Tech News Roundup: 13 Key Stories (November 20, 2024)

Tech News Roundup: 13 Key Stories (November 20, 2024)Hello everyone, Wednesday, November 20th, 2024. What major tech stories unfolded overnight? Let's review the tech news:1

Tech News Roundup: 13 Key Stories (November 20, 2024)

Hello everyone, Wednesday, November 20th, 2024. What major tech stories unfolded overnight? Let's review the tech news:

1. Redmi Surpasses OnePlus in Market Share; Xiaomi's Wang Teng Responds

Wang Teng, Xiaomi's Deputy General Manager of China Market, responded to OnePlus' Li Jie's goal of surpassing Xiaomi on November 19th. He stated that even without the K80 series launch, Redmi's market share already exceeds that of the entire OPPO lineup, including OnePlus. This statement has sparked industry attention on the competition between the two manufacturers and highlights Redmi's growing competitiveness in the domestic market.

2. Huawei Mate70 Series Teasers: New Imaging and Privacy Features Revealed

Teaser videos for the Huawei Mate70 series have generated buzz online. Features hinted at, "Split Personality" and "Visible Only to You," suggest breakthroughs in imaging and privacy. "Split Personality" likely refers to the ability to capture split-screen photos or videos, while "Visible Only to You" indicates advanced privacy protection, such as automatically identifying the owner and hiding the screen or notifications from others. The specific implementation and user experience of these features are highly anticipated.

3. BYD Develops 80TOPS AI Chip for Vehicles Priced Between $10,000 and $40,000

According to Future Auto Daily, BYD is independently developing an 80TOPS intelligent driving chip for vehicles priced between 80,000 and 300,000 RMB (approximately $10,000 to $40,000 USD). BYD Semiconductor is leading the development, supported by the 21st business unit. This demonstrates BYD's continued investment in chip R&D and suggests that more vehicles across various price points will be equipped with powerful intelligent driving systems.

4. Xiaomi's Strong Rise in the Japanese Market: Shipments Surge 418.7% Year-over-Year

A report from MM Research Institute shows Xiaomi smartphone shipments in Japan reached 861,000 units from April to September 2024, a staggering 418.7% year-over-year increase. This boosted its market share to 6.7%, securing a top-five position. This highlights Xiaomi's significant success in overseas markets, showcasing its growing brand influence and product competitiveness.

5. T-Mobile Offers "Free" Phone Upgrades for Users with Inflexible 4G/5G Phones

To address compatibility issues with low-frequency 4G/5G spectrums in older phones, T-Mobile and other US carriers are offering significant discounts, effectively providing "free" upgrades. Users can trade in their old devices for models like the iPhone 16, iPhone 15, iPhone 14/14 Plus, iPhone SE (3rd generation), Samsung Galaxy S24, and Google Pixel 9. This reflects carriers' efforts to improve network coverage and user experience.

6. Apple to Discontinue iCloud Backups for iOS 8 and Older Versions

Apple is notifying users that iCloud backups for iPhones and iPads running iOS 8 or earlier will be discontinued next month, with existing backups deleted. Users of these older devices will need to back up their data to a Mac or Windows PC. This policy change reminds users to update their devices and back up their data promptly.

7. Yu Chengdong Showcases Huawei Mate70 Pro+ Design with a Stunning New Color

Huawei's Executive Director, Yu Chengdong, unveiled the Mate70 Pro+ design on WeChat Video, showcasing a new color, "Gold Silk Silver Brocade," and highlighting its unique back cover material. This further increased anticipation for the new phone, generating excitement about its specifications and market performance.

8. Zhong Shanshan: Will Never Do Livestream E-commerce, Disdains Entrepreneurs Who Do

Nongfu Spring founder Zhong Shanshan recently stated he will never engage in livestream e-commerce, expressing disdain for entrepreneurs who do. He considers his company "vertical" while livestream e-commerce businesses are "horizontal," emphasizing his focus on long-term value creation. This sparked online discussion and renewed contemplation of different business models.

9. Royole Technology Declares Bankruptcy, Marking the End of a Folding Screen Pioneer

The Shenzhen Intermediate People's Court declared Shenzhen Royole Display Technology Co., Ltd. bankrupt. The company, once known for launching the world's first foldable flexible-screen phone, ultimately couldn't overcome its operational difficulties. Royole's bankruptcy serves as a cautionary tale, emphasizing the need for continuous innovation and effective risk management.

10. ASUS ROG Phone 9 Series Launched with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Mobile, Priced from $699

ASUS officially launched the ROG Phone 9 series, featuring the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform and an upgraded light-emitting matrix back screen. Prices range from 4999 RMB (approximately $699 USD) to 8499 RMB (approximately $1180 USD). This offers gamers powerful hardware and enhanced gaming experiences.

11. Leak Suggests Apple's Thinnest iPhone Yet: 6mm Thick, Arriving September 2025

MacRumors reports that Apple will release an ultra-thin phone, potentially called "iPhone 17 Air/Slim," in September 2025, measuring just 6mm thick. It's rumored to feature a 48MP single camera and 8GB of RAM. This news sparks anticipation for Apple's future design innovations.

12. Xiaomi's Free Bottled Water at Guangzhou Auto Show Resold at Exorbitant Prices

Free custom bottled water distributed by Xiaomi at the Guangzhou Auto Show was resold at inflated prices on secondhand platforms, with some bottles fetching up to 66 RMB (approximately $9 USD). This event sparked online discussions, reflecting the exploitation of free resources for profit.

13. Study Shows Reducing Sedentary Time More Important Than Standing or Sitting

A seven-year study of 83,000 people revealed that reducing periods of inactivity is more effective in lowering the risk of sedentary behavior than simply standing or sitting at work. This highlights the importance of movement and avoiding prolonged inactivity for better health.

That's it for today's tech news. See you tomorrow!