Google working with govt to support 10,000 startups in GenAI solutions

Google working with govt to support 10,000 startups in GenAI solutions


Google’s Build with AI event series has already engaged 25,000 developers across 43 cities in India, providing hands-on experience.


Google supports 10,000 Indian startups in building generative artificial intelligence (AI) solutions, said the technology giant on Wednesday, forecasting the country will lead a “revolution” in the technology.


The company, at its Google I/O Connect Bengaluru 2024 event, said it is working with the MeitY Startup Hub, set up by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, for the project. “Indian startups are going to lead the AI revolution,” said Seshu Ajjarapu, senior director at Google DeepMind.


Google’s Build with AI events have provided 25,000 developers in 43 cities “hands-on experience” in the company’s latest AI and machine learning technologies. “The Global Gemini API Developer Competition continues to unearth applications that push the boundaries of AI innovation,” said the company.


The company has a three-month equity-free Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First programme that nurtures AI-first startups with mentorship and support in AI/ML, UX, Android, web, product, leadership and growth. The 2024 cohort kicked off its programme with a boot camp at Google’s Bengaluru office this week.


Google said it is “deeply encouraged” by the progress Indian startups have made in building GenAI solutions. At I/O Connect, three startups showed how they used Gemini, the company’s AI chatbot, to build solutions that address real-world challenges.


Miko.AI developed an AI-powered robot for children, minding information that is age appropriate, culturally sensitive, and regionally relevant. To ensure this, Miko.AI employs Google’s Gemini as a “discerning judge” and quality control mechanism for its AI models.


“Our goal is to ensure Miko Robots provide safe, reliable, and culturally appropriate interactions for children worldwide, and Gemini is key to achieving this,” said Sneh Vaswani, co-founder and chief executive officer of Miko.AI.


Gemini scrutinises responses from Miko’s proprietary text-based large language models to ensure they meet standards for young audiences. Gemini plays a crucial role in Miko’s automated quality assurance and security processes.


Karya, a startup that aims to empower low-income communities through AI-enabled economic opportunities, has built a digital work platform that allows participants to build AI datasets of their own. The platform, which uses Gemini, has enabled Karya’s partners in India to earn 20 times the local minimum wage.


Gemini is also helping Karya’s global partners streamline task management, translating complex flows into simple instructions. It also enables real-time status updates via natural language queries.


“With the power of Gemini, we are able to take Karya Platform global, and enable low-income communities everywhere to build truly ethical and inclusive AI,” said Manu Chopra, co-founder and CEO, Karya.


Cropin showcased how it is empowering agri-food businesses and governments to increase agricultural productivity worldwide. Cropin’s Cropin Sage is a GenAI platform powered by Gemini. It combines agricultural and climate data, providing actionable insights for crop suitability, food supply sustainability, and procurement optimization.


“I am proud that we are able to build a more sustainable, food-secure future for the planet,” said Krishna Kumar, co-founder and CEO, Cropin.

First Published: Jul 17 2024 | 1:47 PM IST



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Meta launches verified plans for businesses on Facebook, Instagram in India

Meta launches verified plans for businesses on Facebook, Instagram in India



Meta has introduced its verified subscription plans for businesses on Facebook and Instagram in India. The company said that after testing the subscription model in India last year, Meta is expanding the Meta Verified business offering on Facebook and Instagram with more features and support. Last month, the company also launched Meta Verified for Businesses in India on its instant messaging platform WhatsApp.


Meta Verified for businesses: Plans and price


In total, the company offers four subscription plans in India that are currently available for purchase only through the iOS and Android app for businesses on Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. Businesses have the option to either purchase Meta Verified subscription for a single app or subscribe to a bundle plan, which includes Facebook and Instagram.


Meta said that Verified plans for businesses start at Rs 639 per month for a single app. The price of the subscription plan can go up to Rs 21,000 per month for both apps with introductory discount.


Meta Verified for businesses (Facebook and Instagram): What it offers


Meta said that the now expanded Meta Verified business offering on Facebook and Instagram in India includes the verified badge commonly called the “Blue Tick”. Additionally, the subscription offers enhanced account support, impersonation protection, and additional features to support discovery and connection. The company said that all plans offer a foundational toolkit for the above-mentioned features and each plan builds on it by offering additional features.


The company said enhanced support is a key part of its Meta Verified offerings. With each plan, Meta offers access to chat or email with agents and builds to requesting a call back from the agent to dedicated case monitoring. Other features include the ability to add more links in the reel depending on the subscription plan.

First Published: Jul 17 2024 | 1:32 PM IST



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Apple files patent to label public Wi-Fi in iOS based on anonymised data

Apple files patent to label public Wi-Fi in iOS based on anonymised data



Public Wi-Fi networks can be unsafe and connecting with unknown networks can result in data theft or even slippage through device integrity. Apple has been warning iPhone and iPad users about the security of Wi-Fi networks in the Settings app based on the password type for quite some time now. Reportedly, its latest patent shows that it might be planning to take this system to the next level.


