Tech Buzz of the Week: Infosys Advances Onboarding Amid Legal Scrutiny for Google’s Ad Dominance

Sep1-07,2024:This week in tech highlights, we review exciting developments across the industry. From the budget-friendly Primebook S 4G review, perfect for students and light users, to Apple's much-anticipated iPhone 16 launch with advanced AI features and bigger screens, there’s a lot to look forward to. Google is also under scrutiny as it faces a second antitrust trial over its digital ad business. Meanwhile, Infosys is issuing long-awaited appointment letters to graduates, and Norway sets a new world record with electric vehicles taking over 94% of the market in August.

Tech Highlights of the Week

1.Primebook S 4G Review: A Budget Android Laptop with 4G Connectivity for Basic Tasks

The Primebook S 4G is a budget-friendly Android laptop designed for students and mobile users. It features an 11.6-inch display, runs on PrimeOS (an Android-based desktop OS), and provides access to Android apps through the Google Play Store. While it offers decent performance for everyday tasks like browsing and document editing, it lacks power for heavy multitasking or demanding apps. Its 4G connectivity makes it portable and convenient, but drawbacks include average display brightness and limited performance compared to Chromebooks or Windows laptops. Ideal for basic tasks, it may not suit everyone.

2.Apple iPhone 16 Launch: What to Expect at the 'Glowtime' Event on September 9

Apple is set to unveil its highly anticipated iPhone 16 series at the "Glowtime" event on Monday, September 9. Key updates include larger screens, advanced AI features, and camera improvements. The iPhone 16 Pro models are rumored to have a 6.3-inch display, while the Pro Max may feature a 6.9-inch screen. The regular iPhone 16 and 16 Plus will retain their 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch sizes but with energy-efficient displays.

Apple is focusing on AI with “Apple Intelligence,” integrating features like ChatGPT, smarter Siri, and improved message editing. A new customizable Action button will be available across all models, and the Pro models may feature a pressure-sensitive Capture Button for better photo and video control.

Photography enhancements include a 5x telephoto lens for the Pro models and anti-reflective technology to improve image quality. Powered by the A18 chip, the iPhone 16 promises faster performance and better efficiency, with the Pro models sporting the A18 Bionic Pro. New color options, such as a rose hue for the Pro models, are also expected.

3.US antitrust trial targets Google’s digital ad business

Google is set to face a second antitrust trial next week, where the US Department of Justice will challenge how the company monetizes digital advertising. Prosecutors argue that Google’s ad system harms news publishers by monopolizing the markets for tools connecting publishers and advertisers, capturing over 75% of the company’s $307.4 billion advertising revenue.

Regulators claim Google maintains a "privileged position" as a middleman by tying its advertising tools together, stifling competition. Google denies these allegations, asserting that its products are interoperable with competitors' technologies and that it isn't obligated to share technological advantages with rivals.

4.Infosys Sends Appointment Letters to Engineering Graduates Awaiting Onboarding

Infosys has issued more appointment letters to engineering graduates who have been waiting for onboarding over the past two years. Following the distribution of over 1,000 letters on Monday, the company plans to onboard all remaining graduates by December 2024. This move reflects an improved demand environment for Infosys, which recently revised its revenue growth forecast upward to 3-4% for the full year.

Infosys CEO Salil Parekh reiterated that all selected candidates will eventually join the company, despite earlier delays. The IT union NITES had filed a complaint against Infosys for delayed onboarding, affecting over 2,000 graduates. While most have received their joining dates, around 350 Digital Specialist Engineer (DSE) candidates are still awaiting confirmation.

5.Norway Sets World Record with 94% Electric Car Sales in August

Electric car sales in Norway surged to a record 94.3% market share in August 2024, driven by the popularity of Tesla’s Model Y, which accounted for nearly 19% of sales. Other notable contributors included the Hyundai Kona and Nissan Leaf. A total of 10,480 electric vehicles (EVs) were sold in August, bringing the year-to-date tally to 68,435.Norway, despite being a major oil and gas producer, has set an ambitious goal to sell only zero-emission vehicles by 2025, well ahead of the EU’s target. Generous tax incentives have made EVs competitively priced, spurring their dominance in the market. In comparison, electric vehicles made up only 12.1% of new car sales in the EU in July.The Norwegian Road Federation (OFV) anticipates the country will soon achieve its 2025 goal, continuing its lead in the global electric car race.

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