HT Tech News, Tips, Tricks, Ideas

Google surprisingly launched the Pixel 8a smartphone this month with some upgrades, AI features, and a Pixel 8-inspired design. While the smartphone checks all the boxes in terms of specifications and features, if you are confused about what similar devices you can get under the range or lesser, then we have curated a list of Pixel 8a alternatives. This will allow you to explore similar smartphones from top brands such as OnePlus, Nothing and others.

AI roundup: This week was big on AI-related announcements with OpenAI announcing a faster GPT-4o model during its “Sprint Updates” event. While the demo of the GPT-4o grabbed much attention, Google stepped one step further with several AI announcements. Google I/O event was hosted this year with CEO Sundar Pichai taking the stage during the first day. The company revealed a new upgraded Gemini 1.5 Pro, new Gemini 1.5 Flash, Project Astra, and much more.

A former OpenAI leader who resigned from the company earlier this week said Friday that safety has “taken a backseat to shiny products” at the influential artificial intelligence company.

Microsoft Corp.'s partnership with artificial intelligence firm Mistral AI will avoid a UK antitrust probe after the watchdog said it didn't qualify for an investigation.

The EU on Friday told Microsoft to hand over internal documents or face fines as it examines generative AI risks on the company's search engine Bing ahead of elections.

Europe's top rights organisation on Friday adopted the first ever legally binding international treaty governing the use of artificial intelligence .

Mubadala Investment Co. deployed 89 billion dirhams last year into a range of sectors including private credit and artificial intelligence, an area where Abu Dhabi is seeking to make greater inroads.

Twitter, now officially rebranded as X, underwent a significant shift today, changing its web address from Twitter.com to X.com. This move finalises a transformation process that began almost a year ago. Back in July 2023, Elon Musk, the owner of the social network, decided to rename it as X, a symbolic letter with strong ties to the tech mogul's history since 1999. Musk acquired Twitter in a monumental $44-billion deal in October 2022.

Ahead of its highly anticipated debut in India, leaked images of the Samsung Galaxy M35 have surfaced, revealing key design details and colour options. The leaks suggest that the Galaxy M35 will bear a striking resemblance to the Galaxy A35 and feature a vertically aligned triple rear camera setup.

Motorola has unveiled the X50 Ultra in China, a handset closely resembling the Motorola Edge 50 Ultra, differing mainly in color options. Powered by a Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset with Android 14 atop, the device boasts a 144Hz display and a 50MP triple rear camera setup. Let's check what Motorola has in store for you.

OPPO is gearing up to unveil its latest offering, the Oppo Reno 12 series, in China on May 23rd. Among the anticipated lineup are the Oppo Reno 12 and Oppo Reno 12 Pro, teased by the company across its social media platforms. As anticipation builds, leaked renders of the phones have emerged online, courtesy of tipster Evan Blass, showcasing their complete designs and available colour options.

The Realme C65 and Redmi 12 5G are two popular budget smartphones offering 5G connectivity at an affordable price. Let's compare these devices based on their specifications and performance to see which one stands out.

After the launch of the Samsung Galaxy S24 series, fans have been waiting for the new generation “Fan Edition” smartphone. Since the Galaxy S24 was a major hit for its performance and AI capabilities, the Galaxy S24 FE is expected to be announced with several flagship upgrades and AI features. Earlier, it was reported that the launch of Samsung Galaxy S24 FE was delayed. However, now a rumour claims that the launch is back on track. Know what's coming with the new generation of Samsung Fan Edition.

Take-Two Interactive has confirmed that Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6) is set for release in fall 2025. Despite circulating rumours about a potential delay into 2026, Take-Two is confident in meeting the new release window. The announcement was made during Take-Two's latest earnings report, providing fans with a more concrete timeline.

