Tag Archives: Mobile Devices

Germany wants Apple to support their IPhones for up to 7 years

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Germany wants Apple to keep their phones up to date for seven years. This came from a proposal from the German government that wants security updates. Germany’s Ministry of Economics wants to include spare parts also (Adorno 2021). These proposed changes goes beyond what the European Union wanted, which was to have tech companies keep updating their products for at least five years. Though this has its benefits, for the people and the environment, there has been some pushback from those companies. Jose Adorno (2021) reports that the Association, DigitalEurope, thinks these proposals are too much and wants to cut the security updates to just three years and function updates to two. 

It is understandable for Huawei or Google to limit support on their devices for a long time since they rely so much on new hardware sales every year with the release of a new phone or tablet. The revenue in that department would decrease over the years and manufacturing spare parts would also cut into their revenue. If the rules ever came to fruition, I would think it would take these companies a long time to redo their supply chains to support this only for Europe. Additional parts like microphones, cameras, and speakers would also need to be distributed to Europe also. 

However, I do not think this is a bad idea to have these rules enacted for tech companies. There is a large E-waste problem since many of us upgrade our smartphone every two years. With our focus to become more environmentally sustainable, I believe that the changes here will be for the better since fewer people will be throwing away their devices for new ones. Access to spare parts can also contribute to lengthening the life span of the device and prevent it from becoming e-waste. Also, people would save a considerable amount of money by fixing or keeping a well-supported device a few years. 

These changes would benefit most people, and it only hurt companies in the short term from having to adjust to these changes. Prolonging our device’s lifespan is one way to tackle the E-waste problem. Hopefully rules like these will come over to the US.  

Do you think that tech companies should provide updates and spare parts for their devices for five or more years? If so, why? 

 

Source: 

https://9to5mac.com/2021/09/06/germany-wants-apple-to-update-and-repair-iphones-for-7-years/ 

My Phone, My Rules

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At a certain point in our lives, we have all wondered how easy life would be if everything in our life was as customizable as a “Subway Sandwich”. Well, I do not know about everyone, but I certainly do get random thoughts like these and it was just when I was going through my news feed a week ago I came across this news where it stated the Lava International (An Indian Multinational Electronics Company) has launched “the world’s first customizable smartphone” where all the essential features of a smart phone such as R.A.M., Cameras, Design, all of it can be customized through a portal as per the consumer’s necessity.

As announced on the recent launch on 7th January, there are a total of “66 combinations” of features for customers to choose from under the new “made to order Z series”. Not only this, but the features can also be upgraded at a later stage. While a few companies have tried to go through with the similar approach, these are usually bulk orders and made on special request whereas Lava International has brought this concept in the market on individual orders “presumably for the first time”. Although the the options are somewhat limited to the basic features, the company would be improving on the same in the near future.

At first it sounds very interesting and convenient for a person who is aware of his/her requirements and can be satisfied with his/her decisions. However, when you look at it from a perspective of a person who has difficulty in selecting the ingredients of a Subway Sandwich, and dwells on it for eternity, it is quite a dilemma. Not only that, speaking on behalf of ‘tech freaks’ who wait for ‘trailers’ and ‘teasers’ hinting on the specs of a new cell phone, it denies them of that surprising element.

No doubt this concept of customizable phones is a new leap in the world of technology and is perfect for people who know just what they require, while the other half struggles with their option. So, are you satisfied with your requirements? Or are you still confused between Parmesan Oregano and Italian Bread?

 

Source:

Lava launches India’s first ‘made-to-order’ phone- Business News (businesstoday.in)

 

Is a Pixel Smartphone really worth it?

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Google uncovered its first mobile phone this week, named “Pixel,” hailing the association’s transform into an industry since a long time prior ruled by any similarity of Apple and Samsung.

