Amazon's Rufus now available in India: Know all about AI shopping assistant

Amazon's Rufus now available in India: Know all about AI shopping assistant


Amazon Rufus AI assistant

Following its debut in the US, Amazon is introducing its artificial intelligence-powered shopping assistant, Rufus, to its mobile app in India. The company announced that Rufus, trained on Amazon’s product catalogue and extensive web information, will assist users with shopping queries, recommendations, and product comparisons.


Currently available in beta, Rufus can be accessed by select users on the Amazon app, with a broader rollout expected in the coming weeks. The Rufus icon will appear at the bottom right corner of the screen for eligible customers. Tapping the icon opens a chat interface with the AI chatbot, allowing users to select suggested queries or enter their own. Rufus also supports follow-up questions, maintaining a conversational tone.


Amazon Rufus AI shopping assistant: Features


Amazon said that Rufus is designed to assist customers with product research. For instance, users can ask, “What should I consider when buying a washing machine?” and receive detailed suggestions tailored to their needs. The AI chatbot can also compare products or categories. For example, if a user queries whether to buy a smartwatch or a fitness band, Rufus will highlight the differences between the two and recommend products.


Additionally, Amazon said that Rufus has been customised for the Indian market, enabling responses to queries such as “What gifts to buy for a specific festival?” or “What products are needed for a particular recipe?”

First Published: Aug 27 2024 | 12:51 PM IST



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Snapchat rolls out native Apple iPad support with new update: What is new

Snapchat rolls out native Apple iPad support with new update: What is new



Snapchat has begun rolling out an app update for Apple platforms, introducing native support for iPads. This update means that the multimedia messaging app is now fully compatible with iPads. Launched in 2011 for iOS, Snapchat has been available on both iPhones and iPads. Previously, the app mirrored its iPhone version on iPads, resulting in thick black borders on the sides due to its vertical-first design. With the new update, Snapchat now natively supports iPads, opening in full-screen mode without any black borders.


“It’s still the same Snapchat you know and love, but this time on the big screen,” the company said in the update release notes. “Snapchat now offers native support for iPad! This means that Snapchat will fill an iPad’s full screen, providing a larger canvas when capturing Snaps and allowing you to see more friends on the 2nd and 4th tabs,” Snapchat added.


The latest version of the Snapchat iOS app now supports full-screen operation on iPadOS. However, according to 9to5Mac, it can only function in portrait mode and does not support landscape mode. Additionally, the initial release of the iPad interface was reported to be somewhat glitchy by 9to5Mac.


Earlier this year, Snapchat introduced AI features, editable chats, and emoji reactions. Users can now generate Bitmoji avatars using artificial intelligence and interact with “My AI” to start a countdown or create reminders.


Snapchat has also launched a generative artificial intelligence suite as part of the new Lens Studio 5.0 release. This on-device AI model enhances the augmented reality (AR) experience, allowing users to type an idea for transformation and generate vivid AR experiences in real time.

First Published: Aug 27 2024 | 12:35 PM IST



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YouTube increases prices across all premium plans in India: Check new rates

YouTube increases prices across all premium plans in India: Check new rates



YouTube has revised the pricing for its premium plans in India. The new prices for YouTube Premium reflect an increase across all plans, including Individual, Family, and Student subscriptions. The updated rates are now in effect, and new subscribers must pay according to the revised pricing for their chosen plan.


Existing YouTube Premium subscribers are reportedly receiving notifications and emails about the price change. Subscribers need to agree to the new rates to continue with their subscription.


YouTube Premium provides benefits over the free tier, including ad-free streaming on both YouTube and YouTube Music, high-bitrate streaming at 1080p resolution, background playback, and access to exclusive content.


YouTube Premium: New pricing


The most significant increase is seen in the Family Plan, which offers YouTube Premium to up to five members of the same household. The Family Plan price has risen from Rs 189 per month to Rs 299 per month. Prices for Student and Individual Plans have also increased. The Student Plan, previously Rs 79 per month, is now Rs 89 per month. The Individual Plan (one month) now costs Rs 159, up from Rs 139. Below is a complete list of the revised prices:


Student Plan (Monthly)


Old Price: Rs 79


New Price: Rs 89




Family Plan (Monthly)


Old Price: Rs 189


New Price: Rs 299




Individual Plan (One Month)


Old Price: Rs 139


New Price: Rs 159




Individual Plan (Recurring Monthly)


Old Price: Rs 129


New Price: Rs 149




Individual Plan (Three Months)


Old Price: Rs 399


New Price: Rs 459




Individual Plan (Twelve Months)


Old Price: Rs 1,290


New Price: Rs 1,490

First Published: Aug 27 2024 | 12:06 PM IST



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Google to roll out Android 15 update for eligible phones in October: Report

Google to roll out Android 15 update for eligible phones in October: Report



Google has reportedly announced that the stable version of Android 15 will be released for eligible smartphones in October. According to a report by 9To5Google, Google has rolled out a system update allowing Android 15 beta testers to revert to Android 14 if they choose to exit the Android Beta Program. In the update description, Google advised, “If you are waiting for the Android 15 stable update, please ignore this OTA until Android 15 is available in October.”


With the Android 15 Beta 4, released last month, Google indicated that it would be the final scheduled update in the Android 15 beta program before rolling out the stable version to general users. While it was initially anticipated that the new Android version might launch in September, this fall back update suggests a delay.


Historically, Google has made the new Android version available on its latest Pixel smartphones. However, with the Pixel 9 series launching in August rather than October, Google may have had less time to prepare Android 15 for release.