Domestic home entertainment brand Govo debuted its latest soundbar lineup in a live event held in Delhi on Thursday. The newly launched products, Govo Go Surround 975 and 940 , mark a significant milestone as the first ‘made-in-India' soundbars equipped with Dolby Atmos technology. These audio devices are manufactured at Channelplay's facility in Manesar, Gurgaon. Here's everything you need to know about Govo's latest offerings:

Infinix's upcoming gaming smartphone, the Infinix GT 20 Pro is all set to launch in India soon. The company has been teasing the smartphone under Rs.25000, making it a performance-focused smartphone in the mid-range segment. Several teasers by Infinix have revealed the cyber mecha design 2.0 which looks similar to the predecessor. The Infinix GT 20 Pro will be launched on May 21, 2024, in India with upgraded specs, features, and more.

Samsung is reportedly working on the Samsung Galaxy S25 series and rumours about the devices have started to flood over the internet. Earlier, it was reported that the Galaxy S25 will include Exynos and Snapdragon chipsets based on region. However, a new leak claims that Samsung is planning to develop a 3nm Exynos chip which will be more power efficient than Snapdragon. If the rumours come out to be true, then it will be Samsung's first device with a 3nm chip.

This week, OpenAI revealed several new features for ChatGPT along with the introduction of its new GPT-4o model during the “Spring Update” live stream. However, a new feature of ChatGPT has been surfacing over the internet called “Connect Apps” where the chatbot is providing Google Drive and One Drive integration. While the feature was not announced officially, it has already started to roll out for some users. Know what's the feature about.

The iPhone 16 series has been in talks for quite some time in the form of specification leaks and rumours. With several images of dummies leaked online, we have an idea about what Apple may introduce with the new generation iPhone. Now, in a recent leak, an analyst revealed that the company is expected to start the display production for small-sized iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro in June. Know what more the analyst highlighted about the upcoming iPhone 16 series.

Shares of India's vaunted IT outsourcing firms are facing a reality check, as global investors' rush into the artificial intelligence theme starts to leave pricey old-economy tech stocks behind.

Snowflake Inc. is in talks to acquire startup Reka AI for more than $1 billion, expanding the software maker's effort to offer generative AI capabilities, according to people familiar with the matter.

Treading further into territory once reserved for NBA broadcasts, the NFL plans to continue airing games on Christmas Day beyond the 2024 doubleheader on Netflix announced on Wednesday.

OpenAI unveiled a partnership with Reddit Inc. that will bring the social network's content to chatbot ChatGPT and other products, and allow Reddit to add new artificial intelligence features to its online communities. 

Vivo X Fold 3 Pro, the first foldable smartphone from Vivo in India, is set to launch soon. Ahead of the launch, several key specifications and details have been confirmed. Now, HT Tech got in touch with a few key sources to know about the upcoming Vivo X Fold 3 Pro foldable smartphone. 

Sony Music Group, one of the world's biggest record labels, warned artificial intelligence companies and music streaming platforms not to use the company's content without explicit permission.

Lovo Inc., a synthetic speech startup, was hit with a proposed class action Thursday alleging the company misappropriated voiceover actors' voices and deceptively promoted its product as legally marketing their use.

India has emerged as the global leader in mobile wallet payments, with 90.8 per cent of its population using mobile wallets for transactions in 2023, according to GlobalData 2023 Financial Services Consumer Survey.

Samsung's highly anticipated launch of the Samsung Galaxy F55 5G, initially slated for May 17th, has been postponed. The new launch date for the smartphone in India is now set for May 27th. The reason behind this delay remains undisclosed. Here's what we know so far about the Samsung Galaxy F55 5G:

Vivo is gearing up to expand its Y-series smartphone lineup with the introduction of two new models – the Vivo Y200 GT and Y200t. The company has officially announced that these smartphones will make their debut on May 20 in China, accompanied by a teaser image offering a glimpse of what's to come.

By Foo Yun Chee

Android 15 is now available for devices beyond the Pixel series, including those from manufacturers like Nothing, Oppo, OnePlus, Xiaomi, Vivo, and more. This beta release offers a sneak peek into the latest version of Android, which, while not drastically different on the surface, brings numerous enhancements under the hood.

Alphabet Inc.'s Google is bolstering security features in the latest version of Android, the world's most popular mobile operating system, which it previewed at the company's annual developer conference.

