Technology
Top Smartphones Of Mobile World Congress
While the Consumer Electronics Show generally features consumer tech from varying different areas such as connected cars, laptops, home appliances, wearables, and drones, Mobile World Congress (MWC) narrows its focus to smartphones, tablets, and all things mobile. Even so, Mobile World Congress is probably the second largest consumer technology trade show after CES. Many tech companies use this time to make major product announcements, usually smartphones. This year was no different as many high profile companies such as LG, Sony, and even Nokia revealed the future of their products. One of the bigger surprises was the lack of a Galaxy S8 announcement from Samsung. That reveal (which has already leaked) is scheduled for Samsung Unpacked event later this month. Here are the top 5 announcements of Mobile World Congress:
LG G6
While last year’s G5 was certainly a bold move for LG, their take on modular smartphones was nevertheless an unsuccessful one. Switching between modules was somewhat clunky and many reviewers lamented the questionable build quality and easily scratched paint job. Fortunately at Mobile World Congress, LG finally made the G6 official after months of rumors and speculation. This year seems to be a reset from last year and a return to form. From the outset, the most noticeable thing about the G6 is the big, beautiful 5.7” Quad HD screen dominating the front. The 18:9 ratio allows wider content viewing although videos may display black bars on the sides. The bezels are very minimal with an almost edge to edge screen (although not spilling over the edge like Samsung’s Galaxy S6/S7 Edge). It loses the modular features of the G5 and instead unibody design of glass and metal. The unibody design means that it loses the ability to remove the battery, however, that allows for waterproofing and wireless charging. For all of you spec junkies, it has a Snapdragon 821 CPU and Adreno 530 GPU. It has dual 13 megapixel wide angle cameras in the back. Finally, it comes with Android 7.0 Nougat with Google Assistant out of the box. While the G6 doesn’t necessarily have a neat party tricks like the G5, the laser focus on the basics makes this a very competent flagship phone.
Nokia
To call Microsoft’s purchase of Nokia’s smartphone business a disaster is an understatement. However, Nokia is poised to make a comeback with all new smartphones, now powered by Android instead of Windows 10 Mobile. This time, Nokia gave the licensing rights for the Nokia brand to HMD Global to manufacture and distribute the phones. What resulted is the Nokia 3, 5, and 6. A trio of low to mid range Android phones that might turn a few heads despite the lower specs. The biggest draw for these phones is the bone stock version of Android 7.1.1 Nougat that’s loaded on the phones. No carrier bloatware, no intrusive skins, no customizations at all. Just pure stock Android. The stock nature of the new Nokias mean faster performance and potentially faster updates. According to The Verge, HMD has about 500 carrier and retail partners but hasn’t committed to any U.S. carriers. HMD is probably trying to test the waters with mid range phones before making any high-end Nokia branded phones to compete with the likes of iPhone and Galaxy.
Nokia 3310
This isn’t a smartphone but “ain’t no school like the old school” as the saying goes. HMD is reviving the much loved and practically indestructible Nokia 3310. The new and improved 3310 sports a more rounded shape, various color choices, and has a bigger, colorful screen than the old phone. Make no mistake though, these are still basic phones that you can use to text (using T9 of course), call, take pictures, and yes…play a game of Snake. Those who want to indulge their nostalgia can pick these up for about $50.
Sony Xperia XZ Premium
Going back up the spectrum into the decidedly high-end is the Sony Xperia XZ Premium. Sony actually admitted that they lacked innovation in 2016. At Mobile World Congress, Sony is ticking every single box spec wise with the XZ Premium. It has the world’s first 5.5” 4K HDR screen. HDR is High Dynamic Range which basically allows for more vibrant colors. The effect is quite noticeable on HDTVs that have HDR enabled. Although the screen is 4K, because it uses LCD technology, it’s not suitable for VR since the response times in LCD are too low. In addition to that, the XZ Premium is packing Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 835 processor, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage. It has a IP68 rating for dust and water resistance and comes preloaded with Android 7.1 Nougat. Also…can we talk the camera for a moment? It’s a 19-megapixel camera called the Motion Eye. This new camera module has fast memory baked right in and so allows slow motion photography at 960 frames per second at 720p resolution which is a first for smartphones. The camera also has laser auto focus, an infrared sensor, and an updated image sensor. On paper, this sounds like a fantastic camera but further tests from reviewers later this year will bear this out. On a slightly sour note for American buyers, it looks like the U.S. version of the XZ Premium will omit the fingerprint sensor. Regardless, Sony is packing the Xperia XZ Premium with a myriad of high end features and specs which should certainly help it compete in the high end smartphone market.
