Google sees huge growth in the US smartphone market: Canalys

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Google has marked huge growth in the US smartphone market, based on the latest report from Canalys. The company has released its ‘Smartphone Market Pulse’ report for Q3 2023, revealing the top smartphone OEMs, and their numbers.

Google managed to secure huge growth in the US smartphone market thanks to its Pixel phones

Let’s start from the top. Apple is still the number one smartphone OEM, and it’s not even close. The company managed to sell 17.2 million smartphones in the third quarter, and holds a 55% market share.

Canalys US smartphone market Q3 2023

Samsung is second-placed with 6.8 million units sold, and 22% of the market. Motorola sits in third place with 2.8 million units sold, and 9% of the market. TCL is fourth with 1.3 million units sold, and is currently holding 4% of the market.

Google is in fifth place, with 1.2 million smartphones sold, and the company is also holding 4$ of the market, just like TCL. All the other companies are holding 5% together, which truly shows the dominance of Apple and Samsung.

Motorola & Google are the only ones who grew YoY

Now, the only two companies that marked annual growth are Motorola and Google. In Q3 2023, Motorola grew 14% compared to the same period last year. Google, on the other hand, marked a staggering growth of 117%.

That growth was quite visible in Q2 2023 as well, when it was 59% compared to the same period last year. Google is obviously doing something right as it managed to attract consumers in the States.

Of course, that’s nowhere near what Apple and Samsung are able to achieve, but that is to be expected. Google needs to do the same outside of its homeland too, though, where things look entirely different.

It will be interesting to see if those numbers can improve further by the end of the year. The holidays are coming, and along with them a ton of discounts, not to mention the fact that Black Friday is right around the corner.


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Huawei’s first EV is now available to preorder at $35,400

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We’ve been hearing rumblings about Huawei’s EV for years, and now it is finally here. Huawei Luxeed S7 is a sedan launched jointly by the Chinese OEM and Cherry. It aims to challenge Elon Musk’s Tesla Model S.

Following the United States sanctions on Huawei, the tech firm decided to diversify its portfolio and enter new business segments. We first heard about Huawei’s adventure in the EV segment a few years ago when it turned to different Chinese automakers for its project.

On November 9, Richard Yu, chairman of Huawei’s intelligent vehicle solutions business unit, finally unveiled the Luxeed, a joint EV brand between Huawei and Cherry. This is Huawei’s second take in the EV segment after Aito M9, which emerged in 2021.

While the official launch and regular sale is scheduled for the end of this month, the Luxeed S7 is now open for pre-orders at just 258,000 yuan ($35,400). Richard Yu formerly said the Luxeed S7 can surpass Model S “in every specification.”

Huawei Luxeed S7 is a competitor to Tesla Model S

As a mid-to-large sedan, the Luxeed S7 is available in Pro, Max, Max+, and Max RS variants. Each model launches with its specifications and range. The most expensive model is Max RS, which costs around 358,000 yuan ($49,000). The four versions have CLTC ranges of 550 km, 705 km, 800 km, and 630 km, respectively.

The Luxeed S7 is also available in single-motor (215 kW) and dual-motor (215 kW + 150 kW) four-wheel drive variants. The dual motor model can hit the 100 KM milestone in just 3.3 seconds.

The vehicle is built based on Huawei’s “Giant Whale” 800 V high-voltage platform and uses the thinnest 800 V battery pack ever made. While we don’t know how much it takes to charge the vehicle fully, Yu said the Luxeed S7 has a range of 200 KM with just five minutes of charging. It can also travel 400 km with 15 minutes of charging. In comparison, the Tesla Model S ranges 347 KM after the same charging period.

On paper, Huawei Luxeed S7 mileage and specification seem irresistible, and it could certainly take on the Tesla Model S. Huawei’s EV also has an easier job convincing local customers as the basic Model S in China costs around 698,900 (($95,800).


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The recently leaked Photo Stack feature is making its way to Google Photos

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Google Photos is rolling out a new feature named “Photo Stack,” promising to make photo organization much easier than before. We recently dished out the details on how it works, but the good news is, soon you’ll be able to try it out for yourself.

