Threads will prioritise content from accounts users follow while showing less recommended content.
The platform also introduced a custom feeds tool recently.
Both new features are similar to the rival platform Bluesky.
Threads will start pritorising accounts your follow on your feed. (Screenshot credit – Engadget)
The rivalry between X (formerly Twitter), Meta’s Threads and newbie Bluesky is taking new turns every day.
On one hand, more people are leaving or deactivating their accounts on X to move to alternative platforms like Threads and Bluesky.
On the other, Threads and Bluesky are competing with each other for that section of users who are looking for an alternative to X.
Threads, at the moment, has a much larger user base and significantly more funding. However, Threads now seems to be taking cues and adopting features from Bluesky that make it a preferred choice of a section of users.
Here’s all about the most recent such development.
Threads To Prioritise Account Your Follow
The Head of Instagram Adam Mosseri, recently announced a change to Threads’ algorithm to introduce a feature that aligns closely with Bluesky’s strategy for displaying content.
View on Threads
According to Mosseri, your Threads feed will be “rebalanced” to “prioritize content from people you follow” and show “less recommended content from accounts you don’t follow.”
Threads has also introduced a Bluesky-like custom feeds feature that allows users to pin topics to their home feed. Mosseri posted on Threads confirming that the Custom Feeds option was now accessible to users globally.
View on Threads
Bluesky also rolled out a similar feed last year and Threads now replicating the same after a year shows the feature has found acceptance amongst users.
However, it’s unclear whether the algorithm changes will impact Threads’ “For Your” custom feed.
Threads vs. Bluesky – User Base
Bluesky recently crossed 20 million users, which is a notable milestone. However, it still remains far behind Threads’ massive 275 million users.
Despite this gap, Mosseri’s announcements suggest Meta is focused on staying the top choice for the 550 million users who remain on X and may eventually consider switching platforms.
FAQs
Q1. What change did Adam Mosseri announce for Threads?
Answer. Adam Mosseri announced that Threads’ feed will be “rebalanced” to “prioritise content from people you follow” and show “less recommended content from accounts you don’t follow.”
Q2. What new feature has Threads introduced to compete with Bluesky?
Answer. Threads has introduced a custom feeds tool, allowing users to pin topics to their home feeds, similar to a feature Bluesky has offered since May 2023.
Q3. How does the user base of Threads compare to Bluesky?
Answer. Bluesky recently crossed 20 million users, while Threads has 275 million users.
Apple is working on advanced large language models (LLMs) for Siri.
It is expected to be part of iOS 19 and macOS 16.
The official release of the new iOS version is expected in spring 2026.
Apple working on major Siri upgrades for iOS 19. (Image credit – Apple)
We are still in the middle of the iOS 18 subsequent updates that are rolling out new Apple Intelligence features to iPhone users at regular intervals.
However, it doesn’t mean we won’t get updates about what Apple has in store for the next iOS update.
A recent report suggests Apple is working on some big upgrades for the yet-to-be-announced iOS 19.
Here’s what we know so far.
According to a new report from Bloomberg, Apple is developing Siri upgrades for the next iOS version.
It is suggested that Siri will soon use advanced large language models (LLMs) to make the assistant smarter and more conversational.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reveals that Apple is internally calling this upgraded version “LLM Siri.” While it is currently being tested in a standalone app, it will eventually replace the existing Siri interface when launched.
Apple reportedly plans to showcase LLM Siri as part of iOS 19 and macOS 16 next year. However, the official release of the new iOS isn’t expected until spring 2026.
The report notes: “The revamped Siri will rely on new Apple AI models to interact more like a human and handle tasks in a way that’s closer to ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini. It also will make expanded use of App Intents, which allow for more precise control of third-party apps. And the software will be able to tap into features from Apple Intelligence, such as the ability to write and summarize text.”
Siri upgrades have been a priority for Apple for some time now. Even before the reports of LLM-powered Siri surfaced, we know that Apple is steadily improving the current assistant in iOS 18.
Siri chatbot might come in 2026 as part of iOS 19
iOS 18.1 introduced a redesigned Siri with better knowledge of Apple products, which improved handling of multiple commands, a new Type to Siri feature and other minor enhancements.
Then the next iOS 18.2, which is now in beta testing and set to launch in December, adds ChatGPT integration.
Lastly, it has been already revealed that Siri will gain the ability to perform app-specific actions and consider your personal context to provide more tailored answers with iOS 18.3.
9to5Mac, in one of its recent reports, noted that Apple’s ultimate goal with LLM Siri is to deliver ChatGPT-level functionality while emphasizing its strong commitment to user privacy. The new assistant will likely use Apple’s AI capabilities in a way that prioritises data security.
FAQs
Q1. What major upgrade is Apple reportedly working on for Siri?
Answer. Apple is developing Siri upgrades using advanced large language models (LLMs) to make the assistant smarter and more conversational, which will be part of iOS 19 and macOS 16.
Q2. When is the upgraded Siri expected to be officially released?
Answer. The upgraded Siri is expected to be showcased as part of iOS 19 and macOS 16, with the official release of the new iOS version anticipated in spring 2026.
Q3. What improvements will the revamped Siri include?
Answer. The revamped Siri will interact more like a human, handle tasks similar to ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini, and utilize App Intents for better third-party app control and text summarization.
WhatsApp is rolling out a feature that transcribes voice messages into text.
The new feature will make it easier to access content without listening.
Users can enable transcriptions via Settings > Chats > Voice message transcripts.
The feature is currently available in limited languages like English, Portuguese, Spanish and Russian.
WhatsApp voice message transcript feature is rolling out to everyone. (Image credit – WhatsApp)
Voice messages on WhatsApp are a convenient way of reaching out to your contacts. However, there are times when you may not be in a situation where you can hear the voice message you just received.
For times like these, WhatsApp started testing a feature that turns voice messages into text over a year ago.
The feature until now was available only to beta users.
