Recently, the news of the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 being labeled “illegal” for sale in Indonesia has sparked both local and international discussions. Despite the two-month anticipation since their global release, Apple has been unable to legally sell the new iPhones in Indonesia. At the heart of the issue lies Indonesia’s unique regulatory policy, known as TKDN, or the Domestic Content Requirement, which Apple has yet to fully satisfy to the government’s standards. So, what is TKDN, and why is it causing such a roadblock for Apple?

Understanding TKDN: Indonesia’s Commitment to Local Industry Growth

TKDN, an acronym for Tingkat Kandungan Dalam Negeri (Domestic Content Level), mandates that any product sold in Indonesia must contain a specified percentage of domestically sourced components or value-added processes. This requirement is not limited to the tech industry—it’s enforced across various sectors, including healthcare equipment and agricultural machinery. For the smartphone industry, the TKDN threshold currently stands at 35%, meaning at least one-third of the product must be locally sourced or assembled.

Indonesia’s government initially introduced TKDN to curb the influx of black-market products, which had been detrimental to both the economy and consumer protection. Before the rule, products from brands like Xiaomi often entered the market illegally, circumventing taxes and lacking official warranties. These goods, sometimes available at a lower price point due to the absence of duties, undercut official distribution channels and left buyers without reliable after-sales support. With TKDN in place and the added EMEI regulation (device identity registration), black-market entries have substantially decreased, and local manufacturing has seen substantial growth.

Why Apple Stands Out Among Smartphone Manufacturers

Most smartphone brands operating in Indonesia comply with the TKDN requirements through localized assembly or production. For instance, companies like OPPO, Realme, and Samsung have established large-scale production facilities within the country, employing thousands of local workers and creating a robust domestic manufacturing base. Even brands without direct manufacturing plants, like Xiaomi, have partnered with local assembly firms, such as PT Satnusa in Batam, to fulfill TKDN mandates.

Apple, however, has opted for a different approach. Rather than building a factory or relying heavily on local assembly, Apple has pursued a path of “investment.” Through initiatives like the Apple Developer Academy, located in Jakarta, Surabaya, Batam, and Bali, Apple has contributed to Indonesia’s tech ecosystem by fostering local talent. The academy has trained over 2,000 aspiring developers, 90% of whom have gone on to secure employment across various sectors. This investment in human capital has allowed Apple to meet TKDN requirements in the past by demonstrating a commitment to Indonesia’s broader digital economy.

The Current Impasse: Apple’s Investment Shortfall

The current predicament surrounding the iPhone 16 centers on Apple’s commitment shortfall in investment. To release new products like the iPhone 16, Apple must increase its investment proportionally. Reports indicate that although Apple initially committed to investing IDR 1.71 trillion, the actual investment to date is IDR 1.48 trillion, leaving a gap of approximately IDR 240 billion. This deficit has led to the delay in the necessary SDPPI certification, rendering the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro unavailable for official sale.

While the investment shortfall may seem minor in the context of Apple’s cash reserves (estimated at USD 65 billion), the holdup has raised questions. Apple’s massive global market influence and financial capacity make the delay surprising to many. Some speculate that Apple is considering establishing an accessory manufacturing facility in Bandung, which could fulfill its remaining investment obligations. However, this potential move remains unconfirmed.

Implications for Apple and the Broader Market

This situation has broader implications for Indonesia’s regulatory policies and the competitive landscape of the tech industry. By enforcing TKDN rigorously, Indonesia demonstrates a commitment to a level playing field, ensuring all brands adhere to the same standards. Apple’s unique status in previous years—largely due to its reliance on investment over local manufacturing—has drawn attention. Many argue that if other brands can adhere to TKDN through significant local production efforts, Apple should be held to the same standards.

From a consumer perspective, Apple’s inability to officially release its latest products could disrupt its ecosystem’s appeal in Indonesia. Products like AirPods and Apple Watches are often optimized to work best within the Apple ecosystem, which centers on the iPhone. If the iPhone were unavailable in Indonesia, demand for other Apple products could decline, affecting Apple’s market presence and potentially encouraging the brand to expedite its compliance efforts.

A Test of Fairness and Economic Strategy

Indonesia’s stand on the TKDN policy, particularly in dealing with a global giant like Apple, has elicited varied responses. Some see it as a bold move, underscoring the government’s commitment to fair trade practices and local industry support. For other tech brands, this enforcement reassures them that their investments in local manufacturing, which include factory overheads and workforce management, are recognized and valued. Many believe that Apple is unlikely to withdraw from the Indonesian market, as the iPhone serves as the linchpin of Apple’s product ecosystem.

