Apple releases iOS 26.5 public beta 2: Check what's new, how to update

by Hansraj Agrawal | Apr 15, 2026 | Technology

Following the release of iOS 26.5 developer beta 2, Apple has now rolled out the public beta version for users enrolled in its testing programme. The update largely mirrors the features seen in the iOS 26.5 beta updates so far, bringing similar changes across Maps, RCS messaging, subscriptions and accessory support and offering an early look at what could arrive in the final release. Here’s a closer look at the new features that Apple is testing with iOS 26.5 beta updates:

iOS 26.5 update: Features

Apple Maps: According to a report, the new “Suggested Places” feature is now available in iOS 26.5. The tool highlights nearby trending locations and offers suggestions based on users’ recent searches. The feature appears directly in the search tab within Apple Maps, making it easier to discover places without entering specific queries.

Ads in Maps: Apple is reportedly preparing for ads in Maps. According to 9To5Mac, the update includes backend changes that suggest Maps could show local ads based on your location, search activity or what you’re viewing on the map. This aligns with Apple’s earlier announcement that ads would arrive in Maps sometime this year.

RCS encryption: Apple is testing end-to-end encryption for RCS messages in iOS 26.5. The feature was first spotted in the iOS 26.4 beta, but the company had already confirmed that end-to-end encryption for RCS would not arrive with the iOS 26.4 update and would instead be introduced in a future release. With this update, encryption has returned for testing, though it is still unclear whether it will be part of the public rollout.

New App Store subscription options: The iOS 26.5 update hints at changes to how subscriptions may work on the App Store. Developers may see new subscription options, including monthly billing linked to a 12-month commitment. The report also suggested support for paying annual plans in monthly instalments at a discounted rate.

EU-specific features in testing: In the European Union, Apple continues testing features tied to third-party accessories. These include support for Live Activities on external devices, along with improvements to notifications and proximity pairing. There’s no confirmation yet on when these features will roll out publicly or which accessories will support them.

Others

Accessories like Magic Keyboard, Mouse and Trackpad now stay connected via Bluetooth when plugged in, and there’s a new Inuktitut keyboard.

Apple Books may get a “Year in Review 2026” feature with reading badges.

Additionally, when transferring data from iPhone to Android, users now get more control over how long message attachments are shared.

iOS 26.5 public beta 2: Eligible models

iPhone Air

iPhone 17 series: iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone 17e

iPhone 16 series: iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 16e

iPhone 15 series: iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max

iPhone 14 series: iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max

iPhone 13 series: iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max

iPhone 12 series: iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max

iPhone 11 series: iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max

iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)

iOS 26.5 public beta 2: How to install

On iPhone, go to Settings-General-Software Update

Tap on the Beta Updates option and select iOS 26.5 Public Beta

Move back to Software Update page and wait for the download to appear

Agree to Apple’s terms and initiate the download process

Installation will begin after the download process

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Google brings Personal Intelligence to Gemini for Indian users: What is it

by Hansraj Agrawal | Apr 15, 2026 | Technology

Google has introduced Personal Intelligence in the Gemini app for users in India. According to Google, the feature is designed to make Gemini’s responses more relevant by adding personal context from select Google apps. The feature is intended to make the AI assistant more useful by connecting it with the user’s personal Google apps. After activation, it can access data from services such as Gmail, Photos, YouTube and Search to deliver more context-aware responses and assist with daily tasks more effectively.

The feature is being rolled out to eligible Google AI subscribers in India first, with plans to expand access to free users in the coming weeks. It works across the web, Android and iOS once enabled.

What is Personal Intelligence?

Personal Intelligence is a feature that allows Gemini to understand your digital activity across different Google apps and use that information to provide tailored responses. It connects apps like Gmail, Google Photos, YouTube and Search in one place, but only if the user chooses to enable it.

The system focuses on two key abilities: extracting specific details from your data (such as emails or photos) and combining information from multiple sources to answer more complex questions. For example, if you ask about your travel plans, Gemini can gather booking details from Gmail, check saved images from Photos and even refer to videos you’ve watched for suggestions.

How it works

In practical terms, this feature is designed to reduce the need to switch between apps. The company said that if users’ travel confirmations, screenshots and saved ideas are spread across different platforms, Gemini can bring them together in a single response. It does not just search, it also tries to understand context. This means it can create timelines, suggest ideas or retrieve specific details based on information from connected apps.

If a response seems inaccurate, users can correct it by adding their preference, such as “Remember, I prefer window seats.” They can also regenerate replies without personalisation for a specific chat or use temporary chats to interact without any personal context.