However, WhatsApp has just announced that it is now rolling out the feature to everyone.
Once updated for all users, it will make it easier to access voice message content without having to listen to it.
As per tech crunch ,
“On iOS, the languages that are supported depend on your OS. If you have iOS 16+, the supported languages include English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Turkish, Chinese, and Arabic. If you have iOS 17+, the supported languages include Danish, Finish, Malay, Norwegian, Dutch, Swedish, Hebrew, and Thai. If you have an Android, you can access transcripts in English, Portuguese, Spanish, and Russian.”
Here’s everything you need to know about the new feature.
Transcribe Voice Messages on WhatsApp
The new WhatsApp feature allows the app to transcribe what’s said in voice messages into text.
It’s especially handy when you’re in situations where listening to audio isn’t possible such as in noisy places or while on the go.
According to Meta, the transcriptions are processed entirely on your device after the audio is downloaded.
In a blog post announcing the new feature, WhatsApp shared the aim of the feature, “Sending a voice message makes connecting with friends and family even more personal. There’s something special about hearing your loved one’s voice even when you’re far away. Though sometimes, you’re on the move, in a loud place, or you receive a long voice message that you just can’t stop and listen.”
How to Use Voice Message Transcript Feature on WhatsApp?
WhatsApp users can turn voice messages into transcripts after long pressing on the message. (Image credit – WhatsApp)
Users can simply go to Settings > Chats > Voice message transcripts to get started with the new WhatsApp transcript feature. Users will be able to easily turn transcriptions on or off and select their transcript language from the settings section.
To transcribe a voice message, users can long-press on the message and tap on ‘transcribe.’
Currently, the feature supports only a few languages including English, Portuguese, Spanish and Russian.
However, Meta plans a global rollout, which means the feature should reach all users “over the coming weeks.”
Just to refresh memory, Apple too introduced a similar feature to iMessage last year with iOS 17. However, Apple’s version supports audio transcription in several languages, which gives the feature a much broader reach.
Full list of supported languages based on platform:
Android
English Portuguese Spanish Russian
iOS 16+
English Spanish French German Italian Japanese Korean Portuguese Russian Turkish Chinese Arabic
iOS 17+
Danish Finish Hebrew Malay Norwegian Dutch Swedish Thai
FAQs
Q1. What is the new feature that WhatsApp is rolling out for voice messages?
Answer. WhatsApp is rolling out a feature that transcribes voice messages into text making it easier to access voice message content without having to listen to it.
Q2. How can users enable the voice message transcript feature on WhatsApp?
Answer. Users can go to Settings > Chats > Voice message transcripts to turn transcriptions on or off and select the transcript language. To transcribe a voice message, long-press on the message and tap ‘transcribe’.
Q3. Which languages does the new WhatsApp transcription feature currently support?
Answer. The feature supports English, Portuguese, Spanish and Russian with plans for a global rollout over the coming weeks.
WhatsApp is testing new features allowing users to options to stop or resume spam business messages.
WhatsApp users will be able to block specific types rather than all messages.
To feature aims to limit spam on the platform.
Meta will start testing features to allow users to avoid spammy business messages. (Photo by Amanz on Unsplash)
We are almost sure that you too are tired of getting spammy business messages on WhatsApp.
Well, it appears WhatsApp has taken note and is finally working to address this.
Here’s everything you need to know about the new WhatsApp features.
WhatsApp Business has witnessed tremendous growth in the last few years with more than 200 million monthly users.
However, with this rapid expansion, many businesses now use the platform to send messages, some of which feel like spam to users. Currently, the only option users have for these messages is to block a business or accept all messages.
As per a recent TechCrunch report, WhatsApp is now introducing tools to fix this.
The Meta-owned platform is testing new feedback features that let users control the types of messages they receive from businesses.
Options like “interested/not interested” and “stop/resume” are being rolled out for specific categories of messages.
WhatsApp will add options like “interested/not interested” and “stop/resume” for users to avoid spammy business messages. (Screenshot credit – WhatsApp)
For example, users can choose whether they want to receive offers and announcements or stop them completely.
These preferences can be reversed later so someone who stops offers today can resume them during a festive season.
Meta will start testing this feature globally soon. Businesses on WhatsApp can send messages in four categories: marketing (offers and product updates), utility (like order updates), authentication (such as one-time passwords), and service (customer queries).
A user could block all messages from a business but couldn’t choose to keep receiving order updates while opting out of marketing messages.
The issue of spammy business messages is particularly significant in countries like India and Brazil, where WhatsApp often replaces email as the primary communication channel.
WhatsApp didn’t have an option to unsubscribe from promotional messages, unlike emails.
Addressing these concerns during an exclusive conversation with TechCrunch, Meta’s VP of Product Management for Messaging Monetization Nikila Srinivasan said, “One important thing we do is to give you transparency that you are interacting and engaging with businesses. Two, if you don’t want to interact with them, the strongest signal you can send is to block them and report them.”
She also emphasised the company’s efforts to educate businesses about meeting platform standards and reducing spam.
WhatsApp has been making gradual changes to address these concerns. Earlier this year, it began limiting the number of marketing messages users could receive daily, although it didn’t specify an exact limit.
The company is now moving toward giving users more detailed control over their inboxes.
During its Q3 2024 earnings call, Meta reported that WhatsApp Business contributed $434 million in revenue for the quarter making it a key growth driver for the company.
When asked about the possibility of separating business messages from personal chats, Srinivasan explained that the current focus is on improving the inbox experience.
She added, “The core of what you want to do with WhatsApp is to be in your inbox. Whatever we are doing in terms of educating businesses and investing in user controls is because we want the standard of what actually belongs in your inbox to feel really high.”
FAQs
Q1. What new features is WhatsApp testing to help users manage spam?
Answer. WhatsApp is testing new feedback features that let users control the types of messages they receive from businesses, with options like “interested/not interested” and “stop/resume”.
Q2. What categories of messages can businesses send on WhatsApp?
