The next smartphone to come from mobile icon Nokia is a handset that users can repair themselves. The Nokia G22, developed by Finnish manufacturer HMD Global, is a standard smartphone with a 6.5-inch screen and a 50-megapixel main camera.

Nokia's new entry-level repairable phone

According to market research firm IDC, China's smartphone sales dropped 13% year over year in 2022, the country's biggest drop in the industry in ten years as a result of customers' cautious spending. 286 million gadgets were supplied in total, a decrease from 329 million in 2022.

World Business Watch | China: Smartphone sales plunge globally, Vivo top-selling brand over the year

Let's shift our focus to India. People in the country are becoming more internet and smartphone friendly. For many Indians, the smartphone is the gateway to the internet. But there is now a new observation. India's rocketing internet-user growth has stalled. We tell you more about it in this video.

Internet growth stalls in India as smartphones get costlier | Tech It Out

The Amazon Great Republic Day began on 15 January and will go through 20 January, 2023. Large discounts and deals are available across a variety of product categories during this Amazon sale. On TVs and other major household equipment like refrigerators, washing machines, etc., you get up to 60% off. SBI bank card members can get an extra 10% off their purchases in addition to the reduced pricing. Additionally, exchange incentives and no-cost EMI are available to make your purchases more affordable. Amazon is back with a tonne of sales and discounts on a variety of products, including gadgets, TVs, laptops and cellphones. For Prime members, the Amazon Great Republic Day discount is now available. Purchasers will also receive bank offers. A 10% immediate discount is available to SBI bank card users on SBI credit cards and credit EMIs. Bajaj Finserv EMI cards, Amazon Pay ICICI Credit cards, Amazon Pay Later, and a few other debit &amp; credit cards are also eligible for this offer.

<h2>Best Deals on Smartphones&nbsp;</h2>

On Amazon, the iPhone 13 is on sale for Rs 59,999. The cost has decreased from Rs. 65,900. To further sweeten the bargains, consumers may earn up to Rs 18,000 in return of their previous phones. Holders of SBI bank cards are eligible for a 10% immediate cashback offer on their smartphones. On Amazon Great Republic Day, the mid-range OnePlus 10R phone is being offered for Rs. 29,999. The MediaTek Dimensity 8100-MAX SoC, built on a 5nm platform and specifically tailored for the OnePlus 10R, powers the device. On Amazon, the cost of iQOO Neo 6, yet another potent mid-ranger, has decreased. Currently, the price of the smartphone on Amazon is Rs 27,999. SBI card holders can immediately receive a 10% discount on the Neo 6. Additionally, customers may exchange their old phones for up to Rs 18,000 in exchange.

<h2>Best deals on wearables</h2>

It's crucial to record your exercises if you're a fitness fanatic or someone who has just begun working out. Fitness bands and smartwatches can help with this. These gadgets track your exercises and activities in addition to detecting your heart rate and blood oxygen levels. The most recent wristwatch from Samsung, the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro, provides a high-end experience. The price of the smartwatch has been reduced from its initial price of 48,999 to 39,999. For iPhone owners searching for a smartwatch without spending a lot of money, the Apple Watch SE is the ideal choice. The watch is now on sale for 26,400, a reduction from the initial cost of 33,900. The Amazfit T-Rex 2 is a fantastic choice if you're looking for a tough and reliable smartwatch. It was originally listed at 21,999, but is now only available for 14,999.&nbsp;

<h2>Best deals on Smart TV&nbsp;</h2>

A strong processor on Sony Smart Google TV provides an experience that is enhanced for details. It produces powerful low-end sound that is excellent for music, sports, and movies. The Smart TV costs only Rs. 53,490. A dramatic surround sound and immersive viewing experience are provided by the LG 48-inch OLED TV. It is offered at Rs. 67, 490. The price of the OnePlus 50-inch Y series 4K UHD Smart TV is merely Rs. 28,499, while the Samsung 55-inch The Frame Series QLED TV is just Rs. 78,990.

 
&nbsp;

The Amazon Great Republic Day began on 15 January and will go through 20 January, 2023. Large discounts and deals are available across a variety of product categories during this Amazon sale.

The Amazon Great Republic Day began on 15 January and will go through 20 January, 2023. Large discounts and deals are available across a variety of product categories during this Amazon sale. On TVs and other major household equipment like refrigerators, washing machines, etc., you get up to 60% off. SBI bank card members can get an extra 10% off their purchases in addition to the reduced pricing. Additionally, exchange incentives and no-cost EMI are available to make your purchases more affordable. Amazon is back with a tonne of sales and discounts on a variety of products, including gadgets, TVs, laptops and cellphones. For Prime members, the Amazon Great Republic Day discount is now available. Purchasers will also receive bank offers. A 10% immediate discount is available to SBI bank card users on SBI credit cards and credit EMIs. Bajaj Finserv EMI cards, Amazon Pay ICICI Credit cards, Amazon Pay Later, and a few other debit & credit cards are also eligible for this offer. Best Deals on Smartphones On Amazon, the iPhone 13 is on sale for Rs 59,999. The cost has decreased from Rs. 65,900. To further sweeten the bargains, consumers may earn up to Rs 18,000 in return of their previous phones. Holders of SBI bank cards are eligible for a 10% immediate cashback offer on their smartphones. On Amazon Great Republic Day, the mid-range OnePlus 10R phone is being offered for Rs. 29,999. The MediaTek Dimensity 8100-MAX SoC, built on a 5nm platform and specifically tailored for the OnePlus 10R, powers the device. On Amazon, the cost of iQOO Neo 6, yet another potent mid-ranger, has decreased. Currently, the price of the smartphone on Amazon is Rs 27,999. SBI card holders can immediately receive a 10% discount on the Neo 6. Additionally, customers may exchange their old phones for up to Rs 18,000 in exchange. Best deals on wearables It's crucial to record your exercises if you're a fitness fanatic or someone who has just begun working out. Fitness bands and smartwatches can help with this. These gadgets track your exercises and activities in addition to detecting your heart rate and blood oxygen levels. The most recent wristwatch from Samsung, the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro, provides a high-end experience. The price of the smartwatch has been reduced from its initial price of 48,999 to 39,999. For iPhone owners searching for a smartwatch without spending a lot of money, the Apple Watch SE is the ideal choice. The watch is now on sale for 26,400, a reduction from the initial cost of 33,900. The Amazfit T-Rex 2 is a fantastic choice if you're looking for a tough and reliable smartwatch. It was originally listed at 21,999, but is now only available for 14,999. Best deals on Smart TV A strong processor on Sony Smart Google TV provides an experience that is enhanced for details. It produces powerful low-end sound that is excellent for music, sports, and movies. The Smart TV costs only Rs. 53,490. A dramatic surround sound and immersive viewing experience are provided by the LG 48-inch OLED TV. It is offered at Rs. 67, 490. The price of the OnePlus 50-inch Y series 4K UHD Smart TV is merely Rs. 28,499, while the Samsung 55-inch The Frame Series QLED TV is just Rs. 78,990.

Amazon Great Republic Day Sale 2023: Top Deals on Smartphones, Wearables, Smart TVs, bank offers, discounts

China's smartphone industry is looking at a tough year ahead. Analysts say it is not expected to see meaningful growth until 2024 owing to Global supply chain disruption and weak consumer spending.

China: Smartphone industry to remain under pressure in 2023, total shipments shrunk by 10% in 2022

China's Xiaomi Corp has started laying off workers in several units of its smartphone and internet services business, reducing its workforce by about 15%.

World Business Watch: China smartphone maker Xiaomi to slash 15% of jobs, says report

Sony Group is considering investing several billion dollars to build a new factory to make smartphone image sensors in western Japan's Kumamoto prefecture.

