Premium smartphones account for over half of global handset revenues in 2022
According to Counterpoint Research, higher-priced smartphones – those costing more than $600 – accounted for 55% of entire handset revenue in 2022. This is the first time that premium market revenue has accounted for more than half of the worldwide smartphone market. In 2022, revenue attributed to handsets costing $1,000 or more increased by 38%. Apple did well in the premium market, rising 6% year on year and accounting for three-quarters of overall sales in the sector. With more OEMs producing foldable devices in the luxury market, Android smartphones might experience a fresh wave of growth in 2023.
Vonage launches no-code video conferencing solution for businesses
With the introduction of Vonage’s Meetings API, companies now have a developer-free method of integrating video conferencing into their websites or platforms. The no-code, customizable API is designed to speed up time to market, improve the customer experience and foster corporate cooperation. The API provides capabilities such as screen sharing, whiteboarding and HIPAA compliance for telemedicine applications, bridging the gap between software-as-a-service and APIs. It also offers configurable themes and compatibility for many languages.
Google’s Bard now available for limited access in the US and UK
Google has granted limited access to Bard, its ChatGPT competitor, providing users with a companion bot to ask questions and interact with. The search engine giant is presenting Bard as a tool for users to bounce ideas off and develop writing drafts with, rather than being a substitute for Google Search. Bard is built on Google’s AI language model LaMDA, and it provides three replies to each user question. Nevertheless, it may offer false or objectionable content that does not reflect Google’s opinions. The product is currently only accessible in the United States and the United Kingdom, with a waitlist available.
XConnect, Cataleya and IPTP Networks to combat voice and SMS fraud
To protect clients from voice and SMS fraud, XConnect has teamed with Cataleya and IPTP Networks. Cataleya’s Session Border Controller and SMS Platform will use XConnect’s worldwide number intelligence data to proactively prohibit invalid and fraudulent numbers. By validating the legitimacy of a number, whether it is live or has been transferred, Cataleya can protect its consumers from potential fraud. The collaboration is designed to improve the anti-fraud strategy throughout the sector and safeguard businesses and people from possible losses.
Telefónica and Qwilt team up to enhance content delivery in Spain
Telefónica and Qwilt are collaborating to develop a content distribution system in Spain based on the integration of both companies’ technology. The arrangement enables Qwilt to utilize Telefónica’s Content Distribution Network (TCDN) to extend its coverage and delivery capacity in Spain, ensuring rapid and smooth distribution of content. The integration is based on open APIs and the interchange of content between the two CDNs. This initiative marks the first commercial integration based on Open Caching standards proposed by the Streaming Video Technology Alliance (SVTA).
