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Tag: apple

  • No More Cashback, EMI Benefits For HDFC Bank Credit Card Holders On Apple Products? What We Know So Far |

    New Delhi: Country’s largest private sector lender HDFC Bank has ‘taken a temporary break’ from its tie-up with Apple, the Business Standard newspaper has reported.

    A senior official of the bank has told the BS that the decision has been arrived following a review of the partnership from a cost-to-income perspective.

    “We worked with Apple for five years. We built a good brand relationship with Apple. We took a pause because we reviewed the entire nature of the partnership. We monitor cost to income and sometimes the cost-to-income measure does not work out for a particular partnership. We have taken a temporary break,” Parag Rao, group head – Payments, Consumer Finance, Marketing, Liability Product Group – HDFC Bank has told the Business Standard.

    Will HDFC Bank Credit Card Holders Not Get Cashback, EMI Benefits On Apple Products? What We Know So Far

    HDFC-Apple tie-up included exclusive cashback and EMI benefits to the Bank credit card holders on Apple products. Though the company has not categorically mentioned that the temporary-relationship halt is going to impact the Cashback and EMI Benefits, it is implied that HDFC Bank Credit Card Holders may not get the services

    Furthermore, Apple is offering instant cashbacks and no cost EMI facility on American Express, Axis Bank, and ICICI Bank cards, according to the company’s website.

  • Dropped Your iPhone In Water? Skip The Rice—Here’s What You Should Do Instead |

    New Delhi: Dropping your iPhone in water can be a nerve-wracking experience and many people might think of the age-old trick of placing it in a bag of rice. While this advice has been passed around for years it’s actually more myth than fact.

    In its support document on handling wet iPhones, Apple advises, “Don’t put your iPhone in a bag of rice. Doing so could allow small particles of rice to damage your iPhone”. So, if your iPhone ends up getting wet it’s better to follow Apple’s guidelines instead of relying on rice.

    Before giving up, there are a few things you can try to increase the chances of saving your device. Apple provides some important advice to follow. First, disconnect the cable from your iPhone and remove the other end from the power adapter or accessory. Make sure not to reconnect the cable until both your iPhone and the cable are fully dry.

    Dos

    If your iPhone gets wet, follow these steps to help dry it out. If these don’t work consider taking it to an authorised service provider:

    – Remove Excess Liquid: Gently tap your iPhone against your hand with the connector facing down to shake out any excess liquid.

    – Air Dry: Place your iPhone in a dry area with good airflow.

    – Wait and Test: After at least 30 minutes, try charging it with a Lightning or USB-C cable, or connecting an accessory.

    – Check for Alerts: If you see a liquid detection alert, there may still be moisture in the connector or on the cable pins. Leave your iPhone in the dry area for up to 24 hours.

    – Periodic Testing: Throughout this period, you can occasionally try charging or connecting an accessory to check if the moisture has evaporated.

    – Re-check Connections: If your iPhone seems dry but still isn’t charging, unplug the cable from the adapter and the adapter from the wall (if possible), then reconnect them.

    Dont’s

    It’s natural to want to save your iPhone from water damage but it’s important to avoid making things worse. According to Apple, here’s what not to do:

    –  Avoid External Heat: Don’t use a hair dryer, heater, or any other external heat source to dry your iPhone.

    – No Compressed Air: Don’t try to blow out moisture using compressed air, as it could push the liquid deeper into the device.

    – Don’t Insert Objects: Avoid sticking anything into the connector, like a cotton swab or paper towel, as this can cause damage.

    – Skip the Rice: Don’t put your iPhone in a bag of rice. The tiny particles can get into the device and cause more harm than good.

  • ChatGPT-maker OpenAI Appoints Political Veteran Chris Lehane As Head of Global Policy: Reports |

    New Delhi: ChatGPT-maker OpenAI has appointed political veteran Chris Lehane, who is a member of the executive team at OpenAI, as its vice president of global policy, according to New York Times reports. Chris Lehane, a former policy chief at Airbnb and a member of the Clinton White House, could not be reached for comment by OpenAI when contacted by Reuters.

    This appointment comes after the Cupertino-based tech giant Apple and chip giant Nvidia are reportedly in talks to invest in OpenAI as part of a new fundraising round that could value the Microsoft-backed startup above $100 billion. Earlier in the day, the Financial Times reported that OpenAI is considering restructuring its corporate framework to be more appealing to investors.

    OpenAI names political veteran Lehane as head of global policy, NYT reports https://t.co/BfChnf7ybw pic.twitter.com/XWGX45QbHG
    — Reuters (@Reuters) August 31, 2024

    Lehane has also served in the Clinton White House as a lawyer and spokesman, specializing in opposition research. He earned a reputation as “the master of disaster” during his time working for President Bill Clinton.

