Lenskart has launched Phonic smart glasses in India with Bluetooth audio support and built-in speakers support.
These smart glasses also feature a smart button for music, calls, voice assistant commands, 7 hours of battery life, seamless audio and smart button functionality.
Priced at ₹4,000 for the frame, available in Bold Navigator and Edgy Hustlr designs.
These will be available in Shiny Blue and Matte Black colour options.
Lenskart has officially launched the Phonic Smart Glasses in India. (Image credit – Lenskart)
Lenskart has introduced a new pair of audio-enabled smart glasses named Phonic with built-in speakers for music streaming, hands-free calls and more. Available in multiple designs and colours, these glasses offer a stylish and functional way to stay connected.
Moreover, Phonic frames can be easily customised for specific prescription lenses, which makes them the perfect smart glasses catering to both your professional and casual needs.
Here’s everything we know about the recently launched smart glasses.
Lenskart Phonic – Price & Availability
Price: ₹4,000 for the frame (final price varies based on lens selection).
Designs: Bold Navigator and Edgy Hustlr styles.
Colours: Shiny Blue and Matte Black.
Where to Buy: Available online on Lenskart’s website and at select Lenskart stores across India.
Wireless Bluetooth Connectivity: Listen to music, take calls and more right from your glasses.
Built-in Speakers: Placed near the ears within the temples for seamless audio.
Smart Button: A physical button on the temple lets you answer calls, control music and more with a single click.
Voice Assistant Support: Works with Android and iOS assistants for hands-free commands like setting reminders or sending messages.
Battery Life: Up to 7 hours of playback on a single charge.
Durability: Phonic offers an IPX4-rated water resistance.
Lenskart Phonic – What’s in the Box?
Lenskart Phonic glasses
Protective case
Charging cable
Microfiber cleaning cloth
Instruction manual
Users can easily customise the frames with prescription lenses, zero-power lenses, or sunglasses, or simply use them as regular eyewear.
FAQs
Q1. What is the price of the Lenskart Phonic smart glasses?
Answer. The price of the Lenskart Phonic smart glasses is ₹4,000 for the frame with the final price varying based on lens selection.
Q2. What are the available designs and colours for the Lenskart Phonic smart glasses?
Answer. The available designs are Bold Navigator and Edgy Hustlr and the colours are Shiny Blue and Matte Black.
Q3. What key features do the Lenskart Phonic smart glasses offer?
Answer. Key features include wireless Bluetooth connectivity, built-in speakers, a smart button for calls and music control, voice assistant support and up to 7 hours of battery life.
Q4. Where can I buy the Lenskart Phonic smart glasses?
Answer. The Lenskart Phonic smart glasses are available online on Lenskart’s website and at select Lenskart stores across India.
Best 5G phones under ₹10,000 include many options from brands like Vivo, Moto, Realme, Infinix and Redmi.
Key models include Vivo T3 Lite 5G, Moto G45 5G, Realme C63 5G, Infinix Hot 50 5G and Redmi 13C 5G, each
These budget-friendly options ensure users can enjoy the benefits of 5G connectivity without breaking the bank.
With so many newsmartphones launching every month picking the right one can get confusing. To make it easier, we’ve rounded up the best 5G phones under ₹10,000 from brands like Moto, Infinix, Realme, Vivo and Redmi.
Memory: Up to 8GB RAM (+8GB virtual RAM), 256GB UFS 2.2 storage (expandable up to 1TB)
Cameras: 50MP primary + 2MP macro + 2MP lens (rear), 5MP front camera
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly 5G phone, these models offer solid performance, decent cameras, and reliable battery life under ₹10,000. Which one do you think fits your needs best?
FAQs
Q1. What are the camera specifications of the Vivo T3 Lite 5G?
Answer. The Vivo T3 Lite 5G features a 50MP primary camera, a 2MP depth sensor on the rear, and an 8MP front camera.
Q2. What is the display specification of the Moto G45 5G?
Answer. The Moto G45 5G has a 6.45-inch HD+ display with a resolution of 1600 x 720 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate.
Q3. What is the battery capacity of the Realme C63 5G?
Answer. The Realme C63 5G is equipped with a 5,000mAh battery and supports 10W fast charging.
Q4. What are the key features of the Infinix Hot 50 5G camera?
Answer. The Infinix Hot 50 5G has a 48MP Sony IMX582 primary sensor with a depth sensor on the rear and an 8MP ultra-wide front camera.
