Poco launched the Poco X6 series smartphones in India more than two months back in January and buyers have now had enough time to form an opinion about the smartphone. In case of the Poco X6 Pro 5G, the opinions don’t seem to be in the brand’s favour as users have been reporting multiple major issues with the device including abnormal battery drain, heating, and more. All of these issues lead us to believe that Poco might have launched an unfinished smartphone in India.
Poco X6 Pro 5G Plagued With Issues
Poco hasn’t had a memorable history with some of its smartphones in India and Poco X6 Pro 5G seems like one of them. Multiple users have been reporting issues on X, including abnormal battery drain due to which the device isn’t able to reach its full potential in terms of providing a longer backup for a full day of use. Even budget smartphones nowadays easily last a day which makes it a bit concern for the Poco X6 Pro 5G.
One of the users said that they have been using the device since nearly after it launched and they regret the purchase due to the significant battery drain. Other users also back the claim with similar reports of battery related issues.
@Himanshu_POCO Sir pls fix the poco x6 pro battery drain issue. Performance of the battery is terrible.
If that wasn’t enough, the battery drain is coupled with abnormal heating as well which is again a serious issue. Some suggest it could be due to the overclocked MediaTek Dimensity 8300 chipset. The abnormal heating occurs not only when you are executing heavy tasks but also during regular use which causes discomfort, thereby leading to battery drain along with throttling as well.
Poco x6 pro getting over heat in normal uses and battery backup are worst please fix this problem
Pls think before buying poco x6 or note 13 pro . Facing a lot of heating issues bfr and after hyperos update too. Normal YouTube/Instagram usage for 30 40min make the temp reach 40°c . It's too warm to keep in hand. Also I guess the black case given in box adds up for heating
Poco X6 Pro Kharida Sir. Battery Draining Bohat hai. Overheating Issues hai. Camera Bohat Hi Average Hai. 25k Dub gaye mere. On paper too Bohat acche hai but real life mein. Heating, battery Draining issues. Sir Kya Faida MTK8300 Ultra Use karne ka?
The heating issue in Poco X6 Pro 5G is now on the rise as summers begin here in India where ambient temperatures could also go abnormally high. However, Poco could have still handled the thermals better so that the overall experience remains unhampered. Excessive heating can also lead to long-term hardware damage and is detrimental to the battery’s health.
Aside from this, some users also complain of software bugs such as Prime Video or Netflix getting stuck while in use, along with user interface glitches as well.
Solution For The Issues
Heating and battery drain are some of the worst and most annoying issues users can face in their smartphones and unfortunately, Poco didn’t think this through. Poco does seem to have released a couple of updates addressing the issue but some reports suggest that these updates fixed nothing and in some cases, worsened the issue. Poco also hasn’t officially acknowledged the issue yet, meaning a concrete fix is still not in sight that could potentially solve these widespread issues.
While the Poco X6 Pro 5G definitely looks like a value-for-money smartphone on paper, it may not have translated well in real world usage. These problems, combined with past ones like the motherboard issue on the Poco F5 and the Poco X3 Pro, tarnish the brand’s reputation in consumers’ eyes. The Poco X6 Pro 5G may be a decent phone by the looks of it, but based on buyers’ experience, we would suggest you put a hold on your purchase if you were planning to purchase the device until a proper fix from the brand is provided.
The Infinix GT 10 Pro got a lot of things right. Now, Infinix is preparing to launch its successor, the GT 20 Pro. Recent leaks provide some information about the upcoming device’s launch date and specifications. Here’s what we know so far.
Infinix GT 20 Pro: Launch Timeline
According to Android Headlines, the GT 20 Pro is coming sooner than you’d expect, and it could be sometime later during this month. The GT 20 Pro will be launching in India, China and the US this time, as the brand will be entering the latter two regions for the first time. The device has already appeared on multiple certification websites, including FCC, Google Play Console, TUV, EEC, NBTC and the Wi-Fi Alliance. It even appeared on Geekbench recently, giving us some information about its key specs.
The GT 10 Pro was positioned as a gaming phone in India, and its successor may follow the same path. Not only that, but the device could also have more power under the hood. The device is expected to feature an OLED panel that offers a Full HD+ resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and an in-display optical fingerprint sensor.
