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BGMI 4.3 update to bring CSK and KKR themed collectables: What's coming

BGMI 4.3 update to bring CSK and KKR themed collectables: What's coming

by | Mar 17, 2026 | Technology


BGMI 4.3 update collaboration with IPL teams CSK and KKR (Image: Krafton)

2 min read Last Updated : Mar 17 2026 | 11:58 AM IST


Krafton has announced two collaborations for Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) as part of the upcoming BGMI 4.3 update, bringing themed gameplay experiences based on Indian Premier League franchises Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders.

 


According to Krafton India, the collaborations will introduce exclusive in-game collectables and Photo Booth Points of Interest across the Erangel and Livik maps, allowing players to capture moments alongside team players within the game. The Chennai Super Kings content will go live on March 21, followed by the Kolkata Knight Riders collaboration on March 25. The BGMI 4.3 update is expected to roll out around the same time.

 


BGMI x Chennai Super Kings collaboration: What’s coming


As part of the collaboration, players will receive access to two exclusive CSK-branded in-game items: the Thala Legacy Set outfit and the Thala Monster Truck vehicle skin.

 


The collaboration will also introduce dedicated Chennai Super Kings Photo Booth Points of Interest (POIs) across the Erangel and Livik maps. At these locations, players will be able to step into the battleground alongside Chennai Super Kings players and capture in-game moments.


BGMI x Kolkata Knight Riders collaboration: What’s coming


In a separate announcement, Krafton India said BGMI will also receive Kolkata Knight Riders-themed gameplay content as part of the BGMI 4.3 update starting March 25.

 


The collaboration introduces two KKR-branded in-game items: the Knight Dominion Set outfit and the Eden Charge Buggy vehicle skin.

 


Krafton said the update will also add dedicated Kolkata Knight Riders Photo Booth Points of Interest across Erangel and Livik. Similar to the CSK collaboration, these locations will allow players to capture in-game moments alongside KKR players within the battleground.

 

First Published: Mar 17 2026 | 11:58 AM IST



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Nvidia unveils DLSS 5 tech to add visual realism to games: How it works

Nvidia unveils DLSS 5 tech to add visual realism to games: How it works

by | Mar 17, 2026 | Technology



Nvidia has announced DLSS 5, the latest version of its AI-based graphics technology designed to improve how games look in real time. The company said DLSS 5 introduces a new neural rendering model that can generate more realistic lighting, textures and materials while a game is running, potentially bringing visuals closer to what is typically seen in film visual effects.

 


The technology builds on Nvidia’s long-running DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) system, which was first introduced in 2018 to improve gaming performance using artificial intelligence. DLSS initially focused on increasing frame rates by upscaling images and generating additional frames, but the new version shifts more attention toward improving visual realism.

 


What DLSS 5 does differently


DLSS 5 uses an AI model that processes the colour information and motion data from each frame of a game. Based on this information, the system generates additional visual detail such as lighting effects, reflections and material textures.

 


In simpler terms, the AI analyses what is happening in a scene and adds realistic lighting and surface details while the game is running. According to Nvidia, this happens in real time at up to 4K resolution, allowing games to maintain smooth gameplay while improving visual quality. As per the examples shown by Nvidia, DLSS 5 not only makes the faces of characters look more human-like, but it also adds finer elements like wrinkles, folds on the forehead and more.

 


The AI model is trained to recognise different types of objects and materials in a scene, including characters, hair, clothing and skin. It can also interpret environmental lighting conditions such as backlighting or cloudy weather. Using this information, DLSS 5 can simulate effects like the way light interacts with skin or the subtle shine on fabrics.


Designed to work with existing game engines


For game developers, Nvidia said DLSS 5 offers controls that allow artists to adjust how strongly the AI effects are applied. Developers can tweak elements such as colour, intensity and specific areas where the visual enhancements should appear, ensuring the technology fits the artistic style of each game.

 


The technology integrates using the same Nvidia Streamline framework already used for earlier DLSS versions and Nvidia Reflex, which means developers who already support those tools may find it easier to adopt DLSS 5. 


Industry support and upcoming games


The company said that several major game studios will support DLSS 5, including Bethesda, CAPCOM, NetEase, NCSOFT, Tencent, Ubisoft and Warner Bros. Games.

