Google One Cloud Storage Subscription Service Free: Bharti Airtel and Google has announced a partnership that brings 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.  Airtel partners with @Google to bring Google One cloud storage to its Postpaid and Wi-Fi customers in India. As part of the offer, customers will get 100 GB of storage across Google Photos, Drive, and Gmail—free for the first 6 months. The service will also support WhatsApp chat… — Bharti Airtel (@airtelnews) May 20, 2025 Users To Pay Rs 125 Per Month After Six Months  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.  Cloud Storage For Android And iOS Platforms  Adding further, WhatsApp chats on Android are backed up to Google Account storage which will make device switching easier for customers. The cloud storage provision is compatible with both Android and iOS platforms, making it widely accessible to Airtel’s diverse customer base. Google One, the subscription service offering cloud storage and AI features, has recently surpassed 150 million subscribers. This marks a 50 per cent increase since February 2024, when it reached the 100 million mark nearly six years after its launch. (With IANS Inputs)

WhatsApp Privacy Campaign: WhatsApp, the instant messaging platform, has launched a global privacy campaign highlighting that no one—not even the Meta-owned service—can see or hear users’ messages. The campaign, titled ‘Not Even WhatsApp’, is the company’s largest marketing initiative to date and aims to emphasize enhanced privacy for its over 3 billion monthly users worldwide.   Meta-owned WhatsApp has kicked off a large-scale privacy campaign targeting audiences across India, the United States, the United Kingdom, Brazil, and Mexico. WhatsApp is rolling out its campaign across multiple channels which includes TV, digital platforms, online videos, audio, digital out-of-home (DOOH), and in-app messaging. In India, the privacy campaign will run across 16 states, including major regions like Delhi, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. The privacy campaign starts with a brand manifesto TV spot directed by Achowe from Chalk and Cheese Films. The ad was filmed across various locations in Delhi, including familiar landmarks such as the Yamuna River and Chandni Chowk. The 60-second film also features well-known personalities, with Aamir Khan lending his voice for the Hindi and English versions aired in India. The advertisement offers a fresh perspective—showing what messaging looks like from the “other side” of the phone. The campaign highlights the platform’s strong privacy promise: even WhatsApp can’t access your messages. Whether you’re sharing a voice note with family, sending a selfie, or having a private chat with a friend, everything stays confidential. This sense of privacy comes from WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption, which ensures that messages and calls can only be accessed by the sender and the intended recipient. No third party—not even WhatsApp—can read or listen to the communication. Adding further, the campaign aligns with the rollout of a new feature called Advanced Chat Privacy. This optional setting offers users more control by blocking others from exporting chat content, stopping automatic media downloads, and preventing messages from being used in AI features. However, people can still manually download files or take screenshots. However, WhatsApp continues to enhance its Privacy Checkup tool, which helps users manage their privacy settings and security options all in one place.