Indonesia’s TKDN requirement remains a vital regulatory tool that promotes industrial growth and supports local employment. While some may argue that Apple’s investment in local talent development is valuable, the policy insists on more direct contributions to the physical manufacturing economy. By standing firm, Indonesia reinforces the message that compliance is not optional, regardless of brand status.

In the end, this case illustrates the complexities of balancing foreign investment with local economic interests. It also demonstrates the challenges global companies face in adapting to country-specific regulations. How Apple navigates this requirement will not only influence its market prospects in Indonesia but also reflect on its approach to balancing global strategies with local compliance.

Conclusion

As the saga unfolds, Apple’s next steps will be closely watched by industry stakeholders and consumers alike. Whether the iPhone 16 and future models will officially enter the Indonesian market depends on Apple’s willingness to meet Indonesia’s stringent regulatory standards. For now, Indonesia’s stance highlights its commitment to supporting local industry while upholding the principle of fair competition in a globalized economy.

The smartphone market has no shortage of camera-centric devices, but finding a budget option that genuinely delivers on camera performance is still rare. Enter the Nubia Focus Pro 5G – priced at approximately $200, this phone promises high-level camera features like 4K recording, optical and electronic image stabilization (OIS & EIS), and even a 108MP primary camera. For a device in this price range, the focus on camera quality is a major selling point.

First Impressions and Design

The Nubia Focus Pro 5G clearly wants to make a statement with its design. Right from the box, the packaging emphasizes the camera specs, letting users know they’re holding a device built for photography. The design includes a large circular camera module that not only looks premium but adds a distinct, “camera-first” identity to the phone. With two color options, "Light Brown" and "Classic Black," and a leather-textured back, it’s clear that the Nubia Focus Pro is geared towards aesthetics as well.

Performance and Features

Powered by a Unisoc T760 processor with 8GB of RAM (expandable virtually to 20GB), the device also comes with a 256GB UFS 3.1 storage. This is a notable upgrade over other budget phones, which often feature slower UFS 2.1 or even eMMC storage.

Despite being marketed as a camera-focused phone, the Nubia Focus Pro doesn’t compromise on performance. The T760 chip, although not the most popular, delivers fast speeds comparable to the Helio G100, allowing the phone to handle multitasking and gaming effectively.

Camera Capabilities

The star of the show, of course, is the camera. The 108MP main shooter with OIS paired with a 5MP ultra-wide lens is quite impressive for a $200 device. Nubia has even added a few iPhone-like features, such as a dedicated shutter button and a "sliding shortcut" for quick camera access. These small touches give the Nubia Focus Pro a premium feel, reminiscent of high-end photography devices.

However, as David from the Gadgetin YouTube channel notes, impressive camera specs don’t always translate to exceptional photo quality. Only testing can reveal whether the camera is as good as the numbers suggest, or if it’s more about style over substance.

Downsides

No device is perfect, and the Nubia Focus Pro has a few drawbacks. Its IPS LCD screen lacks the vibrant colors and deep contrasts found in AMOLED displays, which are becoming more common even in budget phones. Brightness is another limitation; while it’s sufficient indoors, it struggles under direct sunlight, impacting usability in outdoor settings.

The device also ships with Android 13 instead of the latest Android 14, which may be a minor drawback for some users seeking the latest software.

Additional Features and Accessories

An exciting extra for early buyers is a special edition case that includes attachable lenses for macro and close-up photography, adding further to its camera appeal. The phone’s Type-C charger and charger adapter are also welcome additions, as many budget phones still use the older USB-A standard.

Final Thoughts

The Nubia Focus Pro 5G brings camera-centric features to a budget audience, offering solid specs and design at an accessible price point. With its combination of style and functionality, this device has potential for photography enthusiasts who don’t want to break the bank. However, users should weigh the lack of AMOLED display and an older OS before committing.

In the end, the Nubia Focus Pro 5G stands out as a budget phone with a dedicated focus on camera capabilities, a feature usually reserved for pricier devices.

In the Indonesian smartphone market, the name HMD Global as the holder of the Nokia brand is not as popular as Xiaomi, OPPO, realme or vivo. Even so, HMD Global continues to strive to pamper gadget fans in the country through several of its newest products being launched.

Recently, to answer the challenges of consumers who want a smartphone for Rp. 2 million, HMD Global has launched the Nokia G20 in Indonesia. This smartphone landed in the Indonesian market, precisely in early August 2021.

When launched in the Indonesian market, HMD Global boasted that the Nokia G20 has a long battery life. This means that smartphone users don't have to worry about constantly charging. Is it really like that?

For two weeks, we was given the opportunity by HMD Global to directly review the Nokia G20. Of course, this is an interesting challenge. Not only used to surf the internet, this smartphone is also used by us to play games and take pictures of many interesting moments. Then, what was the result?

