RAEGR Launched MagFix M1 Wireless Power Bank with Magsafe

RAEGR ensures your smartphone remains charged and active whenever needed; that’s why the RAEGR-launched MagFix M1 Wireless Power Bank, designed with a sleek and ergonomic style and fast charging capabilities, is here to ensure that your iPhone and other devices stay powered up seamlessly, even amidst your busy lifestyle.

Although the RAEGR MagFix M1 is primarily designed for iPhones, it is also compatible with other smartphones and portable devices requiring a battery boost. It features Apple’s MagSafe technology and provides up to 10 Watts of Qi Wireless charging, supported by strong neodymium magnets that ensure a secure attachment to your iPhone, even when using it. With its built-in 10,000mAh battery, the M1 can charge your Apple iPhone approximately 2.5 times, giving you nearly a week of uninterrupted usage. You can stay connected to your iPhone while making calls, chatting, browsing, and other activities on the go, as the M1 ensures that your smartphone remains powered for as long as you need it.

The MagFix M1 power bank is equipped with a PD port that delivers up to 20W and a USB-A port with a capacity of up to 18W, making it versatile enough to independently charge various devices such as iPods, iPads, Watches, cameras, tablets, and virtually any other smartphone. In addition, the M1 also functions as a wireless charging pad. It is compatible with wireless-charging phones from Samsung, Google, and similar brands. With its premium build and BIS Certification, the M1 ensures a secure and dependable charge for almost any device you connect. Its protective features, including safeguards against overvoltage, overcurrent, overcharging, and overheating, make it the ultimate and indispensable power bank for individuals with dynamic, on-the-go lifestyles or extended workdays.

“Whether it’s handling payments, exchanging messages, engaging in chats or calls, or managing travel and entertainment, it’s undeniable that a smartphone serves as an indispensable companion on life’s journey. Regardless of whether you’re a business professional or a college-going individual, the significance of staying connected is universally recognized in today’s world. Whether connecting with friends and family or staying in touch with colleagues and clients, maintaining a charged smartphone is crucial, especially for those with a mobile and active lifestyle. At RAEGR, we understand the pivotal role this companion plays, and our M1 Powerbank emerges as the ideal companion for your daily endeavours. Tailored specifically for Apple iPhone users, the RAEGR M1 Powerbank boasts a compact and premium design, making it an essential power source for individuals leading busy lives,” stated Ajesh George, Managing Director of RAEGR, during the product launch.

For a limited duration of 7 days, the RAEGR MagFix M1 Wireless Powerbank is available for purchase at the exclusive price of ₹1,999 on Raegr.com and Amazon.in.

Samsung reclaimed the throne of best-selling smartphone maker in India

In a dramatic turn of events, Samsung has reclaimed its throne as the smartphone king in India for 2023, toppling Xiaomi’s six-year reign. Despite this, Xiaomi showcased remarkable resilience by maintaining its supremacy in Q4 with an impressive 18.3% market share, courtesy of Redmi and Poco brands.

The overall smartphone shipments for 2023 stagnated at approximately 152 million units. The industry faced a challenging first half, but a spirited recovery in the second half, fueled by 5G upgrades and robust festive sales, breathed life into the market. Notably, Apple achieved a historic milestone by surpassing 10 million shipments in India.

Samsung’s resurgence was attributed to aggressive offline marketing and stellar performance from the A series, while the premium segment adopted a focused strategy. Vivo secured the second spot with its innovative CMF design approach, prominently featuring the vivo V29 series and achieving success with the T series in the offline segment.

Xiaomi maintained its edge in the final quarter by introducing 5G phones in the affordable segment and streamlining its portfolio, avoiding duplication and consumer confusion. The premium smartphone market in India experienced a staggering 64% YoY growth, propelled by financing schemes that enabled more customers to embrace higher-priced smartphones.

As the industry looks ahead, the forecast for the upcoming year anticipates a surge in demand for devices supporting Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision, and Generative AI. Foldables are poised for a prosperous future, with Counterpoint predicting the segment will surpass 1 million shipments in 2024.

STM Goods Unveils The Focus Collection for iPhone 15, a Series Designed to Calm and Center the Mind

STM Goods has recently launched a new collection of iPhone 15 cases called The Focus Collection. This collection includes three different variants – Relax, Reveal, and Reawaken – which have been designed to help users find tranquillity in today’s busy digital landscape.

