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Meta sued over claims WhatsApp can access encrypted messages

2026-01-27T05:45:00.004+05:30

An international group of plaintiffs has filed a lawsuit against Meta Platforms, Inc. alleging that the company made false claims about the privacy and security protections for its WhatsApp messaging service, directly challenging the platform's foundational promise of end-to-end encrypted communications.

The lawsuit, filed January 23 in U.S. District Court in San Francisco, accuses Meta and WhatsApp of being able to "store, analyze, and can access virtually all of WhatsApp users' purportedly 'private' communications," according to the complaint cited by Bloomberg. The plaintiffs, who hail from Australia, Brazil, India, Mexico, and South Africa, are seeking class-action certification, which could potentially represent WhatsApp's billions of users worldwide.

Encryption Claims Under Fire

The legal action strikes at the core of WhatsApp's marketing strategy. Meta has long promoted end-to-end encryption as a central feature of the messaging app, with in-app notifications informing users that "only people in this chat can read, listen to, or share" their messages. The plaintiffs argue these assurances do not reflect how the service actually operates.

The complaint references "whistleblowers" who allegedly helped bring this information to light, though it does not identify them or explain their roles. The allegations follow a September 2025 whistleblower lawsuit filed by Attaullah Baig, WhatsApp's former head of security, who claimed approximately 1,500 WhatsApp engineers had unrestricted access to user data without proper oversight and that the company failed to address more than 100,000 daily account takeovers.

Meta Dismisses Claims as "Fiction"

Meta has forcefully rejected the allegations, with spokesperson Andy Stone calling the lawsuit "a frivolous work of fiction".

"Any claim that people's WhatsApp messages are not encrypted is categorically false and absurd," Stone said in a statement. "WhatsApp has been end-to-end encrypted using the Signal protocol for a decade".

The company, which acquired WhatsApp in 2014, said it will pursue sanctions against the plaintiffs' legal team. Jay Barnett of Barnett Legal, one of the plaintiff's attorneys, declined to comment on the case.

Xiaomi first smart tracker leaked with UWB precision finding

2026-01-27T05:27:00.003+05:30

Xiaomi is poised to enter the smart tracker market with its first item-tracking device, the Xiaomi Tag, according to code strings and images discovered within the company's HyperOS software. The leak, shared by security researcher Kacper Skrzypek on X on January 23, reveals that the tracker will launch in two variants, including one with Ultra-Wideband technology for precision finding.

How will #XiaomiTag look? That's what I found in #HyperOS code!
- Similar to Galaxy SmartTag 2
- 2 models: one with UWB, one without
- CR2032 battery, same as in Samsung
- looks like China only for now? (or CN app has only Chinese entries? We will see...) pic.twitter.com/KT3ayFXhs4
— Kacper Skrzypek 🇵🇱 (@kacskrz) January 23, 2026

The device appears to feature an oval design similar to Samsung's Galaxy SmartTag 2 and will be powered by a user-replaceable CR2032 coin cell battery, a standard choice in the tracker segment that typically delivers months to a year of battery life.

Design and Features

Code strings extracted from HyperOS outline a streamlined setup process: users will peel off a battery isolator label at the bottom of the tag and hold it close to their phone to pair. The tracker will support core functionality including location mapping, left-behind alerts, and low-battery notifications.

One notable addition is a "Trust" feature that allows users to mark a known tag as trusted, suppressing "unknown tracker" warnings when traveling with someone else's device. This aligns with cross-platform anti-stalking specifications jointly developed by Apple and Google.

The UWB-equipped variant would enable arrow-style precision guidance to locate lost items, a capability Apple popularized with AirTag's Precision Finding. The non-UWB model would rely solely on Bluetooth for broader, though less precise, proximity detection.

A December 2025 report first indicated Xiaomi was developing the tracker, with speculation it could launch alongside the Xiaomi 17 Ultra. The company's entry into smart trackers would expand options for Android users, who currently rely on Samsung's SmartTag series or third-party trackers from Chipolo, Pebblebee, and Motorola.

According to Android Authority, a Xiaomi-made tracker "could democratize item trackers if the company prices it aggressively, as it usually does". The smart tracker market is projected to reach $1.47 billion by 2031, with Asia Pacific logging the fastest growth.

HMD enters smartwatch market with Watch X1 and P1 models

2026-01-26T20:35:00.005+05:30

HMD Global, the company best known for manufacturing Nokia-branded phones, has officially entered the smartwatch market with the unveiling of two new wearables: the Watch X1 and Watch P1. Alongside the watches, the company announced six new true wireless earbuds in its Dub audio series, marking an aggressive expansion into wearables and audio accessories.

The Watch X1 positions itself as HMD's premium offering, featuring a 1.43-inch AMOLED display with 466x466 pixel resolution and 600 nits peak brightness. The always-on display functionality and animated watch faces come standard with the OLED panel. The more affordable Watch P1 takes a different approach with a larger 1.83-inch LCD screen at 240x284 resolution and 550 nits brightness.

Specifications and Features

Both smartwatches run on a proprietary real-time operating system controlled through the HMD Watch App, available for Android and iOS devices. The watches share identical sensor suites including heart rate monitoring and blood oxygen measurement, with the ability to track over 700 different activities. Sleep and stress monitoring round out the health features.

The Watch X1 carries an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, while the P1 receives an IP67 certification. Battery life differs between models, with the X1 lasting up to five days on a single charge with always-on display enabled, compared to four days for the P1. Both watches use proprietary magnetic chargers and come with standard 22mm straps.

Color options for the Watch X1 include Gray Green, Black, Gray Metallic, and Silver Leather. The Watch P1 comes in Black and Silver. HMD has not yet announced pricing for the smartwatches, though reports indicate the P1 was already on sale in Southeast Asian markets last week for approximately $30.

Dub Audio Series Expansion

The wearable launch coincides with six new TWS earbuds in HMD's Dub series. The flagship Dub X50 Pro features Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, active noise cancellation, quad microphones, IPX4 splash resistance, and up to 60 hours of total playtime with 15.8 hours from the buds alone.

Other models in the lineup include the Dub X50 with 70 hours of playback, the Dolby Audio-equipped Dub S60, the ANC-featuring Dub P70, and the entry-level Dub P60 and P50. Pricing in the Philippines puts the Dub X50 at approximately $30, the S60 at $28, and the P60 at $20.

Strategic Shift

The announcements represent HMD's first foray into the smartwatch segment, a notable absence that has been expected for some time. The Dub audio products and smartwatches are rolling out across multiple markets, with the Middle East launch beginning in January through major retailers in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.

https://www.hmd.com/en_ae/hmd-watch-x-1

https://www.hmd.com/en_ae/hmd-watch-p-1

iPhone 18 Pro leak shows smaller Dynamic Island cutout

2026-01-26T20:20:00.004+05:30

Apple is preparing a visible redesign for its flagship iPhone display this fall, with new leaks suggesting the Dynamic Island cutout on the iPhone 18 Pro will shrink by approximately 35 percent. According to prominent leaker Ice Universe, the pill-shaped display cutout will measure around 13.5mm wide, down from the 20.7mm width found on current Pro models.

The change marks the first visual alteration to the Dynamic Island since its debut on the iPhone 14 Pro in 2022. While the reduction may appear modest on paper, the narrower cutout should be immediately noticeable in everyday use, according to 9to5Mac.

Partial Under-Display Face ID Enables the Redesign

The smaller Dynamic Island is made possible by Apple relocating one component of its Face ID system beneath the display. According to multiple sources, including display analyst Ross Young, only the infrared flood illuminator will move under the screen this year. The dot projector, infrared camera, and front-facing camera will remain housed within the centered cutout.

Earlier reports suggesting Apple would place a hole-punch camera in the top-left corner of the display now appear to have been based on mistranslations of Chinese and Korean supply chain leaks, according to Weibo-based leaker Instant Digital. The clarification was supported by another Apple insider, ShrimpApplePro, who shared what is claimed to be a photo of the new Face ID and selfie camera arrangement.

