by Hansraj Agrawal | Aug 27, 2024 | Technology
Apple and Airtel (representative image)
2 min read Last Updated : Aug 27 2024 | 1:25 PM IST
Airtel has announced a partnership with Apple to offer exclusive Apple TV+ and Apple Music benefits to customers in India. Starting later this year, Airtel Xstream customers will gain access to Apple TV+ content as part of Airtel’s premium Wi-Fi and postpaid plans.
Amit Tripathi, Chief Marketing Officer and EVP Customer Experience for Bharti Airtel, stated, “Apple and Airtel are natural partners who strive to bring excellence to customer experience. We also share the common vision of serving the entertainment needs of Indian users. Airtel offers a one stop shop to bring all content and entertainment through Airtel Xstream. This partnership with Apple will provide immense value to our customers since they will now have access to the best content and entertainment globally.”
In addition, Airtel will provide exclusive Apple Music offers to its Wynk Premium users. These users will be transitioned to Apple Music, allowing them to enjoy a vast selection of global and Indian music, curated playlists, artist interviews, and Apple Music Radio. Notable features of Apple Music include Apple Music Sing, time-synced lyrics, lossless audio, and immersive Spatial Audio.
“We are thrilled that Airtel customers in India will soon be able to enjoy all of the incredible content on Apple TV+ and Apple Music,” commented Oliver Schusser, Apple’s Vice President of Apple Music, Apple TV+, Sports, and Beats. “With our ever growing catalog of world-class films, television shows and music to choose from we know there will be something for everyone.”
The Apple Music and Apple TV+ offers will be available exclusively to Airtel customers in India later this year.
First Published: Aug 27 2024 | 1:24 PM IST
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by Hansraj Agrawal | Aug 27, 2024 | Technology
Amazon Rufus AI assistant
2 min read Last Updated : Aug 27 2024 | 12:51 PM IST
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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by Hansraj Agrawal | Aug 27, 2024 | Technology
2 min read Last Updated : Aug 27 2024 | 12:35 PM IST
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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by Hansraj Agrawal | Aug 27, 2024 | Technology
2 min read Last Updated : Aug 27 2024 | 12:06 PM IST
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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by Hansraj Agrawal | Aug 27, 2024 | Technology
2 min read Last Updated : Aug 27 2024 | 11:16 AM IST
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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by Hansraj Agrawal | Aug 27, 2024 | Technology
2 min read Last Updated : Aug 27 2024 | 11:39 AM IST
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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