With the increasing concern of information overload and the stress that comes with excessive use of social media, STM Goods has incorporated innovative Focuscape technology into The Focus Collection. This design encourages mindfulness and provides users with a simple yet effective method to detach from stress and immerse themselves in a more calming environment by flipping the phone.

The Relax variant of The Focus Collection has a design resembling a serene sand dune or tropical beach ambience. The Reveal variant features a hidden pattern with a soothing touch, inviting users to explore a world of focus. The Reawaken variant enhances concentration by guiding fingers along captivating contours, offering tactile feedback and freeing the mind from life’s clutter.

Aside from its groundbreaking design, The Focus Collection is also MagSafe compatible and boasts features such as drop protection, premium materials, ClearShell Plating self-repairing technology, and more. This collection is compatible with all iPhone 15 devices and is now available in India at select Apple Premium Reseller (APR) stores and online, starting at an MRP of ₹3190/-. With STM Goods’ latest offering, The Focus Collection, customers can achieve pure focus while experiencing a fusion of style and mindfulness.

Clicks Launched Physical Keyboard Case for iPhones at CES

At CES 2024, Clicks – a tech accessory company, unveiled its latest product. This iPhone keyboard case brings back the tactile sensation of physical keys. It is specifically designed for the latest iPhone models, such as the iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max, and it adds a touch of modernity to the traditional experience.

What sets this accessory apart is its built-in QWERTY keyboard that is seamlessly integrated into the case. It provides a nostalgic yet cutting-edge solution for users who miss the tangible feedback of physical keys. One standout feature of the Clicks case is its intelligent design, ensuring the virtual keyboard remains hidden unless intentionally summoned, providing a clutter-free visual experience, and maximizing the screen real estate.

The Clicks case boasts a sleek and stylish design that complements the aesthetic of Apple’s flagship devices despite adding a bit of height to the iPhone. The backlit keys enhance the user experience in low-light conditions and add a touch of elegance to the overall look of the case.

In addition to its support for Mac and iPad keyboard shortcuts, the Clicks case is versatile, making it a productivity tool for users who switch seamlessly between Apple devices.

Enthusiasts and early adopters can already place their orders for the Clicks case, with select models scheduled to start shipping in February. As Clicks paves the way for a reimagined typing experience on iPhones, CES 2024 has affirmed the company’s commitment to blending innovation with nostalgia for the modern smartphone user.

iOS 17.2 – The Game-Changing Update Your iPhone Has Been Waiting For

Apple’s latest innovation, iOS 17.2, brings a wave of exciting updates for eligible iPhones. The 1.5 GB update is a symphony of bug fixes and enhancements, introduces the avant-garde Journal app, elevates your visual experience with spatial video capture on the iPhone 15 Pro series, and breathes new life into the Weather and Messages apps.

The crown jewel of this update is the iPhone 15 Pro series, unlocking a realm of possibilities with spatial video recording. Dive into the immersive world of 3D videos seamlessly captured by the main and ultra-wide-angle cameras, aided by the LiDAR sensor. While these videos won’t grace your iPhone’s screen in 3D glory, the promise of compatibility with the upcoming Vision Pro VR headset beckons a new era in visual storytelling.

Enhancements extend beyond visuals, as Apple fine-tunes the performance of the telephoto lens, reducing capture time for sharper images. The action button on the iPhone 15 Pro series gains newfound versatility, transforming into a quick translator for on-the-fly language conversions.

 

Meanwhile, the Journal app, Apple’s gift to the introspective, finds its place on all iPhones running iOS 17.2, from the iPhone XS to the latest iPhone 15 series. Secure your thoughts with Face ID or Touch ID, adding an extra layer of intimacy to your musings.

The iPhone 13, iPhone 14, and iPhone 15 series embrace the future of wireless charging with compatibility with the Qi2 standard. Fast charge your device with up to 15W using non-MagSafe certified wireless chargers, freeing you from the constraints of conventional power sources. The iOS 17.2 update, a testament to Apple’s commitment to innovation, is a journey into the future of technology, seamlessly weaving together form and function for a captivating user experience.