Q5. How much expandable storage does the Redmi 13C 5G offer?
Answer. The Redmi 13C 5G offers expandable storage up to 1TB.
Nothing is gearing up to launch the Nothing Phone (3a) series globally, including in India, on March 4. Ahead of the official reveal, the company has been teasing key details about the upcoming smartphone. The latest teaser gives us a glimpse of the side panel hinting at an iPhone-like Action Button.
Here’s everything we know about the official teasers and expected specs.
Nothing Phone (3a) – Teaser Reveals
A new teaser image shared by Nothing on X (formerly Twitter) suggests that the Nothing Phone (3a) could feature a dedicated Action Button on the side, similar to what Apple introduced with recent iPhones.
Your second memory, one click away.
Power in Perspective. 4 March 10:00 GMT. pic.twitter.com/FHhAgzSZBz
— Nothing (@nothing) February 3, 2025
While Nothing hasn’t confirmed the button’s exact function, the teaser caption—“Your second memory, one click away”—hints that it could be used to quickly launch the camera and take pictures. There’s also speculation that it might be used to activate an AI assistant.
Last month, Nothing also teased the Glyph Interface and camera design of the upcoming phone in a separate post on X.
Phone (3a) Series. Power in perspective.
4 March 10 AM GMT. pic.twitter.com/auesJycJQy
— Nothing (@nothing) January 30, 2025
Nothing Phone (3a) – What Do We Know So Far?
As of now, official details are still under wraps for the upcoming Nothing Phone (3a). However, leaks and speculations suggest that the Nothing Phone (3a) could feature the following –
Display: 8-inch AMOLED panel
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset
Cameras: 50MP telephoto lens, 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens, 32MP front camera
Battery: 5,000mAh with 45W fast charging
Availability: Exclusively via Flipkart in India
As for the price, we do not have any updates at the moment. Just to recall, the Nothing Phone (2a) launched in India in March 2024 at a starting price of Rs 23,999, followed by the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus in July 2024 for Rs 24,999.
With just a few weeks to go before the official launch, we can expect more teasers and details soon.
FAQs
Q1. When is the Nothing Phone (3a) series set to launch globally?
Answer. The Nothing Phone (3a) series is set to launch globally including in India on March 4.
Q2. What unique feature is teased for the Nothing Phone (3a)?
Answer. The Nothing Phone (3a) is teased to feature a dedicated Action Button on the side similar to what Apple introduced with recent iPhones.
Q3. What are the expected specifications of the Nothing Phone (3a)?
Answer. Expected specs include a 6.8-inch AMOLED display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset, 50MP telephoto lens, 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens, 32MP front camera and a 5,000mAh battery.
Q4. Where will the Nothing Phone (3a) be available in India?
Answer. The Nothing Phone (3a) will be available exclusively via Flipkart in India.
Q5. What hint does the teaser caption give about the Action Button’s functionality?
Answer. The Nothing teaser caption—”Your second memory, one click away”—hints that the Action Button could be used to quickly launch the camera and take pictures, and there’s also speculation that it might be used to activate an AI assistant.
Realme P3 Pro teased ahead of India launch. (Image credit – Realme)
Realme is gearing up to launch the Realme P3 Pro in India as the successor to last year’s Realme P2 Pro. The company has started teasing the phone’s gaming-focused features and even hosted a Realme Gaming Strategy Event in Delhi. A dedicated microsite has gone live on Realme’s official website and Flipkart, hinting at the upcoming launch. Here’s all about the recent leaks.
Realme P3 Pro – Partial Design Leaked
The latest leak comes from popular tipster Mukul Sharma on X (formerly Twitter) who revealed the phone’s first look showing us its partial design
We are calling it a partial design since the leaked image has the phone covered with a protective case, which means we can’t really see the phone. However, the camera module can be clearly seen.
Realme P3 Pro leaked images. (Image credit – @stufflistings on X)
Whatever is visible from the leaked image shows a dual-camera setup in a circular glass camera module. Images also reveal that there is an LED flash featured in the triangular formation.
Realme P3 Pro Microsite Reveal
While the microsite doesn’t reveal much yet, it confirms that the P3 series is coming with the P3 Pro as one of its key models. Realme is promoting these devices as “born to slay” and claims the P3 Pro will feature “BGMI Tournament-Certified Performance.”