Android 15 Beta Program: Fall back to Android 14


The option to revert to the stable version of Android 14 is available only to users opting out of the Android 15 Beta Program. Users can remain on the Android 15 beta version until the stable release in October if they choose.


It is important to note that reverting to Android 14 will erase all data on the device. Users should back up their data before switching back if they wish to retain it.

First Published: Aug 27 2024 | 11:16 AM IST



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Vivo T3 Pro 5G with 50MP camera launching today at 12 pm: What to expect

Vivo T3 Pro 5G with 50MP camera launching today at 12 pm: What to expect



The Vivo T3 Pro 5G is set to launch in India on August 27 at 12 pm. The Chinese smartphone manufacturer has already revealed several specifications ahead of the launch. The device will feature a leather finish on the back and a metallic frame, with the camera module integrated into the back panel. Vivo is touting the smartphone as the “segment’s slimmest curved phone.”


Vivo T3 Pro 5G: Variant and availability

The smartphone is expected to be available in two colour options: Sandstone Orange and Emerald Green. It will be launched on the e-commerce platform Flipkart and the company’s official website.


Vivo T3 Pro 5G: Details


The Vivo T3 Pro 5G will be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 processor. According to the Flipkart listing, the device will feature a 3D AMOLED curved display of a 120Hz refresh rate and 4,500 nits peak brightness. It will be equipped with a 5,500 mAh battery and support 80W charging.


For photography, the device will include a 50-megapixel Sony IMX882 primary camera with support for optical image stabilisation (OIS) and an 8MP ultra-wide-angle camera. It is also expected to have a 16-megapixel camera on the front for selfies, video calls, and face unlock mechanism.


The Vivo T3 Pro is anticipated to run on Android 14 with FunTouch OS 14. Additionally, the smartphone is expected to feature 12GB of RAM and up to 256GB of expandable internal storage.


Vivo T3 Pro: Expected specifications


Display: 3D AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate, 4500 nits peak brightness


Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3


RAM: Up to 12GB


Storage: Up to 256GB


Rear camera: 50MP Sony IMX882 OIS + 8MP


Front camera: 16MP


Battery: 5,500 mAh


Charging: 80W


OS: Android 14-based FunTouch OS 14

First Published: Aug 27 2024 | 11:00 AM IST



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Apple schedules 'It's Glowtime' event for September 9: All you need to know

Apple schedules 'It's Glowtime' event for September 9: All you need to know



Apple has officially announced that it will host its iPhone 16 launch event, titled “It’s Glowtime,” on September 9. Invites have been sent for the in-person event at Apple Park, California, US. The event will commence at 10 AM PT (10:30 PM IST) and will be livestreamed on Apple’s website for a global audience.


The iPhone 16 series is expected to be the main highlight, showcasing Apple’s advancements in artificial intelligence. In addition to the new iPhones, Apple is anticipated to unveil other ecosystem devices, including the fourth-generation AirPods and Apple Watch Series 10, both of which are expected to significantly impact their respective lineups.


Apple It’s Glowtime: Details


  • Date: September 9

  • Venue: Apple Park, California

  • Time: 10 AM PT

  • India time: 10:30 PM IST

  • Livestream: Apple’s website


iPhone 16 Series: What to expect


The iPhone 16 series is anticipated to be one of Apple’s most significant product launches in recent years. With the introduction of Apple Intelligence at the Worldwide Developers Conference in June, the iPhone 16 line will be among the first to feature Apple’s latest AI tools. As Apple aims to compete with Google and Microsoft in the AI arena, the iPhone 16 series is crucial for the company.


In addition to AI integration, the iPhone 16 is expected to feature significant hardware upgrades. All models are likely to be powered by the new A18 chip, with different configurations for the Pro and base models. The new iPhones are also expected to include a dedicated camera button for touch gesture controls. Apple may enhance consistency within the iPhone 16 series by replacing the Mute Switch on the base models with an Action Button, similar to the Pro models. The Pro models are also expected to incorporate a 5x zoom periscopic telephoto camera.


Cosmetic changes may also be introduced. The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are expected to feature a vertically stacked rear camera alignment, as opposed to the diagonal alignment of previous models. For the Pro line, Apple might phase out the Blue Titanium colour in favour of a Bronze Titanium option.


Apple Watch Series 10 and Watch Ultra 3: What to expect


As the Apple Watch celebrates its tenth anniversary, the Apple Watch Series 10 is expected to debut with a larger chassis and a new sleek design. The smaller model is likely to increase from 41mm to 45mm, while the larger model may grow from 45mm to 49mm. With a larger chassis, the new models are also expected to feature bigger displays. Additionally, Apple may incorporate low-temperature polycrystalline oxide (LTPO) technology in the OLED panels for dynamic refresh rate adjustment.


Although the Apple Watch Series 10 may not include Apple Intelligence features yet, it is expected to be powered by the new S10 chip with a dedicated Neural Engine, making it future-proof.


The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is not expected to undergo major design changes. However, the next-generation rugged watch might feature the new S10 chip with AI processing capabilities and improved performance.


AirPods 4 and AirPods Max 2: What to expect


The fourth-generation AirPods are anticipated to include two models: a standard variant and an entry-level model. The standard AirPods model is expected to feature Active Noise Cancelling (ANC), while the entry-level model might not. Both models are likely to adopt USB-C instead of the Lightning port, replacing the second and third-generation AirPods.


While still speculative, Apple might also unveil the second-generation AirPods Max. The new model could include features already available on the AirPods Pro, such as Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, and Personalized Volume. Design changes for the AirPods Max are expected to be minimal, but a new Smart Case and additional colour options might be introduced.

First Published: Aug 27 2024 | 10:53 AM IST



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