Answer. Businesses on WhatsApp can send messages in four categories: marketing (offers and product updates), utility (like order updates), authentication (such as one-time passwords) and service (customer queries).
Q3. How is WhatsApp addressing the issue of spam business messages?
Answer. WhatsApp is implementing measures such as testing new feedback features, limiting the number of marketing messages and enhancing user control over their inboxes to reduce spam.
Apple India reported a revenue of ₹67,121.6 crore in FY24 marking a 36% growth.
Record 4 million iPhone shipments in the July-September quarter leads to a 58.5% year-on-year growth and an 8.6% market share.
iPhone sales in India are projected to generate nearly $11 billion in FY25.
Other products are expected to contribute an additional $4-6 billion.
Apple India marked ₹67,121.6 crore in revenue in FY24. (Image credit – Mint)
Apple India has reported an outstanding performance for FY24 with revenue reaching ₹67,121.6 crore marking a 36% growth compared to the previous year.
According to regulatory filings as reviewed by Tofler, this surge in revenue was mainly because of the strong iPhone sales.
Meanwhile, profits also rose to ₹2,745 crore up from ₹2,229 crore in FY23.
As per reports, Apple India has been setting record-breaking quarterly sales since 2023. The July-September 2024 quarter marked the 10th consecutive three-month period where the company posted year-on-year revenue growth.
In FY23, its revenue increased by a massive 47.8% to ₹49,321 crore. The momentum is expected to continue, with projections indicating that iPhone sales alone could generate nearly $11 billion in FY25.
Meanwhile, its other products including Mac, iPad, wearables and services are anticipated to contribute an additional $4-6 billion.
However, even after reporting outstanding numbers, Apple’srevenue in India still trails that of Samsung Electronics, which recorded ₹1.03 trillion in sales for FY24 up from ₹98,924 crore the previous year.
Samsung’s profit for FY24 more than doubled to ₹8,188 crore compared to ₹3,452 crore in FY23.
Highlighting Apple’s achievements, Associate Vice-President at IDC India Navkendar Singh said, “iPhone shipments have seen healthy growth for the past few years, reaching 9.7 million in 2023, and expected to clock more than 12 million in 2024. All this coming at almost three times the average selling price of the overall market is a huge achievement for Apple in India.”
The average selling price of iPhones in India exceeds $950 with most sales coming from models priced above $700.
Moreover, Apple shipped 9 million iPhones between January and September 2024, which marks a 35% increase compared to the same period last year. The company achieved record shipments of 4 million units in the July-September quarter alone registering a 58.5% year-on-year growth.
This performance gave Apple an 8.6% market share, ranking it sixth in the overall smartphone market, according to IDC.
Apple’s estimated revenue for the July-September period stood at $3.75-4 billion driven by strong demand for iPhones, iPads and Mac devices.
Expressed his excitement, Apple CEO Tim Cook said, “We continue to be excited by the enthusiasm we’re seeing in India, where we set an all-time revenue record. We also opened two new stores during the quarter, and we can’t wait to bring four new stores to customers in India.”
Apple’s performance in India has been mainly accelerated by aspirational buyers upgrading to newer iPhones.
Moreover, the average cost of owning an iPhone has also lowered due to discounts on key models, exchange offers, pre-owned devices and financing schemes.
FAQs
Q1. What was Apple India’s revenue for FY24?
Answer. Apple India reported a revenue of ₹67,121.6 crore in FY24 marking a 36% growth compared to the previous year.
Q2. What primarily drove Apple India’s revenue growth in FY24?
Answer. As per industry reports, the revenue surge was largely driven by strong iPhone sales.
Q3. How many iPhones did Apple ship between January and September 2024?
Answer. Apple shipped 9 million iPhones between January and September 2024, marking a 35% increase compared to the same period last year.
Q4. What is the expected revenue generation from iPhone sales in FY25?
Answer. iPhone sales alone could generate nearly $11 billion in FY25.
Q5. What is Apple India’s market share as of the July-September quarter of 2024?
Answer. Apple achieved an 8.6% market share, ranking it sixth in the overall smartphone market according to IDC.
Noise introduces Buds Connect 2 with a stylish chrome finish and up to 50 hours of playtime.
Priced at Rs 999, the earbuds feature in-ear detection, Quad Mic ENC, and Instacharge technology for 120 minutes of playtime with just 10 minutes of charging.
Equipped with Bluetooth v5, the Noise Buds Connect 2 offer a perfect blend of durability, sleek design, and 50-hour playtime.
Seamless sound and effortless control with In-Ear Detection feature.
Noise Buds Connect 2 has expanded its TWS lineup, designed to elevate everyday audio experiences. Combining premium design and advanced technology, these earbuds offer unmatched performance for both style-conscious and function-driven users.
Noise Buds Connect 2 delivers rich, immersive sound, ensuring every beat is felt and every note is crystal-clear.
The Buds Connect 2 features a sophisticated chrome finish, exemplifying elegance while offering a suite of advanced features for an intuitive audio journey.
The earbuds offer 50-hour playtime, providing uninterrupted entertainment. Additionally, the in-ear detection feature automatically pauses music when the earbuds are removed and resumes playback when they are put back in, effortlessly syncing with the user’s movements.
Engineered with low latency of up to 40ms, the earbuds deliver real-time audio synchronization, making them ideal for gaming, streaming, and other latency-sensitive tasks.
Powered by a dynamic 10mm driver, the Noise Buds Connect 2 delivers rich, immersive sound, ensuring every beat is felt and every note is crystal-clear.
Equipped with Quad Mic Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC), it ensures crystal-clear communication by filtering out background noise. Whether on calls or in online meetings, users can stay connected with unparalleled clarity.
The Bluetooth v5.3 ensures fast, stable, and uninterrupted connections, delivering a hassle-free one-tap setup to dive straight into action.
Moreover, Instacharge™ technology offers 120 minutes of playtime with just 10 minutes of charging, ensuring users are always powered up.
