The only visible difference? Their colour options.
The Moto G05 is set to launch in orange, making it easy to tell the two apart. Apart from the colours, we could not find any reasonable difference between the two.
Let’s just hope the differences lie in their hardware.
According to a GSMArena report, both devices will feature a 50 MP main rear camera and will run on Android 15 right out of the box. These will be the first Motorola smartphones to arrive with Android 15.
Meanwhile, the Moto G15 is expected to have options for 4GB or 8GB of RAM and up to 256GB of storage. Meanwhile, the Moto G05 will offer 128GB of storage and 4GB of RAM.
It’s likely this configuration will carry over in the G05 lineup too considering the Moto G04 came with an 8GB variant.
For those of you who aren’t aware, the Moto G04 launched earlier this year and the Moto G14 arrived in August 2023.
And now with these seemingly official-looking renders surfacing online, we can assume there is a chance both Moto G05 and G15 will be made official in the next few weeks to come.
FAQs
Q1. What is the only visible difference between the Moto G05 and G15 design?
Answer. The only visible difference between the Moto G05 and G15 in the leaked images is their colour options.
Q2. What are the expected specifications for the Moto G15?
Answer. The Moto G15 is expected to have options for 4GB or 8GB of RAM and up to 256GB of storage.
Q3. When are the Moto G05 and G15 expected to be made official?
Answer. The Moto G05 and G15 are expected to be made official in the next few weeks.
OnePlus is rumoured to launch a small-screen Ace series smartphone in Q2 2025.
The Ace 5 series is expected to feature Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and Snapdragon 8 Elite processors
The series is launching in China this December.
OnePlus has just unveiled its flagship smartphone OnePlus 13 in China and rumours around its 2025 launch calendar are already generating buzz online.
It appears the Chinese smartphone maker is currently working on a special model for the Ace 5 series.
Here’s a quick roundup of what we are learning from recent online speculations.
According to popular Weibo tipster Digital Chat Station, OnePlus is also working on a small-screen Ace series device that is most likely set for release in Q2 2025.
Weibo tipster Digital Chat Station posts on Weibo about the small-screen Ace smartphone.
We know that the current Ace 3 series includes three models, which include the OnePlus Ace 3 (launched in January), Ace 3V (March) and Ace 3 Pro (June).
The Ace 3V stands out with a smaller 6.74-inch display and a less powerful Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 chipset compared to the other smartphones in the series.
Nonetheless, the tipster hasn’t revealed the name of the upcoming small-screen model. Speculations suggest it could be branded as the OnePlus Ace 5V or potentially another addition to the Ace lineup.
It is important to note that certain reports have already revealed that the base model of the Ace 5 series is expected to debut globally as the OnePlus 13R.
The smartphone industry is currently buzzing with big brands exploring the small-screen phone segment.
We have Vivo recently stepping in to challenge Samsung and Xiaomi’s entry-level flagships.
Oppo is also rumoured to be developing a compact device under its Find X8 series.
Details about the small-screen OnePlus Ace smartphone including its screen size currently remain unclear.
However, there are some hints we can follow.
The Oppo Find X8 (left), Vivo X200 Pro Mini (Centre) and Xiaomi 15 (Right) come with larger panels. (Image credit – Gizmochina)
For example, the Vivo X200 Pro mini has a 6.31-inch display, while the Xiaomi 15 features a slightly larger 6.36-inch screen.
Both offer sharp 1.5K resolution displays with a pixel density of around 460 PPI, which could be a benchmark for OnePlus’ offering.
On the other hand, previous unofficial reports have revealed that the Ace 5 and Ace 5 Pro are to feature top-tier Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and Snapdragon 8 Elite processors, respectively.
The Ace 5 Series is expected to hit the Chinese market this December.
FAQs
Q1. What is OnePlus rumoured to be working on for the Ace series in 2025?
Answer. OnePlus is rumoured to be working on a small-screen Ace series device potentially named the OnePlus Ace 5V, which is set for release in Q2 2025.
Q2. Which processors are expected to power the OnePlus Ace 5 and Ace 5 Pro?