After months of speculations and rumours, IQOO finally announced the new IQOO Z9x 5G in India. The smartphone has already debuted in China and Malaysia and now it's making its way to India with some striking features and at a very affordable price. Over the past few weeks, the company has been continuously teasing the smartphone by revealing its specifications including battery, processors, and other details. Now, the IQOO website has all the details unveiled ahead of the launch. Know what the IQOO Z9x has to offer.

Are you looking for a TV for enhanced entertainment? If yes, then consider smart TVs that not only offer clearer, sharper and more detailed picture quality, but also give a theatre-like feel at home. Whether you have plans for a movie date with your special someone or it's a midnight celebration with close friends, TVs with smart features are designed to elevate the entertainment quotient. Scroll down to learn about the 10 best smart televisions that ensure an elevated entertainment experience.

Samsung's Galaxy M series has carved a niche for itself in the smartphone market by catering to budget-conscious users who still desire high-end features. Their latest offering, the Samsung Galaxy M55 5G, promises a compelling combination of specifications to fulfil that exact need. On paper, the Samsung Galaxy M55 5G boasts a powerful 50MP main camera, a smooth 120Hz AMOLED display, and a long-lasting battery to keep you powered throughout the day. However, with competition in the mid-range segment intensifying, the phone promises a lot for its price tag. Does it live up to its potential? Let's find out in our comprehensive review to help you decide if it's the right fit for you.

There is growing anticipation for the possible release of GTA 6 screenshots today, May 15, 2024. TGG, also known as The Gaming Gorilla, is a YouTuber known for content on Grand Theft Auto Online and updates about the upcoming game, GTA 6.

Motorola Edge 50 Fusion will debut today, May 16 in India. The smartphone has been in talks even before the launch of Motorola Edge 50 Pro. Now, with Edge 50 Fusion, a new model will be added to the family of the new Edge 50 series. Motorola has been teasing the device for quite some time now, and it has also revealed several specification details about the Edge 50 Fusion on its official website. If you have been waiting for the smartphone to launch, then check out what it has in store for users.

A recent leak has surfaced online, purportedly revealing Apple's product roadmap spanning from 2023 to 2027. The leak, shared by noted tipster J. Reve (@Revegnus1), outlines several upcoming releases and feature upgrades expected from the Cupertino-based company in the next few years. Here's an overview of what consumers can anticipate based on the leaked information.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has raised an alarm over a surge in complaints received through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP) regarding digital arrest scams perpetrated by cyber criminals posing as various law enforcement agencies. These complaints include instances of intimidation, blackmail, extortion, and fraudulent activities under the guise of police authorities, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the Narcotics Department, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the Enforcement Directorate, and other law enforcement entities.

Amid the escalating instances of online fraud across the nation, a disconcerting report unveils the plight of a 37-year-old woman in Navi Mumbai who fell victim to a sophisticated online scam, resulting in a staggering loss of over ₹54 lakh. The woman, on maternity leave, sought additional income through freelance work, only to become ensnared in a web of deceit orchestrated by cyber fraudsters.

Just before the Global Accessibility Awareness Day, Apple revealed some of the useful accessibility features coming to the upcoming iOS 18 update. These features are specially designed for people with physical disabilities to use iPhones or iPads with ease. Apple said that the revealed features utilise the power of Apple hardware and software, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning to help individuals with disabilities. Know more about the accessibility features of the iOS 18 update.

Aaron Rodgers will be facing a familiar opponent, albeit in a different uniform and in a new location.

Top US lawmakers on Wednesday said efforts to pass laws governing AI were entering a higher gear and hoped to pump $32 billion into the sector to help assure US dominance.

Google's use of artificial intelligence to sum up answers to search queries has publishers wondering if traffic to their websites will wither.

Netflix Inc. said monthly active users of its advertising-supported subscription plan reached 40 million, and that it will launch an in-house ad technology platform to support this growing part of its business.

Netflix and the NFL announced a three-year deal Wednesday to stream games on Christmas Day.

The United States said Wednesday it raised concerns with China about its "misuse" of artificial intelligence but voiced hope to keep open communication after the powers' first dialogue on the fast-growing technology.

