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Microsoft Starts Testing Windows 11 25H2 – What to Expect?

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Highlights

  • Microsoft has begun testing Windows 11 25H2 in the Dev Channel, as its major rollout is expected later this year.
  • The update introduces support for Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X2 SoC, likely utilising the Germanium platform for faster updates.
  • Support for Windows 11 23H2 and Windows 10 22H2 will end later this year.

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Caption – Testing for the next phase of Windows 11 begins. (Image credit – Windows)

Microsoft has begun testing Windows 11 25H2 with Insiders in the Dev Channel. These updates, part of the 26200 builds, are laying the foundation for the next major Windows 11 update, expected to roll out later this year.

Snapdragon X2 Support and Platform Updates – Key Changes

A major highlight of Windows 11 25H2 is support for Qualcomm’s upcoming Snapdragon X2 SoC. Previously, certain platform-level optimizations were only available in the Windows Canary Channel, but Microsoft is now extending them to the Dev Channel. Windows Central writes, “According to my sources, Qualcomm’s upcoming Snapdragon X2 SoC requires platform changes that were previously only available in the Windows Canary Channel.”

This change will allow Snapdragon X2-powered devices to run Windows 11 on the Germanium platform.

The Germanium Platform and Its Impact on 25H2

The Germanium platform was first introduced with Windows 11 version 24H2. While Microsoft hasn’t confirmed whether 25H2 will also use Germanium, the movement of updates from the Active Development Branch to Germanium suggests it could be the case.

If both 24H2 and 25H2 share the same platform, users can expect –

  • Faster updates with quicker rollouts
  • Simultaneous servicing for bug fixes and new features
  • Lower risks during updates, making them more seamless

Windows Central report notes, “Microsoft has been keen to reduce fragmentation between different Windows platform releases. The company currently has three different supported platform releases for clients in the market: Vibranium, Nickel, and Germanium. Vibranium is what Windows 10 is based on, and Nickel is what Windows 11 version 23H2 is based on.”

Windows 11 25H2 – What’s Next?

While Microsoft hasn’t officially announced Windows 11 25H2, testing in the Dev Channel suggests development is well underway.

Meanwhile, support for Windows 11 version 23H2 and Windows 10 version 22H2 is set to end later this year, making 25H2 an important update for those planning their next upgrade.

FAQs

Q1. What is Windows 11 25H2, and when is it expected to roll out?

Answer. Windows 11 25H2 is the next major update currently being tested in the Dev Channel. It is expected to roll out later this year.

Q2. What new features does Windows 11 25H2 bring?

Answer. The update includes support for Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X2 SoC and may use the Germanium platform, enabling faster updates and seamless rollouts.

Q3. Why is Windows 11 25H2 important for users?

Answer. Support for Windows 11 23H2 and Windows 10 22H2 ends later this year, making 25H2 a critical upgrade option for users planning their next steps.

Also Read: Windows 11 Copilot Build Updates

Also Read: Microsoft Breaks Ground on India Development Centre in Noida

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 Leak Reveals Specs, AnTuTu Score, Launch Timeline and More

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Highlights

  • Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 is tipped to feature ARM’s Cortex-X4 and Cortex-A720 cores.
  • It reportedly achieves over 2 million AnTuTu benchmark scores, rivaling flagship devices.
  • The chipset includes the Adreno 825 GPU but reduces system-level cache to 6MB, a drop from 12MB in prior models.
  • Rumours suggest the chipset will launch in early April 2024.

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Caption – The upcoming Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 details surface online. (Image credit – Qualcomm)

Qualcomm is gearing up to launch its next sub-premium chipset, the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4. While many expected it to be called the Snapdragon 8s Elite, new reports suggest that Qualcomm has chosen to stick with the Gen 4 naming instead. Here’s all we know based on the latest leak.

Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 – What’s New?