Answer. The Ace 5 is expected to feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, while the Ace 5 Pro might come with the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor.
Q3. When is the Ace 5 series expected to debut in the Chinese market?
Answer. The Ace 5 series is expected to hit the Chinese market in December
Samsung might launch a more affordable foldable phone the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE in 2025.
Samsung is reportedly working on the Galaxy S25 Slim expected to launch around April 2025.
Samsung is reportedly working on an affordable Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE for 2025. (Image credit – Samsung)
Samsung is expected to introduce the Galaxy Z Flip 7 next year as the successor to the Galaxy Z Flip 6, which was launched earlier in July this year. However, if you think that is the only flip phone Samsung is working on at the moment, you are thinking wrong.
Reiterating some previous rumours, supply chain analyst Ross Young have recently suggested that Samsung might not stop only with Galaxy Z Flip 7.
According to Young’s recent post on X (formerly Twitter), the Korean consumer electronics company could also launch a more affordable foldable model alongside the Flip 7.
This new device is rumoured to be called the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE and is most likely to serve as a budget-friendly alternative to Samsung’s flagship foldable lineup.
Those hoping for a Z Flip 7 FE should be excited. It looks like a Samsung FE clamshell is finally coming in 2025.
— Ross Young (@DSCCRoss) November 19, 2024
The Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE is expected to feature the same display as the Flip 7 but may come with lower-end cameras and a less powerful chipset to keep costs down.
Speculations suggest it might be powered by the Exynos 2400 SoC, which we have seen Samsung using in some Galaxy S24 models.
Or else, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 that powers the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Galaxy Z Fold 6 could also be the choice for the affordable flip next year.
Reports suggest Samsung’s strategy to maintain affordability will decide which other components will be used in the smartphone.
This is not the first update about any such affordable flip smartphone. During its Q3 2024 Earnings Call, the company stated it was exploring “ways to lower entry barriers so that more customers can actually experience foldable products.”
Gadgets360 suggests in one of its recent reports that the success of this new device will hinge on its pricing.
The Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE might not be an exciting offer for users if the company only makes it $100-$200 cheaper than the regular Flip 7.
However, it could attract more buyers and give the foldable market a much-needed boost in sales if Samsung significantly reduces the price.
Apart from the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE, Samsung is reportedly also working on two new smartphones to expand its lineup further. Rumours suggest a Galaxy S25 Slim is also on the way.
It is likely to join the Galaxy S25 series and is expected to launch sometime around April 2025.
While details about the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE are still under wraps, the possibility of an affordable foldable option could make 2025 an exciting year.
FAQs
Q1. What is the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE?
Answer. The Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE is a rumoured affordable foldable model that Samsung might launch alongside the Galaxy Z Flip 7 in 2025, featuring the same display but with lower-end cameras and a less powerful chipset.
Q2. What is Samsung’s strategy for making foldable technology more accessible?
Answer. Samsung confirmed during its Q3 2024 Earnings Call that it is exploring ways to lower entry barriers so that more customers can experience foldable products.
Q3. What other smartphones is Samsung reportedly working on for 2025?
Answer. Besides the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE, Samsung is reportedly working on the Galaxy S25 Slim, which is expected to join the Galaxy S25 series and launch around April 2025.
The Vivo X200 and X200 Pro smartphones have been launched globally.
Pre-orders are starting in Malaysia and the next region to join is Thailand.
Key Features: Both models feature 120Hz OLED displays, MediaTek Dimensity 9400 chipset, and advanced camera setups.
The Vivo X200 Pro is priced at MYR 4,699 (approx $1,050/ INR 88,617) and the standard X200 at MYR 3,599 ($800 or INR 67,518).
Vivo X200 Series officially launched globally in an event on November 19. (Image credit – Vivo)
Vivo has officially launched its flagship X200 and X200 Pro smartphones globally with pre-booking starting in Malaysia.
This international debut of the series is followed after the smartphone series was first introduced in China last month.
Here’s everything you need to know about the new smartphones.