 


Nvidia said the technology will appear in a number of upcoming and existing titles such as Starfield, Hogwarts Legacy, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Phantom Blade Zero, Delta Force, Naraka: Bladepoint and The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, among others.


When will it arrive


Nvidia said DLSS 5 will begin rolling out in the second half of this year. The company is showcasing early demonstrations of the technology this week at its GTC conference, along with previews running in games and technical demos.



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Apple launches AirPods Max 2 with H2 chip, AI features: Price, availability

Apple launches AirPods Max 2 with H2 chip, AI features: Price, availability

by | Mar 17, 2026 | Technology



Apple has launched the AirPods Max 2, the second generation of its over-ear headphones, introducing upgrades to noise cancellation, sound processing and AI-driven features. The headphones are powered by Apple’s H2 chip and bring new capabilities such as Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness and Live Translation. The new model also supports 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio via USB-C, along with features aimed at creators such as studio-quality audio recording and a camera remote function.


AirPods Max 2: India pricing, availability and offers


  • Price: Rs 67,900


  • Colours: Midnight, Starlight, Orange, Purple, Blue


The new AirPods Max 2 will be available for pre-orders starting March 25 and will be available early next month, according to Apple’s online store.

 
 


As for the introductory offer, Apple will be offering a bank cashback of up to Rs 4000 on select cards. There will also be no-interest equated monthly installment (EMI) plans of up to six months.


AirPods Max 2: What’s new


The AirPods Max 2 are powered by Apple’s H2 chip, which enables improved audio processing and several new intelligent features.

 


One of the major upgrades is Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). Apple claims the updated model delivers up to 1.5 times more effective noise cancellation compared to the previous generation. The system uses updated computational audio algorithms and microphone processing to reduce background sounds such as aircraft engines or traffic.


Transparency mode has also been updated with new signal processing designed to make surrounding sounds more natural when users need to remain aware of their environment.

 


Apple has also added several adaptive audio features that previously appeared on newer AirPods models. These include Adaptive Audio, which dynamically adjusts noise cancellation and transparency levels depending on the environment, and Conversation Awareness, which automatically lowers playback volume when the user begins speaking.

 


The headphones also introduce Live Translation, powered by Apple Intelligence, which is designed to help users communicate across languages during in-person conversations.

 


For calls, the headphones include Voice Isolation, which prioritises the user’s voice and reduces background noise.

 


Apple has also introduced a camera remote feature, allowing users to trigger photos or start and stop video recordings by pressing the Digital Crown when connected to an iPhone or iPad.


The AirPods Max 2 also support studio-quality audio recording, aimed at creators such as podcasters and musicians who want improved microphone quality while recording.

 


In terms of sound output, the headphones retain the same acoustic design but add a new high dynamic range amplifier intended to deliver cleaner audio and more consistent bass response. The headphones also support Personalised Spatial Audio with head tracking.

 


When connected using the included USB-C cable, the headphones support lossless audio at 24-bit and 48 kHz, along with lower latency for applications such as gaming and music production.

 

Other features include Loud Sound Reduction, which helps limit exposure to loud environmental noise, and Personalised Volume, which adjusts listening levels based on user preferences over time. 


AirPods Max 2: Key specifications


  • Chip: Apple H2


  • Noise cancellation: Active Noise Cancellation with Transparency mode


  • Audio: Personalised Spatial Audio with head tracking


  • Lossless audio: 24-bit / 48 kHz via USB-C cable


  • Smart features: Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Voice Isolation, Live Translation


  • Additional features: Camera remote, Loud Sound Reduction, Personalised Volume


  • Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB-C wired audio support


  • Colours: Midnight, Starlight, Orange, Purple, Blue



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Tech Wrap Mar 16: JBL Grip, Instagram DM encryption, Gemini task automation

Tech Wrap Mar 16: JBL Grip, Instagram DM encryption, Gemini task automation

by | Mar 16, 2026 | Technology


 


JBL has launched a new portable Bluetooth speaker in India, the JBL Grip. The speaker comes with JBL Pro Sound, AI Sound Boost technology and Auracast support for stereo and multi-speaker pairing. According to the company, the device offers up to 12 hours of battery life, with an additional two hours through Playtime Boost. The JBL Grip also features IP68-rated water and dust protection, along with support for the JBL Portable app.