Apple’s latest patent with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) shows a new system for public ranking Wi-Fi networks based on multiple criteria, according to The Mac Observer.  Reportedly, crowd-sourced data will be used to map Wi-Fi access points and offer feedback about how secure a nearby network is.


A revamped Wi-Fi selection page will appear when the feature goes live. On this section page, every available network will be labeled according to the data collected from devices connected to the network. Data will be sent to Apple’s servers and will be used to create detailed maps of access point locations and their characteristics.


According to the patent description, Apple devices will collect data about Wi-Fi networks without identifying the user and the precise location. Analysis of one of the patent illustrations by 9to5Mac shows how the system will work. For example, iOS users would see labels such as High Quality, Popular and Suspicious in the Settings app to give a description of the Wi-Fi network. The system will then prompt users if they want to connect to a popular Wi-Fi network available. This system will alert the users if a Wi-Fi network is worth connecting to or not.


It should be kept in mind that Apple keeps filing new patents and this patent might or might not see the light of day. 

First Published: Jul 17 2024 | 12:59 PM IST



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Samsung to launch another foldable based on Galaxy Z Fold 6 in Oct: Report

Samsung to launch another foldable based on Galaxy Z Fold 6 in Oct: Report



Samsung is reportedly planning to launch an improved version of its book-style foldable, the Galaxy Z Fold 6, in select regions. According to a report by 9To5Google, the South Korean electronics maker is currently working on the model that is expected to take the “Ultra” or “Slim” tag.


Earlier this year, it was reported that Samsung would launch three foldable smartphones in the Galaxy Z series, including a new Ultra model. The smartphone is anticipated to be thinner than the regular fold model and may get the camera system from the company’ flagship Galaxy S24 Ultra smartphone.


According to 9To5Google, Samsung will be launching a new upgraded Galaxy Z Fold smartphone variant in October alongside the next-generation Galaxy S-series tablets. However, the availability of this foldable smartphone, which would likely be named the “Galaxy Z Fold 6 Slim” or “Galaxy Z Fold 6 Ultra”, is expected to be limited to the company’s home country and to the Chinese market. This model is expected to boast thinner construction, a wider display, and an upgraded camera system.


To recap, here are the details of the recently launch Samsung Galaxy Z series foldable devices:


Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6: India pricing and variants


  • 12GB RAM + 256GB storage: Rs 164,999

  • 12GB RAM + 512GB storage: Rs 176,999


Colours: Silver Shadow, Navy, Pink


  • 12GB RAM + 1TB storage: Rs 200,999


Colours: Silver Shadow


Colours exclusively offered through Samsung online store: Black and White


Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6: Specifications


  • Cover display: 6.3-inch HD+ AMOLED, 120Hz adaptive refresh rate (1 to 120Hz)

  • Main Display: 7.6-inch QXGA+ AMOLED, 120Hz adaptive refresh rate (1 to 120Hz)

  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy

  • RAM: 12GB

  • Storage: 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB

  • Rear camera: 50MP with OIS + 12MP ultra-wide + 10MP telephoto (3x optical zoom)

  • Front camera (cover): 10MP

  • Front camera (under-display): 4MP

  • Battery: 4,400mAh

  • Protection: IP48, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2


Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6: India pricing and variants


  • 12GB RAM + 256GB storage: Rs 109,999

  • 12GB RAM + 512GB storage: Rs 121,999


Colours: Blue, Mint, and Silver Shadow


Colours exclusively offered through Samsung online store: Black, White, and Peach


Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6: Specifications


  • Cover display: 3.4-inch, super AMOLED, 60Hz refresh rate, 720 X 748 resolution

  • Main Display: 6.7-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz adaptive refresh rate (1 to 120Hz)

  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy

  • RAM: 12GB

  • Storage: 256GB and 512GB

  • Rear camera: 50MP primary camera with OIS + 12MP ultra-wide

  • Front camera: 10MP selfie camera

  • Battery: 4,000mAh

  • Protection: IP48, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2

First Published: Jul 17 2024 | 12:47 PM IST



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Apple to release these iOS 18 features on eligible iPhones by next year

Apple to release these iOS 18 features on eligible iPhones by next year


Apple rolls out iOS 18 developer beta 2

Apple has released the iOS 18 public beta and stable general release is slated to commence from later this year, but the initial release will not bring all the features that Apple announced at its annual developer conference in June. According to a report by 9To5Mac, Apple would not bring the updated version of the virtual assistant Siri with the initial roll out of iOS 18. Additionally, updates to some of the native apps such as Mail have also been reportedly slated for a later update. Here are the details:


Revamped Siri


The AI-powered Siri is among the highlight features of iOS 18. The updated version of Siri features an interactive interface with enhanced control over in-app actions for native Apple apps. Additionally, the AI-backed Siri also offers improved contextual understanding for more personalised responses. A significant feature is the integration of OpenAI’s ChatGPT, allowing users to send queries or prompts directly to ChatGPT for assistance. Earlier this month, Bloomberg reported that the AI-powered Siri will enter beta testing in January, 2025 with a public rollout scheduled for the spring, likely as part of the iOS 18.4 system update.


