By Vincent Pruitt, Senior Technology Correspondent
Nintendo’s Switch 2 Breaks Records in Launch Week
Nintendo has unveiled its highly anticipated hybrid gaming console, the Switch 2, which officially launched on June 5, 2025. In its first few days on the market, the console has made waves, selling over 3.5 million units, smashing expectations for its initial sales. The Switch 2 maintains Nintendo’s signature hybrid design, allowing users to seamlessly transition between handheld and docked modes, while upgrading the hardware to provide sharper graphics and improved performance.
Priced at $450, the new console is marketed as a future-proof device that will offer backward compatibility with previous Switch titles, enabling gamers to play their favorite games from the original console without the need to repurchase them. The Switch 2 also comes with a robust library of new games designed to take advantage of its upgraded hardware, including a highly anticipated new Zelda title.
However, despite the early success, challenges lie ahead for Nintendo. Supply chain disruptions, which have affected many industries globally, are causing potential delays in shipments. Furthermore, tariffs and other geopolitical factors, particularly the ongoing U.S.-China trade tensions, may affect the pricing and availability of future consoles. Nevertheless, the excitement surrounding the Switch 2’s initial launch signals Nintendo’s continued dominance in the gaming space.
Huawei’s Pura 80 Series Targets Premium Smartphone Market
Huawei has officially launched its Pura 80 smartphone series in China, looking to re-establish itself in the premium smartphone segment. The Pura 80 series features four different models: the Pura 80, Pura 80 Pro, Pura 80 Pro+, and Pura 80 Ultra. These devices, priced starting at 6,499 yuan ($905), aim to compete with the likes of Apple, Samsung, and Xiaomi by incorporating cutting-edge technology and elegant design.
The Pura 80 Pro and Pro+ models, which were launched on June 14, come with advanced camera technology, including Huawei’s proprietary XMAGE system, which promises exceptional image clarity and rich colors. Additionally, the devices feature a new HDR technology, dubbed SuperPixGain HDR 2.0, which enhances video and photo quality, even in low-light settings.
The Pura 80 series also touts faster charging speeds and improved battery performance, making it an attractive choice for users seeking an all-around premium experience. Although the models are currently only available in China, Huawei plans to expand its reach globally later this year, with a focus on markets in Europe and Southeast Asia.
Vivo T4 Ultra Launches in India
Vivo has joined the mid-range smartphone competition in India with the release of the Vivo T4 Ultra. Officially launched on June 14, 2025, the T4 Ultra combines high-end features with an affordable price point, making it one of the most exciting new releases for the Indian smartphone market this year. The device is priced at approximately Rs 35,000 ($460) and boasts a stunning 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, providing users with a smooth and immersive experience while watching videos or playing games.
Under the hood, the Vivo T4 Ultra is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 9300-series processor, ensuring smooth performance and efficiency. The device is equipped with a triple-camera setup featuring a 50MP periscope telephoto lens, allowing for better zoom and clearer shots in various lighting conditions. Additionally, the T4 Ultra features a 6,000mAh battery, which supports 90W wired charging, ensuring that users can stay powered up throughout the day with minimal wait times for recharging.
Vivo’s T4 Ultra is designed to cater to India’s growing demand for high-performance smartphones in the mid-range segment, competing with other popular devices from brands like Xiaomi, Realme, and Samsung. The device’s launch comes at a time when the Indian smartphone market continues to thrive, driven by consumer demand for cutting-edge features at affordable prices.
Huawei Leads Global Wearable Market
In another significant development for Huawei, the company has cemented its position as the global leader in the wrist-worn device market, according to the latest data from International Data Corporation (IDC). The research, which covered Q1 2025, revealed that Huawei’s consistent growth has led to the highest market share in global wearable device shipments, particularly in the Chinese market.
This achievement is particularly noteworthy given the challenges Huawei has faced over the past few years, including the U.S. government’s blacklisting of the company and subsequent setbacks in its smartphone and telecommunications segments. Despite these obstacles, Huawei’s wearable technology, particularly its smartwatches and fitness trackers, has flourished thanks to strong consumer demand for health and wellness devices.
Huawei has focused heavily on integrating innovative features like health monitoring, GPS, and long battery life, making their wearables an attractive option for fitness enthusiasts. In addition, the brand’s success in the wearable market reflects a larger trend of consumers investing more in personal health technology.
IIST Aerospace Symposium Showcases Space Innovation
The Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) in Thiruvananthapuram hosted the second Aerospace Symposium on Technological Research Advancements (ASTRA 2025) from June 12 to June 14. The event, which attracted over 250 participants from leading institutions and space agencies, served as a platform to discuss the latest advancements in aerospace technology. Topics covered included India’s human spaceflight program, machine learning applications in space research, and the growing role of hydrogen technology in aerospace manufacturing.
The symposium highlighted India’s increasing presence in the global space exploration landscape, as well as its efforts to collaborate with international space agencies. As private sector involvement in space exploration increases worldwide, India continues to push boundaries in space research, with notable successes including the Chandrayaan missions and the Gaganyaan program, which aims to send Indian astronauts into space.