smartphone industry Archives

BetaBeacon

December 8, 2025

Google and Fortnite make peace after legal fight that went on for more than five years: What it means for Android users – The Times of India

Google and Epic Games have reached a settlement in their 5-year-long antitrust dispute, marking the end of Google's control over the Android app ecosystem. Under the new terms, Google will allow users to download and install third-party app stores that meet security standards, providing more choice for consumers. This change may lead to lower prices for users and lower costs for developers, as well as the launch of major rival stores within the Android system. However, the user experience may become more fragmented with multiple app stores, raising concerns about privacy and security.

AppWizard

December 2, 2025

‘Big Brother cannot watch us’: Indian government phone app plan sparks outrage

India has directed smartphone manufacturers to pre-install a government-operated cybersecurity application called Sanchar Saathi on all mobile devices manufactured or imported for use within the country. The app is designed to enhance protection against fraud and cyber threats, allowing users to block and track lost or stolen phones and identify fraudulent mobile subscriptions. Major smartphone companies have a 90-day compliance window, and the app must be visible and accessible during device setup. Critics, including the Internet Freedom Foundation, have raised concerns about user privacy and governmental control over personal devices, while the Indian telecom minister described the app as a voluntary system. The government also requires that the app be pushed to devices already in circulation through software updates. Political opposition has emerged, with calls for the order's retraction, citing constitutional concerns.

AppWizard

June 5, 2025

New flagship smartphone makes PC gaming on mobile smoother than ever

RedMagic is set to launch its flagship gaming phone, the RedMagic 10S Pro, in global markets after its unveiling in China. The device features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Leading Version chipset and a dedicated RedCore R3 Pro gaming chip, allowing for enhanced gaming performance with up to 120FPS. It includes an advanced ICE-X cooling system with Liquid Metal 2.0 technology, which improves thermal management. The phone has a 6.85-inch BOE custom AMOLED 1.5K display with a 144Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 2,000 nits, alongside a 7,050 mAh battery supporting 80W wired charging. The camera system consists of a 50-megapixel main sensor, a 50-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 2-megapixel camera, plus a 16-megapixel front camera. Pricing for the RedMagic 10S Pro starts at €649 for the 12/256GB model and goes up to €999 for the 24GB/1TB model. Pre-orders will be available from June 12 to 17, 2025, with general sales starting on June 18. The phone will be available in various regions, including North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, GCC countries, Latin America, and the Middle East, with some countries receiving it at a later date.

BetaBeacon

April 18, 2025

Order a Retroid Pocket Mini? We’ve got bad news

Due to the tariff and trade war between the U.S. and China, Retroid's Pocket Flip 2 and Pocket Classic shipments to the U.S. have been affected, with some colors not arriving in time to be shipped.

AppWizard

March 3, 2025

More Android phones should copy how the Xiaomi 15 offers its AI writing tools

The Xiaomi 15 series integrates AI writing tools directly into the Android text selection menu, allowing users to summarize, proofread, extend, or rewrite text across all applications. Users can access these features by selecting text and tapping the AI writing button in the selection menu. In contrast, competitors like Google Pixel and OnePlus limit their AI writing capabilities to specific first-party applications. Samsung's upcoming One UI 7 update will also enable system-wide access to AI writing features, indicating a potential trend in the smartphone industry towards broader integration of such tools.

AppWizard

November 22, 2024

Fitbit may eventually become a pre-installed app on Android phones

The Oppo Find X8 series includes the Fitbit app pre-installed in the Google folder, marking the first time the app has been included on Android devices. This integration replaces the Google Fit app in the default Google folder on the Find X8 devices. Other manufacturers will have the opportunity to include the Fitbit app by default starting in early 2024.

AppWizard

November 5, 2024

Huawei’s new made-in-China software takes on Apple and Android

Huawei is set to unveil its Mate 70 smartphone this month, which will feature advanced semiconductors indicative of China's progress in domestic chip production. The device will also introduce HarmonyOS NEXT, marking a significant shift towards technological self-sufficiency and a departure from Western-supported systems. This launch aims to redefine user experience and strengthen China's position in the global tech landscape.

AppWizard

July 12, 2024

Samsung’s Unprecedented Move in Software Support for Android Devices

Samsung has announced a groundbreaking move in the smartphone industry by committing to providing seven years of updates for its flagship devices, including the Galaxy S24 series.