    A spokeswoman for OpenAI, Liz Bourgeois, said, “Just as the company is making changes in other areas of the business to scale the impact of various teams as we enter this next chapter, we recently made changes to our global affairs organization.”

  • Apple Launches Beats Solo Buds, Solo 4 Headphones, Pill Bluetooth Speaker In India; Check Specs, Price |

    New Delhi: Apple-owned audio brand Beats has launched the latest premium products to the Indian market. The new line-up includes the Beats Solo Buds true wireless earphones, Beats Solo 4 on-ear headphones, and Beats Pill portable Bluetooth speaker. Consumers can book premium products on apple.com/in. Notably, these products will hit store shelves on September 4. 

    Beats Solo Buds Earphones Price And Colour Options

    The device is priced at Rs 6,900 in the country. It will be available in Matte Black, Storm Gray, Arctic Purple, and Transparent Red colour options. 

    Beats Solo 4 On-Ear Headphones Price And Colour Options

    The Beats Solo 4 Headphones is priced at Rs 22,900. It comes in three colour options: Matte Black, Slate Blue, and Cloud Pink.  

    Beats Pill Portable Bluetooth Speaker Price And Colour Options

    The speaker is priced at Rs 16,900. It comes in Champagne Gold, Statement Red and Matte Black colour options. 

    Beats Solo Buds Specifications: 

    The device offers are equipped with a custom-designed microphone powered by an advanced noise-learning algorithm. It offers  Class 1 Bluetooth for extended range with fewer dropouts. (Also Read: Realme Buds T01 TWS Earbuds Launched In India With AI ENC For Calls Under Rs 2,000; Check Specs, Price)

    The device features a one-touch parking and Find My Device. It also offers customisable on-ear functions to control music, take calls, activate the voice assistant, and more.  

    The TWS earbuds are claimed to offer up to 18 hours of playback and the carry case can be charged via a USB Type-C port. 

    Beats Solo 4 On-Ear Headphones Specifications: 

    The headphones feature custom-built 40mm drivers and support personalized spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, promising superior call performance and seamless voice assistant interaction.

    Compatible with both iOS and Android, the device offers one-touch pairing, automatic account setup across your devices, and a convenient Find My Device feature.

    The company claims that the battery lasts up to 50 hours on a single charge, with Fast Fuel providing up to 5 hours of playback from just a 10-minute quick charge.

    Beats Pill Portable Bluetooth Speaker 

    The portable speaker features a 20-degree upward tilt for improved on-axis sound projection and is reportedly 10 percent lighter than its predecessor. It boasts an IP67 rating, ensuring resistance to both dust and water.

    Compatible with both iOS and Android, the speaker supports instant one-touch pairing, Find My/Find My Device, and automatic pairing across your other devices.

    The Beats Pill is said to deliver up to 24 hours of continuous music playback, with Fast Fuel providing 2 hours of playback from just a 10-minute charge. 

  • Apple’s Global Revenues To Cross $400 Billion For 1st Time This Year: Report |

    New Delhi: Driven by growth in both hardware and services segments, Apple’s global revenues are expected to cross the $400-billion mark for the first time in 2024, a report said on Wednesday. 

    After a decline in 2023, Apple’s hardware revenues are expected to grow 3 per cent (year-on-year) in 2024, according to Counterpoint Research.

    All the key hardware segments – iPhone, iPad, Mac, Watch, AirPods – are likely to drive this growth supported by new launches. AirPods could emerge as the fastest-growing segment this year.

    “In terms of growth rates, and now with the advent of Apple Intelligence, the services segment does seem very exciting. It is poised to grow at a much faster rate than hardware,” said Tarun Pathak, Director, Counterpoint Research.

    However, in terms of absolute revenue growth, hardware remains critical in pushing the needle considering it contributes to three-fourths of Apple’s global revenues.

    “After a decline in 2023, 2024 will see growth in several key hardware categories driven by multiple launches. Then there is also a promise of Apple Intelligence being implemented across hardware segments, which has once again created some excitement and could drive upgrades,” Pathak mentioned.

    Meanwhile, services revenue will continue to grow and reach record levels in 2025, crossing the $100-billion mark for the first time.

    Apple Intelligence could boost the services revenue by at least 10-15 per cent in coming years depending on how Apple chooses to monetise, the report mentioned.

    In 2025, the revenue from services is likely to become bigger than the revenue from hardware excluding iPhones.

    Meanwhile, riding on robust local production, Apple is all set to create 5-6 lakh jobs (direct and indirect) in the coming 1-2 years in India. The iPhone exports continue to clock around $1 billion each month thanks to the government’s production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme.

    According to the government, in the ecosystem of Apple alone, more than 2 lakh people have got employment and there is good amount of growth. Apple aims to manufacture more than 50 million iPhones in India per year, as it aims to shift some of the production out from China.

