Jio to launch new sub-$100 5G smartphone in collaboration with Qualcomm
Reliance Jio and Qualcomm have partnered to launch a 5G smartphone in India priced under $100, featuring Qualcomm’s new chipset. The collaboration aims to boost the adoption of 5G in entry-level smartphones. In Q4 2023, Global cumulative shipments of 5G smartphones surpassed 2 billion units, with 70% of those coming from developed markets such as China, Western Europe and the US. Developing markets where the share of entry-level price band is higher lag in 5G adoption. The Jio-Qualcomm smartphone is also expected to accelerate feature phone-to-smartphone migration, essential in regions like Asia and Africa which still have many feature phone users. The device is expected to be launched by the end of 2025.
Deutsche Telekom showcases app-less AI smartphone concept
During the MWC 2024, Deutsche Telekom unveiled an innovative smartphone concept that separates the user from the conventional reliance on apps. This concept was demonstrated on their ‘T-phone’ device, which features an app-free user interface developed in collaboration with partners Qualcomm and Brain. Instead of relying on traditional applications, the phone leverages AI to cater to users’ specific needs. For example, it can respond to prompts intelligently, generate tailored recommendations for travel destinations, facilitate product purchases on behalf of its owner, and send pictures and videos to contacts seamlessly. We are starting to see OEMs introducing AI into smartphones but Deutsche Telekom takes it much ahead of others by getting rid of the apps entirely. It will be interesting to see if this concept can turn into reality.
OPPO unveils new Air Glass 3 XR to take on Meta Smart Glasses
OPPO has unveiled a prototype of its new Air Glass series, a smart glasses concept for virtual reality. Similar to Meta’s Ray-Ban Smart Glasses. These glasses can be connected to smartphones running Color OS 13 or later and can also utilize OPPO’s own Andes GPT AI Model. The glasses currently support music, voice calls, and information display, with future updates expected to include navigation, timer, translation, and fitness features. The glasses provide a peak brightness of 1000 nits and feature four microphones for noise isolation. However, it is uncertain if the Air Glass 3 will be commercially available or just remain a prototype like its predecessors.
ZTE unveils AI-powered 5G 3D tablet (
ZTE announced the second generation of the Nubia Pad tablet during the MWC 2024. The Nubia Pad 3D II tablet does not require any special eyewear to consume 3D content, it utilizes Neovision 3D Anytime technology capable of converting various forms of 2D content including games, videos, and pictures instantly into 3D. The tablet runs on Qualcomm’s snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor and features 5G connectivity along with AI, making it the first 5G + AI 3D tablet. ZTE claimed to have increased the 3D resolution by 80% and increased 3D brightness by 100% with this latest tablet.
MWC 2024: Nothing Phone 2a makes a special appearance at the tech show with fresh new design
Nothing’s Phone 2a has finally made an appearance during the MWC 2024, after being teased by the brand. However, the smartphone is set to be launched on March 5. The Nothing Phone 2a carries a similar nothing-like design language with three LED lights at the back, a slightly adjusted camera module, and is powered by MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro along with 12 GB of RAM. The company has so far launched devices in the entry-premium segment and 2a will be positioned for consumers looking for devices in the budget segment.
Alef’s futuristic flying car prototype displayed in Barcelona
Alef Aeronautics, a California-based company showcased its flying car prototype during the MWC 2024. The company believes that flying cars are the solution to relieving congested roads. Alef aims to combine on-road driving capabilities along with vertical take-off so there is a seamless transition between driving on the road and flying. The car is powered by electric propulsion and runs on LiPo batteries. It is designed to carry two people and offers a driving/flying range of 200 miles. The company has built two working prototypes so far and the projected initial costs are $300,000. The company aims to reduce the prices with increased production volumes and plans to start the production by end of 2025.