Low latency of 40ms guarantees real-time audio synchronization, making it ideal for gaming, streaming, and other latency-sensitive tasks.
Users can enjoy Dual-Device Pairing, enabling seamless switching between devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
You will get notifications for incoming calls through tone alerts on your earbuds.
The Bluetooth v5.3 ensures fast, stable, and uninterrupted connections, providing a hassle-free one-tap setup.
Buds Connect 2 come with an IPX5 rating which means that they are water-resistant. However, the earphones need to be completely dried before the next use.
Built for an active lifestyle, the Noise Buds Connect 2 is equipped with IPX5 water resistance, making it the perfect companion for workouts, travel, or outdoor adventures. With its sleek design and intuitive features, it strikes a balance between sophistication and performance, catering to both fashion-conscious individuals and performance enthusiasts.
Noise Buds Connect 2 Price and Availability
Buds Connect 2 comes in four colour options – True purple/Mint green/Charcoal black and Navy blue.
The Noise Buds Connect 2 is available in four vibrant colours – Navy Blue, Charcoal Black, True Purple, and Mint Green at an introductory price of INR 999.
The earbuds can be purchased on gonoise.com, Amazon, and Flipkart.
Users can also experience the convenience of Dual-Device Pairing which enables seamless switching between devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
Product Specifications
Design
Premium Chrome Finish on Buds
Battery
Up to 50 Hours of playtime
Driver’s Size
10mm
InstachargeTM
10 min charge = 120 min playtime
Connection
BT v5.3
Other Features
Quad Mic with ENC
40ms Ultra-low latency
In-ear detection
Dual device pairing
FAQs
Q1. What is the price & availability of Noise Buds Connect 2?
Answer: The Noise Buds Connect 2 are available at an introductory price of INR 999. The earbuds can be purchased on gonoise.com, Amazon, and Flipkart.
Q2. What are the colors available in Noise Buds Connect 2?
Answer: The Noise Buds Connect 2 is available in four vibrant colours – Navy Blue, Charcoal Black, True Purple, and Mint Green.
Q3. How is the battery life of Noise Buds Connect 2?
Answer: Instacharge™ technology offers 120 minutes of playtime with just 10 minutes of charging, ensuring that users are always powered up and ready to go.
Q4. How does the in-ear detection work on the Noise Buds Connect?
Answer: The in-ear detection feature automatically pauses music when the earbuds are removed and resumes playback when they are put back in, effortlessly syncing with the user’s movements.
Leaked renders of the iPhone 17 Air suggest a new dual-camera module design.
The iPhone 17 Air is rumoured to be priced between $1,299 (approx INR 1,09,751) and $1,499 (approx INR 1,26,649).
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is expected to feature a 48MP periscope telephoto lens for enhanced zoom capabilities.
iPhone 17 might get a centre-horizontal camera module placement. (Image credit – AppleTrack/Gizmochina)
iPhone 17 buzz is nowhere close to going down with new leaks and speculations emerging almost every other day.
The most recent leaks reveal a new design detail that could potentially change the way we see current iPhones. Here’s what we are learning,
iPhone 17 Air New Look
New renders shared by the YouTube channel AppleTrack suggest a dual-camera setup with a centred horizontal orientation instead of the traditional corner-aligned rear camera module that has become the identity of iPhones for years.
Check our AppleTrack’s full video on this here –
Initial rumours suggest the phone might feature a single rear camera resembling the classic iPhone SE or iPhone 8.
However, it appears we are in for a design refresh with the iPhone 17 Air (also known as the Slim).
This fresh design choice gives the Air model a distinct look compared to other iPhone 17 variants but has drawn comparisons to the Nothing Phone (2a).
Despite the unique design, the Air model’s price is rumoured to fall between $1,299 (approx INR 1,09,751) and $1,499 (approx INR 1,26,649).
Apple’s thinner and lighter iPhone 17 Air may face setbacks.
Earlier leaks suggested Apple planned to achieve this through a high-density battery, but new reports from Naver user yeux1122 indicate technical challenges have forced the company to scale back. As a result, the Air model may not see the dramatic reduction in thickness originally expected.
iPhone 17 Pro Max – Expected Powerful Upgrades
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is also expected to bring significant upgrades including a 48MP periscope telephoto lens.
This advanced zoom capability could make it a stronger contender against Android flagships in long-range photography, which signals Apple’s intent to stay ahead in the camera game.
FAQs
Q1. What new design detail has been leaked about the iPhone 17 Air?
Answer. New renders suggest a dual-camera setup with a centred horizontal orientation, differing from the traditional corner-aligned rear camera module.
Q2. What is the rumoured price range for the iPhone 17 Air?
Answer. The iPhone 17 Air’s price is rumoured to fall between $1,299 (approx INR 1,09,751) and $1,499 (approx INR 1,26,649).
Q3. What significant upgrade is expected for the iPhone 17 Pro Max?
Answer. The iPhone 17 Pro Max is expected to feature a 48MP periscope telephoto lens for enhanced zoom capabilities.
WhatsApp now offers free service messaging for businesses.
Aims to boost AI chatbot interactions and challenges SMS’s 90% of market share.
WhatsApp currently holds a 30% value share for service conversations.
WhatsApp will also make utility messages free starting April 2025.
Service Conversation Free will be free for Businesses on WhatsApp. (Photo by Deeksha Pahariya on Unsplash)
WhatsApphas introduced free customer service messaging for businesses making itself the cheapest way for businesses to send messages.
This move is expected to boost AI chatbot interactions and help WhatsApp grow its market share in India’s Rs 2,500 crore enterprise messaging market.
According to a recent ToI report, industry estimates reveal SMS still holds 90% of the market volume with 55-60 billion texts sent monthly.
On the other hand, WhatsApp commands a 30% value share.
WhatsApp clearly aims to disrupt this landscape by removing charges for service conversations.