Android Authority reports that a Redditor, alexandriaofwar, shared that they have received the new Google Photos feature on their Pixel 8 series phone. So, it looks like it is out of beta testing and already starting to roll out.

 

True to its name, Photo Stack groups similar shots taken together into the same bundle. This comes in handy when you often take multiple snaps at once, like selfies or group photos. It prevents your main photo feed from getting flooded with a bunch of similar images.

Once the feature is rolled out, Photo Stack won’t be automatically activated. You’ll need to enable it in Google Photos’ Settings > Preferences > Stack Similar Photos toggle. Once enabled, Google Photos will take the lead in grouping your similar photos.

If you’re eager to give this new feature a spin, check if the update has hit your device. If not, it’s likely to arrive in the coming weeks.

This new Photo Stack feature might bring to mind Apple Photos Moments or Amazon’s Photos Memories. Apple’s Moments automatically groups photos and videos taken on the same day or during an event. Both Moments and Memories use various factors, such as time, location, people, and content, to create their groups. Google Photos follows a similar approach to identify and group photos together.

Google Photos is a photo and video storage and sharing service developed by Google. It allows users to store and share photos and videos across various devices, including Android, and iOS. As of the latest data, more than 1 billion people globally use Google Photos.


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Google Chrome is rolling out Material You redesign globally

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In early September, Google released the Material You redesign for Chrome to celebrate the browser’s 15th birthday. While the update was initially headed to a small group of users, it’s now rolling out to global users. The Material You makeover is a significant revamp of Google Chrome, focusing on customization features.

The latest significant makeover that Google applied to Chrome roots back in 2018 when the tech firm updated the app with Material Theme. The current Material You design is a continuation of the previous design that adds more modern elements to the browser.

Update your Google Chrome to get the Material You makeover

The new design aligns Chrome with Android and other Google web-based services. With the new Material You overhaul, Google Chrome wants to give users a more individualized and aesthetically pleasing surfing experience.

The general layout of Google Chrome remains unchanged. But it now has more rounded corners, and the tabs, Omnibox, and bookmark bar are a bit taller than before. Additionally, the Omnibox no longer has a lock icon to show a website has adopted the HTTPS protocol. Instead, clicking on the new icons opens a menu with three options to control and oversee a website’s safety. The tabs also have a new feature that shows the RAM usage.

The icon layout is one of the most notable changes in the new Google Chrome. The three-dot overflow menu has been redesigned and reordered to help you quickly find key settings. The menu contains a dedicated box to manage the signed-in Google Account. Each item in the menu also comes with its own icon. The Chrome side panel also hosts the “All Bookmarks” folder and a “Search this page with Google” feature.

It puts a strong focus on vibrant color schemes

The Material You redesign places a strong focus on vibrant color schemes. Google says the new palettes can “better complement your tabs and toolbar.” Tapping the “Customize Chrome” button on the right side opens the customization menu. It lets you change the Chrome’s theme to light and dark or match it to the device’s overall theme.

The Google Chrome with Material You redesign is now available for Mac, Windows, and Linux. You can now update your browser to the latest version to enjoy the new design and features. However, ChromeOS users report that the update still hasn’t headed to their devices.


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Arlo Total Security package now covers subscription services & hardware cost

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If you buy into the new Arlo Total Security package, you get more than just your monthly subscription. This new program bundles hardware as part of the payment for new users joining the smart home security service. There are three available options on this new plan, and they are Starter, Starter Plus, and Advanced with Video.

The amount of hardware users of each plan get varies from one plan to the other, with the Starter plan offering the least. For those going for the top trim plan, they get what you can call the full package. Those settling for the mid-trim plan will walk away with a bit of this and a bit of that for their smart home security system.

This is a great plan from Arlo as it helps users save a lot in their pursuit of a new smart security system. Instead of paying the upfront fee and getting the hardware before purchasing the subscription, users can get it all at once. By just paying the subscription fee, they get hardware depending on the plan they go for.

The new Arlo Total Security package might make you want a smart home security system

With this new juicy package from Arlo, you might be thinking about what it costs to purchase a plan. Well, the cost for each of the three plans is generously spread across the board. Depending on a user’s budget, there’s something available for them to buy into this new package.

