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Lava Announces Feature Phones with D2M Tech for Live TV Without Internet

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Highlights

  • Lava is launching Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) technology phones, which will enable live TV, OTT streaming and text messaging without internet.
  • The phone will be developed in-house under the Make in India initiative with Tejas Network and Saankhya Labs.
  • Phones will reportedly feature a MediaTek MT6261 chipset and a UHF antenna for broadcasts.
  • More details are expected during the upcoming WAVES 2025 event from May 1–4 in Mumbai.

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Caption – Lava will introduce Direct-to-Mobile feature phones at WAVES 2025. (Image credit – Lava)

Lava International is set to launch new feature phones powered by Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) technology at the upcoming WAVES (World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit) 2025. These phones will let users watch live TV, OTT content, listen to audio, and receive text messages without needing internet or Wi-Fi, by using terrestrial TV broadcast signals. Here’s what we know about the devices so far.

Lava’s D2M Feature Phones

The new Lava feature phones are part of the government’s Make in India initiative and have been developed in-house by Lava’s R&D team along with engineers from Tejas Network.

While Lava hasn’t shared full specs yet, it has confirmed that the phones will run on the MediaTek MT6261 chipset and include the SL3000 software-defined receiver chip by Saankhya Labs.

The phones will come with a 2.8-inch QVGA display, support GSM connectivity for calls, and include a UHF (ultra high frequency) antenna to receive live TV broadcasts. They will also feature a 2,200mAh battery for long-lasting use.

Lava says the software on these phones integrates Saankhya Labs’ SDK (software development kit) to help deliver entertainment and information to underserved communities.

Pricing and availability details haven’t been announced yet.

Lava will reveal more during WAVES 2025, which runs from May 1 to May 4 at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai. The event will also showcase advancements in AI, VR, AR, XR, and the Metaverse.

While we wait for further announcements from Lava, it is interesting to note that HMD too has confirmed plans to bring D2M-enabled phones to India soon.

FAQs

Q1. What technology powers Lava’s new feature phones?

Answer. Lava’s feature phones use Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) technology, allowing live TV, OTT streaming, and text messaging without internet or Wi-Fi via terrestrial signals.

Q2. Who helped develop Lava’s D2M feature phones?

Answer. These phones were developed as part of the Make in India initiative, with Lava’s R&D team collaborating with Tejas Network and Saankhya Labs.

Q3. When and where will Lava reveal more details about the phones?

Answer. Lava will showcase these D2M-enabled feature phones at WAVES 2025 (May 1–4) at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, alongside AI and XR advancements.

Also Read: Lava BOLD 5G launching on April 8: Features 120Hz AMOLED Display, 64MP Camera, and More

Google to Host Special Android Event on May 13 Ahead of I/O 2025

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Highlights

  • Google will host The Android Show: I/O Edition on May 13 with Android ecosystem president Sameer Samat ahead of I/O 2025.
  • The event signals a change in Android announcements, as Google I/O has increasingly focused on AI, leaving less room for Android-related updates.
  • The event aims to restore focus on Android, following last year’s highlights like Android 15 beta features and AI-driven enhancements.

Google has announced a new Android-focused event just ahead of its annual developer conference. The Android Show: I/O Edition event will take place on May 13 at 10AM PT / 1PM ET, streaming live on YouTube and the official Android website. The session will feature Sameer Samat, president of the Android ecosystem.

The announcement was made on all official Android social media handles.

 

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This comes a full week before Google I/O 2025, which kicks off on May 20. The early event signals a shift in how Google is handling Android announcements, especially since recent I/O keynotes have focused more on AI than Android itself.

“We’ll be sharing news now to get you ready for I/O where we’ll have even more special announcements and surprises in store,” said Samat. Google confirmed that Android will still be part of I/O through keynotes and developer sessions.

Android used to be the centrepiece of Google I/O when each version had a new dessert statue. But in recent years, the spotlight has moved to AI. At last year’s I/O, the focus was on revamping Google Search with AI and expanding Gemini across Android and apps like Gmail, Docs, and Calendar.

Android wasn’t left out entirely, though. Google used the stage to highlight Android 15 beta features like AI-powered scam call detection, Circle to Search, and Theft Detection Lock. With this new Android event, it’s clear Google wants to give the platform its own dedicated space again.

FAQs

Q1. What is Google’s new Android-focused event?

Answer. Google will host The Android Show: I/O Edition on May 13, featuring Android ecosystem president Sameer Samat, ahead of Google I/O 2025.

Q2. Why is Google hosting a separate Android event before I/O 2025?

Answer. Recent Google I/O events have focused more on AI, leaving less room for Android updates. This event aims to give Android a dedicated spotlight.

Q3. What Android updates were highlighted at Google I/O last year?

Answer. Google introduced Android 15 beta features, including AI-powered scam call detection, Circle to Search, and Theft Detection Lock.

