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Sony halts CFexpress and SD card sales as AI demand squeezes memory supply

Sony halts CFexpress and SD card sales as AI demand squeezes memory supply

by | Mar 31, 2026 | Technology



Sony has announced that it is temporarily suspending orders for a large portion of its memory card lineup, citing ongoing global shortages of semiconductor memory. The move affects both professional-grade CFexpress cards and consumer SD cards, and will remain in place until supply conditions improve.

 


The company said it will stop accepting orders from authorised dealers as well as customers via the Sony Store starting March 27. It has not provided a timeline for when orders will resume.


What Sony has announced


In a notice published on its website, Sony said that supply constraints linked to the global semiconductor (memory) shortage mean it is “anticipated that supply will not be able to meet demand… for the foreseeable future.”

 
 


As a result, the company has decided to halt new orders across most of its memory card portfolio. Sony added that it will monitor the situation and announce any updates regarding resumption separately.


The company also issued an apology, stating that it “sincerely apologises for any inconvenience this may cause.”


Products affected


The suspension covers nearly all of Sony’s mainstream CFexpress and SD card lineup, including:

 


CFexpress Type A memory cards


  • CEA-G1920T


  • CEA-G960T


  • CEA-G480T


  • CEA-G240T


CFexpress Type B memory cards


SDXC/SDHC memory cards


  • SF-G256T


  • SF-G128T


  • SF-G64T


  • SF-M512T


  • SF-M256T


  • SF-M128T


  • SF-E256


  • SF-E128A


  • SF-E64A


Why Sony is doing this


The suspension is linked to the broader global memory shortage, which has been intensifying due to demand from AI infrastructure.

 


For years, memory components such as NAND flash and DRAM were relatively stable and often became cheaper over time. That trend has now reversed. Memory supply is increasingly being redirected toward data centres, cloud providers and companies building AI systems.

 


As a result, manufacturers are prioritising higher-margin products such as high-bandwidth memory (HBM) and server-grade chips, which are critical for AI workloads. This shift has reduced the availability of consumer-grade memory used in devices like cameras, smartphones and PCs.


The practical impact is that less capacity is available for products like SD and CFexpress cards, even as demand for storage continues. In some cases, companies are choosing to pause production or orders entirely rather than operate under constrained supply.

 


Sony appears to be one of the first companies in the segment to take this step, indicating how supply pressures are beginning to affect not just pricing but also product availability.

 


While existing stock may still be available through retailers for now, restocking is expected to remain uncertain until the supply situation stabilises.



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NIT Rourkela develops AI system for accurate sleep posture tracking

NIT Rourkela develops AI system for accurate sleep posture tracking

by | Mar 30, 2026 | Technology



In a breakthrough that could transform patient care, researchers at the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Rourkela, have developed an AI-powered system capable of accurately tracking sleep postures, even under blankets, without compromising privacy.

 


The research findings, published in the IEEE Sensors Journal, are expected to significantly improve patient monitoring in hospitals and home-care settings. The innovative AI system appears to have addressed a long-standing challenge in healthcare — monitoring patients continuously without intrusive cameras or uncomfortable wearable devices, while ensuring high accuracy and dignity.

 


The NIT Rourkela team has designed a non-intrusive system that combines three complementary sensing technologies — long-wave infrared (LWIR) sensors, depth sensors and pressure sensors. The LWIR sensors can capture body heat without revealing visual identity, while the depth sensors map body shape and posture. The pressure sensors track weight distribution on the bed.

 
 


“These inputs are processed through an advanced AI pipeline that integrates a generative model and a graph-based neural network. Our system leverages generative AI and multimodal sensor fusion to detect sleeping postures without directly using visual images. It first fuses multimodal data, then reconstructs a clear representation of the human body before identifying joint positions and overall posture,” Prof Saptarshi Chatterjee, co-author of the research, said.

 


Poor sleeping posture is often recognised as a major contributor to long-term health complications. Several studies indicate that sustained uneven pressure on the spine, joints and nerves during sleep can lead to chronic musculoskeletal pain, spinal degeneration and conditions such as obstructive sleep apnoea. Incorrect posture can also cause pressure ulcers, commonly known as bedsores, for bedridden patients.