Realme P3 Pro microsite reveals key highlights of the upcoming gaming phone. (Image credit – Realme)
The microsite also reveals some of the key highlights of the phone, which include –
Stable frame rates
High frame rate support
Optimised device temperature
Stable network connection
Efficient battery usage
Seamless touch accuracy
According to reports, Realme has also partnered as the official smartphone sponsor for both BATTLEGROUNDS MOBILE INDIA SERIES (BGIS) 2025 and BATTLEGROUNDS MOBILE INDIA PRO SERIES (BMPS) 2025, reinforcing its focus on gaming.
Realme P3 Pro – Expected Launch Date & Specs
According to a previous 91mobiles report, the Realme P3 Pro is expected to launch in India in the third week of February. The phone is rumoured to come in at least one variant of 12GB RAM and 256GB storage.
While official specs haven’t been revealed, leaks suggest the P3 Pro could be a rebranded version of the Realme 14 Pro. If true, the phone may include the following specs –
Display: 77-inch OLED, 120Hz refresh rate, 1 billion colours and a peak brightness of 4500 nits
Resolution: 1080 x 2392 pixels (~388 ppi), ~90.9% screen-to-body ratio
Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Energy (4nm) chipset
Software: Android 15 with Realme UI 6.0
Cameras: 50MP primary sensor (OIS) and 2MP depth sensor
Battery: 6000mAh, 45W wired charging
Other Features: Stereo speakers, Bluetooth 5.4, Wi-Fi 6, NFC, USB-C 2.0
Durability: IP68/IP69-rated dust and water resistance
As we get closer to the launch, Realme is expected to reveal more official details about the P3 Pro’s specifications.
FAQs
Q1. What is the Realme P3 Pro and when is it expected to launch in India?
Answer. The Realme P3 Pro is a gaming-focused smartphone set to launch in India in the third week of February 2025.
Q2. What gaming-focused features does the Realme P3 Pro offer?
Answer. The Realme P3 Pro offers stable frame rates, high frame rate support, optimized device temperature, stable network connection, efficient battery usage and seamless touch accuracy.
Q3. What is the expected display and resolution of the Realme P3 Pro?
Answer. The Realme P3 Pro is expected to have a 6.77-inch OLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2392 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate.
Q4. What processor is the Realme P3 Pro rumoured to feature?
Answer. The Realme P3 Pro is rumoured to feature the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Energy (4nm) chipset.
Q5. What are the expected camera specifications of the Realme P3 Pro?
Answer. The Realme P3 Pro is expected to have a 50MP primary sensor (OIS) and a 2MP depth sensor.
The Vivo X200 Pro Mini is expected to launch in India in Q2 2025.
Expected features – a 6.31-inch AMOLED screen, MediaTek Dimensity 9400 SoC, 12GB/16GB RAM, triple 50MP cameras and a 5,700mAh battery with 90W fast charging.
The expected price in India is speculated to be between ₹66,000 and ₹94,000 based on the pricing trends of the X200 and X200 Pro models.
Vivo X200 Pro Mini will most likely launch in April 2025. (Image credit – @ZionsAnvin on X)
Vivo launched its X200 and X200 Pro flagship series in India in December 2024. Now, just a few months later, reports suggest that the company is gearing up to introduce a toned-down version of the X200 Pro – the Vivo X200 Pro Mini. This new variant is expected to offer similar features with slightly lower specs at a more affordable price.
According to SmartPrix, the Vivo X200 Pro Mini is likely to launch in India in the second quarter of 2025, with tipsters predicting an April release. Ahead of the launch, several leaks have given us a good idea of what to expect.
Vivo X200 Pro Mini – Expected Price in India
A recent leak by tipster @ZionsAnvin on X (formerly Twitter) suggests that the X200 Pro Mini will be priced higher than the X200 but lower than the X200 Pro.
Vivo X200 Pro Mini is coming in Q2 in India. Probably, in April.
– Vivo X200: Rs 65,999
– Vivo X200 Pro: Rs 94,999
Price guess
– Vivo X200 Pro Mini variants: 12GB+256GB | 16GB+256GB as per @Smartprix. It could be slotted between X200 and X200 Pro Mini and may start at Rs… pic.twitter.com/GY0yZjtUUI
— Anvin (@ZionsAnvin) February 2, 2025
Considering the fact that the Vivo X200 was launched at ₹65,999 and the Vivo X200 Pro at ₹94,999, many tech enthusiasts online have speculated that the Vivo X200 Pro Mini could be priced at around ₹75,000.
The X200 Pro Mini debuted in China at CNY 4,699 (approximately ₹55,750). However, Indian pricing is typically higher.
