Tesla has been under a lot of heat in recent days having fallen short of market expectations in quarterly deliveries and Elon Musk getting criticised for having too much on his plate with his recent Twitter takeover. The company lost 65% of its market value in 2022 which could be a matter of concern for any carmaker but continued to be the world’s most valuable automaker even after the loss. it is evident that Tesla needs to get its wind back by increasing sales at a time when demand is going down and it looks like the company might have found a solution!
Tesla global price cut
Tesla has cut down the prices of its cars in the US and Europe by as much as 20%. An extensive discounting effort has been undertaken in order to challenge its rivals and make up for the missed out delivery estimates for 2022. This move marks a monumental shift in Tesla’s strategy where new vehicle orders usually exceeded supply. This move comes after Musk had previously warned that a recession is right around the corner that could lower prices all around the market to sustain growth and keep profits low.
It was Elon himself who had acknowledged that the Tesla car prices had become ’embarrassingly high’ in recent years that could ultimately hurt demand. Tesla shares are currently down 0.9% after falling as low as 6.4% on Friday. Whereas, 2022 was the year when Tesla experienced its worst year since the company’s start. The downfall was blamed on China’s slowing growth and Musk’s undivided focus on getting Twitter on its feet.
As of now, Tesla has lowered prices across the USA, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. The company made several price cuts in Asia just last week. Analysts claim that the price cuts in Tesla vehicles will allow demand to go up and increase pressure on the rivals. It will be interesting to see how Tesla turns out to perform in 2023.
While we work our way in our mundane shifts to make a survivable income, tech giants around the world pay millions of dollars to their top hires. Be it Sundar Pichai or Tim Cook, the big tech players of the globe take home a fat slack of salaries. While the current atmosphere on social media has been anti-capitalist with a huge outcry over unfair wealth distribution, we all know the 1% is going to be there not just surviving but striving. But 2022 was different, we saw many tech giants around the world having to let go of their staff amidst uncertain economic situations and plummeting stock prices. it looks like the price cuts have now finally made their way to the higher end of the chain as Apple CEO Tim Cook is all set to receive a major pay cut for 2023.
Tim Cook Pay Cut
As per a new regulatory filing, Apple CEO Tim Cook will receive a salary of $49 million in 2023. This would mark a 40% drop from Cook’s previously drawn salary of $84 million in 2022.
The changes to Cook’s salary are entirely from adjustments made to his equity award value. In 2022, the Apple CEO’s equity award was estimated to be worth $75 million which will now be dropped to $40 million. However, his base salary of $3 million and the annual cash incentive of $6 million will remain intact. But why would an ultra-successful company like Apple need to make pay cuts for its celebrated CEO anyways?
Apple has continued its winning strike in the tech market, however, its market cap has dropped $1 trillion from its peak a year ago while the company continues to face production challenges with its flagship seller, the iPhone. While it’s uncertain whether Apple will continue to face these challenges, a pay cut for Tim Cook surely hints at the changing landscape of the company.
It would be an understatement to say that Apple revolutionized the audio market with the launch of its Airpods back in 2016. It’s not like wireless Bluetooth earphones did not exist before Apple launched them but the company’s decision to get rid of the 3.5mm audio jack altogether made them mainstream. Now, there are TWS available at different price points in an oversaturated market where Apple has carved itself a place in the premium TWS segment. However, it looks like it may not be enough for the tech giant that is now working to capture the midrange TWS market with a cheaper ‘Airpods Lite’
AirPods Lite in the making?
Reliable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo recently shared that Apple is working on a new generation of AirPods including an entry-level AirPods Lite. The lite version of the AirPods is reportedly aiming to hit the $99 target price. it should be noted that Kuo is not the only analyst to report this development as Jeff Pu had also shared similar news earlier.
Readers should not that AirPods Lite is not the official name of the rumoured budget AirPods. Perhaps, they’ll be called AirPods SE? We never know!