Also Read: Google’s Gemini AI is Coming to Watches, Tablets, Cars, and More by 2025

Also Read: Google to Develop Android OS in Private: Report

WhatsApp to Add Sticker Reactions for Messages and Media, Says Report

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Highlights

  • WhatsApp is developing a feature allowing users to react to messages, media and documents using stickers instead of just emojis.
  • Users will be able to pick stickers from the Sticker Store, third-party apps, and saved stickers including animated stickers.
  • The feature is still in development with no confirmed release date yet.

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Caption – (Photo by Alexander Shatov on Unsplash)

WhatsApp is working on a new feature that will let users react to messages, media files, and documents using stickers, offering more ways to express themselves beyond just emojis.

Currently, WhatsApp reactions are limited to a set of seven emojis including common ones like the heart, thumbs up, and folded hands, along with recently used emojis. But according to a new report by WABetaInfo, this is about to change.

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Caption – WhatsApp users can soon react to messages with stickers. (Image credit – WABetaInfo)

A recent report by trusted WhatsApp Beta source WABetaInfo says that WhatsApp is developing a feature that will allow users to react with stickers, not just emojis. Once the feature rolls out, users will be able to pick stickers from the sticker keyboard including those downloaded from WhatsApp’s official Sticker Store.

The feature was spotted in the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.13.23 update.

That’s not all, users will also be able to react using third-party stickers they’ve imported from other apps available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store, as well as any saved stickers they already have in the app.

Animated stickers will be supported too, giving users more fun and personalised ways to respond in chats, whether it’s a message, photo, video, or document.

WABetaInfo writes, “users will be able to use third-party stickers imported via external apps, as well as stickers they have previously saved. It’s worth noting that animated stickers will also be supported as reactions. This includes stickers designed using the Lottie Framework, which enables smooth and lightweight animations while maintaining high visual quality and ensuring efficient performance across different devices.”

“The inclusion of animated stickers aims to make the reaction experience even more dynamic, as these visuals can convey emotions and reactions in a more expressive way than static emojis,” the report adds.

As for when it’ll launch, the report says the sticker reaction feature is still in development, and there’s no confirmed release date for users worldwide yet.

FAQs

Q1. What new feature is WhatsApp developing for message reactions?

Answer. WhatsApp is working on a feature that allows users to react to messages, media, and documents using stickers, expanding beyond the current emoji-only reactions.

Q2 Will WhatsApp users be able to use third-party stickers for reactions?

Answer. Yes, users can import stickers from third-party apps on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, as well as use animated stickers and saved stickers.

Q3. When will sticker reactions be available on WhatsApp?

Answer. The feature is still in development, and there is no confirmed release date for worldwide users yet, according to reports from WABetaInfo.

Also Read: WhatsApp Rolls Out Advanced Chat Privacy Feature for More Secure Conversations

Also Read: WhatsApp Makes It Easier to Create and Share Your Own Sticker Packs

OpenAI Adds Shopping Features to ChatGPT Search

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Highlights

  • OpenAI has updated ChatGPT search to provide product suggestions, images, reviews and direct buy links.
  • The shopping feature is powered by structured third-party data, with no ads or commissions.
  • OpenAI may explore affiliate fees in the future.
  • Pro and Plus users will soon get memory-based shopping, trending searches and WhatsApp integration.

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Caption – Shopping features are now on ChatGPT. (Image credit – OpenAI)

OpenAI has updated its ChatGPT search tool to make online shopping easier and more personalised, the company announced recently.

Now, when you search for products in ChatGPT, it will suggest a few options, show images and reviews, and give you direct links to buy them. You can ask very specific questions in plain language and get tailored results. For now, the feature is being tested in categories like fashion, beauty, home goods, and electronics.

The update is rolling out in GPT-4o, the default model for ChatGPT. It is currently available to Pro, Plus, Free, and even logged-out users around the world.

This move is part of OpenAI’s effort to offer a better way to find products online and compete with Google, which has long dominated online shopping searches. OpenAI believes ChatGPT can deliver a more personal and less ad-heavy experience.

According to OpenAI, users made over a billion web searches in ChatGPT just last week. The company says the new shopping feature is powered by structured data from third-party sources like product descriptions, pricing, and reviews. Importantly, there are no ads or paid placements involved right now, and OpenAI doesn’t earn any commission from purchases made through ChatGPT.

Although OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has traditionally opposed ads in ChatGPT, he recently told Stratechery’s Ben Thompson that he’s now open to “tasteful” advertising, possibly through affiliate fees without letting companies pay for better search placement.

Pro and Plus users will soon also get memory-based shopping. That means ChatGPT will remember your previous chats and use them to recommend products just for you. This memory feature is already used more broadly in search, but it won’t be available in the EU, U.K., Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein due to regulatory restrictions.

ChatGPT search is also getting trending searches, similar to Google’s autocomplete. This means you can see what others are looking up when you start typing. And now, you can even use ChatGPT search in WhatsApp by messaging the chatbot directly.