 


Currently, patient posture monitoring is mostly done manually, which can be inconsistent and prone to human error. Wearable sensors are another option, but they are often expensive and uncomfortable for patients. Existing camera-based systems also face challenges such as low lighting, obstruction due to blankets and privacy concerns, making them less suitable.

 


According to the new research, the AI model can achieve an accuracy of 98.46 per cent, outperforming existing state-of-the-art systems in in-bed pose estimation. By combining heat-based imaging, body shape data, and pressure information, the system can deliver accurate results.

 


The system has the ability to function effectively under real-world conditions, including low lighting and heavy occlusion caused by blankets. Unlike conventional camera-based monitoring, the system does not rely on RGB imaging and ensures patient privacy.

 


“The automated nature of the system can reduce the workload of caregivers and allow continuous monitoring. At the same time, since it does not rely on visual imaging, it helps protect patient privacy,” said Debangshu Dey, another co-author.

 


The technology has been designed for seamless integration into hospital beds and home-care systems, enabling continuous, automated monitoring of patients, elderly individuals, and those suffering from sleep disorders such as sleep apnoea.

 


The estimated cost of the system is around ₹30,000, and it could be reduced further through large-scale production. Its automated nature could significantly reduce the workload on caregivers while improving the accuracy of patient observation.

 


Researchers have planned to expand the system’s capabilities to identify specific posture-related health risks and detect disease conditions linked to sleep behaviour. The study also highlights the potential of such multimodal AI systems in broader healthcare applications, including fall-risk assessment and seizure monitoring.

 


“With further refinement and real-world testing, the technology can move closer to practical deployment across healthcare settings. While the current model requires substantial computational resources, future work will focus on optimisation techniques to enable deployment in resource-constrained environments,” said Shiladitya Mondal, a BTech student.


Sleep posture monitoring through AI system

 



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Tech Wrap, March 30: OPPO Find X9 Ultra, WhatsApp on CarPlay, Blaupunkt

Tech Wrap, March 30: OPPO Find X9 Ultra, WhatsApp on CarPlay, Blaupunkt

by | Mar 30, 2026 | Technology


 


OPPO has announced that its upcoming OPPO Find X9 Ultra will boast a 50MP 10x optical telephoto camera. In a recent post on X, OPPO Chief Product Officer Pete Lau outlined the working of the smartphone’s imaging system. As per Lau, the new telephoto camera setup will help in preserving more detail in the image and improve long-distance photography. As per Lau, the 10x optical zoom on the Ultra model will offer the same clarity that the Find X9 Pro gets when paired with a teleconverter, which is sold as an additional accessory.

 
 

 


WhatsApp is reportedly working on a native CarPlay app for iPhone users to make messaging and calling more accessible while driving. According to a report by WABetaInfo, the feature is currently being tested with iOS beta users and brings a proper app interface to CarPlay. Instead of relying only on Siri for voice-based interactions, users can now view recent chats, choose contacts, and initiate messages or calls directly from their car’s display. The update is expected to offer a more structured and controlled experience, while still keeping safety in mind by limiting full chat access.

 

 


Blaupunkt has launched a new party speaker in India, the Rock & Roll Ibiza, with a built-in recording feature. According to the company, the speaker is designed for karaoke and live sessions, allowing users to record performances directly onto a USB drive. It also comes with 180W RMS output, dual 8-inch woofers, and a bundled wireless microphone, positioning it as an all-in-one portable audio system for indoor and outdoor use.

 

 


OnePlus India is reportedly moving toward an online-first sales strategy while scaling back its offline retail presence, even as it expands its after-sales service network by leveraging parent company Oppo’s infrastructure. According to a Moneycontrol report, the company has initiated a strategic shift that could see most of its offline sales channels phased out in the coming weeks.

 

 


YouTube is reportedly rolling out support for Android Auto, bringing basic playback controls for users who listen to content while driving. According to a report by 9To5Google, the update allows users to manage background audio directly from their car’s interface. However, it does not bring a full YouTube app experience to car screens.

 

 


Meta is reportedly planning to expand its Ray-Ban smart glasses lineup with a focus on users who wear prescription lenses. According to a report by 9To5Google, citing Bloomberg, the company is preparing to launch two new smart glasses designed specifically for vision correction needs. The report said these upcoming models will feature “rectangular and rounded styles” and are being developed with prescription users in mind, rather than adapting existing designs.

