Can India really innovate?
India is becoming Apple's factory floor. The world's leading gadget-maker now assembles nearly one in five of its iPhones in the country. By 2026 it hopes to make all the handsets it sells in America in Indian plants, a shift that has irritated President Donald Trump. Foxconn, its biggest supplier, recently pledged another $1.5bn to expand local operations. It is not alone: over the past decade India's electronics industry has grown five-fold. For firms looking to reduce their dependence on China, India is increasingly attractive.
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The Independent
11 minutes ago
- The Independent
Midyear shopping festival shows robust purchasing power
Chinese consumers have exhibited robust purchasing power for home appliances and intelligent electronic products during this year's '618' shopping carnival, a weekslong sales event that culminates on 18 June, as e-commerce platforms have ramped up efforts to offer steep discounts and shopping subsidies amid the country's pro-consumption policies, such as the consumer goods trade-in programme. Experts said the midyear promotional event is expected to play a vital role in further stimulating people's purchasing appetite, expanding domestic demand and promoting the recovery of the consumer market, given that boosting consumption is a top priority for China's economic growth this year. Data from e-commerce giant JD, which initiated the '618' shopping extravaganza, showed that the turnover, order volume and number of shoppers placing orders on the platform all increased more than 200 per cent year-on-year in the first hour of the shopping gala, which officially started at 8 pm on 30 May. More than 20,000 brands saw their sales surge more than threefold year-on-year during this hour, and the turnover in the electronics categories soared over 380 per cent from a year earlier, JD said. Meanwhile, over 500 home appliance and home lifestyle brands recorded over tenfold growth in turnover compared with the previous year. The transaction volume of Apple, Xiaomi, Midea, Huawei and Haier each surpassed 100 million yuan (£10.3 million) very quickly within the first hour of the promotion, while the sales of more than 10,000 popular electronic products such as gaming laptops, high-end earphones and intelligent robots skyrocketed over tenfold year-on-year. According to Tmall, Alibaba Group's business-to-customer platform, 217 brands saw their sales exceed 100 million yuan (£10.3 million) between 8 pm on 16 May and 9 pm on 30 May. The turnover of home appliances, mobile phones and digital products participating in the country's trade-in programme increased 283 per cent compared with last year's Singles Day shopping festival, a weekslong sales event that peaks on 11 November. The overall sales of home appliances, home decorations and electronic gadgets registered double-digit growth year-on-year, Tmall said. Consumers increasingly prefer to snap up bargains via livestreaming on the e-commerce platform, with the turnover from 419 livestreaming rooms surpassing 10 million yuan (£1.03 million) as of 9 pm on 30 May. 'Consumption has become the main driving force boosting China's economic growth, and the 18 June online shopping extravaganza is pivotal in terms of unleashing consumers' purchasing potential, driving domestic demand and shoring up the economy amid external uncertainties,' said Wang Yun, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Macroeconomic Research. Stephan Patton, from the United States, who works for a multinational company in Shanghai, recently bought a new refrigerator and outdoor sports equipment on Chinese e-commerce platforms. 'I am delighted to stock up on products that I am keen to purchase without spending too much money during the shopping festival.' He said there are some pretty decent discounts if people can catch them in time, and he enjoyed a discount of about 20 per cent with shopping coupons. China's efficient delivery services have also greatly impressed him. 'Most items can be delivered to my doorstep the next day after placing an order. It is quite convenient.' The country announced a raft of measures to expand the scope of the consumer goods trade-in programme in January, increasing funding from 150 billion yuan (£15.4 billion) last year to 300 billion yuan (£30.8 billion) through ultra-long-term special treasury bonds, and offering subsidies for more home appliances and electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets and smartwatches. 'The policy measures to encourage trade-ins of consumer goods have not only motivated consumers' enthusiasm to purchase and bolstered the sales of consumer electronic products and household appliances on online marketplaces, but also propelled the popularity of green and energy-saving commodities,' said Mo Daiqing, a senior analyst at the Internet Economy Institute, a domestic consultancy.
