Apple iPhone price cut, Google Maps new features, Microsoft outage update and other top tech news of the week – Times of India
Apple reduces iPhone prices in India, here are all the new prices
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman reduced the basic customs duty on mobile phones, chargers and some components as part of the Union Budget 2024. This decrease has been a major demand in the electronics manufacturing industry.
Currently, imported smartphones sold in India attract 18% GST and 22% customs duty (20% basic and 2% surcharge). The surcharge, which is 10% of the basic customs duty, will remain. After the cut, the total customs duty is now 16.5% (15% basic and 1.5% surcharge). For India-made phones, only GST at 18% is levied. Apple imports its iPhone Pro and Pro Max models while its other smartphones are manufactured in India.
Post this announcement, Apple has reduced the prices of iPhones in India. While the price cut on base models non-Pro is almost negligible at Rs 300, the cut on high-end Pro models is up to Rs 6,000. Here are the new prices of iPhones as they appear on Apple’s official store in India. Read the full story here
Google Maps gets 6 new features in India, solves these ‘most common’ commuter problems
Google has announced a suite of new features for Google Maps in India, designed to enhance user experience and promote sustainable travel. These updates, powered by artificial intelligence and local partnerships, aim to address common commuting challenges faced by Indian users.
The new features, which will begin rolling out this week, include AI-driven navigation, EV charging station information and improved public transport options. Google Maps is also partnering with local experts to provide curated recommendations for users.
“Our quest to build a better Maps experience is never-ending, and India presents many amazing opportunities to bring the best of our AI and geospatial technologies to address complex real-world challenges. Many of these solutions are being pioneered in India, for India. From a custom-built AI approach for tackling narrow roads and flyovers to powering sustainable journeys with EV charging stations, as well as enabling the biggest community of map contributors to surface real-time road disruptions on the map, we’re excited to bring such helpful features to millions across the country. India truly is at the centre of our innovation, and we can’t wait to build the future of Maps right here,” said Miriam Daniel, VP and GM, of Google Maps on the rollout. Click here to read more
Microsoft outage: Read CrowdStrike’s memo explaining how its update broke the computers worldwide
A faulty software update from cybersecurity company CrowdStrike triggered a worldwide IT meltdown last Friday (July 19), bringing airlines, banks, and retailers to a standstill. The update, designed to protect against cyber threats, contained a critical error that caused widespread disruption. Thousands of flights were grounded, emergency services faced challenges, stores were forced to close or operate in cash-only mode, and hospitals experienced delays in procedures. While CrowdStrike quickly released a fix, it took several hours for systems to fully recover, as some required manual intervention.
The company has acknowledged the error and is providing detailed information about the incident in a memo released on Wednesday, July 24. Read the full story here
Apple launches ‘Apple Watch For Your Kids’ in India, here’s what it is and how it works
Apple has launched its ‘Apple Watch For Your Kids’ feature in India, allowing parents to set up an Apple Watch for their children even if the child doesn’t have their own iPhone. The feature is available on the Apple Watch SE, Apple Watch Series 4 and later cellular models.
With Apple Watch For Your Kids, children can make calls, send messages, track their activity, use apps like Maps and Siri, and access health and safety features like Emergency SOS – all without needing their own iPhone. With Apple Watch For Your Kids, the watch will support 14 hours of use per day. Click here to read more
Jio Bharat J1 4G feature phone launched: Price, specs and more
Reliance Jio has expanded its feature phone portfolio with the launch of a new model, the Jio Bharat J1 4G. This new feature phone follows the Jio Bharat B2 and Jio Bharat K1 Karbonn 4G models which are already available in the market. The latest Jio Bharat J1 4G features a big screen and a long-lasting battery and is available at a budget-friendly price.
The latest Jio Bharat J1 4G is priced at Rs 1,799. This new feature phone is currently available exclusively on the e-commerce platform Amazon and has not been listed on the company’s own Reliance Digital and JioMart websites.