WhatsApp’s Free Service Message For Businesses
“Effective November 1, 2024 — We are making service conversations free,” Meta announced on its website. Previously, service messages like order status updates or flight rescheduling were charged at Rs 0.25 per message in India.
SMS, by comparison, costs between Rs 0.12-0.15, and Google’s RCS is priced at Rs 0.20-0.25.
This is WhatsApp’s second price cut in six months following a 63% reduction in India earlier this year. The move was strategically aimed to counter competition from Google’s RCS and Apple’s upcoming entry into the enterprise messaging segment.
India’s Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) representing major telecom companies like Airtel,Reliance Jioand Vodafone Idea, has raised concerns over WhatsApp’s growing presence.
In a letter to the telecom ministry, COAI accused global tech giants like Microsoft and Amazon of using WhatsApp for enterprise messages as an attempt to “presumably circumventing and bypassing the legal telecom route.”
According to COAI, this has caused a Rs 3,000-crore annual revenue loss to the government and telecom operators.
Meanwhile, recent reports suggest WhatsApp’s strategy doesn’t stop at service conversations.
Starting April 2025, utility messages like transaction alerts and account updates will also be made free.
These account for 80% of SMS traffic, potentially impacting SMS’s dominance even further
In a conversation with the Economic Times, a WhatsApp spokesperson revealed, “We occasionally make adjustments to our offerings to better reflect the ways in which the service is used and the types of information people are choosing to receive.”
India’s enterprise messaging market is valued at just under Rs 2,500 crore as of March 2023. While the market is poised for growth, businesses increasingly rely on digital payments.
FAQs
Q1. What new feature has WhatsApp introduced for businesses?
Answer. WhatsApp has introduced free customer service messaging for businesses making it the cheapest way for businesses to send messages.
Q2. How much did WhatsApp previously charge for service messages in India?
Answer. Previously, service messages like order status updates or flight rescheduling were charged at Rs 0.25 per message in India.
Q3. When will utility messages also be made free on WhatsApp?
Answer. WhatsApp will make utility messages like transaction alerts and account updates also free starting April 2025.
OPPO just launched the company’s flagship Find X8 and Find X8 Pro smartphones in India.
Both the phones are powered by the latest MediaTek Dimensity 9400 SoC with up to 16GB of RAM, and feature ultra-large-area VC cooling.
Both the phones run Android 15 with ColorOS 15.
OPPO India announces the launch of OPPO Find X8 Series in India today. A testament to OPPO’s legacy of innovation, the Find X8 Series boasts the flagship MediaTek Dimensity 9400 SoC, a path-breaking quad-camera system with two telephoto snappers, a high-density quick-charging Silicon Carbide battery, and ColorOS 15 (based on Android 15) with a host of AI features for photography and productivity – all in an IP68 and IP69-rated durable yet lightweight build.
All devices will be available from 3rd December on the OPPO e-store, Flipkart, and across mainline retail outlets.
The series comprises Find X8 Pro, priced at INR 99,999 for 16GB RAM + 512GB storage, and the standard Find X8 in two storage variants: 12GB + 256GB at INR 69,999 and 16GB + 512GB at INR 79,999.
All devices will be available from 3rd December on the OPPO e-store, Flipkart, and across mainline retail outlets.
“With the Find X8 Series, OPPO has redefined what smartphones can achieve. The Find X8 and Find X8 Pro blend elegance with cutting-edge engineering to deliver ultra-grade cameras for professional-level photography, ultra-long-lasting battery life for uninterrupted use, and ultra-powerful performance to handle the most demanding tasks with ease,” said Pete Lau, SVP and Chief Product Officer, OPPO. “All these breakthroughs are powered by the advanced ColorOS 15 with OPPO AI that transform everyday tasks into seamless and intuitive experiences. Our partnerships with industry leaders have ensured the Find X8 Series represents the pinnacle of technology and craftsmanship. Together, these innovations establish the Find X8 Series as the new global benchmark for smartphone excellence, setting a higher standard for what users can expect from their devices.”
OPPO Find X8 Series Features & Specifications
The OPPO Find X8 comes in Space Black and Star Grey colours in India .
Camera Innovation: A Complete Flagship Experience
OPPO Find X8 and Find X8 Pro with AI LinkBoost for ultra-stable connectivity
The Find X8 flagship series features a quad-camera system with dual telephoto cameras.
The Pro model boasts an LYT808 primary sensor, a 50MP LYT600 3x Telephoto sensor with an innovative Triple Prism Lens architecture, a revolutionary 50MP IMX858 6x Periscope Telephoto sensor, and a 50MP 120° JN5 Ultra-Wide Camera.
The innovative Triple Prism Lens architecture on the 3X camera—also found on the standard Find X8—allows OPPO to fit dual telephoto cameras in a slim form factor for DSLR-like optical zoom capabilities without compromising the sleek design.
Advanced 2-DOL HDR and OPPO’s HyperTone Image Engine further elevate the camera’s performance by adjusting highlights and mid-tones on RAW sensor data to preserve details across highlights and shadows—even in challenging lighting conditions—to ensure every image is razor-sharp, looks natural, and vivid.
The colors in photographs are fine-tuned to Hasselblad color science, while video recording meets the high standards of Dolby Vision to make the Find X8 Series a dream for creators.
The AI-backed Telescope Zoom feature offers seamless zoom up to 120x.
Between 10x-20x, OPPO deploys AI-powered algorithms to enhance image resolution significantly.
At the 20x-60x stage, the camera leverages a Generative Adversarial Network (GAN) model that further enhances detail by improving color tones, textures, and clarity.
At 60x-120x, a powerful AI-powered generative model can reconstruct images at the pixel level. This allows for exceptional clarity and makes long-distance photography effortless and precise. Whether capturing a close-up at a concert or a wildlife scene from afar, the Find X8 Series ensures stunning, realistic results.
The Find X8’s Lightning Snap feature ensures you never miss a moment. It supports zero-lag ultra-fast capture to take seven photos in a single second.