 

 


Samsung has confirmed to TechRadar that the Galaxy S26 Ultra features slightly lower brightness when compared to its predecessor, the Galaxy S25 Ultra. The South Korean consumer electronics maker indicated that this trade-off in brightness is linked to the new Privacy Display, which prevents people from looking at your screen from a side angle.

 

 


Apple is reportedly sending urgent security notifications to iPhone users running older versions of iOS, warning them about ongoing cyber threats. According to a report by MacRumors, these alerts are appearing as a “Critical Software” notification within the Settings app. The notification warns that Apple “is aware of attacks targeting out-of-date iOS software, including the version on your iPhone,” and advises users to install the latest update.

 

 


The government is reportedly planning to extend the deadline for messaging platforms to comply with SIM binding rules after companies failed to meet earlier timelines and raised technical concerns. According to a report by Hindustan Times, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is now considering a phased rollout, with compliance expected by December-end. The move comes as platforms like WhatsApp, Signal, and Telegram flagged challenges related to testing, operating system limitations, and user experience while implementing the directive.

 

 


Bethesda has reportedly confirmed that it will shut down servers for The Elder Scrolls: Blades on June 30, effectively bringing an end to the free-to-play mobile title. According to a report by Engadget, citing an in-game screenshot shared on Reddit, the game will be permanently shut down on the aforementioned date. What solidified this news was the fact that the game has already been delisted from both the App Store and Google Play Store.

 

 


Google recently rolled out Android 17 beta 3 to eligible Pixel phones. This beta update brings several changes and improvements, including bubbles for several apps, a redesigned screen recording toolbar, hidden home screen app labels, and more. The Android 17 beta 3 update is now available for download.

 

 


The government is in dialogue with hi-tech industry associations on the West Asia conflict and its impact on the ecosystem, and industry bodies have not reported any adverse impact on their operations, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Monday.

 

 


DeepSeek’s chatbot suffered a major outage of more than seven hours overnight in China, forcing the AI pioneer to deploy several updates to rectify the issue. Users began reporting faults on Sunday evening, according to Downdetector. The startup’s own status page acknowledged an initial issue at 9:35 pm before marking the incident resolved two hours later. Subsequent updates on Monday showed DeepSeek addressing another case of performance issues that took until 10:33 am to be fixed.



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Govt proposes IT rule changes to make advisories binding on tech platforms

Govt proposes IT rule changes to make advisories binding on tech platforms

by | Mar 30, 2026 | Technology


Representative image from file.

1 min read Last Updated : Mar 30 2026 | 6:56 PM IST


​India on Monday proposed changes to ​its IT law to make advisories and ‌clarifications legally binding on internet platforms such as Meta, Google and X, the latest in a string of stricter compliance requirements for tech giants.


Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government this year compressed the timeline for platforms to take down content flagged by authorities to three hours, from 36 hours previously, and has imposed ‌new obligations around AI-generated content and deepfakes.


Currently, the IT ministry’s advisories to platforms – on issues ranging from deepfake labelling to content takedown practices – have functioned as guidance without explicit legal consequences.

 


In new proposed rules on Monday, the government said ​non-compliance with advisories or guidelines issued by the IT ministry would ‌be treated as a failure to meet the conditions for safe harbour – the ​legal ‌shield that protects platforms from liability for content posted ‌by their users.


The changes were being proposed to “strengthen enforceability” of directions and “improve legal certainty”, the ‌ministry said ​in a notice ​inviting public feedback by April 14.


Meta, Google and X did not immediately respond to ‌requests for ​comment.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

First Published: Mar 30 2026 | 6:55 PM IST



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Android 17 beta 3 update released: Screen rec toolbar, app labels, more

Android 17 beta 3 update released: Screen rec toolbar, app labels, more

by | Mar 30, 2026 | Technology


Android 17 (Image: Google’s Android Developers Blog)

4 min read Last Updated : Mar 30 2026 | 4:08 PM IST


Google recently rolled out Android 17 beta 3 to eligible Pixel phones. This beta update brings several changes and improvements, including bubbles for several apps, a redesigned screen recording toolbar, hidden home screen app labels, and more. The Android 17 beta 3 update is now available for download. Here’s an overview of what’s new in the update.