Reuters
23 minutes ago
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Germany records fewer insolvencies for first time in over two years
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Geeky Gadgets
an hour ago
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Apple's iOS 26 brings a range of updates to Apple CarPlay, redefining how you interact with your vehicle's infotainment system. With a focus on personalization, expanded functionality, and seamless integration, these enhancements aim to improve your driving experience while prioritizing safety and convenience. Whether you're commuting, running errands, or embarking on a road trip, the latest features ensure that CarPlay remains an essential companion on the road. The video below from iDeviceHelp gives us a look at the new features in Apple CarPlay with iOS 26. Watch this video on YouTube. Key Features at a Glance The iOS 26 update introduces several noteworthy improvements to CarPlay, including: A customizable user interface for a tailored experience. Expanded support for third-party apps. Real-time widgets for instant updates. Deeper integration with vehicle systems. Enhanced Siri capabilities for hands-free control. Multi-display functionality for supported vehicles. 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Deeper Integration with Vehicle Systems iOS 26 enhances CarPlay's integration with your vehicle's systems, offering control over features like climate settings, seat adjustments, and ambient lighting. This deeper integration creates a unified interface where you can manage both entertainment and comfort settings from a single platform. By streamlining these controls, CarPlay simplifies the driving experience, allowing you to focus on the road while still enjoying a personalized and comfortable environment. Enhanced Siri Capabilities for Hands-Free Control Siri has received significant upgrades in iOS 26, making it smarter and more responsive. You can now issue complex voice commands, such as adjusting navigation routes, composing detailed messages, or controlling specific vehicle settings, with improved accuracy. These enhancements ensure that you can interact with CarPlay safely and efficiently, even while driving. By allowing hands-free operation, Siri helps you stay connected and in control without compromising safety. Multi-Display Support for Greater Accessibility For vehicles equipped with multiple displays, iOS 26 introduces multi-display functionality. This feature allows different types of information to be displayed on separate screens. For instance, you can view navigation on the main display while accessing media controls or climate settings on a secondary screen. This division of information reduces screen clutter and enhances usability, making it easier to manage various tasks simultaneously without losing focus on driving. Upgraded Navigation Tools with Real-Time Insights Navigation in CarPlay has been significantly improved with more detailed maps, enhanced lane guidance, and expanded route options. Real-time traffic updates and alternative route suggestions help you avoid delays, making sure a smoother and more efficient journey. These upgrades are particularly beneficial when navigating unfamiliar areas, as they provide clear and accurate guidance to help you reach your destination with ease. Improved Messaging and Communication Features Messaging and communication tools in CarPlay have been redesigned to prioritize safety and ease of use. You can now listen to and respond to messages using voice commands, minimizing distractions while driving. Additionally, group messaging support has been introduced, allowing you to stay connected with multiple contacts simultaneously. These updates ensure that you can communicate effectively without compromising your focus on the road. Why iOS 26 Enhances the CarPlay Experience The iOS 26 update represents a significant advancement in in-car technology, combining customization, expanded app support, and deeper vehicle integration to deliver a more intuitive and seamless driving experience. By prioritizing safety, convenience, and functionality, these updates make CarPlay an indispensable tool for modern drivers. Whether you're navigating through traffic, staying connected with loved ones, or managing your vehicle's settings, iOS 26 ensures that CarPlay adapts to your needs. With its focus on enhancing usability and reducing distractions, this update reaffirms Apple's commitment to creating technology that improves your time on the road. From smarter navigation to hands-free communication, iOS 26 transforms CarPlay into a more powerful and user-friendly platform for every journey. Here are more detailed guides and articles that you may find helpful on iOS 26 CarPlay features. Source & Image Credit: iDeviceHelp Filed Under: Apple, Apple iPhone, Auto News, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. 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