Previously, OpenAI tested shopping features through its AI “agent” platform called Operator, which took longer to find products. The new ChatGPT search with shopping is much quicker and allows users to search in a more interactive, natural way.’

FAQs

Q1. What new shopping features has OpenAI added to ChatGPT?

Answer. OpenAI has updated ChatGPT search to provide product suggestions, images, reviews, and direct buy links, making online shopping more interactive and personalized.

Q2. Does ChatGPT shopping search include ads or paid placements?

Answer. No, the feature does not include ads or commissions for purchases. OpenAI may explore affiliate fees in the future but won’t allow companies to pay for placement.

Q3. What additional features are coming to ChatGPT shopping search?

Answer. Soon, Pro and Plus users will get memory-based shopping, trending searches, and WhatsApp integration, though some regions face regulatory restrictions.

Also Read: OpenAI Might Be Building Its Own AI-Powered Social Network

Also Read: ChatGPT Search Will Now Be Available Free for Everyone

Finance Minister Urges Action After UPI Outages, Sets Goal of 1 Billion Daily Transactions

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Highlights

  • Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman urged stakeholders to address UPI infrastructure gaps and improve reliability, user experience and cybersecurity.
  • Sitharaman set a target of achieving 1 billion daily UPI transactions within 2–3 years, while promoting global acceptance and ecosystem expansion.
  • UPI saw a 72% CAGR in transactions from 2019–20 to 2024–25 with ₹261 lakh crore transaction value and 45 crore active users annually.

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Caption – Finance Minister urges action after UPI Outages. (Image credit – ToI)

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has asked all key stakeholders, including the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), to work together to fix infrastructure issues following a series of recent UPI outages.

Her comments came during a review meeting held in response to transaction failures on March 26, April 2, and April 12, the third disruption in less than two weeks.

Sitharaman set an ambitious target of reaching one billion UPI transactions per day within the next 2–3 years. She also stressed the importance of improving UPI’s overall reliability, user experience, and cybersecurity.

In a statement posted on Twitter, the Finance Ministry said, “FM Smt. @nsitharaman urged all stakeholders to work collaboratively to address infrastructure gaps, enhance the end-user experience and cybersecurity architecture. The Union Finance Minister directed @NPCI_NPCI to reinforce UPI’s robustness and prevent future disruptions.”

The meeting was attended by key officials including Finance Secretary Ajay Seth, Financial Services Secretary M Nagaraju, and NPCI CEO Dilip Asbe. Discussions focused on boosting UPI’s capacity, ensuring real-time monitoring, and strengthening the system to avoid similar disruptions in the future.

Sitharaman also encouraged efforts to make UPI more widely accepted internationally by developing interoperable systems and expanding its international reach. At the same time, she called for bringing more users and merchants into the UPI ecosystem.

UPI continues to grow rapidly. It recorded a 72% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in transactions between 2019–20 and 2024–25. Meanwhile, 26 crore new users and 5.5 crore merchants joined the platform from 2021–22 and 2024–25 alone.

As of now, UPI boasts 45 crore active users annually. In the financial year 2024–25, the platform handled ₹261 lakh crore in transaction value (up 30%) and 18,586 crore transactions by volume (up 42%).

FAQs

Q1. Why did Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman call for action on UPI?

Answer. She urged stakeholders to fix UPI infrastructure issues after outages on March 26, April 2, and April 12, stressing the need for improved reliability.

Q2. What is the target for UPI daily transactions set by the Finance Minister?

Answer. Sitharaman set a goal of 1 billion daily UPI transactions within the next 2–3 years, aiming to expand UPI’s global reach and merchant adoption.

Q3. How has UPI grown in recent years?

Answer. UPI saw a 72% CAGR in transactions from 2019–20 to 2024–25, reaching ₹261 lakh crore transaction value and 45 crore active users annually.

Also Read: India to Bring Crypto Regulation Agenda in G20 Meeting, Says Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman

Also Read: UPI Transactions Witness a 650% Rise at Semi-Urban & Rural Stores: Report

U&i Launches a New Line-Up of TWS, Neckband, and Powerbank under Classy Series with One Year Warranty

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Highlights

  • Classy Series TWS Offers Ultra Low Latency and ENC for a Truly Immersive Audio Experience

  • Delivering Premium Audio Experience and Power Solutions with Unmatched Reliability
  • Classy Series Neckband Delivers High-Fidelity Sound, Extended Battery Life, and a Comfortable, Secure Fit for Daily Use
  • Classy Series Powerbank Ensures Fast Charging with Sleek Design and Multi-Device Support for On-the-Go Convenience

  • All products under the Classy Series come with a 1-year warranty.

U&i has announced the launch of a fresh and exciting line-up of True Wireless Stereo (TWS) earbuds, Neckband, and Powerbank, under its Classy Series. The newly introduced models include TWS-5553 (TWS), TWS-7227 (TWS), UiNB-4347 (Neckband), and UiPB-3726 (Powerbank), each designed to offer a seamless blend of style, performance, and affordability.

