Latest news with #consumertech
CNET
13 hours ago
- Business
- CNET
The Sonos Ace Headphones Have Never Been So Cheap
Sonos is a name that you've probably seen associated with wireless speakers more than anything else, but it finally entered the headphone market last year. The Sonos Ace headphones instantly became real competition for some of the top headphones from more familiar headphone companies, which is always a good thing for consumers. When CNET's audio expert David Carnoy reviewed the Sonos Ace, one of the few downsides he pointed out was the high price tag, but that's less of an issue right now, thanks to a limited-time $175 discount. This deal brings the price down to just $274, a price that makes this the best deal that we've seen to date. The catch? This deal ends this weekend which means you only have a very limited amount of time to act. On a more positive note, you do get to choose between the white and black versions when placing your order. Carnoy liked the headphones a lot, stating that "overall the Ace deliver a more premium listening experience, as well as better noise-canceling and voice-calling performance" than many other options at this premium price range, but did state that the price tag itself was an issue. They're comfortable, have strong spatial audio and they look good to boot. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. These headphones boast support for lossless audio via Bluetooth and their USB-C port, while plush memory foam ear pads ensure a comfortable fit all day long. You'll also get up to 30 hours of battery life even with ANC enabled, while just three minutes on the charger gets you up to three hours of playback. The newness of the Sonos Ace headphones and the rarity of Sonos deals make this one of the best deals on headphones right now, especially if you like having the latest devices. Why this deal matters The Sonos Ace headphones are currently available at a significant discount. You can save $175 on these if you are quick. This is the lowest price we've seen, but the limited-time status means you need to act soon. We don't expect this price to be beat any time soon, so keep that in mind when planning your purchase.
Khaleej Times
25-05-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Sales of consumer tech and durables in Middle East and Africa to hit S68 billion this year
Total sales of consumer tech and durables in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) is expected to rise two per cent this year to $68 billion, a report showed. with 2 per cent growth rate. According to NielsenIQ, a leading consumer intelligence company, emerging markets such as the Middle East are leading to global growth in global consumer tech and durables sales. Strong economic sentiment in specific countries within the MEA in 2025 will continue to drive the region's overall demand for consumer technology. Saudi Arabia and the UAE are seen as priority markets for premium smartphones, TVs, and laptops. However, demand for lower-priced devices is also increasing, with lower-income consumers buying Chinese brands that offer strong features and functionality at lower price points. In 2025, brands selling into the Middle East and Africa must navigate fragmented consumer profiles and a crowded retail landscape. Success will depend on clear brand differentiation and tailored product ranges that balance price and functionality across diverse markets. Staying informed on global consumer trends is also essential, as MEA consumers rapidly close the gap in trend adoption. The revenue share of phones equipped with an AI processor, by region in MEA, is 32 per cent of total sales. In smartphones, foldables are a small segment, but volume demand is growing fast within Egypt and Saudi Arabia. In the UAE, premium purchases overall are being boosted by higher-income expatriates returning from Russia, together with foreign tourists to UAE buying portable tech to take home with them. Saudi Arabia's growth in gaming PCs and accessories will continue, driven by the social adoption of e-sports in the country. Globally, consumer tech and durables sales are likely to reach $1.29 trillion — driven by emerging markets, replacement cycles, and premium innovation - in the year ahead. 'Manufacturers and retailers should focus on creating solutions that address real-world challenges and elevate the consumer experience. This involves leveraging cutting-edge technologies to offer products that are not only high-quality but also user-friendly and impactful', says Andrey Dvoychenkov, NielsenIQ General Manager APP. 'By doing so, they can build stronger connections with consumers who are increasingly seeking products that align with their values and enhance their daily lives.' The tech demand is increasing across generations, but it is much more vocal in Gen Z, the report showed. Data shows that 48 per cent of Gen Z regularly use a wearable device that autonomously tracks and learns their behaviour. This number is only 31 per cent for Gen X. In another point, 46 per cent of Gen Z leverages AI in their mobile devices to automate and speed up their everyday decisions whereas it is only 34 per cent for Gen X. 'As we see significant adoption of new technologies for younger generation, the demand and early adoption of any new technology or trend will be driven by Gen Z,' the report said.
Times
15-05-2025
- Business
- Times
Sidemen YouTube collective launches venture capital firm
The Sidemen, Europe's largest YouTube collective with more than 150 million followers and 50 billion views across all its social media channels, has co-founded Upside, a venture capital firm backing consumer tech start-ups. The group formed in 2013 and is best known for producing hugely popular videos of its members taking part in challenges, sketches and video games commentaries. Those members have now invested some of their own money in a firm called Upside VC, which has made 12 investments of between £100,000 and £500,000 in companies including Howbout, a social calendar app to share schedules with friends; Mile, a membership app offering deals on luxury products and services; and Nimbi, which makes plastic-free razors. As well as financial backing, Upside's portfolio companies will also
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Ralph Lauren anoints global chief digital officer
This story was originally published on CIO Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily CIO Dive newsletter. Ralph Lauren tapped Naveen Seshadri to serve as global chief digital officer last month, the executive said in a Tuesday post on LinkedIn. Seshadri, who joined the fashion retailer in April 2024 as the global head of consumer technology and digital commerce in North America, said he will shape a connected digital ecosystem "from digital commerce and in-store technology, to global consumer experience and innovation.' The appointment comes as Ralph Lauren reaches the end of a three-year strategic growth initiative introduced to investors in September 2022 called 'Next Great Chapter: Accelerate.' The three-prong plan aims to return the clothing brand to its luxury roots and foster sustainable long-term growth, partially enabled by its 'best-in-class digital technology and analytics,' the company said in a press release. Ralph Lauren continues to place an emphasis on digital transformation to upgrade the back-end technology driving its consumer business. During a February earnings call, CFO Justin Picicci told investors, 'This new buying framework is just one element of our upcoming next-generation transformation strategy, which will bring together our new global ERP system with integrated business planning tools and more productive, agile logistics to align with our increasingly global [direct-to-consumer]-oriented business going forward.' Its push toward modernization could also be seen in the revitalization effort that started in 2022 under former chief digital and technology officer Janet Sherlock, who retired in September. Sherlock's successor, Christopher Conrad, left in January and is now chief technology and information officer at clothing retailer Aritzia. Seshadri is moving into the role with years of experience behind him, having served in executive positions at Walt Disney Company, Foot Locker, BJ's Wholesale Club and Lonely Planet. BJ's brought Seshadri into its omnichannel team as VP of digital commerce and experience to lead digital customer experience strategy, e-commerce merchandising, digital marketing and digital insights and analytics, the retailer said in a 2018 press release. BJ's then SVP and Chief Digital Officer, Rafeh Masood, noted at the time that Seshadri's 'extensive experience in driving omnichannel transformations and his leadership will help as we work to deliver more to our members." A sharp focus on digital maturity is of interest to Ralph Lauren, according to Sky Canaves, a principal analyst at Emarketer, who described Ralph Lauren as one of the 'standout brands in luxury.' Digital is 'critically important' on the backend of the business, where the company can optimize operations and manage customer interactions with physical, digital and social properties on the path to purchase, Canaves told CIO Dive. In February, Ralph Lauren reported 11% revenue growth to $2.1 billion for Q3 of fiscal 2025. The company also raised expectations for 6% to 7% in constant currency revenues for fiscal 2025, which ended in March. The company is expected to deliver Q4 and fiscal 2025 earnings later this month. The retailer did not respond to a request for comment on Seshadri's appointment before publication.