GENEVA — U.S. officials raised concerns about China's “misuse of AI” while Beijing's representatives rebuked Washington over "restrictions and pressure" on artificial intelligence, the governments said separately Wednesday, a day after a meeting in Geneva on the technology.

*

The US needs to shield Americans from the risks posed by artificial intelligence while promoting the emerging technology with at least $32 billion in annual government spending to stay ahead of rivals like China, according to a highly anticipated policy blueprint from a bipartisan group of senators.

Five years after Amazon.com Inc. raised wages to $15 an hour, half of warehouse workers surveyed by researchers say they struggle to afford enough food or a place to live.

Netflix Inc. is finalizing a deal to acquire exclusive rights to stream two National Football League games on Christmas Day, according to people with knowledge of the matter, a major step forward in the streaming service's experiment with live programming.

Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa said on Wednesday he has sued US tech giant Meta and its Japan unit over the use of his name and image in fraudulent investment ads on their platforms.

Dyson has unveiled its latest creation: the Dyson WashG1, the company's first dedicated wet floor cleaner. Engineered for hygienic cleaning and maintenance, the WashG1 tackles wet and dry debris in one go, promising a barefoot clean feel.

 A study by a leading analyst firm highlights the rapid expansion of India's artificial intelligence (AI) sector, driven by growing talent and investment in the AI ecosystem. The AI software market is projected to reach $2.6 billion by 2027.

Apple has introduced a new feature for its latest iPad models, the Apple M2 iPad Air and Apple M4 iPad Pro, stirring excitement among users. For the first time ever, iPad users can now easily monitor their device's battery health directly from the settings menu, a convenience previously exclusive to iPhone users.

Oppo has officially announced the launch date for its upcoming Reno 12 Series in China. Amidst swirling rumours in recent weeks, the company has now confirmed that the much-anticipated series will make its debut on May 23 at 4 PM local time. Expected to consist of two models, the Oppo Reno 12 5G and Oppo Reno 12 Pro 5G, this series follows in the footsteps of the successful Oppo Reno 11 lineup.

Apple released the fourth annual fraud prevention analysis report which highlighted how the company have dealt with fraudulent activities over the past few years and mainly in 2023. The report provides an in-depth analysis of how the App Store's rules have maintained user's privacy over the period. The company also highlighted how it has built antifraud initiatives to safeguard its users from tricksters who are getting smarter with evolving technologies. Know more about how Apple took action against online fraud.

The smartphone market is abuzz with rumors of Vivo's latest offering, the Y200 Pro. While yet to be officially announced, recent online speculation sheds light on its purported features and expected price range. Let's delve into the details surrounding this anticipated release.

In a recent development, Qualcomm has confirmed the imminent launch of its latest Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset in India, set to debut with the upcoming Poco F6 5G smartphone. This chipset, renowned for its on-device artificial intelligence capabilities, is expected to redefine mobile performance with its 4nm octa-core architecture.

Nothing, the London-based smartphone brand, has announced the expansion of ChatGPT integration across its entire audio device lineup and the earphones launched under its CMF brand. This move aims to provide users with enhanced accessibility to OpenAI's artificial intelligence chatbot directly through their earphones.

The launch date for the Realme GT 6T is nearing and with each passing day, the company is teasing the smartphone's specifications, design, and more. A few days earlier, Realme announced the launch date for the upcoming GT 6T which is scheduled for May 22 in India. The company also revealed the processor details, and now it is teasing its battery capacity with fast charging speed. If you have been waiting for the Realme GT 6T, then check out the glimpse of what is expected to be announced.

A GTA 5 player has found a new side mission in the single-player mode, a discovery that has remained hidden for years. While GTA 5's open world was initially considered Rockstar Games' most immersive experience, it was later surpassed by Red Dead Redemption 2. With the anticipated release of GTA 6, which has a trailer available below, Red Dead Redemption 2 may soon see its position overtaken.