Vivo X200 Series – Key Features
Both Vivo X200 and X200 Pro feature a similar-looking circular camera module at the back with Vivo branding at the bottom. (Image credit – Vivo)
Both Vivo X200 and X200 Pro smartphones feature stunning 120Hz OLED displays with an impressive peak brightness of 4,500 nits.
The X200 comes with a 6.67-inch screen, while the Pro model offers a slightly larger 6.78-inch display and includes an ultrasonic under-display fingerprint sensor for enhanced security.
Offering similar processing power, both models are powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9400 chipset, paired with LPDDR5x RAM and UFS 4.0 storage for top-notch performance.
On the camera front, the X200 features a versatile triple-camera setup with three 50MP sensors, while the X200 Pro upgrades the telephoto lens to an impressive 200MP sensor delivering superior zoom capabilities.
Battery life is another strong point for these devices. The X200is equipped with a 5,800mAh battery, while the Pro version packs a larger 6,000mAh battery. Both models support 90W wired charging and the Pro adds 30W wireless charging for added convenience.
Vivo X200 Series – Pricing & Availability
Vivo X200 Pro Midnight Blue colour variant. (Image credit – Vivo)Vivo X200 Pro Titanium Gray colour variant. (Image credit – Vivo)
In Malaysia, the Vivo X200 Pro is available in Titanium Gray and Midnight Blue, priced at MYR 4,699 (approx $1,050/ INR 88,617).
Vivo X200 Midnight Blue colour variant. (Image credit – Vivo)Vivo X200 Aurora Green colour variant. (Image credit – Vivo)
The standard X200, offered in Midnight Blue and Aurora Green, is priced at MYR 3,599 ($800 or INR 67,518).
Both models come with a single configuration of 16GB RAM and 512GB storage.
Pre-orders are now open with shipments expected to begin after the pre-order period ends.
The next launch is anticipated in Thailand on November 28. Meanwhile, the release dates for other markets such as the EU, UK and India are unconfirmed as of now.
Q1. When were the Vivo X200 and X200 Pro smartphones launched globally?
Answer. Vivo has officially launched its flagship X200 and X200 Pro smartphones globally, with pre-booking starting in Malaysia.
Q2. What are the display features of the Vivo X200 and X200 Pro?
Answer. Both models feature stunning 120Hz OLED displays with an impressive peak brightness of 4,500 nits. The X200 comes with a 6.67-inch screen, while the Pro model offers a slightly larger 6.78-inch display.
Q3. What chipset powers the Vivo X200 and X200 Pro smartphones?
Answer. Both models are powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9400 chipset.
Q4. What are the camera specifications of the Vivo X200 and X200 Pro?
Answer. The X200 features a versatile triple-camera setup with three 50MP sensors, while the X200 Pro upgrades the telephoto lens to an impressive 200MP sensor.
Q5. What is the pricing for the Vivo X200 and X200 Pro in Malaysia?
Answer. In Malaysia, the Vivo X200 Pro is priced at MYR 4,699 ($1,050 or INR 88,617) and the standard X200 is priced at MYR 3,599 ($800 or INR 67,518).
The AeroActive Cooler X Pro has a subwoofer and adds two hardware shoulder buttons that work with AirTriggers.
Highlights
Asus ROG Phone 9 Series officially launched.
The series includes the ROG Phone 9 and ROG Phone 9 Pro.
Designed for gamers, both phones feature Snapdragon 8 Elite, up to 24GB RAM and a 5800 mAh battery.
Both models come with a 6.78-inch Full HD+ AMOLED HDR display with a 165Hz refresh rate, a 50MP primary camera and a 32MP front camera.
Pre-orders are live with shipments starting in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and China.
Pricing starts at $999.99 (approx INR 84,387) for the base model.
The ROG Phone 9 series including the ROG Phone 9 and ROG Phone 9 Pro officially launched. (Image credit – Asus)
Asus has officially launched the ROG Phone 9 series including the ROG Phone 9 and ROG Phone 9 Pro.
Specifically designed and built for gamers, the ROG Phone seriesis known for top-tier performance and innovative features. Both phones will compete with Nubia’s recently launched Red Magic 10 Pro and 10 Pro+ smartphones.