Starting the new Arlo Total Security package is the Starter plan and this is the most affordable. Users are to pay just $9.99 per month to get a total of four security features and three security devices. In this package are the Security System Keypad Hub, two All-in-One sensors, and a Yard Sign.

Moving up to the Starter Plus plan kicks the monthly subscription plan up to $19.99. At this price, users get six security features and more security devices than on the Starter plan. Here users get the Security System Keypad Hub, ten All-in-One sensors, a Yard Sign, and a Cellular & Battery Backup.

If these plans aren’t still doing it for you, then there’s the opportunity to step up to the advanced with a video plan. This will cost users $49.99 per month and brings 11 security features to the users’ doorstep. The devices here are the Security System Keypad Hub, ten All-in-One sensors, two Yard Signs, a Cellular and battery Backup, three Pro 5S 2K cameras, four batteries, and so much more.

After the user pays for the subscription plan, they get the security devices shipped over to them for free. Does this new package go beyond just the search for new users and offer good home security for users? Well, if you’re willing to give it a try, you can head over to Arlo’s website to find out more.


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Apple launches new analytics tool for artists on its music service

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Just like many other streaming platforms, Apple has a bunch of analytics tools for artists that are using its music service. Over the weekend, the Cupertino-based company released a new feature, Listening Now, which promises to provide real-time data for listening analytics to Apple Music artists.

Apple’s Music for Artists platform is the place where artists can track analytics and connect with fans. With the addition of the “Listening Now” widget, artists will be able to see their listener count in real-time.

The widget tells artists how many listeners have initiated playback on one of their songs at any given moment. In addition, it provides a detailed view of their Listening Now trends from the past two days.The new Listening Now feature is now available on the Apple Music for Artists website and via the iPhone app, which has been recently updated to include the new analytics widget.

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Google Drive collaborator filter is now available to users

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If you use Google Drive for handling your documents and files, you will know of the collaborator feature. Now you can search for files using this feature thanks to a recent update to the app that’s currently rolling out to users. Now users of the app can just search for files using the collaborators that have access to the file.

If you aren’t familiar with the collaborator feature, it allows users to add others to a document or file. The roles of these within the document or file can vary based on the user’s needs for them. Users can add people to files as editors, commenters, or just viewers with no control privileges at all.

Now when searching for documents or files, users can just type in the name of a collaborator and the files the person has access to will pop up. This is an easy and convenient way to find documents, especially if the users forget the title of the file they are searching for. Truthfully, in most cases, it’s easier to remember a collaborator within a file than the name of the file.

You can now search for files within Google Drive by using the names of the collaborators within the file

Before this update, users were limited to the search filters they could use while looking for files. The available options to users were the time of edit and the document type. With these, users were given access to a wide range of files that they then had to dig within to find what they were looking for.

Now, Google is giving users another filter that’ll help them narrow the search down to more specific files. Well, this new filter is only available for documents that have collaborators within them. This refers to those the users add to files to help edit, comment on, or view certain documents.

Heading over to the Drive app now reveals this new filter. Which is labelled “people.” It sits comfortably between the “type” and “modified” search filters that have been available for a while now. This new filter brings more control over the access to documents that users are looking for at a given time.

Tapping on this filter will bring a drop-down that shows a mini search bar for usage. Here, users can type in the name of the collaborator within the file for quick access. The search then pulls up all files that the person or people have been added to as collaborators.

Users are already getting access to this feature for usage on their Drive app. According to reports, as of November 9th, some users were already noticing access to this feature. If you don’t yet have access to this feature, you can update your Drive app and then check again.

Google Drive collaborator filter


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Google offered Netflix a really nice deal years ago: Report

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In a recent court case, netizens got to find out details on a possible Google and Netflix deal. The court case in question is between Epic and Google, where the latter is accused of an illegal monopoly on its app store. Part of those called for testimonies during this case is Netflix, and its statement and backing documents reveal a deal between itself and the tech giant.

This deal in question didn’t see the sunlight as Netflix didn’t agree to the conditions of the deal for certain reasons. One such reason is that while the deal might have been juicy, it will lead to the streaming service provider losing money in the long run. In the deal, Google was offering Netflix the ‘opportunity’ to pay just 10% of subscription revenues on the app while keeping the remaining 90%.