Nintendo Switch enthusiasts are gearing up for an eventful year ahead, as the gaming giant unveils its lineup for the latter half of 2024. With a blend of new releases and anticipated sequels, gamers have much to anticipate. Here's a concise rundown of what's on the horizon:

On day 1 of Google I/O 2024, the company announced Gemini for Android to run on-device AI features. As part of the announcement, the company highlighted Gemini Nano will power the Pixel devices with Multimodality to support advanced AI features like scam call detection. The Gemini Nano model will monitor the user's Android device for potential scam calls and it will immediately provide real-time, on-device scam call alerts. Know more about how the scam call detection feature for Android will work.

With this year's Google I/O, the company showcased its AI efforts, models, and features for its services across Android, Workspace, Photos, and other apps. However, during the event, the company announced a whole new AI agent called, “Project Astra,” a camera-based chatbot which can be used in everyday life. Demis Hassabis, CEO of Google DeepMind showcased a pre-recoded demo video of how the real-time, early version of multimodal AI assistant will function. Know more about what is Project Astra and how it works.

Google I/O 2024: Google is revolutionising the way we search online with the introduction of Generative AI. The tech giant's latest feature, powered by Gemini, aims to streamline search results and provide users with quick, AI-generated answers to their queries. This innovative addition, known as Search Generative Experience (SGE), was initially unveiled at I/O 2023 and has been in testing for several months.

Google hosted its annual developer's event, Google I/O 2024 on May 14 with a promise to discuss AI. The company was true to its word, as the entire event it announced several new AI features and enhancements for Android, Search, Workspace, Photos, and other services. However, there were some key announcements which grabbed the attention of the audience watching from home or live. The major focus of the event was its AI model Gemini and its integration with other Google apps, let's check out all the major highlights of the event.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Arkansas lawmakers on Tuesday raised questions about a sheriff's decision to allow a Netflix documentary series to be filmed at the county jail, with one critic saying the move exploited inmates.

By Fanny Potkin and Eduardo Baptista

Amazon.com Inc.'s newly named cloud chief, Matt Garman, inherits a $100-billion-a-year business that's as profitable as it has ever been. He also faces the daunting task of retaining the cloud-computing pioneer's edge in the artificial intelligence age.

By Max A. Cherney and Jeffrey Dastin

By Max A. Cherney and Jeffrey Dastin

The Google I/O 2024 has commenced with several announcement focused on advanced Gemini AI features, and now coming to several Google apps and services. Sundar Pichai during the keynote revealed advanced AI features for Google search, Workspace, Photos, and other apps. After making the Gemini 1.5 Pro available to all users, Google announced a new powerful and faster AI model. Demis Hassabis, CEO of Google DeepMind took the stage during the Google I/O where he revealed a new lighter-weight multimodal, “Gemini 1.5 Flash” which is cost-efficient, but faster. The new AI model comes with 1 million token context window and allows users to prompt with text, images, audio and video.

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. — Google on Tuesday rolled out a retooled search engine that will frequently favor responses crafted by artificial intelligence over website links, a shift promising to quicken the quest for information while also potentially disrupting the flow of money-making internet traffic.

Google I/O 2024: Google is integrating its Gemini AI into more of its products, with Google Photos being the latest to receive this enhancement. At the I/O developer conference, CEO Sundar Pichai announced a new feature called Ask Photos. This tool will help users locate specific images in their gallery using voice and text prompts.

Google's annual developers event kickstarted with several new announcements around AI. Sundar Pichai took the stage and showcased how the Gemini AI has evolved over the months and how it will keep advancing in years to come. The keynote included several major announcements with Gemini 1.5 Pro and the AI model being available to Google Workspace across several tools such as Gmail and Google Meet. Know how Gemini 1.5 Pro will work for Workspace users. 

The leader of the Brazilian Amazon's Huni Kui people remains hopeful that a planned United Nations treaty will advance the fight against biopiracy: the pillaging of traditional knowledge and genetic resources.

Meta Platforms Inc. is shutting down Workplace, the enterprise version of Facebook that it once hoped might rival Slack and other office productivity tools. 

Amazon.com Inc.'s cloud-computing division chief Adam Selipsky is stepping down, making way for Matt Garman, the unit's top sales and marketing executive.