Smartwatch boom cools off in 2025
Tired of too many ads?
Remove Ads
Tired of too many ads?
Remove Ads
Smartwatches, once among the fastest growing consumer electronics segments, are now finding fewer takers in India. Shipments fell for the fifth consecutive quarter by 33% on-year in the January-March period, amid a shift from volume-driven sales of budget devices to a focus on premium features.The quarter also saw a decline in the number of active brands in the segment and new models launched.Market trackers said 2025 will be a year of correction for the industry where brands will focus on higher-end price segments to fuel growth. Shipments are expected to grow 2% on-year by the end of the year, after declining 34.4% on-year in 2024.For top brands, launches have gone down from around five to six new models per quarter last year to an average of two to three models in Q1 2025, Counterpoint Research said.The research firm said the overall installed base relative to smartphone users, estimated to be around 15-20%, has not changed significantly since last year.The contribution of the sub-₹5,000 budget segment to overall shipments fell from 95% in Q1 2024 to 91% in Q1 2025, with the premium segment seeing sharper growth. The ₹5,000-10,000 price segment is emerging as the area of focus, which grew 17% on-year in Q1, in what is being seen as a year of correction for the industry, said Anshika Jain, research analyst, Counterpoint Research."Organic consumer demand and search queries have gone down for smartwatches. The attach ratio has peaked and is no longer increasing. The repeat purchase ratio is also much lower compared to products like TWS (truly wireless stereo) earbuds," Varun Gupta, co-founder, Boult Audio, told ET.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Mint
2 hours ago
- Mint
Sound check: The best TWS earbuds out there today
It may have taken a rather courageous decision by a well-known phone brand to lose the headphone jack, but nine years later, the inevitable march of progress has ensured wireless earbuds are safely ensconced in our collective ears, bags and pockets. Our roundup today takes a look at the newest wireless earbuds, across form factors and price points, and one that packs in every bell and whistle imaginable. Here's our list, in order of price: OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z3 ( ₹1,699) Neckband style wireless buds appeal to a specific audience that swears by the function-over-form design. Ergo, the Bullets Wireless Z3 don't toy with the formula that made the Z2 a hit, opting only to tweak some rough edges. If it's the hands-free, long-lasting neckband life you prefer, the Z3 are a bargain, and then some! Pros: The Bullets Wireless Z3 is built to purpose and delivers solidly with a convenient magnetically attaching design that hangs around your neck, ready to use in a snap, without having to fish around for them or worry about one falling off. Handily power down when not in use, and the physical buttons to play/pause, change tracks and control volume are far more reliable than mediocre gesture controls on most entry-level TWS buds. Excellent microphone performance, although the AI Call Noise Cancellation feature is rather broken and is best left off. Insane battery life, at 36 hours of playback, and a quick 10-minute charge giving you 27 hours of battery life. Cons: The audio from the 12.4mm dynamic drivers is unquestionably massy and bass-heavy, drowning out the details at higher frequencies – great for long phone calls on the commute or listening to workout playlists at the gym, less so for tracks that requires finesse and details. Pro tip: use that BassWave feature on the companion app to dial the bass down, works far better than the audio presets. Supports the Bluetooth 5.4 standard but lacks multi-device pairing. CMF Buds 2 / Buds 2 Plus ( ₹2,699 / ₹3,299) Nothing's sub-brand CMF is known for its strong entry-level portfolio of audio products, with the liberal sprinkling of the charming, playful design associated with the CMF brand. The Buds 2 and Buds 2 Plus do well to land the brief, if you're looking for a pair of TWS buds on a budget. Pros: The surprise inclusion of active noise cancellation on both models, plus the high-res LDAC codec support on Plus variant. Both models have touch controls, IP55 protection and dual device connectivity, but the Buds 2 Plus get the larger 12mm drivers and slightly better ANC than the Buds 2. Sonic signature on both favors the low end, with the Buds 2 Plus nudging ahead discernably enough to warrant the additional outlay. Good battery life on both, with close to seven hours of listening per charge with noise cancellation. Cons: Dial on the cases doesn't have any functionality (volume/track control). OnePlus Buds 4 ( ₹5,999) OnePlus' mainline Buds 4 get a lot right for the price, bringing many erstwhile Pro features and performance to a lower price point, including larger dual drivers paired with a new dual digital-to-analog-converter (DAC) system and noise cancelling that rivals earbuds thrice its price. With a detailed yet balanced sound signature that punches well above its price point, the Buds 4 were a revelation and an easy recommendation both rolled into one! Pros: Comfortable to wear for hours on end, and IP55 rated for sweat/rain. With a big 11mm woofer for bass and a 6mm tweeter for the mids and highs, plus high-res LHDC 5.0 support, sound quality is surprisingly mature for the price, and nearly as good as the Buds Pro 3 at half its price. Bass is very much the star though it is reined in, allowing the well-balanced mids and highs to shine through - and you can always tweak the EQ via the HeyMelody Companion app. Noise cancellation is shockingly good, reducing noise