Apple Intelligence


At its Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) 2024, Apple unveiled a suite of artificial intelligence features that will collectively be called the Apple Intelligence. Apple Intelligence brings system-wide AI capabilities such as writing assistance, summarisation, image generation and more.


A Bloomberg report last month stated that Apple is planning a gradual rollout schedule for Apple Intelligence features. According to the report, these AI-powered tools and features will be available as a preview with the initial iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia release – around September.


Mail app


Apple is bringing new features for the Mail app with iOS 18 such as auto-categorization of messages in the user’s inbox. However, these updates are slated for later this year and not at the launch in September, according to 9To5Mac.


New Emojis


Genmoji, Apple’s new AI feature that allows users to make custom emojis is likely to arrive as a preview in the initial version of the iOS 18, but a set of new emojis that was unveiled by Apple at the WWDC 2024 will reportedly arrive in early 2025.


Drag-and-drop from iPhone to Mac


Apple has released the iPhone Screen mirroring feature on Mac with the developer beta version of iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia. The feature is expected to be available at launch. However, one of its key features that will let users drag and drop files and photos between the two devices is not expected to arrive in the initial version of the operating systems.


Home app


Many of the new upgrades to Home app such as the ability to add robot vacuum cleaners as compatible devices are not expected to arrive on iPhones until late 2024.


iOS 18: Eligible iPhone models


  • iPhone 15

  • iPhone 15 Plus

  • iPhone 15 Pro

  • iPhone 15 Pro Max

  • iPhone 14

  • iPhone 14 Plus

  • iPhone 14 Pro

  • iPhone 14 Pro Max

  • iPhone 13

  • iPhone 13 mini

  • iPhone 13 Pro

  • iPhone 13 Pro Max

  • iPhone 12

  • iPhone 12 mini

  • iPhone 12 Pro

  • iPhone 12 Pro Max

  • iPhone 11

  • iPhone 11 Pro

  • iPhone 11 Pro Max

  • iPhone XS

  • iPhone XS Max

  • iPhone XR

  • iPhone SE (2nd generation or later)

First Published: Jul 17 2024 | 12:04 PM IST



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WhatsApp gets 'Favorites' filter for chats, calls: What is it, how it works

WhatsApp gets 'Favorites' filter for chats, calls: What is it, how it works


WhatsApp has announced the rollout of a “Favorites” filter for chats and calls. It is essentially a new filter wherein you can park all your favourite contacts for quick access without necessitating contacts search or scrolling through the endless list of active chats and recent call logs. The feature is being rolled out in graded manner, and will arrive in coming weeks across platforms, including Android and iOS apps, web client, and desktop app.


WhatsApp Favorite filter: What is it


Meta-owned instant messaging platform stated that the “favorites” filter will let users quickly find the people and groups that matter most at the top of their calls tab and as a filter for chats. Favourites are set directly from the dedicated filter, named “Favorites”, visible alongside the existing filters – all, unread, and groups. That said, there are four options to filter chats now. In the calls tab, the option to add favourite has been available on top of the calls log.


WhatsApp Favorite filter: How to use it


  • To add to your ‘favorites’, select the ‘favorites’ filter from the chats screen, and select your contacts or groups there.

  • From the calls tab, tap ‘Add favorite’ and select your contacts or groups.

  • To manage your ‘favorites’, go to Settings > Favorites > Add to Favorites, and you can reorder them.


In related news, WhatsApp is exploring a Google Pixel-like transcription feature for voice messages. This feature is expected to be powered by Meta AI. Recently, WhatsApp update tracking platform WABetaInfo reported that the instant messaging platform has started testing this feature, which will allow users to see a textual transcription of a voice note sent to them. The report stated that the Meta-owned instant messaging platform has made this new feature available to a select number of Android users in some regions.


Speaking of Meta AI, it is now available in the form of a chatbot and in-chat assistant on WhatsApp. Announcing the expansion of Meta AI in India, the US-based technology giant said that its AI-powered chatbot is “designed to assist you and improve your day-to-day life.” According to the company, the AI chatbot can gather information on a specific topic, answer factual questions, and offer assistance by offering advice and suggestions. In addition, Meta AI has image generation capabilities for creating images based on text prompts from users.

First Published: Jul 17 2024 | 9:52 AM IST



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