WhatsApp rolls out in-app prepaid recharge feature in India: How it works

by Hansraj Agrawal | Apr 24, 2026 | Technology

Instant messaging platform WhatsApp has introduced a prepaid mobile recharge feature in partnership with payments platform PayU, expanding its in-app payment services beyond Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transfers.

The integration is being rolled out in phases for Android and iOS users across India and allows users to complete recharges without leaving the app.

This marks the first time WhatsApp has enabled direct prepaid recharges within its interface. Earlier, Reliance Jio had introduced a chatbot on WhatsApp that allowed users to select plans and pay via WhatsApp Pay, but that service was limited to Jio users.

With the PayU integration, recharges are now available for Jio, Airtel and Vodafone Idea (Vi) connections.

Supported platforms and limitations

Only prepaid mobile connections are supported; postpaid bills payment is not included

Recharge is currently available for Jio, Airtel and Vi; BSNL has not been specified

Payments can be made via UPI, debit cards and credit cards

The feature is available only on Android and iOS apps, not on desktop app or WhatsApp Web client

How to recharge your prepaid number within WhatsApp

Users can recharge their prepaid number through the following steps:

Open WhatsApp on your mobile device

Tap the rupee icon next to the camera icon

Select “Mobile Recharge”

Enter the mobile number

Choose a recharge plan

Select the payment method

Tap “Continue” to complete the transaction

Why only prepaid?

Neither WhatsApp nor PayU has officially explained the decision to limit the feature to prepaid users.

However, prepaid connections account for a larger share of mobile users in India, making them a more immediate target for such services. It is also possible that postpaid support may be introduced later.

WhatsApp said users are already using the platform for services such as booking metro tickets, paying bills, and accessing government services through chatbots, indicating a broader push to expand utility within the app.

WhatsApp Payments: Where it stands

WhatsApp Pay, the platform’s UPI-based payments service, was launched in India in November 2020 after an extended beta phase and regulatory approvals.

The service was rolled out gradually, initially capped at 20 million users and later expanded to 40 million and 100 million. By late 2024, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) allowed WhatsApp to extend the service to its entire user base of over 500 million in India.

Despite this scale, adoption remains limited compared to rivals.

According to TechCrunch, citing NPCI data, WhatsApp processes around 130 million UPI transactions monthly. In comparison, PhonePe and Google Pay handle billions of transactions each month, with over 10.5 billion and 7.5 billion transactions, respectively.

The new recharge feature could help WhatsApp increase engagement with its payments service by integrating more everyday use cases within the app.

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Samsung Galaxy Book6 Pro review: Premium, portable, and a bit predictable

by Hansraj Agrawal | Apr 24, 2026 | Technology

Thin and light laptops have reached a point where most of them feel predictable. You get a slim chassis, a clean design, and enough performance to get through everyday work without much friction. The Samsung Galaxy Book6 Pro follows that same formula, but it also tries to push things a bit further, especially with its display, AI-powered features, and Galaxy ecosystem.

Powered by Intel’s latest Core Ultra Series 3 processors and backed by Samsung’s Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel, the Galaxy Book6 Pro positions itself as more than just another ultrabook. It aims to be a premium, do-it-all machine that balances portability, performance, and visual experience.

I’ve been using the 14-inch variant as my primary work laptop for a while now, handling everything from writing and multitasking to media consumption. While the experience is largely polished, it’s not without its trade-offs.

Design

Samsung hasn’t taken any risks with the design of the Galaxy Book6 Pro, and that works in its favour. The laptop sticks to a minimal, understated aesthetic with a full metal chassis that feels premium the moment you pick it up.

The biggest highlight here is how thin and lightweight the device is. At around 11.6mm thickness and roughly 1.24kg weight, it’s easy to carry around, making it one of the most portable laptops in its category.

It slides into a backpack without effort, and even on a desk, it barely demands attention. This is the kind of laptop you can carry all day without thinking about it.

That said, the thin design does come with compromises. The lid has a slight flex when pressure is applied, and while it doesn’t feel fragile, it doesn’t feel as rigid as some thicker premium laptops. The hinge is well-tuned, opening smoothly and remaining stable during use.

