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Apple releases iOS 18.7.7 update to counter DarkSword exploit chain: Report

Apple releases iOS 18.7.7 update to counter DarkSword exploit chain: Report

by | Apr 2, 2026 | Technology


2 min read Last Updated : Apr 02 2026 | 3:27 PM IST

Apple has reportedly rolled out an iOS 18 security update for iPhone users, aimed at addressing a recently identified exploit chain known as “DarkSword.” According to a report by 9To5Mac, the update, released as iOS 18.7.7 (build 22H340), is available for all iPhones still running iOS 18, including devices that are eligible for newer versions but haven’t been updated. The move comes as reports highlight the active use of the exploit by surveillance vendors and suspected state-backed actors.

 


As per the report, citing Wired, Apple said the update is being pushed automatically to users with auto-updates enabled to ensure critical security protections are delivered without delay. Apple has also reiterated its recommendation for users to upgrade to the latest iOS version for more advanced safeguards, while making this patch available to those who continue using iOS 18.

 


What is DarkSword


DarkSword is an exploit chain identified by Google’s Threat Intelligence Group that affects iOS versions between 18.4 and 18.7. It works by combining multiple vulnerabilities to gain deeper access to devices, making it particularly concerning in targeted surveillance campaigns.

 


According to researchers, the exploit has been used by commercial spyware operators and potentially state-sponsored entities, raising concerns around user privacy and device security. Wired cited Google as saying that DarkSword has been used by various hacker groups to break into the iPhones of users in Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Ukraine.


Apple had earlier released a limited patch for older devices that could not upgrade further, but users on newer iPhones who stayed on iOS 18 remained exposed. With iOS 18.7.7, the company is extending protection to all remaining users on the older operating system, closing a critical security gap.”

 

First Published: Apr 02 2026 | 3:27 PM IST



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Realme 16 5G with selfie mirror, 7000mAh battery launched: Price, offers

Realme 16 5G with selfie mirror, 7000mAh battery launched: Price, offers

by | Apr 2, 2026 | Technology



Realme launched the Realme 16 5G in India on April 2. Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6400 Turbo chipset, the smartphone includes a rear “selfie mirror” designed to make taking selfies easier using the main camera. The device packs a 7,000mAh battery, which the company claims can last up to two days.


Realme 16 5G: Price and variants


  • 8GB RAM + 128GB storage: Rs 31,999


  • 8GB RAM + 256GB storage: Rs 33,999


  • 12GB RAM + 256GB storage: Rs 36,999


  • Colours: Air White and Air Black


Realme 16 5G: Availability and offers


According to the company, the smartphone is available for pre-booking. Customers who pre-book the device will get a one-year extended warranty along with an additional gift at mainline stores. 

 


The smartphone will be available from April 6 through the company’s website, the e-commerce platform Flipkart, and select retail outlets.


Mainline offers:


  • Up to Rs 3,000 bank discount via credit card EMI


  • Rs 1,500 discount on UPI payments


  • Up to Rs 5,000 Bump Up (Prexo) offer


  • No-interest EMI available for up to 15 months


Online offers:


  • Up to Rs 3,000 bank discount via credit card EMI


  • Rs 2,000 discount via bank offer or UPI


  • Up to Rs 5,000 Bump Up (Prexo) offer


  • No-interest EMI available for up to 12 months


  • Rs 1,000 exchange bonus


Realme 16 5G: Details


The Realme 16 5G sports a 6.57-inch display with 4,200 nits of peak brightness. Realme has introduced a new “Gleaming Wings” finish for the 16 5G. The company said that the multi-layered gradient design creates a shifting blue and gold effect under light. The smartphone weighs 183g and is 8.1mm thin. 


The Realme 16 5G includes a small mirror next to the rear camera that lets users take selfies using the main sensor, a feature the company calls a “selfie mirror.” The company said taking selfies with the rear camera is made easier through the “Say Hi” gesture, which automatically starts a countdown. It also features a ring flash to deliver softer, more even lighting in low-light conditions. 