Besides the cheaper AirPods, Apple is also reportedly working on the new-gen AirPods Max. If true, it would be the first update to AirPods Max since its initial release back in December 2020. Kuo states that the new-gen AirPods could be released in the second half of 2024. Thus there won’t be any new updates to the AirPods lineup this year.
What do you think about Apple introducing a cheaper variant of its AirPods lineup? if the TWS is launched at that price point without a cutdown on major features like ANC, then it would make the perfect deal!
If you’re in the corporate working sector then escaping Microsoft Teams is something you cannot do. Whether in chats or meetings, most organizations rely on Teams to get their communication on line. While using the platform for all communication needs was pretty standard, no one thought a premium subscription model would ever be necessary for the service. Well, no one except Microsoft!
Microsoft Teams premium subscription
It is not like the Teams premium subscription is something that just surfaced right now as Microsoft announced it back in October 2022. The preview for the same debuted back on December 16. However, in a note for its partners, Microsoft revealed that the premium product will be available in February 2023. This means, having a Microsoft 365 subscription will now not be enough as users will also have to buy the Microsoft Teams Premium subscription in order to get the best of the service.
The licensing guide for the new Microsoft Teams specifies that some of its features will now be moving to the premium license. The features are as follows –
Live translated captions
Timeline markers in Teams meeting recordings for when a user left or joined meetings
Custom organization Together mode scenes
Virtual Appointments – SMS notifications
Virtual Appointments – Organizational analytics in the Teams admin center
Virtual Appointments – Scheduled queue view
So how much would users have to shell out for the premium Teams experience? While a definitive price has not been revealed, Microsoft has revealed that the expected price would be $10 per month. However, the fixed price will be only revealed when the service becomes available to the general public.
Every year, the world gathers for the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), which is kind of like the Auto Expo for electronics and technology. Although we typically get a sneak peek at upcoming technology, several automakers frequently use CES to reveal their newest technology, concepts, and even new models. The top auto news stories from CES 2023 are listed here. This year’s CES is no exception when it comes to some crazy mind boggling concepts and other automotive news.
Sony Afeela
The Japanese technology behemoth Sony will produce EVs, although this is not really surprising given that Sony has already shown off two prototypes at prior CES conferences. The Afeela, however, is a brand-new sedan that was created in collaboration with Honda this time. Although the Afeela’s technical specifications are all secret, we do know that deliveries will start in 2026 and that the sedan will come equipped with cutting-edge technology, including AI assistance and autonomous capabilities.
Volkswagen ID.7
The ID.7, Volkswagen’s first electric sedan, has been presented with its camouflage still on. It will join the brand’s wide range of electric vehicles in 2023. The vehicle will compete against Hyundai’s Ioniq 6 and Tesla Model 3 with a potential range of about 700 kilometres. The ID.7 will have the longest range of any Volkswagen EV when it is introduced. In addition to these technologies, the sedan has augmented reality heads-up and a 15-inch touchscreen with all the necessary functionality.
BMW i Vision Dee
One of the most daring proposals from the German company has been introduced by BMW. According to BMW, the I Vision Dee (Digital Emotional Experience) is a car that can converse with its owners and even convey feelings. It also has body panels that can instantly change colours, enormous kidney grilles with built-in displays, and a windscreen that serves as a sizable display. The new concept car is packed with features, and it may represent the direction the company will take in terms of technology and design.
Volvo EX90
At CES 2023, Volvo unveiled the EX90 flagship electric SUV and said that deliveries will start in early 2024. It will be available with a 111kWh battery pack that has a 600 km maximum range and 517 PS maximum output (WLTP). It has a 14.5-inch touchscreen inside that supports 5G and has Google OS preinstalled. The EX90 receives a variety of safety features like eight cameras, a radar system, and LiDAR in typical Volvo flair and as the company’s flagship EV.
Nvidia GeForce Now Cloud Gaming For Cars
We’re not sure how to react to the news that cars will soon be able to use Nvidia’s GeForce Now cloud gaming services. To offer a complete gaming experience to cars, the brand is collaborating with automakers including Hyundai, BYD, and Polestar. Technical details are being kept under wraps, but Nvidia claims that while waiting inside the car or while the car is charging, passengers may use a controller to play more than 1000 games, including AAA titles. In essence, this implies that you can play The Witcher 3 while your car is charging.