According to recent posts of tipster Digital Chat Station on Weibo, the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 won’t use Qualcomm’s custom Oryon cores, which are found in the Snapdragon 8 Elite. Instead, it will feature ARM’s Cortex-X4 and Cortex-A720 cores, with the following configuration:

  • 1x Cortex-X4 core at 3.21 GHz
  • 3x Cortex-A720 cores at 3.01 GHz
  • 2x Cortex-A720 cores at 2.80 GHz
  • 2x Cortex-A720 cores at 2.02 GHz

This setup is powerful enough to reportedly push the AnTuTu benchmark score past 2 million, putting it in the same performance range as flagship phones like the Xiaomi 14 Ultra and iQOO 12 Pro.

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

Graphics and Memory Adjustments

On the GPU side, the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 is expected to feature the Adreno 825, which is likely a slightly toned-down version of the Adreno 830 seen in the Snapdragon 8 Elite.

However, Qualcomm appears to have cut back on the system-level cache, reducing it from 12MB (L2 cache) in previous models to 6MB in the new chipset.

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

Expected Launch and Supported Phones

In a follow-up post, tipster Digital Chat Station also tipped that the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 is set to launch in early April, with the first phones powered by it expected to arrive by mid-April. DCS also shed light on  some of the first devices expected to feature this chipset, including –

  • Redmi Turbo 4 Pro
  • Xiaomi Civi 5 Pro
  • iQOO Z10 Turbo Pro

With high-end performance at a lower cost, the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 is set to power a range of premium mid-range smartphones in 2024.

FAQs

Q1. What is the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4, and what are its key specifications?

Answer. The Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 is Qualcomm’s upcoming sub-premium chipset featuring ARM’s Cortex-X4 and Cortex-A720 cores. It reportedly scores over 2 million on the AnTuTu benchmark.

Q2. What changes have been made to the GPU and memory in the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4?

Answer. The chipset includes the Adreno 825 GPU, a toned-down version of the Adreno 830, and reduces the system-level cache from 12MB (L2 cache) to 6MB.

Q3. When will the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 launch, and which phones will feature it?

Answer. The chipset is set to launch in early April 2024, with devices like Redmi Turbo 4 Pro, Xiaomi Civi 5 Pro, and iQOO Z10 Turbo Pro expected by mid-April.

Q4. How does the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 compare to flagship chipsets?

Answer. It delivers high-end performance, rivaling flagship phones like the Xiaomi 14 Ultra and iQOO 12 Pro, offering powerful features at a lower cost.

Also Read: Qualcomm Unveils Snapdragon G3 Gen 3, Snapdragon G2 Gen 2, and Snapdragon G1 Gen 2; Ayaneo Launches Android Tablet and Handheld with G3 Gen 3

Also Read:Snapdragon 8s Elite Specs Surface, Could Power iQOO and Redmi Phones First

Google Unveils Gemini 2.5 – A Smarter AI Model That Thinks Before Answering

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Highlights

  • Google unveiled Gemini 2.5, an AI reasoning model family designed to “think” before answering.
  • Its multimodal Pro Experimental version is available for Gemini Advanced subscribers.
  • Gemini 2.5 Pro boasts top benchmark scores, processing up to 1 million tokens at once (750,000 words).
  • The model will compete with OpenAI’s “o” series and models from Anthropic, DeepSeek and xAI.

Caption – Google officially unveils the AI reasoning model family – Gemini 2.5. (Image credit – Google Deepmind)

Google has introduced Gemini 2.5, its latest AI reasoning model family designed to pause and “think” before responding to questions. The new model is part of a next-generation AI family focused on improving reasoning capabilities.

To kick things off, Google is launching Gemini 2.5 Pro Experimental, a multimodal AI model that it calls its most intelligent model yet. It will be available in Google AI Studio and the Gemini app for users subscribed to Google’s $20-a-month Gemini Advanced plan.

Moving forward, all new Google AI models will come with built-in reasoning abilities, aligning with a growing industry trend.

AI reasoning models are designed to take extra time and computing power to verify facts and analyze problems before generating answers. Since OpenAI launched the first AI reasoning model o1 in September 2024, other companies including Anthropic, DeepSeek, Google and xAI have been racing to develop their own.

