New Delhi: For the first time ever, Indian customers can now buy Google devices directly from the company itself. Google has launched its official online store in India. Now, it will be easier for users to shop for products like the Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 series without relying on third-party retailers like Flipkart, Amazon, or Croma. Along with smartphones, the Google Store in India also features a variety of other products like the Pixel Watch 3, Buds Pro 2, phone cases, USB-C chargers, watch bands, and more. Google Store India: Benefits and Launch Offers  The launch of the Google Store in India comes with a range of offers for Pixel buyers. Customers can take advantage of no-cost EMI options through HDFC Bank and over 15 other leading banks. Those opting for credit card EMIs, especially with select HDFC Bank cards, can also enjoy instant cashback. Moreover, users can exchange their old smartphones for a special bonus, with extra perks available for existing Pixel users looking to upgrade. To top it off, shoppers will earn store credits on their purchases which can be used for future orders on the Google Store. How is Google making after-sales service easier in India? Google has made after-sales service more convenient for Indian users. You can now request a repair directly on the Google Store website and even schedule a pick-up for your device. The company has also expanded same-day repair services at over 20 service centres across India, including three exclusive Google Service Centres. Plus, for extra ease, customers can opt for free doorstep pick-up and drop-off through Google’s mail-in service. Where can you buy Pixel devices in India? Pixel devices are now available both online through the Google Store and offline at over 25 major retail chains and wireless partners, including Croma, Reliance Digital, Vijay Sales, Bajaj Electronics, Poorvika, and Sangeetha.

New Delhi: Airtel has updated its existing International Roaming plan of Rs 2,999 for postpaid users in India. The Rs 2,999 roaming plan offers unlimited data access with an FUP limit of 5 GB. Airtel has upped the high-speed data usage limit to 10 GB. The data usage will be charged after this limit has been reached.   The plan is the same except for providing additional data. The Rs 2,999 Airtel postpaid International Roaming pack is valid for 10 days. It provides 100 minutes of call time and 20 free SMS daily.  The Rs 2,999 postpaid roaming pack is valid across 189 countries.  The Rs 2,999 roaming pack does not provide in-flight benefits. Users don’t receive calling, messaging or data benefits on a flight. Earlier, last week, Bharti Airtel and Google announced a partnership bringing Google One cloud storage subscription service for Airtel customers.  This partnership aims to address the common issue of limited device storage by offering six months of 100 GB Google One cloud storage to all postpaid and Wi-Fi customers at no additional cost. Moreover, Airtel customers will also be able to share this storage with up to five additional people, said the companies in a statement. 100 GB Cloud Storage Free The 100 GB cloud storage will be available at no extra cost for the first six months from the date of activation, enabling customers to back up their data and experience the convenience of cloud storage.  After six months of 100 GB storage at no charge, a fee of Rs 125 per month will be added to the customer’s monthly bill. If a customer chooses not to continue the subscription, they can opt out of Google One membership. Notably, Airtel’s plans start at Rs. 499 per month for Wi-Fi subscribers and Rs. 449 for postpaid customers.  The partnership aims to address the growing issue of data storage constraints by ensuring that users have ample space to store their cherished photos, videos, documents, and other digital content—without frequently deleting files or relying on costly physical storage solutions. 

If you think that a forwarded image on WhatsApp is harmless, think again. A chilling new scam is making the rounds in India, and all it takes is one image to wipe out your bank account. A 28-year-old man from Jabalpur recently lost Rs 2 lakh just by downloading a picture from a WhatsApp forward. There were no links or calls. It was just an image. So what is going on? Cybercriminals are playing new trick. They are using steganography, which hides malicious code inside images that look totally normal. Once downloaded, this hidden malware silently installs itself, grabs your passwords, intercepts your OTPs and can even drain your bank account. Unfortunately, these files do not even raise alarms with most antivirus software. That is what makes this new scam so dangerous. Catching this type of malware is not easy because the malicious code is hidden inside image files. It often slips past regular antivirus programs that only look for known threats or obvious suspicious behaviour. Detecting these hidden attacks requires deep forensic analysis and advanced threat detection tools, things most everyday users and their devices simply do not have access to. In the Jabalpur case, the malware quietly infiltrated his phone, scooped up sensitive data and ultimately let hackers steal Rs 2 lakh directly from his bank account – all without raising a single red flag. But do not panic. Here is how you can stay protected. 1. Turn off auto-downloads: Go to WhatsApp > Settings > Storage and Data > Media Auto-Download > Disable everything. 2. Don’t download media from strangers: If you do not know the sender, do not trust the file. 3. Update group settings: Limit group invites to only your contacts to reduce spam forwards. 4. Never share sensitive information on WhatsApp: Even if it is someone you know, verify first. Share this to protect your family and friends because the next image they open could be a trap.