It employs an advanced subject detection algorithm that tracks human faces, pets, and fast-moving elements for quick focus. This feature allows users to take up to 200 continuous photos in 30 seconds without any delay.
Sleek Design Meets Unmatched Durability
OPPO Find X8 Pro in Pearl White, and Find X8 in Star Grey
OPPO’s design philosophy shines through in the Find X8 Series. The Pro model features a quad-curved glass body with an aluminium frame, while the standard variant opts for a flat-sided minimalist aesthetic. The Find X8 Pro—just 8.24mm thin and weighing 215g—epitomizes a balance of elegance and comfort.
It boasts an ultra-immersive 6.78-inch display that showcases quad-curved glass on both sides, and is available in Space Black and Pearl White, with each Pearl White device featuring a unique pearlescent pattern so no two devices look the same.
OPPO just launched the company’s flagship Find X8 and Find X8 Pro smartphones in India.
The OPPO Find X8, on the other hand, is 7.85mm slim and weighs a mere 193g. The immersive yet compact handset sports a 6.59-inch display with an ultra-narrow 1.45mm symmetrical bezel and a fingerprint-resistant diffuse finish in Star Grey, and Space Black.
With a peak brightness of 4500nits, the display on these devices deliver vibrant visuals, even under direct sunlight. OPPO’s ProXDR technology—with 10-bit color—ensures superior contrast and Ultra HDR compatibility while industry-leading 2160Hz PWM dimming provides eye comfort during extended use.
Both models are built to withstand daily rigors with Gorilla Glass 7i protection and Armour Shield Design with IP68 and IP69 certifications.
The IP68 certification authenticates that the devices are protected against dust, and immersion in up to 1.5m of water for 30 minutes, while the IP69 rating is a testament to their resistance to high-pressure water jets at up to 80°C.
AI-Focused Performance with MediaTek Dimensity 9400
The Find X8 Series is the first smartphone to showcase Mediatek’s cutting-edge Dimensity 9400 flagship processor.
The Find X8 Series is the first smartphone to showcase MediaTek’s cutting-edge Dimensity 9400 flagship processor that is based on its 2nd-generation 3nm design that ensures up to 40 percent more power efficiency than its previous flagship chipset.
The Dimensity 9400’s Cortex-X925 core is clocked at 3.62GHz, coupled with 3X Cortex-X4 + 4X Cortex-A720 cores.
Overall, it notches 35 percent faster CPU performance and 40 percent faster GPU performance than the previous generation.
The Dimensity 9400’s advanced NPU further unlocks a range of Generative AI features, elevating mobile productivity.
OPPO’s GenAI tools—including structured layouts, summarization, and intelligent text editing—take full advantage of the Dimensity 9400’s NPU for up to 80% faster LLM prompt performance and a 35% improvement in power efficiency.
AI Productivity Experiences on the OPPO Find X8 Series include…
OPPO Find X8 Pro’s dual-telephoto cameras with Triple Prism Lens architecture (up) and Periscope Lens (down).
AI Assistant for Notes: This feature is built to streamline content creation with minimal effort. The AI Assistant automatically extracts headings and applies a one-tap layout for a polished structure. It supports text and voice input, with features like grammatical corrections and rephrasing for enhanced clarity. It seamlessly extends content based on the existing topic, saving time and effort, and also enables easy customization between formal and casual tones to suit various communication needs.
OPPO Docs: This app is designed as a comprehensive mobile office solution. It leverages Artificial Intelligence Generated Content (AIGC) technology for intelligent file management. It can extract essential points from lengthy documents, enabling users to grasp the core information quickly and save valuable time. This feature uses six advanced rewriting algorithms to enhance word choice and sentence structure for polished, professional results. And it facilitates seamless cross-language communication with in-app translation, ideal for users handling multilingual documents.
All-Day Power with Silicon Carbide Battery
OPPO Lightning Snap in action
Thanks to OPPO’s new Silicon Carbide battery technology, battery life is a standout feature that ensures higher density in a smaller, more compact space.
The Find X8 Pro has a 5,910mAh battery, while the standard model houses a 5,630mAh unit. Both models support rapid charging, ensuring users can stay powered throughout the day without compromise.
Silicon Carbide technology offers a series of advantages that redefine mobile battery performance. Its high thermal conductivity ensures better heat dissipation, maintaining optimal performance even during heavy use,
50MP Ultra-Wide Samsung 5KJN5 camera with AutoFocus
50MP with Sony LYT600 3X telephoto lens and OIS
50MP with Sony IMX858 6X periscope telephoto lens and OIS
50MP Sony LYT700 camera with OIS
50MP Ultra-Wide Samsung 5KJN5 with AutoFocus
50MP with Sony LYT600 3X telephoto lens and OIS
Front Camera
32MP Sony IMX615 sensor
32MP Sony IMX615 sensor
OPPO AI features
AI Telescope Zoom, AI LinkBoost, AI Clarity Enhance, AI Unblur, AI Reflection Remover, AI Studio, AI Summary, AI Speak, AI Writer, AI Document
AI Telescope Zoom, AI LinkBoost , AI Clarity Enhance, AI Unblur, AI Reflection Remover, AI Studio, AI Summary, AI Speak, AI Writer, AI Document
Processor
MediaTek Dimensity 9400
MediaTek Dimensity 9400
RAM & Storage
Storage: 256/512GB UFS 4.0
RAM: 16GB (+12 with OPPO RAM expansion technology) LPDDR5X
Storage: 256GB/512GB UFS 4.0
RAM: 12GB and 16GB (+12 with OPPO RAM expansion technology) LPDDR5X
Battery
5910mAh silicon carbon battery
80W SUPERVOOCTM Wired Charging
50W AIRVOOCTM Wireless Charging
5630mAh silicon carbon battery
80W SUPERVOOCTM Wired Charging
50W AIRVOOCTM Wireless Charging
SIM support and Bluetooth
Dual SIM
NFC
Bluetooth 5.4
Dual SIM
NFC
Bluetooth 5.4
Microphones
4 Mics
4 Mics
IR Blaster
Yes
Yes
Colour Variant
Space Black, Pearl White
Star Grey, Space Black
Operating System
ColorOS 15 based on Android 15
5 years of OS updates and 6 years of security updates
ColorOS 15 based on Android 15
4 years of OS updates and 6 years of security updates
FAQ’s
Q1. What is the first sale offer on OPPO Find X8 & Find X8 Pro?