Whether for music lovers, gamers, professionals, or travellers, the Classy Series meets the diverse needs of modern consumers by delivering advanced features such as low latency, environmental noise cancellation (ENC), and fast-charging capabilities. True to U&i’s commitment to quality, every product in the Classy Series comes with a 1-year warranty, ensuring long-term satisfaction and dependable performance.

Speaking about the new launch, Mr Paresh Vij, Founder and Director of U&i, stated, “The Classy Series represents our relentless pursuit of innovation and our dedication to enhancing the user experience. We believe in creating technology that empowers people, whether it’s through superior sound, longer battery life, or reliable power solutions. With this new line-up of products under the Classy Series, we bring together sleek design, advanced functionality, and unmatched durability, all backed by a 1-year warranty for complete peace of mind.”

Specifications and Features

TWS-5553 (Classy Series TWS)

TWS-5553 (Classy Series TWS)

The TWS-5553 earbuds redefine wireless audio with a perfect balance of durability and performance. Built to withstand active lifestyles, these earbuds feature IPX5 water resistance, making them ideal for workouts and outdoor use.

With 40 hours of backup time, users can enjoy uninterrupted music and calls throughout the day.

The Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC) ensures that conversations remain crystal clear, even in noisy environments.

Equipped with Type-C charging for faster power-up and 88ms low latency, the TWS-5553 is perfect for gamers and video streamers.

Smart touch control allows easy operation, and it is available in 4 stylish colors to suit individual tastes.

TWS-7227 (Classy Series TWS)

TWS-7227 (Classy Series TWS)

The TWS-7227 takes audio performance a step further with Bluetooth 5.4 for stable and fast connectivity.

Featuring quad mic technology and Hi-Res audio, it delivers rich, detailed sound for both music and calls.

The earbuds offer an impressive 40 hours of backup and a staggering 400 hours of standby time, making them perfect for extended use without frequent charging.

With Type-C charging, users benefit from fast recharging, while smart touch control enhances usability.

The sleek design ensures a comfortable fit, making them a versatile choice for daily wear.

UiNB-4347 (Classy Series Neckband)

UiNB-4347 (Classy Series Neckband)

 

Designed with user comfort and performance in mind, the UiNB-4347 neckband offers Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity, a 10mm driver for deep bass and clear treble, and ENC for noise-free communication.

The neckband provides 25 hours of backup with an outstanding 500 hours of standby time, ideal for people on the move.

Additional features include magnetic on-off functionality, extra battery support, and Type-C charging for quick power-ups.

40ms ultra-low latency makes this neckband suitable for gaming, while splash and sweat resistance ensures durability during workouts.

Available in 3 elegant colors, it’s a perfect fusion of style and technology.

UiPB-3726 (Classy Series Powerbank)

UiPB-3726 (Classy Series Powerbank)

Meeting the power needs of multiple devices, the UiPB-3726 powerbank delivers a robust 33W fast output and houses a 10000mAh battery, ensuring that your devices stay charged wherever you are.

The powerbank features quad output options, making it possible to charge several devices simultaneously.

With Type-C input and in-built Lightning + Type-C output cables, it supports a wide range of gadgets without the need for additional wires.

Designed for portability, it is available in 4 vibrant colors, adding a touch of personal style to functional charging.

Pricing and Availability

The new U&i Classy Series products are now available across leading mobile accessory stores and online platforms in India. Priced competitively to deliver maximum value, these products are tailored for those who demand high-quality performance without a hefty price tag.

  • TWS-5553 (Classy Series TWS): ₹799/-

  • TWS-7227 (Classy Series TWS): ₹849/-

  • UiNB-4347 (Classy Series Neckband): ₹849/-

  • UiPB-3726 (Classy Series Powerbank): ₹1149/-

Each product is covered by a 1-year warranty, reaffirming U&i’s dedication to delivering trusted, long-lasting tech accessories.

FAQs

Q1. What are the specs of TWS-5553 (TWS earbuds)?
Answer:

Battery Life: 40 hours
Water Resistance: IPX5
Noise Cancellation: ENC
Latency: 88ms
Charging Port: Type-C
Controls: Smart touch

Q2. What are the specs of TWS-7227 (TWS earbuds)?
Answer:

Bluetooth Version: 5.4
Battery Life: 40 hours
Standby Time: 400 hours
Microphones: Quad mic
Audio: Hi-Res
Charging Port: Type-C
Controls: Smart touch

Q3. What are the specs of UiNB-4347 (Neckband)?
Answer:

Bluetooth Version: 5.4
Driver Size: 10mm
Battery Life: 25 hours
Standby Time: 500 hours
Noise Cancellation: ENC
Latency: 40ms
Charging Port: Type-C
Extras: Magnetic on/off, splash/sweat resistant

MediaTek Dimensity 9500 Leak Reveals 3nm Chipset with Cortex-X9 Cores, 100 TOPS AI Power and UFS 4.1

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Highlights

  • MediaTek’s Dimensity 9500 leak revealed TSMC’s N3P 3nm process, featuring Cortex-X9 cores, above 4GHz clock speeds, and enhanced power efficiency.
  • Equipped with Immortalis-Drage GPU, ray tracing support, and NPU 9.0 delivering 100 TOPS AI power, plus UFS 4.1 storage.
  • Competing with the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2, both are expected to score over 4 million points on AnTuTu.