Looking at the price, the Jio Bharat J1 4G is positioned above the Jio Bharat B2 in terms of features and pricing. Meanwhile, the JioPhone Prima, priced at Rs 2,599, remains Jio’s premium feature phone offering. Read the full story here
Reliance Jio announces this new smart 4G device for two-wheelers
MediaTek, a leading semiconductor company, and JioThings Limited, a subsidiary of Jio Platforms Limited, have announced the launch of a “Made in India” Smart Digital Cluster and Smart Module designed for the two-wheeler (2W) market. The collaboration aims to strengthen their presence in the two-wheeler space and revolutionise the electric vehicle (EV) landscape.
The smart digital cluster is based on AvniOS, an AOSP-based operating system. It offers real-time data analytics, customisable interfaces and voice recognition for effortless control. The cluster provides seamless integration with vehicle controllers, IoT-enabled charging infrastructure and a Smart Battery Management System optimised for EVs. The Jio Automotive App Suite includes services such as Jio Voice Assistant, JioSaavn, JioPages, and JioXploR, offering a comprehensive experience for 2-wheeler users. Click here to read more
HP EliteBook Ultra and HP OmniBook X AI PCs launched in India: Price, features and other details
HP India unveiled its AI PC range in the country today. The company launched the HP EliteBook Ultra and HP OmniBook X, claimed to be the company’s first Copilot+ PCs. Both laptops are engineered around the Snapdragon X Elite processor and its dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU)6, capable of 45 trillion operations per second (TOPS) to run language models and generative AI locally on the device.
The HP Elitebook Ultra comes with a starting price of Rs 1,69,934. It is offered in Atmospheric blue colour and will be available in HP World Stores and HP Online stores.
The HP OmniBook X, on the other hand, is priced at Rs 1,39,999. Coming in Meteor Silver colour, the laptop can be purchased via HP World Stores and HP Online stores. Read the full story here
Asus M3702 All-in-One PC with AMD Ryzen processor launched: Features, Price, and more
Asus has introduced the ASUS M3702, a new All-in-One (AIO) PC powered by an AMD Ryzen 5 7520U processor. The company says that the AiO PC is designed for handling everyday tasks, this device includes WiFi 6E for enhanced wireless connectivity, ensuring speed and stability. The Asus M3702 carried a minimalist design, aiming to blend into any environment while offering performance and style.
The PC comes with Asus’ SonicMaster Premium audio system, with Dolby Atmos and AI-powered two-way noise cancellation that aims to deliver an immersive sound experience.
The Asus M3702WFA model focuses on entertainment, promising high-quality visuals and sound, setting a benchmark for AiO PCs. The starting price for the AIO M3702 is set at Rs 60,990, and it will be available through both online and offline channels. Click here to read more
Poco F6 Deadpool limited edition launched in India: Price in India, specifications and more
Poco F6 Deadpool limited edition smartphone is now official in India even as Marvel’s latest movie – Deadpool & Wolverine – hits theatres in the country. Poco has been teasing the collaboration with Marvel Studios for some time now.
The Poco F6 Deadpool limited edition price in India is Rs 29,999 (inclusive of Rs 4,000) for the lone 12GB + 256GB variant. It will be available for purchase starting from August 7 on Flipkart.
The Poco F6 was launched in May at a starting price of Rs 29,999 for the base 8GB+256GB storage option (excluding discounts). The 12GB+256GB variant’s launch price was Rs 31,999 (excluding discounts). Read the full story here
Nokia phone maker HMD launches its line of Crest smartphones in India
HMD, the maker of Nokia phones, has unveiled its first batch of smartphones, the HMD Crest and Crest Max, in India. Here’s all you need to know about the HMD Crest and Crest Max smartphones.
HMD Crest starts at Rs. 14,499 for the 6GB+128GB variant, available in Midnight Blue, Royal Pink, and Lush Lilac. The HMD Crest Max, priced at Rs. 16,499 for the 8GB+256GB version, comes in Deep Purple, Royal Pink, and Aqua Green.
Sales will begin on Amazon during the Amazon Great Freedom sale in August. Initially, only the Midnight Blue Crest and Deep Purple Crest Max will be available. As part of a special introductory offer, the phones will be priced at Rs. 12,999 and Rs. 14,999 respectively during the sale. Click here to read more
G-Shock ‘GravityMaster’ GR-B300 launched in India: Price, specs and more
G-Shock has expanded its Gravity Master series with a new model that claims to boast the company’s durability standards and include advanced aviation-centric features. The company noted that the new watch is designed for aircraft pilots and is designed for harsh environments.
