Category: Technology

BSNL wishes a special Diwali 2025 with a festive bonanza for new users. From October 15 to November 15, 2025, customers can activate a BSNL 4G connection for just Re 1 and enjoy unlimited voice calls along with 2GB of high-speed daily data for a month. The offer also includes a free SIM card upon completing KYC formalities.

The one-month validity plan gives users a chance to explore BSNL’s upgraded 4G network without committing to long-term prepaid or postpaid plans. Post the initial month, subscribers can switch to regular BSNL plans as per their needs.

To activate the offer, users can visit any BSNL Customer Service Centre or authorized retailer, complete the KYC process, and request the Diwali Bonanza SIM. Services are activated immediately upon completion. The offer is strictly valid during the festive period and must be activated before November 15. Customers can also seek assistance through BSNL’s helpline at 1800-180-1503 or its official website, bsnl.co.in.

This festive push comes as BSNL reports strong growth, adding 1.3 million new subscribers in August 2025. The operator posted consecutive quarterly net profits of ₹262 crore in Q2 FY25 and ₹280 crore in Q3 FY25. Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia noted improvements in the state-run provider’s performance while emphasizing the ongoing need for enhanced customer satisfaction and eventual 5G rollout.

The Diwali Bonanza reflects BSNL’s effort to expand its 4G user base and attract new customers while showcasing its strengthened network during the festive season.

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Apple has officially launched its latest 14-inch MacBook Pro in India, now featuring the company’s new M5 chip. The updated model is targeted at professionals, content creators, and developers looking for high-performance computing in a portable form factor. Pre-orders begin today, with availability in stores starting October 22.

Significant Performance Boost with M5 Chip

The key upgrade is Apple’s in-house M5 chip, based on an advanced 3-nanometer architecture. It features a 10-core GPU and a 16-core Neural Engine, delivering up to 3.5 times faster AI performance compared to the previous M4 chip. According to Apple, users can expect 60% improved graphics and 20% faster multitasking, making it a strong contender for demanding workflows such as video editing, 3D rendering, and software development.

Display, Storage, and Battery Life

The new MacBook Pro retains its 14-inch Liquid Retina XDR display, known for its high brightness and color accuracy — features particularly valued by creative professionals. Storage options now go up to 4TB, with faster SSDs across all configurations. Battery life has also been extended, with the new model offering up to 24 hours of use on a single charge, depending on workload.

macOS Tahoe and AI Integration

The device ships with macOS Tahoe, Apple’s latest operating system, which introduces new Apple Intelligence features including Live Translation, smarter Shortcuts, and more automation capabilities. These additions aim to improve productivity and streamline user workflows.

Sustainability Focus

Apple continues to prioritize sustainability in its product line. The new MacBook Pro is built using 45% recycled materials, including 100% recycled aluminium, and is manufactured using 55% renewable energy. The packaging is now completely fiber-based, eliminating most plastic components.

Pricing and Availability

The 14-inch MacBook Pro with M5 starts at ₹1,69,900, with an education discount available at ₹1,59,900. It is available in Space Black and Silver colour options. Pre-orders are open through the Apple India website and the Apple Store app, with retail availability from October 22.

The new MacBook Pro with M5 chip offers a significant leap in performance, AI capabilities, and energy efficiency. With its blend of speed, battery life, and sustainability features, it’s positioned as a compelling option for users seeking a high-end, future-ready laptop.

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Google has rolled out its AI image editing tool, Nano Banana, to Google Search and NotebookLM, with plans to extend it to Google Photos in the near future.

Nano Banana, powered by the Gemini 2.5 Flash model, was first introduced in August 2025 and quickly gained popularity, with more than 5 billion images generated since its launch.

The expansion aims to bring advanced AI-driven image editing to platforms where users are already exploring, learning, and creating with visuals.

In Google Search, users can access Nano Banana through the Google Lens app on Android and iOS devices. By opening Lens, they can capture a new photo or select one from their gallery, then tap the new ‘Create’ mode, identified by a banana icon.

This opens a prompt interface where users can describe the edits they want applied to the image. The feature allows for a wide range of creative transformations, enabling users to experiment with visual ideas directly within Search.

Meanwhile, in NotebookLM, Nano Banana enhances the platform’s functionality for generating illustrations and visual content. Users can now choose from several artistic styles, including watercolor and anime, while the default remains the ‘Classic’ style.