The keyboard is where things start to feel a bit less polished. The keys are shallow, and while they are usable, they don’t offer the kind of tactile feedback you’d expect at this price point. During long typing sessions, missed or less satisfying keystrokes become noticeable.

The trackpad, however, is excellent – large, smooth, and reliable, making navigation effortless.

Display and audio

If there is one reason to consider the Galaxy Book6 Pro over its competitors, it’s the display.

The Dynamic AMOLED 2X touchscreen is easily one of the best you’ll find on a Windows ultrabook right now. It delivers deep blacks, vibrant colours, and excellent contrast, making everything from documents to videos look more engaging.

The display supports adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz, which not only keeps animations smooth but also helps with power efficiency. Brightness is another strong point. With HDR brightness reaching up to 1000 nits, the screen remains usable even in brighter environments, although reflections can still be an issue outdoors or under direct office lighting.

For content consumption, this is where the laptop really shines. Whether it’s Netflix, YouTube, or even casual browsing, the visual experience feels a step above traditional LCD panels.

The built-in speaker system does disappoint, however. While the Galaxy Book6 Pro features a stereo setup with Dolby Atmos support, the volume output doesn’t quite match the quality of the display, even in a regular-sized bedroom. The audio quality is decent for bottom-firing speakers, but I would still recommend pairing it with external speakers or headphones for a more immersive experience.

Performance

The Galaxy Book6 Pro variant that I am reviewing is powered by Intel’s Core Ultra X7 (Series 3) processors, paired with Intel Arc graphics.

In day-to-day use, performance is exactly what you would expect from a premium ultrabook. Tasks like browsing with multiple tabs, working on documents, video calls, and even light photo editing are handled without any hiccups.

Even under heavier workloads, the laptop holds up reasonably well. It can even handle light gaming, as titles like Asphalt 9: Legends ran smoothly without causing much trouble.

However, it should be noted that this isn’t a performance-focused machine. Sustained heavy workloads will push it to its limits, and that’s where thermal behaviour becomes noticeable. The laptop tends to get warm, and the fans become audible. However, they remain controlled enough not to feel intrusive.

Software and AI

Samsung is clearly leaning into AI with the Galaxy Book6 Pro. The inclusion of an NPU enables features like Copilot+ PC capabilities and on-device AI processing.

In practical use, though, these features still feel like an add-on rather than a necessity. Tools like AI-assisted search, background removal, and productivity enhancements work as intended, but they don’t fundamentally change how you use the laptop. That said, Samsung’s AI Select tool came in particularly handy. It works similarly to Circle to Search on Android, allowing you to quickly search the web using on-screen elements.

Where Samsung does have an edge is its ecosystem. If you’re using a Samsung smartphone or tablet, features like multi-device connectivity and file sharing work seamlessly.

I used the Galaxy Book6 Pro alongside the Galaxy S26 Ultra, and I could also mirror the smartphone’s screen onto the laptop and use the phone without actually picking it up. I could also seamlessly switch between the built-in cameras of the Galaxy Book6 Pro and the Galaxy S26 Ultra while in a meeting on Google Meet.

Battery and charging

Samsung claims up to 30 hours of video playback, which sounds impressive on paper.

In real-world usage, however, the numbers are more grounded. When I tested the battery life, it lasted closer to 14–15 hours under continuous use, which is still good, but not class-leading. In my regular usage, the laptop comfortably handled a full workday involving writing, browsing, and media consumption, with around 28 per cent charge left by the end.

Charging speeds are quick enough to make top-ups convenient, which helps balance out the otherwise good but not exceptional battery performance.

Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy Book6 Pro positions itself firmly in the premium ultrabook segment, and for the most part, it delivers a well-rounded experience.

The biggest strength here is clearly the display. The AMOLED panel elevates everything you do on the laptop, whether it’s work or entertainment. Pair that with a slim, lightweight design and dependable day-to-day performance, and you get a machine that feels refined and easy to live with.

However, it’s not without compromises. The keyboard lacks that premium tactile feel and feedback, sustained performance has its limits, and the speakers could have been better at complementing the display. While these aren’t exactly big concerns, you come to expect a more finished experience at such a premium price point.

If your priority is a thin, easy-to-carry laptop with a standout display and consistent everyday performance, the Galaxy Book6 Pro makes a strong case. But if you’re looking for a machine that pushes performance or overall value further, some alternatives might make more sense.

