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Google Pixel 10a Crowned Best Budget Pixel in WIRED's Updated 2026 Buying Guide
WIRED's updated buying guide names the Google Pixel 10a the best smartphone for the money, citing seven years of software support, a 6.3-inch OLED display, and a 48-megapixel camera. The guide, updated in August 2026, also covers the new Pixel 11 series and Pixel Watch 5.
Foxconn scouts 200-acre Gujarat land parcel for mobile and high-end electronics plant
Taiwan-based Foxconn is scouting more than 200 acres in India for a technology park and high-end electronics plant, with a site near Sanand in Gujarat under consideration, according to Business Today. The company has surveyed the plot and expects to finalise the location in the coming weeks, with other states also in contention.
Manufacturing Google Pixel Watch 5 Review: 20% Faster Chip, New Health Guardian Fitness Tools
According to WIRED, Google's Pixel Watch 5 is 20 percent faster than its predecessor and adds Health Guardian proactive wellness features. The revamped Strength Training experience includes a workout builder and rest timers, while prices start at $399 for the 41-mm model and $429 for 45-mm.
Manufacturing Fairphone Brings Repairable, Modular Smartphone to US Market for $650
Fairphone has launched its repairable, modular Fairphone (Gen 6+) in the US for $650, with component prices as low as $20 and a 10/10 iFixit repairability score. The Dutch company is entering a carrier-dominated market where Apple and Samsung hold a duopoly, and CEO Raymond van Eck says discussions with major carriers are already underway.
Govt Clears 31 Electronics Part Projects Worth Rs 7,877 Crore
The Indian government has approved 31 electronics component manufacturing applications worth Rs 7,877 crore under the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme. The projects, involving Kaynes Technology, Dixon Technologies, Wipro and Motherson, will produce PCBs, camera modules, enclosures and other key inputs. The scheme has now attracted 106 proposals with committed investment of Rs 69,548 crore, exceeding its initial target.
Amber Enterprises to Manufacture Oppo, OnePlus and Realme Smartphones in India
Amber Enterprises will begin producing smartphones for Oppo, OnePlus and Realme under a manufacturing collaboration agreement with Oppo Mobiles India. Trial production is slated for Q4 FY27, commercial production in Q1 FY28, with first-year output around 8 million units and second-year output of 15-16 million units.
Manufacturing GoPro Mission 1 Pro Tops Wired Action Camera Picks as MicroSD Shortage Hits
Wired's updated action camera review picks the GoPro Mission 1 Pro as its top model and drops the GoPro Hero 12 Black on value. The review also reports a microSD card shortage that is pushing up prices for storage accessories, with 512-GB cards ranging from about $110 to $165. Accessories from GoPro, Insta360, DJI, and Yallsame are detailed with prices.
Manufacturing Razer Naga V3 Pro Keeps Iconic Shell, Adds Third Button and Updated Internals
WIRED's review of the Razer Naga V3 Pro details how the gaming peripheral preserves the Naga line's long-standing shell while adding a third mouse button and updated internals. The review highlights the mouse's comfort-focused design and Razer's strategy of maintaining silhouette and upgrading components.
Manufacturing WIRED Tests Dehumidifiers: Midea 20-Pint Cube Tops List at $190
WIRED's updated buying guide tested a field of portable dehumidifiers for humid summer conditions, naming the Midea 20-Pint Cube ($190) as its top pick. The guide also covers the Eva-Dry Renewable Mini E-333 ($25), the Aeocky Rhea-001 ($300), and warns that Midea's 50-pint cube is no longer recommended.
Manufacturing New 300W Laptop Power Banks From EcoFlow, Anker, ReelCharge Show Portable Battery Advances
WIRED's latest review of laptop power banks highlights three models above 20,000 mAh from EcoFlow, Anker, and ReelCharge. The leading units deliver 300W via USB-C with fast dock recharging, while supporting multiple charging protocols and capacities up to 27,650 mAh.