World’s Most Secure Phones: In a world where privacy is priceless, some phones stand guard like silent sentinels. These are the most secure handset on the planet which is reportedly trusted by intelligence agencies, militaries, and VVIPs alike. From the sleek Apple iPhone to Samsung’s fortress-like devices, these handsets aren’t just gadgets; they’re shields against cyber threats, using advanced technology to stop hacking, spying, and data leaks.  This is why these smartphones reportedly are trusted by Prime Ministers, Presidents, CIA agents, government officials, and VVIPs. Here are six of the most secure phones in the world that help keep secrets safe in an increasingly connected world. Let’s have a quick look at the list of the most secure phones in the world. 2. Blackphone 2 Don’t confuse it with Boeing Black. Launched by Silent Circle, the Blackphone 2 runs SilentOS, a customized version of Android, and uses a proprietary GoSilent firewall. Its Security Center gives you complete control over app permissions and data sharing. pic.twitter.com/o4Ou1gLQmP (@Dmj_dev) February 12, 2021 Blackphone 2 (Silent Circle) The super ultra phone is specially designed with privacy and security in mind. It runs on Silent OS, which is based on Android but almost completely eliminates tracking and data sharing. It offers encrypted calls, messaging, and browsing to keep user communications private. Boeing Black It is developed by the Boeing company, this phone is specifically designed for defense and government use. Its standout feature is that it self-destructs if tampered with, preventing any data leaks. Sirin Labs Unveils $999 FINNEY Blockchain Smartphone with Dual Displays Read More: https://t.co/LXCEerfSlx pic.twitter.com/5Y4Jelse2D — MasterGadgets (@MasterGadgetsIN) July 14, 2018 Sirin Labs Finney A blockchain-based smartphone known for its cybersecurity features. It provides multi-layer cyber protection, a cold storage wallet, and secure device communication. It is very popular among VVIPs and cryptocurrency users. The first Librem 5 smartphones are shipping https://t.co/hA7CG7X4yQ “This is a big moment, not just for us as a company, but for everyone concerned about issues of privacy, security, and user freedom.” – Todd Weaver, founder and CEO of #Purism #Librem5 #Librem5Aspen #Linux #GNOME pic.twitter.com/thZX7D34fx — Purism (@Puri_sm) September 24, 2019 Purism Librem 5 An open-source phone based on Linux, this device includes hardware kill switches that physically disable the camera, microphone, and network. It is ideal for users who want to have full technical control over their privacy. iPhone 17 Pro Max What do you think? pic.twitter.com/BLjjximCgP — Apple Club (@applesclubs) May 18, 2025 Apple iPhone (with iOS 17 or later) While extremely popular among general users, the iPhone’s security is so advanced that many government agencies also use it. Features like end-to-end encryption and Secure Enclave make it highly secure. Samsung Galaxy S24 series Key takeaways – Bunch of new AI features in OneUI 6.1 – Titanium frame on S24 Ultra – S24 & S24+ get new displays – Same cameras on S24/24+ as last yr – S24 Ultra gets new 50MP 5X tele lens – Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 on S24U, Exynos 2400 on S24/24+ – Bumped… pic.twitter.com/TSzew75qQb — Yogesh Brar (@heyitsyogesh) January 18, 2024 Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (Secure Folder + Knox) Samsung’s Knox security platform offers defense-grade protection. Its “Secure Folder” feature allows data to be stored separately and encrypted. It is used by military and government officials in several countries.

Google Chrome Security Alert: The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) has issued a new advisory, high-severity warning users about multiple security flaws in Google’s Chrome web browser. India’s cybersecurity watchdog highlighted two vulnerabilities in the popular Google Chrome browser that could be exploited by hackers. However, the new advisory primarily concerns Chrome users on Mac, PC, and laptop platforms, with limited impact on smartphone users. Google Chrome Security Flaws: What’s Issue?  Google Chrome is currently facing a major vulnerability— CIVN-2025-0099, according to CERT-In’s website. India’s nodal cybersecurity agency has also mentioned that Chrome versions prior to 136.0.7103.113/.114 for Windows and Mac, and versions prior to 136.0.7103.113 for Linux are at risk.  CERT-In Warns of Severe Security Threats   According to CERT-In, the vulnerabilities in Google Chrome could allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code, effectively giving them control over a user’s system. This could result in the disclosure of sensitive data, compromise the system’s integrity, and potentially lead to the injection of malware or installation of spyware. The CERT-In further warns that one of these flaws is particularly critical, as it is already being actively exploited in real-world attacks, making it an urgent and serious security threat.  How To Protect Your Devices?  To protect your devices, CERT-In has advised all users to update Google Chrome to the latest version of the popular web browser. Google on May 14, hinted that it has released an update to the affected versions of Chrome software. However, the update includes four security fixes, as per the company.  How To Check Latest Version Of Google Chrome Step 1: Open Google Chrome on your computer. Step 2: Click the three-dot menu icon in the top-right corner. Step 3: Go to Help and select About Google Chrome. 

