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Biden’s Decision On Cyprus Hailed As A Landmark Moment

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

January 16, 2025

US President Joe Biden’s latest move has been described by the Cyprus government as a “historic development,” opening the door for the Republic of Cyprus to access US defence equipment, supplies, and services through key programmes such as Foreign Military Sales, the Excess Defense Articles (EDA) initiative, and other military assistance channels, according to a statement from the Presidency.

This decision is a direct result of the strategic focus and diplomatic efforts spearheaded by President Nikos Christodoulides, which are already bringing significant benefits in defence and foreign policy, the statement added.

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The announcement follows President Christodoulides’ meeting with President Biden at the White House last October, underscoring a new milestone in US-Cyprus relations. The Republic of Cyprus is increasingly recognized as a cornerstone of stability and security in the Eastern Mediterranean, with a vital role to play in fostering peace and addressing regional humanitarian challenges.

Through its inclusion in the EDA programme, Cyprus can now acquire surplus US defence equipment either as a grant or at significantly reduced costs, a development expected to accelerate the modernization of its military capabilities. Simultaneously, participation in the Foreign Military Sales programme allows Cyprus to procure advanced defence technology directly from the US government, further aligning the two nations’ shared strategic interests. Additionally, Title 10 programmes will bolster Cyprus’ capabilities in areas such as land and maritime border security through specialized training and equipment.

The Presidency highlighted that this decision marks a major upgrade in bilateral defence cooperation, solidifying Cyprus as a dependable regional partner. It also contributes to enhancing the National Guard’s modernization efforts, fortifying national defence, and strengthening Cyprus’ geopolitical influence.

“This strategic partnership underscores Cyprus’ role as a pillar of security, stability, and diplomacy in the region while reflecting the political stability and international credibility of the Cypriot state,” the statement said.

The White House echoed this sentiment, with President Biden’s determination, issued under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and the Arms Export Control Act, stating that the provision of defence articles and services to Cyprus would advance US security interests and promote global peace.

Addressing the Secretary of State, Biden authorised the necessary steps to notify Congress and ensure the decision’s publication in the Federal Register. “This action demonstrates the strategic value of Cyprus in the broader geopolitical landscape and reinforces the deepening cooperation between the two nations,” the statement read.

The decision is also seen as a powerful message of support for Cyprus’ efforts to resolve the ongoing division of the island, which has been split since 1974 following Turkey’s invasion and occupation of the northern third. Despite decades of UN-led negotiations, a lasting solution remains elusive, with the most recent talks in 2017 at Crans-Montana ending without agreement.

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.