Best Cameracentric Phones for Photography Enthusiasts in 2023

The modern world is dominated by pixels, lenses, and the relentless pursuit of the perfect shot. Having a smartphone with superb cameras instead of the actual camera is the trending nature of today’s generation. So, here, we present a lineup of smartphone marvels that aren’t just phones – they’re visual sorcerers, capturing moments with finesse and flair.

Google Pixel 8 Pro

Say hello to the smartphone camera maestro that not only dances circles around its price tag but also throws some slick moves at the iPhone 15 Pro and casually outshines the iPhone 14 Pro Max without breaking a sweat. The flagship smartphone from Google is like the James Bond of the smartphone universe – smooth, suave, and armed with a camera license to thrill. The name is 8 Pro, the Pixel 8 Pro.

The Pixel 8 Pro doesn’t take photos; it gives them a spa day. With a new RAW capture feature, it unleashes the full potential of its 50MP sensor, making other cameras look like they’re stuck in a pixelated time warp. And if you’re feeling like the Spielberg of your own life, the pro controls mode hands you the director’s chair, letting you tweak and twist your images to perfection.

The camera mix is like a gourmet meal for your visual taste buds. It’s got a higher-megapixel wide-angle lens that’s sharper than your grandma’s wit, and a telephoto lens so good, it might as well have a superhero cape. Video? It’s taken a leap from Pixel 7 Pro, though it’s still trying to catch up with the iPhone Pro Max – like the underdog in a blockbuster movie, getting there but not quite stealing the spotlight.

With a design sleeker than a catwalk model, a screen mightier than a superhero’s punch, and the promise of software support for seven whole years (yes, you heard right), it’s basically the Benjamin Button of smartphones, ageing like fine wine. So, if you’re looking for a smartphone that’s more than just a status symbol, consider your search officially over. Cheers to the phone that’s as smart as it is pixel-perfect!

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is the reigning monarch of camera phones, a visual virtuoso that laughs in the face of photographic challenges. With more lenses than a bug’s eyes and features that could make a Swiss Army Knife jealous, this phone is the superhero of snapshots – there’s no photo it can’t conquer. Sure, other phones might flex slightly better muscles in specific situations, but the S23 Ultra is the Virat Kohli of the camera world, handling everything from macro close-ups to nocturnal escapades to zooming in on the neighbour’s barbecue three blocks away.

The 12MP ultrawide and the dynamic duo of 3x and 10x 10MP telephoto sensors might feel like your old pals, but hold on to your selfie stick – the S23 Ultra throws a plot twist. Out with the old 108MP primary sensor, in with the new 200MP powerhouse, making Samsung the Beyoncé of smartphone photography, slaying the game with unprecedented resolution. The S23 Ultra’s 200MP Adaptive Pixel Sensor is like a maestro conducting a symphony of pixels, ensuring a consistent and jaw-dropping experience that would make even the toughest critics break into applause.

Now, for those who like to dive into the nitty-gritty of photography, the Expert RAW mode is your backstage pass, belting out up to 50MP of pure visual genius. Feeling a bit extra? Snap a 200MP still (in jpeg form), because why settle for anything less than the full sensor’s glorious detail? While other Android phones are stuck in the stone age, Samsung’s playing chess, ensuring your pics and videos get the red carpet treatment, leaving your followers in awe and envy. It’s a visual masterpiece in the palm of your hand. Say cheese, world!

Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max

 

The iPhone 15 Pro Max is the Chuck Norris of smartphones. It’s a pocket-sized powerhouse thicker than a bowl of oatmeal but packs a punch that will leave you wondering if you accidentally bought a superhero’s gadget. Sure, it’s got some girth, but don’t let that fool you. The little beast boasts a footprint so compact, it’s practically doing yoga in your pocket. And photographers, rejoice! The camera and power combo is like a match made in tech heaven – an offer you can’t refuse.

I’m not saying it’s perfect, as there’s no pro mode for manual photography, but the automatic mode’s photo processing is like the Gandalf of phone photography – you shall not pass without capturing stunning shots. The 5x telephoto camera is like having a spyglass that sees further and clearer than your nosy neighbour peeping through the curtains. Beautiful natural blur on portraits? Say no more – the Pro Max has got your Instagram game covered.