World Business Watch: Sony plans smartphone sensor factory in Japan

A recent study conducted in some of the major cities of India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai, has found&nbsp;that excessive use of smartphones is hurting the relationship of married couples in India.&nbsp;The study, carried out by Vivo along with the Cybermedia Research on ''Smartphones and their impact on human relationships 2022'', found that 67% of the respondents confessed to being on their smartphones even while they are spending time with their spouse. Eighty-nine per cent of respondents, on the other hand, said that they spend less time engaging in relaxed conversation with their spouse than possible.

"Eighty-four per cent of respondents wish to spend more time with their spouse. People are accepting the problems and are willing to change. 88 per cent of respondents agreed that increased usage of smartphones is hurting their relationship with their spouses," the study said.&nbsp;

The study added that 90% of respondents would want to devote more leisure time to meaningful conversations with their spouses.&nbsp;

It revealed that 70% of people get irritated when their spouse asks for something while they are immersed in their phones.&nbsp;

''Sixty-six per cent of people feel that excessive usage of smartphones has weakened their relationship with their spouse," the study said.

It also found out that 69% of the respondents felt occasionally distracted by their smartphone, or not attentive enough to their spouse at times and 68% of partners felt guilty at some point in time for being distracted by their phone while spending time with their spouse.

Yogendra Sriramula, the Vivo India Head, Brand Strategy, said while the significance of smartphones in today's life is ''undisputed'', however, excessive usage remains an area that users need to be cautious of. "As a responsible brand, we aim to underline the importance of spending time with our loved ones, for that is the true meaning of leisure time," Sriramula said, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

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A recent study conducted in some of the major cities of India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai, has found that excessive use of smartphones is hurting the relationship of married couples in India.

A recent study conducted in some of the major cities of India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai, has found that excessive use of smartphones is hurting the relationship of married couples in India. The study, carried out by Vivo along with the Cybermedia Research on ''Smartphones and their impact on human relationships 2022'', found that 67% of the respondents confessed to being on their smartphones even while they are spending time with their spouse. Eighty-nine per cent of respondents, on the other hand, said that they spend less time engaging in relaxed conversation with their spouse than possible. "Eighty-four per cent of respondents wish to spend more time with their spouse. People are accepting the problems and are willing to change. 88 per cent of respondents agreed that increased usage of smartphones is hurting their relationship with their spouses," the study said. The study added that 90% of respondents would want to devote more leisure time to meaningful conversations with their spouses. It revealed that 70% of people get irritated when their spouse asks for something while they are immersed in their phones. ''Sixty-six per cent of people feel that excessive usage of smartphones has weakened their relationship with their spouse," the study said. It also found out that 69% of the respondents felt occasionally distracted by their smartphone, or not attentive enough to their spouse at times and 68% of partners felt guilty at some point in time for being distracted by their phone while spending time with their spouse. Yogendra Sriramula, the Vivo India Head, Brand Strategy, said while the significance of smartphones in today's life is ''undisputed'', however, excessive usage remains an area that users need to be cautious of. "As a responsible brand, we aim to underline the importance of spending time with our loved ones, for that is the true meaning of leisure time," Sriramula said, news agency PTI reported. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Study shows excessive smartphone use hurting relationship of married Indians

Market research firm International Data Corporation said, just before the start of the annual festive season, smartphone market in India declined by 10% to hit a three-year low of 43mn shipment in the July-September 2022 period.

World Business Watch: Indian smartphone market at three-year low

Xiaomi India spokesperson said on Friday (October 28) that the Chinese smartphone maker has shut down its financial services business in India.

"As part of the annual strategic assessment activity and as a response to enhanced focus on our core business services, we closed the Mi Financial Services in March 2022," the company spokesperson said.

The company's Mi Pay app, which allowed users to make bill payments and do money transfers, is no longer listed among the recognized third-party Unified Payments Interface (UPI) apps on the National Payments Corporation of India's (NPCI) website.

NPCI is an industry body that oversees UPI, country's state-backed peer-to-peer payments network. Reuters said that NPCI declined to comment over the development.

Xiaomi recently pulled its Mi Credit, which connects smartphone users with lending firms for quick loans, and Mi Pay apps from the local Play Store and its own app store, TechCrunch reported earlier on Friday.

India is Xiaomi's strongest market outside China. The company has found itself to be subject of government probe for allegedly dodging tax regulators.

In India, the company has been subject to government probes for allegedly dodging tax regulators.

In April, India's federal financial crime agency froze $676 million worth of Xiaomi's assets, alleging the company made illegal remittances to foreign entities by passing them off as royalty payments.

The Chinese smartphone group, which denies any wrongdoing, has said the action "effectively halted" its operations in its key Indian market.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Xiaomi India spokesperson said on Friday (October 28) that the Chinese smartphone maker has shut down its financial services business in India. "As part of the annual strategic assessment activity and as a response to enhanced focus on our core business services, we closed the Mi Financial Services in March 2022," the company spokesperson said.

Xiaomi India spokesperson said on Friday (October 28) that the Chinese smartphone maker has shut down its financial services business in India. "As part of the annual strategic assessment activity and as a response to enhanced focus on our core business services, we closed the Mi Financial Services in March 2022," the company spokesperson said. The company's Mi Pay app, which allowed users to make bill payments and do money transfers, is no longer listed among the recognized third-party Unified Payments Interface (UPI) apps on the National Payments Corporation of India's (NPCI) website. NPCI is an industry body that oversees UPI, country's state-backed peer-to-peer payments network. Reuters said that NPCI declined to comment over the development. Xiaomi recently pulled its Mi Credit, which connects smartphone users with lending firms for quick loans, and Mi Pay apps from the local Play Store and its own app store, TechCrunch reported earlier on Friday. India is Xiaomi's strongest market outside China. The company has found itself to be subject of government probe for allegedly dodging tax regulators. In India, the company has been subject to government probes for allegedly dodging tax regulators. In April, India's federal financial crime agency froze $676 million worth of Xiaomi's assets, alleging the company made illegal remittances to foreign entities by passing them off as royalty payments. The Chinese smartphone group, which denies any wrongdoing, has said the action "effectively halted" its operations in its key Indian market. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi shuts financial services business in India

With this sales of smartphones makers slowing down after the pandemic, iPhone assembler Foxconn has given a cautious outlook for the current quarter, this after Foxconn posted results that exceeded expectations.

Apple supplier Foxconn starts to feel sting of slowing smartphone sales

Apple has pulled the plug on iPod. The music device was once Apple's highest selling product. Now, it joins the list of things made obsolete by the smartphone. Palki Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: Apple iPod to be discontinued

South Korean Electronics Giant Samsung has launched a new series of entry-level and midrange smartphones in India, under the brand's 'Galaxy A Series' line-up.

The new models added to the brand's portfolio are the Galaxy A13, A23, A33 5G, A53 5G, and A73 5G.

As the name suggests, the first two entry-level models offer only 4G connectivity, whereas the three others offer 5G connectivity.&nbsp;

The specs of the five newly-launched devices are:&nbsp;

1. Samsung Galaxy A13

<img alt="Samsung Galaxy A13" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4279b66f-0f41-4f15-a68f-88711e2fc296" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WhatsApp%20Image%202022-03-29%20at%2013.37.07.jpeg" />

Display: 6.6-inch Full HD+ LCD, 60Hz

Rear camera: 50MP primary camera&nbsp;

Front camera: 8MP

Processor: Exynos 850

Battery: 5000mAh with 15W charger

OS upgrades: 2yrs

Security updates: 4yrs

RAM: 4GB

Storage: 64&amp;128GB

Price: 14,999 onwards

2. Galaxy A23

<img alt="Samsung Galaxy A23" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a1676003-e0e0-44e0-b4b3-b906591b7c02" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WhatsApp%20Image%202022-03-29%20at%2013.36.34.jpeg" />

Display: 6.6inch Full HD+ LCD 90Hz

Rear camera: 50MP with OIS

Front camera: 8MP

Processor: Snapdragon 680 4G

Battery: 5000mAh with 25W charger

Others: Know security

OS upgrades: 2yrs

Security updates:4yrs

RAM: 6&amp;8GB

Storage:128GB

Price: 19499 onwards&nbsp;