For example, the X200 was priced ₹14,300 higher in India compared to China and the X200 Pro saw a ₹31,199 price jump. Based on this trend, the X200 Pro Mini is expected to cost between ₹66,000 and ₹94,000 in India.
Vivo X200 Pro Mini – Expected Features and Specs
While the Mini version will be new for India, it already made its debut in China in October 2024. Reports suggest that the Indian variant will likely have similar specifications.
Display: 6.31-inch quad-curved AMOLED screen with 1.5K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals.
Processor: Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9400 SoC, the same high-performance chipset used in the Vivo X200 and X200 Pro.
Memory & Storage – Expected to launch in two configurations:
12GB RAM + 256GB storage
16GB RAM + 512GB storage
Cameras: A triple-camera setup with:
50MP primary sensor
50MP ultra-wide lens
50MP 3x telephoto lens
32MP front camera for selfies and video calls
Vivo’s X200 Pro received praise for its camera performance, so it’ll be interesting to see if this Mini version delivers similar results.
Software & Features: Runs on Funtouch OS 15, featuring:
In-display fingerprint scanner
IP68-rated water and dust resistance
Zeiss optics for superior imaging
Battery & Charging: A 5,700mAh battery with 90W fast charging and 30W wireless charging ensures all-day power.
However, these are still leaked details based on speculations so it’s best to take them with a pinch of salt. Moreover, we are sure Vivo will be making more details known officially in the coming weeks.
FAQs
Q1. When is the Vivo X200 Pro Mini expected to launch in India?
Answer. The Vivo X200 Pro Mini is likely to launch in India in the second quarter of 2025, with tipsters predicting an April release.
Q2. What are the expected features of the Vivo X200 Pro Mini?
Answer. Expected features include a 6.31-inch quad-curved AMOLED screen with 1.5K resolution, MediaTek Dimensity 9400 SoC, 12GB/16GB RAM, triple 50MP cameras, 32MP front camera and a 5,700mAh battery with 90W fast charging.
Q3. What is the expected price range of the Vivo X200 Pro Mini in India?
Answer. The expected price in India is speculated to be between ₹66,000 and ₹94,000, based on the pricing trends of the X200 and X200 Pro models.
Q4. What are the memory and storage configurations of the Vivo X200 Pro Mini?
Answer. The Vivo X200 Pro Mini is expected to launch in two configurations: 12GB RAM + 256GB storage and 16GB RAM + 512GB storage.
Q5. Which operating system will the Vivo X200 Pro Mini run on?
Answer. The Vivo X200 Pro Mini will run on Funtouch OS 15.
11 Samsung Galaxy smartphones will stop receiving software updates in 2025.
Samsung has improved its software support recently with some devices now getting up to seven years of updates.
Devices losing support may face app compatibility issues, security risks and vulnerability to malware.
As many as 11 Galaxy Phones reportedly will soon lose Software Support. (Image credit – Samsung)
Samsung fans have plenty to look forward to this year with big launches like the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7. But on the flip side, 11 Samsung Galaxy devices will stop receiving updates in 2025. This list could grow as more devices reach the end of their support cycle.
Here’s everything we know about this development.
Samsung’s Software Support
Samsung has become one of the best Android brands when it comes to software updates. Some of its smartphones now get up to seven years of major updates and security patches. And it’s not just the premium models—mid-range phones like the Galaxy A16 5G are also included.
That’s a big improvement from the days of TouchWiz when updates were unpredictable. For example, the newly launched Samsung Galaxy S25 series will receive software updates until 2032. Whether users will keep their phones that long is another question, but the support is there.
Galaxy Phones Losing Samsung Software Updates
However, it is not possible for mobile devices to get updates forever, which means the company eventually has to let go of some phones. According to reports, the following Samsung Galaxy phones will lose software support in 2025 –
Samsung Galaxy A02s
Samsung Galaxy A12
Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G
Samsung Galaxy S20 FE
Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G
Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy S20+ 5G
Samsung Galaxy S20+
Samsung Galaxy S20 5G
Samsung Galaxy S20
Samsung Galaxy W21 5G (China’s rebranded version of the Galaxy Z Fold 2 5G)
Most of these phones were launched around 2020. Back then, Samsung only promised one or two major updates except for flagship models.
The Galaxy A02s, A12, and W21 5G already stopped receiving updates in January 2025, while the Galaxy S20 series will continue to get security patches for a little longer.