The tool also introduces a new ‘Brief’ format in addition to the existing ‘Explainer,’ allowing users to generate concise edits and visual summaries.

These updates complement previous NotebookLM features introduced in July, such as Video Overviews and the ability to create mind maps and study guides, further positioning the platform as a robust tool for visual learning and content creation.

The integration of Nano Banana into these platforms demonstrates Google’s strategy to make advanced AI tools accessible across its ecosystem.

By embedding these capabilities directly into Search and NotebookLM, Google aims to simplify the creative process and provide users with seamless ways to manipulate and enhance images without requiring standalone apps.

Although Google has not yet specified when Nano Banana will be available in Google Photos, the company has indicated that the rollout is imminent.

This step will extend the tool’s reach to the widely used Photos app, offering AI-powered image editing to a larger audience. With its expansion, Nano Banana positions itself as a versatile and intuitive AI editor, capable of enhancing creativity for users across multiple Google products.

The rollout highlights Google’s continued investment in AI-driven visual tools, reflecting growing interest in generative AI for both personal and professional applications.

Users can now look forward to experimenting with Nano Banana across Search, NotebookLM, and eventually Photos, exploring new ways to edit, illustrate, and reimagine their images.

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Samsung has officially launched its latest 5G smartphone, the Galaxy M17 5G, in India, targeting the mid-range segment with a combination of performance and affordability.

The device is priced starting at ₹12,499 and is expected to appeal to consumers seeking advanced features at a competitive price.

The Galaxy M17 5G comes with a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display offering Full HD+ resolution of 1080×2340 pixels.

Samsung has equipped the screen with a peak brightness of 1100 nits and protection through Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, ensuring durability and clear visuals even under bright sunlight.

Under the hood, the smartphone runs on the Exynos 1330 chipset built on a 5nm process, paired with up to 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage.

Samsung said this configuration provides smooth multitasking and sufficient space for apps, media, and games.

The device features a triple rear camera setup, led by a 50MP primary sensor with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), alongside a 5MP ultra-wide lens and a 2MP macro sensor.

A 13MP front camera handles selfies and video calls, delivering adequate performance for everyday photography.

Samsung has equipped the Galaxy M17 5G with a 5,000mAh battery that supports 25W fast charging, allowing users to quickly replenish power.

The smartphone runs on Android 15 and Samsung has promised six years of software and security updates, emphasizing long-term support for buyers.

The phone will be available in Moonlight Silver and Sapphire Black and comes in three configurations: 4GB RAM with 128GB storage priced at ₹12,499, 6GB RAM with 128GB storage at ₹13,999, and 8GB RAM with 128GB storage at ₹15,499.

Samsung is offering launch promotions, including a ₹500 bank cashback and up to three months of No Cost EMI through select banks and financial partners.

Sales will begin from October 13 on Amazon, Samsung’s official website, and select retail stores.

With the launch of the Galaxy M17 5G, Samsung continues to expand its presence in the budget 5G segment in India, offering a device that combines a large AMOLED display, capable cameras, long-lasting battery, and software support over several years.

The move is expected to strengthen Samsung’s competitiveness in the mid-range smartphone market as demand for affordable 5G devices grows.

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Motorola on Tuesday launched its new entry-level smartphone, the Moto G06 Power, in India, aiming to offer premium features at an affordable price. Priced starting at ₹7,499, the device targets consumers seeking a reliable and feature-rich smartphone in the budget segment.

The phone will be available for purchase from October 11, 2025, through Flipkart, Motorola’s official website, and leading retail stores across the country.

The Moto G06 Power comes with a large 6.88-inch HD+ display that supports a 120Hz refresh rate, promising smooth visuals and an immersive viewing experience.

The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, providing durability against scratches and minor impacts.

With up to 600 nits of brightness, the screen remains visible even under direct sunlight, enhancing usability for users on the go.

One of the standout features of the Moto G06 Power is its massive 7,000mAh battery, which Motorola claims can provide up to 65 hours of usage on a single charge.

The phone supports 20W TurboPower charging, capable of delivering several hours of battery life in just a few minutes of charging.

Complementing this, the device is equipped with Dolby Atmos stereo speakers, ensuring an enhanced audio experience for multimedia consumption.

Under the hood, the Moto G06 Power is powered by the MediaTek Helio G81 Extreme processor, paired with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage.

The device also supports expandable storage up to 1TB via a dedicated microSD card slot and offers expandable RAM up to 12GB, enhancing multitasking capabilities.