Here’s a closer look at what these Asus gaming smartphones offer.
Asus ROG Phone 9 Series – Key Features and Specifications
Both models feature a 6.78-inch Full HD+ AMOLED HDR LTPO display with a 165Hz refresh rate (185Hz in select games) delivering smooth visuals for intense gaming. The screens reach 2500 nits peak brightness, support 107% DCI-P3 colour gamut, and are protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2.
Both the ROG Phone 9 and ROG Phone 9 Pro displays come with 2500 nits peak brightness. (Image credit – Asus)
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC, the phones boast a 45% boost in CPU performance and a 40% improvement in GPU capabilities over the previous generation.
Paired with LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.0 storage, they support configurations of up to 24GB RAM and 1TB storage achieving a record-breaking AnTuTu score of 3,121,39
Both the ROG Phone 9 and ROG Phone 9 Pro feature an advanced system for heat dissipation. (Image credit – Asus)
Cooling is enhanced with a 360° SoC Cooling System Gen 3, a 57% larger graphite sheet, and the redesigned AeroActive Cooler X Pro.
The AeroActive Cooler X Pro has a subwoofer and adds two hardware shoulder buttons that work with AirTriggers.
The cooler not only improves heat dissipation but also features a subwoofer for 2.1 stereo sound and hardware shoulder buttons for immersive gameplay.
As per Asus, “The newly designed AeroActive Cooler X elevates cooling accessories to the next level. Its fan blades have been increased in diameter by 12.5%, resulting in significantly greater airflow. In combination with the extended thermal material, this delivers up to 29%6 more effective cooling. This design keeps your device cool during intense gaming sessions.”
For sustained performance, the ROG Chill Case uses Composite Vapor Chamber (CVC) technology to reduce temperatures by up to 17°C, ensuring smooth performance during demanding gaming sessions.
Both the ROG Phone 9 and ROG Phone 9 Pro are designed and developed for gamers. (Image credit – Asus)
The ROG Phone 9 includes a 50MP Sony LYTIA 700 primary camera with 6-axis gimbal stabilisation, a 13MP ultra-wide lens, and a 5MP macro camera.
Both phones use a 50MP main based on the 1/1.56” Sony Lytia 700 sensor.
The Pro model replaces the macro lens with a 32MP 3x telephoto camera with OIS, offering better zoom quality.
Both models feature a 32MP front camera for selfies and video calls.
The phones also bring 65W hyper-charge tech for faster top-ups and 15W wireless charging.
The phones are equipped with a 5800mAh battery that supports 65W HyperCharge technology, 15W Qi wireless charging and compatibility with Quick Charge 5.0 and Power Delivery standards.
Asus ROG Phone 9 Series – Other Features
Asus promising two major OS updates and four years of security updates for both the ROG Phone 9 and ROG Phone 9 Pro. (Image credit – Asus)
The ROG Phone 9 series runs on Android 15 with ROG UI offering a tailored gaming experience and the latest Android features.
Asus promises two major OS updates and four years of security updates.
For connectivity, they include dual SIM support, 5G SA/NSA, Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4. Audio enthusiasts will appreciate the 3.5mm headphone jack and dual stereo speakers, while the IP68 water and dust resistance ensures durability in various environments.
Asus claims a 45% improvement in CPU performance, a 40% faster GPU, and a 40% faster NPU.
A standout feature is the AniMe Vision display on the back, with 85 mini-LEDs on the base model and 648 mini-LEDs on the Pro version, offering customisable visuals perfect for gaming enthusiasts.
ROG Phone 9 Series – Pricing and Availability
The ROG Phone 9 Series price starts at $999.99 (approx INR 84,387). (Image credit – Asus)
Pre-orders for ROG Phone 9 Series are live now with shipments beginning tomorrow in countries such as Taiwan, Hong Kong and China.
As per the latest update, the smartphone series will enter Europe in December and the US launch is expected in January 2025.
Asus claims that the battery can last up to 4.5 hours of heavy gaming.
As of now, details for an India launch are not available.
For variants, both variants are available in stunning colours and different storage variants.
