One Thing Today in Tech
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Tech layoffs in 2024 already: 32,500 and counting as AI takes precedence
Tech companies have already shed about 32,500 jobs in 2024, according to layoffs.fyi, which tracks jobs at 5,000 tech companies. Snap, the parent company of the video and photo sharing app Snapchat, yesterday became the latest to announce cuts, when it said in an SEC filing it would reduce its headcount by 10 percent worldwide, affecting more than 500 people. In India, the top IT services companies entered the new year with their collective workforce lower by tens of thousands of employees
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Apple's Vision Pro is in US stores, but a see-through AR glass isn't on the horizon yet
Apple, on Feb. 2 announced that its Vision Pro AR headsets were available for sale in stores in the US. Apple calls the headset a spatial computer, which works by tracking natural hand gestures and movement of your eyes. The $3,500 headset is unlikely to be available in India anytime soon. In the long run, see-through AR glasses are the real deal, unlike the video from multiple cameras rendered onto a display, but that tech will take time before a consumer-grade device can happen
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Apple's iPhone sales in India crossed the 10 million mark in 2023, Counterpoint says
Apple's focus on India is paying off and the company also captured the top position in revenue in a calendar year for the first time, due to strong demand for both its latest iPhone and older models, according to market research provider Counterpoint. Overall, Samsung maintained its lead with the biggest market share, at 18 percent, in the predominantly Android market, and Vivo took the number two spot with 17 percent share
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What India's tech startups want in Budget 2024
The well-known expectations remain, such as tax breaks and incentives, but tech startups are also hoping the government will sharpen its focus on supporting them to develop more intellectual property within the country, which is crucial for our long-term security. They want more R&D spends, deeper partnerships with public labs, and simpler rules to help them go after global customers
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Coming up, India to host conference on dual-use tech, software
India's Directorate General of Foreign Trade, Department of Commerce in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs is organising a national conference on strategic trade controls, in New Delhi on Jan. 30. The conference will focus on India's strategic trade control related to SCOMET and export controls system and international best practices on export of dual-use (industrial and military) goods, software and technologies, according to a government statement on Jan. 28
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Why you should definitely try Google's Circle to Search
The feature will initially be available on Samsung's new Galaxy S24 series and Google's Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro phones. This is the latest in Google's stack of AI and machine learning-based features for end users on their smartphones that make using the devices ever more user-friendly
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With circle to search, Google's AI makes looking things up ever more human
The feature was unveiled at Samsung's Unpacked event two days ago, and shows off how Samsung is doubling down on its AI bet, integrating Google's tech, alongside its own new Galaxy AI software. Circle to Search is launching January 31 on a few premium Android smartphones, initially including the new Samsung Galaxy S24 series and Google's own Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro — in all languages and locations where they're available
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Why Apple wants to add 1,200 staff in the heart of Bengaluru
Apple, which has nearly 3,000 employees in India, has a new office in India in Bengaluru. The country's unofficial tech capital is already home to various Apple teams, including in software engineering and hardware technologies, operations, customer support, and other functions, according to Apple
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Apple just added office space in India that can accommodate 1,200 staff
Apple, which has nearly 3,000 employees in India, has a new office in India in the heart of Bengaluru, the iPhone maker said in a statement. The country's tech capital is already home to so many of Apple's teams, including in software engineering and hardware technologies, operations, customer support, and other functions, according to Apple
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VinFast to invest $2 billion to set up an integrated EV manufacturing hub in India
VinFast, an electric vehicle manufacturer from Vietnam, plans to invest up to $2 billion, to set up an EV plant in India's southern state of Tamil Nadu, the company said in a press release on Jan. 6, coinciding with the state's global investor summit. Vinfast, plans to invest $500 million in the first phase of the Project, spanning five years from the commencement date, later this year.
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Apple suppliers, Hyundai, others commit to $4.4 bln in electronics, EV push in India
Several multinational electronics and manufacturing companies including Apple's suppliers Pegatron and Tata Electronics, and South Korean auto giant Hyundai have committed to large investments in Tamil Nadu. The investments range from stepping up manufacturing facilities for iPhones to EV batteries and renewable energy projects