News
UAE Consumers Look Forward to 5G: Report
Ericsson has released a new ConsumerLab report, 5G Consumer Potential, which busts industry myths surrounding the value of 5G for consumers and outlines the opportunities available for communications service providers. Backed by solid research from one of the biggest ever consumer expectation studies, the report looks at the potential of 5G to benefit consumers, uncovering certain realities about them (“consumer realities”) to bust the following four common industry myths:
- 5G offers consumers no short-term benefits.
- There are no real use cases for 5G, nor is there a price premium on 5G.
- Smartphones will be the “silver bullet” for 5G: the magical single solution to delivering fifth-generation services.
- Current usage patterns can be used to predict future 5G demand.
- The study brings some sense of reality to the ongoing debate in the ICT industry about whether there is an opportunity for a premium consumer offering based on 5G’s extra capabilities.
The key findings of the study include the fact that consumers expect 5G to provide relief from urban network congestion in the near term – especially in megacities, where six in 10 smartphone users report facing network issues in crowded areas. The respondents also anticipate more home broadband choices to be available with the launch of 5G.
The report also dispels the ICT industry myth that consumers are unwilling to pay a premium on 5G. In fact, smartphone users state that they are willing to pay 20 percent more for fifth-generation services, and half of the early adopters as much as 32 percent more. In UAE, consumers say that they look forward to seizing the benefits of 5G and they are ready to pay up to 35% more for that. However, four in 10 of these high spenders expect new use cases and payment models as well as a secure 5G network in addition to consistently high internet speed.
Another key finding is that current 4G usage patterns are not indicative of future usage behaviors. Video consumption is set to rise with 5G. Consumers expect to not only stream video in higher resolutions but also use immersive video formats such as Augmented reality (AR) and Virtual reality (VR), resulting in an additional three hours of video content being watched weekly on mobile devices by users in the 5G future when they are out and about, including one hour wearing AR glasses or VR headsets. The study also reveals that one in five smartphone users’ data usage could reach more than 200GB per month on a 5G device by 2025.
From these insights and more, Ericsson ConsumerLab has drawn up a consumer roadmap of use cases involving 31 different applications and services. The roadmap is divided into six use-case categories, namely: entertainment and media; enhanced mobile broadband; gaming and AR/VR applications; smart home and fixed wireless access; automotive and transportation; and shopping and immersive communications.
Jasmeet Singh Sethi, Head of ConsumerLab, Ericsson Research, says: “Through our research, we have busted four myths about consumers’ views on 5G and answered questions such as whether 5G features will require new types of devices, or whether smartphones will be the silver bullet for 5G. Consumers clearly state that they think smartphones are unlikely to be the sole solution for 5G.”
This latest Ericsson ConsumerLab study is based on 35,000 interviews with smartphone users aged 15 to 69, carried out in 22 different countries. The views of the participants are representative of almost 1 billion people. To gain a perspective on industry sentiment regarding the consumer value of 5G, a further 22 interviews were conducted with experts including academics as well as senior executives working for telecom operators, handset and chip manufacturers, start-ups and think tanks.
Gaming
Steam Revamps Game Purchases
Steam has taken a proactive step to inform users that purchasing games on its platform grants a license rather than outright ownership. This move aligns with a new California law that will require digital storefronts to disclose the true nature of digital game purchases.
While digital games offer convenience, they have always been subject to the terms and conditions set by the game publishers. This can lead to situations where access to games can be revoked, as demonstrated by Ubisoft’s removal of The Crew last year.
The new California law aims to increase transparency for consumers by preventing storefronts from using misleading terms like “buy” or “purchase” without clarifying that they are acquiring a license. Steam has already implemented this change, informing users in their shopping carts that purchases grant a license.
This move reflects Steam’s commitment to consumer protection and transparency. It is a positive step towards ensuring that gamers are aware of their rights and the potential limitations of digital game ownership.