Manufacturing WIRED Names Insta360 Link 2C Pro Best Webcam After Testing 15 Models
WIRED's Luke Larsen tested more than 15 webcams side-by-side and named the $200 Insta360 Link 2C Pro the best overall, citing superior low-light performance, a magnetic aluminum mount, and natural contrast. It surpassed the $200 Logitech MX Brio and the $349 Obsbot Tiny 3. The review was updated in August 2026 with Dell Pro 5 and Dell Pro 7 webcam testing details.
Manufacturing Cheap Gaming Laptops Mostly Poor; Three Models Stand Out as Worth Buying
WIRED's August 2026 testing found that most cheap gaming laptops are not worth buying, with prices rising $400–500 over older models. Only three systems — Lenovo LOQ 15, MSI Cyborg A15, and Alienware 15 — earned recommendations. The review also flags power-adapter and display-quality compromises in other budget options.
Manufacturing Plastic-Free Coffee Brewers Sell Out as Manufacturers Rethink Injection-Molded Parts
WIRED's review of the Ratio Eight Series 2 ($799) and Simply Good Coffee Plastic-Free Brewer ($480) shows a small-appliance niche moving from injection-molded plastic to 304 stainless steel, borosilicate glass, and medical-grade silicone. Simply Good Coffee has sold out production runs more than once since launching its plastic-free machine last year, signalling demand for plastic-free food-contact surfaces. Material substitutions raise production costs but open a differentiation strategy for OEMs.
Manufacturing Shark PowerDetect Speed Named WIRED's Top Cordless Vacuum, Outperforms Dyson Models
WIRED reviewer Nena Farrell selected the Shark PowerDetect Speed as her top cordless vacuum, citing a 350-watt motor that performed best on sand and thin rug tests and matched more expensive Dyson models on thick rugs. The new model is lighter, slimmer, and cheaper than the original PowerDetect, with an optional self-emptying and charging base station.
Manufacturing Samsung Foldable Pre-Orders Jump 30% as New Form Factor Builds Momentum
Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8, Fold 8 Ultra and Z Flip 8 logged pre-orders 30% ahead of last year's models, according to Bloomberg. The Fold 8 accounts for nearly half of all pre-orders ahead of an August 7 launch, with Apple and Google foldables due this fall.
Manufacturing BenQ GV50 Projector Delivers 1080p Ceiling Projection in 4.6-Pound Design
According to WIRED, BenQ's GV50 is a battery-powered portable projector marketed for ceiling projection at a $599 price. It offers 1080p video, Google TV, and a 4.6-pound frame, but lacks 4K, HDMI eARC, and Dolby Atmos. WIRED calls it a good buy with known trade-offs.
Manufacturing Dyson Gen5Detect Tops WIRED's Vacuum Tests; V16 Piston Animal Follows at $850
According to WIRED, the Dyson Gen5Detect ($949) is the top-scoring cordless vacuum in its updated side-by-side tests, followed by the Dyson V16 Piston Animal ($850). The $500 Dyson V10 Konical scored above more powerful models, making it the best-value pick. WIRED's comparison details suction power, run time, and filtration across six models.
India's Proposed Tax Amendments Extend Electronics Exemption to 2040-41
According to Business-Today, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's proposed tax amendments would replace 'electronic goods' with a defined list of 'specified electronic goods' and extend the related tax exemption to 2040-41. The bill adds a new customs bonded area exemption for electronic components, rationalises offshore fund conditions, restores dividend tax neutrality for REIT and InvIT investors, and proposes a 15-year rough diamond sale exemption.
Manufacturing Microsoft raises Xbox Series X price by £170 as memory chip costs climb
Microsoft has raised Xbox console prices worldwide, with the Series X disc edition rising £170 to £670 and the baseline Series S up 43% to £430, citing rising memory and storage chip costs. The move follows similar increases from Sony and Valve, driven by AI-fueled demand for RAM and graphics components, according to BBC reporting.