Blackberry KeyOne
BlackBerry’s last hurrah as an independent hardware manufacturer resulted in the BlackBerry Priv, an Android phone with some admittedly neat features but ultimately expensive and a little buggy. This year at Mobile World Congress, like Nokia, BlackBerry has left hardware duties to and third party manufacturer called TCL. Thus, TCL introduced the BlackBerry KeyOne which actually shows a lot of promise and might be a sleeper hit among Android users. Spec-wise, it’s decidedly mid-range with its Snapdragon 625 processor but it doesn’t have to be as it’s aimed primarily at the business market. It has a 4.5 inch screen with a built in hardware keyboard (it wouldn’t be a BlackBerry without it). That keyboard has quite a few tricks up it’s sleeve. The keyboard itself can be used as a trackpad. You can assign application shortcuts with just one key, for example, pressing the letter “f” to open Facebook. The space bar also acts as a very accurate fingerprint sensor. One of BlackBerry’s hallmarks is its focus on security. It’s launching with Android 7.1 Nougat and BlackBerry has promised to keep up with Google’s monthly security updates. The BlackBerry DTEK software is also onboard which monitors the phone’s status, security, and controls how much services are able to use the phone. The focus on security alone might be enough for a few security conscious users to switch to BlackBerry. While BlackBerry’s influence has been dramatically reduced in the wake of iPhone and Android devices, BlackBerry’s focus on security might help it at least keep a foothold in the government and commercial sectors.
Offering customers multiple payment solutions is another way to make them choose you over your competitors. Since the world has started this online shift to everything, people prefer convenience via mobile phones. Mobile payment solutions make shopping and paying effortless. If you’re wondering what online payment systems you can offer, we’ve listed the top mobile payment options in this article.
What is a Mobile Payment Solution?
A mobile payment solution is a payment system people use on their mobile phones. They use smartphones or other cellular phones to pay for products or services. It’s a more convenient, efficient, and faster payment solution since you no longer have to bring cash or change customers’ payments. This type of payment option also means customers pay directly to your account, allowing you to transfer the funds to your bank if the app permits.
These mobile phones will require the corresponding app or software to enable mobile payment solutions. Some are also done via SMS, depending on the network. Some apps also require users to connect their credit or debit card so people can use the app to pay, and the funds are deducted from the credit card. These apps are called “peer-to-peer” mobile payment apps.
What are the 5 Types of Mobile Payment Systems?
Business owners can choose from five payment options. While each solution is unique, all alternatives offer a convenient way of transferring money from end to end.
1. SMS payments
SMS payments refer to payments made through your local cellular network to another. This means a user transfers money by sending it through another person’s number. In most cases, this is only used locally since most can’t transfer from one mobile number to an international mobile number.
2. Mobile wallet
This is another common form of mobile payment. To make a mobile payment, apps like Samsung Pay, Apple Pay, or Google Pay must be installed on portable gadgets like tablets, smartphones, smartwatches, or computers. Most of these apps are linked to credit cards, debit cards, or bank accounts.
3. Mobile peer-to-peer
A mobile peer-to-peer payment system is another efficient solution if you cater to global customers. Some examples are PayPal, CashApp, and Venmo, and most of these accept all business retailers, big or small.
4. Mobile eCommerce
Mobile eCommerce is also the most commonly used online payment system. This is when a user makes a transaction online from a browser or a seller’s app or webpage and completes the transaction by inputting their credit card details. Users who pay from a mobile wallet or accelerated checkout systems like Shop Pay are also under the umbrella of mobile eCommerce.
5. Mobile POS (Point of sale)
This payment type refers to paying for products or services using your credit card by swiping it on a terminal or chip reader. You can also use your mobile phone by tapping it on the terminal via QR codes.