The iPhone 15 range has joined the 21st century by adopting the USB-C port. It’s like Apple finally realised we’re not living in the era of dial-up internet anymore. Now, you can connect to monitors and camera accessories with the ease of a hot knife through butter. The price is up there in the stratosphere, but think of it as an investment in your happiness. The iPhone 15 Pro is like that reliable friend who never lets you down – powerful, long-lasting, and always ready for a good time.

Google Pixel 7a

The Google Pixel 7a – is the Cinderella of budget camera phones, proving that you don’t need a royal budget to capture breathtaking moments. In fact, it might just be the belle of the ball, giving its pricier sibling, the Google Pixel 7 Pro, a run for its money in the photo quality department. The 7a is priced at midrange money, so Google had to make a few sacrifices. Compared to its elder siblings, there are fewer cameras onboard, and wireless charging is a distant fairytale dream. But hey, who needs a magic carpet when you’ve got Google’s wizardry?

Google’s not one to flex muscles in the hardware gym; it prefers a PhD in cleverness. The Pixel 7a is no exception. Armed with the Google Tensor chip – think of it as the Dumbledore of smartphone brains – it boasts features like an under-display fingerprint scanner, unlocking your phone with a touch so discreet it’s practically a secret handshake. And let’s not forget the AI photo editing powers – it’s like having a personal Photoshop sorcerer in your pocket. Sure, it might not bench-press as much as its beefier counterparts, but the 7a is a camera ninja. 

Google’s software magic transforms it into a powerful shooter, snapping pics that make other budget phones blush. And who says budget can’t be stylish? The 7a mounts its stuff with a design so playful, it’s practically doing the cha-cha in your hands. So, while the hardware might be sipping a decaf, the Pixel 7a is a budget superhero, delivering a bang for your buck that feels more like a dynamite explosion. Who needs wireless charging when you’ve got brains, beauty, and budget brilliance?

Vivo X90 Pro

Tired of seeing the prominent names? Now, you’ll see a different name in the list. Armed with a 1-inch primary sensor that’s practically the Beyoncé of the camera world, the Vivo X90 Pro is the Picasso of smartphone photography. If cameras were superheroes, the X90 Pro would be the one with a cape and a dazzling smile. Accompanying this camera juggernaut is a 50MP telephoto sensor, a.k.a. the portrait lens with 2x optical zoom, and a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens, because who needs limits when you can go wide and wild? 

Now, we’ll admit, there were a couple of bumps in the road when we first took this camera for a spin – the watermark on photos and the beauty mode for portrait shots were like uninvited guests at a party. Our advice? Disable those party crashers pronto. The Zero Shutter Lag feature is like having a magical genie that grants your photography wishes in the blink of an eye. Lighting is on point? It’s like catching the perfect moment before it even realises it’s perfect. And the sensor? Oh, it’s so high-quality, it practically moonlights as a professional photographer. 

And let’s not forget the selfie camera, a 32MP resolution wizard that turns every selfie into a masterpiece. The natural depth of field effect is like having a built-in Instagram filter that says, “I woke up like this.” The portrait camera is a rockstar, but let’s spill the beans – the bokeh effect is like having a backstage pass to a rock concert. The X90 Pro is a magic show in your hands, turning ordinary moments into extraordinary memories. So, if you want a smartphone that’s more camera than a phone, say hello to the Vivo X90 Pro.

Beyond Impulse – The Science of Scoring the Ultimate iPhone Deal

When it comes to acquiring the latest in technological marvels, few names resonate as powerfully as the iPhone. The allure of cutting-edge features, enhanced performance, and an unrivalled user experience can be irresistible. However, the seasoned consumer knows that a well-timed purchase can make all the difference between a savvy investment and a less-than-ideal expenditure.

A cardinal rule in the realm of iPhone acquisitions is to exercise patience during the months of July and August. This is not a whim but a calculated manoeuvre stemming from Apple’s pattern of unveiling its newest iPhone iterations in September. The rationale is simple yet profound: the imminent launch of new models triggers a domino effect, driving down the prices of their predecessors.

The art of precision extends beyond mere timing. It’s not just about when but also about how. The impulse to seize the latest iPhone hot off the press might not always yield the best outcome. Contrary to common assumption, the sweet spot for acquisition is sometimes right after the curtain rises on the new model. A prudent course of action involves allowing a brief interlude—perhaps a month or two.