ROG Phone 9 variants –
Both models in the Asus ROG Phone 9 series are equipped with a 5,800mAh battery.
Q1. What are the key specifications of the Asus ROG Phone 9 series displays?
Answer. Both models feature a 6.78-inch Full HD+ AMOLED HDR LTPO display with a 165Hz refresh rate (185Hz in select games), reaching 2500 nits peak brightness.
Q2. What is the processor and performance capability of the Asus ROG Phone 9 series?
Answer. The phones are powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC, offering a 45% boost in CPU performance and a 40% improvement in GPU capabilities over the previous generation.
Q3. What are the camera features of the ROG Phone 9 and ROG Phone 9 Pro?
Answer. The ROG Phone 9 includes a 50MP Sony LYTIA 700 primary camera, a 13MP ultra-wide lens, and a 5MP macro camera, while the Pro model replaces the macro lens with a 32MP 3x telephoto camera with OIS. Both models feature a 32MP front camera.
Q4. What battery and charging capabilities do the ROG Phone 9 series have?
Answer. The phones are equipped with a 5800mAh battery that supports 65W HyperCharge technology, and 15W Qi wireless charging, and are compatible with Quick Charge 5.0 and Power Delivery standards.
Q5. When and where will the Asus ROG Phone 9 series be available?
Answer. Pre-orders are live with shipments beginning tomorrow in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and China. The series will enter Europe in December and is expected to launch in the US in January 2025.
ZTE has introduced its latest mid-range smartphone the ZTE Blade V70 on the company’s international website.
While the smartphone is listed on the website, the brand has not shared any updates on its pricing or region-wise availability.
In any case, here’s everything you need to know about this new mid-ranger.
ZTE Blade V70 – Key Features and Specs
The Blade V70 sports a 6.7-inch LCD display with a resolution of 720×1600 and a 120 Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth visuals. Under the hood, it packs a 2 GHz octa-core CPU (chipset unspecified), 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage, which can be expanded.
For security, the phone includes a side-mounted fingerprint sensor embedded into the power button. Powering the smartphone is a 5,000mAh battery with 22.5W wired charging support.
ZTE Blade V70 camera features. (Image credit – ZTE)
The rear camera setup is led by a 108 MP main sensor with a 1/1.67″ size and an f/1.75 aperture, promising detailed shots.
On the front, there’s a 16 MP camera for selfies.
The Blade V70 runs ZTE’s MyOS 14 on top of Android 14. It also features “Live Island 2.0,” which looks like ZTE’s attempt to replicate Apple’s Dynamic Island.
It offers an innovative approach to notifications and interactions.
ZTE Blade V70 design features include the “Live Island 2.0.” (Image credit – ZTE)
The phone measures 8.2mm thin and comes in a matte finish with a sparkling sand texture. It is also believed to be anti-fingerprint and scratch-resistant.
The smartphone also offers a host of powerful AI features including Magic Eraser, Magic Editor, AI Face Stickers, Magic Unblur, Magic Lens, Portrait Light and More.
iPhone 17 Air is rumoured to be Apple’s thinnest iPhone at just 6mm thick.
It will likely surpass the iPhone 6, which is 6.9mm thick.
Expected specs include a 6.6-inch display, Apple’s A19 chip, Dynamic Island for notifications, a single 48MP rear camera, a 24MP front camera and an aluminium frame.
The iPhone 17 Air is anticipated to debut in September 2025.
iPhone 17 Air and iPhone 16 Pro max thick comparison for representation purposes. (Image credit – Apple Hub on X)
It has been reported multiple times in the past that Apple is working on its thinnest iPhone rumoured to be named iPhone 17 Air.
Adding to the buzz is now a recent report that reveals the exact size that we might get for the slimmest iPhone.
According to a research note Apple analyst Jeff Pu shared with Hong Kong-based investment bank Haitong and obtained by MacRumors, Pu has reportedly backed certain recent rumours floating around the thickness of the upcoming iPhone. Pu suggested the device will measure an ultra-slim 6mm thick.
Apple Hub on X (previously Twitter) also shared the update adding to its credibility.
