Ben Wood

London, United Kingdom

Chief Analyst & CMO at CCS Insight (smartphones, wearables, XR, smart home & more) +44 7767 886666 / [email protected] - Also founder of @Phone_Museum

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Articles

OpenAI Buys Jony Ive's AI Companion Company: Just Tech Bros Selling Old Rope?

1 month ago | ccsinsight.com | Ben Wood

In an unusual and surprising move, CEO Sam Altman has revealed that OpenAI is buying the company created by renowned designer Sir Jonathan Ive to create an “AI companion” — a physical device that lets people interact with AI. The all-equity deal values the start-up at a staggering $6.5 billion. OpenAI was already an investor, having a 23% stake according to the Wall Street Journal, but this is a significant move.
Samsung Offers UK Shoppers 50% Back on Galaxy S25 Upgrades

1 month ago | ccsinsight.com | Ben Wood

You’d be forgiven for thinking that Samsung’s big news today is the unveiling of the new super-thin Galaxy S25 Edge, a sleek addition to its line-up of flagship premium smartphones. At a mere 5.8 mm thick, the Edge is an attractive entry to the Galaxy S family and aligns well with CCS Insight’s view that, in the second half of 2025, thin is in.
The Ultimate Guide to Vacuum Pumps: Choosing the Right Technology for Your Application

2 months ago | zupyak.com | Ben Wood |Faisal Gocher |Gracey Cummins |Rahul Yadav

As one of the leading Vacuum Pump Manufacturers, we understand the importance of selecting the right vacuum solution for your industrial or scientific application. Vacuum pumps are essential components in a wide range of industries, including pharmaceuticals, electronics, food processing, metallurgy, and research laboratories.
MWC 2025, Tuesday 4 March

Mar 4, 2025 | ccsinsight.com | Geoff Blaber |Ben Wood |Kester Mann |Bola Rotibi

Today’s selection of the biggest announcements from MWC 2025, from eye-catching foldables and AI-powered phones to operators’ expansion into quantum technologies and enterprise services. We also explore advancements in generative audio and the growing role of satellite broadband. As we predicted, flexible display technology and foldables provided plenty of eye candy at MWC, with numerous models on display.
MWC 2025, Monday 3 March

Mar 3, 2025 | ccsinsight.com | Geoff Blaber |Ben Wood |Kester Mann |Luke Pearce

Day two of MWC 2025 brought a mix of bold industry moves and ongoing challenges. Operators showcased innovations in AI, satellite connectivity and network resilience, but also used the event to push for regulatory reform. The conference programme at MWC 2025 kicked off in familiar fashion with operator CEOs protesting about overzealous regulation.
MWC 2025, Sunday 2 March

Mar 2, 2025 | ccsinsight.com | Ben Wood |Geoff Blaber |Ian Fogg |Kester Mann

Our team is back in Barcelona to bring you the latest news and highlights from the biggest trade show in the tech world. Ahead of the official start of MWC on Monday, we’re kicking off our coverage with the biggest announcements of day zero. Major stories today included Qualcomm’s launch of Dragonwing, Orange’s new network API business, Honor’s ambitious AI plan, and Nokia’s focus on AI, 5G standalone and defence solutions.
Honor Embraces Open Collaboration on AI with $10 Billion Alpha Plan

Mar 2, 2025 | ccsinsight.com | Ben Wood

As we expected, AI is everywhere at MWC this year, and Honor’s announcements in this area definitely caught my eye. At its lavish media event on the eve of MWC, recently appointed Honor CEO, James Li, revealed his intention to transform the business into an “AI device ecosystem company”.
Expectations for MWC 2025

Feb 20, 2025 | ccsinsight.com | Ben Wood |Kester Mann |Ian Fogg |Luke Pearce

It’s that time again, and excitement is building ahead of our trip to Barcelona for MWC 2025. The event is undoubtedly the most significant gathering of the year for the connected technology industry and beyond. CCS Insight will have numerous analysts on the ground, with an additional team covering the event from our London HQ. Below are some of our top expectations for the event. You can also hear directly from our analysts in our free webinar on trends to watch at MWC 2025.
Affordable Android Smartphones Offer a Big Bang for Your Buck

Jan 22, 2025 | ccsinsight.com | Ben Wood

I’m in the privileged position that I regularly get to try the latest and greatest flagship Android-powered smartphones from leading manufacturers such as Honor, Google Pixel, Oppo and Samsung. Phone-makers unsurprisingly want me to try their very best models, which often cost up to £1,500, and this means I seldom spend a decent amount of time with lower-tier variants.
Automated Processing and Grading of Second-Hand Smartphones Drives Consistency and Efficiency

Jan 21, 2025 | ccsinsight.com | Ben Wood

I recently visited a new state-of-the-art facility in Germany set up by device processing and grading company Cyculus Services (see video below). It has invested in a robotic line that is powered by Apkudo, which offers machines that are extensively deployed in the US and, increasingly, Europe. The primary goal of companies using this technology is to extend the life cycle of mobile devices, promoting reuse and reducing e-waste.