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Caption – Upcoming MediaTek Dimensity 9500 details leaked. (Image credit – FoneArena)

Details about MediaTek’s upcoming flagship processor the Dimensity 9500 have just leaked. According to tipster Digital Chat Station, the successor to the recently launched Dimensity 9400+ is shaping up to be a major step forward in terms of power and performance. Here’s what we know.

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Caption – Digital Chat Station’s recent post on Weibo. (Translated Via Google Translate)

Built on a New 3nm Process

The Dimensity 9500 will use TSMC’s next-gen 3nm enhanced process, known as N3P. It will feature an all-large-core setup with one Travis core, three Alto cores, and four Gelas cores. Travis and Alto belong to Arm’s new Cortex-X9 family and support the SME instruction set, while Gelas is part of the updated A7 series.

Improved Graphics and AI

Leak also suggests that the Dimensity 9500 will include the Immortalis-Drage GPU with a new microarchitecture that improves ray tracing and reduces power usage. On top of that, it will have upgraded AI capabilities, featuring a new NPU 9.0 that delivers a whopping 100 TOPS (trillion operations per second) of computing power.

It also packs 16MB of L3 cache, 10MB of system-level cache, and supports high-speed memory and storage, 10667Mbps LPDDR5X RAM and quad-channel UFS 4.1 storage.

Some may wonder why MediaTek didn’t go for TSMC’s more advanced 2nm process. Apparently, they originally planned to, but decided against it due to the high cost and because Apple has already secured most of the early 2nm production for its A20 Pro chip in the upcoming iPhone 18 series.

Still, the 3nm N3P process is an improvement over the older N3E used in the Dimensity 9400, and the Dimensity 9500 is expected to hit clock speeds above 4GHz.

MediaTek Vs Qualcomm

The leak also highlights that the battle between MediaTek and Qualcomm is getting intense. Both the Dimensity 9500 and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 are built on the same N3P process and use a full large-core architecture.

That means we can expect some serious performance gains, with both chips likely to score over 4 million points on AnTuTu, ushering in a new performance era for Android flagships in the second half of 2025.

For comparison, the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 is rumoured to launch with a starting clock speed of 4.4GHz. It will use Qualcomm’s second-generation custom CPU cores and a GPU with more independent cache, increasing from 12MB to 16MB, and could see a performance jump by around 30%.

Launch Timeline

If everything stays on track, we should see the MediaTek Dimensity 9500 officially announced in Q4 2025.

FAQs

Q1. What process technology is used in the MediaTek Dimensity 9500 chipset?

Answer. The Dimensity 9500 is built on TSMC’s next-gen 3nm N3P process, featuring an all-large-core setup for improved power efficiency and performance.

Q2. What AI and graphics enhancements does the Dimensity 9500 offer?

Answer. It features an Immortalis-Drage GPU with ray tracing support and a new NPU 9.0, delivering 100 TOPS AI power, plus UFS 4.1 storage.

Q3. When will the Dimensity 9500 be officially announced?

Answer. According to leaks, MediaTek is expected to announce the Dimensity 9500 in Q4 2025, setting new flagship standards for Android devices.

Also Read: MediaTek Dimensity 9500 Specs Leak, Launch Expected on April 11

Apple’s First Foldable iPhone – What We Know About the Design, Release Date and Price

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Highlights

  • Apple’s first foldable iPhone is expected to have a 7.8-inch inner display and a 5.5-inch outer screen, featuring a crease-free book-style design.
  • The device will be ultra-thin (4.5mm unfolded) and made with titanium alloy, but may lack Face ID, opting for Touch ID on the side button instead.
  • The iPhone Fold is rumoured to arrive in late 2026, priced between $2100 and $2300.

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Caption – Foldable iPhone representative image. (Image credit – 9to5Mac)

We have been hearing rumours about a foldable iPhone for years and it finally looks like Apple is getting closer to making it a reality. Reports say Apple is working on two foldable devices, a foldable iPhone with about an 8-inch inside display and a much larger 20-inch foldable iPad. The foldable iPhone is expected to launch first. Meanwhile, here’s a quick roundup of everything we know about the upcoming devices through the grapevine.

To start with, Apple’s new foldable iPhone could shake up a market that’s currently slowing down. According to the Display Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC), the foldable market grew about 40% year-over-year from 2019 to 2023. Right now, demand has stalled at around 22 million panels. DSCC believes that Apple entering the market could turn things around. A lot of people are interested in foldables but don’t want to leave the iPhone behind and Apple’s version might finally convince them.