Design, 6.52 inch screen

Before digging further into the innards and performance of the Nokia G20, let's first take a look at the design offered by HMD Global regarding this smartphone. Nokia G20 is packed with dimensions measuring 164.9 x 76 x 9.2 mm and weighs 197 grams.

It must be admitted, this smartphone does have a body that feels solid and comfortable to hold. If we look at the dimensions offered, the Nokia G20 is also still comfortable to put in a trouser pocket. Moreover, with the corners that are not so sharp.

On the front, HMD Global only embeds an IPS LCD display panel, not a Super AMOLED, which has a size of 6.52 inches. Unfortunately again, this smartphone still offers HD + resolution aka 720 +. Even though now there is a smartphone brand from China that offers a Rp. 2 million smartphone with an FHD + screen.

In addition, unlike most smartphones that launched this year with a punch-hole design, the Nokia G20 still offers a "water-drop" bang design as the front camera housing, which of course has been abandoned by a number of smartphone brands.

The Nokia G20 is also still designed with thick bezels, especially at the bottom of the screen. Indeed, if we pay attention, the bezel at the bottom of the screen is still embellished with the words "NOKIA" in silver. Yes! This is indeed the hallmark offered by HMD Global.

Coming with an IPS LCD screen, of course the fingerprint scanner sensor is not placed under the screen. The Nokia G20 follows many modern smartphones that no longer place the sensor on the back of the device. Yes! The security sensor can be found on the right side of the device, which also functions as the power button.

Above the power button, we will find the volume button (up/down). What's interesting about smartphones made by HMD Global, including the Nokia G20, is the availability of the Google Voice Assistant button on the left side of the device. Not far from the button, we can find slots for SIM cards and memory cards.

In addition, this smartphone is also still equipped with a 3.5 mm audio jack port which is placed on the top side. Meanwhile, on the bottom side of the device, HMD Global embeds a USB Type-C port which is flanked by a microphone and loudspeaker hole.

Shifting to the back, the Nokia G20 is wrapped in polycarbonate plastic that has a small vertical stripes finish. Having such a design, HMD Global wants to show that the back shell of this smartphone is not easily dirty by fingerprints.

The Nokia G20 has two color options, Night and Glacier. Incidentally, we review is the Nokia G20 with the Night color bandage. Still on the back of the device, HMD Global also embeds four cameras collected in a circular module. Meanwhile, the LED flash is placed outside the circle.

48 MP Main Camera Lens

Priced at IDR 2 million, it is clear that the Nokia G20 will target middle class consumers. Then, what about the embedded camera support? Can this smartphone meet the expectations of most people who are eyeing a smartphone for Rp. 2 million?

Yes! The Nokia G20 can indeed be said to be a contemporary smartphone if you look at the embedded camera unit. How come! This smartphone comes with support for four cameras on the back and one camera on the front. In total, the Nokia G20 has five camera units.

On the back there are four cameras with a main sensor with a resolution of 48 MP with an aperture of f / 1.8. The other three sensors are 5 MP ultra-wide, 2 MP macro and a depth sensor aka 2 MP depth sensor. All of that is housed in a circular module that looks different from most smartphones in general.

Now! To answer the needs of those of you who like selfies or video calls, the Nokia G20 is equipped with an 8 MP front camera. As mentioned above, the front camera of the Nokia G20 is placed in a notch that takes on a waterdrop design.

If we go into the camera application interface, HMD Global does make it quite simple. There are five options that you can choose from, from More, Night, Portrait, Photo and Video. Inside the More option, we will find three other options, namely Panorama, Time-lapse and Macro.

In the Photo and Video options, we can also choose to use the main lens or the ultra-wide lens. Meanwhile, if you shoot using the Portrait option, there are six options provided, namely Classic, Star, Heart, Butterfly, Tree and Waterdrop. Each available option, we can also set the desired level or level of blur.

Do you want to put a watermark on every photo you take? This option is also provided by HMD Global on its new smartphone. The trick, tap the three lines in the upper left corner, then activate the Watermark option. Interestingly, you are also given many watermark design options to choose from.

So what about the photos? Although the Nokia G20 is equipped with a main camera with a fairly high resolution, it's a good idea to use this smartphone to take pictures in sufficient lighting conditions, such as daylight.

As already mentioned, you will also find the Night option or night mode. This means that you can take advantage of this option to shoot at night or in low-light conditions. Unfortunately the resulting photo still presents a very high noise. It's a good idea to use a tripod when shooting using this option.

What if the camera on the Nokia G20 is used to record video? The rear camera and front camera of this smartphone can record up to 1080p @ 30fps resolution. However, HMD Global does not equip this smartphone with software-based stabilization or EIS. However, there is OZO Audio technology that can capture sound in stereo.