Nothing Ear (3a) Named Among Best $100 Earbuds in WIRED Review
WIRED's review of the Nothing Ear (3a) finds the $100 earbuds offer stylish design, bass-rich sound, and unique Audio Snapshot recording, though ANC and Spatial Audio fall short. The device, Nothing's eighth earbud, features a 12-mm driver, 32 MB storage, and an LED battery indicator.
Apple's AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods Max 2 See Major Discounts of Up to $100 Off
Apple's latest AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods Max 2 are on sale with discounts of up to $100. The AirPods Pro 3 are priced at $200 ($49 off), and the AirPods Max 2 are $449 ($100 off). Deals are available at Amazon, Target, and Walmart for a limited time.
Manufacturing Dyson Launches V16 Piston Animal Vacuum with 315 AW Power and New Cleaner Head Technology
Dyson has launched the V16 Piston Animal, now its most powerful stick vacuum with 315 air-watts, unseating the Gen5Detect. The new model features an All Floor Cones Sense cleaner head that adapts to flooring in one second. A Submarine variant adds wet mopping capability. The Gen5Detect remains a cheaper alternative.
Manufacturing Soundcore Nebula P1i Projector Offers Pop-Out Speakers and Google TV for Affordable Home Cinema
WIRED's Chris Haslam reviewed the Soundcore Nebula P1i projector, highlighting its pop-out surround sound speakers, 1080p resolution, 380 ANSI lumens brightness, and Google TV integration. The budget-friendly device offers solid picture quality and punchy audio, ideal for impromptu movie nights.
Manufacturing Motorola Growth and Smartphone Features: What Manufacturing Buyers Should Know
Motorola is among the fastest-growing mobile companies, with Razr foldables leading US sales. Its phones offer 256GB standard storage, microSD expansion, headphone jacks on Moto G models, and compatibility with major US carriers. Software update policies vary by model, and prices frequently drop after launch.
Manufacturing GoPro Launches New Mission 1 Cameras and Accessories: A Guide for Industrial Applications
WIRED's updated GoPro guide introduces the new Mission 1 series cameras and key accessories, with pricing and compatibility details. The guide also offers recommendations on microSD cards and video editing software, providing a comprehensive overview for professionals considering GoPro for industrial use.
Manufacturing GoPro's Mission 1 Pro Delivers Cinema-Grade 8K Video in a Rugged Action Camera Body
GoPro's latest Mission 1 Pro action camera delivers cinema-quality 8K video with class-leading color accuracy, great dynamic range, and improved low-light performance. Priced at $699, it is the most expensive action camera available, but offers the largest sensor and best overall video quality in the category. While aimed at professionals, it retains the ruggedness and durability expected from GoPro.
Manufacturing BenQ TK705STi Short-Throw Projector Targets Gamers with Low Latency, 4K Resolution
BenQ's TK705STi short-throw 4K projector delivers low-latency performance ideal for gamers, enabling large screen sizes up to 12.5 feet. However, its auto-keystoning feature proved finicky and overall picture quality for movies is average compared to pricier models. The projector is recommended primarily for gaming enthusiasts rather than home cinema purists.
46% of Indian smartphone buyers willing to stretch budgets despite price hikes: Counterpoint
A Counterpoint Research survey of 2,095 prospective buyers reveals that 46% of Indian consumers planning a smartphone purchase in the next six months are willing to stretch their budgets despite rising prices. The report highlights that rising manufacturing and component costs are driving price increases, with consumer behaviour varying by age and city tier.
Apple Entry, New Launches, Financing May Boost Foldable Phone Market in India
Apple is preparing to enter the foldable smartphone market in India, challenging Samsung's dominance. Counterpoint Research projects foldable shipments in India to exceed 650,000 units in 2026, an 8% increase, even as the overall market shrinks. New launches and financing options are expected to further boost the segment.
Manufacturing Dyson V10 Konical Outperforms Pricier Models in Head-to-Head Vacuum Testing
In a week-long test of Dyson's newest vacuums, the V10 Konical emerged as the top performer for its price. Offering 150 air watts and the new All Floor Cones cleaner head, it surpassed the V8 Cyclone and even outperformed more expensive models on sand pick-up on rugs.