  • Who Is Kevan Parekh? Meet Indian-Origin New CFO Of Apple, Know About His Profile |

    Cupertino (California): Apple has appointed Indian-origin Kevan Parekh as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) who will also join the the executive team at the tech giant. 

    Current CFO Luca Maestri will transition from his role on January 1, 2025, Apple said in a statement.

    “For more than a decade, Kevan has been an indispensable member of Apple’s finance leadership team, and he understands the company inside and out,” said Cook.

    “His sharp intellect, wise judgment, and financial brilliance make him the perfect choice to be Apple’s next CFO,” the Apple CEO added.

    Brief Profile Of Kevan Parekh, 

    Before joining Apple, Parekh held various senior leadership roles at Thomson Reuters and General Motors, where he also had extensive global experience.

    An electrical engineer with a Bachelor’s of Science from the University of Michigan and an MBA from the University of Chicago, Parekh has been at Apple for 11 years and currently leads Financial Planning and Analysis, G&A and Benefits Finance, Investor Relations, and Market Research.

    “Prior to this role, Parekh led Worldwide Sales, Retail, and Marketing Finance. He began his tenure leading the financial support of Apple’s Product Marketing, Internet Sales and Services, and Engineering teams,” said the company.

    Maestri will continue to lead the Corporate Services teams, including information systems and technology, information security, and real estate and development, reporting to Apple CEO Tim Cook.

    “Maestri has been an extraordinary partner in managing Apple for the long term. He has been instrumental in improving and driving the company’s financial performance, engaging with shareholders, and instilling financial discipline across every part of Apple,” said Cook.

    During his time as CFO, Maestri enabled essential investments and practiced robust financial discipline, which together helped the company more than double its revenue, with services revenue growing more than five times.

    “It is the greatest privilege of my professional life to serve the world’s most innovative and admired company, and to work side by side with a leader as inspirational as Tim Cook,” said Maestri.

  • Apple Event 2024: iPhone 16 Series, AirPods 4, And Watch Series 10 Expected To Make Debut In September |

    New Delhi: Tech giant Apple is expected to unveil a range of new products this year in the month of September 2024 event. In the mega-event, the fans can look forward to the iPhone 16 series, along with the Apple Watch Series 10, AirPods 4 and more. 

    The Apple event is expected to take place on September 10, 2024, based on Apple’s usual schedule. It is important to note that the Pre-orders for the new Apple products might open around September 13, with official sales possibly starting on September 20 this year.

    Let’s have a quick look at the Apple products that Apple fans can expect-

    iPhone 16 Series: 

    The iPhone 16 series is expected to unveil four new models: the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. However, the official colour names haven’t been confirmed. 

    Apple is likely to continue using the Titanium branding from the ‌iPhone 15 Pro‌ models. The much anticipated 2024 iPhones will run iOS 18 operating system.  

    The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are likely to be powered by A18 Bionic chipset. Meanwhile, the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max are tipped to come equipped with A18 Pro processor.  

    It is important to note that all models will run on iOS 18, which will introduce enhanced AI features, including improved Siri capabilities and advanced text tools. 

    Apple Watch Series 10:

    It is expected to retain a similar design to previous models but with larger display options of 45mm and 49mm. The smartwatch is likely to equipped with new health sensors for tracking conditions like sleep apnea and hypertension. 

    Moreover, Apple’s mega event may also see the debut of the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and a third-generation Apple Watch SE. The SE model is expected to feature a redesigned plastic case to appeal to a broader audience.

    AirPods 4 

    Apple’s fourth-generation AirPods are rumoured to be launched at this event. The premium earbuds are expected to feature a new H2 chip for improved audio and longer battery life.

    For connectivity, the earbuds support a USB Type-C charging port, marking a shift from Apple’s traditional Lightning connector. 

  • iPhone 15 Sees Major Price Drop Before iPhone 16 Launch: Discount Details Inside |

    New Delhi: Apple is set to unveil its new iPhone 16 series just about a year after the iPhone 15 hit the market. While the release date for the iPhone 16 remains under wraps, anticipation is growing for the new features the devices will bring. In the meantime, the iPhone 15 is grabbing attention for its notable price drop on Flipkart during the Month-End Mobiles Fest which runs until August 26.

    The 128GB version of the iPhone 15 is currently available for RS 64,999 on Flipkart, down from Apple’s official price of Rs 79,600. This discount of Rs 14,501 is a significant offer on a device that was a flagship model just a year ago.

    Along with the direct discount, Flipkart is also offering an exchange deal that could cut the price by up to Rs 42,100, based on the condition of your old phone. Keep in mind, though, that the actual exchange value might be lower than the maximum advertised amount.

    This deal on the iPhone 15 does not include additional bank discounts from Flipkart. Buyers should consider making their purchase soon as prices and availability might change before the sale concludes.

