Category: Technology

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Tata invests ₹1,500 cr to expand iPhone production

Tata Group is stepping up its push in electronics manufacturing by investing an additional ₹1,500 crore into its iPhone production business.

The fresh funding will go into Tata Electronics, which has quickly become a key player in making iPhones in India. This investment is part of a larger plan to strengthen the company’s role in global supply chains and expand its manufacturing capacity.

Over the past few years, India has become an important base for smartphone production, especially for Apple. A growing number of iPhones are now being made in the country, and Tata is playing an increasing role in this shift alongside other global manufacturers.

The latest investment is expected to help Tata scale up operations, improve infrastructure, and support future expansion. It also reflects the group’s long-term commitment to the electronics sector, which is seen as a major growth area.

Tata has also been strengthening its position by taking control of existing manufacturing operations, including those previously run by international partners. This has helped the company quickly build capabilities and increase production.

Tata is aiming to build a broader presence in high-tech manufacturing, including semiconductors and advanced electronics. These sectors require large investments, but they are also key to the future of global technology.

The company’s growth in this space has been steady, with rising revenues and improving financial performance as production scales up. The new investment is expected to support this momentum.

Also Read: ₹10,000 cr fund 2.0 to boost India startups

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Google brings AI search to Windows desktop

Google has introduced a new desktop app for Windows users, making it easier to search the web and access information without opening a browser.

The app works on Windows 10 and newer versions and is currently available in English. It is designed to simplify how people search by bringing everything—web results, files, apps, and even cloud content—into one place.

One of its main features is “AI Mode,” which allows users to ask questions in a natural, conversational way. Instead of just showing a list of links, the app provides clear answers along with useful sources. This makes searching feel more like having a conversation than typing keywords.

Another useful feature is a quick shortcut. By pressing Alt + Space, users can instantly open the search bar and look for anything on their computer or online. This helps save time and reduces the need to switch between apps or browser tabs.

The app also includes tools like screen-based search and image recognition. Users can select something on their screen and ask questions about it, translate text, or identify images using built-in tools similar to Google Lens.

This launch is part of Google’s broader push to bring artificial intelligence into daily use. By placing AI tools directly on the desktop, the company is trying to make technology more helpful and less time-consuming.

For now, the app is limited to English, but more languages are expected in the future. With this move, Google is taking a step towards making search more personal, faster, and easier to use.

Also Read: Anthropic brings in Novartis CEO Narasimhan to board

 

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Microsoft to end Outlook Lite app

Microsoft has decided to discontinue its Outlook Lite, with the service set to shut down on May 25, 2026, as part of its broader strategy to streamline products.

Outlook Lite was built as a low-resource alternative for emerging markets, offering essential email features with minimal data usage. Its discontinuation signals a shift toward a unified app ecosystem centred around the main Outlook Mobile platform.

Microsoft has been gradually phasing out the app, including halting new downloads and encouraging existing users to migrate. Post shutdown, the Lite app will no longer support any functionality.

The company says the transition will not affect user data, as all information remains cloud-based and accessible via the primary app. The move highlights Microsoft’s focus on enhancing performance, security, and feature integration through a single, standardised application.

Also Read: Travel platform data breach exposes user details

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XChat to launch on iOS

Elon Musk’s social media platform X is preparing to launch a new messaging service called XChat for iPhone and iPad users. The app is expected to go live later this month and is already listed for pre-order on Apple’s App Store.

XChat is being built as a separate messaging app from the main X platform, designed to focus purely on conversations. The idea is to give users a cleaner, more private space for messaging without the distractions of a social feed.

Privacy is a major selling point. The app is expected to use end-to-end encryption, meaning only the sender and receiver can read messages. It will also include features like disappearing messages, the ability to edit or delete sent texts, and options to block screenshots in chats.

XChat will also support larger group conversations, reportedly allowing hundreds of participants in a single chat. Voice and video calling will be included too, and users won’t need to share a phone number to connect.