The streaming company moving away from this deal led to a ton of changes that eventually affected the end users. Currently, the method of payment for the streaming provider’s services is not as comfortable as it can be for users. Here are details on the Google and Netflix deal that led to the change in payment plans on the platform.

Despite Google’s enticing offer, Netflix still walked away from its deal

Back in 2017, Google gave Netflix a deal that some might view as being juicy. The tech giant’s offer was that the movie and series streaming service provider pay only 10% of its in-app payments. These payments come from the Android users of the platform that are on various monthly subscription plans.

At the time this offer was made, Netflix was still relying on Google’s in-app payment plan. This means that the tech giant had a cut in all payments that are made via the app. At this time, Netflix was paying over 15% to make use of in-app payment, which wasn’t favourable for the company.

With the deal for the streaming service provider to pay just 10% to Google, it seemed as though it was better. However, after close analysis, Netflix came to realize that even with this deal they’ll end up paying more. The effect of taking this deal will become evident to the streaming service provider over time.

Google, on their part, made this offer just to entice Netflix to continue using its payment channel. By doing this, they would be able to continue benefiting from the app’s presence on the platform. After rejecting this deal, Netflix then switched payment for its services from its Android app to the web.

By doing this, the company saves all its revenue and doesn’t get to share any with Google. Additionally, the streaming service provider says that its new payment method on Android devices outperforms what Google offers. Surprisingly, Netflix isn’t the only developer on the Play Store that Google has approached with this deal.


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Deezer’s new Shaker feature lets you share music across streaming services

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After rebranding itself and completely revamping its mobile app, Deezer announced a brand-new feature that allows users to share their favorite music across streaming services.

Using Shaker, Deezer customers will be able to add up to 14 friends to a group using a link. Those who aren’t on Deezer can import the music library from every major music streaming platform with just a few clicks without having to download the Deezer app.

The algorithm that powers Shaker can generate a mix including a selection of 70 songs tailored to a group’s preferences. If you’re not content with the selection, you can refresh the mix until you find the perfect playlist. Obviously, you can manually pick every song from a playlist.

Shaker is designed to create a feeling of connection, encourage people to experience music more freely, erase the boundaries between friends, and create a space where you can discover new songs to fall in love with. To achieve this, it was key to not only include tailored playlists based on the musical tastes of users and their friends, but to make sure everyone can join in no matter which streaming platform they use,” said Alexandra Leloup, VP Product at Deezer.


Interestingly enough, Shaker lets users discover how compatible they are with their friends through shareable insights based on how musically similar their tastes are. The feature also allows you to discover recommended artists and songs that you and one of the members of your group might like.Currently, Deezer music can be shared across two other streaming platforms such as Apple Music and Spotify, at least these are the only ones mentioned in the announcement.

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Bridging Bitcoin to multiple blockchains

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Blockchain technology has brought about a transformative wave in the world of finance and beyond. However, as this technology continues to evolve, it has become evident that the future of blockchain lies in interoperability. One project at the forefront of this mission is Quant’s Overledger, a groundbreaking solution that bridges Bitcoin and multiple other blockchains. In this article, we will dive deep into the subject, exploring the significance of Overledger, its technical underpinnings, real-world applications, and the challenges it seeks to overcome. If you are a trader, Immediate Peak is essential because it can help you in bitcoin trading.

Understanding the Blockchain Ecosystem

Brief Overview of Blockchain Technology

Blockchain, the decentralized ledger technology, made its debut with Bitcoin in 2009. It introduced a revolutionary way of conducting peer-to-peer transactions with transparency and security.

Bitcoin as the Pioneer Blockchain

Bitcoin was the first blockchain and remains the most recognized. However, its capabilities are limited primarily to currency transactions.

Emergence of Multiple Blockchains

The blockchain ecosystem has expanded exponentially, with numerous blockchains designed for diverse purposes. Ethereum, for instance, introduced the concept of smart contracts, while others focus on scalability, privacy, and specific industries.

Challenges of Interoperability

Despite the proliferation of blockchains, they often exist as isolated islands, unable to communicate and share data efficiently. Interoperability has become a pressing challenge in the blockchain space.

The Role of Overledger

What is Overledger?