Always western media messed up the info.
It always has been like this. https://t.co/R8WgjdYmYJ pic.twitter.com/GmX83XWp4e
— ShrimpApplePro 🍤 ずっと真夜中でいいのに (@VNchocoTaco) January 20, 2026

According to Ross Young, the smaller Dynamic Island design will remain through at least 2027, indicating it may take several more years before Apple achieves a truly seamless display.

Additional Rumored Upgrades

Beyond the display changes, the iPhone 18 Pro is expected to receive several internal upgrades. Supply chain analyst Jeff Pu has indicated the device will feature 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM, matching the current iPhone 17 Pro models. The devices are also expected to include Apple's A20 Pro chip, manufactured using TSMC's 2nm process.

Reports from MacRumors indicate Apple will adopt LTPO+ display technology for the Pro models, which should improve power efficiency and contribute to longer battery life compared to current LTPO panels.

The smaller Dynamic Island will reportedly remain exclusive to the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, with the standard iPhone 18 and iPhone Air 2 expected to retain the current design.

Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro models in September.

Jolla launches privacy-focused Linux phone with physical privacy switch

2025-12-07T23:15:00.004+05:30

Jolla launches privacy-focused Linux phone with physical privacy switch

run on Sailfish OS 5

Finnish technology company Jolla launched pre-orders on December 5 for its first new smartphone in years, positioning the device as "Europe's independent Do It Together (DIT) Linux phone" in a market dominated by Android and iOS. The announcement comes as European interest in privacy-focused alternatives to mainstream mobile operating systems continues to grow.

The Jolla Phone runs Sailfish OS 5, which the company describes as "the only commercially viable European mobile OS". According to Jolla's announcement on X, the company was formed from Nokia's MeeGo team after Nokia abandoned the project in 2011. As of December 6, the device has received over 1,200 pre-orders, more than halfway to the 2,000-unit threshold required to begin production by the January 4, 2026 deadline.

Specifications

The device features a 6.36-inch FullHD AMOLED display with Gorilla Glass protection, a high-performance MediaTek 5G processor, 12GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage expandable to 2TB via microSD card. The phone includes a 50MP main camera paired with a 13MP ultrawide lens, dual nano-SIM support, Wi-Fi 6, NFC, and a side-mounted fingerprint scanner.

A physical privacy switch allows users to disable the microphone, camera, Bluetooth, and other components. The 5,500 mAh battery is user-replaceable, as is the back cover, which will be available in three colors: Snow White, Kaamos Black, and The Orange. Jolla guarantees a minimum of five years of OS updates.

Sailfish OS 5 supports Android applications through Jolla AppSupport while allowing users to "fully de-Google" their devices. The operating system emphasizes privacy with no tracking, no telemetry, and encrypted data storage.

The phone will be available in the EU, UK, Norway, and Switzerland, with deliveries estimated by the end of the first half of 2026. Early backers will receive a special edition back cover. Jolla's forum discussions indicate the company worked with its community throughout the autumn to finalize specifications, including display size and other design elements.

https://commerce.jolla.com/products/jolla-phone-preorder

After a long silence in X, @JollaHQ is back. And we're bringing something Europe desperately needs.

The Jolla Phone: Europe's independent smartphone running #SailfishOS 5.

In 2013, when we founded Jolla from @nokia MeeGo’s ashes, people called us naive. "You can't compete with… pic.twitter.com/A4YV2bQA6s
— Jolla (@JollaHQ) December 5, 2025

Qualcomm quietly killing Arduino open source development

2025-11-25T12:44:00.006+05:30

Qualcomm vs Arduino Is This How Open Source Hardware Dies?

How new Qualcomm terms, patents, and cloud lock‑in are pushing makers away from Arduino

Arduino agreed to be acquired by Qualcomm to create a bigger edge‑AI and IoT platform, with Arduino keeping its brand and tools but sitting inside Qualcomm’s ecosystem. As part of this, Arduino launched the UNO Q board that combines a Qualcomm SoC running Linux with a microcontroller, aiming at AI and edge computing use cases.

Weeks after the acquisition announcement, Arduino quietly published new Terms of Service and privacy policies that looked more like a closed SaaS platform than a community hardware project, triggering a wave of anger from makers and educators. Commentators, blogs, and forums quickly framed the move as Qualcomm “killing” the Arduino ethos rather than nurturing it.

Key changes hurting developers

The updated terms emphasize proprietary control, mandatory dispute rules, and data integration into Qualcomm’s global ecosystem, which feels hostile to the open‑hardware culture that Arduino grew up in.

Crucially, the fine print now says you get no patent license just by using Arduino tools, examples, or compatible hardware, leaving room for Qualcomm to assert patents against projects built on top of the ecosystem.

The policies restrict reverse‑engineering and deep technical inspection of the platform, undercutting one of the core habits of embedded developers—taking things apart to learn how they work.

Many makers fear the focus is shifting toward Arduino Cloud and a tightly integrated App Lab IDE that pull beginners into a managed, data‑collecting, AI‑oriented workflow instead of the simple offline Arduino IDE they know.

Community members argue that even the open‑source licenses technically remain, the legal uncertainty and corporate control will discourage libraries, tutorials, and long‑term educational use.

For two decades, Arduino has been the on‑ramp: countless school labs, YouTube tutorials, and hobby blogs assume “plug in a cheap board, open Arduino IDE, hit Upload.” that path becomes legally confusing, data‑hungry, or tied to cloud‑first workflows, a huge part of the beginner pipeline breaks.

Makers also see a pattern: corporate owner, tighter terms, more data collection, and a pivot from “fun microcontroller tinkering” toward “edge‑AI product platform” aimed at enterprises. Many are already saying goodbye to Arduino and moving to Raspberry Pi

, RP2040, ESP32 boards, and other ecosystems they perceive as less encumbered.

Arduino’s response

After the backlash, Arduino clarified that anything historically released under open‑source licenses stays open, and that the new terms mainly target cloud services rather than the classic toolchain. This reassurance helped a bit, but it did not fully erase the suspicion that future development may prioritize closed, Qualcomm‑centric services over the old, lightweight workflow.

Analysts note that Qualcomm explicitly protects the open IDE, CLI, and core libraries, and sets up transparent governance, the damage could still be limited and the platform could evolve without losing its soul. instead, development of the traditional tools slows while cloud‑tied products race ahead, the community will gradually migrate and the “Arduino era” will effectively end even the brand survives.

Treat the current Arduino stack as usable but politically risky; avoid basing long‑lived commercial products solely on tools whose terms can change at any moment.

For education and hobby work, start learning and teaching alternatives like RP2040, ESP32, and other boards that support Arduino‑style APIs or MicroPython without the same corporate entanglement.

Prefer workflows that are not locked to any one vendor’s cloud; use local IDEs, open build systems, and standard debugging tools where possible.

Arduino world pin tool versions keep local copies of critical libraries and follow community news so you can react quickly to any further legal or technical shifts.

From a maker’s point of view, that is how Qualcomm’s moves start “killing” Arduino development—not by flipping a big red switch, but by slowly turning an open on‑ramp into a fenced‑off product funnel

https://www.arduino.cc/en/terms-conditions/

Meta Earning Billion Dollar from Scam Ads

2025-11-10T15:12:00.001+05:30

Meta Earning Billion Dollar from Scam Ads

Facebook and Instagram’s failure to curb fraudulent advertising despite user complaints

For years, Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has faced criticism for allowing scam advertisements to flourish across its platforms. Recent reports suggest that the problem is far deeper than users believe, with the company allegedly earning billions of dollars in revenue from fraudulent ad campaigns targeting unsuspecting users.

According to digital watchdog groups, Meta’s ad algorithms have been exploited by scammers promoting fake investment schemes, counterfeit products, and misleading giveaways. Despite repeated flagging and public outcry, many of these ads continue to appear in users’ feeds. Critics argue that Meta has little incentive to remove such advertisements because they generate massive ad revenue every quarter.

