Huawei Mate 70 Sales Disaster Pixel 6 To get Android 16, Surface Studio Discontinued and More!

Introduction

Welcome to this week’s tech rundown, where we delve into the latest developments in the tech world. We’ve got a lot to discuss, including Huawei’s sales crisis, good news for Google Pixel owners, and Apple’s continued compliance with governmental pressure. We'll also touch upon Microsoft’s discontinuation of a popular product line, among other topics.

Huawei Faces Sales Crisis

Recent reports indicate that Huawei is experiencing a significant downturn in smartphone sales, particularly with the launch of its new flagship phone, the Mate 70. This device is pivotal for Huawei, as the company has sought to distance itself from US sanctions by creating its own 7 nm Kirin 9000s processor. Additionally, the Mate 70 is set to launch with the new Harmony OS Next, which the company claims is built independently of Android.

However, anticipation for the Mate 70 appears markedly lower than last year's Mate 60, which shipped only 12 to 13 million units, falling short of its 15 to 16 million sales forecast. Comparatively, Samsung's Galaxy S23 series sold 27 million units last year, highlighting the struggles Huawei faces in regaining market share. Pre-order figures for the upcoming Mate 70 might seem promising at 6.7 million, but these numbers often represent expressions of interest rather than solid commitments, casting doubt on how many units will actually be sold.

Google Extends Support for Pixel Phones

In news that will please many Pixel enthusiasts, Google has announced that it will provide an additional two years of operating system updates for its Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 devices. This move comes after the tech giant announced that the new Pixel 8 will receive a record-breaking seven years of software updates. With Android manufacturers increasingly focusing on software longevity, Google's decision will likely help the brand appeal to consumers looking for devices that stand the test of time.

Apple Bows to Government Pressure

Indonesian authorities recently banned iPhone sales due to Apple’s failure to comply with local manufacturing requirements. This resulted in the confiscation and even destruction of some iPhone 16 units. In response, Apple has announced plans to invest $ 1 billion in establishing a manufacturing facility in Indonesia, which will not only produce smartphone components but parts for other Apple products. This aligns with Apple’s ongoing strategy to diversify its production capabilities outside China.

Microsoft Discontinues Surface Studio

In a sad turn of events, Microsoft confirmed this week that it has discontinued the Surface Studio line. Launched in 2016, the original Surface Studio was praised for its innovative design and versatility, featuring a retractable touchscreen display that could transform into a drawing tablet. Despite its futuristic appeal, the last model, Surface Studio 2+, suffered from high production costs and limited upgrades, resulting in dwindling sales.

Spotify Wrapped Gets AI Makeover

Finally, Spotify Wrapped has transformed into an AI-generated podcast for this year's end-of-year celebration. Partnering with Google's AI technologies, Spotify introduced two AI DJs who recapped listeners' most played songs and artists in an engaging manner. While opinions on this new format are mixed, early feedback indicates that many users found the AI interaction enjoyable and informative.

Keywords

Huawei, Mate 70, Pixel 6, Android 16, Surface Studio, Discontinued, Apple, Indonesia, Manufacturing, Spotify Wrapped, AI

FAQ

What is the current sales situation of Huawei's Mate 70? Huawei is facing lower-than-expected sales for the Mate 70, with pre-orders not translating into actual sales.
How long will Google support the Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 phones? Google will extend operating system updates for both Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 by two additional years.
Why did Apple invest in Indonesia? Apple plans to establish a manufacturing plant in Indonesia after facing a ban on iPhone sales due to local sourcing requirements.
What has happened to the Microsoft Surface Studio? Microsoft has officially discontinued the Surface Studio line due to poor sales and high production costs.
How has Spotify Wrapped changed this year? Spotify Wrapped has evolved into an AI-generated podcast format, recapping users' listening habits with the help of AI DJs.