Benefits of Mobile Payments
Most businesses accept mobile payments nowadays due to their security and convenience. While paying cash offers a more secure transaction since you only have to hand the cash to the cashier, online app payments are equipped with robust security measures. On top of that, here are some benefits of mobile payment solutions:
- Security: Mobile payments require authentication to proceed. This can be done via passcodes, OTPs, fingerprints, or facial recognition.
- Speed: Mobile payments can be made in the blink of an eye, making mobile checkout or online shopping easier.
- Convenience: Customers prefer mobile payments because they no longer have to bring cash or find the nearest ATM to withdraw. All they need is connectivity and their portable gadgets.
- Popular: Your business shouldn’t lag behind competitors. It’s no surprise that more and more brands are expanding their online payment systems. Mobile payments are beneficial, especially if your audience is younger.
8 Top Mobile Payment Systems
Here are the eight best mobile payment systems you can look into.
1. Apple Pay
Apple Pay would be appropriate for Apple devices. You can make contactless payments when you make in-app purchases. Apple Pay uses a unique account number, and customers get a security code for every transaction.
2. Google Pay
Android users can also pay via Google Pay. You can pay via NFC in-store, online, or within apps. Google Pay integrates with most Google apps, letting users enjoy loyalty card management, ticket storage, and money transfers.
3. Samsung Pay
Samsung Pay is suitable for both NFC transfers and magnetic stripe terminals. This payment mode is also secured with tokenization, biometrics, and Samsung Knox.
4. PayPal
PayPal is another online payment system that allows peer-to-peer money transfers. It’s easy to send, receive, and manage transactions with PayPal. PayPal also links with credit cards and bank accounts and is mainly linked to various eCommerce websites.
5. Venmo
Owned by PayPal, Venmo is another mobile payment system for peer-to-peer transfers. It works similarly to PayPal and lets users buy, sell, and hold cryptocurrencies.
6. Zelle
If you’re from the U.S., Zelle is the app for sending money between bank accounts. This platform is integrated into most U.S. mobile banking apps. It lets you send money instantly using a mobile phone number or email.
7. Square Cash
Also known as the Cash App, Square lets you send and receive money and even invest in stocks and Bitcoin.
8. Alipay
This mobile payment system is for online payments, financial services, and in-store purchases. Alipay is also widely used in China. Users link their credit, debit, and bank accounts to make payments through NFC, QR codes, or in-app purchases.
While tech companies exhibited their hiring spree during the pandemic to meet online demand, this year leans toward workforce reduction. Most tech juggernauts are looking at AI initiatives for some work processes. This begs the question—are tech experts’ skills in danger of being replaced by faster and more cost-efficient AI tools and platforms? Even the tech tycoon Google continues to lay off thousands of employees. And while tech experts and professionals enjoy Google’s office amenities, these tech layoffs make them ponder: How long will this enjoyment last? Here are some of the top tech company layoffs in 2024.
1. Dell
Dell Technologies, a computer manufacturer, has laid off about 12,500 employees, constituting 10 percent of the company’s workforce. The company claims it’s part of a “sales and marketing reorganization” that will center on AI services. But this isn’t the first time the company has had a significant layoff. They also cut off about 6,000 workers last February 2023. This restructuring intends to streamline operations and processes, boosting efficiency. This way, the brand can evolve and adapt to a changing and growing market.
Research Chief Analyst Dave Vellante said, “It’s unlikely the number is that high because that would typically trigger an SEC filing.”
2. Intel
Intel embarked on a cost-saving plan, a good move for the company in 2025. However, this will mean job losses for 15 percent of its workforce. Laying off about 15,000 employees will save the company $10 billion in 2025. While it’s the estimated number, it may go up to 19,000 out of Intel’s 125,000 employees. The company representatives said it would restructure to stop “non-essential work.” Although the company hit product milestones in Q2 this year, they are still down in the mouth over the loss of $1.6 billion by the end of Q2.
Representatives said they will “reduce layers, eliminate overlapping areas of responsibility, stop non-essential work.”
3. Qualcomm
Qualcomm, a company that manufactures software, semiconductors, and other services that pertain to wireless technology, plans to lay off 1,258 employees by December of this year. These employees will mostly be in their Santa Clar and San Diego branches. The company will cut off positions like analysts, software developers, engineers, legal, finance, and human resources. Qualcomm had a 23 percent drop in revenue and a 52 percent drop in net income during Q2 this year.