If your phone is on this list, it might be a good time to start thinking about an upgrade. Without software updates, your device may run into app compatibility issues, security risks and other functional issues. Moreover, an outdated phone could also be more vulnerable to malware as well. So, this is the time to start looking for a new device in case you are still using one of the devices listed above.
FAQs
Q1. Which Samsung Galaxy models will stop receiving software updates in 2025?
Answer. The Samsung Galaxy models that will stop receiving software updates in 2025 include:
Samsung Galaxy A02s
Samsung Galaxy A12
Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G
Samsung Galaxy S20 FE
Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G
Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy S20+ 5G
Samsung Galaxy S20+
Samsung Galaxy S20 5G
Samsung Galaxy S20
Samsung Galaxy W21 5G (China’s rebranded version of the Galaxy Z Fold 2 5G)
Q2. How long do some of Samsung’s smartphones now receive software updates?
Answer. Some of Samsung’s smartphones now receive up to seven years of major updates and security patches, including mid-range models like the Galaxy A16 5G.
Q3. What are the risks of using a smartphone that no longer receives software updates?
Answer. Using a smartphone that no longer receives software updates can lead to app compatibility issues, security risks and increased vulnerability to malware. Users might consider upgrading their devices.
The Indian government announced tax cuts on key iPhone components during the Union Budget 2025.
The move will benefit companies like Apple and Samsung by $2.7 billion.
The tax cuts include components for mobile phone assembly such as printed circuit board assembly, camera module parts and USB cables.
Apple gets benefits for iPhone production with tax breaks in India. (Image credit – unknown)
Apple is set to benefit from a new tax break in India, which will lower the cost of assembling iPhones in the country. The Indian government recently announced the change during the Union Budget 2025. We previously reported about these plans that are expected to provide at least $2.7 billion in benefits to companies like Apple and Samsung. Here’s everything we know about the development.
Indian Government Cuts Taxes on Key iPhone Parts
India has been gradually reducing import duties on electronic components to encourage local manufacturing. Now, it has extended this tax relief.
According to a Reuters report, the Indian government has announced tax cuts on printed circuit boards, which are one of the key parts of an iPhone.
The report reveals, “India has removed import duties on some components key to producing mobile phones, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced in the annual budget on Saturday […] The list included components for mobile phone assembly such as printed circuit board assembly, parts of camera modules, and USB cables, which were taxed at 2.5% earlier.”
India Is Apple’s Second-Largest Production Hub
In recent years India has become Apple’s biggest iPhone assembly centre after China. There have been ambitious claims that by 2027, half of all iPhones could be made in India. However, progress has been slower than expected.
Things picked up last year. Back in April, Bloomberg reported that one in seven iPhones were made in India. However, Apple has always struggled to manufacture flagship models there due to the complex production processes involved. That changed with the iPhone 16, which started production in India just weeks after its launch.
The recent tax cuts will lower the cost of making iPhones in India and the government is betting that it will encourage Apple to shift even more of its production to the country.
FAQs
Q1. What tax cuts did the Indian government announce during the Union Budget 2025?
Answer. The Indian government announced tax cuts on components for mobile phone assembly, including printed circuit board assembly, camera module parts and USB cables.
Q2. How much benefit is expected for companies like Apple and Samsung due to the new tax break?
Answer. The new tax break is expected to provide at least $2.7 billion in benefits to companies like Apple and Samsung.
Q3. Why is India an important hub for Apple’s iPhone production?
Answer. India has become Apple’s second-largest iPhone assembly centre after China, and the recent tax cuts aim to lower the cost of making iPhones in India, encouraging Apple to shift even more of its production to the country.
Union Budget 2025 made several announcements to boost electronics manufacturing and EVs.
Removed customs duty on machinery for lithium-ion battery production, cut basic customs duty on key smartphone components and exempted 35 capital goods from customs duty for EV battery production.
It also lowered basic customs duty on luxury motorcycles and completely built-up passenger cars, increased duties on interactive flat-panel displays and reduced customs duty on open-cell TV panels.
Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled her 8th consecutive Union Budget as the Union Finance Minister on January 1st 2025. (Image credit – LiveMint)
The Union Budget 2025 brings a strong focus on boosting electronics manufacturing, electric vehicles (EVs) and clean energy.
From tax cuts to duty adjustments, these measures aim to strengthen India’s tech and mobility sectors while making products more affordable for consumers.