Answer:
Customers can avail of the following offers on the first sale of the OPPO Find X8 Series:
Enjoy an instant cashback of 10% on OPPO e-Store, Flipkart, and mainline retailers with leading bank cards from SBI, HDFC Bank, Kotak Bank, Bank of Baroda, and IDFC First Bank, coupled with no-cost EMI for up to 24 months.
Customers who pre-book their Find X8 Pro and Find X8 before 3rd December will receive a one-year extended warranty.
Get an Exchange Bonus of ₹5,000, plus an additional upgrade bonus of up to ₹3,000 exclusively for OPPO loyal users!
Avail of up to 24 months Zero Down Payment schemes from leading financiers like Bajaj Finserv, TVS Credit, HDB Financial Services, and IDFC First Bank.
Q2. What are the productivity tools of OPPO Find X8 Series?
Answer:
The Find X8 Series is equipped with productivity tools like the AI Toolbox, which is optimised to run smoothly on its advanced architecture. Whether it’s summarising documents, polishing text, or translating on the fly, these features make the Find X8 Pro a powerhouse for work and creativity.
Additionally, Touch to Share allows seamless file sharing across devices, including iPhones and iPads, showcasing the versatility of the Find X8 Series.
Q3. How is the battery performance of OPPO Find X8 Series?
Answer:
OPPO’s new Silicon Carbide battery technology ensures exceptional battery life with higher density in a smaller, more compact space.
The Find X8 Pro has a 5,910mAh battery, while the standard model features a 5,630mAh battery.
Both models support rapid charging, ensuring all-day power.
Silicon Carbide technology offers high thermal conductivity for better heat dissipation, maintaining optimal performance during heavy use.
The Find X8 Pro charges fully in just 55 minutes with 80W SUPERVOOC™ charging, while the Find X8 takes just 58 minutes.
OPPO’s 50W AIRVOOC enables a full charge in just 90 minutes.
Q4. How is the design of OPPO Find X8 & Find X8 Pro?
Answer:
OPPO’s design philosophy shines in the Find X8 Series:
The Find X8 Pro features a quad-curved glass body with an aluminium frame, just 8.24mm thin and weighing 215g. It offers an ultra-immersive 6.78-inch display with quad-curved glass on both sides, available in Space Black and Pearl White. Each Pearl White device has a unique pearlescent pattern, ensuring no two are alike.
The Find X8 is 7.85mm slim and weighs 193g. It sports a 6.59-inch display with an ultra-narrow 1.45mm symmetrical bezel and a fingerprint-resistant diffuse finish, available in Star Grey and Space Black.
The Y300 comes in new trendy colors including Titanium Silver, Emerald Green, and Phantom Purple.
The smartphone is equipped with a Sony IMX 882 main camera and AI Aura Light for crystal-clear portraits.
Pre-booking for the Y300 starts from November 21 and runs until November 25, 2024.
vivo, today extended its premium Y-series lineup with the launch of the all-new vivo Y300 in India.
The newly launched smartphone embodies a stylish titanium-inspired design, which is bound to make it stand out.
The vivo Y300 5G comes in Phantom Purple, Emerald Green and Titanium Silver colours.
Adding to the excitement, vivo announced Suhana Khan as the new face of its Y-Series smartphones, including the Y300 5G, bringing her youthful energy and charm to the brand.
The smartphone is empowered by a capable Sony IMX882 main camera, which when paired with the AI Aura Light and 2x portrait feature, allows users to capture sharp, natural-looking portraits.
The smartphone comes with advanced AI camera features including AI Erase and AI Photo Enhance that help improve the clarity of pictures.
It is further equipped with 80W FlashCharge for fast and efficient charging.
Vivo Y300 Price, Availability & Colors
It packs a 50MP Sony IMX882 main camera along with a 2MP portrait camera.
The Y300 will be available in three striking color options – Titanium Silver, Emerald Green, and Phantom Purple, and will be priced at INR 21,999 (inclusive of taxes) for the 8GB+128GB variant and INR 23,999 (inclusive of taxes) for the 8GB+256GB variant.
Consumers can purchase the smartphone starting November 26, 2024, across vivo India e-store, Flipkart, Amazon, and all partner retail stores. Pre-booking for the Y300 starts from November 21 and runs until November 25, 2024.
Vivo Y300 Launch & Sale Offers
It will be available to pre-order from vivo.com and offline stores starting from November 26th.
To make the purchase even more exciting, consumers can avail of the following offers using SBI Card, IDFC First Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Yes Bank, BOB Card, Federal Bank, and other banking partners:
Instant cashback of flat INR 2000 or easy EMI of INR 43 per day
vivo TWS 3e at a discounted price of INR 1499 (only when purchased with the Y300). This offer is valid from November 21 to November 30, 2024, and can be availed on Flipkart, Amazon, and in-store only. It is not applicable on the vivo e-store.
Commenting on the launch, Geetaj Channana, Head of Corporate Strategy at vivo India, said, “The vivo premium Y-series is known to deliver exceptional design and camera performance at an affordable price. With the all-new Y300, we offer our trend-conscious youth a smartphone that matches their aesthetic preferences with the titanium-inspired design and empowers them to capture stunning portraits easily. With its impressive features, we believe Y300 will address the core needs of our consumers and stand out in the segment.”