Apple’s First Foldable iPhone – Screen Details

Apple’s first foldable iPhone is said to have a book-style design, similar to what we’ve seen with the Galaxy Z Fold 6 or the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. It’ll have a regular phone-sized screen on the outside, and when you open it up, a larger tablet-like display inside.

According to industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the foldable iPhone will feature a 7.8-inch display on the inside and a 5.5-inch display on the outside.

Kuo also mentioned that the screen will be crease-free, writing, “The foldable iPhone will have a book-style design, featuring an approximately 7.8-inch crease-free inner display and an approximately 5.5-inch outer display.”

Another leaker added that the inner screen will have a near 4:3 aspect ratio, making it feel similar to an older iPad mini when opened.

Apple’s First Foldable iPhone – Hardware Details

Ming-Chi Kuo also shared that the iPhone Fold will have top-end hardware, but there will be some compromises.

For starters, it doesn’t look like Face ID will make it to this device because of how thin it will be. Unfolded, the device will be just 4.5mm thick, and folded, it’ll be 9mm. For comparison, the 13-inch iPad Pro is 5.1mm thick, so this foldable iPhone would actually be the thinnest device Apple has ever made.

Instead of Face ID, Touch ID returns as a side button, as Face ID may be absent due to thickness and internal space constraints,” Kuo noted.

Apple plans to use a mix of “stainless steel and titanium alloy” in the hinge, and the rest of the body will be made from full titanium alloy.

Apple’s First Foldable iPhone – Pricing and Release

One report suggests foldable iPhone could cost between $2100 and $2300. That would make it even pricier than the Galaxy Z Fold 6 or Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Apple is clearly positioning this as a premium product, and the price will reflect that.

A recent 9to5Mac Report said citing sources that we can expect Apple’s first foldable iPhone to launch in the second half of 2026, likely alongside the iPhone 18 series. Assuming there are no more delays, we can go by that timeline.

FAQs

Q1. What are the expected screen sizes of Apple’s first foldable iPhone?

Answer. The foldable iPhone is rumoured to have a 7.8-inch crease-free inner display and a 5.5-inch outer display, following a book-style design.

Q2. Will the foldable iPhone include Face ID?

Answer. Due to the device’s ultra-thin 4.5mm design, Face ID may be absent, with Touch ID integrated into the side button as an alternative.

Q3. When will Apple’s foldable iPhone be released, and how much will it cost?

Answer. Reports suggest it will launch in late 2026, alongside the iPhone 18 series, with a price range of $2100 to $2300.

Also Read: Apple’s Foldable iPhone Could Come with a Compact Display

Beats Launches New Navy Blue and Blush Pink Beats Pill Speakers

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Highlights

  • Beats has introduced Navy Blue and Blush Pink Beats Pill speakers, joining previous colour variants.
  • The Navy Blue version is available only at Walmart (U.S.), while the Blush Pink is exclusive to Target (U.S.), John Lewis (UK) and Walmart (Canada).
  • The updated Beats Pill offers better sound projection, 24-hour battery life, IP67 water resistance, USB-C charging and speakerphone capability.

Beats is adding two new colours to its popular Beats Pill speaker lineup, Navy Blue and Blush Pink. These new shades join the original Matte Black, Statement Red and Champagne Gold options that launched last June. Last October, Beats also released special Light Gray and Dark Gray versions in collaboration with Kim Kardashian, but those limited editions have now been discontinued.

New Colours for Beats Pill Speakers

There’s a small catch with the latest colours, they’re retailer exclusives.

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Caption – Beats Pill Speakers in new Navy Blue colour. (Image credit  – Beats)

If you want the Navy Blue version, you’ll have to buy it from Walmart in the U.S.

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Caption – Beats Pill Speakers in new Blush Pink colour. (Image credit  – Beats)

The Blush Pink model is only available at Target in the U.S. It’s also headed to John Lewis in the UK and Walmart in Canada later this summer, but the Navy Blue version seems like it will stay a U.S.-only release.

Compared to the older Beats Pill+, which was discontinued back in 2022, the updated Beats Pill has some nice upgrades.

It comes with a redesigned speaker system tilted 20º upwards for better sound projection, a removable lanyard, USB-C and Bluetooth connectivity, up to 24 hours of battery life and IP67 water and sweat resistance.

You can also pair two Beats Pill speakers together with Amplify Mode for a louder sound or Stereo Mode for left and right audio channels. Thanks to the USB-C port, the speaker can even charge newer iPhones or other devices.

Moreover, you can use the Beats Pill as a speakerphone. It uses a noise-learning algorithm and supports full duplex, which helps make calls sound clearer and more natural.