Top Tech Highlights from Budget 2025
Big Push for Mobile Phone Manufacturing
To boost local smartphone production, the government has:
Removed customs duty on 28 capital goods and machinery used for making lithium-ion batteries in mobile phones.
Cut the basic customs duty (BCD) on key smartphone components like PCBA, camera modules, connectors, USB cables and fingerprint sensors from 2.5% to zero.
This is expected to attract more investments into India’s growing smartphone industry.
EV Battery Production Gets a Boost
The government is making EV manufacturing cheaper by:
Exempting 35 capital goods from customs duty for lithium-ion battery production.
Encouraging local battery cell manufacturing to reduce import dependency and lower EV costs.
New Tax Rules for Motorcycles & Cars
Lowered basic customs duty on motorcycles over 1600cc.
Revised import duties on luxury motorcycles and completely built-up (CBU) passenger cars.
This will impact pricing in the premium automotive segment.
Import Duty Changes for TVs
Increased import duties on interactive flat-panel displays (IFPDs) from 10% to 20%.
Reduced customs duty on open-cell TV panels to 5%, making LED and LCD TVs cheaper for consumers.
Clean Tech Manufacturing Gets a Push
To support India’s shift to green energy, the government is promoting the local production of –
Solar PV cells
Electrolyzers
Wind turbines
High-voltage transmission equipment
Smart Meters & Consumer Electronics Get Cheaper
The BCD on Smart Meters has been cut from 25% to 20% making them more affordable for power companies and consumers.
Easier Rules for Electronics & IT Hardware
A light-touch regulatory framework will be introduced to reduce compliance hurdles for manufacturers.
Strengthening India’s Role in Global Supply Chains
The budget highlights financial support for key sectors like:
EV batteries
Semiconductors
Advanced display technologies
This will help Indian manufacturers integrate better into global supply chains.
Boost for R&D in Electronics & Mobility
The government plans to launch a Deep Tech Fund of Funds to support:
AI research
Semiconductor development
Battery technology
Better Warehousing for Electronics Exports
To support high-value electronics exports, the government will:
Upgrade air cargo warehousing.
Streamline customs clearance.
These changes in Budget 2025 will reduce costs, boost local production, and encourage innovation, making India a stronger player in tech, mobility and clean energy.
Industry Reacts
Ravi Kunwar, VP and CEO, HMD India and APAC, said, “The Union Budget 2025-26 presents encouraging prospects for the technology and digital infrastructure sector. We applaud the Indian Government for reinforcing India’s vision for self-reliance and innovation-driven growth in electronics manufacturing. Reducing BCD to 5% on open cell components and including 28 additional capital goods for mobile battery fabrication will strengthen local manufacturing and further generate employment in the sector. The formation of the National Manufacturing Mission and investment in skilling initiatives will contribute to India’s global competitiveness and facilitate the commitment to climate-friendly development. These measures, coupled with tax reforms and incentives, create a strong foundation for sustainable growth in India’s electronics ecosystem.”
CP Khandelwal, CEO, PR Innovation, Brand Custodian of Amazfit India, said, “Accelerating tech self-reliance by boosting display manufacturing and lithium-ion battery production. Also added, “The Budget 2025’s tech-forward policies signal India’s ambition to dominate the global electronics value chain. Eliminating BCD on open cell components for displays isn’t just a tariff tweak—it’s a strategic unlock. By making India a cost-competitive hub for advanced display manufacturing, we’re poised to cut reliance on imports for LCD/LED panels, which currently account for 80% of the $7 billion display market. This will catalyze local R&D in next-gen technologies like OLED and MicroLED, critical for smartphones, wearables, and smart TVs. Equally transformative is the lithium-ion battery push. Adding 28 capital goods for mobile batteries will fast-track domestic cell manufacturing, addressing a critical gap where India imports 90% of its lithium-ion needs. For the wearables and smartphone ecosystem, this means shorter supply chains, faster innovation cycles, and sustainable cost efficiencies. India’s future will be driven by innovation, self-reliance, and a bold vision to lead the global tech revolution.”
Rajeev Singh, Managing Director, BenQ India and South Asia said, “We are encouraged by the government’s announcement of the National Manufacturing Mission, which represents a significant step towards enhancing the ‘Make in India’ initiative. This mission’s focus on supporting small, medium, and large industries, along with its emphasis on clean technology manufacturing, aligns perfectly with our commitment to sustainability and innovation.”