Gadgets
Motorola Unveils Android 15 Upgrade List
Motorola has joined the growing list of smartphone manufacturers announcing their Android 15 upgrade plans. While the company hasn’t made a formal announcement, its support page has been updated to reveal the devices eligible for the latest OS.
Unlike many competitors, Motorola has been proactive in confirming its Android 15 upgrade lineup, ensuring users have clarity about their device’s future.
Motorola Razr family:
Motorola Razr (2023) / Razr 40
Motorola Razr+ (2023) / Razr 40 Ultra
Motorola Razr (2024) / Razr 50
Motorola Razr+ (2024) / Razr 50 Ultra
Motorola Edge family:
Motorola Edge+ 2023
Motorola Edge 2024
Motorola Edge 40 Pro
Motorola Edge 50
Motorola Edge 50 Fusion
Motorola Edge 50 Neo
Motorola Edge 50 Pro
Motorola Edge 50 Ultra
Motorola G family:
Moto G Power 5G (2024)
Moto G 5G (2024)
Moto G Stylus 5G (2024)
Moto G34 5G
Moto G35
Moto G45
Moto G55
Moto G75
Moto G85
Motorola ThinkPhone family:
ThinkPhone by Motorola
ThinkPhone (2025)
Motorola is expected to announce the release date of the updates for these phones very soon.
Audio Devices
Honeywell Launches Aviator Hi-Fi Speaker
Secure Connection a provider of electronic products based in Hong Kong and a Honeywell licensee, has announced the launch of its latest innovation—the ultra-premium Hi-Fi Speaker, the Honeywell Aviator. This state-of-the-art speaker delivers an extraordinarily immersive listening experience combined with unparalleled elegance.
Designed with meticulous attention to detail, the Honeywell Aviator seamlessly merges cutting-edge technology with superior craftsmanship, setting a new benchmark in audio excellence. This sophisticated speaker is designed to captivate both audiophiles and enthusiasts alike, offering exceptional sound quality paired with an exquisite design that enhances any home entertainment setup.
The Honeywell Aviator redefines luxury in home audio products, combining a sophisticated aesthetic with premium quality to establish a new standard for high-end home audio systems. At the heart of the Honeywell Aviator is its Proprietary True-Lossless 1MBPS+ Audio Codec and an impressive 240 watts of power, delivering unmatched clarity and fidelity for every note. With Bluetooth V5.3, the speaker provides a robust 30-meter range, ensuring seamless connectivity without interruptions.
A standout feature of this product is the advanced Lossless Dongle Connectivity, featuring Type C and Lightning connectors. This allows for exceptional audio quality and flexibility in connecting various devices, from the latest smartphones to a range of entertainment equipment. The sophisticated design ensures high-fidelity audio transmission, offering superior sound performance regardless of the device.
To further enhance the experience, the Honeywell Aviator includes Ambient Lights that add a soothing visual ambience, perfectly complementing its premium audio quality to create an immersive listening environment. The product supports Multi-Mode Audio-In, enabling effortless switching between Lossless Dongle, Bluetooth, and AUX inputs to match any listening preference.
Engineered for excellence, the Honeywell Aviator incorporates patented acoustic and audio technologies. Its All-Digital Processing for 5 Drivers creates a rich, layered audio profile, while the 5 Channels of the Amplifier and 3 Independent Sound Cavities work together to deliver dynamic and high-fidelity sound.
Mohit Anand, Co-Founder & CEO, Secure Connection, said, “In the rapidly evolving world of consumer electronics, innovation is not just our ambition but the very foundation for every product that we set out to design and build. With the introduction of Honeywell Aviator, we are redefining the essence of luxury in-home entertainment. “This state-of-the-art device stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to blending pioneering technology with exquisite design, delivering an unparalleled audio experience with stunning visual appeal. The Honeywell Aviator is more than just a product; in our view, it sets a new standard of sophistication with an unmatchable and immersive listening experience. This product has been crafted for those who demand the finest in both audio quality and aesthetics.”