New Delhi: Microsoft and Yotta Data Services, India’s leading sovereign cloud infrastructure and platform services provider, on Wednesday partnered to accelerate artificial intelligence (AI) adoption in India. The partnership enables Microsoft and Yotta to engage with IndiaAI Mission participants, government agencies, IITs, startups, enterprises, and software development companies to leapfrog AI innovation. Microsoft said it would bring its AzureAI services to Shakti Cloud, Yotta’s AI cloud platform, to offer cutting-edge AI capabilities to developers, startups, enterprises, and public sector organisations across India. “Our partnership with Yotta to power Shakti Cloud will help unlock AI innovation at scale. Microsoft is honoured to play its part in helping the country realise its AI ambitions through innovation that reflect India’s unique needs and priorities,” said Puneet Chandok, President, Microsoft India and South Asia. India is already among the top global markets on AI adoption and return on investment. Together with Yotta, we will continue to help India become an AI-first nation, securely and responsibly, he added. As of May, IndiaAI Mission has received over 500 proposals for developing indigenous AI models. Shakti Cloud customers will benefit from a rich ecosystem and vast catalogue of foundational LLMs and SLMs available on Azure AI Foundry to develop, deploy and scale at the speed of AI. Built-in safety tools, content filters, groundedness detection, and copyright protection will empower organisations to build and scale AI responsibly. As a global provider of software, infrastructure, and cloud services, Microsoft runs on trust and enables trustworthy AI by prioritising security, privacy, and safety. “This partnership is a key step forward towards India’s AI self-reliance and digital transformation, and we are excited to be able to support Indian enterprises in their journey towards AI excellence with a full gamut of offerings,” said Sunil Gupta, Co-founder, CEO and Managing Director, Yotta Data Services. The combined strength of Microsoft’s services backed by Yotta’s infrastructure gives access to some of the best capabilities to support AI development in the country. “It will make cutting-edge AI capabilities accessible for Indian enterprises of all sizes and give a huge boost to driving the nation’s AI ambitions,” Gupta noted. In January this year, Microsoft chairman and CEO Satya Nadella announced a collaboration with IndiaAI, a division of Digital India Corporation, to advance AI and emerging technologies in the country, and established AI Centre of Excellence and AI Productivity Labs to foster inclusive growth.

Motorola Razr 60 India Launch: Motorola has launched the Razr 60 flip phone in India. The newly-launch foldable smartphone operates on Hello UI based on Android 15 out of the box. The company will give 3 years of OS upgrades and 4 years of security updates to it. Notably, the Motorola Razr 60 flip phone will complement the already launched Motorola Razr 60 Ultra among the foldable space and succeeds the Razr 50 launched last year.  The Motorola Razr 60 flip phone features the world’s first video gestures with a 100% true color camera. It also debuts as India’s first flip phone with finishes in Pearl Marble and Fabric textures, alongside a vegan leather option. The new smartphone introduces several firsts in the flip phone segment, including gesture-controlled video recording, Pantone-validated camera color accuracy, and support for both motoAI and Google Gemini on the external display.  Motorola Razr 60 Flip Phone Specifications:  The phone features a 6.96-inch FlexView FHD+ pOLED LTPO internal display with a resolution of 1080×2640 pixels along with a 3.63-inch QuickView pOLED LTPS outer display with a resolution of 1056×1066 pixels, offering a smooth 90Hz refresh rate and up to 1700 nits peak brightness.  The phone is powered by the octa-core MediaTek Dimensity 7400X 4nm processor paired with a Mali-G615 MC2 GPU for efficient performance. It houses a 4500mAh battery that supports 30W TurboPower fast charging and 15W wireless charging. On the photography front, the Razr 60 is equipped with a 50MP main camera, a 13MP ultra-wide lens, and a 32MP front camera for selfies.  The flip phone’s audio is enhanced with stereo speakers, USB Type-C audio output, and Dolby Atmos support. The flip phone is built with a titanium-reinforced hinge tested for over 500,000 folds. Adding further, the flip phone is IP48-rated for dust and water resistance and protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus. It also features Dolby Atmos spatial sound for an immersive audio experience.  Motorola Razr 60 Price In India And Availability  The foldable smartphone is priced at Rs 49,999 and will be available starting June 4 via Motorola.com, Flipkart, and leading offline retail stores. 