However, the realm of shrewd iPhone procurement harbours more than just temporal considerations. As the calendar turns, strategic shopping events come to the fore, beckoning the discerning buyer. Think about the October shopping extravaganza and the legendary Black Friday. These moments in retail offer a glimmer of hope to those hunting for a deal on the cherished device. But, let it be known: while these occasions might tantalize with discounts, the latest iPhone incarnations typically remain sheltered from steep price reductions.

Apple’s modus operandi in pricing strategy has proven itself to be a symphony of timing and tactics. The price tags of newly minted iPhones seldom witness a significant plummet within their debut year. Instead, Apple employs a subtle dance, often stepping back on the cost of the previous year’s model when its successor is unveiled. This captivating performance typically graces the stage in September, with potential encores in the spring.

In summation, the pilgrimage for the most opportune iPhone purchase entails a delicate minuet through the annals of time. With their promise of blooming possibilities, the festival time often delivers the best chance to embrace the latest iPhone incarnations. For those with an appetite for a slightly more seasoned vintage, the siren calls of Black Friday might beckon with alluring offers.

In the grand tapestry of iPhone acquisitions, let the months of July and August serve as a cautionary tale, a vivid reminder of the impending harvest of new models and the subsequent cascade of price adjustments. Ultimately, as seekers of the perfect iPhone deal navigate the shifting tides of opportunity, one truth stands resolute: timing, in all its nuanced glory, reigns supreme in the realm of the discerning buyer.

1st Gen iPhone (4GB) shatters expectations by fetching $190,372 at auction

On 29th June 2007, an iconic moment unfolded at Macworld when Steve Jobs graced the stage and launched the first-ever Apple iPhone. This groundbreaking marvel of technology came with a hefty price tag back then—$500 for the 4GB version and $600 for the 8GB variant, but only if you committed to a 2-year contract with AT&T (then known as Cingular). Fast forward to 2023, and these devices have become cherished relics that command exorbitant prices at auctions.

To illustrate this point, let’s look at a remarkable sale in February: an untouched, factory-sealed 8GB iPhone. Initially expected to fetch around $2,500, it ended up astounding everyone by soaring to a staggering $63,000 in bidding. Surprisingly, even that price doesn’t quite reach the heights of what an original iPhone can fetch.

Recently, an extremely rare and brand-new iPhone 4GB, straight from the factory, appeared on LCG Auctions, valued initially between $50,000 and $100,000. The bidding for the same commenced on 30th June with a modest starting price of $10,000. Slowly but surely, the figure climbed to $42,000, but then, something remarkable occurred.

A short but fierce bidding war erupted in the blink of an eye, resulting in a jaw-dropping winning bid of an astonishing $190,372. Whew! That’s an immense amount of money. Interestingly, this exceeds the prices achieved by the 8GB models. Besides the $63,000 sale from February, another sealed 8GB unit was sold just yesterday, fetching a still-impressive “only” $39,339.

Despite being less popular, why do the 4GB models command higher prices in the collector’s market? LCG Auctions sheds some light on this intriguing phenomenon: “The original 4GB model is considered a ‘Holy Grail’ among iPhone collectors. Its scarcity is directly attributed to its limited production. Released on 29th June 2007, alongside the 8GB model, the 4GB version suffered from slow sales. Buyers opted to pay an additional $100 to double their storage capacity.”

These lacklustre sales led Apple to make the decision to discontinue the 4GB model on 5th September 2007, a mere two months after its initial release. The more affordable, less successful variant now commands prices at auction three to four times higher than its currently famous siblings, some 16 years later. If, by any chance, you happen to possess a sealed iPhone 2G tucked away in your attic, now is the perfect moment to scoop it and reap the rewards.

Tata group inches close to become the first Indian company to Manufacture iPhones in India

Apple Indian fanboys rejoice! Tata Group, the largest Indian conglomerate is about to crack a historic deal which will undoubtedly change India’s tech industry landscape. Tata Group is nearing an agreement to acquire an Apple Inc. Supplier’s factory. The deal could go through as early as August. This would make Tata Group the first-ever Indian company to delve into iPhone assembly.