Dodge Ram 1500 Revolution BEV Concept
Dodge unveiled its Ram 1500 Revolution Battery-electric Vehicle (BEV) Concept at CES 2023, which offers a view into the future and highlights how the sector’s top truck brand can once more transform the pickup truck business. Innovative features that will be found in future Ram trucks, and in particular on Ram’s electrification journey, are on full display in the cutting-edge Ram 1500 Revolution BEV Concept.
In order to better serve its customers, Ram will distinguish itself by delivering a variety of fully electric alternatives, including the Ram 1500 BEV in 2024, which will redefine the market. In the upcoming years, the complete Ram line-up will provide electrified solutions with ground-breaking, cutting-edge technology.
The Consumer Electronics Show, or CES, is about to kick off on 5th January 2023. However, like every year, it has already created hype as most of the world’s leading tech giants have already announced what they’re going to reveal at the show. Let’s take a quick look at the major announcements before the actual event hits the shore.
Samsung
Samsung is known to play a vital role in the event and grabs the maximum attention every year. In a recently released press conference, the company unveiled the Odyssey Neo G9, a 57-inch mini-LED display sporting a 7680 × 2160 resolution equivalent to two 4K monitors in one. The massive and immersive desktop is going to be a paradise for every gamer as it offers a 240Hz refresh rate and a 1000R curved screen.
Besides Odyssey Neo G9, Samsung also unveiled its first ultrawide QD-OLED monitor – the Odyssey G95SC, which features a more subtle 1800R curved display, 32:9 aspect ratio and 5120 x 2880 resolution. The newly revealed monitors by Samsung are one of the coolest yet, but what caught most of the attention was the Flex Hybrid – a device with a 4:3 aspect ratio that expands into a 16:10 device; it FOLDS as well as SLIDES.
LG
Samsung and LG have always made CES their home pitch, but in 2023, LG looks a little slow, at least in the initial phase. Till now, the company has unveiled the Z3, G3, and C3 OLED evo series TVs, all loaded with the new α9 AI Processor Gen6. The latest evo series TVs will offer brighter displays, greater colour accuracy, a more personalized webOS experience, virtual 9.1.2 surround sound and enhanced dynamic tone mapping.
Nvidia
Nvidia has started off CES 2023 with a bang. The company, who’s a giant in designing and manufacturing graphics processing units (GPUs), has revealed the GeForce RTX 4070 Ti along with laptop versions of the GeForce RTX 40-series, which will be a part of laptops from Asus, Alienware, MSI and more.
Intel
Intel has enormous plans for CES 2023, and it can be seen how the company is exciting the products before CES hits the world. The chip-making company is expanding its Raptor Lake desktop processor lineup, which is compatible with motherboards previously used for Alder Lake CPUs. Furthermore, Intel has a long lineup of processor launches, ranging from the high-end Core i9-13900 to the budget Core i3-13100F.
Laptops
Alienware – Already trending with a massive 18-inch gaming laptop.
Asus – Revealed the ROG Strix G18 and the ROG Strix Scar 18 laptops, featuring Nvidia GeForce RTX 40-series graphics cards.
Acer – Revealed new 16-inch laptops with the latest chips from Intel.
TVs
Displace – We are going to witness the world’s first wireless TV, which is set to make a debut at CES 2023.
We have stepped into the new year over the past weekend but the horrors of 2022 do not seem to catch a break. The previous year, 2022, was a bad one for billionaires who went through a hard time. With tech billionaires having to let go of their workforce in massive layoffs, crypto moguls getting arrested, the stock market plummeting, wars, and alarming inflation, it was definitely a challenging year, to say the least. However, the total amount of wealth lost by tech giants and billionaires, in general, was a whopping $1.9 trillion dollars!