These models have been particularly useful for tasks like math, coding, and autonomous AI agents, but they also come with higher computational costs.

Google has experimented with reasoning models before, releasing a “thinking” version of Gemini in December. However, Gemini 2.5 represents Google’s most serious attempt to compete with OpenAI’s “o” series.

Google claims that Gemini 2.5 Pro outperforms its previous AI models and many competitors on key benchmarks. The Code Editing Aider Polyglot test scored 68.6%, beating OpenAI, Anthropic, and DeepSeek.

The Software Development SWE-bench Verified test scored 63.8%, outperforming OpenAI’s o3-mini and DeepSeek’s R1, but trailing Anthropic’s Claude 3.7 Sonnet (70.3%). Meanwhile, the General Knowledge Humanity’s Last Exam scored 18.8%, surpassing most rival flagship models.

Gemini 2.5 Pro ships with a 1 million token context window, allowing it to process around 750,000 words in a single go, longer than the entire Lord of the Rings series. Google also announced that a future update will double this limit to 2 million tokens.

Google hasn’t yet shared API pricing for Gemini 2.5 Pro but promises more details in the coming weeks.

FAQs

Q1. What is Gemini 2.5 and its purpose?

Answer. Gemini 2.5 is Google’s latest AI reasoning model designed to “think” before answering, enhancing its ability to verify facts and analyze problems.

Q2. What features does Gemini 2.5 Pro offer?

Answer. Gemini 2.5 Pro supports a 1 million token context window (around 750,000 words), surpassing previous models, with plans to double the limit in future updates.

Q3. How does Gemini 2.5 compare to competitors?

Answer. Gemini 2.5 Pro outperforms many rival models on benchmarks like coding and general knowledge tests but trails slightly behind Anthropic’s Claude 3.7 Sonnet on some scores.

Also Read: Google AI Expands Globally: Major Updates for India and More

Also Read: Google Drive Now Supports Snapdragon-Powered Windows PCs

Paytm Payments Services Discontinues Ties With Third-Party Platforms, Transitions To Direct Processing

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Highlights

  • PPSL will discontinue third-party payment orchestration platforms like Juspay.
  • Merchants will have to process transactions directly through PPSL, effective April.
  • The move aligns with actions by fintech firms like PhonePe, Cashfree Payments and Razorpay
  • Juspay is making its payment orchestration layer open-source, allowing merchants to self-host and integrate with payment gateways.
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Paytm to stop using third-party payment platforms. (Image credit – Shutterstock/Business Standard)

Paytm Payments Services (PPSL) is making a big shift by asking merchants to stop using third-party payment orchestration platforms like Juspay. According to sources, this change will take effect in April, meaning all transactions will be processed directly through Paytm’s own business-to-business payments arm, without any external routing services.

Paytm’s decision follows a trend set by other fintech companies like PhonePe, Cashfree Payments, and Razorpay, which made similar moves about two months ago.

Paytm and Juspay don’t have a direct relationship, merchants use Juspay’s payment routing services because it connects with multiple payment aggregators (PAs). This orchestration helps merchants achieve better transaction success rates by dynamically selecting the best PA based on factors like downtime and transaction costs.

Now, Paytm wants merchants to integrate directly with PPSL instead of relying on Juspay or similar platforms.

A senior fintech executive shared, “We have understood that Paytm will also levy a one per cent additional fee on its merchants after they move away from Juspay. It indicates that companies are increasingly trying to enclose customers within themselves.”

This move aligns with Paytm’s competitors but it comes at a time when Juspay is trying a different approach, making its orchestration layer open-source so businesses of all sizes can use it as in-house software instead of relying on a third-party router.

Juspay stated, “Merchants can self-host the solution in their own infrastructure, plug into the growing diversity of payment innovations globally, integrate with their preferred payment gateways, and define their own transaction rules with complete transparency and flexibility.”