With its curved edges, smooth outline, and two size choices, the Pixel is reminiscent of Apple’s iPhone; even its prices. The 5-creep Pixel has a 1080p screen — 1440 x 2160 on the 5.5-crawl Pixel XL — 4GB of RAM and either 32GB or 128GB of capacity. The new iPhone 7 has comparable specs: the screen determination is 1334 x 750, with 2GB of RAM and size choices of 32GB, 128GB or 256GB. Moreover, it seems as though Google is trying to compete and make a statement with this new smartphone. Also, the Pixel phone appears to have a large photograph and video distributed storage, which may subdue some mobile clients’ feelings of trepidation of achieving their stockpiling limit. That’s apparently not the only unusual feature of this new phone; the Pixel to emphasize the phone’s name has a 12.3-megapixel rear camera which from experience seems to be one of the best cameras a smartphone ever had. In other words, this camera has gone through rigorous testing and test showed that the Pixel’s camera outperformed each other cell phone camera at present available. Another component touted by Google is the Pixel’s battery and charge time. As indicated by the organization, 15 minutes of charge will yield 7 hours of utilization. Pixel is likewise the first telephone with the organization’s virtual “keen” administration, known as Google Assistant, worked in, permitting clients to have “a characteristic discussion with Google” to seek or finish undertakings.

However, Verizon is the real transporter accomplice for Google’s Pixel and Pixel XL. Moreover, Verizon’s gadget has a bolted bootloader and accompanies three pre-introduced applications you don’t necessarily require. These apps are My Verizon, Go90 (a portable TV use), and Verizon Messaging. The split between security upgrades and framework redesigns implies that while Google will ensure you get your safety overhauls, you won’t get more up to date forms of Android. With the exception of Verizon’s course of events — which essentially implies you won’t get new forms of Android until some other time, if at any time.

Link/Sources:

No one should buy a Pixel smartphone from Verizon

http://www.livescience.com/56401-google-new-pixel-smartphone.html

 

Nike and Other Companies Appeal to a Mobile Population

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As technology continues to increase at a rapid rate, so too does the astounding popularity of mobile devices. From developing to developed countries, mobile devices have taken the world by storm because of their ease of use and convenience. In fact, according to Smart Insights, as of 2014 the number of global mobile users even surpassed those of desktop users.

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With more users on mobile devices thus comes an increase in the use of applications (or apps) tailored specifically to such formats. Studies have shown that mobile user app usage time even exceeds that of simple mobile web browsing time. In an amazing statistic from Goldman Sachs, “Americans are spending 60 percent of their online time in apps, compared with about 30 percent on desktop computers and 9 percent on the mobile web.”

As with any large social change, this shift in the way Americans gather and interpret data is creating quite the impact on business. In order to stay competitive in today’s market, companies must understand large changes in consumer behavior and adjust advertising strategies accordingly. In today’s mobile-dominated world, this adjustment revolves primarily around mobile app advertisements. In fact, according to Smart Insights, “mobile is the future, and within 3 years it will come to dominate digital ad spending.”

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One company which is trying to follow this marketing strategy is Nike. Beginning in November 2015, Nike will be sponsoring advertisements in the Weather Channel mobile app to target consumers using personalized local weather data. For example, an app user in somewhere cold like Alaska would see advertisements for Nike winter jackets and boots while an app user at the same time and same day in a warmer climate like California might see advertisements for lightweight running gear. As David Schriber (vice president for the North American marketing brand at Nike) states, “If you’re checking the weather, you probably have a question in your mind about how you can prepare for that weather.” Nike wishes to provide an answer.

http://brandchannel.com/2013/07/03/nike-celebrates-25-years-of-just-do-it/

Though this seems a relatively intuitive strategy to increasing consumer traffic, Nike hopes the convenience of the ads will significantly boost sales. According to the New York Times, in the next five years Nike’s e-commerce business is anticipated to increase from $1 billion to $7 billion with great emphasis on the contribution of the mobile marketplace.

As mobile devices continue to increase in popularity due to advances in technology, businesses must adapt to the changing market accordingly. Nike—along with other businesses such as L. L. Bean, Starbucks, and State Farm— have already begun adjusting advertising strategies to meet the demands of our dynamic world. So, the next time it’s snowing here in Happy Valley—which we know happens quite a bit— check the weather on your phone, tablet, or other mobile device. Don’t be surprised if Nike is there to offer you a nice pair of cozy winter socks to keep your feet warm on your trek to class.

Sources:

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/29/business/nike-embraces-weather-app-in-campaign-to-sell-gear-suited-to-local-conditions.html?ref=technology&_r=0

http://www.smartinsights.com/mobile-marketing/mobile-marketing-analytics/mobile-marketing-statistics/