Several victims claim they lost thousands of dollars after interacting with scam ads that looked legitimate and were often endorsed by fake celebrity names. In many cases, users say Meta failed to respond to refund or removal requests, leaving them vulnerable and frustrated.

Cybersecurity experts warn that the problem isn’t just negligence but a systemic flaw in how Meta’s ad platform operates. Automated review systems prioritize engagement and clicks, often approving deceptive content faster than real ads. Regulators in multiple countries have now begun investigating Meta’s role in enabling financial scams online.

While Meta insists it takes the issue seriously, many believe the company’s actions are too little and too slow. As digital advertising continues to dominate the internet economy, questions are growing about whether corporations like Meta should be held accountable for profiting from deception.

Meta reportedly revenue from Scam Ads about $16 billion

Meta denies the figures, claiming many flagged ads are legitimate and reporting a 58% drop in user scam complaints. Still, the digital world remains awash in slick, convincing scam content

source

Windows 11 to Let You Share Audio With Multiple Bluetooth Headphones

2025-11-02T21:38:00.000+05:30

Windows 11 to Let You Share Audio With Multiple Bluetooth Headphones

Microsoft experiments with a long-awaited feature to connect multiple Bluetooth headsets simultaneously.

Windows 11 is gaining another user-focused feature as Microsoft begins testing shared Bluetooth audio output. This update could redefine how users enjoy content with friends or collaborate remotely without needing external accessories or audio splitters.

Revolutionizing Bluetooth Audio on Windows

Until now, Windows supported connecting multiple Bluetooth devices but only allowed one active audio output at a time. The new shared audio feature aims to change that by enabling multiple Bluetooth headsets or earbuds to play the same sound simultaneously.

This technology mirrors functionality already popular on smartphones like Samsung Galaxy devices and Apple’s iOS Audio Sharing. For Windows users, especially those using laptops or desktops for entertainment or collaborative work, this marks a major usability upgrade.

How the Feature Works

Testers have noticed new pairing options within the Bluetooth & Devices settings. Once enabled, compatible headsets can simultaneously stream the same audio source—ideal for watching movies together or for shared listening in workplace settings.

The system automatically detects hardware that supports Bluetooth LE Audio and adjusts audio latency to maintain perfect synchronization between connected devices. However, Microsoft warns that older Bluetooth 4.x accessories might not support the feature due to hardware limitations.

Why It Matters

Bluetooth LE Audio is quickly becoming a new industry standard, offering lower latency, higher efficiency, and better energy management. As Windows 11 integrates this shared audio feature, it signals Microsoft’s ongoing effort to modernize its sound infrastructure and keep pace with mobile ecosystems.

For users, it simplifies group entertainment and collaboration. Whether streaming content during travel, hosting casual office sessions, or sharing playlists, this feature adds convenience without additional hardware.

Availability and Future Updates

The shared audio feature is currently limited to select Windows Insider builds and may take several months before reaching stable public releases. Microsoft is expected to gather user feedback, optimize compatibility, and refine performance before wide rollout.

Available :

Surface Laptop, 13.8-inch and 15-inch* | Qualcomm Snapdragon X

Surface Laptop for Business, 13.8 and 15-inch* | Qualcomm Snapdragon X

Surface Pro, 13-inch** | Qualcomm Snapdragon X

Surface Pro for Business, 13-inch** | Qualcomm Snapdragon X

Coming soon:

Samsung Galaxy Book5 360 | Intel Core Ultra Series 200

Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro | Intel Core Ultra Series 200

Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 | Intel Core Ultra Series 200

Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge | Qualcomm Snapdragon X

Surface Laptop, 13-inch | Qualcomm Snapdragon X

Surface Laptop for Business, 13-inch | Qualcomm Snapdragon X

Surface Pro, 12-inch | Qualcomm Snapdragon X

Surface Pro for Business, 12-inch | Qualcomm Snapdragon X

Final Thoughts

By testing shared Bluetooth audio, Microsoft is taking another solid step in making Windows 11 more user-friendly and connected. If fully implemented, it will bring the desktop experience closer to mobile-level versatility in audio sharing.

Have thoughts on this upcoming Windows 11 feature? Share your feedback below and tell us how you’d use shared audio in daily life.

Bharat Taxi is India first government cooperative cab service

2025-10-29T14:06:00.003+05:30

Bharat Taxi is India’s first government-backed cooperative cab service

designed to provide affordable and driver-friendly transportation as a transparent alternative to private ride-hailing platforms like Ola and Uber.

India is ushering in a new era of city travel with the launch of Bharat Taxi, a driver-owned cooperative initiative directly challenging Ola, Uber, and other private ride-hailing platforms. Developed under the Union Ministry of Cooperation and the National e-Governance Division (NeGD), Bharat Taxi empowers drivers by giving them full ownership of ride earnings, eliminating commissions, and offering predictable, government-regulated fares.

Starting with 650 driver-owner vehicles in Delhi from November 2025, Bharat Taxi aims to expand to 20 cities and eventually onboard 100,000 drivers by 2030. Through transparent pricing, a mission to address longstanding complaints about high fares, unreliable service, and driver welfare, Bharat Taxi positions itself as a transformative alternative in India’s urban transport landscape.

Driver-Owned and Cooperative Model: Cab drivers, called "Saarthis," become co-owners and shareholders in the Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited, allowing them to retain 100% of their fares rather than losing a portion as commission.

Transparent Pricing: Fares are regulated and predictable—there is no surge pricing or hidden fees, addressing a major complaint against existing private cab aggregators.

Diverse Fleet: Offers a range of vehicles including hatchbacks, sedans, SUVs, tempo travellers, and luxury cars for various ride types—outstation, round trip, local transfer, and rentals.

Launch Details

Delhi Pilot: Bharat Taxi will launch its pilot phase in Delhi in November 2025 with 650 driver-owned cabs. The service aims to expand to other major cities beginning December 2025, with a goal of onboarding 100,000 drivers nationwide by 2030.

Nationwide Rollout: The plan includes expanding to at least 20 major cities within the first year.

Government Collaboration: Developed under the Union Ministry of Cooperation and the National e-Governance Division (NeGD), Bharat Taxi embodies the vision of the Digital India initiative.

Benefits Over Private Apps

Cab drivers get full earnings, not reduced by commission percentages.

Passengers benefit from fair rates and elimination of surge pricing.

Enhanced transparency and driver accountability due to cooperative ownership.

Bharat Taxi sets out to transform India’s urban mobility with its cooperative approach, promising to disrupt the current app-based cab market and provide significant benefits to both drivers and commuters

India is building its first passenger jet SJ-100 in collaboration with Russia

2025-10-29T13:16:00.003+05:30

India Aviation Takeoff Build SJ-100 Passenger Jet in Landmark Russia Partnership

HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited) has recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Russia's United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) for the production of the SJ-100 regional passenger aircraft in India. This move positions India to manufacture a complete passenger jet domestically for the first time since the AVRO HS-748 project ended in 1988.

HAL SJ-100 Features

The SJ-100, formerly known as the Sukhoi Superjet 100 (SSJ-100), is a twin-engine, narrow-body regional jet designed for short-haul flights. The aircraft seats up to 103 passengers and has a range of 3,530 km. Over 200 units are already in global commercial service, operated by more than 16 airlines.

Capacity: Up to 103 passengers in a single-class configuration.

Range: Approximately 3,530 km (about 2,200 miles), suitable for regional routes.

Climatic adaptability: Operates efficiently in temperature extremes from -55°C to +45°C.

Competitive segment: Rivals models like Embraer E190 and Airbus A220.

Low operating costs and optimized for quick turnaround and short-haul operations.