“Bringing vivo and Suhana Khan together has been a rewarding collaboration. Suhana’s charisma and modern appeal align seamlessly with vivo’s vision and ethos. At Bottomline Media, we take pride in forging meaningful partnerships, and this one perfectly captures the spirit of a new generation,” shared Tanaaz Bhatia, Founder and Managing Director of Bottomline Media.
Vivo Y300 Specifications & Features
vivo has launched the Y300 5G, the company’s latest smartphone in the Y series in India.
Innovative and Trendy Design
The vivo Y300 gets a sleek design with a high-gloss metal-like frame that exudes elegance. Available in three strikingcolors: Titanium Silver, Emerald Green, and Phantom Purple, the device offers a choice for every style.
The Titanium Silver variant draws inspiration from the refined look of titanium, and when illuminated by a flashlight, it sparkles a dazzling diamond-like starry texture. Meanwhile, the Emerald Green and Phantom Purple add a dynamic and vibrant personality to the design.
The smartphone boasts an impressive 16.94 cm (6.67-inch) AMOLED punch-hole Display that offers a stunning visual experience.
With a 120 Hz refresh rate, the screen ensures a smooth and responsive user experience.
Additionally, the display, certified by SGS Low Blue Light Eye Care, protects users’ eyes.
Boasting a 0.779 cm ultra-slim body and weighing a mere 188g, vivo Y300 not only provides a comfortable grip but also ensures a remarkable in-hand experience.
Crystal Clear Portraits
vivo Y300 houses a dual camera set-up featuring a 50MP Sony IMX882 main camera and a 2MP Bokeh camera.
It comes with features including a 2x portrait mode, which minimizes distortion and enhances facial features, along with AI Aura Light, which ensures soft, natural lighting for portrait shots.
The AI Aura Light adjusts the color temperature in low-light environments to illuminate faces softly, providing a 360° even lighting effect with an area eight times wider than a regular flash.
This results in soft, studio-like lighting that reduces shadows and enhances skin tones, delivering clear, radiant portraits.
For nighttime photography, AI Supermoon, Super Night Algorithm and Stylish night filters work together to capture rich and delicate colors despite the complex nightscape lighting.
Additionally, the Y300 comes with smart AI features such as AI Erase and AI Enhance which help users refine their images by removing unwanted elements and improving photo quality with ease.
For flawless selfies, the Y300 houses a 32MP Front Portrait camera. The smartphone also comes with Dual-View Video which allows simultaneous recording with front and rear cameras.
Users can adjust screen ratios for split-screen or use picture-in-picture formats. This feature is ideal for vlogging during meals, travel, or creative projects.
Smooth Performance and Durability
For long-lasting power, the vivo Y300 boasts a powerful 5000 mAh battery with 80W FlashCharge that offers quick on-the-go charging.
It promises four years of battery health and comes with 24-dimension security protection.
vivo Y300 brings 8GB of additional RAM via the Extended RAM 3.0 feature that makes switching between apps faster and smoother.
Powered by Snapdragon 4 Gen 2, featuring an advanced 4nm processor chipset with an 8 core CPU architecture that offers reliable and smooth performance at all times.
For a better gaming experience, vivo Y300 offers 4D Game vibration, Game voice changer and Dual 10x super touch control.
The Y300’s audio capabilities contribute to an immersive experience, featuring a 300%-volume Audio Booster and Dual Stereo Speaker setup.
With High-Resolution Wired and Wireless Certification, users can be assured of high-quality audio for a truly immersive experience.
With IP64 dust and water resistance rating, and wet-touch technology, the Y300 provides a more reliable experience.
Rigorous testing, including drop tests, extreme environment tests, and various port and button press tests have been conducted on the vivo Y300, ensuring the phone’s durability and resilience.
Q1. What are the launch offers on the newly launched Vivo Y300 5G?
Answer: To make the purchase even more exciting, consumers can avail of the following offers using SBI Card, IDFC First Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Yes Bank, BOB Card, Federal Bank, and other banking partners:
Instant cashback of flat INR 2000 or easy EMI of INR 43 per day
vivo TWS 3e at a discounted price of INR 1499 (only when purchased with the Y300). This offer is valid from November 21 to November 30, 2024, and can be availed on Flipkart, Amazon, and in-store only. It is not applicable on the vivo e-store.
Q2. What is the price of Vivo Y300 5G?
Answer: Vivo Y300 will be priced at INR 21,999 (inclusive of taxes) for the 8GB+128GB variant and INR 23,999 (inclusive of taxes) for the 8GB+256GB variant. Consumers can purchase the smartphone starting November 26, 2024, across vivo India e-store, Flipkart, Amazon, and all partner retail stores.
Pre-booking for the Y300 starts from November 21 and runs until November 25, 2024.
Q3. How is the design of Vivo Y300 5G?
Answer: The vivo Y300 gets a sleek design with a high-gloss metal-like frame that exudes elegance. Available in three striking colors: Titanium Silver, Emerald Green, and Phantom Purple, the device offers a choice for every style. The Titanium Silver variant draws inspiration from the refined look of titanium, and when illuminated by a flashlight, it sparkles a dazzling diamond-like starry texture. Meanwhile, the Emerald Green and Phantom Purple add a dynamic and vibrant personality to the design.
Q4. How is the battery performance of Vivo Y300 5G?
Answer: For long-lasting power, the vivo Y300 boasts a powerful 5000mAh battery with 80W FlashCharge that offers quick on-the-go charging.
Q5. Does Vivo Y300 5G have a clear display?
Answer: The smartphone boasts an impressive 16.94 cm (6.67-inch) AMOLED punch-hole Display that offers a stunning visual experience. With a 120Hz refresh rate, the screen ensures a smooth and responsive user experience. Additionally, the display, certified by SGS Low Blue Light Eye Care, protects users’ eyes. Boasting a 0.779 cm ultra-slim body and weighing a mere 188g, Vivo Y300 not only provides a comfortable grip but also ensures a remarkable in-hand experience.