Another key aspect is cross-device use, letting people switch smoothly between iPhone and iPad while continuing their chats. Reports also suggest the app will be ad-free and won’t track user activity, positioning it as a privacy-first alternative in the messaging space.

There are also hints that X’s AI assistant, Grok, may be integrated to help users inside chats, although some of those features may not work within encrypted conversations.

With XChat, the company is clearly aiming to move beyond traditional social media and build a more complete communication platform focused on private, secure interactions.

Also Read: Musk post reignites debate on COVID vaccine safety

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OpenAI launches $100 ChatGPT Pro

OpenAI has launched a new ChatGPT Pro plan priced at $100 per month, designed for users who need more power than the standard Plus subscription but do not require the top-end tier. The plan mainly targets developers and heavy users who rely on OpenAI’s Codex tool for coding tasks.

The Pro tier offers significantly higher usage limits, around five times more than the Plus plan, allowing longer and more complex coding sessions without interruptions. This makes it more suitable for professional and intensive workflows.

In India, the plan costs approximately ₹10,699 per month. It is part of a broader pricing structure that now includes a free tier, a low-cost “Go” plan, Plus, and Pro, giving users more flexibility based on usage needs.

Alongside the launch, OpenAI has also adjusted usage limits for Plus subscribers, indicating a reshuffling of resources as demand for AI tools continues to grow. The company appears to be balancing system load while expanding access to higher-performance options.

The move comes amid increasing competition in the AI coding space, with rivals also offering premium developer-focused tools. OpenAI’s new pricing strategy aims to retain advanced users while capturing a wider segment of the market.

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Instagram rolls out stricter safety rules for teens

Instagram is introducing new safety features aimed at making the platform safer for teenagers.

With this update, all users under 18 will automatically be placed under stricter content settings. This means they will see only age-appropriate posts, similar to content rated suitable for teens.

The platform will now reduce exposure to posts that include violence, strong language, or adult themes. It will also limit interactions with accounts that regularly share such content.

Search results are being tightened as well. Teens won’t easily come across sensitive or harmful content, even if they try to search for it in different ways.

One of the biggest changes is that these safety settings cannot be turned off freely. Teens will need approval from parents to make any changes, giving families more say in how the app is used.

The update also introduces a “limited content” option, which applies even stricter filters for those who want extra protection.

Parent company Meta says the changes are based on feedback from parents and are part of a larger effort to improve safety for younger users.

The move comes at a time when social media platforms are facing growing pressure to better protect teenagers online, especially around issues like mental health and exposure to harmful content.

Also Read: World Bank raises India growth forecast to 6.6%

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Muse Spark powers Meta’s AI reset

Meta Platforms has launched a new artificial intelligence model called Muse Spark, as part of its efforts to strengthen its position in the fast-growing AI space.

The move comes under CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who is focusing on rebuilding the company’s AI strategy after earlier setbacks. Muse Spark is the first major product from Meta’s revamped AI division, created to accelerate innovation and compete with global tech rivals.

The new model is designed to power Meta’s AI tools across its platforms. It will be used in the Meta AI app and gradually rolled out to services like Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger.

Muse Spark can handle both text and images and is built to answer more complex questions. It also offers different response modes, allowing users to choose between quick replies and more detailed explanations.

Meta says the model is faster and more efficient, while still being powerful enough to compete with other leading AI systems. Unlike some of its earlier models, Muse Spark will not be open-source and will mainly be used within Meta’s own platforms.

The launch is part of a larger reset, with the company investing heavily in AI talent and infrastructure. Zuckerberg has said this is just the beginning, with plans to build more advanced AI tools in the future.

Also Read: LIC eyes first bonus share issue

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Anthropic delays new AI model over risks

US-based AI firm Anthropic has unveiled its most advanced artificial intelligence model yet, but decided not to release it publicly due to concerns over potential misuse.

