New Chinese AI Agent Manus: China is making waves in the AI race once again. Just weeks after DeepSeek grabbed headlines, another startup, Monica, has introduced its own AI agent called Manus. Now, the AI agent is being compared to top AI models from OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic. It stands out as an advanced agent capable of handling multiple tasks and working autonomously. Currently, the AI agent Manus is available through an invite-only web preview. It can perform practical tasks like building websites step by step. The company has shared a demo video on its official site, manus.im, and within 20 hours of launch on March 6, the AI agent had already gone viral.  Notably, the Manus was launched on March 6 and in just a few days after its launch it has managed to catch global attention. According to creators, the Manus outperforms OpenAI’s DeepResearch on the GAIA benchmark.  Chinese startup Monica just launched Manus, the world’s first general AI agent. #Manus has set new state-of-the-art (SOTA) performance across all three difficulty levels, surpassing #OpenAI’s Deep Research in the GAIA benchmark for real-world problem-solving capabilities. pic.twitter.com/eiRShk1hxq — Chengdu Hi-tech Zone (@ChengduHitech) March 7, 2025 What Is Manus?  Manus is being called the world’s first truly general AI agent. Unlike regular chatbots, it operates fully on its own, capable of thinking, planning, and completing tasks without human help. Reports suggest it can independently deliver complete results.  For example, if tasked with writing a research paper on global warming, Manus won’t just generate text. It will research sources, write the paper, create charts and interactive elements, and compile everything—without requiring additional user input.  Manus AI Features:  Works Independently  Manus runs entirely in the cloud, allowing it to continue working on assigned tasks even if the user disconnects. This makes it ideal for long-term projects, ensuring uninterrupted progress without requiring constant user supervision. Live Web Interaction  Unlike most AI models, Manus actively browses the web, interacts with websites, and displays its workflow in real-time. This transparency helps users understand how it gathers and processes information to generate accurate and relevant results. Learns and Adapts  Manus continuously learns from user interactions, refining its responses over time. It adapts to individual preferences, improving the relevance and accuracy of its outputs, making it more personalized and efficient with repeated use. Manus, the new AI product that everyone’s talking about, is worth the hype. This is the AI agent we were promised. Deep Research+Operator+Computer Use+Lovable+memory. Asked it to “Do a professional analysis of Tesla stock ” and it did ~2wks of professional-level work in ~1hr! pic.twitter.com/qipMcWPIX6 — Deedy (@deedydas) March 8, 2025 Multi-Platform Access  The AI can collect and analyze data from various platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Telegram. This capability allows it to pull real-time insights, making it a powerful tool for research, social media monitoring, and trend analysis. Manages Multiple Screens  Manus can operate across multiple screens simultaneously, enabling seamless multitasking. Its ability to handle different tasks in parallel, as shown in its official demo, makes it highly efficient for complex workflows requiring diverse inputs. Beyond Text Generation  Manus does more than just produce text; it can create detailed reports, interactive presentations, and even code-based outputs like data visualizations and spreadsheets. This versatility makes it useful for professionals across various industries.  Manus AI Availability Manus is currently accessible through an invitation-only web preview. However, the company hasn’t announced a public release date yet, but with the growing buzz, an official launch is likely in the coming weeks. It has also stated that in the months ahead, the model will be open-sourced for developers to use in their projects.  How To Use Manus AI? Using Manus is similar to platforms like ChatGPT or Grok. You enter a prompt, such as planning a budget-friendly week-long trip to Bali, and Manus independently researches, organises the data, and provides structured, real-time results. Manus begins researching by browsing the web, gathering relevant data, and analysing information to ensure accuracy and relevance. 

New Delhi: Elon Musk on Monday said a massive cyber attack has hit his X social media platform, that disabled millions of users across the globe, including in India, from accessing the popular platform.  The X platform went down in a massive global outage as users were unable to access the micro-blogging platform. “We get attacked every day, but this was done with a lot of resources. Either a large, coordinated group and/or a country is involved. Tracing…,” said the billionaire in a post. “There was (still is) a massive cyberattack against X,” he said, adding that it is an attempt to silence him and his platform. X, formerly Twitter, went non-operational for millions of users during the day. According to platform outage tracking platform DownDetector, the X outage peaked at around 15:00 hours A user commented: “Is Twitter down? Anyone getting the same issue? Can’t open the comments section”. “Thanks for the update. It’s unreal how badly they want to shut down free speech,” another posted. “Looks like someone really doesn’t want X to thrive. Wonder who’s behind it,” said another. DownDetector reported a huge spike, with users rushing to lodge their complaints about the social media site on other platforms like Facebook and Instagram. During the downtime, X stopped working completely while the users were unable to post tweets or even open pages on the platform. X was acquired by Musk in October 2022 for $44 billion. After the acquisition, X rarely went off the grid unlike its peers Facebook and Instagram. Recently, the tech billionaire raised prices of its top-tier subscription service (Premium+) for his X social media platform by a massive 35 per cent for both new and existing users in India, including across global markets.