The industry is dominated by Airbus and Boeing, who command decades of reputation and scale

Boeing crash occurred in India on June 12, 2025, crashed into the hostel block of B.J. Medical College in Ahmedabad shortly after takeoff. Of the 242 people on board, 241 died, along with 19 people on the ground. Only one passenger survived. The accident is the deadliest aviation disaster in India

This tragedy has sparked debate over the safety of Boeing's Dreamliner jets and drawn global attention to aircraft maintenance and software

Global competitors like China (with the C919) and Russia face hurdles such as reliance on Western technology and sanctions that hinder scaling and exports

This partnership represents a key step in the Indian government's 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' & Make In India initiative, aimed at boosting indigenous manufacturing capability. The SJ-100 project is expected to:

Strengthen regional connectivity under India's UDAN Scheme, improving air travel links to Tier-II and Tier-III cities.

Promote the domestic aerospace manufacturing sector, creating both direct and indirect employment opportunities.

Enable India to meet projected demand for over 200 regional jets and another 350 aircraft for Indian Ocean tourist routes over the next decade.

India’s aviation market is booming, with over 174 million passengers transported last year.

Indian airlines have placed orders for hundreds of new planes, reflecting one of the fastest-growing aviation markets globally.

The SJ-100 project aims to bolster domestic manufacturing and design, build, and service aircraft at home.

The MoU grants HAL rights to manufacture the SJ-100 for Indian customers, but as of now, detailed timelines and final contractual agreements have not been disclosed. The project is hailed as a milestone for Indian aviation, both as a technological leap and for its anticipated economic impact. The aircraft will be the first complete passenger jet manufactured in India in three decades, potentially transforming the country's role in the civil aviation industry. The first India-built HAL SJ-100 passenger jet is expected to take to the skies by 2028.

Redmi K90 Pro Max launched in China

2025-10-23T22:04:00.005+05:30

🔥 Redmi K90 Pro Max launched in China

The Redmi K90 Pro Max was officially launched in China on October 23, 2025. The Redmi K90 Pro Max does have a special edition called the "Champion Edition" or "Lamborghini Edition," developed in collaboration with Lamborghini's Squadra Corse motorsport division. This edition draws on Lamborghini's racing heritage and features unique design elements such as special contours and a refined metal crater-style camera enclosure, differentiating it from the standard K90 Pro Max.

The Champion Edition maintains the same Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor and includes a dedicated D2 AI graphics chip for enhanced performance. However, it is unclear if it retains the Bose-tuned 2.1 stereo system found in the standard model, as the "Sound by Bose" branding is missing on the Champion Edition. It also has an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.

This special edition continues Redmi's trend of high-performance, luxury-themed phones tied to automotive brands, similar to previous Champion Editions inspired by Lamborghini.

📱 Display

✨ 6.9-inch 120Hz OLED

🌈 HDR10+ & HDR Vivid

🎬 Dolby Vision support

☀️ 3500 nits peak brightness

🌙 Can go as low as 1 nit

🧩 Full RGB Array

🧿 Upgraded Eye Protection 3.0

⚙️ Performance

💽 Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5

🧠 AI-powered D2 graphics chip

❄️ Xiaomi’s largest 3D ice-cooled circulation pump

🔋 Battery

⚡ 7560mAh high-capacity battery

⚡ 100W wired charging

📡 50W wireless charging

🔁 22.5W reverse charging

📸 Cameras

🔭 Redmi’s first 5X periscope telephoto lens

🔍 5x optical zoom, 10x lossless zoom, 20x UltraZoom

📷 50MP main (Light Hunter 950 Image Sensor)

🎯 50MP 5x Periscope telephoto (JN5)

🌐 50MP ultra-wide (OV50M, 102°, f/2.4)

💻 Software

🤖 Android 16

🌀 HyperOS 3

🔊 Audio

🎧 Sound by Bose

🎵 2.1 stereo system

🔊 Two super-linear speakers

🎛️ One oversized woofer

🎨 Colors

✨ Gold White

🖤 Black

👖 Tech-Denim

💰 Pricing

💎 12GB + 256GB — ¥3999

💎 12GB + 512GB — ¥4499

💎 16GB + 512GB — ¥4799

💎 16GB + 1TB — ¥5299

India Launches Offline Digital Rupee for Payments Without Internet

2025-10-23T21:31:00.001+05:30

India Launches Offline Digital Rupee for Payments Without Internet

India has taken a significant step in digital finance by launching the offline version of the Digital Rupee (e₹), enabling seamless payments even in areas without internet connectivity. Announced at the Global Fintech Fest 2025 in Mumbai, this Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) aims to boost financial inclusion across rural and remote regions.

What is the Digital Rupee?

The Digital Rupee, or e₹, is India's official CBDC issued directly by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). It functions as a digital equivalent of physical cash, carrying the same legal tender status and sovereign guarantee while offering enhanced security and ease of use. Unlike UPI, which facilitates transfers between bank accounts, e₹ operates like actual digital cash stored in secure wallets, allowing instant transactions without needing constant bank access.

How the Offline Feature Works

The standout innovation of e₹ is its offline capability, designed for low-connectivity environments. Users can make payments using Near Field Communication (NFC)-based tap technology, where NFC-enabled smartphones or devices are simply tapped together to transfer funds without any internet or telecom signals. Alternatively, telecom-assisted offline payments require only minimal network signals, making it viable in areas with poor coverage and mimicking the simplicity of cash transactions.

Getting Started

The pilot rollout involves 15 major banks, including State Bank of India (SBI), ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, and Union Bank of India, which provide e₹ wallets downloadable from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Users register via these apps to hold up to ₹1 lakh in their wallets, with daily limits of ₹50,000 or 20 transactions after an initial cooling-off period. This setup supports instant person-to-person (P2P) and person-to-merchant (P2M) payments, expanding accessibility nationwide.

Programmable Features and Real-World Applications

e₹ introduces programmability, allowing funds to be restricted for specific purposes, such as expiry dates, geolocations, or merchant categories, which enhances targeted financial aid. This feature is already in use in government schemes like Gujarat’s G-SAFAL for livelihood assistance on agri-inputs and Andhra Pradesh’s DEEPAM 2.0 for LPG subsidies, ensuring transparent and efficient delivery. RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra emphasized that e₹ complements India’s Digital Public Infrastructure, including Aadhaar and UPI, to drive FinTech innovation and sustainable growth in underserved areas.

By enabling offline transactions, e₹ addresses connectivity gaps in rural India, positioning the country as a global leader in operationalizing a versatile CBDC. This launch builds on the RBI’s pilot project started in December 2022, promoting a cashless economy while retaining cash-like convenience. As adoption grows, it could transform payments in remote markets, subsidies, and corporate disbursements, fostering broader economic participation

Google Willow Quantum Echoes Algorithm Achieves Historic Breakthrough 150-year problem in 2 hours

2025-10-22T22:29:00.006+05:30

Google's Quantum Echoes Algorithm Achieves Historic 13,000x Speed Breakthrough Over Supercomputers

Google Quantum AI has achieved a monumental breakthrough in quantum computing with their revolutionary Quantum Echoes algorithm, demonstrating the first-ever verifiable quantum advantage that runs 13,000 times faster than the world's most powerful supercomputers. This historic achievement, published in Nature on October 21, 2025, represents a pivotal moment in quantum computing's journey toward practical real-world applications.

The Quantum Echoes algorithm operates on Google's state-of-the-art Willow quantum chip, featuring 105 qubits arranged in a sophisticated seven-by-seven lattice structure. This groundbreaking technique functions like an advanced quantum echo system, sending carefully crafted signals into the quantum system, perturbing a single qubit, then precisely reversing the signal's evolution to capture the resulting "echo".

What makes this quantum echo extraordinary is its amplification through constructive interference - a phenomenon where quantum waves combine to become significantly stronger, creating incredibly sensitive measurements. The four-step process involves running operations forward, perturbing one qubit, running operations in reverse, and measuring the results to reveal how disturbances spread across the Willow chip.