3. Galaxy A33 5G

<img alt="Samsung Galaxy A33 5G" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="51d011d6-4e97-4f4c-b28e-88e391f60594" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/A33%205G.jpeg" />

Display: 6.4inch Full HD+ Super Amoled 90Hz

Rear camera: 48MP with OIS

Front camera: 13MP

Processor: Exynos 1280 (5nm)

Battery: 5000mAh (charger not included)

Durability: IP67 (spill, splash, dust resistant)

Others: Stereo speakers, Knox security

OS upgrades: 3yrs

Security updates: 4yrs&nbsp;

RAM: 6&amp;8GB

Storage: 128GB

Price: 34499onwards

4. Galaxy A53 5G

<img alt="Galaxy A53 5G" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7fabee1b-57d3-48c8-a292-7a6c19bba0e1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/A53%205G.jpeg" />

Display: 65.inch Full HD+ Super Amoled 120Hz

Rear camera: 64MP with OIS

Front camera: 32MP

Processor: Exynos 1280(5nm)

Battery: 5000mAh (charger not included)

Durability: IP67

Others: Stereo speakers, Knox security

OS upgrades: 4yrs

Security updates: 5yrs

Device Available in 4colors

5. Galaxy A73 5G

<img alt="Samsung Galaxy A73 5G" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c3a0313a-93a0-490c-9162-2de861f7b270" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WhatsApp%20Image%202022-03-29%20at%2013.31.24.jpeg" />

Display: 6.7Full HD+ Super Amoled&nbsp;

Rear camera: 108MP with OIS

Front camera: 32MP

Processor: Snapdragon 778G

Battery: 5000mAh (charger not included)

Durability: IP67

Others: Stereo speakers, Knox security

OS upgrades: 4 years

Security updates: 5 years

Device available for pre-book on samsung.com, retailers, and online.

According to Samsung, the 'Galaxy A Series' epitomises making flagship-like features accessible at an affordable price point. The company said that the five new models are curated to inspire customers with style, power, and versatility.&nbsp;

The top-of-the-line Galaxy A73 5G has flagship features like Object Eraser and AI Photo Remaster to deliver better and higher-quality images.

South Korean Electronics Giant Samsung has launched a new series of entry-level and midrange smartphones in India, under the brand's 'Galaxy A Series' line-up. The new models added to the brand's portfolio are the Galaxy A13, A23, A33 5G, A53 5G, and A73 5G.

South Korean Electronics Giant Samsung has launched a new series of entry-level and midrange smartphones in India, under the brand's 'Galaxy A Series' line-up. The new models added to the brand's portfolio are the Galaxy A13, A23, A33 5G, A53 5G, and A73 5G. As the name suggests, the first two entry-level models offer only 4G connectivity, whereas the three others offer 5G connectivity. The specs of the five newly-launched devices are: 1. Samsung Galaxy A13 Display: 6.6-inch Full HD+ LCD, 60Hz Rear camera: 50MP primary camera Front camera: 8MP Processor: Exynos 850 Battery: 5000mAh with 15W charger OS upgrades: 2yrs Security updates: 4yrs RAM: 4GB Storage: 64&128GB Price: 14,999 onwards 2. Galaxy A23 Display: 6.6inch Full HD+ LCD 90Hz Rear camera: 50MP with OIS Front camera: 8MP Processor: Snapdragon 680 4G Battery: 5000mAh with 25W charger Others: Know security OS upgrades: 2yrs Security updates:4yrs RAM: 6&8GB Storage:128GB Price: 19499 onwards 3. Galaxy A33 5G Display: 6.4inch Full HD+ Super Amoled 90Hz Rear camera: 48MP with OIS Front camera: 13MP Processor: Exynos 1280 (5nm) Battery: 5000mAh (charger not included) Durability: IP67 (spill, splash, dust resistant) Others: Stereo speakers, Knox security OS upgrades: 3yrs Security updates: 4yrs RAM: 6&8GB Storage: 128GB Price: 34499onwards 4. Galaxy A53 5G Display: 65.inch Full HD+ Super Amoled 120Hz Rear camera: 64MP with OIS Front camera: 32MP Processor: Exynos 1280(5nm) Battery: 5000mAh (charger not included) Durability: IP67 Others: Stereo speakers, Knox security OS upgrades: 4yrs Security updates: 5yrs Device Available in 4colors 5. Galaxy A73 5G Display: 6.7Full HD+ Super Amoled Rear camera: 108MP with OIS Front camera: 32MP Processor: Snapdragon 778G Battery: 5000mAh (charger not included) Durability: IP67 Others: Stereo speakers, Knox security OS upgrades: 4 years Security updates: 5 years Device available for pre-book on samsung.com, retailers, and online. According to Samsung, the 'Galaxy A Series' epitomises making flagship-like features accessible at an affordable price point. The company said that the five new models are curated to inspire customers with style, power, and versatility. The top-of-the-line Galaxy A73 5G has flagship features like Object Eraser and AI Photo Remaster to deliver better and higher-quality images.

India: Samsung launches 5 new smartphones under Galaxy A Series, here are the specs 

With coronavirus still spreading, several researchers are making strenuous efforts to come up with new and advanced ways of detecting the virus. &nbsp;

One such team of scientists in the US has developed a highly sensitive Covid test, which relies only on low-tech kit and a smartphone. It could be used as a quicker and cheaper alternative to PCR testing. &nbsp;

This 25-minute saliva test provides a highly reliable platform for testing at the workplace or home, as per the team of researchers. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/explainer-what-is-new-coronavirus-neocov-that-kills-1-in-3-patients-find-out-the-truth-448684" hreflang="en">Explainer: What is new coronavirus NeoCov&nbsp;that kills 1 in 3 patients? Find out the truth</a>

This test only needs a basic lab kit, which includes a cardboard box, a small hot plate and LED light. This whole package can cost less than £75 ($100). &nbsp;

The cost of the whole test including the reagents is about a 10th of a PCR test. This is also cheaper than a lateral flow test. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The findings of the study have been published in JAMA Network Open journal. &nbsp;

This test uses a process, which is called Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification (Lamp), to amplify viral RNA in the saliva and detect specific target genes. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/now-robot-conducts-surgery-on-pigs-successfully-without-any-help-448430" hreflang="en">Now, robot conducts surgery on pigs successfully without any help</a>

The freely available app uses a smartphone’s camera to identify colour changes indicating a chemical reaction and determines a diagnosis in just 25 minutes. On testing 50 patients with coronavirus, it matched PCR testing for sensitivity. &nbsp;&nbsp;

“As new Covid variants emerge globally, testing and detection remain essential to pandemic control efforts,” said Dr Michael Mahan of the University of California, Santa Barbara. He is also the lead author of the study. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

With coronavirus still spreading, several researchers are making strenuous efforts to come up with new and advanced ways of detecting the virus. One such team of scientists in the US has developed a highly sensitive Covid test, which relies only on low-tech kit and a smartphone.

With coronavirus still spreading, several researchers are making strenuous efforts to come up with new and advanced ways of detecting the virus. One such team of scientists in the US has developed a highly sensitive Covid test, which relies only on low-tech kit and a smartphone. It could be used as a quicker and cheaper alternative to PCR testing. This 25-minute saliva test provides a highly reliable platform for testing at the workplace or home, as per the team of researchers. Also Read: Explainer: What is new coronavirus NeoCov that kills 1 in 3 patients? Find out the truth This test only needs a basic lab kit, which includes a cardboard box, a small hot plate and LED light. This whole package can cost less than £75 ($100). The cost of the whole test including the reagents is about a 10th of a PCR test. This is also cheaper than a lateral flow test. The findings of the study have been published in JAMA Network Open journal. This test uses a process, which is called Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification (Lamp), to amplify viral RNA in the saliva and detect specific target genes. Also Read: Now, robot conducts surgery on pigs successfully without any help The freely available app uses a smartphone’s camera to identify colour changes indicating a chemical reaction and determines a diagnosis in just 25 minutes. On testing 50 patients with coronavirus, it matched PCR testing for sensitivity. “As new Covid variants emerge globally, testing and detection remain essential to pandemic control efforts,” said Dr Michael Mahan of the University of California, Santa Barbara. He is also the lead author of the study. (With inputs from agencies)

US scientists come up with cheap Covid test relying on low-tech kit, smartphone. Find out how does it work

In the increasingly digital world, anonymity is often a necessary thing in order to safeguard own details. There are many privacy measures to ensure anonymity of smartphone users. But a study has now suggested that the measures that have been used may no longer be suitable for the digital age.

