Category: Technology

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Mozilla introduces AI browser mode for users

Mozilla is entering the AI browser race with a new feature called “AI Window” for Firefox. This add on comes as more browsers are integrating AI assistants to offer smarter, faster browsing experiences.

The AI Window is designed as an optional mode, separate from Firefox’s regular and private browsing. Users can choose to open it whenever they want and turn it off easily. Inside this mode, an AI assistant can help with searching, brainstorming, writing, or providing suggestions related to the user’s tasks, all without leaving the browser.

Mozilla has focused on giving users control. People can pick which AI model they prefer to use instead of being limited to one provider. The company also promises that the AI will act as a helpful companion rather than a chat interface that dominates the browsing experience.

Currently, the AI Window is in testing, and users can sign up to try it. Mozilla says it aims to develop the feature transparently, sharing updates and improvements with users along the way.

This move puts Firefox in direct competition with other AI-powered browsers. OpenAI recently released Atlas, a ChatGPT-powered browser, while Perplexity launched Comet, another AI-first browser focused on productivity.

Although Firefox has a smaller market share compared with Google Chrome, Mozilla is betting on its strengths in privacy and independence from the Chromium engine. By giving users choice and control, Mozilla hopes the AI Window will appeal to those who want AI assistance without sacrificing privacy or flexibility.

The AI Window reflects a growing trend in web browsing, where users expect AI to help them accomplish tasks quickly, summarize information, and provide personalized guidance. As AI becomes more common in everyday tools, browsers like Firefox are adapting to remain competitive in a market increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence.

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Apple prepares for Tim Cook exit

Apple is intensifying its succession planning as CEO Tim Cook considers stepping down, potentially as early as next year. Internal discussions at the company indicate that John Ternus, Apple’s senior vice-president of hardware engineering, is widely seen as the leading candidate to succeed Cook.

The board and top executives are actively reviewing potential leaders and preparing for a smooth transition to ensure continuity in the company’s strategic vision and operations.

No formal announcement is expected before Apple releases its January quarter results, which cover the crucial holiday sales period. Cook has been at the helm since 2011, after succeeding Steve Jobs, and has overseen

Apple through significant product launches, global expansion, and growth in revenue and market value. His tenure has also included major innovations in iPhone, iPad, Mac, and other Apple products, cementing the company’s position as a technology leader.

The succession planning comes amid growing scrutiny from investors and the board about future leadership stability. By identifying a clear successor and preparing the company for a seamless transition, Apple aims to maintain investor confidence and ensure that its long-term strategy and innovation pipeline remain uninterrupted.

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Disney Channels return to YouTube TV after blackout

Disney and YouTube TV have reached an agreement, ending a blackout that left Disney’s channels, including ESPN, ABC, FX, and National Geographic, unavailable for over two weeks.

The disruption began when the two companies could not agree on licensing fees, preventing viewers from accessing live sports, news, and entertainment programs.

Under the new deal, all affected channels are being restored to YouTube TV, and subscribers can now enjoy full programming without extra cost.

Both sides had clashed publicly during negotiations, with YouTube TV citing high fee demands from Disney, while Disney argued for fair compensation for its content.

The resolution highlights growing tensions in the streaming and live‑TV market over content pricing and distribution rights.

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OnePlus 15 debuts in India at ₹72,999

OnePlus has introduced its latest flagship, the OnePlus 15, in India, starting at ₹72,999 for the 12 GB + 256 GB model. The premium 16 GB + 512 GB variant is priced at ₹79,999. The smartphone is available online through the OnePlus website, app, Amazon India, and offline at major retailers like Reliance Digital, Croma, and Vijay Sales.

The device is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor and incorporates a unique three-chip design,  a dedicated touch-response chip and a separate Wi-Fi chip, designed to enhance performance and connectivity. It sports a 6.78-inch QHD+ LTPO OLED display with a 165 Hz refresh rate and peak brightness of up to 1,800 nits.