Manufacturing Balmuda's $429 NatureWind Studio Fan: A Case Study in Premium Home Appliance Manufacturing
Tokyo-based Balmuda has launched the NatureWind Studio pedestal fan in the US at $429. The fan, available in Japan since 2010, features patented dual-blade technology, metal construction, and silent operation at 9 dB. For manufacturing executives, the product illustrates how premium home appliances balance minimalist design with precision manufacturing.
India Smartphone Shipments Decline 10% in June Quarter, Sharpest Drop in 3 Years
India's smartphone shipments declined 10% year-on-year in the June quarter, the steepest drop in three years, driven by record-high memory prices and weak demand in the mass-market segment. Chinese brands suffered most, while Samsung posted growth. Premium devices held steady.
Manufacturing Hisense XR10 Projector Brings RGB Backlighting to Home Cinema
The Hisense XR10 projector brings RGB backlighting technology to home projection, offering 6,000 lumens of brightness and a 6,000:1 native contrast ratio. Weighing 23.4 pounds, it features an adjustable iris and micro-adjustable feet for precision setup. The article reviews its design and performance for movie nights.
Manufacturing TSMC pledges another $100bn to expand US production in Arizona
Taiwanese chipmaker TSMC will invest another $100bn in Arizona, raising its total US commitment to $265bn. The Commerce Department says the move will create tens of thousands of jobs. The company also reported a 77% jump in second-quarter net profit to $22bn.
Union Cabinet Approves Rs 1.9 Lakh Crore Schemes to Boost India's Chip and Mobile Phone Manufacturing
The Union Cabinet approved two schemes totaling Rs 1.9 lakh crore: Semicon 2.0 (Rs 1,27,500 crore) for semiconductor fabrication, advanced packaging, materials, equipment, and design; and the Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme (Rs 62,500 crore) with sales-linked incentives and additional domestic sourcing benefits. The government targets a $500 billion electronics manufacturing industry by 2030-31.
India Smartphone Shipments to Fall Over 10% in Q2 as Memory Costs Squeeze Margins
India's smartphone market shipments are set to decline more than 10% year-on-year in Q2 2026, the sharpest drop since Covid, according to IDC. Soaring memory costs have pushed handset prices up 15-18%, squeezing OEM margins and deterring entry-level buyers. Analysts warn of further price increases ahead of the festive season.
Manufacturing RGB TV Technology: How Mini and Micro RGB Backlights Are Reshaping TV Panel Manufacturing in 2026
WIRED tested five RGB TVs from Hisense, Samsung, LG, TCL, and Sony. The technology uses red, green, and blue backlight modules instead of white or blue LEDs, producing vivid colors and high contrast. While costs are currently higher than OLED, manufacturers can continue using LCD panels, and prices are expected to drop. The article explores implications for TV panel manufacturing.
Vivo-Dixon JV: Government Approval Sets Template for Chinese Smartphone Makers in India
India has approved a manufacturing joint venture between China's Vivo and Dixon Technologies, first announced in December 2024. Dixon will hold 51% and Vivo 49%, acquiring certain manufacturing assets. The venture could add 20-22 million smartphones annually to Dixon's volumes, serving as a template for Chinese phone makers navigating India's foreign investment framework.
Manufacturing GoPro and Insta360 Deals Highlight Prime Day Action Camera Discounts for Industrial Procurement Teams
Prime Day brings significant discounts on action cameras including the GoPro Max 2 at 40% off and the Insta360 Ace Pro 2. This roundup details key specifications and deals for industrial buyers evaluating consumer electronics components.
Manufacturing Dixon Technologies and Vivo Receive Approval for Smartphone Manufacturing Joint Venture in India
The Indian government has approved a joint venture between Dixon Technologies (51%) and Vivo Mobile India (49%) to manufacture smartphones and other electronic devices in India. The venture will operate as an OEM, initially handling Vivo's production orders but also manufacturing for other brands. This approval comes under tightened scrutiny of Chinese investments in India.