However, industry experts are skeptical about how much of Juspay’s stack has truly been open-sourced. “When Juspay speaks of open source, it should first be understood what critical elements of the stack the company has opened,” another fintech executive noted.

Juspay claims its open-source model includes an advanced success rate optimisation algorithm, automatic failover for downtime protection, and rule-based routing with over 100 configurations.

This shift marks a significant change in the digital payments space, with companies either locking merchants into direct processing (like Paytm) or offering open-source solutions (like Juspay) to stay competitive.

FAQs

Q1. What changes is Paytm Payments Services (PPSL) implementing for merchants?

Answer. PPSL is asking merchants to stop using third-party payment orchestration platforms, like Juspay, and transition to direct transaction processing through PPSL starting in April.

Q2. How does this decision align with industry trends?

Answer. Paytm’s move follows similar actions by fintech companies like PhonePe, Cashfree Payments, and Razorpay, which have also shifted to direct processing to enclose customers within their ecosystems.

Q3. What is Juspay’s response to this shift in the industry?

Answer. Juspay is offering its payment orchestration layer as open-source software, allowing merchants to self-host, integrate with preferred payment gateways, and define their own transaction rules flexibly.

Also Read: Paytm Launches Receive Money QR Widget for Easy Payments on Android

Also Read: Airtel Launches Airtel Safe Pay: India’s Safest Way to Pay Digitally

Instagram Teams Up with Schools to Tackle Online Bullying and Student Safet

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Highlights

  • Instagram’s new School Partnership Program allows schools to report online bullying and safety concerns.
  • Participating schools get a School Partner badge and access to educational resources for students and parents.
  • The programs with a pilot for the U.S. middle and high schools.

Instagram has launched a new School Partnership Program with a pilot for the U.S. middle and high schools to speed up the reporting of online bullying and other student safety concerns.

As announced in a detailed press release, verified schools that sign up for the Instagram School Partnership Program can report posts or student profiles that may violate Instagram’s guidelines. These reports will be prioritised for review, and schools will be notified of any actions taken.

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Caption – Schools can sign up for the Instagram School Partnership Program on the app. (Image credit – Meta)

According to Instagram, this initiative is designed to help educators quickly flag potential safety issues, especially those related to bullying.

“We recognize that teachers and educators, along with parents, play a big role in helping teens navigate online spaces. We don’t want social media to be a distraction from school, which is why we give parents easy ways to block their teens from using Instagram during school hours. For teachers and educators who are also grappling with how to help teens navigate social media, we hope this program provides an additional way to help them tackle bullying and online safety issues,Instagram writes in the press release.

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Caption – The School Partner badge will appear on the school profile. (Image credit – Meta)

Schools participating in the program will have a “school partner” badge on their profiles. Instagram is also providing educational resources to help students, parents, and educators use the platform safely.

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Caption – Partner schools will have access to educational resources on the app. (Imafe credit – Meta)

The program has been in testing for the past year with 60 schools, developed in collaboration with the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD). Other middle and high schools in the U.S. can now join the waitlist to participate.

Instagram’s new initiative comes as lawmakers push for stricter social media regulations. The Kids Off Social Media Act (KOSMA), which aims to ban social media access for kids under 13, is advancing in the Senate. Meanwhile, two other bills including the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) and the Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) have already been approved by the U.S. Senate.

Instagram has introduced several safety measures in recent years, including private-by-default accounts for users under 16, restricted messaging features and parental controls. This new school partnership program is another step toward making the platform safer for young users.

FAQs

Q1. What is Instagram’s School Partnership Program?

Answer. It’s a new initiative enabling U.S. middle and high schools to report online bullying and safety concerns, with prioritised reviews and updates on actions taken.

Q2. What features are offered to schools participating in the Instagram program?

Answer. Schools receive a “school partner” badge on their profiles and access to educational resources for students, parents, and educators to ensure safe use of the platform.

Q3. What recent US legislation aligns with Instagram’s student safety measures?