The GR-B300 is available in three colour-ways — the silver/blue (GR-B300-8A2), gunmetal/white/red (GR-B300-1A) and gunmetal/orange colourways (GR-B300-1A4), each priced at Rs 20,995. Read the full story here
Fujifilm launches GFX100S II compact mirrorless camera with a 102MP sensor
Fujifilm India has announced the launch of its latest mirrorless digital camera, the GFX100S II, featuring a groundbreaking 102MP large format sensor. The camera combines high-resolution imaging with enhanced mobility and advanced features.
Priced at Rs 549,999 for the body, the GFX100S II boasts a newly developed “GFX 102MP CMOS II” sensor and the latest “X-Processor 5” image processing engine. Weighing just 883g, it’s the lightest in the GFX series. Click here to read more
Boat launches Deadpool Edition Airdopes Alpha in India for Rs 999
Fujifilm India has announced the launch of its latest mirrorless digital camera, the GFX100S II, featuring a groundbreaking 102MP large format sensor. The camera combines high-resolution imaging with enhanced mobility and advanced features.
Priced at Rs 549,999 for the body, the GFX100S II boasts a newly developed “GFX 102MP CMOS II” sensor and the latest “X-Processor 5” image processing engine. Weighing just 883g, it’s the lightest in the GFX series. Read the full story here
Bengaluru-based edtech startup claimed to be third-largest student community, shuts down; founders to return 70% capital to investors”
Elevation Capital-backed upskilling and job-finding platform Bluelearn has shut down operations and will return 70% of the capital it raised to its investors. Talking about the initial journey, founder Harish Uthayakumar said that he, along with co-founder Shreyans Sancheti, started BlueLearn in their third year of college as a Telegram group, which later became what he claims to be India’s largest student community, with over 250,000 members.
Elevation Capital was founded in 2021 by BITS Pilani alumni Uthayakumar and Shreyans Sancheti. The Bengaluru-based company started as a community on Telegram where students shared doubts with experts. The app is said to have provided a one-stop platform for students to learn new skills, network with peers, and apply for internships. Click here to read more
WazirX suspends trading after 230 million loss: What ‘India Ka Bitcoin Exchange’ said on losing nearly half its reserves
WazirX, the leading Indian cryptocurrency exchange, has temporarily suspended all trading activities following a devastating cyberattack that drained nearly half of its reserves. The exchange that calls itself ‘India Ka Bitcoin Exchange’ revealed in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on July 21 that hackers managed to steal approximately $230 million worth of crypto assets.
The breach exploited a vulnerability in the exchange’s multi-signature wallet system, compromising the security of stored funds. To mitigate further losses and ensure the protection of remaining assets, WazirX has temporarily halted customer withdrawals.
“Trading has been temporarily paused. The cyber attack theft has impacted our ability to maintain 1:1 collaterals with assets, and we’ve temporarily paused trading. We’re conducting thorough forensic data examination and security audit procedures and working to enable withdrawals soon. User safety remains our top priority. Thank you for your patience and support during this challenging time. We will continue to provide regular updates,” read the post. Read the full story here
Karnataka reservation bill: PhonePe CEO and founder Sameer Nigam issues this ‘personal statement’
PhonePe CEO Sameer Nigam issued a personal note following backlash over his comments on Karnataka’s job reservation bill. The controversy erupted after Nigam criticised the bill on social media platform X, questioning whether his children deserved jobs in their home city given his company’s pan-India job creation.
“If my comments hurt anyone’s sentiments, I am truly sorry and would like to offer you an unconditional apology,” Nigam said in a statement. He emphasised his 22-year connection to Bengaluru and respect for linguistic diversity.
The Karnataka Cabinet had recently approved a bill mandating 50% reservation for locals in management roles and 70% in non-management positions within private companies. The bill, which also proposed a 100% quota for locals in certain government jobs, was put on hold after industry backlash.
Nigam stressed the need for merit-based hiring to build globally competitive companies. He reaffirmed PhonePe’s commitment to Karnataka, stating the company plans to create thousands of new jobs in the state. Click here to read more