Dell 14S Review: Aluminum Design, OLED Option, but Budget Pricing Eludes at $1,270
WIRED's review of the Dell 14S highlights its premium aluminum design, thin 0.61-inch profile, and optional OLED display. However, at $1,270 starting price, it challenges budget expectations. For manufacturing executives, the components and material choices signal cost trade-offs in midrange laptop production.
India's Consumer Durables Sector Targets Over 20% Growth as Summer Demand Surges
India's consumer durables sector is on track for over 20% revenue growth in Q1 FY27, driven by scorching summer demand. Air conditioners lead with sales growth exceeding 30%, while other seasonal categories post double-digit gains. However, rising input costs and currency weakness are squeezing margins despite price increases of 5-8%.
The biggest hurdle in India's chip race isn't the plan—it's execution
India's semiconductor strategy, while ambitious, faces significant execution challenges including over 90% import reliance for manufacturing equipment and specialty chemicals, a shortage of manufacturing-specific talent, and gaps in the domestic supply chain, according to a report by Equirus Securities.
Manufacturing Sony's New Mini RGB LED TV Bravia 7 Mark II Enters Market with Novel Display Technology
The Sony Bravia 7 Mark II is one of the first mini RGB LED televisions available, featuring tiny red, green, and blue LEDs behind an LCD panel. Priced at $2,300 for the 65-inch model, the TV offers a size range from 50 to 98 inches. The technology, also adopted by Hisense and TCL, represents a new manufacturing approach for color reproduction in consumer displays.
India becomes world's second-largest phone maker, PM Modi unveils electronics roadmap
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that India has become the world's second-largest mobile phone manufacturer and exporter, highlighting the country's progress in building a complete electronics value chain from products to semiconductors. The announcement came after the inauguration of the CG Semi Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test (OSAT) facility, whose first chips will be exported to Japan.
Manufacturing Daisy Sound Launches $399 Daisy One Headphones Targeting Premium Market with Aluminum Design
Daisy Sound, a new California-based audio brand founded by Jack Mulroe, launched its first product, the Daisy One headphones, at $399. The premium noise-canceling headphones feature an aluminum and TR90 construction, 35-hour battery life, and a sound system from Utah-based ((nxc)) systems. Mulroe aims to shake up a market dominated by Apple, Sony, and Bose.
Manufacturing Ninja Quietly Improves Its Slushie Machines Amid Surging Demand and Rising Competition
A WIRED review of the Ninja Slushi slushie machine reveals product improvements and strong demand, with the $349 machine frequently selling out. The review also tests competitors Chivalz ($260) and Inoviva, highlighting performance differences. For manufacturing executives, the product's viral success and supply constraints signal a rapidly growing market.
Manufacturing Apple MacBook Price Hikes Signal Component Shortages Hitting Consumer Electronics Supply Chain
Apple has implemented price increases across its MacBook and iPad lineup, with the MacBook Pro rising nearly $400 (20%). The hikes follow Apple's warning that price increases were 'inevitable' and are attributed to a component shortage driven by memory manufacturers reallocating capacity to support AI data centers. The timing coincides with Amazon Prime Day, offering temporary discounts before further price adjustments are expected.
Kobo Libra Colour E-Reader Challenges Kindle with Color Screen and Page-Turn Buttons at Discount Price
The Kobo Libra Colour, a color e-reader with page-turn buttons and digital notebook capability, is currently discounted. The device features a 7-inch color screen, 32GB storage, and Kobo Plus membership access at $8/week. It competes directly with Amazon's Kindle Colorsoft, offering additional functionality at a similar price.
Manufacturing BenQ’s 4100i Projector Brings Cinematic Picture Quality to Your Living Room
BenQ's W4100i projector brings cinematic picture quality to home theaters with rich colors and excellent contrast. Priced at $2,999 (or $2,799 on sale), it features a filmmaker mode and 24P frame rate mode. The projector is easy to set up and competes with the Leica Cine Play 1 and Epson Lifestudio Grand Plus.
