In a notable shift within the mobile phone industry, there is a growing demand for traditional feature phones, commonly known as “brick phones.” This trend is largely driven by increasing concerns over the impact of smartphones and social media on mental health, particularly among children. Parents are opting for simpler devices to limit their children’s exposure to potentially harmful online content. HMD Global, the manufacturer of Nokia-branded phones, is poised to benefit from this resurgence. Sales of feature phones are on the rise in markets such as the UK and Western Europe. Additionally, policies restricting smartphone use in schools and new-age regulations for social media platforms are reinforcing this movement. Major smartphone manufacturers may need to adapt by offering age-appropriate, safer devices to maintain their market share.
Nothing Begins Rollout of Android 15 Update
Nothing has initiated the deployment of its stable Android 15-based operating system, Nothing OS 3.0, for its Phone (2) and Phone (2a) models. The rollout has commenced in India and will gradually expand to other regions. Key features of Nothing OS 3.0 include Shared Widgets for lock screen updates, a Countdown Widget for important events, and a Smart Drawer that utilizes artificial intelligence to organize applications. The native gallery app has been enhanced with advanced search options and improved editing tools. The update also introduces a redesigned quick settings menu, an improved Pop-up view for multitasking, new animations, and optimized system performance. The rollout is being conducted in phases to ensure stability, with the Phone (1) and CMF Phone 1 expected to receive the update in early 2025.
Reality Star Zara Zoffany Thwarts Phone Theft in London
Zara Zoffany, known for her appearances on reality television and as the girlfriend of AJ Pritchard, recently encountered an attempted phone theft in central London. While at a Starbucks near Tottenham Court Road Tube station, two individuals attempted to steal her and her friend’s phones by distracting them with papers. Zoffany reacted swiftly by grabbing the phones and raising an alarm, causing the would-be thieves to flee. She shared her experience on social media to caution others about the prevalence of such incidents and emphasized the importance of vigilance in public spaces. This event highlights a broader issue, with over 200 phones reportedly stolen daily in the UK. In response, the government plans to collaborate with technology companies to develop measures that make stolen phones easier to disable, aiming to deter such crimes.
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