Overledger, developed by Quant Network, is an innovative solution designed to address the interoperability challenge. It serves as a gateway, enabling different blockchains to interconnect seamlessly.

How Overledger Facilitates Interoperability

Overledger achieves interoperability by acting as a middleware layer that connects disparate blockchains. It enables cross-chain communication, data sharing, and asset transfer.

Use Cases and Applications

Cross-Chain Asset Transfer: Overledger allows assets to move seamlessly between blockchains, making it possible to trade Bitcoin on Ethereum or vice versa.
Decentralized Finance (DeFi): DeFi projects can leverage Overledger to access assets from various blockchains, enhancing liquidity and expanding their offerings.
Supply Chain Management: Overledger’s capabilities are not limited to finance. It can also facilitate transparent and secure supply chain management by connecting multiple blockchains in the process.

Benefits of Overledger Adoption

– Enhanced liquidity and efficiency in cross-blockchain transactions.
– Reduced risk and increased security in blockchain interactions.
– Greater flexibility for developers and businesses.
– Acceleration of blockchain adoption and innovation.

Quant Network: The Driving Force

Introduction to Quant Network

Quant Network, the company behind Overledger, is dedicated to solving the blockchain interoperability challenge. It was founded by Gilbert Verdian and has gained recognition for its innovative solutions.

Overledger’s Connection to Quant

Overledger is Quant Network’s flagship product, embodying the company’s vision of seamless blockchain connectivity.

Team and Vision behind Quant Network

The team at Quant Network comprises experts in blockchain, cybersecurity, and finance. Their collective expertise drives the development of cutting-edge solutions like Overledger.

Technical Underpinnings of Overledger

Overledger’s Architecture

Overledger’s architecture is designed to be modular and adaptable, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of blockchains. It operates as an overlay on top of existing blockchain networks.

The Overledger Operating System (OS)

Overledger can be thought of as an operating system for blockchains, allowing them to communicate with one another as if they were applications running on the same computer.

Smart Contracts and Integration

Overledger supports smart contracts, enabling them to execute across different blockchains. This opens up new possibilities for decentralized applications (DApps) that span multiple networks.

Scalability and Security Features

Quant Network places a strong emphasis on scalability and security. Overledger is designed to handle high volumes of transactions while maintaining robust security measures, including cryptographic verification.

Real-World Examples of Overledger in Action

Facilitating Bitcoin Transactions on Ethereum

Imagine being able to use Bitcoin as collateral for a loan on the Ethereum network. Overledger makes this possible by connecting the two blockchains, expanding the utility of both cryptocurrencies.

Cross-Blockchain Token Swaps

Overledger enables seamless token swaps between different blockchains, enhancing liquidity and reducing the need for centralized exchanges.

Interoperable Supply Chain Management

In the supply chain industry, Overledger can ensure end-to-end transparency by connecting blockchains used by suppliers, manufacturers, logistics providers, and retailers.

Other Noteworthy Use Cases

Beyond these examples, Overledger has applications in healthcare, gaming, identity management, and more, showcasing its versatility.

Challenges and Future Developments

Overledger’s Current Limitations

While Overledger holds immense promise, it is not without challenges. These include regulatory concerns, integration complexities, and the need for wider blockchain adoption.

Ongoing Research and Development Efforts

Quant Network is continually refining Overledger and exploring ways to enhance its capabilities. This includes partnerships with other blockchain projects and institutions.

Competing Solutions and Projects

Overledger is not the only project working on blockchain interoperability. We’ll explore other initiatives and how they compare to Overledger.

The Future of Blockchain Interoperability

The future of blockchain interoperability looks promising, with Overledger and similar solutions playing a pivotal role in connecting disparate blockchains. We’ll discuss the potential impact on the blockchain industry.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Quant’s Overledger marks a pivotal advancement in the realm of blockchain technology by effectively tackling the challenging issue of interoperability. Overledger opens up a myriad of fresh opportunities across the blockchain ecosystem, spanning various sectors such as finance and supply chain management. As the blockchain domain continues its rapid evolution, Overledger emerges as a vanguard of innovation, paving the way for a future where blockchains harmoniously collaborate to revolutionize industries and foster global adoption.


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