To celebrate the launch of these new colours, Beats has also released a couple of fun new “Pill People” shorts. WNBA star Angel Reese stars as the pink Pill Person, while former F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo plays the blue Pill Person.

Both the Navy Blue Beats Pill (exclusive to Walmart) and the Blush Pink Beats Pill (exclusive to Target) are now available. They’re priced the same as the regular colours at $149.99.

FAQs

Q1. What new colours has Beats added to the Beats Pill lineup?

Answer. Beats has introduced Navy Blue and Blush Pink Beats Pill speakers, joining existing colours like Matte Black, Statement Red and Champagne Gold.

Q2. Where can I buy the new Beats Pill colour variants?

Answer. The Navy Blue Beats Pill is exclusive to Walmart (U.S.), while the Blush Pink version is available at Target (U.S.), John Lewis (UK) and Walmart (Canada) later this summer.

Q3. What upgrades does the updated Beats Pill offer?

Answer. The Beats Pill features a redesigned speaker system tilted 20º upwards, USB-C and Bluetooth connectivity, up to 24-hour battery life, IP67 water and sweat resistance, and speakerphone capability.

Q4. Can I pair multiple Beats Pill speakers together?

Answer. Yes, users can connect two Beats Pill speakers using Amplify Mode for louder sound or Stereo Mode for left and right audio channels.

Q5. How much do the new Beats Pill colour variants cost?

Answer. Both Navy Blue and Blush Pink Beats Pill speakers are priced at $149.99, the same as the regular colour options.

Also Read: Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 Launched with Heart Rate Monitoring & ANC

iQOO Unveils Z10 Turbo and Turbo Pro with Huge 7000mAh+ Batteries, 144Hz Displays and Gaming Power

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Highlights

  • The iQOO Z10 Turbo and Turbo Pro launched featuring Dimensity 8400 and Snapdragon 8s Gen 4, 144Hz displays, dedicated gaming chip and advanced cooling systems.
  • The Z10 Turbo has a 7620mAh battery with 90W charging, while the Turbo Pro has a 7000mA battery with 120W charging.
  • Price starts at 1799 yuan (around $250 or ₹21,200) for the iQOO Z10 Turbo 12GB + 256GB and 1999 yuan (around $278 or ₹23,660) for the iQOO Z10 Turbo Pro 12GB + 256GB.

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Caption – iQOO officially unveils Z10 Turbo and Turbo Pro in China. (Image credit – iQOO)

In an effort to expand its mid-range smartphone lineup, iQOO has launched two new smartphones named the iQOO Z10 Turbo and Z10 Turbo Pro in China. Both phones come packed with strong specs, big batteries, and premium displays and they’re already available for purchase online and offline. Here’s what we know about the phones.

iQOO Z10 Turbo and Turbo Pro – Key Features

Both models feature a 144Hz “Optical Eye Protection” display, offering smooth visuals and better eye comfort. iQOO is using TCL’s latest C9+ luminous material, making the screens super bright up to 2000 nits across the whole screen and a peak of 5500 nits in specific spots.

To make viewing easier on the eyes, the screens support 4320Hz PWM dimming and full-brightness DC dimming. They also come with SGS certifications for low blue light and low flicker. The Z10 Turbo Pro goes a step further by adding “Diamond Shield” glass, which boosts drop resistance by 150%. It can survive drops onto steel plates from heights of up to 1.2 meters and holds up well against heavy rain exposure.

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Caption – iQOO Z10 Turbo key features. (Image credit – iQOO)

Under the hood, the iQOO Z10 Turbo runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 8400 chip, built on TSMC’s 4nm process. It uses an all-big-core ARM Cortex-A725 setup that improves multi-core performance by 41% while cutting power use by 44%.

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Caption – iQOO Z10 Turbo Pro key features. (Image credit – iQOO)

The Z10 Turbo Pro is even more powerful, using the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 processor, combined with LPDDR5X Ultra RAM and UFS 4.1 storage. Both phones also come with iQOO’s custom Q1 gaming display chip and the brand’s biggest-ever 7K Icefield VC liquid cooling system for better heat management.

  • Z10 Turbo – Up to 3.25GHz Octa-Core Dimensity 8400 4nm SoC with Mali-G720 GPU
  • Z10 Turbo Pro – Octa Core Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 4nm Mobile Platform with Adreno 825 GPU
  • 12GB / 16GB LPDDR5x (Turbo) / Ultra 9600Mbps (Turbo Pro) RAM with 256GB / 512GB UFS 4.1 storage

On the software side, both phones run OriginOS 5 based on Android. The new OS brings colorful photo filters, dynamic wallpapers, frosted glass effects, text stickers, and smart features like the Blue Core AI model and a Fast Purchase Engine to speed up booking tickets. The Z10 Turbo Pro also adds a neat trick – you can share Live Photos across Android and iPhone devices.