According to a report by Forbes, the planet’s billionaires lost $1.9 trillion in 2022. The collective wealth of the elite dropped from $13.8 trillion to $11.9 trillion, whereas, the number of billionaires around the world also took a hit. Reports suggest that nearly 150 people lost billionaire status this year with the overall number dropping from 2,671 to 2,523 billionaires. Big names like Sam Bankman and the controversial Kanye West famously lost their billionaire status in 2022.
However, the horrors are truly witnessed in the tech sector where around 300 tech billionaires lost $1 trillion in the previous year. After showing an outlandish boom in 2020-21, the tech sector took massive hits costs plummeting, layoffs, and dropping share prices. Forbes reports that Amazon shares have dropped nearly 50%, wiping off $80 billion from Jeff Bezos’ net worth. Whereas, Google’s parent Alphabet and Microsoft’s stock slid 36% and 27% respectively. Mark Zuckerberg took one of his biggest hits this year with Meta’s stock falling down by 66% amounting to $78 billion wiped off his net worth. The biggest loser of 2022 was, however, Elon Musk who lost over $115 billion in 2022. The CEO of Tesla and SpaceX has been busy working his way to ‘restore free speech’ on Twitter which has concerned investors and stakeholders leading to a massive net worth loss. What do you think 2023 looks like for tech billionaires around the world?
In 2022, wanting a 4K gaming setup is certainly a dream for most of us. Thanks to gaming creators gaining mainstream popularity and the gaming industry itself developing some of the best immersive games, 4K content has become a norm as opposed to being a premium format limited to only a few devices. Gaming enthusiasts and content creators in general benefit from the extra details provided by a 4K display and the rise of 4K content on OTT platforms is a cherry on the check. Thus, while looking back at the amazing year in tech that was 2022, it was difficult to simply look over the best 4K monitors of the year. Here is a look –
Acer Predator CG437K 42.5-inch Gaming Monitor
Not everyone needs a 42.5-inch gaming monitor but it surely doesn’t hurt to have one. This monitor by Acer fills in the gap between a crisp gaming monitor and a television. One could simply use this monitor as a TV placed in their living room as it comes with a built-in 2-speaker with 10 watts per speaker system. The Acer Predator series is known for its supreme gaming experience and this monitor extends that experience to a bigger form factor. It also comes with a high refresh rate of 144Hz for a smooth gaming experience. The Acer Predator CG437K Gaming Monitor was launched at a price of 1.32 Lacs but is currently available for 79,488.
4K UHD (3840 x 2160) 120Hz refresh rate overclocked to 144Hz 2-speaker unit Proximity and light sensors Remote control 2 display ports, 3 HDMI ports, 1 Type-C port
ASUS TUF Gaming VG289Q1A 4K Monitor
ASUS is another tech player that makes prominent gaming hardware. Be it ROG laptops or mobile phones, ASUS has managed to carve itself a place in the gaming arena. Thus, it was a no-brainer to include ASUS’ gaming monitor in this list. This monitor comes with a 28-inch form factor with a 4K Ultra HD resolution and an HDR high dynamic range. It comes equipped with ASUS Shadow Boost technology that clarifies the darker areas of a game without overexposing the brighter areas for a better viewing experience. The ASUS TUF Gaming VG289Q1A 4K monitor is priced at Rs 37, 519.
28-inch 4K IPS display HDR10 High Dynamic Range Shadow Boost feature Flicker-Free Technology
Samsung 43-inch Monitor
Samsung is known to make vibrant displays and lead the industry standard with its Super AMOLED displays in the mobile arena. However, the company also makes some of the best monitors that serve multipurpose functionality. The Samsung 43-inch monitor comes equipped with smart features such as the Wireless DeX that allows users to connect a monitor to a smartphone for extended functionality. It also offers smart hub features to quickly access content on OTT platforms. The Samsung 43-inch 4K monitor is priced at Rs 44,065.