The phone runs on Android 15 with Motorola’s My UX skin, providing a clean and customizable interface for users.

Photography enthusiasts will find the Moto G06 Power appealing as it features a 50MP main rear camera capable of capturing high-resolution images, along with an 8MP front camera designed for selfies and video calls.

The phone also carries an IP64 rating, offering resistance against dust and water splashes, adding to its durability in everyday use.

Motorola has given the device a stylish vegan leather finish, available in three Pantone-validated colors: Tapestry, Laurel Oak, and Tendril.

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Perplexity AI has announced that its AI-powered browser, Comet, is now available to all users for free. Previously, Comet was accessible only to subscribers of the $200/month Perplexity Max plan.

The company has also introduced a new subscription tier called Comet Plus, which offers curated news content for $5 per month. Comet Plus is included with Pro and Max subscriptions.

Comet is designed to be an alternative to traditional browsers like Google Chrome. It integrates AI deeply into the browsing experience, offering features such as search tools, a personal AI assistant, and tools for tasks like shopping, booking trips, and general productivity.

The browser aims to assist users in navigating the web more efficiently, rather than merely serving as a platform for viewing content.

The introduction of Comet Plus brings curated news content from major publishers, including CNN, Condé Nast, The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Fortune, Le Monde, and Le Figaro. This move aims to provide users with high-quality journalism and support publishers in the AI era.

Additionally, Perplexity has launched a new feature called Background Assistant.

This feature allows the AI to access multiple apps and work on tasks while the user is away, enhancing productivity by automating routine tasks.

Comet is built on the Chromium framework and supports popular browser extensions and bookmarks. It is available for download on both Windows and Mac platforms.

While the free version includes essential AI tools, Pro and Max users receive an upgraded experience with additional features like the Background Assistant.

Perplexity’s move to make Comet free for all users reflects the growing trend of integrating AI into everyday tools and services.

With the introduction of Comet Plus, the company aims to offer a balanced approach that benefits both users and content creators in the evolving digital landscape.

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Amazon said all four products will begin shipping in the U.S. later this year

Amazon on Tuesday announced the launch of four new Echo devices designed specifically for its next-generation AI assistant, Alexa+. The new lineup includes the Echo Dot Max, Echo Studio, Echo Show 8, and Echo Show 11.

“These new Echo products are the best way to experience Alexa+, and Early Access is now available out of the box with the purchase of an all-new Echo,” Amazon said in its announcement.

Custom chips and sensor platform

The company said the new devices are powered by two custom-designed silicon chips — AZ3 and AZ3 Pro — featuring a new AI accelerator “designed to run AI edge models of the future.” According to Amazon, the Echo Dot Max uses the AZ3 chip to improve conversation detection, while the AZ3 Pro, found in the Echo Studio and Echo Show models, supports “state-of-the-art language models and vision transformers.”

Built on top of this hardware is Omnisense, Amazon’s new sensor platform for ambient AI. It combines signals from cameras, audio, ultrasound, Wi-Fi radar, and other sensors to allow Alexa+ to respond more intelligently to events at home, including delivering reminders when specific people enter a room or sending alerts about unlocked doors at night.

Device features and pricing

The Echo Dot Max is described as “the best Echo Dot we’ve ever built,” offering nearly three times the bass of its predecessor and featuring a new two-way speaker system. It will be available for $99.99.

The new Echo Studio, priced at $219.99, is 40% smaller than the original and supports spatial audio and Dolby Atmos. It includes a woofer and three full-range drivers for immersive sound, along with a new spherical design.

The Echo Show 8 and Echo Show 11 feature upgraded displays with improved clarity, a 13-megapixel camera, and new front-facing stereo speakers. They are priced at $179.99 and $219.99 respectively.

Amazon said all four products will begin shipping in the U.S. later this year, with the Echo Dot Max and Echo Studio available from October 29 and the Echo Show 8 and Echo Show 11 from November 12.

According to the company, customers purchasing these new Echo devices “will get access to Alexa+ out of the box,” with Early Access continuing to expand.

YouTube is giving Indian users a budget-friendly experience to stream ad-free videos with the launch of its new ‘Premium Lite’ plan, priced at just ₹89 per month.

The plan is introduced for viewers who want uninterrupted video playback without paying for the full-featured YouTube Premium subscription. With Premium Lite, most videos on smartphones, tablets, desktops, and smart TVs can now be streamed ad-free.