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Caption – iQOO Z10 Turbo and Turbo Pro marketing posters in China. (Image credit – iQOO/Gizmochina)

iQOO Z10 Turbo and Turbo Pro – Cameras and Photography

The Z10 Turbo and Turbo Pro both pack a 50MP Sony LYT-600 main camera with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and a 2MP depth sensor. For selfies and video calls, there’s a 16MP front camera.

The Turbo Pro ups the ante with four self-developed imaging algorithms and introduces a 1.5x portrait zoom. Night portrait shots are also better now, keeping skin tones accurate and separating the subject from the background even in tricky lighting.

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Caption – iQOO Z10 Turbo and Turbo Pro marketing posters in China. (Image credit – iQOO/Gizmochina)

iQOO Z10 Turbo and Turbo Pro – Battery and Charging

Battery life is a huge highlight here. The Z10 Turbo features a 7620mAh third-generation silicon anode Blue Ocean battery that supports 90W fast charging. It can hit 60% charge in just 34 minutes. Despite the huge battery, it stays slim at 8.09mm.

The Z10 Turbo Pro has a 7000mAh third-generation semi-solid silicon ultra-thin Blue Ocean battery. It supports super-fast 120W charging, going from 0% to 50% in just 15 minutes and reaching full charge in 33 minutes. Both models also support direct power drive, PD/PPS fast charging standards, and the UFCS protocol.

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Caption – iQOO Z10 Turbo colour variants. (Image credit – iQOO)

iQOO Z10 Turbo and Turbo Pro – Extra Features

Both phones come with IP65 dust and water resistance, military-grade shock resistance, X-axis linear motors for better haptics, symmetrical stereo speakers, full-function NFC, infrared remote control, and in-display fingerprint sensors.

Connectivity is top-notch too. There’s Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, dual-frequency GPS, and triple-frequency BeiDou. The Z10 Turbo Pro also adds a 24-antenna “Cosmic Esports Signal System” to improve mobile gaming signal quality.

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Caption – iQOO Z10 Turbo Pro colour variants. (Image credit – iQOO)

iQOO Z10 Turbo and Turbo Pro – Pricing and Availability

Here’s the pricing breakdown for the iQOO Z10 Turbo:

  • 12GB + 256GB: 1799 yuan (around $250 or ₹21,200)
  • 16GB + 256GB: 1999 yuan (around $278 or ₹23,660)
  • 12GB + 512GB: 2199 yuan (around $305 or ₹25,900)
  • 16GB + 512GB: 2399 yuan (around $332 or ₹28,200)

And for the iQOO Z10 Turbo Pro:

  • 12GB + 256GB: 1999 yuan (around $278 or ₹23,660)
  • 16GB + 256GB: 2199 yuan (around $305 or ₹25,900)
  • 12GB + 512GB: 2399 yuan (around $332 or ₹28,200)
  • 16GB + 512GB: 2599 yuan (around $360 or ₹30,600)

Both models come in four colour options – Fuel, Desert, Cloud Sea White and Starry Black. Sales have already started across major retail platforms in China.

FAQs

Q1. What display technology does the iQOO Z10 Turbo and Turbo Pro use?

Answer. Both models feature a 144Hz Optical Eye Protection display with TCL’s C9+ luminous material, reaching 2000 nits brightness across the screen and 5500 nits peak brightness in specific spots. They also support 4320Hz PWM dimming and full-brightness DC dimming for better eye comfort.

Q2. Which processors power the iQOO Z10 Turbo and Turbo Pro?

Answer. The Z10 Turbo runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 8400 chip, improving multi-core performance by 41% while reducing power use by 44%. The Z10 Turbo Pro is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 4, paired with LPDDR5X Ultra RAM and UFS 4.1 storage.

Q3. What are the battery capacities and charging speeds of the iQOO Z10 Turbo and Turbo Pro?

Answer. The Z10 Turbo features a 7620mAh silicon anode Blue Ocean battery with 90W fast charging, reaching 60% in 34 minutes. The Z10 Turbo Pro has a 7000mAh semi-solid silicon Blue Ocean battery with 120W fast charging, achieving 50% charge in 15 minutes and full charge in 33 minutes.

Q4. What camera features do the iQOO Z10 Turbo and Turbo Pro offer?

Answer. Both phones come with a 50MP Sony LYT-600 main camera with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and a 2MP depth sensor, along with a 16MP front camera for selfies. The Turbo Pro enhances photography with four self-developed imaging algorithms, a 1.5x portrait zoom, and improved night portrait shots.

Q5. How much do the iQOO Z10 Turbo and Turbo Pro cost?

Answer. The Z10 Turbo starts at 1799 yuan ($250) for the 12GB + 256GB variant, going up to 2399 yuan ($332) for 16GB + 512GB. The Z10 Turbo Pro starts at 1999 yuan ($278) for 12GB + 256GB, with the top variant priced at 2599 yuan ($360) for 16GB + 512GB.

Also Read: iQOO Z10 Turbo and Z10 Turbo Pro Launch Date and Colours Confirmed; Key Specs Teased