UHD Resolution Mobile Connectivity Remote Access Adaptive Picture Quality USB Type-C Port
BenQ Ew3270U 32-inch Monitor
This BenQ Ew3270U monitor is a 4K panel offering 95% DCI P3 colour coverage. However, it is limited to a refresh rate of 60Hz which could be a deal breaker for some. It comes with two specific modes of HDR and Cinema HDR which adjusts its output to resemble real-world visions. It also comes equipped with AMD FreeSynch technology that reduces lags during extensive gaming sessions. It houses two 2W speakers and also offers additional connectivity with a Type-C port, HDMI, and display ports. The BenQ Ew3270U is priced at Rs 29,990.
Acer Nitro VG280K 28 Inch UHD 4K IPS Gaming Monitor
A considerably cheaper offering by Acer is its Nitro display which comes with a 28-inch form factor. This gaming monitor comes with a zero-frame design which makes content immersive and more enjoyable. The Nitro 4K also sports 300 nits brightness, HDR10 support, and built-in dual 2 watts speakers. The Acer Nitro VG280K 4K monitor is priced at Rs 29,000.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a tech enthusiast or not, having good accessories is the need of the hour in today’s world. While some people enjoy keeping up with the changing landscape of the tech industry, others merely want good accessories as they represent a part of themselves. Be it Bluetooth speakers, keyboards/mouse, or smartwatches, 2022 saw a range of products launching. Some were cool, and others were practical, but the tech accessories listed below were definitely the ones that took me by surprise!
Here are the best tech accessories launched in 2022 –
Noise IntelliBuds
Perhaps one of the best TWS launched in 2022 was the Noise IntelliBuds. While the IntelliBuds were perfectly fine as an everyday driver for your music need, it added an extra touch with the smart features. One can simply shake their head to receive a call or skip to the next track with the IntelliBuds. Features like hot voice commands and gesture controls are also present here. The Noise IntelliBuds is priced at Rs 4,999.
6 mm drivers BT 5.0 up to 10m Hot Voice Commands Smart Gesture Control Transparency Mode Music Sharing
Portronics UFO Pro
In today’s age, even people who are not tech enthusiasts carry around at least three tech devices that need charging. A lot of devices need charging simultaneously and there are only a limited number of sockets in a person’s house. This is where the Portronics UFO Pro comes in handy as it comes with the capability of charging six devices at the same time! This UFO-shaped charging station comes with 4 USB-A 2.0 ports, 1 QC 3.0 Port, and 1 Type-C PD. It also comes with 60W power output that can juice up your devices with ease. The Portronics UFO Pro Charging station is priced at just Rs 879.
Charge up to 6 devices Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 Port Overcharge Protection 60 Watts
Zinq Technologies 5 Fan Cooling Pad
If you’re lucky enough to still be working from home then we know you don’t sit at your designated desk the entire day. Humans like to move around thus taking your laptop to bed to work is something we do normally. However, keeping your laptop in any other space than a flat surface leads to it quickly heating up and affecting its performance. Hence, the 5-fan cooling pad is the perfect choice for you. The cooling pad does not just keep your laptop cool but is also height adjustable. The Zinq Five Fan Cooling Pad is priced at Rs 1,382.
Cooling pad with metal panel Mute motor Four cooling fans Red LED lights
OnePlus Nord Watch
Gone are the days when watches just served one purpose. Now, the smartwatches strapped around your wrist can track your fitness, your blood oxygen, your heart rate, and much more. While the OnePlus Nord Watch misses out on two key features like Bluetooth calling and an always-on display, it is a solid device nonetheless. It comes with ample features, a vibrant AMOLED display and 100+ watch faces that are a treat to look at! The OnePlus Nord Watch is priced at Rs 4,999.
4.52 cm AMOLED display Bluetooth 5.2 230mAh battery Up to 10 days of battery life IP68 rating
Logitech MX Keys
A comfortable keyboard is something everyone needs even if they are not content writers like me! This smart MX keyboard is capable of connecting and switching between three devices at the same time thanks to its Bluetooth functionality. The fluid mechanical keyboard gives a classic feel while typing and does not hurt your fingers even with prolonged use. It comes with smart illumination which allows the backlit kets to adjust to changing lighting conditions. Multi-device connectivity is also present thus connecting on Android, iOS or Windows devices simultaneously will not be an issue. The Logitech MX Mechanical Wireless keyboard is priced at Rs 18,995.