Battery performance is driven by a 7,300 mAh battery, supporting 120 W wired fast charging and 50 W wireless fast charging, promising all-day usage with rapid top-ups. The phone is also built to withstand tough conditions, carrying IP66, IP68, IP69, and IP69K certifications for dust and water resistance.

Photography enthusiasts can expect a triple 50 MP rear camera setup with main, telephoto, and ultra-wide lenses. Video recording supports 4K at 120fps, along with LOG format and real-time LUT previews for detailed, professional-style footage.

The OnePlus 15 runs OxygenOS 16, based on Android 16, and introduces the Plus Mind feature, which uses AI to summarize content, assist with travel planning, and offer tools like AI-powered writing and voice recording.

As part of the launch, buyers can get up to ₹4,000 off with select bank cards, trade-in discounts for older OnePlus phones, and complimentary OnePlus Nord Buds 3.

With its combination of high-end hardware, AI enhancements, and advanced photography capabilities, the OnePlus 15 aims to make a strong impact in India’s premium smartphone segment.

Also Read: PhonePe brings ChatGPT into UPI payments

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PhonePe brings ChatGPT into UPI payments

PhonePe has joined hands with OpenAI to bring ChatGPT directly into its app to offer AI-powered assistance into routine digital payments.

Users will be able to get help with tasks like travel planning, product searches, and comparing options without leaving the app. Rather than offering a full ChatGPT interface, PhonePe will weave specific AI tools that guide users during specific actions like for travel planning, shopping and general informative discovery.

With this, PhonePe became one of the first major UPI platforms in India to embed a conversational AI assistant within its consumer-facing services. The company plans to introduce these tools across both its consumer and merchant apps.

According to OpenAI, the collaboration aligns with its broader goal of expanding AI access throughout India. Oliver Jay, OpenAI’s Head of International, has highlighted that India is seeing rapid adoption of AI tools, and PhonePe’s extensive user base makes it a strategic partner for bringing these technologies to the mainstream.

The integration is especially focused on payment-related decisions. OpenAI will be available through the Indus Appstore. Users can ask for budget travel ideas, merchant details, or service comparisons before completing a UPI transaction, and the AI will offer relevant suggestions.

This partnership comes amid a string of OpenAI initiatives in India. The company recently opened its first local office in Mumbai and announced plans for a large-scale, 1GW data centre backed by an investment commitment of around Rs 20,000 crore. It has also worked with Razorpay and the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) on pilots that test AI-assisted UPI payments, enabling conversational interactions for completing transactions.

To encourage broader adoption, OpenAI is offering Indian users complimentary access to ChatGPT Go for 12 months. The company expects that early exposure to its AI tools will lead more users to explore advanced features and potentially transition to paid plans.

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OpenAI launches GPT‑5.1 with smarter, human-like chat

OpenAI has launched GPT‑5.1, the latest version of ChatGPT, designed to make AI conversations feel more natural, human-like, and context-aware.

The update introduces two modes: Instant, optimized for faster and friendlier responses, and Thinking, which handles complex questions with detailed, clear answers.

Users can now customize the AI’s tone and style using six personality presets under the heads – Friendly, Professional, Candid, Quirky, Efficient, and Nerdy,  and adjust warmth, formality, and even emoji use.

GPT‑5.1 also improves instruction-following, reduces technical jargon, and applies adaptive reasoning to balance speed and depth depending on the query.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman called it “a nice upgrade,” highlighting enhanced intelligence, conversational style, and usability.

With these changes, GPT‑5.1 aims to make interactions feel more like speaking with a thoughtful human while giving users greater control over responses, whether for professional tasks, education, or casual conversation.

The rollout begins today for paid users, with free users gaining access shortly afterward.

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Google Photos adds 6 AI tools, expands ‘Ask Photos’

Google Photos is getting smarter. The app now features six new AI-powered tools designed to make photo editing and searching faster and easier. These tools use Google’s Gemini image model, Nano Banana, to understand natural-language instructions.