The iPhone 17 Air will reportedly be 6mm thick, which would make it the thinnest iPhone ever!
Source: analyst Jeff Pu pic.twitter.com/fnhKv8qRlU
— Apple Hub (@theapplehub) November 19, 2024
“We agreed with the recent chatter of a 6mm thickness ultra-slim design of the iPhone 17 Slim model,” Pu wrote in the note.
If accurate, this would make the iPhone 17 Air the thinnest iPhone ever surpassing the current record-holder, which is the iPhone 6 with its 6.9mm thick body. It would also be around three-quarters the thickness of the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro models, emphasising a lighter, sleeker feel.
Although some may wish for an even thinner design, the limits of battery and internal components mean 6mm is already impressive for a device with modern capabilities.
Apple iPhone – Thickness Comparison
Compared to older models, this is a significant leap as most iPhones before the iPhone 6 measured between 7.6mm and 12.3mm thick.
A quick look at the thickness of other iPhones –
iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max: 8.25mm
iPhone 16 and 16 Plus: 7.8mm
iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max: 8.25mm
iPhone 15 and 15 Plus: 7.8mm
iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max: 7.85mm
iPhone 14 and 14 Plus: 7.8mm
iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max: 7.65mm
iPhone 13 and 13 mini: 7.65mm
iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max: 7.4mm
iPhone 12 and 12 mini: 7.4mm
iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max: 8.1mm
iPhone 11: 8.3mm
iPhone XS and XS Max: 7.7mm
iPhone XR: 8.3mm
iPhone X: 7.7mm
iPhone 8 Plus: 7.5mm
iPhone 8: 7.3mm
iPhone 7 Plus: 7.3mm
iPhone 7: 7.1mm
iPhone 6s Plus: 7.3mm
iPhone 6s: 7.1mm
iPhone 6 Plus: 7.1mm
iPhone 6: 6.9mm
iPhone 17 Air: 6mm (Rumoured)
However, the iPhone 17 Air won’t be Apple’s thinnest product overall.
The thinnest Apple product is the 13-inch iPad Pro 2024 version, which is only 5.1mm thick. It is then followed by the final iPod Nano at 5.4mm.
iPhone 17 Air – Features and Specs (Rumoured)
According to several credible sources, Apple is working to develop an ultra-thin completely redesigned iPhone 17 Air, scheduled to be released next year.
While the official name isn’t confirmed, Pu refers to it as the iPhone 17 Slim, while others use “Air” to highlight its lightweight design.
Other than that, the phone is expected to feature the following specs –
A 6.6-inch display, as previously suggested by supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
Apple’s A19 chip.
A Dynamic Island for notifications and quick actions.
A single 48MP rear camera and a 24MP front camera.
Apple is also rumoured to include its in-house 5G modem.
iPhone 17 Air – Expected Launch Timeline
As per reports, the iPhone 17 Air is expected to debut in September 2025. As the launch date is still far from today, we have to take the current reports with a pinch of salt. The details about its design and features could evolve.
FAQs
Q1. What is the rumoured thickness of the iPhone 17 Air?
Answer. The iPhone 17 Air is rumoured to be just 6mm thick, making it Apple’s thinnest iPhone ever.
Q2. How does the rumoured thickness of the iPhone 17 Air compare to the iPhone 6?
Answer. The iPhone 17 Air is expected to be 6mm thick, which is thinner than the iPhone 6’s 6.9mm thick body.
Q3. What are some of the expected specifications of the iPhone 17 Air?
Answer. The iPhone 17 Air is expected to feature a 6.6-inch display, Apple’s A19 chip, Dynamic Island for notifications, a single 48MP rear camera, a 24MP front camera and an aluminium frame.
Q4. When is the iPhone 17 Air expected to launch?
Answer. The iPhone 17 Air is anticipated to debut in September 2025.
Q5. What is Apple analyst Jeff Pu’s role in the rumours about the iPhone 17 Air?
Answer. Apple analyst Jeff Pu has backed certain rumours about the thickness of the iPhone 17 Air, suggesting it will measure an ultra-slim 6mm thick.