Under the hood, the GT 20 Pro will feature the MediaTek Dimensity 8200 chipset. It is expected to arrive in two configurations: 8 GBRAM + 256 GB storage and 12 GB RAM + 256 GB storage. The handset may run on XOS 14, which is based on Android 14.
The smartphone may pack a 5,000mAh battery with 45W Fast charging support. Design-wise, it could adopt a tweaked Cyber Mecha Design that was first seen on the GT 10 Pro.
Samsung’s 2024 has been a busy one so far, with over 7 new launches already here in India. Out of all the launches, there was one that was a first for India from Samsung, and it was the Galaxy XCover 7. Available in two editions, Standard and Enterprise, it is available at Rs 27,208 and Rs 27,530, respectively. It’s the first-ever enterprise-focused smartphone in India, meaning it can only be bought by organizations and not regular customers. Here’s a review detailing how Samsung’s first-ever rugged smartphone in India, the Galaxy XCover 7, performs.
What’s there to like about the Galaxy XCover 7?
The Galaxy XCover 7 is a tough smartphone in all senses. Samsung says it adheres to military-grade durability (MIL-STD-810H) standards and has been rigorously tested to ensure it withstands severe weather conditions, including extreme temperatures and rain.
The IP68-rated smartphone is water- and dust-resistant and is also built to withstand drops of up to 1.5 metres, ensuring rough handling or accidents do not impact operations.
The ratings all suggest the device can easily sustain all sorts of damages, and from what we can see, it definitely can. While it’s all plastic, we know why Samsung went with it. Plastic is one of the most solid materials companies can use to make their device tough, and Samsung did just that with its XCover 7.
It’s a bulky handset that is heavy to hold in one hand. However, the pattern on the back and ridged sides definitely helps with the grip, so it’s easy to hold not only with bare hands but also with gloves. Of course, like other Samsung phones, the focus isn’t on making an appealing design here but more on practicality and rigidity, and we can say the Galaxy XCover 7 does achieve that.
The device has an extra button called the “XCover button” on the left. It is almost the same length as the volume button but bigger, has a dotted texture on it, and has an orange lining around it. This button is remappable to whatever you want it to do, like holding it to open an App or pressing and holding to toggle the flashlight.
XCover Button Customisation
For instance, courier agents can quickly scan delivery items by pressing this key to launch Knox Capture and instantly use the camera to scan barcodes. This button can also act as a shutter button and can be used to click photos inside the camera app.
All the buttons have a decent clicky feel to them. There’s also a 3.5mm Audio Jack on top for those who still prefer a wired headset or have to wear one due to their work requirements.
One of the USPs of the handset is that you can remove the back cover to remove the battery and replace it with a new one if you are low on charge. It did send us on a nostalgia trip, and considering this device is made for those who’ll be heavily relying on their smartphones, be it a Zomato driver who’ll be using the GPS or someone who is using it in a restaurant through shifts, they can always carry an extra battery with them and swap it in case the existing battery dies, making it a thoughtful and practical decision on Samsung’s part.
Talking of battery life, the Galaxy XCover 7 has a removable 4,050mAh battery that supports up to 15W fast charging. The device can easily last more than 1.5 days with moderate use, but if you put a lot of load on it, such as extended periods of GPS navigation or using a lot of cameras, the battery will drain a little quicker. Despite that, the Galaxy XCover 7 is surely a battery champ.
Bottom Side with POGO PIN Interface, USB-C port, Speaker, Mic
The device also supports a POGO Pin interface, and organisations and emergency response agencies can buy the multi-slot pin charger or a single-slot pin charger separately from Samsung. Up to five Galaxy XCover 7 smartphones can be charged simultaneously. This way, multiple devices can be charged at the same time without having to plug in a cable in each of them, which could become tedious.
Even though the battery is smaller than what we usually see in smartphones nowadays, it can give such an impressive backup because it doesn’t have much to power. One of the highest-draining components is the display, and the XCover 7 has a 6.6-inch TFT LCD with FHD+ resolution, 60Hz display Refresh Rate, and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection.
The display isn’t power-hungry at all, and that’s where much power is preserved. Readability in sunlight is average and could have been better, considering the device is made for extensive outdoor use. The refresh rate could have been 90Hz, but it won’t bother a lot of workers because the panel works just fine for regular use. Colours are decent, and the display produces sharp content.