New Delhi: Apple’s iPhone 16 was the world’s best-selling smartphone in Q1 2025 (January–March period), according to a new report released on Wednesday. This also marked the return of the iPhone series’ base variant to the top spot in the first quarter after a gap of two years, as per Counterpoint Research’s Global Handset Model Sales Tracker. Apple maintained a strong presence in the top-10 list, securing five spots for the fifth consecutive March quarter. Meanwhile, Samsung featured one fewer model compared to the same period last year. While the top 10 smartphones’ share of overall global sales remained stable, the report noted an increase in the contribution from low-end smartphones (priced under $100) in the top 10. The iPhone 16 performed well in Japan and the Middle East and Africa (MEA), with Japan recording the highest growth in base variant sales. Which Phone Is Ranked Second? Improved economic conditions and revised subsidy regulations favoured Apple’s pricing strategy and ecosystem, further strengthening its appeal in the Japanese market. The iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 16 Pro ranked second and third, respectively. Apple’s iPhone 16e made a strong debut, securing the sixth spot in the global top-10 list for March 2025—its first full month of sales. Despite being priced higher than the SE 2022, the 16e is expected to outperform its predecessor in its first year. This success will be largely driven by significant technological advancements and an expanded feature set, the report added. Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra secured the seventh spot in Q1 2025, down from the fifth spot held by the S24 Ultra in Q1 2024. This shift was primarily due to a shorter sales window for the S25 Ultra during the quarter. Despite limited availability, the S25 series delivered steady results, contributing one-fourth of Samsung’s total smartphone sales during its active sales month. With deeper Gemini integration, the S25 series also signals Samsung’s shift toward a more agentic AI experience, enhancing user productivity and personalization. Smartphones In Global Top-10 List Xiaomi’s Redmi 14C 4G was the only model outside of Apple and Samsung to make it into the global top-10 list. It achieved an impressive 43% year-on-year growth over the Redmi 13C 4G, the report noted. Looking ahead, despite ongoing tariff tensions and broader market uncertainties, the share of the top 10 best-selling smartphone models is expected to remain relatively stable, the report concluded.

New Delhi: As Apple ramps up its India manufacturing plans, iPhone exports from the country to the US surged 76 per cent (year-on-year) in April, according to a new report. According to latest estimates by market research firm Omdia, nearly 3 million ‘India-made’ iPhones were shipped to the US in April. In comparison, iPhone shipments from China plummeted by a massive 76 per cent to just 900,000 units. This marks the first time India has consistently outpaced China in supplying iPhones to the American market, according to a report by CNBC, citing the data. “Apple has been preparing for this kind of trade disruption for years. The April spike likely reflects strategic stockpiling ahead of tariff hikes,” Le Xuan Chiew, research manager at Omdia, was quoted as saying in the report. The demand in the US for iPhones is around 20 million per quarter at the moment. A ‘Made in US’ Apple iPhone can cost a whopping $3,500 (more than Rs 2,98,000) in absence of a fully-integrated supply chain in the country. Dan Ives, global head of technology research at Wedbush Securities, told the CNN recently that the idea of fully domestic iPhone production is a “fictional tale.” Ives also warned that replicating Apple’s complex Asian supply chain in the US would result in massive cost increases. Moreover, it would take Apple at least three years and a massive $30 billion just to shift 10 per cent of its supply chain to the US, according to market watchers. Apple CEO Tim Cook said during the company’s latest quarterly earnings call that “the majority” of iPhones shipped to the US for the June quarter will come from India. US President Donald Trump has threatened a 50 per cent tax on all imports from the European Union as well a 25 per cent tariff on Apple products unless iPhones are made in the US. However, according to informed sources, India’s competitive edge makes it a natural choice for tech giants like Apple, and the tech giant has assured the government of its commitment to manufacture its products and boost the ‘Make in India’ initiative. India has become a key hub for Apple’s global supply chain in recent years. Global tech giants such as Apple see a lot of economic sense in setting up manufacturing facilities in the country.