 

 


Meta has announced that it will discontinue support for end-to-end encryption in direct messages on Instagram. According to an Instagram support page, the feature will be removed after May 8. A report by 9To5Google also stated that the company has begun notifying users about the change through an in-app pop-up.

 
 

 


Google has reportedly begun rolling out Gemini task automation, also referred to as screen automation, to the Samsung Galaxy S26 series in beta. The feature allows the AI assistant to carry out certain tasks inside supported apps, such as ordering food or booking rides, based on user prompts.

 

 


POCO is set to launch its X8 Pro series in India on March 17. The lineup will include two models — POCO X8 Pro and POCO X8 Pro Max. Ahead of the launch, the company has revealed several key specifications of the global variant, including details of the processor, battery and more. The Indian variants of the smartphones are expected to feature similar specifications.

 

 


OPPO is set to launch its next foldable smartphone, the OPPO Find N6, in China on March 17. The Chinese smartphone maker has confirmed the launch date of the device in its home market and has teased a global launch without announcing its date.

 

 


Chinese smartphone maker Realme has announced the launch date of its upcoming P4 Lite 5G smartphone in India. The Realme P4 Lite 5G, set to launch in India on March 19, will be powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chip and pack a 7,000mAh battery. Notably, the company also launched the P4 Lite smartphone last month with a UNISOC T7250 chip. The new model will bring 5G connectivity and several changes.

 

 


Spotify has announced a new feature called Taste Profile that lets listeners review and adjust how the platform understands their music preferences. According to Spotify, the update aims to give users more transparency and control over Spotify’s recommendation system. The feature is currently limited to select beta testers and will roll out to Premium users in New Zealand before expanding to more regions.

 

 


Meta has announced updates for Facebook, which it said will prioritise original content and reduce the reach of copied posts. The company has also introduced clearer guidelines explaining what qualifies as original content. In addition, Meta is testing updates to its existing content protection system that would allow creators to report impersonators and better protect their work. Meta said the changes are intended to improve content recommendations in Feed and Reels while reducing spam and imitation accounts on the platform.

 

 


There are two ways to think about Apple turning 50. One is as a corporate milestone for one of the world’s richest companies in terms of market capitalisation. The other is stranger and more interesting: much of the modern technology landscape now looks the way it does because Apple decided it should.

 

 


OnePlus is reportedly gearing up to launch the anticipated OnePlus Nord 6 soon. According to a report by GizmoChina, the OnePlus Nord 6 may launch next month and share a lot of similarities with the OnePlus Turbo 6, which launched in January in China. As per the report, the OnePlus Nord 6 is expected to be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chip.

 

 


Huawei is reportedly planning to launch a new device in India, likely a tablet. A microsite for the upcoming Huawei product has gone live on the e-commerce platform Flipkart, which does not mention any details. According to a report by 91Mobiles, the teaser image is believed to be of a tablet that looks very similar to the MatePad 11.5, which Huawei already sells in several other regions.

 

 


Apple’s next major iOS update may not bring major visual changes to iPhones. However, it may allow users more options to fine-tune the Liquid Glass design that Apple introduced last year with iOS 26. According to a report by 9To5Mac, citing Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, despite notable changes in the Apple design team, there is no major visual overhaul planned for the next-generation update. The report stated that users should expect “years of gradual improvements,” rather than immediate changes.

 

 


The Galaxy S26 Ultra introduces several refinements, but the most distinctive addition remains the Privacy Display. It works well and offers genuine protection against shoulder surfing, although the reduction in brightness and contrast means it will not appeal to everyone. For users who value privacy and multimedia tools, the Galaxy S26 Ultra offers something different. For others, the experience may feel like a steady evolution rather than a dramatic leap.

 

 


Apple’s MacBook Neo, the laptop it announced last week that starts at $499 for students, is the most repairable laptop the company has released since 2012, according to an analysis released Friday by iFixit.

 

 

China’s Hua Hong Group has developed advanced chip manufacturing technologies that can be used to produce artificial intelligence chips, four people familiar with the matter said, a major milestone in Beijing’s efforts to boost tech self-sufficiency. 