Outdoor Visibility Vs. Indoor Visibility
The display’s sensitivity can also be increased through display settings, so one can use it with gloves and, according to Samsung, even when the panel is wet. Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection should prevent the display from cracking as well, but we haven’t tested the same in the real world.
Samsung packed the device with a MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ processor, 6GB RAM, and 128GB storage that supports expansion up to 1TB. This one’s an efficient chip rather than a powerful one, which again adds up to good battery backup. The performance is decent for daily use without a lot of hiccups. It can struggle in scenarios when you try to perform a lot of activities together, but it isn’t unusable by any means. RAM management was acceptable as well.
It comes with One UI 6.0 and recently received the March 2024 security patch. Considering this device will be used by admins, organizations, various employees, and frontline workers, it’s vital that it has the latest security patch to keep the data protected against hacks.
Samsung doesn’t usually disappoint in terms of regular updates, making the Galaxy XCover 7 perfect for companies that want to keep their data as secure as possible. The device comes with Samsung Knox Vault as well, which protects your most critical information in separate tamper-resistant hardware. You can read more about Samsung Knox here.
Talking of security, the device has face recognition along with other regular unlocking methods such as PIN, Pattern or Password. Face recognition works well outdoors and under well-lit conditions but can struggle in darker environments.
As for software, One UI 6.0 comes with enough customisation, security, and privacy features. There’s a permission manager so you can track which apps used which permission in the last 24 hours. There’s an auto blocker so only apps from authorised sources can be installed. Features like auto memory cleaner, auto optimisation, and maintenance mode are available, among others.
Samsung has also designed some specific features for the XCover that can come in handy for various types of jobs. For instance, there’s a walkie-talkie feature that can be triggered via the XCover Button. When communicating with other staff members, restaurant workers can better coordinate with others by pressing the programmable key to launch the walkie-talkie feature.
Aside from this, connectivity performance, including 5G, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth, worked without any issues.
As for optics, you get a single 50MP f/1.8 primary camera at the back and a 5MP selfie shooter. These Sensors aren’t meant for taking nature photos or excel at general photography by any means. What they are meant for is scanning barcodes, QR codes, or documents, and the back sensor excels at that.
While it may struggle a bit under low-lighting, it can easily shoot detailed photos under good lighting which shouldn’t bother those who have to scan a lot of documents that involve text. Colours are more on the natural side with this sensor and may not pop, which otherwise is a usual trait of Samsung cameras.
The focusing speed is quite impressive, but there is a slight amount of shutter lag, which can definitely be improved through updates.
As for the selfie, they look detailed considering its a 5MP sensor so there’s not a lot of headroom for high levels of detail. Skin tones look average at best while EDGE detection in Portrait mode is also good enough. In artificial lighting, though, the details do take a hit as some level of noise enters the photos.
What could have been better in Galaxy XCover 7?
The Galaxy XCover 7 can come in handy in various situations but has drawbacks too. Firstly, the charging speeds are considerably slow. It can take the smartphone almost close to 2 hours to charge from 0 to 100%. While the replaceable battery does serve as a potential solution, it still isn’t viable considering one of the batteries will have to be charged anyway. If one’s in a hurry, one cannot expect a quick battery top-up.
Next up, Samsung says the Haptics are strong enough to notify you of various notifications but we think otherwise. It’s nothing unique but an average motor also found in sub-Rs 10,000 budget smartphones which actually makes more noise than vibrations.
According to Samsung, Galaxy XCover 7 is designed for loud volume output when the volume is set to max, allowing you to hear when it gets noisy while working in the field. However, we cannot back this claim. The speaker does output good-quality audio, but it could have been better because it’s not as loud as Samsung claims it to be. Also, it has a single mono speaker at the bottom, which can be easily blocked with your finger.
Next, Samsung could have definitely included a side-mounted fingerprint sensor at least, for quick unlocking. While face unlock works fine in bright environments, it’s still not as quick and accurate as a physical fingerprint sensor and isn’t feasible for those who work in dark environments. That’s because every time they want to unlock their device, they’ll have to input a PIN or whatever locking method they have opted for.