According to Google, Gemini may sometimes miss context, especially with things like relationship changes or personal interests. For example, if it sees many photos of the user at a golf course, it might assume they like golf. But that may not be true. If it gets something wrong, you can simply correct it by telling it your preference, like “I don’t like golf.”

Privacy and control

Google said in its blog that Personal Intelligence is turned off by default. Users must manually enable it and choose which apps to connect. You can also disconnect apps or turn the feature off anytime. The company added that Gemini does not directly train on personal data from Gmail or Photos. Instead, it uses that data only to respond to specific queries. Users can also check how answers are generated and request more details if needed.

Google mentioned that it has put guardrails in place for sensitive topics. According to the blog, Gemini is designed to avoid making proactive assumptions about personal data such as health, but it can discuss such information if the user asks.

Steps to turn on Personal Intelligence in the Gemini app

Open the Gemini app on your device

Tap on Settings

Select Personal Intelligence

Tap on Connected Apps

Choose the apps you want to link, such as Gmail, Photos, or others

Once enabled, Gemini will start using data from the selected apps to provide more personalised responses.

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GoPro unveils Mission 1 cinematic cameras with 8K60 recording, MFT mount

by Hansraj Agrawal | Apr 15, 2026 | Technology

GoPro has unveiled a new lineup of compact cinema cameras under the Mission 1 Series, marking its entry into the higher end of the digital imaging market. The company has announced three core models — Mission 1 Pro, Mission 1, and Mission 1 Pro ILS — built around a new 50MP 1-inch sensor and GP3 processor. The cameras will be showcased at the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) trade show, with pricing yet to be announced.

GoPro Mission 1 Series: Models

The Mission 1 Pro is the flagship model, offering the highest video resolutions, frame rates, and full open-gate capabilities.

The Mission 1 Pro ILS adds support for interchangeable lenses using a Micro Four Thirds mount, allowing compatibility with a wide range of lenses via adapters.

The standard Mission 1 retains the same sensor and processor but is limited to lower video frame rates and open gate capabilities compared to the Pro models.

GoPro is also offering multiple bundled versions of the Pro model, including the Creator and Ultimate Creator editions, with additional accessories such as microphones, battery grips, and stabilisation systems.

GoPro Mission 1 Series: Details

The Mission 1 Series centres around a new 50MP 1-inch sensor paired with GoPro’s GP3 processor. The company says the sensor uses larger pixels and a Quad Bayer setup to improve low-light performance and dynamic range up to 14 stops.

The GP3 processor is based on a 5nm architecture and includes an AI-focused neural processing unit. GoPro says this combination allows for higher frame rates, improved thermal performance and longer recording times compared to its previous cameras.

Across the lineup, the cameras support high-resolution video capture, including up to 8K recording and high frame rate modes for slow motion. The Mission 1 Pro and Pro ILS models support up to 8K at 60fps, 4K at 240fps, and high-speed burst modes up to 960fps at 1080p. The standard Mission 1 model supports lower maximum frame rates, including 8K30 and 4K120.

The cameras also support open gate recording, which captures the full sensor in a 4:3 format. This allows users to reframe footage for different aspect ratios during editing. Open gate recording goes up to 8K30 and 4K120 on the Pro models, while the base model supports 4K120.

The cameras support up to 10-bit colour, HDR video formats and bitrates up to 240Mbps. They also include features such as timecode sync for multi-camera setups and 32-bit float audio recording with four built-in microphones.

GoPro has also introduced 13 capture modes tuned for different scenarios, such as underwater shooting and vlogging. These modes use scene detection and machine learning to adjust settings automatically, though manual controls are also available. On the photography side, the cameras support 50MP image capture, RAW shooting and burst modes of up to 60 frames per second.

As for the battery, GoPro said that the cameras can record for over five hours at 1080p30 and more than three hours at 4K30 on a single charge using the new Enduro 2 battery.

GoPro Mission 1 Series: Availability

GoPro said the Mission 1 Pro, Mission 1 Pro Grip Edition and Mission 1 will be available for preorder starting May 21, with sales beginning May 28 in select regions. Other variants, including the Pro ILS and Creator editions, will launch later in Q3 2026.

The company will announce pricing at its NAB trade show, which starts April 18 in Las Vegas, the US.

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Amazon-Globalstar deal poised to boost Apple's satellite ambitions

by Hansraj Agrawal | Apr 15, 2026 | Technology

By Mark Gurman

Amazon.com Inc.’s takeover of Globalstar Inc. is poised to benefit one of the company’s biggest rivals in hardware devices: Apple Inc.

The $11.6 billion deal, announced Tuesday, will provide Amazon with a network of satellites — jump-starting a push to offer internet service directly to devices. The online retailer also pledged to start supporting Apple’s emergency messaging service with its Leo satellite system, filling a role currently held by Globalstar.