New Delhi: X (formerly Twitter) users across the globe are facing difficulties in using the social media site and are reporting issues. Users from across the world –UK, United States, Canada, Italy, Malaysia, Netherlands, Australia were reported to be unable to access the microblogging app. People took to DownDetector website to lodge their problems and comments.  Downdetector is a platform that tracks websites across the globe and gives an estimate whether a website is working or not.  Users majorly complained that they were unable to see any comments, view any profiles, tweets, and others. DownDetector, showed in its chart that there were 2000 reports from India, 18,000 in the United States and 10,000 in the United Kingdom.  The company was yet to respond to the reason behind the mega outage, including India, however, it started to work for some users after facing at least outage of nearly 30-40 minute during the day. DownDetector reported that the X outage peaked at around 15:00 hours. DownDetector reported a huge spike, with users rushing to lodge their complaints about the social media site on other platforms like Facebook and Instagram.

New Delhi: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer just an emerging technology; it has become a crucial factor for the growth of the IT services sector, according to a recent report by Centrum Institutional Research. The report highlighted that IT companies integrating AI into their operations and services are more likely to achieve higher productivity, faster growth, and access to larger transformation deals as businesses increase their AI investments. It said “The consensus among IT industry leaders is clear – AI is not optional, it’s an imperative”.The report mentioned that the Indian IT sector has always adapted swiftly to new technological trends, such as cloud computing and digital transformation. Now, the industry is showing similar agility in adopting AI. With a vast talent pool, Indian IT firms are rapidly upskilling their workforce to stay ahead in the AI-driven market. Companies that establish a strong AI strategy, demonstrate early success through case studies and productivity improvements, and foster a culture of innovation are expected to emerge as long-term winners. AI is proving to be a game-changer for IT firms in two key ways. First, it helps improve internal operations, making business processes more efficient. Second, it serves as a major revenue stream, allowing IT companies to offer AI-driven solutions to their clients.  The adoption of AI can lead to non-linear growth for IT service providers, meaning that more work can be handled without a proportional increase in manpower. It stated “AI can drive non-linear growth for IT services companies as more volume of work can be carried out without a commensurate increase in manpower”.On the other hand, companies that fail to embrace AI could struggle to remain competitive.  Traditional outsourcing services, which rely heavily on manual labour, may become less attractive as automated solutions offer cost-effective alternatives.Industry experts agree that AI is not just an option but a necessity for IT firms. As global businesses accelerate their AI investments, IT companies that successfully integrate AI into their offerings are likely to lead the next wave of growth in the sector. The report also outlined that investors should look for companies that have put in place a clear AI strategy, early results (case studies or productivity metrics) and a culture of innovation as those will likely emerge as long-term winners. 

Xiaomi 15 Ultra And Xiaomi 15 India Launch: Chinese smartphone brand Xiaomi has introduced its latest flagship devices, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra and Xiaomi 15, at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025. The new Xiaomi 15 series features a Leica-tuned camera and runs on HyperOS 2, built on Android 15. Notably, they are the direct follow-ups to last year’s Xiaomi 14 and Xiaomi 14 Ultra, which were highly praised for their Leica-powered optics.  Adding further, the Xiaomi 15 series also features AI tools for writing, speech recognition, image enhancement and video shooting. The company has partnered with Google to integrate Gemini directly with Xiaomi apps with access to Xiaomi Notes, Calendar, and Clock.  Xiaomi 15 will be available in three colour options: black, green, and white, while the Xiaomi 15 Ultra could launch only in a silver chrome colourway. Both the Xiaomi 15 Ultra and Xiaomi 15 are powered by Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset. Running on Android 15 with Xiaomi’s HyperOS 2.0, the smartphones also come with ultrasonic in-display fingerprint scanners and IP68-rated dust and water resistance.    #Xiaomi15 is set to revolutionize mobile innovation with its leading camera, ultra-thin display, top performance, and connectivity.#XiaomiLaunch pic.twitter.com/0Rb43ecChm — Xiaomi (@Xiaomi) March 2, 2025 Xiaomi 15 Ultra and Xiaomi 15 India Launch Date And Availability Xiaomi has announced that the Xiaomi 15 and Xiaomi 15 Ultra will launch in India on March 11. The smartphones will be available for purchase through Amazon India, Xiaomi’s official website, and other retail outlets. Xiaomi 15 Ultra Specifications (Expected) The Xiaomi 15 Ultra is expected to feature a 6.73-inch QHD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 3,200 nits. It could come with 16GB of RAM, ensuring smooth and powerful performance. For photography enthusiasts, the device is set to offer a quad-camera setup, including a 200MP Leica telephoto lens, a 50MP primary Leica camera, a 50MP ultra-wide Leica camera, and a 32MP front-facing selfie shooter, promising top-tier imaging capabilities. Xiaomi 15 Specifications (Expected) The Xiaomi 15 comes with a more compact 6.36-inch FHD+ AMOLED display, supporting a 120Hz refresh rate and 3,200 nits of peak brightness. The smartphone is expected to launch in India with 12GB of RAM. On the camera front, it is equipped with a triple-camera setup, featuring a 50MP primary camera, a 50MP ultra-wide lens, a 50MP telephoto lens, and a 32MP selfie camera.