Finally, we believe the display’s viewing angles could have been improved, as even a slight tilt in direct sunlight significantly reduces readability.
Itel has debuted a new S-series smartphone for the global markets, dubbed as the Itel S24. The new entry-level smartphone comes powered with a MediaTek Helio G91 Processor along with a 3D magnetic particle design where the colour of the back panel can change. Here’s what else the S24 has to offer.
Itel S24: Price, Availability
The itel S24 comes in three configurations – 4GB + 128GB, 8GB + 128GB, and 8GB + 256GB. While the pricing is yet to be unveiled, it’s confirmed that the device will make its debut in South African markets soon. The device will be available in Dawn White, Coastline Blue, and Starry Black colours.
Itel S24: Specs
The S24 runs on Android 13-based itelOS 13 and sports a 6.6-inch HD+ LCD Display with 480 nits peak brightness, punch-hole notch, and a 90Hz refresh rate. It is powered by the MediaTek Helio G91 Chipset paired with up to 8GB LPDDR4x RAM and 256GB eMMC 5.1 storage.
The smartphone has dual rear cameras, including a 108MP Samsung ISOCELL HM6 f/1.6 main sensor and a QVGA depth sensor. The main sensor has 3x in-sensor zoom and EIS support. There’s an 8MP sensor on the front for selfies. The smartphone also has features like a Dynamic Bar and more.
The device packs a 5000mAh battery with 18W fast charging. There’s a side-facing fingerprint sensor along with a mono speaker, a USB-C port, a 3.5mm Headphone jack, Bluetooth v5.0, 2.4Ghz Wi-Fi, GPS, and 4G VoLTE.
Itel S24: India Availability
Itel hasn’t officially confirmed whether the Itel S24 will also be coming to India. However, considering the brand launches most of its smartphones here and it also launched the S23+ last year, it is highly likely that the S24 would be coming to India as well at some point in future.
Tecno has debuted a new smartphone in India called the Pova 6 Pro 5G, which is the first smartphone in the country to come with a 6000mAh battery that supports 70W fast wired charging. The handset also boasts over 200 LEDs at the rear, a feature similar to that of Nothing smartphones, providing a spectrum of 100+ customisable options. Here’s what else the device has to offer.
Tecno Pova 6 Pro 5G: Price, Availability, Offers
The POVA 6 Pro 5G will come in an 8GB RAM + 256GB storage variant that will be available for purchase at Rs 19,999 while the 12GB RAM + 256GB storage variant will be priced at Rs 21,999 in India.
Users can avail an instant bank discount of Rs 2,000 on both variants, snagging them for an effective price of Rs 17,999 and Rs 19,999, respectively. Additionally, the brand offers complimentary speakers worth Rs 4,999 for online and offline customers.
Tecno Pova 6 Pro 5G: Specs
Tecno Pova 6 Pro 5G sports a 6.78-inch FHD+ AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, PWM 2160Hz high-frequency dimming, 1300 nits peak brightness and TÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light Certification. It draws power from a MediaTek Dimensity 6080 6nm Processor paired with 8GB and 12GB LPDDR4x RAM options and 256GB of UFS 2.2 storage, which is expandable. It also supports virtual RAM.
For optics, it gets triple rear cameras, including a 108MP rear camera, a secondary 2MP camera, and an AI camera with dual LED flash. At the front, there’s a 32MP wide camera for selfies. The device is backed by a huge 6000mAh battery that supports 70W ultra-fast charging and reverse wired charging as well.
Under the hood, it also has a 27342mm cooling area and supports an e-sports pro operation engine and 4D vibration sense for gaming. It is also the first Tecno smartphone to use Dolby Atmos spatial audio with stereo speakers. It further has dynamic MiniLED lighting on the rear panel with 210 LEDs, which can be used for various purposes.
The device runs on Android 14 with HiOS 14 and gets an in-display fingerprint sensor. It gets Wi-Fi 802.11 ac, Bluetooth v5.1, GPS/ GLONASS/ Beidou, USB Type-C, NFC, and a 3.5mm Headphone jack for connectivity. Finally, the handset is also IP53 rated.
Tecno Pova 6 Pro 5G: Should You Buy It?