If the deal goes through as planned, Apple will get a deep-pocketed and ambitious partner in satellite communications. That should help the iPhone maker expand its offerings in an increasingly vital market.

In a rare statement endorsing an outside tech deal, Apple noted that it already has a “proven track record” working with Amazon’s infrastructure offerings, including the e-commerce company’s cloud computing services.

“We look forward to building on that collaboration with Amazon Leo,” Apple marketing chief Greg Joswiak said in the statement. “This ensures our users will continue to have access to the vital satellite features they have come to rely on.”

Apple has spent years building up its satellite features — but is still playing catch-up with others in the industry.

In 2022, the iPhone maker launched a set of satellite-connected services and today offers off-the-grid text messaging and the ability to contact emergency services while out of cellular range. To make it work, Apple teamed up with Globalstar, a 35-year-old operator of low earth orbit satellites. The iPhone maker also invested in the business, acquiring a roughly 20% stake.

While Apple was early with a consumer offering, the landscape quickly changed. Elon Musk’s SpaceX has become dominant in satellite-based internet services, and its technology goes far beyond what Globalstar can offer. That includes faster speeds, broader coverage, and the promise of voice and data support.

SpaceX has also partnered with T-Mobile US Inc., the second-largest US wireless carrier. That makes it easy for iPhones and other devices to tap into the network — rather than relying on Apple’s in-house features. The other big carriers, AT&T Inc. and Verizon Communications Inc., have launched satellite offerings of their own, giving iPhone users more options.

That has created a major question inside Apple: What’s the point of operating an in-house satellite network when better options are emerging that require far less effort from the company?

Amazon, with its vast resources and ambitions to turn its Leo satellite service into a major competitor to SpaceX’s Starlink, changes that equation. Now, instead of continuing to fund Globalstar, Apple will get access to an expanding constellation that will help its in-house services better compete.

Apple wants to work with a “big, known player that’s not SpaceX,” said Roger Entner, an analyst at Recon Analytics. In the past, people wondered how serious Amazon was about the satellite business, he said. “They just plunked down a lot more money — they’re serious.”

Of course, the satellite industry can be unpredictable — and Amazon in particular has been known to change its product strategy. Apple also may ultimately decide that its homegrown satellite features aren’t worth maintaining.

Moreover, Apple and Amazon are competitors in a number of markets, including digital assistants, smart home technology and even TV streaming services.

But for now, the two tech giants are both moving aggressively to carve out a bigger piece of the satellite market. On Tuesday, Amazon said it plans to launch a direct-to-device network in 2028. That means the Seattle-based company will provide high-speed connectivity across the globe, helping power Apple’s offerings.

For its part, Apple is preparing a range of new satellite features. Bloomberg News reported last year that the company is working on satellite-powered maps, photo messaging and the ability for third-party apps to tap into its satellite network.

One lingering question is whether Apple will keep its satellite services free. Depending on what Amazon ultimately charges Apple for access to Leo, it’s possible that the iPhone maker passes on those costs to users.

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Tech Wrap Apr 14: Realme Narzo 100 Lite, ASUS laptops, Nvidia GeForce Now

by Hansraj Agrawal | Apr 14, 2026 | Technology

Realme has launched the Narzo 100 Lite 5G smartphone in India. Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset, the smartphone packs a 7000mAh battery. The Realme Narzo 100 Lite smartphone comes with an IP64 rating and Military-Grade durability. The smartphone also offers several AI-powered features, including AI Eraser, AI Clear Face, Circle to Search, Google Gemini integration, and more.

ASUS has expanded its portfolio in India with the launch of multiple laptops. The company has announced the start of pre-orders for its latest Zenbook lineup in India, including the Zenbook S14, Zenbook DUO, and Zenbook A14. ASUS has also unveiled refreshed Vivobook models. The new range, which is said to focus on lightweight design and next-generation processors, starts at Rs 1,79,990 for Zenbook models and Rs 98,990 for Vivobooks.

Nvidia has announced that its cloud gaming service, GeForce NOW, will become available in India from April 16. The release of Nvidia GeForce NOW was delayed earlier, with the company suggesting that it would be launched in Q1 of this year and now it is finally making its way. However, the service will go live in India on April 16 in the early access phase, meaning that it won’t be available to all users at the time. Those who have earlier registered for GeForce NOW on Nvidia’s website are likely to get early access.