CCI has fined Meta Rs 213.14 crore and barred WhatsApp from sharing user data.
WhatsApp must provide clear explanations of shared user data and offer an opt-out option.
Meta disagrees with the decision and plans to appeal.
CCI orders Meta to Stop Sharing WhatsApp User Data. (Photo by Dima Solomin on Unsplash)
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has fined Meta Rs 213.14 crore accusing the company of anti-competitive practices linked to WhatsApp’s 2021 privacy policy update.
Moreover, the CCI has barred WhatsApp from sharing user data with other Meta-owned apps for advertising purposes for five years.
Alongside the fine, the CCI has ordered Meta to cease and desist from anti-competitive practices. WhatsApp must also implement specific behavioural remedies within a defined timeline.
The regulator has prohibited WhatsApp from sharing user data with other Meta companies for advertising purposes for five years.
In its order, CCI has also set strict guidelines on how WhatsApp can share data for non-advertising purposes.
CCI imposes a monetary penalty of ₹213.14 crore on Meta for 2021 Privacy Policy Update, along with a cease-and-desist direction and specific behavioral remedies. pic.twitter.com/JUNCHP9oF0
— CCI (@CCI_India) November 18, 2024
WhatsApp must provide a clear explanation of what user data is shared with other Meta companies. It also instructed Meta to give an opt-out option via in-app notifications to manage data sharing to all users, including those who accepted the 2021 update.
Moreover, data sharing for purposes beyond WhatsApp services cannot be made a condition for users to access the platform in India.
Meanwhile, Meta has expressed its disagreement with the decision and plans to appeal.
A company spokesperson said, “As a reminder, the 2021 update did not change the privacy of people’s personal messages and was offered as a choice for users at the time. We also ensured no one would have their accounts deleted or lose functionality of the WhatsApp service because of this update.”
According to Meta, the 2021 update introduced optional business features and aimed to enhance transparency about data collection and usage.
The company also emphasised WhatsApp’s role in supporting users, businesses, and government services during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
On this, the company spokesperson said, “We are committed to finding a path forward that allows us to continue providing the experiences that people and businesses have come to expect from us.”
FAQs
Q1. Why did the CCI fine Meta Rs 213.14 crore?
Answer. The CCI fined Meta Rs 213.14 crore for anti-competitive practices related to WhatsApp’s 2021 privacy policy update.
Q2 What has the CCI ordered regarding WhatsApp’s user data-sharing practices?
Answer. The CCI has prohibited WhatsApp from sharing user data with other Meta-owned apps for advertising purposes for five years and set strict guidelines on how user data can be shared for non-advertising purposes.
Q3. What is Meta’s response to the CCI’s decision?
Answer. Meta disagrees with the decision and plans to appeal stating that the 2021 update did not change the privacy of personal messages and introduced optional business features.
Google is planning to fully turn ChromeOS into Android.
It will incorporate Android’s Linux kernel and frameworks like Android’s Bluetooth stack.
Google is planning the shift as an attempt to create a platform to compete with Apple’s iPad.
The project aims to have future Chromebooks run a version of Android.
Google is reportedly working to fully migrate Chrome OS over to Android. (Image credit – Android Authority)
Googleis reportedly working on making a big change with ChromeOS. Earlier this year, the company announced that ChromeOSwould start using parts of the Android stack.
Now, a new Android Authority report based on a source suggests that “Google is working on a multi-year project to fully turn Chrome OS into Android.”
The recent report speculates that this shift could be Google’s attempt to create a platform that competes more directly with Apple’s iPad.
iPad has maintained its dominance and is often seen as more user-friendly than traditional desktop systems.
In June, Google shared that ChromeOS would adopt Android’s Linux kernel and frameworks like Android’s Bluetooth stack. The company explained that this approach would “accelerate the pace of AI innovation at the core of ChromeOS, simplify engineering efforts, and help different devices like phones and accessories work better together with Chromebooks.”
Google also emphasised that while ChromeOS would take on more of Android’s under-the-hood features, its core user experience would remain the same. They promised to keep the “unmatched security, consistent look and feel, and extensive management capabilities that ChromeOS users, enterprises, and schools love.”