Price: Rs 214,990 (14-inch, Intel Core Ultra X7, 32GB RAM)

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Meta introduces revamped Meta Account system to unify apps and devices

by Hansraj Agrawal | Apr 24, 2026 | Technology

Meta is updating how users manage their accounts across its apps and devices by introducing an improved Meta Account system. The change replaces the existing Accounts Center and brings apps like Threads, Instagram and Meta AI under one place. With Meta Account, users will be able to log in across apps using one set of credentials, manage shared settings like passwords and security options in one place and quickly set up new apps or devices without creating separate accounts each time. The idea is to reduce friction as people increasingly use multiple Meta services, while also adding better security tools such as passkeys and centralised account protection.

What is changing

According to the company, Meta Account builds on the current Accounts Center but is designed to be more centralised. The company noted that the rollout will happen gradually over the next year, and existing users will be automatically moved to the new system.

Once updated, all connected apps and devices will appear in one place. Users will be notified when their account switches, but the company said that day-to-day usage of apps will remain the same. This means people can continue using Facebook, Instagram and other services as usual, without needing to relearn anything.

For WhatsApp, the integration remains optional. If users have already linked it to Accounts Center, it will carry over. Otherwise, it will continue to function separately, with its end-to-end encryption unchanged.

Easier login and security features

One of the main updates is simpler login management. Users can choose to use a single password across Meta apps and devices, reducing the need to remember multiple credentials. The system also makes it easier to set up new apps or devices without creating separate accounts each time.

Additionally, Meta is also adding more security features. Passkeys, which allow login using biometrics like fingerprints or face recognition, will now work across more apps, including Instagram. Meta said that its systems will continue to monitor accounts for suspicious activity and provide security recommendations, such as enabling two-factor authentication.

Centralised settings

Another key change is how settings are managed. With Meta Account, common settings like passwords, email addresses and security options can be controlled from one place instead of being updated separately for each app. However, app-specific settings will remain unchanged. For example, privacy controls on Instagram or Facebook will still be managed within those individual apps, allowing users to customise each experience as before.

Overall, Meta Account is aimed at making it easier to manage multiple services as the company expands its ecosystem. While the changes are mostly behind the scenes, they reflect a broader push to connect Meta’s apps and devices more closely.

For parents, Meta Account is designed to make it easier to manage supervised teen accounts without switching between apps. Through the Family Center, users can control settings for Instagram, Facebook, Messenger and Meta Horizon from a single dashboard. The company said that it will continue to improve these supervision tools over time.

The company noted that Meta Account is meant to simplify account management and improve safety, with more features expected to be added in the future.

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AI labels on content: Curbing misinformation or adding compliance load?

by Hansraj Agrawal | Apr 24, 2026 | Technology

The surge in AI-generated content across text, images, audio and video has made it increasingly difficult to distinguish it from human-created material, as large language models rapidly scale content creation.

In response, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has proposed a “continuous and clearly visible” AI label on such content. The move aims to curb misinformation and marks a shift from post-facto moderation to disclosure at the point of creation.

However, it raises a key question: can disclosure-based regulation reduce harm, or will it add costs without addressing the core issue?

What the proposal seeks to do

The proposal, likely through amendments to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, mandates AI labelling across formats and platforms.

What problem is it trying to solve?

The policy responds to a growing trust deficit in digital content. Generative AI enables high-quality content at near-zero cost, amplifying risks such as deepfakes used in political misinformation, financial fraud, and reputational attacks.

Rishi Agrawal, CEO and co-founder of Teamlease Regtech, told Business Standard that the shift to a “zero-friction AI ecosystem” has increased high-velocity misinformation, with synthetic content now created and distributed at scale.

With over 950 million internet users in India, the potential impact is significant.

Transparency vs effectiveness

The proposal hinges on whether labelling will change user behaviour or simply shift responsibility.

While transparency assumes users will act cautiously, misinformation often spreads faster than corrections, and warnings are frequently ignored. This creates a gap between awareness and action, meaning labels may inform without necessarily protecting users.

Compliance burden: Platforms and creators

The proposal presents operational challenges.