At Rs 19,999, the device competes with some of the strongest contenders, such as the Realme Narzo 70 Pro 5G, iQOO Z9 5G, and the Lava Blaze Curve 5G. While the Tecno Pova 6 Pro 5G has the biggest battery, it falls behind in terms of software and the Chipset in use. All three devices mentioned above have a better chipset, while the Lava offers the same amount of storage for a cheaper price tag.
The Tecno also has an advantage in terms of design in case someone wants a flashy smartphone with the LEDs on the back. Still, for those who want practicality, the Realme Narzo 70 Pro 5G and the Lava Blaze Curve 5G offer you that in terms of cameras, as both of them get an ultra-wide angle camera sensor on the back while Tecno doesn’t.
To sum up, while the Pova 6 Pro does stand out in terms of battery and design, it’s competitors are offering a much more practical product with better cameras, better chipset, more storage for a cheaper price tag, superior and more polished software and even a curved display which might appeal to some.
Samsung just released the One UI 6.1 update for its Galaxy S23 series, Z Fold 5, Z Flip 5 and the Tab S9 series. It’s one of the major updates from Samsung, considering it brings Galaxy AI (first seen on Galaxy S24 series) and other bunch of optimisations to previous flagships from the brand. After using One UI 6.1 on the Galaxy S23 Ultra for about 24 hours, we have our opinions concreted and here’s what we think.
Galaxy S23 Ultra on One UI 6.1: First Impression
We reviewed the Galaxy S24+, Galaxy S24 as well as the S24 Ultra a few weeks back and I precisely tested the former two, which gave me a decent idea of what level of optimisations Samsung has done with its software and how impressively the animations have been refined.
After the One UI 6.1 update, I can confirm that the Galaxy S23 Ultra is now offering the same level of performance as the Galaxy S24+ in terms of daily use and the minor refinements I saw the Galaxy S24+ and the S24 excel at. While it does miss out on a couple of features over the S24 series, such as full-screen Wallpaper AOD and the Photo Ambient wallpapers, most likely due to hardware limitations, the overall experience has been exactly replicated.
The Galaxy S23 Ultra was already a powerful yet smooth device, but after the Galaxy S24+ came in, I could clearly notice the obnoxious difference in the animation style. Fortunately, all of this has now arrived on Samsung’s most powerful flagship of 2023. The S23 Ultra on One UI 6.1 flies through everything with as much fluidity as possible. The handset not only feels more responsive but also smoother, thanks to the newer animations while closing or opening an app.
The transitions feel seamless and effortless. Despite missing a couple of features, the major selling point of the Galaxy S24 series, called Galaxy AI, has now also been brought over, and I don’t feel there’s any kind of difference between the speeds of these features on the Galaxy S24+ and the Galaxy S23 Ultra.
Samsung’s decision to bring Galaxy AI to its older flagships highlights the brand’s commitment to providing the latest experiences to its older customers. This move is significant because Galaxy AI was the major selling point of the Galaxy S24 series, and bringing it to older models may impact the sales figures of the brand’s latest flagships since people now have the option to consider the older models at a lower cost. In other words, if the Galaxy AI feature is what users are looking for, the Galaxy S23 series may cannibalize the sales of the S24 series.
Not only that but adding the same amount of fluidity as the S24 series to the S23 series is highly impressive, too, especially when there are reports that brands like Apple intentionally slow down their older iPhones to make customers switch to the newer ones.
I haven’t had the chance to test battery life on the Galaxy S23 Ultra since the recent update, as it could take a while for it to calibrate before I start getting stable results. However, from my initial impressions, I can say that One UI 6.1 makes the Galaxy S23 Ultra feel brand-new and significantly refreshes it.
The Galaxy S23 Ultra 256GB model is currently selling for Rs 89,999 (exclusive of bank offers) on Flipkart, its lowest price since launch. This makes it a deal not worth missing if you are looking for a flagship handset. The One UI 6.1 update makes it that incredible.
Xbox has announced the Free Play Days promotion details for this weekend. Beginning from March 28 and continuing till March 31 at 11:59 p.m. PDT, Xbox is giving users a handful of games to play for free during the Free Play Days, including titles such as Cyberpunk 2077, Assassin’s Creed Mirage and more.
