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Trump Intervenes To Bring TikTok Back To The U.S.

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

January 20, 2025

TikTok began restoring access for U.S. users on Sunday, following a pledge by President-elect Donald Trump to reinstate the platform’s operations as he prepared to take office. Speaking at a rally before his inauguration, Trump emphasized the importance of the app’s return, stating, “Frankly, we have no choice. We have to save it.” He also hinted at plans for a joint venture to secure TikTok’s presence, a platform used by 170 million Americans.

Hours before the rally, TikTok informed its users about the positive developments, attributing the app’s revival to Trump’s efforts. “Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, TikTok is back for U.S. users,” read the company’s message. While some users regained access to limited services on the app, the full platform remained unavailable for download on app stores as of late Sunday.

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TikTok acknowledged ongoing efforts with service providers to restore operations fully. In a statement, the company expressed gratitude to Trump for ensuring clarity and protection for its service providers. This assurance, TikTok noted, was crucial in allowing its operations to continue without legal risks. The platform also highlighted its role in supporting over 7 million small businesses across the U.S.

Tensions Amid U.S.-China Relations

TikTok’s revival comes against the backdrop of strained ties between the U.S. and China. While Trump has indicated plans to impose tariffs on China, he also expressed interest in fostering direct communication with the Chinese leadership. Addressing the matter, China’s foreign ministry stated its hope for a fair and open business environment in the U.S. for international companies like TikTok.

TikTok had gone offline for U.S. users late Saturday following the implementation of a law banning its operations over national security concerns. Officials cited fears that user data could be accessed by ByteDance, the app’s Chinese parent company, and misused. In response, Trump announced plans to delay the enforcement of the law, creating an opportunity to negotiate a deal ensuring national security.

On his social platform, Truth Social, Trump suggested the U.S. take a 50% ownership stake in a joint venture overseeing TikTok’s U.S. operations. He also assured companies supporting the app’s continued availability that they would face no legal liabilities.

Divided Opinions On TikTok’s Return

Trump’s intervention marks a notable shift from his earlier stance during his first term in office when he sought to ban TikTok entirely over privacy concerns. In contrast, he now credits the app for helping him connect with young voters during the 2024 presidential election. However, not all members of Trump’s Republican Party agree with his actions. Senators Tom Cotton and Pete Ricketts have criticized the move, stating that only a complete severance of ties between ByteDance and the Chinese government would satisfy legal requirements.

The law passed by Congress grants the U.S. government the authority to ban or require divestitures of Chinese-owned apps, a move that has already affected other ByteDance properties like CapCut and Lemon8, which were also removed from U.S. app stores.

A “Hair On Fire” Moment For Businesses

The temporary shutdown of TikTok sent shockwaves across industries reliant on the platform. Marketing agencies scrambled to develop contingency plans, with one executive describing the situation as a “hair on fire” crisis. Meanwhile, U.S. users flocked to VPN searches, hoping to bypass restrictions, and e-commerce sellers worried about delayed transactions on TikTok Shop.

During the turmoil, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew is expected to attend Trump’s inauguration and a rally, signalling the company’s support for the deal. Meanwhile, interest in TikTok’s U.S. operations is growing, with names like Elon Musk and former Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt reportedly exploring acquisition opportunities. A U.S. tech startup, Perplexity AI, has also submitted a proposal to merge with TikTok’s U.S. branch and create a new entity involving other partners.

Despite the upheaval, TikTok’s path forward may cement its place as a dominant social media platform in the U.S., backed by President Trump’s evolving approach to its operations and the broader landscape of U.S.-China tech relations.

The Decline Of Smartwatches: A Turning Point In The Wearable Tech Industry

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

March 13, 2025

For the first time in history, the smartwatch market is facing a significant downturn. Shipments are expected to drop by 7% in 2024, marking a major shift in a segment that has been growing steadily for over a decade. A report by Counterpoint reveals that while Apple still holds the top spot, its dominance is being challenged by a surge from Chinese brands like Huawei, Xiaomi, and BBK. Even as the overall market struggles, some companies are thriving.

The Big Picture: Why Smartwatches Are Slowing Down

Apple’s flagship products have long been the driving force in the smartwatch market, but even the tech giant is feeling the pressure. The company’s shipments are projected to fall by 19% this year, though it will remain the market leader. Meanwhile, brands from China are capitalizing on the shift, with Huawei showing an impressive 35% growth in sales, driven by the booming domestic market and a broad range of offerings, including smartwatches for kids.

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Xiaomi, too, is experiencing remarkable success, with a staggering 135% increase in sales. In contrast, Samsung is seeing more modest growth, up 3%, thanks to its latest Galaxy Watch 7 and Galaxy Watch Ultra series.

While some companies are succeeding, the broader market is facing headwinds. The biggest factor behind the overall decline is the slowdown in India, where consumer demand for smartwatches has stagnated. The segment is suffering from a lack of innovation and fresh updates, leaving many consumers with little incentive to upgrade their devices. Add to that market saturation, and it’s clear why many users are content with their current models. The Chinese market, however, is bucking the trend, showing 6% growth in 2024.

A Glimpse Into The Future

Looking ahead, the smartwatch market may begin to recover in 2025, driven by the increasing integration of AI and advanced health monitoring tools. As these technologies evolve, the industry could see a resurgence in demand.

Huawei’s Remarkable Comeback

Huawei’s impressive performance in the smartwatch space signals a broader recovery for the company, which has been hit hard by US sanctions. Once the world’s largest smartphone maker, Huawei’s business was decimated when it lost access to advanced chips and Google’s Android operating system in 2019. But in China, Huawei has maintained its dominance, with its market share growing to 17% in 2024.

This resurgence was partly driven by the launch of the Mate 60 Pro, a smartphone featuring a 7-nanometer chip developed in China. Despite US sanctions, the device surprised many with its capabilities, a testament to China’s rising investment in domestic semiconductor production.

In February, Huawei also unveiled its Mate XT foldable smartphone, the world’s first device to fold in three directions. Running on HarmonyOS 4.2, Huawei’s proprietary operating system, the phone further demonstrates the company’s resilience and ability to innovate despite international challenges.

Huawei’s smartwatch offerings are also catching attention, particularly the Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro, which launched in September of last year. With a premium titanium alloy design, a high-resolution AMOLED display, and impressive health tracking features, the GT 5 Pro has become a standout in the market, available to both Android and iOS users.

A Brief History Of The Smartwatch Revolution

The smartwatch market has had its fair share of milestones, but the real breakthrough came in 2012 with the Pebble, a Kickstarter-funded project that raised over $10 million. Pebble introduced the world to smartphone integration, app downloads, and long battery life, becoming the first truly mass-market smartwatch.

In 2013, Samsung entered the game with the Galaxy Gear, marking its first attempt at wearable tech. But it was Apple’s entry in 2014 that truly set the industry on fire. The Apple Watch’s sleek design, integration with iOS, and emphasis on health and fitness catapulted it to the top of the market, establishing a standard that many other brands would try to follow.

By 2021, the smartwatch industry had grown to over $30 billion in revenue, with annual growth reaching 20%. Yet now, it finds itself at a crossroads, with innovation stagnating and market saturation taking a toll.