Happy International Women’s Day 2025: March 8 is a day to celebrate the incredible women who inspire, uplift, and drive change. This Day is more than just a celebration—it’s a moment to recognize and appreciate the achievements of women across all fields. This year’s theme, “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.”, highlights the importance of fairness and inclusion for everyone.    Take a moment today to honour the women in your life. Share your appreciation with heartfelt messages, fun WhatsApp stickers, or expressive GIFs. Not sure how? We’ve got you covered! Here’s a simple guide to help you download and send them effortlessly on Meta-owned platforms like WhatsApp and Instagram. How To Download And Send Women’s Day Stickers On WhatsApp  Step 1: Open WhatsApp and select a chat. Step 2: Tap the emoji icon and go to the sticker section. Step 3: Click on “Get More Stickers” to explore new options. Step 4: Search for “Women’s Day Stickers” in the app store and download your favorite pack. Step 5: Start sharing! Select a sticker and send it to your loved ones to celebrate Women’s Day.  How To Send Women’s Day GIFs On WhatsApp Step 1: Open WhatsApp and go to a chat. Step 2: Tap the emoji icon and select the GIF option. Step 3: Type “Women’s Day” or “Happy Women’s Day” in the search bar. Step 4: Browse and select a GIF from the available options. Step 5: Tap to send and share the Women’s Day joy instantly!  How To Send Women’s Day Wishes On WhatsApp   Step 1: Look for Women’s Day quotes and images on Google. Step 2: Download your favourite images directly from search results. Step 3: Find Women’s Day-themed images on third-party apps from the Play Store or App Store.  Step 4: Open a chat and send the downloaded image with a heartfelt message.  How To Create And Share Women’s Day Stories On Instagram And Facebook Step 1: Open Instagram and tap “Your Story.” Step 2: Capture or select a Women’s Day-themed image or video. Step 3: Enhance it with GIFs, stickers, and effects. Use the search bar to find Women’s Day elements. Step 4: Add a caption or greeting and customize the font and colour. Step 5: Tap “Share to Story.” If linked, it will also appear on Facebook. Otherwise, upload it manually to Facebook Stories. 

WhatsApp’s AI-Powered Profile Picture Generator: Since the launch of Meta AI on WhatsApp, the app has been steadily enhancing its in-app features. The Meta-owned platform is likely to launch a new AI-powered profile picture generator for group chats. According to WABetaInfo, this feature is currently being tested with a select group of beta users, allowing them to create personalized and unique group icons using Meta AI.  It is important to note that the users with access to Meta AI can now create unique and customized group icons, adding a visually distinctive touch to their chats. The much anticipated AI-powered feature is especially helpful for those who don’t have a suitable image for their group, enabling them to generate a relevant icon effortlessly.  Some WhatsApp beta testers on Android already have access to AI-generated group icons. Interestingly, the feature has also started appearing on the stable version for some Android users who aren’t part of the beta program. However, there’s no official confirmation on when it will be available for iPhone users, though a wider rollout is expected soon. WhatsApp’s AI-Powered Profile Picture Generator: What’s New  WhatsApp’s new AI-powered tool lets users create custom group icons by describing their desired image through a text prompt. While personal profile pictures remain unchanged, this feature allows groups to generate unique, theme-based visuals reflecting their interests or vibe.  AI can craft images based on user descriptions, and there may also be preset themes like futuristic tech, fantasy, or nature-inspired designs, making customization seamless and engaging.  WhatsApp: Voice Message Transcripts  Moreover, the Meta-owned platform WhatsApp has introduced voice message transcripts in India, allowing users to convert voice notes into text. This feature makes it easier to understand audio messages without needing to listen, offering added convenience in various situations. 