Manufacturing Anker 737 Power Bank, Former Top Pick at WIRED, Gets Prime Day Discount
The Anker 737 power bank, previously WIRED's top pick, is on sale during Amazon Prime Day 2026. With 24,000 mAh capacity, 140W power delivery, and under one-hour recharge, it is ideal for travel and field use. The sale price is near the best tracked since Black Friday.
Reliance eyes export-led push with new manufacturing platforms across key consumer segments
Reliance Industries announced plans for advanced manufacturing ecosystems across beverages, garments, daily essentials, and electronics, with a strong export focus. Chairman Mukesh Ambani said the company is already exporting FMCG products to over 40 countries. Isha Ambani revealed Rs 10,000 crore invested in food parks with plans for another Rs 30,000 crore over three years, and beverage production across 12 states at greenfield plants.
Manufacturing Samsung The Frame Pro 2026: The Best Art Television You Can Buy
The Samsung The Frame Pro 2026 is an exceptional art television with AI-powered picture and sound enhancements, a matte finish, and 240Hz refresh rate. Despite some glitches with Google Cast and GeForce NOW, it offers vibrant colors and realism. Priced higher than competitors like Amazon Ember Artline, it remains the best for absolute realism.
Manufacturing Apple CEO Tim Cook Warns of Price Hikes as Memory Chip Costs Surge
Apple CEO Tim Cook told the Wall Street Journal that product price increases are unavoidable as memory chip costs have become unsustainable, driven by AI demand and helium supply disruption from the Iran war. Sales grew 17% in Q1 2026, but the company passed a $200 Mac Mini price increase earlier this year.
Manufacturing Philips Hue Unveils Smart Switches, Play Lamps and 40% More Efficient Candle Bulbs
Philips Hue announced new Play lamps, upgraded candle bulbs, and smart switches that integrate non-smart lights into the Hue system. The wired switches allow control via Hue app and voice assistants. The new candle bulbs are 40% more energy efficient and feature full-spectrum daylight. Availability begins June 2026 in Europe, North America, and selected other markets.
Microsoft Surface Laptop and Pro Price Hikes Reflect Component Cost Inflation for OEMs
Microsoft has launched updated Surface Laptop and Surface Pro devices with Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 chips, but starting prices have jumped to $1,599 and $1,499 respectively — a $600 and $500 increase over initial prior-gen pricing. The price hikes are attributed to persistent component supply shortages inflating RAM and storage costs, a trend with implications for enterprise hardware procurement and OEM manufacturing strategies.
Manufacturing Industrial Fan Buyers Guide: Smart, Quiet Pedestal Models from Dreo and Vornado
WIRED's latest fan review reveals significant advancements in pedestal and air circulator designs, including radar-enabled airflow tracking and quiet operation. Models like the Dreo TurboPoly and Vornado Vora 8 offer smart connectivity, remote controls, and improved energy efficiency, making them suitable for industrial and commercial environments.
Manufacturing Potensic Atom 3 drone launch underscores US import ban on all foreign-made drones
Potensic, a Chinese drone manufacturer, launched the Atom 3 with improved sensors, battery, and transmission range. However, a US ban on all foreign-made drones prevents its sale in the United States, mirroring restrictions faced by DJI. The ban impacts trade flows for consumer drone imports.
Manufacturing TV makers avoid price hikes by shifting to ad revenue, report says
Rising TV component costs have not led to price increases because manufacturers are pivoting to advertising revenue, according to market research firm Omnia. The report, cited by Digitimes, notes that fierce retailer competition, especially in North America, has kept margins thin. TV shipments rose 6% year-on-year, driven by World Cup demand and Chinese firms expanding overseas, according to Omdia.
Manufacturing Microsoft Reveals Limited Edition Translucent Green Xbox Series X for 25th Anniversary
Microsoft announced a limited edition Xbox Series X console featuring the iconic translucent green of the original Xbox, with 25th anniversary branding. The console and matching controller will be available as a collection in select markets in November 2026. Pricing and preorder details have not yet been released.