Answer. U.S. legislation like KOSMA, KOSA, and COPPA focuses on stricter regulations for children’s online safety, aligning with Instagram’s measures like parental controls and restricted accounts for users under 16.

Also Read: Social Media’s Potential Harm: The Call for Warning Labels on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok Intensifies

Also Read: Instagram is Testing a Community Chat Feature Similar to Discord

Apple’s WWDC 2025 To Kick Off On June 9, Apple To Unveil iOS 19 and More

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Highlights

  • Apple’s WWDC 2025 will take place online from June 9 to 13.
  • The conference is free for developers and aims to showcase advancements in Apple software.
  • There will be a special in-person gathering at Apple Park on June 9.
  • Apple plans to unveil iOS 19, iPadOS 19, macOS 16, watchOS 12, visionOS 3 and tvOS 19.
  • iOS 19 is expected to get one of the biggest software overhauls since iOS 7 in 2013.
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Apple’s WWDC 2025 officially date announced. (Image credit – Apple)

Apple has officially announced that its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025 will take place from June 9 to 13. In a press release announcing WWDC 2025, Apple said, “Apple today announced it will host its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) online from June 9 to 13, 2025. Developers and students will also have the opportunity to celebrate in person during a special event at Apple Park on June 9.”

Following the tradition of previous years, the event will be online and free for developers with a special in-person gathering at Apple Park on June 9. However, space for the in-person event is limited, and interested attendees can find application details on the WWDC25 website.

“Available for free to all developers, WWDC25 will spotlight the latest advancements in Apple software. As part of Apple’s ongoing commitment to supporting developers, the conference will provide them with unique access to Apple experts, as well as insight into new tools, frameworks, and features,” the Apple press release added.

Apple promises to showcase the latest advancements in its software ecosystem during the event. Susan Prescott, Apple’s VP of Worldwide Developer Relations, shared her excitement and said, “We’re excited to mark another incredible year of WWDC with our global developer community. We can’t wait to share the latest tools and technologies that will empower developers and help them continue to innovate.”

iOS 19 and Major Software Updates – What to Expect?

WWDC 2025 will bring Apple’s latest software updates, including:

  • iOS 19
  • iPadOS 19
  • visionOS 3
  • tvOS 19
  • macOS 16
  • watchOS 12

According to reports, iOS 19 will be one of Apple’s biggest software overhauls ever, featuring a redesigned interface with refreshed icons, menus, apps, and windows. The update aims to make navigation and controls simpler and more intuitive. Bloomberg describes it as “the biggest revamp since iOS 7” in 2013.

A major design shift is also expected across Apple’s platforms with a more glassy and transparent look inspired by visionOS. The WWDC logo, which features a translucent “25” also hints at this upcoming aesthetic.

MacOS 16 and iPadOS 19 are also rumoured to receive a significant visual overhaul as Apple works to unify its design language across devices, making the user experience more seamless and consistent.

FAQs

Q1. When and where will WWDC 2025 take place?

Answer. WWDC 2025 will be held online from June 9 to June 13, 2025, with a special in-person event at Apple Park on June 9.

Q2. What major software updates are expected at WWDC 2025?

Answer. Apple will unveil iOS 19, iPadOS 19, macOS 16, watchOS 12, visionOS 3, and tvOS 19.

Q3. What design changes can we expect in Apple’s software updates?

Answer. A major aesthetic shift inspired by visionOS is expected, featuring a glassy and transparent look to create a seamless and consistent user experience.

Also Read: Apple Enables AirPods Max Update with Lossless Audio Support and Wired Playback, Launches USB-C to 3.5 mm Cable

Also Read: WWDC 2024 Key Announcements

Google Drive Now Supports Snapdragon-Powered Windows PCs

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 Highlights

  • The Google Drive app now supports Arm-based Windows PCs powered by Snapdragon chipsets.
  • System requirements – Compatible with Windows 11 and Microsoft WebView2.
  • The rollout has started with full access within 15 days for Google Workspace customers, individual subscribers and personal account users.
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After a new update, Snapdragon and Arm-powered PCs can also access the Google Drive app. (Image credit – Google)

Google Drive now has a native app for Arm-based Windows PCs, including those powered by last year’s Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus chips. Google announced the update in a blog post, stating that the Drive app for Windows is “generally available” for Snapdragon X chipsets.