realme GT 7 India Launch: Chinese smartphone brand realme has launched the GT 7 Pro in the Indian market. The company claims it is the brand’s most advanced smartphone to date, boasting a score of 2.45 million points on AnTuTu. It is available in 8GB+256GB, 12GB+256GB and 2GB+512GB  storage variants and features AI-assisted capabilities along with a high-resolution display. The Realme GT 7 Pro comes in IceSense Blue and IceSense Black colour options, featuring the distinctive IceSense design.  The dual SIM (nano + nano) smartphone runs on Android 15 with realme UI 6.0, and comes with some AI features such as AI glare removal and AI landscape. The company promises 3 major Android updates and 4 years of security updates for the newly launched realme GT 7 smartphone.     realme GT 7 Specifications:  The smartphone features a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 2780×1264 pixels, a 120Hz refresh rate, and an impressive peak brightness of up to 6000 nits. It is powered by a 4nm octa-core MediaTek Dimensity 9400e SoC, delivering high performance and efficiency. The device is backed by a massive 7000mAh (typical) battery and supports 120W fast charging, capable of charging up to 50% in just 14 minutes and fully charging in 40 minutes. The #realmeGT7 is built for the limitless. Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9400e chipset and a massive 7000mAh battery with 120W charging, this #2025FlagshipKiller keeps you going without pause. Starting from ₹34,999*! Sale starts May 30th, 12 PM Existing GT Users get the… pic.twitter.com/qHskSZsSef — realme (@realmeIndia) May 27, 2025 On the photography front, the GT 7 Pro houses a triple rear camera setup that includes a 50MP main sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide camera, and a 50MP 2x telephoto sensor. For selfies and video calls, it features a 32MP front camera. The smartphone also offers IP69-rated dust and water resistance, USB Type-C audio, stereo speakers, and Hi-Res audio support, enhancing both durability and multimedia experience.  realme GT 7 Price In India, Availability And Launch Offers  The smartphone comes in three variants: the 8GB + 256GB model is priced at Rs 39,999, the 12GB + 256GB model at Rs 42,999, and the 12GB + 512GB model at Rs 46,999. The smartphone will be available for purchase starting June 13th via Amazon.in, realme.com, and offline retail stores.  The pre-booking starts from today May 27 and include an additional 1-year screen damage protection worth up to Rs 2,149. Buyers can also avail of launch offers including Rs 3,000 instant bank discounts or exchange benefits of up to Rs 5,000, with an extra Rs. 2,000 off specifically for existing GT series users. Adding further, no-cost EMI options are available for up to 9 months. 

