Category: Technology

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WhatsApp brings username feature

WhatsApp is set to introduce usernames, allowing people to connect with others without sharing their phone numbers. The long-awaited feature is aimed at improving user privacy and giving people greater control over how they communicate on the messaging platform.

Until now, anyone wanting to chat on WhatsApp had to exchange mobile numbers, making personal contact information visible to friends, colleagues or even strangers. With the new system, users will be able to create a unique username that others can use to find and message them, similar to features already available on several other social media and messaging platforms.

The update is expected to benefit users who interact with new contacts, join community groups or communicate for work without wanting to reveal their personal phone numbers. Privacy advocates have welcomed the move, saying it addresses one of the biggest concerns faced by WhatsApp users for years.

According to reports, phone numbers will remain linked to user accounts for verification and security purposes. However, they will no longer need to be shared during everyday conversations if users choose to connect through usernames instead.

WhatsApp is also expected to introduce rules to ensure usernames remain unique and easy to identify. Certain formats and special characters may be restricted to prevent impersonation and misuse. Users will reportedly be notified whenever someone starts a conversation using their username instead of their phone number.

The feature is expected to offer an added layer of protection against spam, scams and unwanted contact, particularly for people who frequently communicate with customers, clients or members of public groups. It could also make the platform more appealing to users who have hesitated to share their mobile numbers online.

The username feature is currently being rolled out gradually and may not be available to all users immediately. WhatsApp is expected to share more details on availability and the final rollout schedule in the coming weeks.

Also Read: Google launches Gemini Omni, Nano Banana

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Google launches Gemini Omni, Nano Banana

Google has expanded its artificial intelligence portfolio with the launch of Gemini Omni and Nano Banana 2 Lite, two new AI models designed to make conversations more natural and image creation significantly faster.

The company says Gemini Omni is built to handle voice, video and visual inputs in real time, allowing users to interact with AI more smoothly. The model can understand multiple forms of information simultaneously, enabling quicker and more human-like responses during conversations.

The second launch, Nano Banana 2 Lite, is a lightweight AI model focused on rapid image generation. Google says it can create and edit images from simple text prompts within seconds while using fewer computing resources. The model is intended for developers, businesses and creators looking for fast, high-quality visual content without the need for powerful hardware.

By introducing the new models, Google aims to make AI more accessible across a wide range of applications. From digital assistants and creative tools to educational platforms and business software, the technology is expected to improve productivity and user experience.

Google’s latest offerings place equal emphasis on performance and ease of use, ensuring that AI tools can run efficiently while delivering advanced capabilities.

Developers will be able to integrate both models into applications through Google’s AI ecosystem, opening new possibilities for conversational assistants, image editing, content creation and customer support.

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Apple challenges CCI App Store findings

Apple has challenged the findings of the Competition Commission of India (CCI) in its investigation into the company’s App Store practices, taking the matter to the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT).

The technology giant has objected to the CCI’s investigation report, which alleged that Apple abused its dominant position by imposing restrictive conditions on app developers and requiring them to use its in-app payment system. The regulator’s findings could pave the way for further action against the company.

In its appeal, Apple argued that the investigation was not based on an independent assessment of the Indian market. It claimed the report was largely a “copy-paste exercise”, relying heavily on findings from similar antitrust cases in other countries instead of examining India’s unique market conditions.

Apple also maintained that it does not dominate India’s smartphone market, pointing to strong competition from Android device makers. The company said its App Store policies are intended to protect users by ensuring privacy, security and a consistent experience for developers and customers.

The CCI’s probe began after complaints from app developers, who alleged that Apple’s rules limited competition and forced them to use the company’s payment system while paying commissions on digital transactions.

The case is being closely watched by the technology industry, as its outcome could influence how global digital platforms operate in India. If regulators uphold the findings, Apple may have to modify some of its App Store policies for Indian developers.

The tribunal will now examine Apple’s appeal before deciding whether the CCI’s investigation was conducted fairly and whether its findings should stand. The case marks another chapter in India’s growing scrutiny of large technology companies and their business practices in the country’s expanding digital economy.

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Netflix mandates unique emails for profiles

Netflix is introducing a new requirement that asks users sharing an account to link each profile with a unique email address, marking another step in the streaming giant’s effort to strengthen account security and personalise user access.