Unlike previous quantum computing demonstrations, Quantum Echoes delivers verifiable results that can be independently confirmed by other quantum computers of similar caliber or cross-verified through real-world experiments. This repeatability factor is crucial for establishing trust in quantum computing outcomes and bringing the technology closer to practical commercial applications.

The algorithm completed calculations that would require the Frontier supercomputer 3.2 years to finish in just over two hours on the Willow chip. This represents not just raw computational speed but precision in final calculations, testing both complexity and accuracy simultaneously.

The breakthrough extends beyond theoretical computation into practical scientific applications, particularly in molecular structure analysis using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) technology. In collaboration with the University of California, Berkeley, researchers successfully used Quantum Echoes to study molecules containing 15 and 28 atoms, matching traditional NMR results while revealing additional information typically unavailable through conventional methods.

This "molecular ruler" capability can measure longer distances than current techniques, potentially revolutionizing drug discovery by determining how potential medicines bind to their targets. The technology also shows promise for materials science applications, including characterizing new polymers, battery components, and even the materials used in quantum bits themselves.

The Willow chip's architecture represents significant advances in quantum error correction, featuring transmon qubits that reduce sensitivity to environmental noise. The chip maintains quantum states for up to 100 microseconds, a five-fold improvement over previous 20-microsecond limitations, enabling more complex quantum computations.

Google's rigorous validation process included "red-teaming" tests borrowed from cybersecurity methodologies, running equivalent tests for 10 years to verify the robustness of results against classical computing attempts. This thorough verification process addresses skeptics' concerns about quantum supremacy claims.

According to Hartmut Neven, Head of Google Quantum AI, the technology could find commercial applications within the next five years in areas including drug discovery, materials science for electric vehicle batteries, and NMR spectroscopy in chemistry and biology. However, chips capable of broad commercial applications aren't expected before the decade's end.

The breakthrough has already impacted financial markets, with Alphabet's shares experiencing significant gains following quantum computing announcements, adding over $100 billion to the company's market capitalization. The stock has shown a 52% year-over-year increase, reflecting investor confidence in quantum computing's commercial potential.

Future Quantum Computing Landscape

This achievement positions quantum computing to tackle complex real-world challenges in nuclear fusion reactor design, pharmaceutical development, and advanced battery technology. The technology's ability to simulate quantum mechanical phenomena makes it particularly valuable for understanding atomic interactions and molecular structures.

As Google progresses toward Milestone 3 on their quantum hardware roadmap - achieving long-lived logical qubits - the Quantum Echoes breakthrough serves as a crucial stepping stone toward fully error-corrected quantum computers capable of solving society's greatest challenges.

The verifiable quantum advantage demonstrated by Quantum Echoes represents more than a technical milestone; it's a fundamental shift toward quantum computers becoming practical tools for scientific discovery and commercial innovation.

https://blog.google/technology/research/quantum-echoes-willow-verifiable-quantum-advantage/

Samsung Unveils Galaxy XR Headset First Android XR

2025-10-22T14:06:00.005+05:30

Samsung Unveils Galaxy XR Headset for $1,799, Launches First Android XR Platform Device

Samsung Electronics has officially launched the Galaxy XR, a cutting-edge mixed reality headset that marks the company's first device built on the new Android XR platform. Priced at $1,799 (approximately ₹ 1,58,000 to ₹ 1,60,000 ) the Galaxy XR introduces AI-powered immersive experiences at nearly half the cost of Apple's Vision Pro, positioning itself as a competitive option in the expanding XR market.

Featuring micro-OLED displays with a total of 27 million pixels and an ultra-high resolution of 3,552 x 3,840 pixels, the headset delivers vibrant visuals with up to a 90Hz refresh rate. The expansive 109-degree horizontal and 100-degree vertical field of view create an engaging, immersive experience for users. The device is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 chipset, coupled with 16GB of RAM and 256GB of onboard storage, ensuring smooth performance for demanding spatial computing tasks.

Samsung has equipped the Galaxy XR with an advanced multi-camera setup, including six world-facing tracking cameras, four eye-tracking cameras, and two pass-through cameras for augmented reality interaction. The headset supports 3D photo and video capture with a 6.5MP resolution, and includes eye-tracking and iris recognition for enhanced security. Audio is handled by a two-way speaker system with woofer and tweeter components, complemented by a six-microphone beamforming array for clear voice input.

The headset touts a lightweight design, weighing 545 grams, with ergonomic features such as a forehead cushion and a pressure-distributing frame that separates the battery to improve comfort during extended use.

To enhance value, Samsung bundles the Galaxy XR with "The Explorer Pack," providing over $1,000 worth of premium subscriptions including YouTube Premium, Google Play Pass, YouTube TV, and other AI and entertainment services for up to a year.

Available now through Samsung.com and select Samsung Experience stores in the US and South Korea, the Galaxy XR ushers in a new AI-focused era for wearable XR devices, built on the open and unified Android XR platform in collaboration with Google and Qualcomm. Samsung's Galaxy XR is designed to offer immersive entertainment, creative spatial computing, and professional applications at an accessible price point, setting a new standard for XR headsets in 2025.

OpenAI Unveils ChatGPT Atlas The AI Browser Changing Web Search Forever

2025-10-22T13:22:00.004+05:30

OpenAI Unveils ChatGPT Atlas

OpenAI has officially launched ChatGPT Atlas, a revolutionary AI-powered web browser that integrates ChatGPT directly into the browsing experience. Released on October 21, 2025, Atlas marks OpenAI’s bold entry into the browser market—positioning itself as a smart, context-aware alternative to Google Chrome and Safari.

ChatGPT Atlas is a browser designed around ChatGPT, intended to rethink how users search, learn, shop, and work on the web. Instead of relying on a traditional address bar, users can ask natural language questions or give commands directly. This means browsing the internet becomes conversational and interactive.

Features

ChatGPT Sidebar – Every tab comes with an integrated “Ask ChatGPT” panel that summarizes pages, compares products, answers questions, or helps with writing directly on websites.

Agent Mode – This feature lets ChatGPT autonomously perform entire tasks like online shopping, planning travel, or document research—exclusive to Plus and Pro subscribers.

Browser Memory – Atlas introduces persistent but user-controllable memories so it can recall browsing sessions and assist with context-aware queries later, such as “summarize the articles I read yesterday”.

Natural Language Commands – Users can execute actions like “close my research tabs” or “reopen yesterday’s recipe page,” replacing manual tab management.

Privacy Controls – OpenAI allows users to manage what the browser remembers, delete stored context, and limit data usage through Atlas’ data controls.

Atlas Currently only available on macOS, with versions for Windows, iOS, and Android rolling out soon. It is available to Free, Plus, Pro, and Go ChatGPT users globally.

Following the announcement, Alphabet’s market value reportedly dropped by $150 billion, signaling how disruptive OpenAI’s move could be to Google’s dominance in the browser and search markets. Analysts describe Atlas as the start of a new “AI browser era,” though some doubt it can immediately rival Chrome’s massive user base.

ChatGPT Atlas transforms browsing from a passive activity into an AI-assisted experience. Rather than typing searches into Google, users directly engage the AI for answers, insights, and on-screen actions without ever leaving the page.

In essence, ChatGPT Atlas is not just a browser—it’s a fully interactive AI assistant embedded into how you explore the web.

https://chatgpt.com/atlas/

meanwhile Aravind

The Paris Art Heist A Real-Life Money Heist Moment Unfolds

2025-10-21T21:49:00.003+05:30

Money Heist in Paris Priceless Art Stolen in Daring Museum Raid

What happened

Four thieves disguised as construction workers used a mechanical ladder mounted on a truck to access the second floor
They broke into the Galerie d'Apollon (Gallery of Apollo) through a window using angle grinders
The criminals smashed two display cases containing France's crown jewels
They stole 8 priceless pieces of jewelry belonging to French royalty, including items once owned by Empress Eugénie (wife of Napoleon III)
One crown belonging to Empress Eugénie was dropped and recovered at the scene

The escape

Two thieves entered through the window while two accomplices waited on sports motorbikes
They fled on scooters, last seen heading southeast on Highway A6 toward Lyon
The operation was described as "very professional" with no violence

executed in broad daylight with precision timing and professional execution under 7 minutes

Paris, October 21 — In a scene reminiscent of the hit series "Money Heist," a group of masked thieves orchestrated a high-stakes robbery at a renowned Parisian museum late last night, leaving the city’s art world in shock. The daring heist saw invaluable artworks vanish in minutes, with authorities and spectators alike stunned by the speed and finesse displayed by the perpetrators.