Technical feasibility and scale

Detecting AI-generated content is possible but complex at scale.

Agrawal said “the feasibility question has two parts — detection and scale”. While detection has improved through artefacts and metadata, “the challenge is largely infrastructural, not technical”, as it is compute-intensive and expensive.

He added that with sufficient computing capacity, “deploying detection at scale is well within reach”.

However, Kalindhi Bhatia, partner at BTG Advaya, said feasibility is “partial at best” due to the sheer volume of content. “As AI evolves, the gap between synthetic and human generated content continues to narrow, making accurate identification at scale increasingly difficult and prone to both false positives and false negatives,” she told Business Standard.

She added that editing, reposting, or stripping metadata reduces detection accuracy, making consistent labelling harder.

Cost implications

Compliance will require investment in detection systems, moderation teams, and monitoring tools.

Agrawal noted detection is “compute-heavy and expensive”, requiring infrastructure investment across players. “To prevent compliance asymmetry, the industry must prioritise plug-and-play infrastructure and standardised provenance tools,” he said.

Higher costs could slow experimentation and add friction to content creation.

Impact on smaller creators

Agrawal warned of a “two-tier market,” where large platforms absorb costs while smaller players face friction or exit risks, though labelling could also act as a transparency signal for startups.

Kalindhi Bhatia said the “primary compliance burden sits with intermediaries”, with labelling acting as disclosure rather than restricting AI use, though smaller creators may still face some friction.

Platform liability and regulatory expansion

The proposal increases platform accountability, requiring continuous compliance across large volumes of user-generated content, while extending oversight to digital creators.

Kalindhi Bhatia said this reflects growing scrutiny of synthetic media. Agrawal described it as a shift from “passive hosting to active accountability”.

However, labels indicate origin, not accuracy, and may be ignored, leading to “label fatigue”. While Agrawal said continuous labelling enables “proactive accountability”, its effectiveness depends on behavioural change.

Global context

The European Union’s AI Act combines transparency with risk-based classification, while the United States relies largely on voluntary, platform-led labelling.

India’s approach is mandatory, broad-based, and enforcement-driven.

Why it matters

AI labelling will be effective only if it changes user behaviour. If ignored or bypassed, it risks becoming a compliance-heavy response to a deeper trust issue.

As Kalindhi Bhatia noted, the real test lies in “the extent to which platforms can ensure consistent compliance” and how enforcement evolves.

MeitY’s proposal is a first step, but not a complete solution.

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India leads mobile app downloads, usage, but spending gap persists: Report

by Hansraj Agrawal | Apr 24, 2026 | Technology

India recorded 6.2 billion mobile app downloads in the January–March quarter of 2026, while generating over $300 million in in-app purchase (IAP) revenue, up 33 per cent year-on-year, according to Sensor Tower’s India Mobile App Market report.

This marks one of the country’s strongest quarterly performances, indicating that monetisation is beginning to catch up with usage. However, in global terms, revenue still does not scale in proportion to downloads and time spent.

India dominates downloads and usage

India remains the world’s largest app download market by a wide margin.

According to Sensor Tower’s State of Mobile report, the country recorded over 25.5 billion downloads across Android and iOS platforms in 2025, more than double the United States’ 12.6 billion downloads. This trend has held steady over recent years.

A similar pattern is visible in usage. Indian users spent over 1.2 trillion hours on mobile apps in 2025, up from 1.1 trillion hours in 2024 and 1 trillion hours in 2023.

Indonesia ranked second with around 0.4 trillion hours, followed by the US at roughly 0.38 trillion hours.

Revenue is rising, but still lags behind

India generated over $300 million in IAP revenue in the first quarter of CY2026, with non-gaming apps contributing over $200 million and growing 44 per cent year-on-year.

Annual IAP revenue has risen from $520 million in 2021 to over $1 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach $1.25 billion in 2026, according to Sensor Tower data cited by TechCrunch.

Despite this growth, India does not rank among the top 20 markets globally in app revenue.

In comparison, the US generated nearly $60 billion in IAP revenue in 2025, despite having about half the number of downloads.

The gap: High usage, low spending

The disparity becomes clearer when looking at revenue per download.

India generates roughly $0.03 per download, compared to over $0.20 in Southeast Asia and Latin America, according to Sensor Tower data shared with TechCrunch.