The device features a camera bar with a horizontal rear camera layout featuring a 50MP Sony IMX852 main camera with a Sony sensor. The company said that it will use LumaColor imaging technology to maintain balanced colours and more accurate skin tones across different lighting conditions. At the front, it gets a 50MP selfie camera for selfies, video calls, and more. 


On the software side, the device runs on Realme UI 7.0 based on Android 16. The phone also includes AI Edit Genie, which lets users change elements like hairstyles, outfits, and backgrounds with a single command. Another feature, AI Instant Clip, is aimed at content creation, allowing users to turn photos and videos from their gallery into ready-to-share clips. 

The smartphone packs a 7,000mAh battery and supports 60W charging. Realme claims that the smartphone can offer up to two days of usage on a single charge. The smartphone comes with IP66, IP68, IP69, and IP69K ratings for dust and water resistance. 


Realme 16 5G: Specifications


  • Display: 6.57-inch AMOLED, FHD+ (2372×1080), 120Hz refresh rate, 4,200 nits peak brightness


  • Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 6400 Turbo


  • RAM: Up to 12GB


  • Storage: Up to 256GB


  • Rear camera: 50MP (Sony IMX852) + 2MP monochrome


  • Front camera: 50MP


  • Battery: 7,000mAh


  • Charging: 60W, bypass charging


  • Durability: IP66, IP68, IP69, IP69K


  • Weight: 183g


  • Thickness: 8.1mm

 



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What comes next excites me most: CEO Tim Cook on Apple turning 50

What comes next excites me most: CEO Tim Cook on Apple turning 50

by | Apr 2, 2026 | Technology



Apple CEO Tim Cook has shared an internal memo with employees to mark the company’s 50th anniversary, reflecting on its growth, impact, and future direction. The memo was shared by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman on X (formerly Twitter) and highlights Apple’s evolution from a garage startup to a global technology company with billions of active devices.

 

Cook’s message comes as Apple completes five decades since its founding on April 1, 1976, and at a time when the company is preparing its next set of software and AI-driven updates. 

 


What Tim Cook said in his memo


In the memo, Cook said Apple’s journey began with “a single computer prototype in a garage” and has since grown to more than 2.5 billion active devices in use worldwide.

 


He described the company’s impact as difficult to fully measure, noting that Apple products now shape how people create, communicate, and access information globally.

 


Cook also referenced remarks by Steve Jobs, highlighting the idea that the world is built by people and can be reshaped by them. He said this belief continues to define Apple’s culture, which emphasises curiosity, collaboration, and building products that push boundaries.

 


The memo also focused on employees, with Cook thanking teams for their contributions and encouraging them to reflect on the importance of their work. He added that Apple remains focused on “empowering people and enriching their lives.”

 


Looking ahead, Cook said the company’s future remains the priority, adding that Apple is well-positioned to take advantage of opportunities in the years ahead.

 


“As extraordinary as it is to reflect on the past fifty years, what excites me most is what comes next. The opportunities ahead of us are among the greatest we have ever seen — and there’s no team in the world better positioned to meet them,” Cook said.


What comes next from Apple


Apple has announced that its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC26) will take place from June 8 to June 12. The company is expected to unveil the next generation of its software platforms, including iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, and more.


Apple has also partnered with Google to use Gemini AI models to support upcoming Apple Intelligence features, including a more advanced version of Siri. The AI-powered Siri was first previewed in 2024 but has since been delayed due to performance and reliability issues. It is now expected to roll out with upcoming software updates.

 


Apple is also expected to introduce its first foldable iPhone alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models later this year. The foldable device is likely to feature a book-style design, similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold and Google Pixel Fold models, however, with a wider aspect ratio.





