This is an archive article published on October 4, 2020
Week in Tech (Sep 28-Oct 4, 2020): Microsoft’s ‘affordable’ Surface Laptop Go, Pixel 5 launch and more
Microsoft surprised us with the launch of Surface Laptop Go, Google unveiled Pixel 5 with 5G support , Facebook Messenger and Instagram chats are now officially merged and more in this week’s roundup of tech news.
Microsoft is clearly going after Apple's MacBook Air with its Surface Laptop Go. (Image credit: Microsoft)
Another week has gone by and we managed to cover a lot of exciting developments in the tech world. This week, Microsoft announced a cheaper version of its flagship Surface Laptop 3 notebook, the Surface Laptop Go, alongside a faster Surface Pro X tablet. What else? Google unveiled the Pixel 5 smartphone, an improved Chromecast, and the Nest Audio at its virtual launch event. Meanwhile, Facebook this week allowed Instagram users to be able to communicate with their friends on Messenger without needing a Facebook account. So in case you miss them, here is a curated weekly roundup of the breaking news and most-popular news in tech this week.
Microsoft challenges Apple with its $549 Surface Laptop Go
Out of nowhere, Microsoft announced the new Surface Laptop Go, a 12.4-inch laptop starting at $549. It’s a proper Windows 10 laptop with a great display, fast Intel Core i5 processor, and a premium metal finish design. The notebook also has a full-size keyboard and large, precision trackpad. Perhaps the big news is that the Surface Laptop Go starts at $549, making it a great choice for students or anyone with limited cash in the hand. Alongside the Surface Laptop Go, Microsoft also announced an updated ARM-based Surface Pro X tablet. The premium 2-in-1 comes with a new, faster Microsoft SQ2 custom processor. Starting at $999, the Surface Pro X is aimed at Apple’s iPad Pro.
Google launches new Pixel 5 with 5G support
Google held its big Launch Night In event earlier this week, where it launched the Pixel 5, its first 5G-ready smartphone. At $699, the Pixel 5 is a compelling option for those who want the extra fast speed of 5G. The phone has a 6-inch OLED display, Snapdragon 765G processor, 8GB of RAM, water resistance, a reverse wireless charging feature that means it can charge up other phones or accessories such as Galaxy Buds. Unfortunately, Google has no plans to launch Pixel 5 in India. During the same virtual event, Google also announced the Pixel 4a 5G, a new Nest Audio smart speaker and an updated Chromecast with Google TV and a dedicated remote.
Facebook merges Messenger with Instagram
Instagram and Facebook Messenger users can message each other without a Facebook account. The ability for Instagram and Messenger users to message each other is currently being tested in a few countries and will expand globally in the coming months. It’s the first step to merge two platforms, a goal announced by the Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg in March 2019. But the bigger goal is to integrate WhatsApp, the most popular messaging app, into the experience. Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp and Instagram each have over 1 billion users worldwide.
Apple’s rumoured foldable iPhone could come with a self-healing screen.
Apple working on foldable iPhone with ‘self-healing’ screen
Anuj Bhatia is a seasoned personal technology writer at indianexpress.com with a career spanning over a decade. Active in the domain since 2011, he has established himself as a distinct voice in tech journalism, specializing in long-form narratives that bridge the gap between complex innovation and consumer lifestyle.
Experience & Career: Anuj has been a key contributor to The Indian Express since late 2016. Prior to his current tenure, he served as a Senior Tech Writer at My Mobile magazine and held a role as a reviewer and tech writer at Gizbot. His professional trajectory reflects a rigorous commitment to technology reporting, backed by a postgraduate degree from Banaras Hindu University.
Expertise & Focus Areas: Anuj’s reporting covers the spectrum of personal technology, characterized by a unique blend of modern analysis and historical context. His key focus areas include:
Core Technology: Comprehensive coverage of smartphones, personal computers, apps, and lifestyle tech.
Deep-Dive Narratives: Specializes in composing longer-form feature articles and explainers that explore the intersection of history, technology, and popular culture.
Global & Local Scope: Reports extensively on major international product launches from industry titans like Apple and Google, while simultaneously covering the ecosystem of indie and home-grown tech startups.
Niche Interests: A dedicated focus on vintage technology and retro gaming, offering readers a nostalgic yet analytical perspective on the evolution of tech.
Authoritativeness & Trust
Anuj is a trusted voice in the industry, recognized for his ability to de-jargonize trending topics and provide context to rapid technological advancements. His authority is reinforced by his on-ground presence at major international tech conferences and his nuanced approach to product reviews. By balancing coverage of the world's most valuable tech brands with emerging startups, he offers a holistic and objective view of the global technology landscape.
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Apple’s rumoured foldable iPhone could come with a self-healing screen.