New Delhi: Smartphones have officially become India’s top exported good in FY25, overtaking traditional heavyweights like petroleum products and cut diamonds, as per latest government figures.  Backed by government support and strong local manufacturing by tech giants like Apple and Samsung, smartphone exports rose 55 per cent to $24.14 billion in 2024-25, compared to $15.57 billion in the previous fiscal and $10.96 billion in 2022-23. According to the data, the United States and Japan saw the biggest jump in shipments over the last three years. Exports to the US grew nearly five times — from $2.16 billion in FY23 to $10.6 billion in FY25. Similarly, shipments to Japan shot up fourfold, from just $120 million to $520 million during the same period. This sharp rise is largely attributed to the government’s Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, which has helped attract global investments, scale up domestic manufacturing, and integrate Indian production into global value chains. As per Counterpoint Research’s report, Apple and Samsung together accounted for a massive 94 per cent of India’s smartphone exports in 2024. Their continued investment in local manufacturing played a key role in making smartphones the country’s top export item. Made-in-India smartphone shipments grew 6 per cent year-on-year in 2024, the report added. In FY25, India saw a boom in premium smartphone demand, especially for Apple. According to an IDC report on Monday, Apple clocked the highest growth among all brands in the January-March 2025 quarter, shipping a record 3 million iPhones. The iPhone 16 alone was the top-shipped model, accounting for 4 per cent of all smartphone sales in the quarter. India’s smartphone market is also shifting toward more expensive models. The average selling price (ASP) hit a record $274 in Q1 2025, while the premium segment ($600–$800) grew nearly 79 per cent. Apple’s iPhone 13 and 16 dominated this space, pushing its market share even further.

Google I/O 2025 Live: Tech giant Google is set to host its annual developer event, the I/O Developer Conference 2025. It is Google’s biggest developer conference of the year. The mega event is scheduled to take place at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, California. The mega event will showcase product announcements from across Google’s portfolio. Moreover, tech enthusiasts and developers worldwide are gearing up for new announcements around Android 16, Gemini AI, and possibly even a sneak peek at Google’s upcoming XR headset.  It’s still unclear whether Google will unveil new hardware, but any such announcements may be revealed as the event approaches. Google I/O 2025 Date And Time  The event is set to take place on May 20 and 21, with the keynote address—where Google’s top executives unveil major updates—scheduled for May 20 at 10:30 PM IST. The Google I/O Developer Conference 2025 will feature both in-person and online participation.  How To Watch Google I/O 2025 Live Tech giant Google will stream the keynote and other sessions live on the official I/O landing page and YouTube channel. The Developers can register for free on the website to get email updates and access recorded sessions on demand after the mega event.  Google I/O 2025: What To Expect  At the Google I/O Developer Conference 2025, the tech giant is expected to unveil significant enhancements to its Gemini AI models, including new tools for Google Search, Google Workspace, and possibly a next-generation large language model. Moreover, the new AI agents may also be introduced to handle complex tasks such as coding and web research, with existing features like “Gems” likely receiving notable upgrades.  While Google has already offered a glimpse of Android 16, the event is expected to provide deeper insights into the upcoming OS—focusing on improvements in privacy, performance, and design. Adding further, a first look at Google’s XR headset, developed in collaboration with Samsung, could be revealed, potentially showcasing how Gemini AI integrates with smart glasses or immersive wearable technology. 

New Delhi: Taiwanese electronics manufacturing major Foxconn’s facility in Bengaluru is nearly ready for launch, with commercial iPhone shipments expected to begin as early as June, Karnataka Minister for Commerce and Industries, MB Patil, said on Saturday.  The country is now achieving “Make in India” at a global scale, as reports suggest that tech giant Apple may shift the entire assembly of iPhones meant for the US to India by next year. According to Patil, “Foxconn’s unit at Devanahalli ITIR is nearly ready for launch, with commercial iPhone shipments expected to begin as early as June”. In a post on X social media platform, he said that this is not just a manufacturing milestone. “It marks a strategic shift. With rising geopolitical and tariff pressures, India is fast becoming Apple’s preferred production hub. This development strengthens Karnataka’s position in global manufacturing and opens the door to greater foreign investment — without compromising stakeholder interests,” said the state minister. Apple CEO Tim Cook has confirmed that for the June quarter, a majority of iPhones sold in the US will be made in India. “As a Kannadiga, this is a proud moment. From Mysuru to Cupertino, Karnataka is making global headlines,” said Patil. According to Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, India is now achieving “Make in India” at a global scale. Apple’s contract manufacturers in India are already scaling up their operations. Foxconn’s new plant in Bengaluru could produce up to 20 million iPhones at full capacity. Apple’s manufacturing strength in India is already impressive. In the past year, iPhones worth $22 billion were assembled in India, with Tamil Nadu-based Foxconn contributing nearly 50 per cent of Apple’s exports. Exports from Foxconn’s factory have jumped more than 40 per cent compared to the same period last year. Today, India accounts for nearly 20 per cent of Apple’s total iPhone production worldwide, showing how important the country has become for the brand’s global plans. The Indian market is also witnessing strong growth for Apple. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, more than three million iPhones were shipped from India — a new record.