Vast quantities of data are scooped up from smartphone apps by firms looking to develop products, conduct research or target consumers with adverts.

In Europe and many other jurisdictions, companies are legally bound to make this data anonymous, often doing so by removing telltale details like names or phone numbers.&nbsp;

But the study in the Nature Communications journal says this is no longer enough to keep identities private.&nbsp;

The researchers say people can now be identified with just a few details of how they communicate with an app like WhatsApp.&nbsp;

One of the paper's authors, Yves-Alexandre de Montjoye of Imperial College London, told AFP it was time to "reinvent what anonymisation means".

'Rich' data

His team took anonymised data from more than 40,000 mobile phone users, most of which was information from messaging apps and other "interaction" data.&nbsp;

They then "attacked" the data searching for patterns in those interactions -- a technique that could be employed by malicious actors.&nbsp;

With just the direct contacts of the person included in the dataset, they found they could identify the person 15 percent of the time.

When further interactions between those primary contacts were included, they could identify 52 percent of people.&nbsp;

"Our results provide evidence that disconnected and even re-pseudonymised interaction data remain identifiable even across long periods of time," wrote the researchers from the UK, Switzerland and Italy.&nbsp;

"These results strongly suggest that current practices may not satisfy the anonymisation standard set forth by (European regulators) in particular with regard to the linkability criteria."&nbsp;

De Montjoye stressed that the intention was not to criticise any individual company or legal regime.&nbsp;

Rather, he said the algorithm they were using just provided a more robust way of testing what we regard as anonymised data.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In the increasingly digital world, anonymity is often a necessary thing in order to safeguard own details. There are many privacy measures to ensure anonymity of smartphone users.

In the increasingly digital world, anonymity is often a necessary thing in order to safeguard own details. There are many privacy measures to ensure anonymity of smartphone users. But a study has now suggested that the measures that have been used may no longer be suitable for the digital age. Vast quantities of data are scooped up from smartphone apps by firms looking to develop products, conduct research or target consumers with adverts. In Europe and many other jurisdictions, companies are legally bound to make this data anonymous, often doing so by removing telltale details like names or phone numbers. But the study in the Nature Communications journal says this is no longer enough to keep identities private. The researchers say people can now be identified with just a few details of how they communicate with an app like WhatsApp. One of the paper's authors, Yves-Alexandre de Montjoye of Imperial College London, told AFP it was time to "reinvent what anonymisation means". 'Rich' data His team took anonymised data from more than 40,000 mobile phone users, most of which was information from messaging apps and other "interaction" data. They then "attacked" the data searching for patterns in those interactions -- a technique that could be employed by malicious actors. With just the direct contacts of the person included in the dataset, they found they could identify the person 15 percent of the time. When further interactions between those primary contacts were included, they could identify 52 percent of people. "Our results provide evidence that disconnected and even re-pseudonymised interaction data remain identifiable even across long periods of time," wrote the researchers from the UK, Switzerland and Italy. "These results strongly suggest that current practices may not satisfy the anonymisation standard set forth by (European regulators) in particular with regard to the linkability criteria." De Montjoye stressed that the intention was not to criticise any individual company or legal regime. Rather, he said the algorithm they were using just provided a more robust way of testing what we regard as anonymised data. (With inputs from agencies)

Just making smartphone data anonymous no longer enough, says study

One of the main concerns of the parents is to ensure that their children remain safe. It becomes especially tough for them to keep track of their kids whenever they go to school or play outside.

But a small tracker that can monitor their kids’ activities can make bring a major sigh of relief.

Over the past decade, the scale of technological innovation has grown leaps and bounds. So much so, that parents can now even keep track of their children’s location without having to be physically present.

From the era of smartphones and smartwatches, now comes the era of smart school bags equipped with many hi-tech features, including GPS technology.

What is a ‘smart bag’?

Named as ‘Smart Positioning Children Schoolbag’, the smart bag functions exactly like a smartphone, except without the functions of a dialler phone.

<img alt="This smart bag has GPS" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b24d8338-d96a-4c5b-9350-89a2eb64ffec" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Smart-Positioning-Children-Schoolbag-Huawei-1.jpg" />

It has an operating system, GPS tech, LCD panel, among other things.

Who made the smart bag?

Chinese tech conglomerate Huawei has designed the new smart school bag for kids that features many advanced features.

The school bag has app controls and comes with HarmonyOS Connect support.

This bag will prove useful in places where children are not allowed to carry smartphones and smartwatches, such as schools.

What kind of features does the smart bag have?

Apart from GPS tracking technology, the bag has a 1.54-inch display, which is IP67 dust and waterproof. Parents can schedule class, set theme clock, etc..

<img alt="The bag comes with the “Smart Life” app which can be connected to a phone" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0d395600-f732-405d-b325-9d5fbaeaf84b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Smart-Positioning-Children-Schoolbag-Huawei.png" />

With the help of the smart positioning function fitted on the bag, parents will be able to keep an eye on the real time location of their children. It runs on BeiDou Navigation Satellite System—a Chinese satellite navigation system and GPS with 5CEP accuracy.

How can parents track their kids using the smart bag?

The bag comes with the “Smart Life” app which is connected to a phone. Once connected to the app, parents can set up to three-guard areas which will include home, school and other places.

As soon as the child reaches/leaves the set location with this bag, the parents would get an alert notification on their phone. They would get a real-time update of their children every 2 minutes.

How much does the bag weigh?

Surprisingly, it is lightweight compared to traditional school bags.

The structural design of the horizontal schoolbag is about 6-7 cm shorter than the height of the general schoolbag.

The strap design is made in such a way as to ensure that the bottom of the schoolbag is not dragged below the waist to avoid damage to the waist due to force. Thus, it is more suitable for children under 135cm.

There is also a U-shaped shoulder strap fitted on the schoolbag to provide comfort to the child’s shoulder and neck.

When will the smart bag be available?

At present, the bag is undergoing some tests before it can be launched commercially worldwide, as Huawei is currently recruiting public testers to check the functionalities of the bag.

(With inputs from agencies)

One of the main concerns of the parents is to ensure that their children remain safe. It becomes especially tough for them to keep track of their kids whenever they go to school or play outside.

