Tech Review: Nokia Smartphones and Long-Awaited Apple Products
In the latest edition of the technology review, we will provide insights into Nokia smartphones, the new firmware updates for AirPods, and the gadgets unveiled by Apple at their annual new product presentation, Wonderlust.
- The manufacturer of Nokia phones is launching its own smartphone brand
Finnish company HMD Global, most renowned for producing smartphones under the Nokia brand, has announced plans to launch its own line of mobile devices. The company intends to expand its portfolio through the introduction of the new HMD brand, which will coexist alongside Nokia phones.
Nokia phones released by HMD mainly fall into the mid-range and budget price segments. It appears that HMDʼs future smartphones will also be developed with affordability for consumers in mind.
It is worth noting that HMD Global was established after Microsoft relinquished the Nokia brand in 2016. Its primary owner at present is Terry Gou, the founder of Foxconn.
Devices under the Nokia brand are currently manufactured by Foxconn, and it is likely that the upcoming HMD-branded products in development will also be produced by the Taiwanese technology giant.
- New firmware updates have been released for AirPods, compatible with iOS 17
Apple has released firmware version 6 for AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max. The most extensive set of features is expected for AirPods Pro 2 with firmware build 6A301. This includes adaptive audio with noise cancellation, conversation tracking, and volume personalization.
AirPods Pro, AirPods 2, AirPods 3, and AirPods Max have received firmware version 6A300. They offer a button to mute or unmute call audio, as well as improvements in automatic switching.
The new firmware is installed automatically when AirPods are placed in the charging case and connected to an iOS device.
- Apple has presented new gadgets
On September 12th, Apple held its annual presentation of new gadgets. The event commenced with the introduction of the Apple Watch 9. The device has become faster and is equipped with the new U2 chip.
The watch includes a Double Tap function for one-handed control, improved voice command recognition, and Siri integration with the Health app. Series 9 will also support the Name Drop feature, allowing users to easily share contact information by simply bringing their devices close together.
This marks Appleʼs first fully carbon-neutral product. The company has eliminated of leather, and has reduced packaging.
During the Apple presentation, the company also unveiled the new iPhone 15. The smartphone boasts an updated camera and the Dynamic Island area, as seen in the 14 Pro model. Additionally, it has been equipped with a USB-C port for the first time.
The main upgrade was the enhanced camera system. The primary camera sensor now boasts 48 megapixels. The company has implemented improvements to the Night mode, Live Photos, and Action mode.
According to the creators, the smartphone “will last the entire day without recharging” thanks to a larger-capacity battery. It also supports MagSafe wireless charging and USB-C wired headphones.
The more powerful and expensive models, the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, are crafted using fifth-class titanium. The company has promised that this innovation will make the phone lighter and more durable.
Both smartphones feature Super Retina XDR displays with ProMotion and support both Always-on-Display and the new StandBy mode in iOS 17. In the inactive mode, interactive widgets, voice mail, and other content will be displayed on the smartphone screens
The action button, which replaces the silent mode switch on the left side of the iPhone 15 Pro, can be customized to launch shortcuts, access special features, open the camera, turn on the flashlight, and much more.
The smartphone cameras have been improved in a manner similar to the base model.
2023-09-15