Apple has released the second developer beta of iOS 26.5 for supported iPhones, bringing refinements without introducing any new features. According to a report from 9To5Mac, it includes changes already seen in public beta 1, such as “Suggested Places” in Apple Maps, RCS end-to-end encryption testing, Live Activities support for third-party accessories and new subscription payment options. The release is currently available only to developers, while a public beta version is expected to arrive soon.

Google is rolling out support for using Google Meet on Android Auto, enabling users to join meetings and make calls directly from their car’s display while driving. The feature is designed with an audio-first approach to reduce distractions on the road. Details about its functionality, supported features and limitations have been outlined on a Google Support page, highlighting how the experience works and what users can expect during calls and meetings.

YouTube is reportedly testing two new features for its Premium users: “Auto speed” and “On-the-go.” According to a report from 9To5Google, these features will let users watch videos with automatically adjusted playback speed and access simpler controls that adapt when they are moving. As reported, the features have been spotted in the YouTube Android app as experimental tools for Premium users. They are disabled by default and need to be enabled manually.

Microsoft has reportedly confirmed that it will shut down its email app, Outlook Lite, on May 25, 2026. Confirming to TechCrunch, the company said that the Outlook Lite app will technically still open after the deadline, but it will no longer function properly. The Outlook Lite app was introduced in 2022. It was built as a lighter version of the standard Outlook app, aimed at Android devices with limited storage and regions with slower internet connectivity.

Google has announced a new spam policy targeting a deceptive practice known as “back button hijacking”, saying websites that engage in it could face penalties in Search rankings. The company said the move is aimed at improving user experience, as the practice interferes with normal browser navigation. The updated policy will come into effect on June 15, 2026, giving site owners time to review and fix their implementations.

Huawei is reportedly gearing up to launch a wide foldable smartphone, Huawei Pura X Max, in China. According to a report by 9To5Google, citing GSMArena, the said smartphone will have a super wide form factor, and it will rival the anticipated wide foldable smartphones from Apple and Samsung.

Motorola is reportedly gearing up to launch its next foldable, the Motorola Razr 70 Ultra. According to a report by Android Headlines, the upcoming clamshell foldable is likely to retain much of the hardware seen on its predecessor, with only a handful of changes. The report suggests that while the overall package remains largely familiar, Motorola could introduce a slightly larger battery, alongside keeping its dual-display setup and flagship-grade internals.

Google is reportedly working on a new feature called “Your Day” for its Google app, which could offer users a proactive, AI-driven daily feed. According to a report from 9To5Google, the feature is expected to use Gemini AI to surface reminders, events and useful updates, helping users stay organised and better prepared throughout the day.

Microsoft is reportedly exploring new ways to expand the capabilities of its Copilot AI assistant by integrating features similar to OpenClaw. According to a report by The Verge, the move is said to be part of the company’s broader effort to make Microsoft 365 Copilot more autonomous, allowing it to run continuously and perform tasks on behalf of users without constant input.

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Microsoft may soon bring OpenClaw-like features to Copilot: Check details

by Hansraj Agrawal | Apr 14, 2026 | Technology

Additionally, Microsoft is expected to showcase some of these advancements at its upcoming Build conference, which is scheduled to begin on June 2.

What to expect

According to the report, Microsoft is currently evaluating the potential of OpenClaw-like systems in an enterprise setting. For the uninitiated, OpenClaw is an open-source platform that enables users to build AI-driven agents capable of running locally on devices. While the technology has gained traction in recent months, it has also raised concerns around security and misuse.

Microsoft has reportedly acknowledged these risks and is said to be working on implementing safer versions of such tools. The aim is said to be to create AI agents within Copilot that can operate with controlled permissions while still offering automation benefits.

As per the report, one of the key ideas being explored is an always-active version of Microsoft 365 Copilot that could monitor tools like Outlook and calendars and generate daily task suggestions based on user activity.

The report further notes that Microsoft may develop role-specific AI agents tailored for functions such as marketing, sales and accounting. These agents would operate within defined boundaries, limiting their access to only the data required for their tasks, thereby reducing potential security risks.

Microsoft Copilot Cowork

In related news, earlier last month, Microsoft introduced Copilot Cowork in Microsoft 365, a feature that allows users to assign tasks to AI using natural language prompts. As per the company, the tool is designed to go beyond generating responses and instead carry out tasks automatically across apps such as Outlook, Teams and Excel. It uses data from emails, meetings, messages and files within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, and is powered in part by technology from Anthropic’s Claude as part of Microsoft’s multi-model approach.

According to Microsoft, Copilot Cowork can convert user requests into structured plans and execute them in the background, while allowing users to monitor progress and approve actions when needed. The system uses contextual signals from work data to operate and can handle tasks like managing schedules by resolving meeting conflicts or compiling research by analysing reports, news and other sources into organised summaries.

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