Ujjwal Sarin, Founder – Nu Republic: Strengthening Make in India said, “The Union Budget’s National Manufacturing Mission is a pivotal step in strengthening ‘Make in India’ through policy support and clean tech innovation. With a strong focus on domestic manufacturing of solar PV cells, EV batteries, and high-voltage equipment, India is set to lead in sustainable technology. Addressing the inverted duty structure, the increase in customs duty on interactive flat panel displays will boost local production and investment in advanced display technologies. Additionally, the establishment of five National Centers of Excellence for Skilling and a ₹500 crore AI Centre of Excellence in education will bridge the industry-academia gap, fostering a future-ready workforce.”
“These initiatives reinforce India’s path to becoming a global leader in advanced manufacturing and digital innovation. We welcome these efforts and look forward to collaborating with stakeholders to drive technological self-reliance and growth, Sarin further added.
Prashant Bora, MD & CEO of OTEK (A Bora Multicorp Venture), said: “The FM’s proposal to reduce of the customs duty on open cells and other critical electronics components to 5% will help boost the Make in India initiative. This will help electronics brands to support customers with more cost-effective pricing, leading to enhanced scalability and growth. Furthermore, the budget’s emphasis on positioning India’s aspirations to become a global electronics hub through the production-linked incentive (PLI) schemes for electronics and IT hardware manufacturing, further boosted by PM Narendra Modi’s target of $500 billion by FY30, coupled with the government’s bid to strengthen India’s startup ecosystem with an additional INR 10,000 crore Fund of Funds will be a catalyst for growth going forward.”
FAQs
Q1. What measures Union Budget 2025 announced for boosting mobile phone manufacturing in India?
Answer. The government has removed customs duty on 28 capital goods and machinery used for making lithium-ion batteries in mobile phones and cut the basic customs duty on key smartphone components from 2.5% to zero.
Q2. How is the Union Budget 2025 supporting EV battery production?
Answer. The government is exempting 35 capital goods from customs duty for lithium-ion battery production and encouraging local battery cell manufacturing to reduce import dependency and lower EV costs.
Q3. What are the new import duty changes for TVs in the Union Budget 2025?
Answer. The government has increased import duties on interactive flat-panel displays from 10% to 20% and reduced customs duty on open-cell TV panels to 5%, making LED and LCD TVs cheaper for consumers.
Q4. What is the focus of the IndiaAI Safety Institute announced at the Union Budget 2025?
Answer. The IndiaAI Safety Institute will collaborate with academia, startups, industry, and government bodies to ensure AI safety, security, and trust, focusing on indigenous R&D and using Indian datasets tailored to the country’s diversity.
Q5 How does the Union budget 2025 support R&D in electronics and mobility?
Answer. The government plans to launch a Deep Tech Fund of Funds to support AI research, semiconductor development and battery technology.
India is developing an affordable AI model to rival ChatGPT and DeepSeek.
These will be designed for the Indian context, languages and culture.
According to Union Minister Vaishnaw, the Indian AI Model is expected to be ready in 10 months.
The AI model uses 18,693 GPUs, with a cost of ₹100 per hour after a 40% government subsidy.
The IndiaAI Safety Institute will collaborate with various entities to ensure AI safety, security and trust focusing on indigenous R&D and using Indian datasets.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw (centre) an event by the Indian AI Mission in New Delhi. (Image credit – PIB)
India is gearing up to enter the AI race with its own affordable foundational AI model, similar to ChatGPT and DeepSeek. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced this at an event by the Indian AI Mission in New Delhi stating that the model will be ready in 10 months.
Over the past 1.5 years, Indian researchers have been working on building an AI ecosystem to support this initiative. The new AI model will be designed specifically for Indian users addressing linguistic and cultural needs while promoting inclusivity and reducing biases.
“Over the last 1.5 years, our teams have been working closely with startups, researchers, professors etc. Today, we are calling for proposals to develop our own foundational model. The model will take care of the Indian context, languages and culture are devoid of biases,” Vaishnaw told reporters.
Vaishnaw said, “Leading developers and researchers are working towards completing multiple foundational models within 8 to 10 months, leveraging algorithmic efficiency to achieve cost-effective and timely development.”
The minister also highlighted India’s computational strength revealing that the AI model is being developed using 18,693 GPUs with 10,000 already deployed and the remaining 8,693 to be added soon. To put this into perspective, DeepSeek was trained on 2,000 GPUs and ChatGPT on 25,000 GPUs.