This highlights a key feature of India’s app economy: high engagement but relatively low willingness to pay.

At the same time, monetisation is improving gradually. Mobile game revenue in India grew 14.7 per cent year-on-year in 2025, even as downloads and time spent declined slightly.

What users download vs what drives revenue

There is a clear gap between what users download and what generates revenue.

Entertainment apps, including video streaming and short drama platforms, are among the most downloaded categories, followed by generative AI apps and food and dining services.

However, revenue is driven by different segments.

Utilities and cloud storage apps lead IAP revenue, followed by generative AI apps and OTT platforms.

Video entertainment remains a major contributor, accounting for five of the top 10 revenue-generating apps in India.

AI and new categories driving growth

Emerging categories are helping improve monetisation.

Generative AI apps have seen rapid growth, with downloads rising from 198 million in 2024 to over 600 million in 2025. Revenue from these apps increased from around $14 million to over $48 million during the same period.

Short drama platforms are another fast-growing segment, with downloads rising more than 400 per cent, reflecting strong user interest in new content formats.

Global apps dominate revenue

Global platforms continue to dominate monetisation in India.

Apps such as Google One, Facebook, ChatGPT and YouTube rank among the top revenue generators, capturing a large share of in-app spending.

Among domestic players, video streaming services remain the strongest performers. JioHotstar is one of the few Indian apps in the top 10 by revenue.

Global apps also lead in downloads, with platforms such as ChatGPT, Instagram and FreeReels ranking among the most downloaded, alongside Indian apps such as Story TV, JioHotstar and Meesho.

There are early signs of growth for Indian developers. Their share of total IAP revenue rose from 8.72 per cent in 2023 to 9.29 per cent in 2025, while their share of downloads increased from 33.91 per cent to 36.52 per cent.

A market shifting from scale to monetisation

India’s app market is now entering a transition phase.

In the first quarter of CY2026, non-gaming apps accounted for 72 per cent of total downloads, indicating a shift in user behaviour.

At the same time, rising revenue and deeper engagement suggest the market is moving beyond scale towards better monetisation efficiency.

As Donny Kristianto, principal market insights manager at Sensor Tower, noted, the market has matured in terms of downloads, while monetisation is strengthening as digital payment habits improve and usage deepens.

However, India remains a high-scale, low-spend market, with monetisation still catching up to its global position in downloads and engagement.

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Instagram tests new 'Instants' app for one-time photo sharing: How it works

by Hansraj Agrawal | Apr 24, 2026 | Technology

Instagram is reportedly testing a new app called “Instants” for casual photo sharing. According to a report from TechCrunch, the app allows users to take quick photos and share them with friends that can only be viewed once and remain accessible for up to 24 hours. It is currently available in select regions, including Spain and Italy. The report noted that the idea is to offer a low-pressure way to connect, without the need for editing or perfect-looking posts.

Users can take a photo with a single tap using the in-app camera and share it instantly. There’s no option to upload from the camera roll, and editing tools are limited — apart from adding text, photos cannot be modified. This means what you capture is exactly what gets shared.

How Instants works

According to the report, unlike the main Instagram app, which is often associated with curated content, Instants focuses on raw, real-time sharing. Photos disappear after being viewed once and stay available for 24 hours, adding a sense of urgency and privacy to interactions.

As noted, users can choose to share these “instants” with mutual followers or a Close Friends list. These lists are synced with the main Instagram app, so there’s no need to set them up again. Instagram is also testing Instants both as a standalone app and as a feature within the main app, giving users flexibility in how they access it.

The approach is similar to platforms like Snapchat and BeReal, which focus on unfiltered and temporary content. It reflects a shift away from heavily edited posts towards more spontaneous sharing.

Why Instagram is doing this

As reported, Instagram has become more focused on influencers, ads and highly produced content. With Instants, the company seems to be trying to bring back a more personal way of sharing, closer to how the platform started.

At the same time, the move appears to respond to competition from apps that prioritise private and real-time interactions. Features like Instagram Stories already offer quick sharing, and interest in apps like BeReal has slowed compared to earlier trends. For now, Instants remains in testing, and its wider rollout will likely depend on how users respond in the current trial.

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