Palkhiwala said, “Until we see sustained signs of improving fundamentals, our operating framework does not assume an immediate recovery.”
4. Jam City
Jam City is a video game developer and publisher also in for the 2024 tech layoffs. The company has reported to cut 85 employees. And while this number isn’t as shocking as the others on this list, it constitutes 10 percent of their workforce. This is also the second time the game developer laid off its employees, with its first in 2022, letting go of 17 percent of its workforce. Jam City is the genius behind games such as Disney Emoji Blitz, Jurassic World Alive, and DC Heroes and Villains. Some gaming analysts predict an upward trend for this niche in 2024.
However, Jam City CEO said, “While we have seen moderate improvements in some areas, the overall upward trend has not materialised as expected.”
5. Microsoft
Microsoft also swooped another round of layoffs in multiple departments from various locations. Although the company didn’t disclose the exact number of layoffs, these employees included roles in program and product management. The company confirms this is part of the “regular organizational adjustments” to focus on strategic growth areas. This isn’t the first time the tech company has done a significant layoff. They also cut off around 2,000 employees in January 2024, particularly in the gaming departments, HoloLens, and Azure Cloud divisions.
A Microsoft representative stated, “Organizational and workforce adjustments are a necessary and regular part of managing our business.”
6. EBay
The online shopping brand eBay is also joining the layoffs this year. EBay is cutting off around a thousand employees, accounting for nine percent of its full-time workforce. Jamie Iannone, eBay CEO, announced these changes, stating that the brand is prioritizing more sustainable long-term growth. He said that the number of employees and expenses outpaced the company’s growth. He also noted that employees were encouraged to work from home, so they have the needed space during this challenging period.
CEO and President Jamie Iannone said, “We have to say goodbye to people who have made so many important contributions to the eBay community and culture, and this isn’t easy.”
7. Twitch
Another popular live-streaming platform, Twitch, joins the tech layoffs bandwagon. Amazon’s Twitch cuts 35 percent of its employees, resulting in hundreds of employees scrambling to find job replacements. Twitch CEO Dan Clancy announced that it would have to cut off over 500 people across all departments and claims this is for sustainability in business operations. Although Twitch earns from multiple revenues, such as ads and subscriptions, it’s reported that the company is still unprofitable for nine years.
Clancy stated, “Unfortunately, we still have work to do to rightsize our company, and I regret having to share that we are taking the painful step of reducing our headcount by just over 500 people across Twitch.”
If you’re an avid gamer, setting up or buying a gaming PC will make games more enjoyable. Whether you play esports professionally or not, getting the right equipment suitable for your preference is critical to seamless gaming. If you’re unsure where to start, we’ve made a list of the top 10 best gaming PCs you must check out.
1. Corsair One i500
The Corsair One i500 leans more on the higher-end spectrum, with a sleek wooden front panel and stylish fabric side panels. The Corsair One i500 is a high-end gaming PC with power and an elegant, compact design. It features an Intel Core i9-14900K, Nvidia RTX 4090, 32GB DDR5 RAM, and a 2TB NVMe SSD. Its custom AIO liquid cooling keeps things calm and quiet. With an 850W 80 Plus Platinum power supply, RGB lighting, VR readiness, and plenty of connectivity options, it’s perfect for gamers and pros alike. Upgrading RAM and SSD is easy, though CPU and GPU upgrades are trickier.
2. HP Victus 15L
Looking for a budget-friendly gaming PC with impressive specs like an Intel Core i7-13700, Nvidia RTX 3060, up to 32GB DDR4 RAM, and a 1TB NVMe SSD + 2TB HDD combo? Running Windows 11 Home, the HP Victus 15L has a 500W power supply and efficient cooling. Its compact, sleek design fits easily into any setup. With customizable configurations, VR readiness, and easy upgrades, it’s a great choice for gamers seeking good performance without breaking the bank. It runs quietly and has customizable RGB lighting for that stylish touch.