Tata Group leaps forward

Tata already has a strong footprint in the electronics sector and the dream of transforming India into a global manufacturing hub seems to coming to reality. The company is likely to acquire Apple’s supplier factory in Karnataka for over $600 million. The factory is currently owned by Wistron Corp which is a Taiwanese multinational electronics contract manufacturer. The industrial unit has reportedly been the subject of negotiations for nearly a year. It has a potential value exceeding $600 million and currently employs over 10,000 people. The factory currently assembles the latest iPhone 14 models. This transition will result in the Taiwanese company Wistron officially ending all its production operations in the country.

Tata Group’s decision to move to assemble iPhones marks its entry into new territories in the tech sector. The conglomerate already manufactures iPhone chassis in Tamil Nadu. Tata Group had previously expressed its ambitions of entering the chipmaking industry. This move positions Tata as one of the prominent tech players in the global market. India’s Prime Minister has initiated several programs which incentivize manufacturing growth in the country. Tata Group’s new deal could also motivate global brands from around the world to consider India as a reliable manufacturing location.

Apple, on the other hand, has been keenly interested in increasing its operations in India. Just recently, Apple CEO Tim Cook visited India and singled out the country as being pivotal for both being a production base and a customer market.

Through The Years: Evolution of the smartphone

Smartphones have evolved to become an essential part of our lives. Be it the professional front or the personal front, smartphones are the constant companions we carry around in our back pockets in order to connect with the world. One can blame that the emergence and popularity of social media has increased our dependency on smartphones but that is a topic for some different day. Today, we would like to take you through a brief history of smartphones right from their inception to where they stand now. So come along with us as we turn the pages of history and understand the smartphone – 

1876: Graham Bell’s miraculous innovation 

It will be unfair to look at the evolution of the smartphone without touching upon the history of the first-ever telephone ever made. Sure, smartphones now serve multiple purposes with the standard telephone features being just one of the many things they can do, but the inception of the smartphone relies entirely on being able to make calls and communicate with others while being on the move. Back in 1876, Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone which revolutionized communication forever. 

At first, the telephone was considered a luxury item which was only accessible to the wealthy. However, the following century brought the telephone evolution which made the communication device a common household item. Now, telephones are everywhere you go and that flashy slab of screen is what people look at first thing in the morning. So, how did we get here? 

1994: IBM’s first call to smartphones

Now, the origin of the first ever ‘smartphone’ is a debatable topic with many referring to the Motorola DynaTAC 8000x launched in 1983 as the first one to launch in the mainstream market. However, IBM’s ‘Simon Personal Communicator’ was the first mobile phone to sport multiple features. IBM was the first player in a business market which is expected to be valued at over $1.35 trillion by 2026. 

Simon Personal Communicator launched back on August 16, 1994, with a hefty price tag of $900. Sadly, the Simon was not received well by the masses thanks to the premium price tag. The device was bulky and had poor battery life which was coupled with poor wireless connectivity. This led to the first smartphone becoming a failed venture but it laid down the foundation of many beta-level features that are now common in modern mainstream smartphones. One can say that the Simon Personal Communicator was way ahead of its time. 

1998: Nokia 5110 makes heads turn

1998 was not the first time Nokia tried to enter the consumer phone market. However, with the 5110, Nokia revamped its ideology with consumer phones and departed from the ‘business phone’ strategy. The Nokia 5110 allowed users to choose a device which was not just plain black and grey colours. It introduced the Xpress-on-covers which could change the colour of the device and stand out as eye candy. 

The original Nokia 5110 advertised the device with the ‘Freedom of Expression’ tagline which was well received amongst the mass consumers. Nokia started the craze for changeable mobile cases from the late 90s to the early 2000s. This was the time humanity started to get a taste of what was about to unfold in the coming years. 

1999: Here Come The Blackberry Boys

The Blackberry 850 launched back in 1999 and things were not the same after it. The personal communication device features email, fax, calendar, address book, and task lists as its primary features. It featured a full QWERTY keypad allowed it to form a league of its own. Interestingly, the Blackberry 850 did not include the ability to make calls. The feature was introduced in the Blackberry 5810 which was released in 2002. 

Since the 850 did not sport any calling features, it was marketed as a personal communication device for the business world. Where Blackberry aced was the marketing where it skillfully advertised its security features garnering good reception from professionals. 

2007: The iPhone!