up to 55dB, and is paired with an exceptional transparency mode that beats anything under Rs. 10,000 by a country mile. Impressive battery life at 6 hours with ANC on. Cons: The pebble-shaped case design feels premium, though the metallic texture makes it slippery to grasp and susceptible to drops. As with the case, the buds themselves are chunkier, allowing for somewhat middling gesture controls on the stem. Occasional latency issues, and no wireless charging. Sony WF-C710N ( ₹8,490) A retro translucent finish that's new to Sony's lineup, strong ANC and improved app controls – the Sony WF-C710N brings a slice of flagship finesse to a mid-range price point. Pros: Excellent active noise cancellation, a warm and balanced sound profile with the ability to tweak a five-band equalizer via the app, comfortable and secure fit for extended use, reliable battery life with fast charging and features like multi-point support and wear detection. Cons: Lacks high-res LDAC codec support. Translucent case is eye-catching but a tad plasticky and lacks wireless charging. JBL Tour Pro 3 ( ₹22,999) JBL is betting big on the smart charging case with the Tour Pro 3, but beyond the genuinely useful party trick lies a pair of well-executed wireless earbuds that do a lot of things really well – excellent noise cancellation, great battery life and flagship-grade audio quality with support for hi-res and spatial audio. If you have the budget, the Tour Pro 3 offers a glimpse of what the future of TWS buds can look like. Pros: The earbuds themselves are a familiar design – short, egg-shaped with a discreet touch-sensitive stem, that fit easily and securely into your ear canal – but the case…is something else. Unlike anything one has seen from rival brands, the case sports a 1.57-inch touchscreen that lets you access features and earbuds settings – volume, ANC settings, equalizer presets, finding a lost bud – without needing to access the JBL app on your phone. Here's the clincher – the case can act as a wireless audio transmitter over USB or 3.5mm stereo cables (both included) – so you can use the buds with analog sources such as inflight entertainment systems…or old cassette players! Use it with a modern Android with LDAC support and you will be rewarded with a mature, bass-forward sound signature that does not disappoint – great for pop music, EDM and the latest chartbusters, less so for acoustic or classical music. Multipoint pairing over Bluetooth 5.3 and tailored sound via the Personi-Fi 2.0 personalisation tool is par for the course, and ANC is competitive, even given the segments' high performing peers. Battery life is impressive – eight hours with ANC on, and another three charges in the case. Cons: The case is chunky and getting the earbuds out in a jiffy is sometimes tricky. Sound staging needs work, and audio purists will note a lack of nuance and finesse.
India Today
20 hours ago
- India Today
Sony WF-C710N earbuds review: Transparent design and great ANC sound on a budget
In the past few years, the market for TWS earbuds has grown exponentially. While the premium segment is still dominated by big brands like Bose, JBL, Sony and Apple, it's the under Rs 15,000 market where things get more interesting. This is the segment where both global and home-grown players are competing, each offering almost everything - yet with something unique that sets them apart from one another. At the end of the day, it really comes down to what you really want from your TWS recently launched the WF-C710N TWS earbuds, priced at Rs 12,990. However, they're already available on e-commerce sites at a discount, so you can grab them for just under Rs 10,000. The company says that these earbuds are designed for users who want solid sound quality, effective ANC, customisation features, and all within a specific budget. But then again, almost every other brand promises the what makes these stand out?While I loved the transparent design, what truly stood out for me was the sound - and, above all, the ANC. I have been using these earbuds for weeks now, taking them with me to the office, on commutes, and even on flights and travel, and throughout this time the overall experience has really made me fall for them. In fact, I'd say they're an easy recommendation from us for anyone looking for a good pair of earbuds in this price segment. Of course, they are not perfect, and I will get to that shortly. But before that, here's a quick look at the specs: The Sony WF-C710N comes with a 5mm driver, Digital Noise Cancellation, and an Ambient Sound Mode. The earbuds promise up to 40 hours of battery life with the case, plus quick charge support. They are rated IPX4 for water resistance and weigh just 5.2g each. For connectivity, these TWS support Bluetooth 5.3 with Multipoint Connection, and there's an AI-powered voice pickup feature that promises to offer clear call clarity. Touch controls are also customisable via the Sony Headphones Connect app. Liked the blue, but big and somewhat bulkyThe earbuds are available in black, white, pink, and transparent blue. While the first three colours feature a solid finish, it's the blue that really stands out. It's also the first time Sony has experimented with a transparent design. On the blue variant I reviewed, the buds themselves are transparent, the lid of the case is clear, and the bottom half is translucent - so you can even see the circuitry inside, which looks pretty case itself is compact enough to slip into even narrow trouser pockets, and if you place it on a table, it's definitely a conversation starter. My first worry, though, was smudges and scratches. Transparent finishes often pick these up easily. But even after weeks of daily use, I noticed barely any visible marks. Now