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Huawei could ship lesser smartphones by 2021

From 170 million units to 45 million according to TrendForce

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The recent years have been challenging for Huawei and it might not get better soon. A recent report by TrendForce predicts that Huawei will drop to seventh place in total smartphone production volume by 2021, which is huge considering the company placed third last year.

For perspective, Huawei shipped a total of 170 million smartphone units last 2020. This puts it firmly in third place, trailing behind Samsung and Apple. As 2021 comes, TrendForce predicts that Huawei will only ship a total of 45 million smartphones. Such a huge drop in production volume will allow Xiaomi, OPPO, Vivo, and Transsion to overtake the embattled company.

The company will also see a huge drop in the 5G market share. Last year, Huawei commanded a huge 30% market share for 5G smartphones, putting it in second place after Apple with a 31% lead. This 2021, TrendForce predicts a drop to 8% which is a considerable loss. Other companies like Samsung, Xiaomi, OPPO, and Vivo will overtake Huawei with 13%, 11%, 14%, and 13% market share, respectively.

TrendForce attributes their predictions for Huawei to these things: US export restrictions and the spin-off of Honor as an independent brand. Honor became an independent brand after Huawei sold it to a conglomerate last November.

TrendForce now predicts that the two companies will compete with each other, imposing an obstacle to Huawei should it regain the lost market share brought about by the loss of its former sub-brand.

As for the latter, the entity ban that took effect last 2019 will continue to strain the company even if the global smartphone market share improves.

Smartphone market on uncertain times

While the times are hard for Huawei, the global smartphone market is also experiencing difficulties imposed by the pandemic. TrendForce recorded an 11% year-on-year decrease in global smartphone production. Overall, smartphone production for 2020 reached a mere 1.25 billion units. This is a far cry from the 1.4 billion units and upward of 2018 and 2019.

Things are shaking up to improve by 2021, however. As more people become accustomed to the “new” normal, TrendForce predicts a surge in device replacements. Emerging markets will also see a growing demand for smartphones this year. Assuming that these scenarios play out, the global smartphone production will increase to 9%, amounting to a total of 1.36 billion units.

However, TrendForce also warns that these scenarios are dependent on how the pandemic affects the global economy by 2021. Other factors that could affect global smartphone production include geopolitical instabilities and the limited production capacity of the semiconductor foundry market. TrendForce notes that banning SMIC has resulted in additional strain for semiconductor foundries.

Regardless of how the global smartphone production plays out, the 5G market share will continue to increase this 2021. Last year, the global penetration rate stands at 19% amounting to 240 million 5G-powered smartphones. TrendForce predicts an increase of 37% penetration rate for this year alone thanks to projected 500 million 5G-powered units.

News

Sony revives classic Walkman headphones with USB-C MDR-3R

Iconic 1980s headphones

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Sony MDR-3R

Sony is bringing back one of its iconic Walkman-era headphones with the MDR-3R. The new wired headphones modernize the original MDR-3 with USB-C connectivity and updated features.

Introduced in 1979, the original Walkman and MDR-3 headphones helped popularize portable music listening. The MDR-3R carries that legacy forward with a familiar design and modern conveniences.

The headphones retain the original’s lightweight, open-ear construction. They also feature interchangeable blue and orange ear pads. Sony even gives the packaging and instruction manual a design inspired by the original model.

The MDR-3R connects to compatible smartphones and other devices through USB-C. Users can listen to music without charging, pairing, or installing updates. A built-in microphone and in-line remote also make calls and playback controls more convenient.

Sony equipped the headphones with the same 23mm driver units as the original MDR-3. The company also tuned them to closely reproduce the original’s sound signature. They deliver balanced audio, natural vocals, and the emotional richness associated with Sony headphones.

Sony MDR-3R gets a Stranger Things edition

Sony is also launching a special MDR-3R Stranger Things Edition. The collaboration celebrates the 1980s inspiration shared by the Walkman era and Netflix’s popular series.

Inspired by Max’s signature headphone style and the mysterious Upside Down, the special edition features exclusive design details. These include an engraved Stranger Things logo and custom packaging.

Sony also considered environmental impact when developing the headphones. Approximately 25 percent of the plastic used in the product comes from recycled materials. The packaging is also plastic-free.

Price and availability

Sony has opened preorders for the MDR-3R and MDR-3R Stranger Things Edition. Availability and pricing vary by market.

In the United States, the standard MDR-3R costs US$59.99, while the Stranger Things Edition costs US$79.99. The standard model is available through Sony and authorized retailers.

In Singapore, both models will launch in December 2026. The standard MDR-3R costs SG$89, while the Stranger Things Edition costs SG$129. Both are exclusive to Sony Stores and Sony Store Online.

In the Philippines, Sony has yet to announce local pricing and availability. Based on US pricing, the headphones would cost approximately PHP 3,500 for the standard edition and PHP 4,700 for the Stranger Things Edition, before local taxes and retail adjustments.

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Entertainment

The Fellowship of the Ring in Concert finally arrives in Manila

The run goes from March 4 to 6 at Solaire.

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As far as films in concert go, The Lord of the Rings is the classic experience for fans. Since 2008, the concert experience has been touring the globe, enamoring fans of the series with live renditions of Howard Shore’s iconic soundtrack. Now, the experience is finally arriving in Manila. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring in Concert will run in the Philippines from March 4 through 6 next year.

There’s a reason why the iconic trilogy is the classic experience for films in concert. Besides being a legendary film franchise, the series features Howard Shore’s Academy Award-winning score. Fans will likely still recognize the dulcet strings of the Shire or the grandiose crescendo of the Fellowship.

From March 4 to 6, The Fellowship of the Ring in Concert will run at The Theatre in Solaire. Under the baton of Reuben Blundell, the concert will star the 96-member Filharmonika Orchestra, the Philippine Madrigal Singers’ 100-member adult choir and 50-member boys’ choir, and soloist Malena Rampi.

Film Community Philippines members can get exclusive pre-sale access from November 9 to 11. Meanwhile, public ticket sales will start on November 20 via TicketWorld.com.ph.

SEE ALSO: Kingdom Come devs are working on a Lord of the Rings RPG

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Gaming

The next Elder Scrolls game is called Sentinel

And it will be set in Hammerfell.

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Can you believe that it’s been over eight years since Bethesda announced The Elder Scrolls VI. Since then, we’ve seen neither hide nor hair of the upcoming title. Today, the studio has mercifully revealed a tiny bit more about the game including its title and setting.

Historically, the Elder Scrolls franchise is not known for its numbering. It’s not The Elder Scrolls III, IV, and V; it’s Morrowind, Oblivion, and Skyrim. Now, we know what The Elder Scrolls VI will be called — Sentinel.

The name is also a huge clue as to where the game will take place. Besides being the name of the game itself, Sentinel is also the capital of Hammerfell, a region in northwest Tamriel. The teaser, which shows a sword being uncovered from a pile of sand, confirms this. After all, the Alik’r Desert is one of the region’s highlights.

Now, Hammerfell is not a new region for players. The region, especially the titular Sentinel, was previously featured in The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall. Obviously, not a lot of gamers would have played this classic game before, so a return will introduce the region to a lot more modern players.

Unfortunately, despite throwing us a bone with the name and the setting, Bethesda did not reveal when the title is coming. Given that Grand Theft Auto VI is launching very soon, the time is ripe for the launch of another much-awaited title.

SEE ALSO: The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered is out now

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