As a tech fanatic myself, I’ve seen Steve Jobs’ video introducing the first-ever iPhone at MacWorld in 2007 multiple times. The world has not been the same ever since the iPhone made its way to the market. It still stands tall as one of the most disruptive pieces of technology ever launched globally which changed the way we communicate with tech and each other as a species. In my biased opinion, iPhone’s launch is what signifies that mobile phones becoming smartphones. 

The cherry on top was its asking price of $499 which allowed Apple to sell them like hotcakes clocking in at 270,000 iPhones getting sold within just the first two days of the release. Furthermore, over 6 million iPhones were sold during its entire run in the global market. It was a new product with never seen before technology which could have resulted in hesitation or straight-up rejection from the general public, but that was not the case here. The huge number of sales for a first-generation product like the iPhone signified humanity’s shift in the sphere of personal technology. 

iPhone took many fundamental features from IBM’s Simon and dialled them to 100. The device allowed talk, text, email, music, YouTube, maps, calendar, weather, camera, along with internet web browsing. An average tech fan back in 2007 must-have definitely lost their mind when Jobs introduced the revolutionary device. 

2008: iPhone 3G

While I am an Android user myself and do not enjoy the modern iOS interface, I cannot deny the contribution of the iPhone in shaping the modern smartphone era. It was back in 2008 when Apple released the iPhone 3G which made a bigger splash than the original. It provided all the modern functionality present in the iPhone while allowing personalization. The App Store was introduced which allowed third-party applications to be installed. This revolutionized the smartphone experience furthermore as it meant that the devices were no longer limited to the default factory settings, allowing users to have complete control of the device. 

The iPhone 3G sold over a million devices in the first weekend itself and ended its run with over 15 million units sold. The iPhone was growing in popularity and started getting a hold of the personal communication market until Android stepped in! 

2008: Android Enters The Chat!

After the massive success of the second-generation iPhone along with the App Store, Google started making waves with the launch of its very own operating system; Android. Google developed Android in order to compete against iOS with the launch of HTC Dream which launched back in 2008. HTC Dream was the first ever device to run on Android OS. It features a sliding keyboard, multi-touch screen, 3G & WiFi connection along with a much better camera than iPhone 3G at the time. 

But Google didn’t stop at merely creating an OS and a device running on it as it also launched the Play Store. The Google Play Store was an app store predominantly designed to compete with Apple’s App Store. The popularity of the two prominent app stores from Apple and Google hinted towards the fact that people were beginning to use smartphones for beyond just simple communication purposes. This was the time when mobile phones transformed from becoming communication devices to lifestyle tools. 

Bigger Screens and Immersive Experiences

What followed in the next years was a game of cat and mouse among Android and iPhone devices. In 2012, Samsung launched the Galaxy S3 which featured a bigger screen. Samsung ended up outselling the iPhones after the launch of the S3 thanks to the bigger screen. This indicated that consumers are wanting larger screens on their smartphones to consume videos, read the news, play games, and more. This led to the current trend where we get smartphones in a large slab of screen form factor. 

Samsung folds the smartphone trend

Now we come to the current scenario with the smartphone industry moving towards foldable devices. Samsung was the first smartphone manufacturer to venture into foldable with the launch of its controversial Galaxy Fold. The launch of this device was no less than a mess when users started removing the protective film from the device thinking it can be removed. This resulted in Samsung recalling most of the Galaxy Fold Gen 1 devices. Currently, every smartphone manufacturer seems to be getting in the foldable business with players like Google, Oppo, Tecno, and many more introducing their own foldable smartphones. 

Smartphones: What’s Next?

hand holding a futuristic transparent smartphone with home screen on display

It is difficult to predict how smartphones evolve in the near future. It has not even been three decades since smartphones were introduced and the relatively new technology has gone through multiple changes. The social narrative around smartphones has also changed drastically as it is not just an accessory we carry around but an important part of our existence. 

Smartphones enable digital spaces like social media which are here to stay. Thus, it can be assumed that smartphones too are going to be around for the longest time. However, one cannot be sure in which form factor will exist. I am leaning towards foldable devices being the future but that is not set in stone. Society’s dependence on technology is ever-increasing thus the smartphone will undoubtedly be around in some shape or form.

Exit mobile version