 


Infosys unveiled its AI first value framework last month to coincide with the India AI Impact Summit. The framework is expected to help global enterprises unlock the value of AI at scale. Satish HC, chief delivery officer at the IT major, tells Avik Das how the delivery model is likely to change because of AI and the transformation in the role of a delivery manager going forward.

 



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OPPO to unveil Find N6 foldable smartphone on March 17: What to expect

OPPO to unveil Find N6 foldable smartphone on March 17: What to expect

by | Mar 16, 2026 | Technology



OPPO is set to launch its next foldable smartphone, the OPPO Find N6, in China on March 17. The Chinese smartphone maker has confirmed the launch date of the device in its home market and has teased a global launch without announcing its date.

 

It should be noted that OPPO has not introduced a book-style foldable smartphone in India so far. In the Indian market, the company has only released two generations of its clamshell-style “Flip” foldables, while its book-style foldables have remained limited to other regions.

 


According to OPPO’s China website, the upcoming Find N6 will feature a book-style foldable design and will be offered in three colour options: Golden Orange, Original Titanium and Deep Black. OPPO China’s pre-order page also indicates that the smartphone will be available in three configurations — 12GB+256GB, 16GB+512GB and 16GB+1TB — with satellite connectivity supported on the top-end variant.

 
 


Similar to its predecessor, the device will also include a camera system co-developed with Swedish optics brand Hasselblad.


OPPO Find N6 foldable smartphone: What do we know


OPPO has revealed that the upcoming foldable will be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip and will boast a 200MP LED rear camera system co-developed with Hasselblad. According to a report by GSMArena, the main camera is expected to be complemented by a 50MP ultrawide camera and a 50MP periscope telephoto camera. It may boast a 6,000mAh battery while sporting an 8.12-inch inner display and a 6.62-inch cover screen.

 


OPPO unveiled key engineering details about its upcoming Find N6 foldable smartphone in press releases, highlighting a redesigned hinge and display system aimed at significantly reducing the crease on the foldable screen. The device will feature what the company calls a “Zero-Feel Crease”, achieved through a new second-generation Titanium Flexion Hinge paired with a redesigned flexible display structure.

 


The hinge uses an industry-first 3D liquid printing process to smooth microscopic irregularities on the hinge surface. According to OPPO, ultra-precise laser scanning and high-resolution 3D printing are used to fill tiny gaps in the hinge structure, reducing height variance from 0.2mm to 0.05mm. The hinge also features a wider waterdrop folding design and a new pivot system that increases support force, helping reduce mechanical stress on the display during folding and unfolding.

 


The Find N6 will also use a new Auto-Smoothing Flex Glass designed to maintain screen flatness over long-term use. OPPO says the material is 50 per cent thicker than conventional ultra-thin glass and offers significantly improved deformation resistance and shape recovery. Combined with the new hinge, the display is claimed to maintain its structure even after extensive folding cycles. The device is also built using materials such as grade-5 titanium alloy, ultra-high-strength steel and aerospace-grade aluminium, while the outer display uses Nanocrystal Glass for improved drop resistance, and the device carries IP56, IP58 and IP59 water resistance ratings.


OPPO has also revealed new AI-driven productivity features for the upcoming Find N6 foldable smartphone, developed in collaboration with Google Cloud. The device will introduce the OPPO AI Pen, an upgraded stylus designed to enhance note-taking, organisation and creative workflows on the foldable display. It remains unclear whether it will be bundled with the smartphone or sold separately.

 


The AI Pen will support features such as AI Chart and AI Image, powered by Google’s AI technologies. With AI Chart, users can circle handwritten notes using the stylus to automatically convert them into clean, editable digital tables. The AI Image feature, meanwhile, can transform simple sketches or doodles into refined artwork in different visual styles based on user prompts.

 


OPPO has also confirmed enhanced cross-device sharing on the Find N6. The device will support Android Quick Share compatibility with Apple devices, allowing users to transfer photos, videos and files directly without installing additional apps. These capabilities will be integrated with ColorOS 16 on the Find N6, which the company says is designed to combine advanced hardware and AI features to improve productivity on the foldable smartphone.



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