This update comes after a beta test that started last year.

In the blog post, Google writes, “Last year, we introduced a new beta that supports running Google Drive on Arm-compatible Windows PCs, and today we’re excited to announce this is now generally available. Compiled for ARM64, this release enables users to easily sync and store files online from Windows PCs powered by Snapdragon processors.”

Available on New Microsoft Surface Laptops and More

The new Drive app supports a range of Arm-powered PCs, including the latest Microsoft Surface laptops. It also integrates with Windows File Explorer, making it easier for users to access and manage their Drive files directly.

Requirements and Rollout Timeline

The native app is compatible only with Windows 11 and requires Microsoft WebView2. If you were part of the beta program, your app will automatically update to the full version.

Google explains, “This feature is only available on devices running Windows 11 and Microsoft WebView2, which is typically included with Windows 11. If it is missing or was previously removed, our installer will ask to install it for you (as long as you have an internet connection).”

“If you did not participate in the open beta, download and install Google Drive for desktop on an Arm-compatible Windows 11 devices,” the blog post further adds.

The rollout starts today, but it may take up to 15 days for all users to get it. The new Google Drive app is available to Google Workspace customers, Workspace Individual Subscribers, and personal Google account users.

FAQs

Q1. Does the Google Drive app support Arm-based Windows PCs?

Answer. Yes, Google Drive now has a native app for Arm-based Windows PCs, including those powered by Snapdragon chipsets like the X Elite and X Plus.

Q2. What are the requirements to use the Google Drive app on Arm-based PCs?

Answer. The app is compatible with Windows 11 and requires Microsoft WebView2. If WebView2 is missing, the installer can add it with an internet connection.

Q3. Who can access the new Google Drive app for Arm-based PCs?

Answer. It is available to Google Workspace customers, Workspace Individual Subscribers, and personal Google account users. Rollout will be completed within 15 days.

Also Read: Unveiling Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x: 14.5″ 3K OLED, Snapdragon X Elite (2024)

Also Read: Google Drive launches automatic captioning for video uploads with speech recognition technology

OnePlus 13T New Leak Hints At A Bigger Battery Than OnePlus 13 And 6.3-Inch Display

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Highlights

  • OnePlus 13T leak suggests a 6,200mAh battery and a compact 6.3-inch LTPO OLED display.
  • Other expected features – Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, 80W wired, 50W wireless charging and expected dual or triple-camera setup.
  • The phone is speculated to debut in China in April 2025 with no current updates on global arrival.
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OnePlus 13 image for representation. (Image credit – OnePlus)

There haven’t been many reports about the upcoming compact OnePlus 13T smartphone lately.

However, it seems things are changing as recent reports are hinting at small-size display and a massive battery capacity is probably on the cards. While the tipster didn’t name the device, speculation suggests it could be the OnePlus 13T.

The leak also reveals its expected launch timeline. Here’s what we know so far after the recent leak.

OnePlus 13T Could Feature a Massive Battery

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

A new leak from tipster Digital Chat Station hints that the OnePlus 13T might pack a 6,200mAh battery, making it one of the largest battery capacities ever seen in a compact phone. For comparison, the larger OnePlus 13, which is expected to have a 6.82-inch display, is rumoured to feature a 6,000mAh battery, slightly smaller than the 13T.

The OnePlus 13T is said to support 80W wired charging, which is a bit lower than the 100W fast charging expected on the OnePlus 13. However, it is also tipped to support 50W wireless charging.

OnePlus 13T – Launch Timeline and Features (Expected)

The leak suggests the OnePlus 13T will launch in China in April. It is likely to be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, promising flagship-level performance in a smaller form factor.