However, a new report from Android Authority hints that Google is now planning a complete migration of ChromeOS to Android.
If true, this move could change not only how ChromeOS works internally but also how it looks and feels to users.
Google plans transition Chrome OS entirely to Android.
The report mentions improved features like desktop-style windowing, external monitor support, and better integration with keyboards and mice—all part of an internal project dubbed “Android-on-laptop.” It also suggests that future “Chromebooks” might run a version of Android rather than the current ChromeOS.
Android Authority report explains, “The desktop windowing changes that Google is introducing in the first quarterly platform release of Android 15 are just the beginning, as Google is working on a huge number of new Android features including improved keyboard and mouse support, external monitor support, multiple desktops, and more. All of these changes, we’re told, are part of Google’s internal Android-on-laptop project, though they’ll also obviously benefit tablets like the upcoming Pixel Tablet 2.”
More details about this development are currently unavailable.
However, we can expect to hear some concrete updates soon. What we can figure out from the current updates is that Google is working to redefine what Chromebooks are and make them even more versatile for everyday users.
FAQs
Q1. What change is Google reportedly planning for ChromeOS?
Answer. Google is reportedly planning a multi-year project to fully turn ChromeOS into Android, using parts of the Android stack.
Q2. Why is Google making this change to ChromeOS?
Answer. The shift is seen as an attempt to create a platform that competes more directly with Apple’s iPad, which is known for its user-friendly interface.
Apple will discontinue iCloud backup support for devices running iOS 8 or earlier.
The support will stop starting December 18, 2024.
Existing backups on these devices will also be deleted.
To keep using iCloud backups, users need to update their devices to iOS 9 or later.
Apple suggests manual backup methods for those who can’t update.
iCloud backups will soon stop working on iPhones running iOS 8 and older versions. (Image credit – iCloud/Apple)
Applehas started notifying users of older software about a major change in its iCloud backups.
According to the new notification, iCloud backups will stop working and even be deleted for devices running iOS 8 or earlier.
Apple Dropping Support for iCloud Backups on iPhones and iPads Running iOS 8 and Earlier
In a newly published support document, Apple explains: “Starting December 18, 2024, device backups will require iOS 9 or later. This is to align more closely with our published minimum software requirements. Until this date, you’ll be able to use the service as normal. Afterward, your backup data will be deleted unless you update to iOS 9 or later.”
This means that if your iPhone or iPad is on iOS 8 or an older version, you’ll no longer be able to create or access iCloud backups after mid-December. Any existing backups stored on iCloud will also be removed.
I just got this email from Apple pic.twitter.com/HkFRO8Jmsh
— Nicolás Alvarez (@nicolas09F9) November 18, 2024
To keep your backups safe, users will have to update to iOS 9 or newer. If for some reason you can’t or don’t want to update, Apple suggests using manual backup methods. Here’s how you can do that –
On a Mac running macOS Catalina or newer: Back up your device through Finder.
On a PC or older macOS versions: Use the Apple Devices app or iTunes to back up your data.
iOS 8 was released a decade ago and is now understandably considered outdated by users and Apple alike. While it’s understandable that the change targets very old software, it may still make things difficult for those using older iPhones or iPads that continue to function.
If you’ve been holding onto an old Apple device, this could be a good time to upgrade to a newer model. Otherwise, it is time to at least make sure your data is safely backed up elsewhere.
FAQs
Q1. When will iCloud backups stop for iPhones running iOS 8 or earlier?
Answer. iCloud backups will no longer be supported for devices running iOS 8 or earlier starting December 18, 2024.
Q2. What will happen to existing iCloud backups for devices running iOS 8 or earlier?
Answer. Any existing iCloud backups for devices running iOS 8 or earlier will be deleted unless the devices are updated to iOS 9 or later.
Q3. How can iOS 8 or earlier OS users back up their data?
Answer. Users can back up their devices using Finder on macOS Catalina or newer, or through the Apple Devices app or iTunes on a PC or older macOS versions.