A major advantage of India’s AI model will be its cost-effectiveness. While top global AI models cost around $2.5–$3 per hour, India’s model will cost ₹100 per hour after a 40% government subsidy. “The attractive half-yearly and annual plans will make it more affordable,” Vaishnaw added.
At the same event, Vaishnaw also announced the launch of the IndiaAI Safety Institute under the India AI Mission.
This institute will collaborate with academia, startups, industry and government bodies to ensure AI safety, security and trust. It will also focus on indigenous R&D using Indian datasets tailored to the country’s social, economic, cultural and linguistic diversity.
With this initiative, India is set to make AI more accessible and affordable competing with global AI giants while keeping local needs in focus.
FAQs
Q1. What is India developing in the AI space?
Answer. India is developing an affordable AI model to rival ChatGPT and DeepSeek, designed for the Indian context, languages and culture, and expected to be ready in 10 months.
Q2. How many GPUs are being used to develop India’s AI model?
Answer. The AI model is being developed using 18,693 GPUs with 10,000 already deployed and the remaining 8,693 to be added soon.
Q3. What will be the cost of using India’s AI model?
Answer. The model will cost ₹100 per hour after a 40% government subsidy, making it highly cost-effective compared to global AI models.
Apple Intelligence will support nine new languages starting in April.
The new languages include French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, Simplified Chinese and Vietnamese.
The service is currently available in specific regions and requires devices running iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, or macOS Sequoia 15.2 or later.
Apple Intelligence offers AI-powered features like Genmoji, Image Playground & Image Wand, Writing Tools, Clean Up in Photos, Natural Language Search and Smart Reply & Summaries.
Apple Intelligence will soon get additional language support. (Image credit – Apple)
Apple introduced Apple Intelligence last September with the iPhone 16 series but until now, it has only supported English in most regions. The Cupertino Giant did confirm that it is working on more language support and now we have a confirmation that the same will happen in April.
During Apple’s Q4 2024 earnings call, CEO Tim Cook announced that Apple Intelligence will support more languages starting in April. He said, “In April, we’re bringing Apple Intelligence to more languages, including French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, and Simplified Chinese, as well as localised English to Singapore and India.”
Interestingly, Apple’s support page also mentions Vietnamese bringing the total to nine new languages. The update will roll out through a software update.
Apple Intelligence is currently available in the US, UK, Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand and South Africa. To use it, your device must be running iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2 or macOS Sequoia 15.2 or later.
How to Get Apple Intelligence?
Apple Intelligence is a personal AI system designed to help users communicate, work and express themselves while keeping privacy in focus.
To use it, users will have to follow the following steps –
Update your iPhone, iPad, or Mac to the latest software version.
Make sure your device language and Siri language are set to a supported language.
Keep your device connected to Wi-Fi and a power source while models download.
You can enable Apple Intelligence manually by going to Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri > Turn on Apple Intelligence.
Which Devices Support Apple Intelligence?
Apple Intelligence works on –
iPhone 16 series, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max
iPads with A17 Pro or M1 and later
Macs with M1 or later
It also requires iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, or macOS Sequoia 15.1, and at least 7GB of storage.
Apple Intelligence Features
Apple Intelligence brings AI-powered features across Apple apps and experiences including the following –
Clean Up in Photos – Removes unwanted objects from images
Natural Language Search in Photos – Find pictures easily with AI
Smart Reply & Summaries in Mail and Messages – AI-generated responses
Siri Upgrades – More natural voice, better request handling, and ChatGPT integration
More features are expected to roll out in the coming months. With this language update, Apple Intelligence is set to become even more useful for a global audience.
FAQs
Q1. When will Apple Intelligence start supporting more languages?
Answer. Starting in April, Apple Intelligence will support nine new languages, including French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, Simplified Chinese and Vietnamese.
Q2. In which regions is Apple Intelligence currently available?
Answer. Apple Intelligence is currently available in the US, UK, Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, and South Africa.
Q3. What are the requirements to use Apple Intelligence?
Answer. To use Apple Intelligence, your device must be running iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, or macOS Sequoia 15.2 or later, and have at least 7GB of storage.
Q4. What devices support Apple Intelligence?
Answer. Apple Intelligence works on iPhone 16 series, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPads with A17 Pro or M1 and later, and Macs with M1 or later.
Q5. What are some key features of Apple Intelligence?
Answer. Key features include Genmoji, Image Playground & Image Wand, Writing Tools, Clean Up in Photos, Natural Language Search, and Smart Reply & Summaries.