One of the main concerns of the parents is to ensure that their children remain safe. It becomes especially tough for them to keep track of their kids whenever they go to school or play outside. But a small tracker that can monitor their kids’ activities can make bring a major sigh of relief. Over the past decade, the scale of technological innovation has grown leaps and bounds. So much so, that parents can now even keep track of their children’s location without having to be physically present. From the era of smartphones and smartwatches, now comes the era of smart school bags equipped with many hi-tech features, including GPS technology. What is a ‘smart bag’? Named as ‘Smart Positioning Children Schoolbag’, the smart bag functions exactly like a smartphone, except without the functions of a dialler phone. It has an operating system, GPS tech, LCD panel, among other things. Who made the smart bag? Chinese tech conglomerate Huawei has designed the new smart school bag for kids that features many advanced features. The school bag has app controls and comes with HarmonyOS Connect support. This bag will prove useful in places where children are not allowed to carry smartphones and smartwatches, such as schools. What kind of features does the smart bag have? Apart from GPS tracking technology, the bag has a 1.54-inch display, which is IP67 dust and waterproof. Parents can schedule class, set theme clock, etc.. With the help of the smart positioning function fitted on the bag, parents will be able to keep an eye on the real time location of their children. It runs on BeiDou Navigation Satellite System—a Chinese satellite navigation system and GPS with 5CEP accuracy. How can parents track their kids using the smart bag? The bag comes with the “Smart Life” app which is connected to a phone. Once connected to the app, parents can set up to three-guard areas which will include home, school and other places. As soon as the child reaches/leaves the set location with this bag, the parents would get an alert notification on their phone. They would get a real-time update of their children every 2 minutes. How much does the bag weigh? Surprisingly, it is lightweight compared to traditional school bags. The structural design of the horizontal schoolbag is about 6-7 cm shorter than the height of the general schoolbag. The strap design is made in such a way as to ensure that the bottom of the schoolbag is not dragged below the waist to avoid damage to the waist due to force. Thus, it is more suitable for children under 135cm. There is also a U-shaped shoulder strap fitted on the schoolbag to provide comfort to the child’s shoulder and neck. When will the smart bag be available? At present, the bag is undergoing some tests before it can be launched commercially worldwide, as Huawei is currently recruiting public testers to check the functionalities of the bag. (With inputs from agencies)

Now, parents can track children’s location with this smart school bag

Chinese smartphone companies in India are under scrutiny. They are being raided & exposed for irregularities. Xiaomi & Oppo have been founding violation tax laws & evading customs duty. Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Xiaomi & Oppo found violating India's tax laws

Two Chinese smartphone makers operating in India may be fined Rs 10 <a name="_Hlk91924825">billion (US $134&nbsp;million approx.) </a>for violating a tax law relating to non-disclosures of transactions with associated enterprises.

On December 21, the Income Tax department had carried out search and seizure operations across India after receiving a tip-off on select foreign-controlled mobile communication and mobile handset manufacturing companies and their associated persons.

Several premises in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Assam, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Bihar, Rajasthan and Delhi NCR were covered.

“The search revealed that two major companies have made remittance in the nature of royalty, to and on behalf of its group companies located abroad, which aggregates to over Rs 5,500 crore. The claim of such expenses does not seem to be appropriate in light of the facts and evidence gathered during the search,” the I-T department said in a statement without naming the Chinese mobile manufacturers, but media reports confirmed the names Xiaomi and Oppo.

“It is gathered that both these companies had not complied with the regulatory mandate prescribed under the Income-tax Act, 1961 for disclosure of transactions with associated enterprises. Such lapse makes them liable for penal action under the Income-tax Act, 1961, the quantum of which could be in the range of more than Rs 1,000 crore (US $ <a name="_Hlk91924825">134&nbsp;</a>million approx.),” the CBDT statement added.

The tax sleuths also found that one of the companies utilised the services of another entity located in India but did not comply with the provisions of tax deduction at source introduced since April 1, 2020, and the quantum of liability of TDS on this account could be around Rs 3 billion (US $42 million).

(With inputs from agencies)

Two Chinese smartphone makers operating in India may be fined Rs 10 billion (US $134 million approx.) for violating a tax law relating to non-disclosures of transactions with associated enterprises.

Two Chinese smartphone makers operating in India may be fined Rs 10 billion (US $134 million approx.) for violating a tax law relating to non-disclosures of transactions with associated enterprises. On December 21, the Income Tax department had carried out search and seizure operations across India after receiving a tip-off on select foreign-controlled mobile communication and mobile handset manufacturing companies and their associated persons. Several premises in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Assam, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Bihar, Rajasthan and Delhi NCR were covered. “The search revealed that two major companies have made remittance in the nature of royalty, to and on behalf of its group companies located abroad, which aggregates to over Rs 5,500 crore. The claim of such expenses does not seem to be appropriate in light of the facts and evidence gathered during the search,” the I-T department said in a statement without naming the Chinese mobile manufacturers, but media reports confirmed the names Xiaomi and Oppo. “It is gathered that both these companies had not complied with the regulatory mandate prescribed under the Income-tax Act, 1961 for disclosure of transactions with associated enterprises. Such lapse makes them liable for penal action under the Income-tax Act, 1961, the quantum of which could be in the range of more than Rs 1,000 crore (US $ 134 million approx.),” the CBDT statement added. The tax sleuths also found that one of the companies utilised the services of another entity located in India but did not comply with the provisions of tax deduction at source introduced since April 1, 2020, and the quantum of liability of TDS on this account could be around Rs 3 billion (US $42 million). (With inputs from agencies)

Two Chinese phone makers break tax laws in India, may face $134 million fine

Your addiction to smartphones may affect your child's development, says a new study. The Tel Aviv University conducted a study for the peer-reviewed journal Child Development last month and have revealed that kids whose parents are on smartphones for long hours tend to have slow development.&nbsp; 
 
The researchers, led by Dr Katy Borodkin of the Department of Communication Disorders at the Stanley Steyer School of Health Professions, Sackler Faculty of Medicine of Tel Aviv University, observed 33 Israeli mothers and their 16 toddlers, all boys aged 24-36 months for a certain period of time.&nbsp; 
 
The researchers reportedly invited participants saying they would examine the common interests between mothers and children. The mothers were asked to browse a specific Facebook page and 'like' content that interests them, read printed magazines and mark interesting articles and play with their child while the phone and magazine were in another room. 
 
Borodkin revealed that the activity was intended to observe mothers while they took care of their children and also devote some of their attention to her smartphone.&nbsp; 
 
"The mothers were unaware of the purpose of the experiment, so they behaved naturally by splitting their interest between the toddlers and the smartphone and magazines. We videotaped all the interactions between the mothers and the toddlers and later scanned the recordings frame by frame in an attempt to quantify the mother-child interaction," said Borodkin in her research.&nbsp; 
 
The researchers defined three aspects of the interaction between a mother and her child: Maternal linguistic input - the "linguistic content that the mother conveys to the child"; conversational turns - the level of interactivity of a mother-child verbal exchange; and maternal responsiveness - the timeliness and specificity of a mother's response to a particular "bid" from her child. 
 
According to the research, a decrease in maternal linguistic input leads to reduced vocabulary in a child, even when they become adults.&nbsp; 
 
Similarly how interactive a particular conversation was - affect a child's linguistic and social development as "the child learns that he or she has some time to contribute to the interaction as well as the basic social norms of social interactions."&nbsp; 
 
Maternal responsiveness is critical for child development, including linguistic, cognitive emotional and social development.&nbsp; 
 
"For example, when the child says 'look, a truck', there is no comparison between a response such as 'yes, that’s great' and a response such as 'correct, this is a red truck, like the one we saw yesterday", said the researchers.&nbsp; 
According to the research the three components of mother-child interaction were two to four times lower when the mother was using her smartphone or reading a magazine.&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;"Moreover, they exchanged fewer conversational turns with the toddler, provided less immediate and content-tailored responses, and more often ignored explicit child bids," TAU stated. 
 
The team stated that using a smartphone and reading was equally distracting. TAU though was careful to add that there is currently no evidence that smartphones directly impact child development because smartphones are a recent phenomenon- although finding suggest "an adverse impact on the foundation of child development." 
 
The research may also be relevant to father-child interaction as the use of smartphones by both women and men is comparable. 
 
"In our current research we focused on the mothers, but we believe that our findings characterize communication interferences between fathers and their toddlers as well, since the smartphone usage patterns are similar between men and women, thus allowing us to estimate with high probability that the research findings are applicable to fathers and to mothers”, Borodkin further said.&nbsp;

Your addiction to smartphones may affect your child's development, says a new study. The Tel Aviv University conducted a study for the peer-reviewed journal Child Development last month and have revealed that kids whose parents are on smartphones for long hours tend to have slow development.