    Early rumors about the iPhone 16 series indicate that the standard models will come with only minor updates, including a slightly bigger battery, a new chipset, and some small design tweaks. Given that the new models are expected to have higher prices, those who can afford to wait might want to hold off and see the full details of the iPhone 16 before buying.

  • Apple MacBook Air M3 Gets Huge Discount on THESE Platforms; Effectively Priced Under Rs 1 Lakh |

    New Delhi: Apple recently launched the latest MacBook Air lineup in India earlier this year. The laptop is powered by M3 chipset. Within a few months of hitting the markets, the e-commerce giant Amazon, Flipkart and Vijay Sales are offering a massive discount on the laptop, making it available at an effective price of under Rs 1,00,000 in the ongoing Sale. Notably, the laptop enters the market at a starting price of ₹1,14,900. 

    MacBook Air M3 Price Cut In India On Amazon: 

    The MacBook Air M3 laptop is available for Rs 1,04,900 for the 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD variant. Consumers can also avail of an additional discount offer of Rs 5,250 on HDFC Bank 24-month debit card EMI, which will effectively drop the price to Rs 99,650.   

    MacBook Air M3 Price Cut In India On Flipkart: 

    The 13-inch laptop costs Rs 1,04,900 for the 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD model. Consumers can also avail an instant discount of Rs 10,000 for ICICI and SBI Bank credit card holders, which further reduces the price to Rs 94,900. There is also an additional Rs 5,000 exchange bonus for users exchanging old devices on certain models. 

    MacBook Air M3 Price Cut In India On Vijay Sales: 

    The Apple laptop is listed at a price of Rs 1,03,490 for the 8GB RAM + 256GB SSD after a discount of Rs 11,410. Consumers can also avail an instant Rs 10,000 discount for credit card users from ICICI and SBI Bank, which further reduces the price of the laptop to Rs 93,490.

    Apple MacBook Air M3  Specifications: 

    The Apple watch features a 13-inch LED Liquid Retina display with a resolution of 2560 x 1664 pixels and a peak brightness of 500 nits. The laptop is a thin and light machine with a weight of just 1.24kg and support for a 1080P camera. It uses a 52.6-watt-hour Lithium Polymer Battery in the MacBook M3 with 18 hours of battery life. 

  • India’s Smartphone Market Grows 3.2 Per Cent With 39 Mn Units Shipment In Q2, Vivo Tops Chart |

    New Delhi: The Indian smartphone market grew 3.2 per cent with 39 million units shipment in the second quarter of 2024, market research firm International Data Corporation said on Tuesday.

    The market was led by Chinese smartphone maker Vivo with a 16.5 per cent share in volume terms with its shipment growing by 6.7 per cent on a year-over-year (YoY) basis, it said.

    Apple led the super-premium segment, which are smartphones priced above Rs 67,000 apiece with an 83 per cent share followed by Samsung with a 16 per cent share.

    “Overall, Vivo continued to lead for the second consecutive quarter, with multiple launches across price segments through the Y series, mid-premium V series and flagship X Fold 3 Pro. Motorola registered the highest growth backed by product portfolio across price segments,” the report said.

    Xiaomi followed Vivo with 13.5 per cent market. Samsung slipped to the third sport with a 12.9 per cent share as its shipment declined 15.4 per cent on a YoY basis, according to the report.

    Apple stood at the sixth spot with a 6.7 per cent market share and a 24.2 per cent increase in shipment on a YoY basis. According to IDC Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker, the Indian smartphone market shipped 69 million smartphones in the first half of 2024.

    In the premium segment, the price range above Rs 50,000 to Rs 67,000, Apple’s share increased YoY to 61 per cent, while Samsung’s share increased to 24 per cent, from 21 per cent a year ago, the report said.

    “The entry-premium segment (USD200 or about Rs 16,700 to USD 400 or Rs 33,500) is expected to see healthy growth, while the entry-level (sub-USD100) will remain challenged at least this year despite efforts around launching affordable 5G smartphones. Also, the marketing around GenAI smartphones will be more pronounced, amid heavy promotional activities around it,” IDC, Associate Vice President, Devices Research, Navkendar Singh said.

    The biggest growth segment in the overall smartphone market was the entry-premium segment which counts devices priced in the range of Rs 16,000 to Rs 33,500.

    The segment’s share increased to 30 per cent from 22 per cent and registered the highest growth of 42 per cent on a YoY basis According to the report, 27 million 5G smartphones were shipped in the quarter, and the share of 5G smartphones shipments increased to 77 per cent, up from 49 per cent in the year-ago period, while 5G smartphone ASPs declined by 22 per cent YoY to USD 293 or about Rs 24,600.

    Within 5G, shipments of the mass budget segment priced in the range of Rs 8,000-Rs 16,700, grew by 2.5 times to reach a 45 per cent share.