The model, called Claude Mythos, marks a significant leap in AI capability. It is designed to detect software vulnerabilities with exceptional accuracy, outperforming human experts in several tests. In one notable case, the system identified a decades-old flaw that had gone unnoticed for years, showcasing its powerful analytical abilities.

However, these same strengths have raised serious concerns. Experts believe the technology could be misused to find and exploit weaknesses in digital systems, potentially enabling sophisticated cyberattacks. This has prompted the company to take a cautious approach.

Instead of a full public rollout, Anthropic is limiting access to a small group of trusted partners under a controlled programme. The aim is to study how the model behaves in real-world conditions while reducing the risk of misuse.

The company is also in discussions with the United States government to better understand the broader implications of such powerful AI systems. CEO Dario Amodei has stressed the importance of building safeguards as AI becomes more capable and widely used.

The development highlights a growing challenge in the tech industry, how to balance rapid innovation with safety. While advanced AI can strengthen cybersecurity by identifying threats early, it can also create new risks if it is not properly controlled.

Also Read: RBI keeps Repo rate at 5.25%

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Anthropic partners Google, Broadcom for AI expansion

Anthropic has entered into a major long-term partnership with Google and Broadcom to strengthen its access to advanced AI chips and computing infrastructure.

The agreement is aimed at meeting the growing demand for high-performance computing required to train and run advanced artificial intelligence models. As part of the deal, Anthropic will use Google’s custom-built Tensor Processing Units (TPUs), which are designed specifically for AI workloads.

The partnership is expected to significantly scale Anthropic’s computing capacity over the coming years. Reports suggest that the company could gain access to several gigawatts of compute power, reflecting the massive infrastructure needed for next-generation AI systems.

Broadcom will play a key role by helping design and supply custom chips that power Google’s AI infrastructure. The collaboration is part of a broader, multi-year arrangement that will support the development of future AI processors.

For Anthropic, the deal ensures a steady supply of critical resources needed to expand its AI offerings, including its Claude chatbot. The company has been rapidly growing and requires large-scale computing to keep up with increasing user demand and more complex AI models.

The partnership also highlights a wider trend in the tech industry, where companies are entering long-term agreements to secure access to chips and computing power. With AI systems becoming more resource-intensive, reliable infrastructure has become a key competitive factor.

For Google, the deal strengthens its cloud and AI ecosystem by promoting the use of its in-house chips. For Broadcom, it reinforces its role in the global semiconductor supply chain.

Also Read: Beacon Group names Dr Rajesh Patel as CEO

 

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Google Pixel 10a gets Japan-only blue edition

Google has introduced a special edition of its Pixel 10a smartphone, featuring a new “Isai Blue” color that will be sold exclusively in Japan. The launch is part of the company’s celebration of a decade of Pixel devices and reflects a growing focus on localized products.

The new variant stands out with its deep blue finish, offering a distinct alternative to the standard Pixel 10a color options available globally. While the hardware remains unchanged, the exclusive design is aimed at giving users a more unique and personalized device.

A key highlight of this edition is Google’s collaboration with Heralbony, a creative organization that works with artists with disabilities. Through this partnership, the phone includes specially designed wallpapers and visual elements that emphasize individuality and creativity. The name “Isai,” which suggests uniqueness, ties into this theme.

The customization extends into the user interface as well. Using Google’s Material You design system, the phone adapts its colors and appearance based on selected wallpapers, many of which are created as part of this collaboration. This allows users to experience a more expressive and personalized software design.

In addition to the device itself, Google is offering exclusive accessories with the Japan-only model. Buyers will receive themed stickers and a matching case, along with packaging that features custom artwork inspired by the collaboration.

The Pixel 10a “Isai Blue” edition will be available in limited quantities and comes with 256GB of storage. Pre-orders have already opened in Japan, with official sales set to begin in May.

Although there are no changes to the phone’s specifications, the special edition highlights Google’s strategy of creating region-specific experiences. It also suggests that similar exclusive variants could be introduced in other markets in the future.

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