Your addiction to smartphones may affect your child's development, says a new study. The Tel Aviv University conducted a study for the peer-reviewed journal Child Development last month and have revealed that kids whose parents are on smartphones for long hours tend to have slow development. The researchers, led by Dr Katy Borodkin of the Department of Communication Disorders at the Stanley Steyer School of Health Professions, Sackler Faculty of Medicine of Tel Aviv University, observed 33 Israeli mothers and their 16 toddlers, all boys aged 24-36 months for a certain period of time. The researchers reportedly invited participants saying they would examine the common interests between mothers and children. The mothers were asked to browse a specific Facebook page and 'like' content that interests them, read printed magazines and mark interesting articles and play with their child while the phone and magazine were in another room. Borodkin revealed that the activity was intended to observe mothers while they took care of their children and also devote some of their attention to her smartphone. "The mothers were unaware of the purpose of the experiment, so they behaved naturally by splitting their interest between the toddlers and the smartphone and magazines. We videotaped all the interactions between the mothers and the toddlers and later scanned the recordings frame by frame in an attempt to quantify the mother-child interaction," said Borodkin in her research. The researchers defined three aspects of the interaction between a mother and her child: Maternal linguistic input - the "linguistic content that the mother conveys to the child"; conversational turns - the level of interactivity of a mother-child verbal exchange; and maternal responsiveness - the timeliness and specificity of a mother's response to a particular "bid" from her child. According to the research, a decrease in maternal linguistic input leads to reduced vocabulary in a child, even when they become adults. Similarly how interactive a particular conversation was - affect a child's linguistic and social development as "the child learns that he or she has some time to contribute to the interaction as well as the basic social norms of social interactions." Maternal responsiveness is critical for child development, including linguistic, cognitive emotional and social development. "For example, when the child says 'look, a truck', there is no comparison between a response such as 'yes, that’s great' and a response such as 'correct, this is a red truck, like the one we saw yesterday", said the researchers. According to the research the three components of mother-child interaction were two to four times lower when the mother was using her smartphone or reading a magazine. "Moreover, they exchanged fewer conversational turns with the toddler, provided less immediate and content-tailored responses, and more often ignored explicit child bids," TAU stated. The team stated that using a smartphone and reading was equally distracting. TAU though was careful to add that there is currently no evidence that smartphones directly impact child development because smartphones are a recent phenomenon- although finding suggest "an adverse impact on the foundation of child development." The research may also be relevant to father-child interaction as the use of smartphones by both women and men is comparable. "In our current research we focused on the mothers, but we believe that our findings characterize communication interferences between fathers and their toddlers as well, since the smartphone usage patterns are similar between men and women, thus allowing us to estimate with high probability that the research findings are applicable to fathers and to mothers”, Borodkin further said.

Are you addicted to smartphone? It may affect your child's development, claims new study

A regulator in Australia has said that it wants Google to give option to users to use search engine of their choice through a 'choice screen'. This is being looked at as a step to challenge Google's monopoly of the search market.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) also wants to limit Google's ability to pay Apple Inc to have its search engine installed as the default option on the smartphone maker's devices, the regulator said in a report on Thursday.

These measures will take Australia roughly in line with Europe.

Europe has forced Google to offer a choice of search engine on phones using its Android operating system. Google has 94% of the Australian search engine market, which makes money by selling advertisements.

"We are concerned that Google's dominance and its ability to use its financial resources to fund arrangements to be the default search engine on many devices and other means through which consumers access search, such as browsers, is harming competition and consumers," said ACCC Chair Rod Sims in a statement.

"Google pays billions of dollars each year for these placements, which illustrates how being the default search engine is extremely valuable to Google's business model."

The search engine report was part of the ACCC's wider examination of large internet companies, which led this year to laws making Google and social media giant Facebook Inc pay media companies for content on their websites.

A Google spokesperson said the company was reviewing the report and looked forward to discussing it with the ACCC and government.

"Android gives people choice by allowing them to customise their device, from the apps they download to the default services for those apps," the spokesperson said.

The ACCC said it would put the potential measures out for industry consultation in 2022.

(With inputs from agencies)

A regulator in Australia has said that it wants Google to give option to users to use search engine of their choice through a 'choice screen'. This is being looked at as a step to challenge Google's monopoly of the search market.

A regulator in Australia has said that it wants Google to give option to users to use search engine of their choice through a 'choice screen'. This is being looked at as a step to challenge Google's monopoly of the search market. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) also wants to limit Google's ability to pay Apple Inc to have its search engine installed as the default option on the smartphone maker's devices, the regulator said in a report on Thursday. These measures will take Australia roughly in line with Europe. Europe has forced Google to offer a choice of search engine on phones using its Android operating system. Google has 94% of the Australian search engine market, which makes money by selling advertisements. "We are concerned that Google's dominance and its ability to use its financial resources to fund arrangements to be the default search engine on many devices and other means through which consumers access search, such as browsers, is harming competition and consumers," said ACCC Chair Rod Sims in a statement. "Google pays billions of dollars each year for these placements, which illustrates how being the default search engine is extremely valuable to Google's business model." The search engine report was part of the ACCC's wider examination of large internet companies, which led this year to laws making Google and social media giant Facebook Inc pay media companies for content on their websites. A Google spokesperson said the company was reviewing the report and looked forward to discussing it with the ACCC and government. "Android gives people choice by allowing them to customise their device, from the apps they download to the default services for those apps," the spokesperson said. The ACCC said it would put the potential measures out for industry consultation in 2022. (With inputs from agencies)

Australia wants Google to make alternative search engines available on smartphones

Let’s talk about buying an iPhone for $1,000. Tim Cook, Apple’s chief executive, once compared this eye-popping price tag to buying a cup of coffee a day over a year. No big deal, right?

But financial advisers see this differently. By some estimates, an investment of $1,000 in a retirement account today would balloon to about $17,000 in 30 years.

In other words, $700 to $1,000 — the price range of modern smartphones — is a big purchase. Fewer than half of American adults have enough savings set aside to cover three months of emergency expenses, according to the Pew Research Center. Yet 1 in 5 people surveyed by financial website WalletHub thought a new phone was worth going into debt for.

Tech companies fairly argue that our smartphones are our most powerful tools for work and play and thus worth every penny. But they also play numbers games to downplay the costs of a new phone. Samsung, for example, has said the price of its new Galaxy phone is $200 — but that’s only if you trade in a year-old phone for credit toward the new one. The true price is $800.

So it’s worth looking at phone upgrades in a different light to weigh their financial impact. That can help us make well-considered decisions so that the move isn’t automatic.

The irony of Cook’s coffee analogy isn’t lost on Suze Orman, the financial adviser who once famously equated people’s coffee habits to “peeing $1 million down the drain.” The seemingly small amount of money that people mindlessly spend on java — and now phone upgrades — could be a path to poverty, she said.

“Do you need a new one every single year?” asked Orman, who hosts the “Women and Money” podcast. “Absolutely not. It’s just a ridiculous waste of money.”

Apple and Samsung didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment.

So what’s the true cost of a phone upgrade? Let’s look at the math.

Flipsy, a company that buys and sells used phones, published an analysis this year arguing that it’s smart to buy a new iPhone every year. Here was its breakdown:

— The iPhone 12 cost $799 last year. It’s now worth $460 if you trade it in to defray the cost of a new phone. The newest iPhones, the iPhone 13, also cost $799. So if you traded in your iPhone 12, the iPhone 13 would cost $339. At this rate, if you bought an iPhone every year for four years, including the original $799, the net total would be $1,816.

— If you waited three years for the iPhone 15, your iPhone 12’s trade-in value would diminish to about $200. Trade it in and the cost of the iPhone 13 would be $599. Add in the original $799 and your net cost over four years would be $1,398.

In summary, upgrading annually over three years costs $418 more, or roughly $12 a month, compared with upgrading every three years, Flipsy said.

Framed this way, it may sound like a bargain to get a new phone every year as opposed to every few years. But plugging these numbers into a financial calculator tells a different story.

If you put $12 a month into a retirement account, like a Roth IRA that has an average annual rate of return of 10%, that amount would turn into $25,161 over 30 years, according to Orman’s savings calculator.