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Vivo V70 FE with MediaTek 7360 Turbo launched: Check price, specs, offers

Vivo V70 FE with MediaTek 7360 Turbo launched: Check price, specs, offers

by | Apr 2, 2026 | Technology


3 min read Last Updated : Apr 02 2026 | 1:13 PM IST


Vivo expanded its portfolio in India on April 2 with the launch of the Vivo V70 Fashion Edition (FE). The Vivo V70 FE sports a 6.83-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. It is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7360 Turbo chip and packs a 7,000mAh battery with support for 90W charging. The Vivo V70 FE is now available for pre-booking. For the uninitiated, the Vivo V70 FE joins the V70 lineup that comprises the Vivo V70 and V70 Elite, which were launched in February.


Vivo V70 FE: Price and availability


  • 8GB RAM + 128GB storage: Rs 37,999


  • 8GB RAM + 256GB storage: Rs 40,999


  • 12GB RAM + 256GB storage: Rs 44,999


  • Colour: Monsoon Blue, Northern Lights Purple


The Vivo V70 FE is now available for pre-booking from Vivo’s website, as well as on e-commerce platforms Flipkart and Amazon. It will be available for purchase starting April 9.

 


Vivo V70 FE: Offers


  • 10 per cent discount on select bank cards or a 10 per cent trade-in bonus when exchanging an older device


  • One-year extended warranty


  • Up to 12 months of no-interest equated monthly instalment plans


  • If a consumer purchases the Vivo TWS 3e along with the V70 FE, then the earbuds would cost Rs 1,499 instead of Rs 1,899


Vivo V70 FE: Details


The Vivo V70 FE features a 6.83-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support, and up to 1,900 nits of peak brightness in high brightness mode. It is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7360 Turbo processor, paired with up to 12GB LPDDR5 RAM and up to 256GB UFS 3.1 storage. 


For imaging, the smartphone comes equipped with a 200MP primary rear camera with OIS, alongside an 8MP wide-angle camera, while the front houses a 50MP camera for selfies. It runs on Android 16-based OriginOS 6 and packs a 7,000mAh battery with support for 90W wired charging. The device is available in Monsoon Blue and Northern Lights Purple colour options, features IP68 and IP69 ratings for dust and water resistance. Vivo has promised to deliver six major Android updates and six years of security patches. 


As per Vivo, the V70 FE comes with Darkness Glow technology. While exclusive to the Northern Lights Purple variant, it uses a special coating that absorbs light and emits a subtle glow in low-light conditions, creating a dynamic aurora-like pattern on the back panel. The effect is unique to each variant and fades naturally, while the Monsoon Blue variant does not feature this glow and instead offers a shifting blue finish under different lighting conditions.


Vivo V70 FE: Specifications


  • Display: 6.83-inch 1.5K AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate, 1,900 nits of brightness in HBM, HDR10+


  • Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 7360 Turbo


  • RAM: 8GB, 12GB LPDDR5


  • Storage: 128GB, 256GB UFS 3.1


  • Rear camera: 200MP + 8MP wide-angle


  • Front camera: 50MP


  • OS: Android 16-based OriginOS 6


  • Battery: 7,000mAh


  • Charging: 90W wired


  • Colours: Monsoon Blue, Northern Lights Purple


  • Protection: IP68, IP69 rating


  • Thickness: 7.59mm

First Published: Apr 02 2026 | 1:12 PM IST



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Redmi Note 15 Special Edition with 5800mAh battery launched: Check price

Redmi Note 15 Special Edition with 5800mAh battery launched: Check price

by | Apr 2, 2026 | Technology



Xiaomi has launched the Redmi Note 15 Special Edition (SE) in India on April 2. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor, the smartphone packs a 5800mAh battery. The smartphone sports a 6.77-inch curved AMOLED display and has a 50MP primary camera at the back.

 


The Redmi Note 15 Special Edition (SE) is offered in three new colour options — Crimson Reserve, Carbon Black, and Frosted White. The Crimson Reserve variant features a red faux-leather back with a gold-finished frame.