Alcatel V3 5G Series India Launch: Alcatel, a Finnish consumer electronic brand, has made a splendid come back in India with the launch of the V3 5G series of smartphones. The lineup includes the V3 Classic, V3 Pro, and the V3 Ultra. All three new smartphones are powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset and will be manufactured by Dixon’s subsidiary Padget Electronics in India. Moreover, the V3 Pro and V3 Ultra models are equipped with TCL’s proprietary NXTPAPER display technology, that is claimed to reduce eye strain compared to standard LCD panels.   Alcatel V3 Classic Specifications:  The Alcatel V3 Classic features a large 6.67-inch HD+ display, offering an immersive viewing experience. The device is powered by a robust 5,200 mAh battery and supported by a 10W charger for reliable day-long usage. In terms of photography, the smartphone is equipped with a 50 MP main camera along with a 0.08 MP VGA secondary lens, while the front houses an 8 MP selfie shooter.  The phone comes in two memory variants—4 GB and 6 GB RAM—both paired with 128 GB of internal storage. The phone runs on the latest Android 15 operating system, the V3 Classic also boasts an IP54 rating for dust and splash resistance, adding a layer of durability to its everyday use. The smartphone is offered in Cosmic Grey and Halo White colour options.  Alcatel V3 Pro Specifications  The phone features a 6.67-inch HD+ NxtPaper display. The smartphone is loaded with a 5,010 mAh battery for all-day usage. On the photography front, the V3 Pro houses a 50 MP main lens along with a 5 MP ultrawide camera, while the front camera is rated at 8 MP for clear selfies and video calls. The device comes with 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of internal storage, ensuring smooth performance and ample space for media and apps. The phone runs on Android 15 and is available in Matcha Green and Metallic Grey colour options.  Alcatel V3 Ultra Specifications  The smartphone sports a 6.78-inch FHD+ NxtPaper display that not only delivers vibrant visuals but also supports stylus input, with the stylus included in the box. It is powered by a 5,010 mAh battery, enhanced by a 33W fast charger for quick top-ups. The smartphone features an impressive triple rear camera setup, comprising a 108 MP main lens, an 8 MP ultrawide sensor, and a 2 MP macro lens. On the front, it houses a high-resolution 32 MP selfie camera. The V3 Ultra is available in 6 GB and 8 GB RAM variants and includes 128 GB of internal storage. It runs on Android 14 out of the box and will be offered in three stylish colour options—Hyper Blue, Champagne Gold, and Ocean Grey. Alcatel V3 5G Series Price In India, Availability And Discount  The Alcatel V3 Classic 5G is priced at Rs 12,999 for the 4GB + 128GB variant, while the 6GB + 128GB model is available for Rs 14,999. The Alcatel V3 Pro 5G, featuring 8GB RAM and 256GB storage, comes in at Rs 17,999. At the top end, the Alcatel V3 Ultra 5G is priced at Rs 19,999 for the 6GB + 128GB version and Rs 21,999 for the 8GB + 128GB configuration. All three models will go on sale in India via Flipkart starting June 2. To attract customers, the company is offering discounts of up to Rs. 2,000 on select bank cards. 

iQOO Neo 10 India Launch: Chinese smartphone maker iQOO has launched the Neo 10 smartphone in India. The newly smartphone is designed for youth and will get 3 OS and 4 years of security updates. It succeeds the iQOO Neo 9 launched last year. The iQOO Neo 10   comes in Inferno Red and Titanium Chrome colour options. From young professionals to heavy-performance users, the smartphone sets a new benchmark in the segment with its pioneering dual-chip architecture, enhanced cooling system, and a host of industry-first innovations.  Adding further, it becomes the first in the country to be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset with Adreno 825 GPU, the successor to the 8s Gen 3 SoC that powered several phones last year, including the Poco F6, Realme GT 6, and iQOO Neo 10R. It is claimed to be the segment’s only phone to support 144fps gaming. It also uses an in-house Q1 gaming chipset for frame rate stabilization.  iQOO Neo 10 Specifications:  The smartphone sports a large 6.78-inch flat AMOLED display with 1.5K resolution, delivering an impressive peak brightness of up to 5,500 nits and a smooth 144Hz refresh rate for a vibrant and fluid visual experience.  The phone is the India’s slimmest smartphone in the segment with a 7000mAh Silicon BlueVolt Battery. It is also the biggest battery ever in Neo, providing extended usage of up to 24 hours on a single charge. On the photography front, the smartphone features a 50MP main sensor with OIS, an 8MP ultrawide lens, and a 32MP front-facing camera for detailed selfies.  The iQOO Neo 10 sports a several Gen AI features like Note Assist, transcription, Circle to Search, and more to enhance productivity. With an IP65 rating, the phone offers protection against dust and water splashes, making it resilient to everyday conditions. On the connectivity front,  the phone supports 16 5G bands, an IR blaster, NFC, Bluetooth 5.4, and Wi-Fi 7, ensuring seamless wireless communication across devices and networks.  iQOO Neo 10 Price In India, Discount, And Availability  The iQOO Neo 10 is priced at Rs 31,999 for the 8GB RAM+128GB storage variant, Rs 33,999 for the 8GB RAM+256GB model, Rs 35,999 for the 12GB RAM+256GB option, and Rs 40,999 for the top-end 16GB RAM+512GB version. As part of the launch offers, buyers using select bank cards can avail a Rs 2,000 discount, bringing the effective prices down to Rs 29,999, Rs 31,999, Rs 33,999, and Rs 38,999, respectively. Moreover, consumers can purchase the smartphone from Amazon and iQOO’s own website from 3 June at 12 noon basis.