Orman compared the trade-in dilemma to buying cars. Car manufacturers could argue that the diminishing trade-in value of your car should compel you to buy a new one regularly — but don’t fall for it.

“I love my car, and I don’t care that the value goes down,” she said. “Think of the 11 years I have saved money not having car payments, or trading it in and spending more money to get another car.”

So what about those cups of coffee? On average, we pay $3 a cup, so $1,000 could buy roughly 333 cups. But naturally, making your own coffee is much cheaper.

I plugged some numbers into a coffee calculator designed by Bone Fide Wealth, a financial planning service. A $16 bag of beans from Peet’s Coffee at Costco could brew about 41 cups of coffee for 39 cents each. So a $1,000 iPhone is worth about 2,500 cups of coffee. Not as compelling.

Doug Boneparth, the president of Bone Fide Wealth, made a counterpoint. For people who have plenty of cash and are aware of the effects of their spending, splurging on new phones could be inconsequential to their overall savings goals compared with bigger expenses like housing — and if phones make them happy, go for it. He said he sets aside cash every year to buy a new iPhone as a sort of hobby.

“Personal finance is quite personal,” Boneparth said.

But he acknowledged that even his hobby was beginning to have diminishing returns because new phones weren’t getting much better technologically every year. “The 13 is the first one where I’m like, ‘This one literally only has a better camera,’” he said of the latest iPhone.

Orman cautioned that for most people who didn’t have as much money in the bank, especially those in debt, the effects of a phone upgrade could snowball. A $1,000 phone charged to a credit card could turn into $3,000 with interest by the time it’s paid off, she said. More debt could also affect your credit score, making it harder to buy or rent a home.

“If you think a phone is worth going into debt for, then, oh my God, you’ve now just set yourself up for always being in debt,” she said. “The truth of the matter is there’s nothing other than a medical expense worth going into debt for.”

Let’s talk about buying an iPhone for $1,000. Tim Cook, Apple’s chief executive, once compared this eye-popping price tag to buying a cup of coffee a day over a year.

Let’s talk about buying an iPhone for $1,000. Tim Cook, Apple’s chief executive, once compared this eye-popping price tag to buying a cup of coffee a day over a year. No big deal, right? But financial advisers see this differently. By some estimates, an investment of $1,000 in a retirement account today would balloon to about $17,000 in 30 years. In other words, $700 to $1,000 — the price range of modern smartphones — is a big purchase. Fewer than half of American adults have enough savings set aside to cover three months of emergency expenses, according to the Pew Research Center. Yet 1 in 5 people surveyed by financial website WalletHub thought a new phone was worth going into debt for. Tech companies fairly argue that our smartphones are our most powerful tools for work and play and thus worth every penny. But they also play numbers games to downplay the costs of a new phone. Samsung, for example, has said the price of its new Galaxy phone is $200 — but that’s only if you trade in a year-old phone for credit toward the new one. The true price is $800. So it’s worth looking at phone upgrades in a different light to weigh their financial impact. That can help us make well-considered decisions so that the move isn’t automatic. The irony of Cook’s coffee analogy isn’t lost on Suze Orman, the financial adviser who once famously equated people’s coffee habits to “peeing $1 million down the drain.” The seemingly small amount of money that people mindlessly spend on java — and now phone upgrades — could be a path to poverty, she said. “Do you need a new one every single year?” asked Orman, who hosts the “Women and Money” podcast. “Absolutely not. It’s just a ridiculous waste of money.” Apple and Samsung didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment. So what’s the true cost of a phone upgrade? Let’s look at the math. Flipsy, a company that buys and sells used phones, published an analysis this year arguing that it’s smart to buy a new iPhone every year. Here was its breakdown: — The iPhone 12 cost $799 last year. It’s now worth $460 if you trade it in to defray the cost of a new phone. The newest iPhones, the iPhone 13, also cost $799. So if you traded in your iPhone 12, the iPhone 13 would cost $339. At this rate, if you bought an iPhone every year for four years, including the original $799, the net total would be $1,816. — If you waited three years for the iPhone 15, your iPhone 12’s trade-in value would diminish to about $200. Trade it in and the cost of the iPhone 13 would be $599. Add in the original $799 and your net cost over four years would be $1,398. In summary, upgrading annually over three years costs $418 more, or roughly $12 a month, compared with upgrading every three years, Flipsy said. Framed this way, it may sound like a bargain to get a new phone every year as opposed to every few years. But plugging these numbers into a financial calculator tells a different story. If you put $12 a month into a retirement account, like a Roth IRA that has an average annual rate of return of 10%, that amount would turn into $25,161 over 30 years, according to Orman’s savings calculator. Orman compared the trade-in dilemma to buying cars. Car manufacturers could argue that the diminishing trade-in value of your car should compel you to buy a new one regularly — but don’t fall for it. “I love my car, and I don’t care that the value goes down,” she said. “Think of the 11 years I have saved money not having car payments, or trading it in and spending more money to get another car.” So what about those cups of coffee? On average, we pay $3 a cup, so $1,000 could buy roughly 333 cups. But naturally, making your own coffee is much cheaper. I plugged some numbers into a coffee calculator designed by Bone Fide Wealth, a financial planning service. A $16 bag of beans from Peet’s Coffee at Costco could brew about 41 cups of coffee for 39 cents each. So a $1,000 iPhone is worth about 2,500 cups of coffee. Not as compelling. Doug Boneparth, the president of Bone Fide Wealth, made a counterpoint. For people who have plenty of cash and are aware of the effects of their spending, splurging on new phones could be inconsequential to their overall savings goals compared with bigger expenses like housing — and if phones make them happy, go for it. He said he sets aside cash every year to buy a new iPhone as a sort of hobby. “Personal finance is quite personal,” Boneparth said. But he acknowledged that even his hobby was beginning to have diminishing returns because new phones weren’t getting much better technologically every year. “The 13 is the first one where I’m like, ‘This one literally only has a better camera,’” he said of the latest iPhone. Orman cautioned that for most people who didn’t have as much money in the bank, especially those in debt, the effects of a phone upgrade could snowball. A $1,000 phone charged to a credit card could turn into $3,000 with interest by the time it’s paid off, she said. More debt could also affect your credit score, making it harder to buy or rent a home. “If you think a phone is worth going into debt for, then, oh my God, you’ve now just set yourself up for always being in debt,” she said. “The truth of the matter is there’s nothing other than a medical expense worth going into debt for.”

The true cost of upgrading your phone

Researchers have revealed preliminary evidence that using smartphone sensors, it is feasible to detect if someone is high on cannabis.

The method uses information from the owner's smartphone to determine whether they are inebriated after taking cannabis. 
 
The study was based on a survey of 57 young individuals aged 18 to 25 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and was published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence.

The subjects said they used cannabis at least twice a week, and the researchers examined data from their phones to determine if that was enough to figure out when they used it.&nbsp;

“A smartphone sensor, much like what is used in GPS systems, might be a way to determine whether or not someone is intoxicated after consuming marijuana,” notes a study write-up posted on Rutgers Today.

In order to detect intoxication, the accelerometer - the phone's motion sensor – and GPS data were crucial.

The study was able to correctly identify 60 percent of the 451 cannabis usage episodes using only time factors such as day of the week and time of day.

When time features and smartphone sensor data were included in the analysis, the accuracy increased to 90%.&nbsp;

Intoxication with cannabis has been linked to decreased response times, which can influence performance at work or school, as well as altering driving behaviour, which can lead to injuries or fatalities.

Existing screening methods, such as blood, urine, and saliva tests, have limitations as indications of cannabis intoxication and impairment in daily life.

(With inputs from agencies)

Researchers have revealed preliminary evidence that using smartphone sensors, it is feasible to detect if someone is high on cannabis. The method uses information from the owner's smartphone to determine whether they are inebriated after taking cannabis.