Apple AI Upgrades In Siri: Apple has postponed the rollout of certain highly anticipated AI upgrades to Siri, its voice assistant, pushing the release to 2026 instead of the previously expected 2025 timeline. The new AI upgrade would supercharge Siri with the ability to take action inside other apps until next year.    Apple has been enhancing Siri’s personalization by improving its ability to understand user context and execute tasks across apps. However, the company has not disclosed a reason for the delay. Last year, Apple unveiled “Apple Intelligence,” a suite of AI-driven features that included email rewriting and inbox summarization.  In a statement, Apple acknowledged the delay, stating that it has “been working on a more personalized Siri, giving it more awareness of your personal context, as well as the ability to take action for you within and across your apps. It’s going to take us longer than we thought to deliver on these features and we anticipate rolling them out in the coming year.” AI-Powered Siri: What’s New  The anticipated capabilities include seamless app integration, enabling Siri to access and utilize on-device data for task completion. Siri is also expected to offer context-aware responses, such as retrieving recommended podcasts or extracting flight details from messages.  Adding further, Apple is focusing on enhanced privacy and security, ensuring that its AI infrastructure processes data securely on its chips.  Apple’s Siri Upgrade Vs Gemini AI model  Apple’s Siri upgrade comes at a time of growing competition in the AI space. Alphabet’s Google has integrated its Gemini AI model into its voice assistant, while Amazon has enhanced Alexa with new AI capabilities, offering premium features for $19.99 per month or free for Prime subscribers.  Apple’s Cloud Evolution  Apple is developing a large cloud computing infrastructure powered by its own chips to uphold its privacy standards while enhancing AI features. The company reports that Siri handles 1.5 billion user requests daily. 

New Delhi: Apple has introduced a much-requested feature in iOS 18.1—built-in call recording with transcription. iPhone users can now easily record and transcribe phone calls without relying on third-party apps. This long-awaited addition was previously available only on Android which makes it more convenient to save important conversations, interviews, or personal discussions for future reference. How to Use the Call Recording Feature in iOS 18.1 Update Your iPhone: Ensure your device is running iOS 18.1 or later. Check for updates by going to Settings > General > Software Update. Enable Call Recording: Open Settings > Apps > Phone. Toggle on the Call Recording option. Start Recording a Call: Make or answer a call as usual. A waveform icon (sound wave) will appear in the top left corner of the screen. Tap the waveform icon to start recording. An automated voice notification will inform both parties that the call is being recorded. Stop and Save the Recording: The recording will automatically save to the Notes app when the call ends. To stop recording manually, tap the red Stop Recording button or simply end the call. This feature makes it easier for users to record conversations while keeping things transparent. The automatic transcription adds even more convenience by creating a written record of discussions. Although Apple has built-in privacy protections, users should still follow legal and ethical guidelines when recording calls.

New Delhi: The Indian telecom industry is experiencing remarkable growth, both domestically and internationally, and there remains immense potential for expansion, according to the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI).  Lt Gen Dr SP Kochhar, Director General, COAI, said with approximately 1,187 million subscribers, urban tele-density has reached 131.01 per cent, while rural areas lag at 58.31 per cent. “Despite this disparity, there remains immense potential for expansion across both sectors. The roll-out of 5G is progressing rapidly, facilitated by artificial intelligence (AI), indigenous data sets, and the establishment of localised data centres,” according to Kochhar. The Indian government has implemented financial measures such as goods and services tax refunds and the removal of bank guarantees. Additionally, significant research is underway to develop cost-effective 5G handsets priced between Rs 6,000 and Rs 7,000. “Furthermore, satellite technology is being introduced to provide connectivity to remote regions where terrestrial networks are unfeasible,” Kochhar said in a statement. The Indian government has also prioritised domestic telecom manufacturing to reduce dependency on imports and position the country as a global hub. According to the COAI, policies such as the production-linked incentive scheme have attracted significant investments, fostering self-sufficiency and boosting export potential. India has emerged as a leader in data consumption, despite being one of the most cost-competitive telecom markets globally. The telecom sector has also adopted a two-pronged approach to mitigating cyber fraud and spam. AI-driven warning systems have been deployed to alert subscribers to potential scams, with significant success in blocking fraudulent calls. With a thriving domestic market and increasing global prominence, India’s telecom industry is poised for unprecedented growth, according to the COAI director general. Last month, state-owned telecom major Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) reported a profit of Rs 262 crore in the third quarter of the current financial year, marking its first return to profitability since 2007. This milestone reflects the company’s focus on innovation, aggressive network expansion, cost optimisation, and customer-centric service improvements. The government’s support through strategic revival initiatives, including spectrum allocation, and capital infusion have played a key role in bolstering its operations.