Redmi Note 15 Special Edition: Price and variants


Xiaomi said that the Redmi Note 15 Special Edition will be available at a special price of:

 


  • 6GB RAM + 128GB storage: Rs 19,999


  • 8GB RAM + 128GB storage: Rs 21,999


  • 8GB RAM + 256GB storage: Rs 23,999


Redmi Note 15 Special Edition: Availability and offers


According to the company, the smartphone will be available from April 7 through the company’s website and e-commerce platform Flipkart.

 


As part of the introductory offer, customers can get a Rs 2,000 discount on select ICICI Bank cards. Additionally, no-cost equated monthly instalment (EMI) options of up to six months are available.


Redmi Note 15 Special Edition: Details


The Redmi Note 15 SE sports a 6.77-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with up to a 120Hz refresh rate and 3,200 nits of peak brightness. The smartphone is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor, paired with up to 8GB RAM and up to 256GB internal storage, which is expandable up to 1TB via memory cards.

 


In terms of imaging, the smartphone features a 50MP main camera paired with a 2MP depth sensor, while the front houses a 20MP camera for selfies and video calls. The device includes AI-based tools such as AI Erase, AI Sky, AI Bokeh, AI Beautify, and AI Reflection Removal, aimed at enhancing photos. It also supports features such as Google Gemini and Circle to Search.

 


The smartphone packs a 5,800mAh battery with support for 45W wired charging. On the software front, the Redmi Note 15 SE runs Android 16-based HyperOS. The company claims four years of Android updates and six years of security updates.

 


The smartphone comes with IP65 and IP66 ratings for dust and water resistance and carries military-grade durability certifications.

 

The Redmi Note 15 5G SE features dual speakers. The company claims the device can boost volume up to 300 per cent. It also supports Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res audio. 

 


Redmi Note 15 5G SE: Specifications


  • Display: 6.77-inch AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate, 2392 × 1080 resolution


  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3


  • RAM: Up to 8GB


  • Storage: Up to 256GB storage (expandable up to 1TB)


  • Rear Camera: 50MP main + 2MP depth sensor


  • Front Camera: 20MP 


  • Battery: 5800mAh


  • Charging: 45W wired 


  • Software: Android 15-based HyperOS 2


  • Durability: IP65 and IP66 

 



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Samsung launches Hearapy app on Android to reduce motion sickness: Details

Samsung launches Hearapy app on Android to reduce motion sickness: Details

by | Apr 2, 2026 | Technology


Hearapy app (Image: Google Play Store)

2 min read Last Updated : Apr 02 2026 | 12:43 PM IST


Samsung has introduced a new app to tackle a common travel problem—motion sickness. Called Hearapy, the app is now available on Android via the Google Play Store and claims to reduce symptoms like nausea using sound. According to the company, the app uses sound to help users stay balanced and feel comfortable while travelling, instead of relying on medication or other methods.


Hearapy app: How it works


As per the Samsung Play Store description, the app is built around the idea that specific sound frequencies can help improve balance. It states that a “clear 100 Hz bass sine tone stimulates your sense of balance and helps you feel better on the go.” The company also highlights that travel sickness affects a large number of people and that this solution is designed to make journeys more comfortable. Samsung said the app works best when paired with its Galaxy Buds 4 Pro, although it can function with other headphones as well. 

 


 
According to The Verge, the app works by playing a low 100Hz sine wave tone through connected headphones for about 60 seconds. This sound is designed to stimulate the vestibular system, which is the part of the inner ear responsible for balance and orientation. 

Users can adjust the playback duration between 40 and 120 seconds. However, a full minute of listening is said to provide relief from motion sickness symptoms for up to two hours. The process can be repeated if needed, depending on how the user feels during travel. 


Research and limitations


According to The Verge, Samsung said that the concept is inspired by research from Nagoya University in Japan. The study found that certain sound wavelengths helped reduce “the staggering and discomfort” experienced by people in moving vehicles. However, this is not a guaranteed fix. The effectiveness may vary depending on the headphones being used and their ability to produce sound at around 80 to 85 decibels. Samsung also noted that while the app works with most earphones, proper sound output is important for the best results.

First Published: Apr 02 2026 | 12:43 PM IST



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