Android 17 beta 3 update: What’s new


  • Bubbles: Apps beyond Messenger can use the bubble function. For the uninitiated, the Messenger app already offers this, as tapping the floating bubble icon opens a picture-in-picture window for messages. Notably, Bubbles is a windowing mode separate from messaging (chat) bubbles.


  • Redesigned screen recording toolbar: The screen recording toolbar has been redesigned, and users can now select only a specific app to be recorded or the entire screen.


  • Hidden app labels on the home screen: Android now provides a user setting to hide app names (labels) on the home screen workspace, accessible via the system customisation and wallpaper picker settings.


  • Photo picker customisation: Users can now modify the grid view aspect ratio of the photo picker. Users can switch from the default 1:1 square to a 9:16 portrait display, allowing for better UI integration.


  • RAW14 image format: Professional camera apps can now capture 14-bit per pixel RAW images.


  • Vendor-defined camera extensions: Hardware partners can now define custom camera extension modes (e.g., ‘Super Resolution’ or AI enhancements).


  • Bluetooth LE audio hearing aids: A new device category allows apps to distinguish hearing aids from generic LE Audio headsets, enabling tailored UI iconography.


  • Granular hearing aid audio routing: Users can independently route system sounds (notifications, ringtones, alarms) to either connected hearing aids or the device speaker. This is handled at the system level and requires no API changes.


  • Extended HE-AAC software encoder: A new system-provided encoder supports high and low bitrates for significantly better audio in low-bandwidth conditions, including mandatory support for loudness metadata to ensure consistent volume.


  • Widget support on external displays: Improved visual consistency for widgets across different pixel densities. It will now accept complex units, and widgets can retrieve specific DisplayMetrics.


  • Desktop Interactive Picture-in-Picture (iPiP): Apps can request to be moved to a “pinned” windowing layer during desktop mode (default on external displays). These pinned windows remain interactive and always on top.


  • Discrete Password Visibility: “Show passwords” settings are now split between touch inputs (briefly echoing the last character) and physical keyboards (hidden immediately by default). Standard framework components respect this automatically; custom fields should migrate to the ShowSecretsSetting API.


Other updates rolled out in the Android 17 beta 3 update include changes to performance and battery, security, discrete password visibility, Health Connect device data providers, and more.

 


Android 17 beta 3 update: Eligible devices


  • Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a


  • Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a


  • Pixel Tablet


  • Pixel Fold


  • Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8a


  • Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Pixel 9a


  • Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, Pixel 10 Pro Fold, Pixel 10a


Android 17 beta 3 update: How to install


According to 9To5Google, users looking to join the Android 17 beta programme can visit Google’s Android Beta page and tap on the “Opt in” option for their device. Eligible Pixel devices linked to the same Google account will be listed there and can be selected for enrolment.

 


Once registered, users can check for updates on their device to download the beta build. The update is usually pushed within a few minutes, although in some cases it may take longer. There is also an option to leave the beta programme from the same page if users do not wish to continue receiving preview updates.

 


After opting in, users can go to Settings, then System, followed by Software Updates and System Updates, and tap Install to begin the process. Alternatively, the update can also be installed manually through sideloading.

First Published: Mar 30 2026 | 4:07 PM IST



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Platforms have almost doubled-tripled deepfake takedowns: Vaishnaw

Platforms have almost doubled-tripled deepfake takedowns: Vaishnaw

by | Mar 30, 2026 | Technology



Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Monday highlighted rising concerns over AI-generated deepfakes, and noted that social media platforms, too, have scaled up efforts on deepfake takedowns.


The minister termed deepfakes as a new menace and a threat to society.


“A lot of content has started coming in the nature of deepfakes. Because of whatever changes have happened in the AI world, a huge quantity of deepfakes have started coming in the social media… the entire world, and the social media platforms themselves have significantly ramped up their efforts at removing the deepfakes,” Vaishnaw, who is the minister for IT as well as Information and Broadcasting, told reporters.

 


The platforms themselves have almost doubled or tripled their own takedowns of deepfake content, he added.


“It’s a new menace, new threat, which is coming for the society,” he said, adding that countering it effectively is very important for society, for every individual, and institution.



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