Those who have a Game Pass Core or Game Pass Ultimate subscription will be able to play Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker where you can create your own custom shinobi, or select your favourite character, and participate in 4v4 battles where players unleash a multitude of ninja techniques on their opponents.
Next, there’s Black Desert: Traveler Edition which is a version of the popular open-world MMORPG, Black Desert. It includes the full game along with additional content specifically for this edition. The story of Black Desert revolves around the conflict between two rival nations, the Republic of Calpheon and the Kingdom of Valencia. Set in a high fantasy world, the game features a rich backstory and lore that players can explore.
While the above two games require a Game Pass subscription, the next two do not. The first one is Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition where it’s available to play for free during the Xbox Free Play Days event. Cyberpunk 2077 is an open-world, action-adventure RPG set in the megalopolis of Night City, where you play as a cyberpunk mercenary wrapped up in a do-or-die fight for survival.
Improved and featuring all-new free additional content, customise your character and play-style as you take on jobs, players can build a reputation, and unlock upgrades. Between March 28 and April 1st all Xbox players can play the title for a 5-hour timed trial.
Finally, there’s Assassin’s Creed Mirage available for a 2-hour timed trial. In this game, players discover the story of Basim, a cunning street thief with nightmarish visions, seeking answers and justice.
Zeptolab is preparing to release an Indian version of Bullet Echo India, a popular tactical shooter. Pre-registrations for the game have already started. In an interesting development, Zeptolab has partnered with Krafton to publish Bullet Echo in India. Krafton is a well-known gaming company that has created and published games like Battlegrounds Mobile India.
The pre-registration for Bullet Echo India is now live on the Google Play Store as well as the Apple App Store. The listing of the game reveals the game will be published by Krafton in India. The same was confirmed via a Bullet Echo India microsite that has been created by Krafton.
The App Store listing suggests that the game is expected to arrive on April 6, 2024. The screenshots shared in the listing show one of the in-game characters sporting a BGMI skin called BGMI Stalker. Another character can be seen by the name of Raja Slayer, confirming that the game has been customized for Indian players.
The gameplay video shows that it will remain similar to the regular version of Bullet Echo. However, it will feature various in-game items inspired by Indian culture. Players will be offered the ability to switch from the regular version to the Indian version of Bullet Echo.
The ability to switch will be available beginning April 4, 2024, when users will have the “exclusive opportunity to switch to a specially tailored Indian version of Bullet Echo”. “This initiative is a testament to our dedication to delivering the best gaming experience, featuring unique content meticulously crafted to align with the preferences of our Indian players”, the recent in-game announcement read.
The developer also noted some advantages of switching to the Indian version of the game, such as free rewards, which will be available after you first make the switch. The game will also offer India-specific special prices for its in-game items, and there will be a dedicated server for Indian players, which will help in smoother gameplay and faster connections.
In an ambitious move to revamp its platform, LinkedIn is currently testing a short-form video feed. This position puts LinkedIn alongside major social media platforms such as Instagram and YouTube, which have similarly drawn inspiration from TikTok.
Responding to Social Media Trends
News of LinkedIn’s testing phase was shared by Austin Null, a strategy director at McKinney, who showcased a preview of the video feed through a post on the platform. The interface resembles existing short-form video platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels, allowing users to interact with videos in familiar ways, such as liking, commenting, and sharing.
The emergence of TikTok as a dominant force in social media has prompted various platforms to adopt similar features, such as vertical video feeds and trend-driven content creation. LinkedIn’s decision to experiment with short-form video content reflects a broader industry trend towards more interactive and engaging content formats.
Timeline for Expansion
While the beta version of the video feed is currently accessible to a select group of users, LinkedIn has not disclosed a timeline for its wider release. The platform’s cautious approach suggests a deliberate effort to assess user feedback and ensure seamless integration of the new feature into the existing ecosystem.
Focus on Learning and Development
According to TechCrunch, LinkedIn, which Microsoft owns, is interested in video content as it aligns with user preferences for more dynamic learning and professional development forms. By introducing short-form videos, LinkedIn intends to offer its users extra resources to improve their skills and gain industry insights. This will enhance its value proposition as a platform for professional networking and knowledge-sharing.