3. Acer Predator Orion 7000
The Acer Predator Orion 7000 is a high-end gaming PC that packs a serious punch with specs like a 13th Gen Intel Core i9, Nvidia RTX 4090, and up to 64GB DDR5 RAM. It offers loads of storage with a 2TB NVMe SSD and 2TB HDD, all running on Windows 11 Home. Its advanced cooling system, upgradeable design, and customizable RGB lighting make it a gamer’sgamer’s dream. Plus, with excellent connectivity options and DTS Ultra audio, it’s perfect for immersive gaming sessions and virtual reality. Its futuristic design makes it pop in any setup!
4. Alienware Aurora R16
This top-notch gaming PC pairs powerful specs with a sleek, modern design. It features a 13th Gen Intel Core i9-13900KF, Nvidia RTX 4090, up to 64GB DDR5 RAM, and up to 4TB NVMe SSD storage. Running Windows 11 Home with a 1350W Platinum PSU, it delivers outstanding gaming performance. Its advanced cooling, tool-less upgradeable design, customizable RGB lighting, and versatile connectivity make it a gamer’sgamer’s dream. With VR readiness and superior audio, it’s perfect for serious gamers.
5. iBuyPower Y60
Nothing beats a favorite among gamers for its top-notch performance and sleek design. The iBuyPower Y60 gaming PC boasts an Intel Core i9-13900K or AMD Ryzen 9 7950X, Nvidia RTX 4090 or AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX, and up to 64GB DDR5 RAM. With up to 2TB NVMe SSD + 2TB HDD storage, it runs Windows 11 Home on a 750W to 1000W PSU. Featuring advanced cooling, customizable RGB lighting, VR readiness, and premium build quality, it’s perfect for serious gaming and easy upgrades.
6. MSI Infinite RS 13th
The MSI Infinite RS 13th is a beastly gaming PC packed with up to a 13th Gen Intel Core i9-13900K and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090, paired with up to 64GB DDR5 RAM. It offers tons of storage with a 2TB NVMe SSD and 4TB HDD, running Windows 11 Home on a 1000W 80 Plus Gold PSU. With advanced cooling, customizable RGB lighting, and easy tool-less upgrades, it’s perfect for high-performance gaming. It’s VR-ready, boasts great sound with Nahimic 3D, and has a stylish design with a glass side panel.
7. Maingear MG-1 Silver
This is a solid mid-range gaming PC that offers strong build quality and professional assembly. It features an Intel Core i5-13400F CPU, PNY GeForce RTX 4060 GPU, and 16GB of RAM, delivering exemplary performance for its price. This compact system includes customizable RGB lighting and a magnetic front panel. It’s a great choice with 512GB NVMe SSD storage, efficient cooling, and quiet operation. While it could use better dust protection and a faster SSD, it’s neatly built and bloatware-free. The Shroud Edition adds cool faceplates for an extra $100.
8. Alienware Aurora Ryzen Edition R14
The Alienware Aurora Ryzen Edition R14 is a high-performance gaming PC featuring an AMD Ryzen 9 5900X processor and Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 Ti GPU. It boasts 32GB of DDR4-3466 RAM and a 1TB SSD, ensuring smooth multitasking and fast storage. The sleek, mid-tower design includes options for liquid cooling and various power supplies. With Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and running Windows 11 Pro, it offers a modern user experience. While it performs well and looks great, it’s pricey and can get noisy under load.
9. CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme VR
Look no further if you want a powerful, sleek gaming PC, perfect for gamers. The CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme VR features an Intel Core i7-13700F or i9-13900KF CPU, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Ti or 4070 GPU, 16GB DDR5 RAM, and a 1TB NVMe SSD. Running Windows 11 Home, it offers Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, and multiple USB ports. It delivers high performance and cool operation with optimized airflow, customizable RGB lighting, and VR readiness. Ideal for modern gaming and VR, it’s a top choice without breaking the bank.
10. Asus ROG Strix GA35
The Asus ROG Strix GA35 is a powerhouse gaming PC perfect for demanding tasks. It features an AMD Ryzen 9 7950X or Ryzen 7 7800X3D processor and top-tier NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 or 4080 graphics. With 32GB DDR5 RAM (expandable to 64GB) and a 1TB NVMe SSD, it offers fast performance and ample storage. The custom liquid cooling ensures efficient heat management, while the sleek design boasts customizable RGB lighting. With Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and easy upgrade options, it’s a top choice for serious gamers and professionals.
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