Researchers have revealed preliminary evidence that using smartphone sensors, it is feasible to detect if someone is high on cannabis. The method uses information from the owner's smartphone to determine whether they are inebriated after taking cannabis. The study was based on a survey of 57 young individuals aged 18 to 25 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and was published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence. The subjects said they used cannabis at least twice a week, and the researchers examined data from their phones to determine if that was enough to figure out when they used it. “A smartphone sensor, much like what is used in GPS systems, might be a way to determine whether or not someone is intoxicated after consuming marijuana,” notes a study write-up posted on Rutgers Today. In order to detect intoxication, the accelerometer - the phone's motion sensor – and GPS data were crucial. The study was able to correctly identify 60 percent of the 451 cannabis usage episodes using only time factors such as day of the week and time of day. When time features and smartphone sensor data were included in the analysis, the accuracy increased to 90%. Intoxication with cannabis has been linked to decreased response times, which can influence performance at work or school, as well as altering driving behaviour, which can lead to injuries or fatalities. Existing screening methods, such as blood, urine, and saliva tests, have limitations as indications of cannabis intoxication and impairment in daily life. (With inputs from agencies)

Smoking weed? Your phone can detect if you’re high on marijuana

The European Commission will publish a legislative proposal for a standard charger for mobile phones, tablets, and headphones on Thursday — a move that is expected to harm iPhone maker Apple more than its competitors.

For more than a decade, the European Union executive and legislators have pushed for a standard charger, claiming that it would be better for the environment and more convenient for users.

The Commission wants the sale of chargers to be decoupled from devices and also propose a harmonised charging port.

If implemented, the new regulation will mandate the use of USB-C chargers in all cellphones sold in the European Union by 2024.&nbsp;

Brussels wants smartphone manufacturers to use a USB-C charging port to "harmonise the charging stations on devices."

Manufacturers must also utilise the same fast-charging software protocol across all phones, according to the legislative body.

That way, you can use a USB-C charger or charging cable that you bought for your Samsung Galaxy to charge your iPhone.

Apple is, of course, the prime target. Other smartphone makers are slowly but steadily making the conversion to USB-C.

For the iPhone, Cupertino, on the other hand, utilises its own Lightning adapter.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The European Commission will publish a legislative proposal for a standard charger for mobile phones, tablets, and headphones on Thursday — a move that is expected to harm iPhone maker Apple more than its competitors.

The European Commission will publish a legislative proposal for a standard charger for mobile phones, tablets, and headphones on Thursday — a move that is expected to harm iPhone maker Apple more than its competitors. For more than a decade, the European Union executive and legislators have pushed for a standard charger, claiming that it would be better for the environment and more convenient for users. The Commission wants the sale of chargers to be decoupled from devices and also propose a harmonised charging port. If implemented, the new regulation will mandate the use of USB-C chargers in all cellphones sold in the European Union by 2024. Brussels wants smartphone manufacturers to use a USB-C charging port to "harmonise the charging stations on devices." Manufacturers must also utilise the same fast-charging software protocol across all phones, according to the legislative body. That way, you can use a USB-C charger or charging cable that you bought for your Samsung Galaxy to charge your iPhone. Apple is, of course, the prime target. Other smartphone makers are slowly but steadily making the conversion to USB-C. For the iPhone, Cupertino, on the other hand, utilises its own Lightning adapter. (With inputs from agencies)

'Common charger for all phones': EU wants phones to use USB-C chargers by 2024

What's the toughest substance on Earth? Diamond? Vibranium? Apparently, the answer is Nokia 3310. True fans are gushing over the iconic, NOT smart but super nostalgic phone completing 21 years of its release.&nbsp;

Nokia 3310 was released in September 2000. The phone had a black and white display, memory enough to save just 8 dialled calls in call records and absolutely no capabilities smartphones today offer us.

But it was tough! The body appeared unbreakable as the phone showed no signs of discomfort after a nasty fall. Some users would still remember miracle tales of Nokia 3310 surviving a fall from second storey of a building!

Social media is expectedly abuzz with posts recalling the good-ol-days filled with appreciation of the yesteryear tech piece.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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The hardest substance found on Earth? 
 
Nokia 3310 <a href="https://t.co/wycnTltKRl">pic.twitter.com/wycnTltKRl</a>
— MB (@Bowx_) <a href="https://twitter.com/Bowx_/status/1431899640874536962?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

You remember Snake don't you?

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What a classic. Nokia 3310. <a href="https://t.co/JAveyZJD65">pic.twitter.com/JAveyZJD65</a>
— Chitter Chatter (@ChitterChatUK) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChitterChatUK/status/1431886532303020037?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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&nbsp;

A time when you could compose your own ringtones!

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Playing snake for hours and composing your own ringtones were the best things to do on the Nokia 3310 <a href="https://t.co/bWohWIPP2z">pic.twitter.com/bWohWIPP2z</a>
— ᴛᴀsʜᴀ ʟᴏᴜɪsᴇ | ᴇǫᴜᴀʟs ɪs ᴄᴏᴍɪɴɢ 🦋 (@eds_afterglow) <a href="https://twitter.com/eds_afterglow/status/1431905247014883330?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Seems legit!

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How Nokia 3310 was made <a href="https://t.co/4nEBtLIFe6">pic.twitter.com/4nEBtLIFe6</a>
— STEM 🔬🤖⚙️🧮 (@stem_feed) <a href="https://twitter.com/stem_feed/status/1432553523238129673?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Another thing the phone was loved for was its battery life! Today when we metally celebrate when our smartphone battery lasts for a whole day, Nokia 3310 gave you enough juice to comfortably last two days (and more!)

So much was the love for the old gizmo that Nokia even launched a 4G version of Nokia 3310 couple years ago. But the new phone, though eliciting nostalgic reactions could not match the craze for the old one when it ruled the handset market.

What's the toughest substance on Earth? Diamond? Vibranium? Apparently, the answer is Nokia 3310. True fans are gushing over the iconic, NOT smart but super nostalgic phone completing 21 years of its release.

What's the toughest substance on Earth? Diamond? Vibranium? Apparently, the answer is Nokia 3310. True fans are gushing over the iconic, NOT smart but super nostalgic phone completing 21 years of its release. Nokia 3310 was released in September 2000. The phone had a black and white display, memory enough to save just 8 dialled calls in call records and absolutely no capabilities smartphones today offer us. But it was tough! The body appeared unbreakable as the phone showed no signs of discomfort after a nasty fall. Some users would still remember miracle tales of Nokia 3310 surviving a fall from second storey of a building! Social media is expectedly abuzz with posts recalling the good-ol-days filled with appreciation of the yesteryear tech piece. The hardest substance found on Earth? Nokia 3310 pic.twitter.com/wycnTltKRl — MB (@Bowx_) August 29, 2021 × You remember Snake don't you? What a classic. Nokia 3310. pic.twitter.com/JAveyZJD65 — Chitter Chatter (@ChitterChatUK) August 29, 2021 × A time when you could compose your own ringtones! Playing snake for hours and composing your own ringtones were the best things to do on the Nokia 3310 pic.twitter.com/bWohWIPP2z — ᴛᴀsʜᴀ ʟᴏᴜɪsᴇ | ᴇǫᴜᴀʟs ɪs ᴄᴏᴍɪɴɢ 🦋 (@eds_afterglow) August 29, 2021 × Seems legit! How Nokia 3310 was made pic.twitter.com/4nEBtLIFe6 — STEM 🔬🤖⚙️🧮 (@stem_feed) August 31, 2021 × Another thing the phone was loved for was its battery life! Today when we metally celebrate when our smartphone battery lasts for a whole day, Nokia 3310 gave you enough juice to comfortably last two days (and more!) So much was the love for the old gizmo that Nokia even launched a 4G version of Nokia 3310 couple years ago. But the new phone, though eliciting nostalgic reactions could not match the craze for the old one when it ruled the handset market.

Nokia 3310 turns 21 and tweeple know how to celebrate

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