Potential Impacts on User Engagement and Content Strategy
The short video feed feature could significantly alter how professionals and companies approach content creation on LinkedIn. With the power of video, users can showcase their expertise, company culture, and products in a more compelling and accessible manner. This shift is expected to encourage a surge in content diversity, creativity, and personal branding efforts on the platform.
Balancing Professionalism with Creativity
As LinkedIn tests this feature, a key consideration will be maintaining the platform’s professional ethos. Unlike TikTok or Instagram, where entertainment often reigns, LinkedIn’s challenge will be to nurture a space where short-form videos are informative, industry-relevant, and conducive to professional development. This balance will be crucial in ensuring that the platform remains a premier destination for professional networking while embracing the vibrancy of video content.
Looking Ahead: The Future of LinkedIn
The testing phase of the short-video feed feature is just the beginning of what could be a transformative move for LinkedIn. As it slowly rolls out, the professional community will watch closely to see how these changes affect networking dynamics, engagement rates, and the overall value proposition of LinkedIn. If successful, LinkedIn could set a new standard for professional communication, blending the succinct appeal of short videos with the depth and value expected from the world’s leading professional network.
BoAt, a prominent player in India’s market for hearables and wearables, is enhancing its domestic manufacturing capabilities to transform the Indian electronics industry. Sameer Mehta, Co-founder and CEO of boAt, discussed the company’s manufacturing strategies and alignment with the ‘Make in India’ initiative in a recent conversation with The Mobile Indian.
Embracing Local Production
Underlining boAt’s commitment to bolstering India’s manufacturing ecosystem, Mehta revealed, “We are proud to manufacture 70% of our audio wearables in India through our strategic joint venture with Dixon Technologies, forming Califonix Tech and Manufacturing.”
He added, “This move is not only a step towards self-reliance but also a testament to boAt’s investment in Indian design and engineering prowess. The boAt Labs R&D center spearheads innovation tailored to the Indian consumer.”
Driving Economic Growth
The initiative goes beyond enhancing supply chain resilience; it’s about nurturing a robust ecosystem that propels economic development and job creation. “Our focus is not merely on assembly but on fostering a comprehensive ecosystem for the domestic electronics industry,” Mehta emphasized, showcasing the brand’s broader vision for India’s technological advancement.
Market Dynamics
Highlighting the expansive growth, Mehta pointed to recent data: “The India wearable market grew 34% in 2023, with a record 134.2 million units shipped.” he further added, ” A surge of interest in smart rings can be seen in 3Q23, alongside the release of new smartwatch and earwear models.”
Decision Drivers
The pivot towards Indian manufacturing was influenced by several factors, including the global supply chain disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic and the growing sentiment for reducing dependency on imports, particularly from China. The Indian government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, offering incentives for local production, further motivated boAt to deepen its manufacturing roots in India.
Governmental Influence
Mehta praised the positive impact of government policies, such as the ‘Make in India’ and Phased Manufacturing Programme (PMP), which provide financial incentives, making domestic production more competitive. Initiatives like Skill India and investments in infrastructure have also played crucial roles in enhancing the efficiency and viability of manufacturing operations within the country.
Policy Recommendations
Mehta suggests introducing Production Linked Incentives (PLI) or similar schemes tailored for them to further boost the hearable and wearable sectors. This could be a great move to strengthen domestic manufacturing.
He said, “These incentives could cover manufacturing disabilities and range from 8-10%. By providing incentives for components and subassemblies, the scheme could enhance economies of scale and improve domestic manufacturing capabilities.”
The Road Ahead
Looking forward, Mehta envisions India has the potential to become a crucial manufacturing hub for wearables and hearables. He said, ” With a vast consumer market and an expanding network of technological and manufacturing partnerships, supported by the government’s initiatives, India is poised to influence the global wearable technology landscape significantly.”
According to projections, shipments are expected to reach 162.2 million units by 2024. To capitalize on this opportunity and strengthen India’s position as a leading player in the wearable technology sector, he said, ” sustained investments in domestic manufacturing, research and development, and skill enhancement will be crucial.”
BoAt’s strategic shift towards domestic manufacturing aligns with national initiatives. It sets a precedent for Indian brands to innovate and compete globally, marking a significant step towards India’s emergence as a leading player in the global electronics manufacturing arena.