Its 6.3-inch LTPO OLED display is rumoured to offer a 1.5K resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and an optical in-display fingerprint sensor. The phone is also expected to have a premium design with a metal frame and glass back.

Previous leaks also suggested that the OnePlus 13T may feature a dual-camera setup with a 50MP primary sensor (with OIS) and a 50MP telephoto lens offering 2x optical zoom. However, some reports hint at a possible triple-camera system, which could include an additional 8MP ultra-wide lens.

OnePlus 13T – Expected Availability

While OnePlus hasn’t officially confirmed any details, the OnePlus 13T is expected to launch in April, possibly after the Oppo Find X8 series debuts on April 10.

Its global availability remains unclear for now. However, it is expected to be the most affordable Snapdragon 8 Elite-powered phone in the Chinese market.

FAQ

Q1. What is the expected battery capacity of the OnePlus 13T?

Answer. The OnePlus 13T is rumoured to feature a massive 6,200mAh battery, one of the largest capacities ever seen in a compact smartphone.

Q2. What display specifications are expected for the OnePlus 13T?

Answer. It is tipped to include a 6.3-inch LTPO OLED display with a 1.5K resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and an optical in-display fingerprint sensor.

Q3. What are the rumoured charging capabilities of the OnePlus 13T?

Answer. The device is expected to support 80W wired charging and 50W wireless charging, providing fast and convenient power options.

Q4. When and where is the OnePlus 13T expected to launch?

Answer. The OnePlus 13T is speculated to launch in China in April 2025, possibly following the Oppo Find X8 series debut on April 10.

Also Read: OnePlus 13 might be the first to launch with Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset – New teaser hints

Apple Enables AirPods Max Update With Lossless Audio Support and Wired Playback, Launches USB-C To 3.5 mm cable

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Highlights

  • AirPods Max update brings lossless audio and ultra-low latency with iOS 18.4.
  • Users can now enjoy 24-bit, 48 kHz audio and improved audio lag, enhancing sound quality and gaming experiences.
  • Apple also introduces a $39 cable for wired connections to 3.5mm jacks.
  • The update rolls out in April, exclusively benefiting USB-C models.
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Details of the new Apple AirPods Max are out. (Image credit – Apple)

Apple made a surprise announcement for AirPods Max users recently. The company says that a software update coming next month with iOS 18.4 will add lossless audio when using the included USB-C cable, along with ultra-low latency audio.

Lossless Audio Support on AirPods Max

Apple says, “With this update, AirPods Max will unlock 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio, preserving the integrity of original recordings and allowing listeners to experience music the way the artist created it in the studio. Lossless audio also extends to Personalized Spatial Audio to deliver a more sonically accurate, uncompressed, and immersive experience, and users can enjoy more than 100 million songs in lossless audio with Apple Music.”

Ultra-Low Latency for a Smoother Experience

The update will also bring support for ultra-low latency audio, which Apple says will “significantly” lower lag to a level that is “on par with the native built-in speakers on Mac, iPad, and iPhone.”

Apple adds, “Gamers and livestreamers can also benefit from ultra-low latency audio, which significantly lowers lag time, and is on par with the native built-in speakers on Mac, iPad, and iPhone. With no response delay, gameplay and livestreaming become reliably smooth and even more immersive for users.”

New USB-C to 3.5mm Cable for Wired Playback

The update will roll out in April as part of iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, and macOS Sequoia 15.4, but these features will be exclusive to AirPods Max with USB-C. If you have the Lightning model, this might be a good reason to upgrade.

Alongside this, Apple has started selling a new USB-C to 3.5mm audio cable.

Wired Playback Support and Apple’s New Cable

Apple last year introduced AirPods Max with USB-C but with very few changes. These included –

  • New colours
  • USB-C port instead of Lightning
  • Support for Personalized Spatial Audio

That was it. Many users were disappointed, especially since the original Lightning AirPods Max supported wired playback with a special Lightning to 3.5mm cable, but the USB-C version did not.