Eyewitnesses reported that the gang, clad in distinctive red overalls and Salvador Dalí masks, stormed the museum in the early hours, disabling security alarms and outmaneuvering guards in what officials have described as a “cinematic operation.” In total, more than ten pieces—ranging from Renaissance paintings to modern sculptures—were carefully selected and taken, suggesting the involvement of art experts in the meticulously planned theft.

French police have launched a citywide manhunt, deploying forensic teams and reviewing surveillance footage in hopes of identifying the suspects. The stolen art is estimated to be worth millions, with some pieces considered national treasures.

Museum staff, still reeling from the incident, spoke to reporters: “It felt unreal; straight out of a screenplay. We never imagined this could happen here.” The museum plans to bolster its security and collaborate with international agencies, fearing the artwork may surface in the lucrative black market for stolen art.

Social media exploded with comparisons to "Money Heist," as thousands of users drew parallels between fiction and reality, speculating about inside help and potential motives. Meanwhile, authorities urge anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing that protecting cultural heritage is a collective responsibility.

As investigations unfold, art lovers around the world watch with bated breath, hoping the stolen masterpieces will be recovered—and pondering whether Paris has just witnessed its own real-life "Money Heist."

Amazon Web Services Faces Major Disruption Millions Affected Globally Musk take this as opportunity

2025-10-20T17:23:00.010+05:30

How AWS Downtime Exposed the Internet’s Heavy Cloud Dependence

Amazon Web Services (AWS) experienced a significant outage on October 20, 2025, primarily affecting its US-EAST-1 region with substantial disruptions across various apps and services. The outage caused increased error rates and high latencies for about 28 AWS services, particularly affecting the DynamoDB APIs. This resulted in widespread impacts on many popular websites and applications including Snapchat, Reddit, Fortnite, Coinbase, Robinhood, Duolingo, Canva, Roblox, Crunchyroll, Venmo, Alexa, Prime Video, McDonald's app, Uber’s Lyft competitor, and many others. The root issue was related to DNS resolution problems at the DynamoDB API endpoint in the US-EAST-1 region.

Numerous service users reported difficulties accessing features or connecting to their apps due to the reliance on AWS cloud infrastructure. The outage affected diverse platforms from financial services like Coinbase and Robinhood to entertainment and gaming platforms such as Fortnite, Crunchyroll, and Roblox. Messaging services like Signal and social platforms, including Snapchat and Reddit, also experienced service interruptions. Additionally, some banking customers, smart home devices like Ring doorbells, and other everyday digital services encountered disruptions. AWS engineers were actively working on multiple recovery paths to mitigate the downtime and restore full functionality as soon as possible.

Here is a notable apps and services affected by the AWS outage on October 20, 2025

Snapchat, Reddit, Fortnite, Coinbase, Robinhood, Duolingo, Canva, Roblox, Crunchyroll Venmo

Prime Video, Alexa McDonald's app, Lyft competitor app, Signal, Ring doorbells, Wordle,

Rainbow Six Siege, Whatnot, CollegeBoard, Life360, Apple TV, Verizon, Chime, Brawl Stars, Clash of Clans , Perplexity AI , Comet ,Grok, ChatGPT, NPM packages

The outage underscores the critical dependence of many popular digital services and apps on AWS cloud infrastructure and how its failure can cause widespread disruption globally.

Musk take this as opportunity to promote X Chat

Vertu launches first AI Agent Phone Agent Q with Dedicated Encryption Chip

2025-10-17T21:03:00.004+05:30

Vertu Agent Q launches the first AI Agent Phone shifts from apps to intent

Luxury maker Vertu debuts an entrepreneur-focused handset with VAOS, AIGS, and a falcon‑wing design at Harrods.

Vertu has unveiled Agent Q at Harrods in London, billing it as the world’s first AI Agent Phone designed to replace app-juggling with intent-driven autonomy for entrepreneurs. The company frames this as the start of a post‑app era, where users issue goals and coordinated agents plan and execute tasks end‑to‑end.

Agents, not apps

At the core is VAOS (Vertu Agent Operating System) with a Falcon-inspired cognitive loop spanning Perception, Memory, Planning, and Execution to reason and act across domains. Vertu describes an ecosystem of 200+ specialized agents—from Document and Finance to Travel—that collaborate to fulfill multi‑step requests from a single intent. A new Ruby Talk button taps the AIGS network so these agents are available on demand, with a 24/7 human concierge fallback if needed. Vertu positions this as delivering autonomy, privacy, and anticipatory computing—acting before you ask—rather than a faster assistant.

Hardware and performance

The Agent Q features a 6.02‑inch AMOLED display at 1080×2340 and 120Hz, powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite (Supreme bin) with 16GB RAM, 512GB or 1TB storage, and a 5,565mAh battery with 65W wired charging. The rear setup includes a 50MP main camera (Sony IMX906) with variable f/1.59–4.0 aperture at a 35mm focal length, a 50MP ultrawide (OmniVision OV50D) with 122° FOV and 2.5cm super macro, plus a 64MP 2× telephoto (OV64B) with OIS, alongside a 32MP selfie camera. Notebookcheck notes the tri‑camera system matches the Nubia Z70 Ultra’s configuration, underscoring its flagship‑class optics and battery specs. The phone adds dual stereo speakers with DTS Ultra, a dedicated hardware encryption chip, and 10TB of bundled cloud storage.

Materials, craftsmanship, and the falcon‑wing design

Vertu emphasizes luxury construction: over 320 stainless steel components, authentic calfskin or crocodile leather backs, gold‑plated internals (~10μm), and a ceramic “pillow.” A Swiss‑made hinge enables distinctive falcon‑wing flaps that open for tool‑less SIM access, echoing the brand’s ceremonial design language. The device’s White Falcon inspiration and hidden monogram details tie the hardware aesthetics to the company’s heritage of handcrafted luxury.

Privacy and security posture

Vertu claims unmatched data security rooted in its proprietary VAOS platform and a privacy‑first approach tailored to high‑stakes business use. Beyond software claims, the inclusion of a dedicated hardware encryption chip aligns the pitch with on‑device protection for sensitive data.

Price and availability

Agent Q Calfskin Collector's Edition

US$5,920.00

Agent Q Alligator Gold Accent Collector's Edition

US$9,900.00 – US$16,280.00

Agent Q Alligator Collector's Edition

US$8,030.00 – US$8,910.00

Agent Q Himalaya Alligator Collector's Edition

US$21,870.00 – US$120,650.00

Agent Q 27th Anniversary Limited Edition

US$14,170.00 – US$20,680.00

availability is restricted to purchases at Harrods in London

https://vertu.com/product-category/phones/agent-q/

but Q inspire from ? 😁

Unleash the Avatar India Soulslike

2025-10-15T11:54:00.003+05:30

Unleash the Avatar

Unleash the Avatar is a third-person action RPG by Aeos Games, led by creator Varun Mayya, positioning itself as a soulslike set in an alternate India with ambitious production values. Recent trailers and hands-on looks from mid-October 2025 spotlight boss-heavy combat, traversal, and cinematic story beats in an early alpha build.

World and story

Set in a fractured world where the forces of Naraka have torn seams between realms, players face corrupted hordes and towering bosses across destabilized zones. The narrative draws on India-rooted mythos while aiming for global appeal through high-fidelity presentation and modern action RPG pacing.