Vivo V50 Elite Edition India Launch: Vivo has launched a brand-new variant of its upper-mid-range smartphone V50 Elite Edition In India. This time, the company has bundled it with a wireless earbuds Vivo TWS 3e in Dark Indigo colour. The latest smartphone is available in a 12GB RAM and 512GB storage configuration. In terms of design and specifications, the latest version features a design and specifications similar to the standard Vivo V50, which was launched in the country in February. The company claims that the smartphone will receive three years of OS updates and four years of security updates.   Vivo V50 Elite Edition Specifications The smartphone features a 6.77-inch full-HD+ quad-curved AMOLED display with up to a 120Hz refresh rate and 4,500 nits of peak local brightness. It is powered by the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 SoC chipset and runs on Android 15-based FuntouchOS 15. The latest device houses a 6,000mAh battery with support for 90W wired fast charging.  On the photography front, it boasts a Zeiss-backed dual rear camera setup with a 50MP primary sensor with OIS and a 50MP ultrawide lens, along with a 50MP front camera. It includes an optical in-display fingerprint sensor for biometric authentication and offers connectivity options like dual 5G, 4G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.4, GPS, OTG, and USB 3.2 Type-C.  Adding further, the smartphone comes with an AI features like Circle to Search, AI Screen Translation and Live Call Translation, AI Transcript Assist, AI SuperLink and AI Eraser.  Vivo V50 Elite Edition Price In India The smartphone is priced at Rs 41,999 and is available across Amazon, Flipkart Vivo, and in retail stores across India. It comes in Rose Red colour. Consumers can purchase it through Flipkart, Amazon, Vivo’s official website, and authorised retail stores across India. Meanwhile, the Vivo TWS 3e earphones are priced at Rs. 1,899.  Vivo V50 Elite Edition Bank Offers Online buyers can get up to Rs 3,000 instant cashback using HDFC, SBI, or Axis Bank cards, or opt for an exchange bonus of up to ₹3,000. They can also avail of no-cost EMI options for up to six months. Meanwhile, offline customers can enjoy an instant discount of up to Rs 3,000 when using cards from SBI, Kotak, American Express, HSBC, DBS, IDFC First Bank, Yes Bank, Bobcard, and Federal Bank. 

New Delhi: India’s competitive edge makes it a natural choice for tech giants like Apple, and the US-based company has assured the government of its commitment to manufacturing its products and boosting the ‘Make in India’ initiative. The country has shown big companies like Apple the value of “Make in India”, according to informed sources on Thursday. According to people close to the matter, “There is no change in Apple’s investment plans in India”. Earlier, US President Donald Trump said that he told Apple CEO Tim Cook to give up his plan of setting up more manufacturing facilities in India and focus on building these plants in the US instead. “Apple will be upping its production in the United States,” Trump added during a meeting in Doha, Qatar.  India has become a key hub for Apple’s global supply chain in recent years. Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said earlier this month that global tech giants such as Apple see a lot of economic sense in setting up manufacturing facilities in India. “Apple has decided to source and produce all its mobile phones in India in the years to come. Because when you invest in India, you are choosing affordability, you are choosing reliability, you are choosing originality,” the minister remarked. Apple CEO Tim Cook recently announced that the tech giant will source the majority of its iPhones for the US market from India in the April-June quarter, while China will produce the devices for other markets. Apple registered the highest growth of 23 per cent among the top five brands in India in the January-March quarter, shipping a first-quarter record of three million units, an IDC report said on Monday. In the March quarter, iPhone 16 was the highest shipped model, accounting for 4 per cent of overall India shipments during Q1 2025.