 384,000 sackings in 2024. This is way more than what the tech sector saw in 2023, when almost 263,000 jobs were shed, per Layoffs’ statistics.
The AI controversy
The AI craze is a fact, but not every AI tool out there is getting love and attention from users.
Meanwhile, in the UK the same My AI feature got the opposite of the public’s love when one UK regulatory body issued a warning against the chatbot, talking about potential risks to children’s privacy. There have also been some situations where the chatbot has been giving inappropriate advice, despite Snap’s claims that it has strict moderation and safeguarding features. One example of said advice is the chatbot suggesting to a 15-year-old user ways to hide the smell of alcohol.
Most recently, Snapchat added another weird AI tool, this time allowing users to create “Custom Bitmoji Pets”.
The goal of Rufus is, besides making a whole lot of money for Amazon, to help and guide users on Amazon with their shopping experience.
The AI bot, per Amazon, has been trained on its product catalog, customer reviews, community Q&As, as well as information from the web. That’s great, but Rufus’ greatest power lies in the fact that Amazon has an edge over AI rivals in the face of Google and Microsoft by having a juicy stockpile of purchasing and personalized data from countless Amazon users.
Rufus, now available in beta (but coming to the masses in the coming weeks) has been built to answer specific questions, provide comparisons, recommend and guide customers to a successful closing of a deal.
Reuters’ report, however, reminds us that “Amazon has a history of steering customers towards products that most benefit Amazon, either because they are more profitable or are backed by advertising dollars”. In other words – can we trust Rufus to make shopping decisions for us and will those decisions be the best for us… or the best for the retailer giant?
Besides sharing information that Rufus was trained on Amazon’s catalog, reviews and community Q&As, the algorithm behind the bot is a secret that Amazon declined to discuss.
Michael Pachter, a Wedbush Securities analyst, said Amazon would be turning money away if it didn’t link Rufus’ results with advertisers and their products: “You’ll most likely get sponsored results. Advertising drives retail and Amazon is no different – why do you think they are generating tens of billions of dollars in advertising a year?”
Per the article, Amazon is combating an antitrust lawsuit by the Federal Trade Commission which alleges the Seattle firm operates a “pay-to-play” system, giving top billing for the products on which marketers were willing to spend the most. The agency states that Amazon often pushes its own brands to the top of search results, even when other goods may be of higher quality or at a better price. The company has denied the claims and said it will contest the suit in court.
Over the past decade, smartphones have evolved in size, offering users increased screen real estate. However, with the plateauing of smartphone sizes and bezel reduction in recent years, the next focus becomes utilizing the available space to its best.
Android has long provided the option for apps to offer edge-to-edge display by utilizing the space that is usually occupied by the status and navigation bar. Yet, many apps have not embraced this feature. The upcoming Android 15 might change this landscape by potentially enforcing edge-to-edge display for apps by default.
Presently, apps wishing to go edge-to-edge need to implement specific APIs. This is because an interactive element of an app may overlap with the content of the status and navigation bars. To address these concerns, developers can make adjustments before enabling edge-to-edge mode. However, recent findings in the Android 14 QPR2 beta code snippets by Mishaal Rahman suggest that Android 15 might enforce this behavior for apps targeting the next Android version.
Apps targeting Android 15 might be compelled to adopt an edge-to-edge display as the default setting
In a bid to provide developers with sufficient time for updates, testing, and debugging against newer Android OS versions, Google introduced the App Compatibility Changes settings page in Android 11. This allows developers to toggle individual system behaviors that could potentially disrupt their apps. With each API level denoting how an app runs on different Android versions, the discovery of a new compatibility change named EDGE_TO_EDGE_BY_DEFAULT in Android 14 QPR2 Beta 3 indicates a potential shift. Android 15 might mandate apps to adopt edge-to-edge display as the default setting.
Despite the promising indications, it’s essential to note that there is uncertainty regarding whether Google will actually implement this change in Android 15. We are yet to see the impact of such a mandate on the user interface of various apps. Nonetheless, the potential shift towards edge-to-edge displays could significantly alter the visual experience for Android users. Only time will reveal if Android 15 brings about this anticipated change or if Google decides to defer it to a future release.