Gameplay emphasizes deliberate, timing-based melee with dodge, parry, and punish windows consistent with soulslike design pillars seen in the trailers. Hands-on previews describe side quests with timing “windows” and world-state changes that can gate or close content later in a run, encouraging planning and replay routes. Exploration threaded between arena encounters suggests a loop focused on route learning, gear checks, and boss mastery as the main progression drivers.

The team is building in Unreal Engine 5 and using motion capture and photogrammetry to accelerate asset creation while targeting cinematic fidelity for characters and environments. Developer features reference DLSS and AI-assisted workflows, with optimization still in progress as expected for an early UE5 alpha. Coverage of creator breakdowns points to a roughly 40-person team pushing toward a polished vertical slice to validate core systems and visual targets.

Current trailers indicate a PC launch on Steam with “coming soon” messaging and no firm public release date yet. Other platforms have been discussed in creator interviews, but those segments stop short of confirming additional targets at this stage.

Indian gaming communities are actively debating the alpha’s performance and scope, while acknowledging visible improvements over earlier looks and builds. Forum threads are already framing it as a candidate for India’s first high-profile soulslike to court global attention, underscoring rising expectations for the project. Short-form creator reactions highlight art direction, combat cadence, and the game’s culturally grounded identity, drawing interest beyond core enthusiast forums.

If Aeos Games can scale content breadth, deepen systems, and stabilize performance across larger zones, Unleash the Avatar could emerge as a breakout showcase for India’s modern game development aspirations. For now, the alpha communicates a confident combat identity with an India-centric mythos, as players await fuller progression details and a concrete release window

Popular custom ROM LineageOS 23 Official Release Based on Android 16

2025-10-12T22:49:00.002+05:30

LineageOS 23, the newest version of the popular custom ROM based on Android 16, has been officially released. The stable version is now available for more than 100 Android devices from a variety of manufacturers.

The current release is named LineageOS 23.0, not 23.1, because it is based on Android 16's initial stable release, also known as "QPR0". The LineageOS team made this decision because Google has not yet publicly released the source code for the first Quarterly Platform Release (QPR1). While QPR1 has been shipped to Google's Pixel devices, its source code is currently only available to OEM partners.

This change in Google's release strategy for the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) prompted the LineageOS developers to release version 23.0 now, rather than wait for the QPR1 source code to become public. Features dependent on QPR1, such as Material 3 Expressive, are expected to be integrated in a future update once the code is available.

New Features and Applications

LineageOS 23 introduces several new applications and improvements:

Camelot A new, dedicated PDF viewer app, filling a previous gap in the operating system's default functionality.

Twelve A modern music player designed to replace the long-standing "Eleven" app. It features a Material You design, better Android Auto integration, and support for more music library protocols.

Updated Aperture The camera app has been updated with new features.

New TV Launcher The release includes a new launcher specifically for Android TV devices.

Expanded Device Support This version adds official support for a wide range of devices, including tablets and Android TV boxes, from manufacturers like Google, Samsung, OnePlus, Xiaomi, and Motorola.

Installation

Official builds of LineageOS 23 are available from the LineageOS downloads page. While unofficial builds have been available on platforms like the XDA forums for some time, the official release is now considered stable.

The general installation process for a custom ROM like LineageOS 23 involves these steps:

Unlock the device's bootloader.

Install a custom recovery, such as the official Lineage Recovery or TWRP.

Boot into recovery mode and wipe the system, data, and cache partitions.

Flash the LineageOS 23 ROM zip file from the recovery interface.

Optionally, flash a Google Apps (GApps) package if you need Google services, and flash Magisk for root access

https://lineageos.org/

https://lineageos.org/Changelog-30/

Google Pixel Watch 4 New Era for Android Smartwatches

2025-10-12T22:05:00.001+05:30

Google Pixel Watch 4

The Google Pixel Watch 4, officially announced on August 20, 2025, marks a significant upgrade in the Pixel Watch series, positioning itself as a strong contender in the Android smartwatch market. Released on October 9, 2025, the new iteration brings substantial improvements in design, performance, and functionality, including industry-first features.

The Pixel Watch 4 introduces a redesigned domed Actua 360 display, a departure from the flat screens of its predecessors. This new design features 15% smaller bezels, offering a larger and brighter viewing area. The watch is available in two sizes, 41mm and 45mm, both housed in a 100% recycled aluminum case. The display itself is a custom 3D Corning Gorilla Glass 5, with an always-on LTPO AMOLED screen that can reach a peak brightness of 3000 nits.

Features

The Pixel Watch 4 comes packed with new and enhanced features:

Performance It is powered by the Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 processor and a Cortex-M55 co-processor, paired with 2GB of SDRAM and 32GB of eMMC flash storage.

Battery Life Battery life has been improved, with the 41mm model offering up to 30 hours and the 45mm model up to 40 hours with the always-on display active. A new side-mounted quick charge dock allows for rapid charging, reaching 50% in about 15 minutes for the 41mm version.

Connectivity For the first time, the LTE model includes standalone emergency satellite communications. It is also the first commercial smartwatch to support Bluetooth 6 and dual-frequency GPS for improved location accuracy.

Health and Fitness The watch features advanced health tracking, including a multi-path optical heart rate sensor, skin temperature sensor, and sensors for blood oxygen (SpO2) monitoring. It retains the ability to detect a loss of pulse and offers deep integration with Fitbit for health coaching.

Software and AI Running on Wear OS 6, the Pixel Watch 4 integrates Google's AI, Gemini, for on-the-go assistance directly from your wrist. It works with Android phones running Android 11.0 or newer.

Pricing

The Pixel Watch 4 is priced starting at ₹39,900. ₹43,900 It is available in various color combinations, such as a Matte Black case with an Obsidian band and a Polished Silver case with a Porcelain band. The watch comes with both small and large band sizes included in the box.

https://store.google.com/in/product/pixel_watch_4

Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold

2025-10-12T20:04:00.000+05:30

Unfold extraordinary

Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold is Google’s 2025 foldable flagship featuring an 8-inch inner display, a 6.4-inch cover screen, a new gearless hinge, and an IP68 rating, built for multitasking and entertainment at a pro level. It runs the Tensor G5 with a bigger battery rated for 30+ hours, adds Qi2 magnetic charging, and brings new AI features like Gemini Live, Magic Cue, and Instant View for streamlined creation and capture.

What’s new

A reengineered gearless hinge enables a thinner build, smaller bezels, greater durability, and the first IP68 rating on a foldable, while also allowing compatibility with magnetic Qi2 charging systems and Pixelsnap accessories.

The inner display grows to 8 inches and the cover to 6.4 inches, with both panels reaching up to 3000 nits for better outdoor visibility and immersive media consumption.

Battery life increases to over 30 hours with faster wired charging to 50% in about 30 minutes, and Extreme Battery Saver can extend runtime up to 84 hours according to carrier listings.

Specs

Displays: 8-inch Super Actua Flex inner and 6.4-inch Actua outer, designed for bright, crisp viewing and flexible multitasking in split-screen and tabletop modes.

Performance: Tensor G5 with configurations up to 16 GB RAM and UFS 4.0 storage options reaching 1 TB for high-end throughput and headroom.

Cameras: Triple rear system with a new 48 MP main, plus Macro Focus, Super Res Zoom up to 20x, Rear Camera Selfie, and Instant View for immediate on-screen previews when unfolded.

Durability: Gearless hinge rated for 10+ years of folding, IP68 dust and water resistance, Gorilla Glass Victus 2, and reinforced UTG with dual anti-impact layers.

Charging: First foldable with Qi2 magnetic charging built in, supporting Pixelsnap magnetic stands and rings, alongside faster wired charging to 50% in 30 minutes.

Software and AI: Gemini Live, Magic Cue, Daily Hub, enhanced split-screen with adjustable panes, drag-and-drop between apps, and optimized gaming/streaming experiences on large screens.