I do tend to handle my gadgets with some care, but even when I deliberately tossed the earbuds into a bag with keys and cables, the case managed to remain scratch free. The buds themselves could be lighter and smaller. Instead of a stem, they have a more rounded, bulkier shape that didn't quite work for me in terms of fit. Even after trying all the ear tip sizes, the fit still didn't feel secure. The buds sit slightly outside the ear canal, and during commutes or workouts, they occasionally slip that hits just rightSony's audio devices have always leaned towards a bass-heavy profile while still maintaining a clear and detailed midrange. Now my usual playlist is mostly pop, so I really like the soundstage Sony's audio devices offer. Balance vocals and instruments individually, yet beautifully layer them together in the ears. So whether it was the Billboard hit Your Idol from KPop Demon Hunters, or Heart on the Window by Jin and Wendy, I thoroughly enjoyed the songs on it wasn't just K-pop, listening to Eminem's Lose Yourself, one of my all-time favourites, was an absolute treat on the WF-C710N. From the slow build-up to the punch of the guitar and Eminem's commanding vocals, everything landed with impact, blacked with the thumping bass. You can also customise the audio through the Sony Headphones Connect app, which is also nice as it allows you to set the equalizer according to the mood and the much as I liked the sound, the ANC was the bigger surprise. Despite the slightly uncomfortable fit, it was the ANC that kept me coming back to these buds. Normally, I use Google Pixel Buds as my daily drivers, but the WF-C710N often made me swap them out. Be it to silence the office chatter and focus on work, or to tone down the engine roar during flights for a quieter app also offers an Ambient Sound mode, which is handy when travelling or when you don't want to completely cut off from your surroundings. On top of that, there's Adaptive Sound Control, which automatically adjusts between ambient and noise-cancelling modes based on your for call quality, I had no issues handling calls indoors. Outdoors, however, I did notice a slight drop, with my voice not always coming through clearly. Now, coming to battery life: the WF-C710N offers around 12 hours of playback with ANC off and about 8 hours with ANC on. With the charging case, Sony claims up to 40 hours in total. In my usage, the numbers were fairly close. I typically used the earbuds for 3–4 hours a day with ANC switched on, and I found myself topping up the case every two to three days. Overall, the battery life is decent, if not WF-C710N earbuds review: Should you buy it?If you are looking for a premium pair of earbuds with good sound, great ANC and decent battery life, the Sony WF-C710N is definitely worth considering. If your playlists are filled with pop, Punjabi tracks or Bollywood chartbusters, you will definitely enjoy the sound. The ANC also elevates the listening experience, silencing the background chatter and making the music more focused and enjoyable. Call quality is also clear, though outdoors it can be a little said, if you don't usually prefer bulkier earbuds and want a snug, all-day fit, these may not be the best option. But if what you are after is excellent sound and impressive noise-cancelling above all else, the WF-C710N is definitely a solid choice in this price range. Especially if you grab them at a discounted price of Rs 8,990.- Ends
NDTV
2 days ago
- NDTV
Ex-Intel Engineer Varun Gupta Fined Rs 29 Lakh For Leaking Files To Microsoft
A former Intel engineer has been sentenced to two years of probation and fined $34,472, approximately Rs 29 lakh, for stealing and sharing confidential company information with Microsoft. Varun Gupta, who holds an IIT degree and has worked for Intel for over a decade as a product marketing engineer, carried out this scheme to secure a role at Microsoft, according to Oregon Live. He copied and shared thousands of files, including the one containing Intel's pricing strategy, internal presentations, and competitive analysis the tech giant used to run its business. A PowerPoint presentation outlining Intel's pricing strategy for a big client was among the materials he took with him. These documents later helped Microsoft in negotiations with Intel. According to Tom's Hardware, Mr Gupta left Intel in January 2020. In the days before his exit from chip manufacturer Santa Clara's headquarters, he spent considerable time transferring files containing trade secrets and sensitive business information. Prosecutor William Narus sought an eight-month imprisonment for Gupta, arguing that he repeatedly accessed Intel's confidential files, court documents show. "Gupta had purposefully and repetitively accessed secret documents," he told the court. Defence lawyer David Angeli admitted the seriousness of Gupta's actions but urged the court to impose a lighter sentence. He stated that Mr Gupta had already lost his chance to ever work in a major tech giant and had paid $40,000 (approx. Rs 33.4 lakh) as a civil settlement with Intel. Intel first took legal action against Mr Gupta in February 2021, before a civil settlement was reached. However, criminal proceedings continued, and in December 2024, he was formally charged with keeping stolen trade secrets. In February 2025, he pleaded guilty, according to The Federal. The techie expressed regret to the US government, Microsoft, and Intel for the resources used as a result of his "bad decision" in a statement to the court. He left the software field to go to Europe with his family, where he is currently pursuing a degree in vineyard management in preparation for a career in the wine industry. He is currently working to rebuild his life in France.