Now, Apple is addressing that with the upcoming firmware update and the launch of the USB-C to 3.5mm audio cable.

The new cable costs $39 and is available now on the Apple Store.

Apple writes, “It can be used to connect AirPods Max to 3.5 mm audio sources, like the audio-out port on an airplane. Users can also connect their iOS or iPadOS device to 3.5 mm audio ports, like audio-in ports on car stereos or other speakers.”

If you want to connect your AirPods Max to a device using its included USB-C cable, that will work too. But if you need to connect to a 3.5mm headphone jack, this new cable is the way to go.

FAQs

Q1. What new features does the AirPods Max update bring?

Answer. The update adds 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio and ultra-low latency, improving sound quality and reducing lag for gaming and livestreaming.

Q2. What is the purpose of the new USB-C to 3.5mm cable for AirPods Max?

Answer. The $39 cable enables wired playback for USB-C AirPods Max, allowing connections to devices with a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Q3. Who will benefit from the latest Apple AirPods Max update and cable?

Answer. These features are exclusive to the USB-C AirPods Max, encouraging Lightning version users to consider upgrading.

Also Read: Apple isn’t planning any meaningful refresh of AirPods Max after adding USB-C

Also Read: iOS 18.4 Beta 2: Apple is testing review summaries on the App Store

Swiggy Instamart Now Delivers Smartphones in 10 Minutes – Check Details

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Highlights

  • Swiggy Instamart now delivers smartphones in 10 minutes in 10 major cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and more.
  • Top smartphone brands available include Apple, Samsung, OnePlus, Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo, Realme and Motorola.
  • Swiggy Instamart has partnered with ICICI Bank for credit card discounts on smartphone purchases.
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Swiggy Instamart recently expanded its operations to over 100 cities in India. (Image credit – Unknown)

Swiggy Instamart has expanded its quick commerce offerings by introducing 10-minute smartphone deliveries in India. Known for delivering groceries and daily essentials, the platform is now stepping into consumer electronics starting with smartphones.

The service is live in 10 major cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Pune, Gurgaon, Noida, and Faridabad. According to multiple media reports, more locations are expected to be added soon. Here’s everything you need to know about the update.

Smartphones Available for Instant Delivery

Swiggy Instamart is offering smartphones from top brands like Apple, Samsung, OnePlus, and Xiaomi. Some of the models available for quick delivery include the following –

  • iPhone 16e (newly launched)
  • Samsung M35
  • OnePlus Nord CE
  • Redmi 14C

In addition, Oppo, Vivo, Realme, and Motorola devices are also part of the lineup.

Swiggy Instamart’s Vision for Quick Smartphone Delivery

Talking about the launch, Amitesh Jha, CEO of Swiggy Instamart, said, “The Indian consumer is discerning and knows exactly what they want, and this launch is a testament to our commitment to delivering just that. Whether it’s an urgent need or a long-awaited upgrade, we’re making high-quality tech purchases more convenient than ever. With just a few taps, customers can now enjoy the seamless experience of instant smartphone delivery, right at their fingertips.”

Swiggy Instamart’s Expansion and Bank Offers

This move comes after Swiggy Instamart expanded to over 100 cities, adding 32 new locations in 2025 alone. While the platform has mainly focused on groceries and daily essentials, adding smartphones marks a big step into consumer electronics through quick commerce.

To make purchases more appealing, Swiggy Instamart has partnered with ICICI Bank to offer credit card discounts on smartphone orders.

FAQs

Q1. What new service does Swiggy Instamart offer?

Answer. Swiggy Instamart now delivers smartphones within 10 minutes, expanding its offerings beyond groceries and daily essentials.

Q2. Which cities currently have 10-minute smartphone delivery?

Answer. The service is available in 10 major cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Pune, Gurgaon, Noida and Faridabad.

Q3. What smartphone brands and models are available for quick delivery?

Answer. Brands include Apple, Samsung, OnePlus, Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo, Realme, and Motorola, with models like iPhone 16e, Samsung M35 and OnePlus Nord CE.

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