However, the budget plan comes with clear trade-offs. Unlike the regular Premium subscription, Premium Lite does not include music streaming on YouTube Music, offline downloads, or background playback. These are features that are highly popular among users. There is no escape from Ads as they may also continue to appear in Shorts, music-related videos, search results, and browsing feeds.

By pricing the plan at less than a third of the standard Premium cost, YouTube is targeting India’s vast base of casual video-watchers who mainly consume short or long-form videos but don’t necessarily need premium music or offline perks.

The rollout also reflects YouTube’s wider strategy of tailoring subscription models to suit different markets and budgets. India, one of YouTube’s largest consumer bases, is likely to see strong uptake from price-sensitive users frustrated with frequent ad interruptions.

The Premium Lite plan is already being introduced gradually and is set to be available nationwide in the coming weeks. By doing so, YouTube is looking to balance affordability with user convenience that could reshape viewing habits in one of its fastest-growing markets.

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OnePlus has officially confirmed the upcoming global launch of its next flagship smartphone, the OnePlus 15, though the company has not revealed an exact release date.

The announcement, made on Monday, September 29, 2025, gives fans a first glimpse into what the Chinese smartphone maker describes as a “premium, performance-driven” device aimed at competing in the high-end smartphone segment.

OnePlus confirmed that the OnePlus 15 will feature a special Sand Storm edition in a dune colour. This variant is designed using aerospace-grade Micro-Arc Oxidation (MAO) technology, which is applied to the middle frame and camera decorative elements.

The finish is expected to give the device a distinctive, durable look, combining both aesthetics and resilience.

The OnePlus 15 will be powered by Qualcomm’s newly launched Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, marking a significant performance boost over previous generations.

While official details on the processor’s specifications in the OnePlus 15 are limited, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 is expected to deliver enhanced CPU and GPU performance, improved energy efficiency, and better AI capabilities, making it ideal for gaming, photography, and multitasking on a flagship device.

Battery life is another highlight, with the OnePlus 15 expected to house a 6,000 mAh battery, coupled with support for 100 W fast charging.

This combination is likely to allow users to charge the device fully in under 30 minutes, keeping up with the growing consumer demand for extended battery life and rapid charging in flagship smartphones.

Camera capabilities are expected to be a major focus for OnePlus 15. Rumours suggest a triple rear camera setup comprising a 50 MP main lens, a 50 MP telephoto lens, and an ultrawide sensor. On the front, a 32 MP camera is expected to handle selfies and video calls.

While OnePlus has not confirmed these specifications, the combination of high-resolution sensors and versatile lenses is aimed at appealing to photography enthusiasts who demand quality imaging from a flagship device.

Display specifications are expected to match the high standards of modern premium smartphones.

The OnePlus 15 is likely to feature a 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED screen with a refresh rate of up to 120 Hz. Peak brightness is reported to reach 5,000 nits, which would allow for excellent visibility even under direct sunlight. The combination of high refresh rates and peak brightness is expected to enhance the user experience for gaming, video streaming, and general smartphone use.

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Zomato founder Deepinder Goyal has announced the launch of a new feature called “Healthy Mode”, aimed at helping users make more informed and nutritious food choices. Acknowledging that while Zomato revolutionized food ordering, it fell short in promoting healthy eating, Goyal described this feature as a corrective step.

Healthy Mode, currently available in Gurugram, uses AI-driven analysis and restaurant data to assign a “Healthy Score” to dishes, ranging from Low to Super. The score evaluates meals based on protein, complex carbs, fiber, micronutrients, and calorie content. This allows users to filter and compare dishes not just by calories, but by overall nutritional value.

“This isn’t your basic healthy filter,” Goyal said. “We’ve set the bar high, even professional athletes can rely on it to find meals that meet their standards. This is personal for me. Zomato made indulgence easy, but not healthy eating. Healthy Mode is our first serious effort to change that.”

The platform’s new feature also aims to increase transparency, showing users why a dish is considered healthy. By offering detailed nutritional insights, it empowers users to choose meals that better align with their dietary needs.

Goyal also addressed common perceptions about food delivery leading to poor dietary habits. He noted that regular users in big cities often opt for simpler, home-style meals, while the majority of less frequent users indulge occasionally. The goal, he emphasized, is to ensure healthy options are clearly visible, accessible, and easy to choose.

Zomato plans to roll out Healthy Mode to more cities in the coming weeks and is inviting users to provide feedback to improve the feature further.