Crafted with aerospace-grade aluminum in Moonstone and Jade, the enclosure complements the slimmer profile granted by the gearless hinge while maintaining structural rigidity.

Google reduced bezels by extending the display closer to the hinge, creating a more tablet-like experience when unfolded without sacrificing comfort in hand when closed.

Rated for 30+ hours on a charge with the largest battery yet in a Pixel foldable, with a quick top-up to roughly half in about 30 minutes for on-the-go recovery.

Extreme Battery Saver claims up to 84 hours, and Qi2 magnetic charging enables snap-on accessories and charging even in unfolded use cases.

A 48 MP main within a refined triple system powers Pixel computational features like Best Take and Add Me, with macro and high-zoom versatility built in.

Instant View shows photos as they are captured on the large inner screen, while tabletop mode enables hands-free streaming and hands-free capture scenarios.

Announced August 19, 2025 with preorders the same day, and general availability starting October 9 via the Google Store in supported regions & online Stores

Google Fi Wireless lists battery and charging claims alongside device color and core feature highlights for customers evaluating network pairing.

China Launches Antitrust Investigation Into Qualcomm

2025-10-11T20:05:00.002+05:30

China investigating the Qualcomm American chip giant

The move adds to U.S.–China technology and trade tensions at a sensitive diplomatic moment, increasing uncertainty for cross-border semiconductor and automotive supply chains.

China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) has opened an antitrust investigation into Qualcomm’s acquisition of Israeli automotive chipmaker Autotalks, citing suspected violations of China’s Anti-Monopoly Law tied to the transaction’s notification/disclosure requirements. The case focuses on whether Qualcomm failed to properly file the Autotalks deal under China’s merger-control rules.

What regulators allege

SAMR says Qualcomm is suspected of breaching China’s Anti-Monopoly Law in connection with the Autotalks takeover, specifically around required merger filings and prior-approval obligations.

The investigation centers on compliance with China’s concentration-of-undertakings notification regime for the Autotalks transaction.

Qualcomm first announced plans to buy Autotalks in 2023 and completed the acquisition in June 2024, integrating V2X technology into its automotive platform.

Autotalks develops vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication solutions aimed at improving road safety and connected mobility.

Reporting indicates the deal faced earlier regulatory scrutiny in multiple jurisdictions, with Qualcomm at one point pausing the transaction before ultimately closing it with approvals in mid-2024.

Penalties and market impact

If SAMR finds only a failure-to-file, administrative fines up to 5 million yuan are possible; if the deal is found to restrict competition, penalties can be much higher—potentially up to 10% of the firm’s prior-year sales in the relevant market.

Qualcomm shares fell roughly 3–7% after the probe was disclosed, reflecting investor concern over regulatory and geopolitical risk.

The probe comes amid heightened scrutiny of U.S. tech firms in China, with recent actions also targeting other chip companies like Nvidia under China’s anti-monopoly framework.

OriginOS 6 Vivo bold redesign of Android with AI, fluid visuals, and a global rollout

2025-10-11T17:13:00.002+05:30

OriginOS 6

Vivo has officially unveiled OriginOS 6 based on Android 16, introducing a sweeping visual refresh, deeper AI features, and tighter ecosystem integration alongside BlueOS 3 for wearables. The update debuts on the Vivo X300 Pro and X300, with a broader rollout planned for Vivo and iQOO devices starting November 2025 and extending into 2026. A global release is slated around mid-October, with India’s launch set for October 15 as Vivo extends OriginOS beyond China.

What’s new

Visuals adopt a liquid, layered aesthetic with transparent depth, curved icons, and dynamic blur effects, drawing clear parallels to Apple’s “Liquid Glass” direction from iOS 26.

A reworked lock screen brings an adaptive, animated clock and modular layouts that adjust intelligently with notifications and context.

“Atomic Island” offers a floating control hub for music, timers, and alerts, echoing Dynamic Island-like interactions on Android.

The control center gains customizable quick settings, layered notifications, and fluid transitions for faster access and better readability.

Blue River Smooth Engine improves animation stability and frame pacing via super-core computing and dual-rendering architecture.

AI tools headline the release, including Live Photo AI Removal, AI summary generation, enhanced on-device editing, and an upgraded Circle to Search 2.0 for contextual lookups.

BlueOS 3 launches alongside for the Vivo Watch 5 and iQOO Watch 5, bringing animation upgrades, improved battery life, and new calling features.

Rollout

Vivo and iQOO confirm a global OriginOS 6 release around October 15, with the first wave of devices including the X300 Pro/X300 and staged expansion to more models through late 2025 and into 2026. India’s event aligns for October 15, marking a notable shift as OriginOS arrives beyond China in a broad push. A preview program has been running on select models such as the Vivo X200 Pro and iQOO 13, with limited enrollment windows to gather early feedback ahead of general availability.

Goodbye Funtouch OS

Multiple reports indicate OriginOS 6 will replace Funtouch OS in India and other global markets, unifying Vivo’s Android experience under a single, more customizable and AI-forward skin. This change closes the long-standing split where OriginOS was China-only and Funtouch OS powered international units, aligning design language and features across regions. The shift positions Vivo to compete more directly on software polish, fluidity, and cross-device experiences against established Android rivals.

Preview / Beta

Eligible devices can enroll in Vivo’s closed Preview/Beta by navigating to System Update, selecting Version Trial, then Closed Beta Sign-Up, subject to device support and limited slots. Regional preview programs have been confirmed for models like the iQOO 13 and Vivo X200 Pro, with the Indian preview noted for late September on select flagships. Selection remains limited, and participants are encouraged to provide feedback to help stabilize the public release.

power users and creators

The fluid animation pipeline, deeper haptics, and AI-assisted utilities suggest meaningful gains in perceived performance and real-world tasks, from photo cleanup to faster, context-aware actions. With BlueOS 3 expanding wearable integration and OriginOS 6 standardizing UI and features, Vivo’s ecosystem play becomes more cohesive for multi-device workflows. Users on recent Vivo and iQOO flagships are positioned to benefit earliest, while broader device lists indicate staged eligibility through the end of 2025 and beyond.

OriginOS 6#vivo #OriginOS6 pic.twitter.com/hxh7juXYaU
— USTARK (@ul131web) October 11, 2025

Meta AI Goes Multilingual Reels, creators can enable AI translation or dubbing to localize voice Across Meta Apps

2025-10-10T16:02:00.003+05:30

Meta AI Goes Multilingual Hindi and Portuguese Join Spanish and English Across Meta Apps

Meta AI now supports Hindi and Portuguese alongside Spanish and English, bringing multilingual assistance and translation to WhatsApp, Instagram, Messenger, and Facebook for more natural, local-language interactions at scale. The expansion is especially impactful for creators and audiences in India and Brazil, where native-language support can drive discovery, engagement, and accessibility across feeds and DMs.

Meta has rolled out AI-powered translation for Reels with automatic dubbing and lip-sync, expanding from English and Spanish to include Hindi and Portuguese to help creators reach larger audiences with localized audio and captions. Official posts confirm the new multilingual capabilities and signal more languages on the way as the AI assistant continues to roll out globally.

The assistant and creative features are available across WhatsApp, Instagram, Messenger, and Facebook, integrating directly into chats, search, and content workflows so access is seamless without separate tools or logins. Regional launches, including India, indicate a broadening footprint with Hindi support emphasized for conversational AI and content translation features.

Reels translation can auto-dub videos with lip sync in supported languages, lowering friction for multilingual publishing and cross-border audience growth without manual audio edits. Instagram/Meta posts note that the feature set is live and expanding, enabling translation for viewers and streamlined localization for creators.

On WhatsApp, start a Meta AI chat or invoke it in group threads to get answers, drafts, and translations in supported languages without leaving the app.

On Instagram, open DMs and use the assistant for queries, content ideas, and quick translations directly in the conversation flow.

For Reels, creators can enable AI translation/dubbing to localize voice and captions to Hindi or Portuguese in addition to English and Spanish for broader reach.

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