One standout feature, “Help Me Edit”, allows users to type or speak commands such as “remove sunglasses” or “make someone smile,” and the AI automatically applies the changes. The redesigned editor also supports creative commands like “make this look like a children’s storybook page.”

Under the “Create with AI” section, users can generate fun or professional content, such as high-fashion photoshoots or professional headshots, with just a few words.

On the search side, the “Ask Photos” feature lets users ask questions like “show me photos from London” or “find the photo with that dog,” and the AI scans their library to deliver results.

The update is rolling out globally on Android, iOS, and the web, with Ask Photos expanding to 17 additional languages and over 100 countries.

Google says these tools aim to make photo editing more intuitive and enhance the user experience, turning Google Photos into not just a storage app but also a creative and searchable hub.

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UIDAI rolls out new digital Aadhaar App

UIDAI ( Unique Identification Authority of India) has launched a new Aadhaar app for Android and iOS to simplify digital ID management. Users can now carry Aadhaar digitally, manage up to five family profiles, and control what information is shared during verification.

Key features include biometric security via fingerprint or face recognition, selective sharing of details, QR code verification, offline access, and a usage history log.

The app complements the existing mAadhaar app, which remains useful for downloading e-Aadhaar, ordering PVC cards, generating Virtual IDs, and updating contact information.

To set up, download the app, enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number, verify via OTP, complete face authentication, and set a six-digit PIN.

UIDAI says the app provides secure, privacy-conscious, and convenient digital Aadhaar access for Indian citizens.

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Reliance Jio gives 18 months free Google Gemini Pro AI

Reliance Jio has teamed up with Google to give some 5G users 18 months of free access to Google’s Gemini Pro AI.

The free subscription includes smart AI tools like Gemini 2.5 Pro, Nano Banana, and Veo 3.1, plus 2 TB of cloud storage through Google One. The total value of this offer is about ₹35,100.

The offer is available to Jio customers on Unlimited 5G plans costing ₹349 or more. At first, it is mainly for users aged 18–25, but Jio will expand it to more people soon.

To get the free access, open the My Jio app, look for the Gemini Pro banner, tap “Claim Now”, and sign in with your Gmail account. The AI tools and storage will then appear in your Google One app, showing it is managed by Jio.

This offer works only for active Jio 5G users. If you downgrade your plan or switch numbers, you may lose access.

This deal gives users a chance to try advanced AI tools and get large cloud storage at no cost for 18 months, making it useful for work, learning, or personal projects.

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Musk Plans Tesla ‘Terafab’ Chip Plant

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has announced plans to build a massive factory to produce the company’s own artificial intelligence (AI) chips, as demand for computing power in self-driving cars and robotics continues to surge.

Speaking at Tesla’s annual shareholder meeting, Musk said the company may not be able to meet future chip requirements through its current suppliers, including Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) and Samsung. To fix that, Tesla is considering building what he called a “terafab”, a chip plant far larger than any existing “gigafactory.”

Musk said the proposed facility could handle at least 100,000 wafer starts per month, making it one of the world’s biggest semiconductor fabs. He added that Tesla is open to partnering with Intel for the project, saying it’s “worth having discussions” with the American chipmaker. No agreement has been finalised yet.

The move comes as Tesla develops its next-generation AI chip, known as “AI5,” expected to enter small-scale production in 2026 and mass production in 2027. A more advanced version, “AI6,” could follow in 2028 with double the performance. Musk claimed the new Tesla chip would consume one-third the power of NVIDIA’s flagship Blackwell chip and cost only 10% as much to make.

Industry experts have described Musk’s plan as bold but challenging, since building and running an advanced chip fab requires huge investment and expertise. Still, the idea has excited markets—Intel’s shares rose after Musk mentioned the potential tie-up.

At the same meeting, Tesla shareholders also approved Musk’s 10-year compensation plan, worth nearly $1 trillion, signalling continued investor confidence in the company’s long-term AI and robotics ambitions.

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