The results of the photos shot using the Nokia G20

Performance, powered by MediaTek Helio G35

 

Indulging the younger generation who wants a laptop with an AMD runway, ASUS presents the Vivobook S14 M433. Yes! This 14-inch laptop is powered by an AMD Ryzen 5 5500U processor.

In the last few weeks, not a few have been asking questions through Droidlime social media, such as on Facebook or Instagram who are looking for laptops with AMD platforms on the market. However, there is a breath of fresh air or welcome from ASUS about it.

Tencent Games as the developer of the PUBG Mobile battle royale game collaborated with a South Korean entertainment company called Pinkfong, by presenting Beby Shark featuring a series of cool items in the PUBG Mobile in-game.

The items that were present were baby shark emotes, baby shark suits, parachutes, pans and so on. All can be obtained through the Baby Shark event in the PUBG Mobile in-game.

The event will be available from October 24, 2021 to November 20, 2021.

His release also ends a three-year drama of extradition between China and Canada, which Beijing has accused of strained relations between the two countries as "willing accomplices" of the US.

Immediately after the US dropped the extradition request for Meng, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that two Canadian nationals, Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig, who had been detained in China shortly after Meng's detention would also be released.

While the detentions were widely seen as an act of retaliation, both Beijing and Ottawa publicly linked the two cases on Friday.

Huang Jing, a professor at Beijing University of Language and Culture, said this was a political case and the reason for the settlement was a political compromise reached between China and the US.

"So the result will naturally have a positive effect on the trilateral relationship between China, the US and Canada," Huang Jing said, as reported by the South China Morning Post (SCMP).

The agreement reached between Meng and the US could signal that some room for cooperation between China and the US remains despite their bitter disagreements in recent years, Huang added.

"It also shows that instead of going head-to-head, the two countries are willing to communicate with each other on seemingly reciprocal issues," Huang added.

Song Luzheng, an international relations researcher at Fudan University in Shanghai, said Meng's return had erased one of the most controversial issues between China and the US, paving the way for further cooperation on other issues, including the removal of punitive tariffs imposed by Donald Trump last year. 2018.

Earlier, U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai said the White House was still conducting "a thorough strategic assessment of crafting a robust trade policy".

Business groups in the US have also called for the removal of tariffs they say are hurting the American economy. Song predicts that the door for talks "to remove or partially remove tariffs" will reopen soon, as early as the end of next month on the sidelines of the G20 summit, although it remains unclear whether Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend in person and meet the Chinese president. Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden.

"The Biden administration's pro-trade and tariff exemptions are also not good for the US," Song said. "There is no such opportunity next year because of the midterm elections in the US."

But some observers expect competition between China and the US in other key areas, including technology and 5G, is likely to continue and even intensify.

A Beijing-based professor who declined to be named due to the sensitivity of the topic, noted that Meng's admission that she had "knowingly made false statements" would be used as evidence in another case in which the US government has indicted Huawei and its two companies. subsidiaries with federal racketeering and conspiracy to steal trade secrets from American companies.

"This could be a victory in one battle of the entire diplomatic war, but in the long term, I don't think the US will give up on containing China."

Song agreed, saying: “There are three main problems in Sino-US relations, which include the Meng case, 5G, and tariffs.

"While tariffs could be lifted, it is unlikely that the US will compromise on issues such as 5G and semiconductors."

Beijing is also cautious - while state media has touted Meng's release as the latest evidence of China's rise, there has been little mention of the release of the two Canadians.

Meanwhile, Chinese media have played up Meng's innocent plea, which the state-owned Global Times described as "maintaining the bottom line of justice" and "preserving the dignity" of Meng and Huawei.

"The results are also effective in upholding China's national dignity," said Song.

Translated from:

selular.id

Twitter News - Twitter says that new video uploads from users will be of better quality and fewer pixels.

The official Twitter support account has revealed that the social media site will be making updates to fix the platform's poor video quality, which has been a problem for its users from the start.

Twitter says they removed the pre-processing step when you uploaded the video that caused the issue.

Doing so will split the clip you're trying to upload into smaller chunks for easier processing, and that results in reduced video quality.

Also, while the improved video quality is expected to be available to all users soon, it will only apply to new video uploads and will not apply to old ones.

Some users say that the quality of this new video is still not up to par with HD videos posted on YouTube, but it looks quite good compared to before.

Here's an example of comparing the quality of old and new videos uploaded on Twitter:

Apparently video quality is better now on Twitter... What's the verdict? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/QsEmTuX59A

— JackFrags (@jackfrags) September 24, 2021