While smartphones cater to your everyday needs and laptops cover your functionality and professional needs, tablets are a different ball game altogether. Not everyone needs a tablet but can surely benefit from one. One really does not need to blow up past the 1 or 2 lakh price point in today’s age in order to get the best performance from a computing device and tablets are definitely the optimum choice. Lighter than a laptop and a larger screen as compared to your mobile devices, tablets sit at the sweet middle point between the two device categories.
The trend of work-from-home and homeschooling might have come to an end as a sense of normalcy returns to the world post-pandemic. However, tablets have continued to go from strength to strength offering power-packed performance at a relatively low cost. Here are the best tablets in 2022 –
Xiaomi Mi Pad 5
Starting off with what I believe to be the best value-for-money tablet in 2022, the Xiaomi Mi Pad 5. This tablet packs an 11-inch 2K LCD display, 6GB of RAM, and the powerful Snapdragon 870 processor all at a price of just under Rs 30K. The Mi Pad 5 also comes with a 13MP primary camera and an 8MP front camera that is good enough for your video call needs. It packs a massive 8720 mAh battery and fast charging support to juice up the device in no time. The base variant sports 128GB of storage which cannot be expanded via an SD card. The only gripe with this tablet is the missing 3.5 mm audio jack. The Xiaomi Pad 5 is priced at Rs 26,999 for the base variant.
Snapdragon 860 11-inch IPS LCD 2K display 13MP Primary & 8MP Front Camera 120Hz refresh rate 8720mAh battery
Apple iPad Air 2022
One cannot talk about tablets and miss out on Apple’s iPad offering. The Apple iPad Air 2022 is no less than a powerful laptop as it comes with the Apple M1 chip that powers the company’s flagship MacBooks. Besides a powerful chip, the iPad Air 2022 comes with a 10.9 inches IPS LCD screen coupled with a 12MP primary and 12MP front camera. While it supports USB Type-C charging, it does not come with fast charging which could be a deal breaker for many. The cellular variant of the Apple iPad Air 2022 comes with 5G support. The Apple iPad Air 2022 is priced at Rs 52,999 for the 64GB Wi-Fi-only variant.
Liquid Retina IPS LCD Display Apple M1 chipset 8GB RAM Fingerprint sensor USB Type-C charging
Realme Pad X
The Realme Pad X was yet another gem in this year’s best tablets. This tablet is powered by the capable Qualcomm 695 chipset which is 5G-capable. It packs a massive 10.95-inches TFT LCD full-view display and an 8340mAh battery that can be charged up with a 33W dart charger. It features a 105-degree wide-angle camera that is powered by machine-learning algorithms that keep you in the centre of the frame during video calls. The 6+128GB variant of the Realme Pad X is priced at Rs 27,999.
4/6GB RAM options 64/128GB storage options (Expandable up to 512GB) 10.95-inches 2000 x 1200 8340mAh battery with 33W Dart Charge Reverse charging support
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8
Samsung has also established its strong footing in the tablet market with its Tab S series. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 builds upon a successful lineup of tablets by offering the best Android has to offer. It houses a powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor that is more powerful than you need for your daily digital activities. It also houses a 12MP camera with 4K recording capabilities to shoot crisp videos for your YouTube vlogs. Your entertainment will be taken care of effectively with the Tab S8 as it comes with a quad-speaker setup with Dolby atmos and a vibrant 2560 x 1600 LTPS TFT screen with a 120 Hz refresh rate. The 128GB Wi-Fi + 5G variant of the Galaxy Tab S8 is priced at Rs 75,890.
Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 8GB RAM 11-inch 120Hz refresh rate 13MP + 6MP dual primary camera 12MP front camera 8000mAh battery
Special mentions –
Nokia T20 Tab Realme Tab 4 Lenovo Tab M10 FHD Plus Tablet