The feature is being rolled out gradually and is expected to affect users with multiple profiles under a single subscription. Until now, several profiles could exist without being tied to individual email addresses. Under the updated system, Netflix will prompt users to assign a separate email ID to each profile.

The company says the change is meant to make profile management easier while giving every user greater control over viewing history, recommendations and account settings. It will also simplify the process of transferring a profile to a new account if someone decides to move away from a shared subscription.

For families and households that legitimately share a Netflix account, the update is not expected to change the way they watch content. Instead, each profile holder will simply need to provide a unique email address when prompted. Users who ignore the request may eventually face restrictions in accessing or managing their individual profiles.

The latest move builds on Netflix’s broader strategy to curb password sharing outside a household. Over the past few years, the company has introduced paid sharing options in several countries and tightened verification measures to ensure subscriptions are used according to its policies.

For subscribers, the update means a slightly different login experience rather than a major change in service. Existing viewing preferences, watchlists and recommendations will remain linked to each profile after an email address is added.

As competition in the streaming market continues to grow, Netflix appears focused on balancing user convenience with stronger account protection. The latest update reflects the company’s ongoing effort to make shared subscriptions more secure while giving individual users greater ownership of their personal viewing experience.

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YouTube Shorts adds cleaner viewing tools

YouTube has announced a series of updates to its Shorts platform, introducing new features that make watching short videos faster, simpler and less distracting. The changes are rolling out gradually and are based on user feedback gathered over the five years since YouTube Shorts was launched. The company says the goal is to create a cleaner and more intuitive viewing experience while giving users greater control over how they watch content.

One of the biggest additions is Clear Screen mode. With a simple tap, viewers can temporarily hide all on-screen buttons, captions and other interface elements, allowing the video to fill the screen without distractions. This feature is especially useful for users who want to focus entirely on the content, similar to experiences already offered by some competing short-video platforms.

YouTube has also introduced 2x playback speed for Shorts. Users can now press and hold either edge of the screen to watch videos at double speed, making it easier to quickly browse content or replay favourite moments. In addition, a new mute option lets viewers silence videos with a single tap, offering more flexibility while watching in different environments.

The update also changes how users provide feedback on Shorts. The traditional Dislike button is being removed from the player. Instead, YouTube is encouraging viewers to use options such as “Not Interested” and “Don’t recommend this channel” to personalise their recommendations. According to the company, these tools provide clearer signals to its recommendation system and help deliver more relevant content.

To help users manage their viewing habits, YouTube is also introducing a sleep timer for Shorts in selected regions. This feature allows users to set a timer that automatically stops playback after a chosen period, making it easier to avoid endless scrolling, particularly late at night.

The latest update reflects YouTube’s continued effort to improve the Shorts experience as competition in the short-video market intensifies.

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Apple hikes MacBook, iPad prices

Apple has increased the prices of several MacBooks, iPads and other devices, saying soaring memory and storage chip costs driven by the artificial intelligence (AI) boom have made the move unavoidable.

The price revision affects multiple markets, including India, where some Apple products have become significantly more expensive. However, the company has not increased iPhone prices for now, although industry experts believe they could also rise later this year.

Apple said the sharp increase in the cost of memory components is the main reason behind the hike. As AI companies invest billions of dollars in building data centres, chipmakers are prioritising high-end AI hardware, reducing the supply of memory chips used in consumer electronics. This has pushed up prices across the industry.

The company had absorbed much of the additional cost over the past year, but said it was no longer sustainable. Several MacBook, iPad, HomePod and Apple TV models now carry higher price tags, with Indian customers among those seeing some of the steepest increases.

Industry analysts say Apple is unlikely to be the only company raising prices. Other laptop and smartphone manufacturers could follow if memory shortages continue, as demand for AI infrastructure keeps growing.

The development highlights how the AI revolution is beginning to affect everyday consumers. While artificial intelligence is creating new opportunities, it is also increasing competition for key components, making devices such as laptops and tablets more expensive.

For buyers planning to upgrade their devices, the latest hike means spending more than expected. Analysts advise consumers to compare configurations carefully and look for festive offers or exchange deals, as further price increases cannot be ruled out if component costs remain elevated.

Apple’s decision signals a broader shift in the technology industry, where the rapid expansion of AI is reshaping supply chains and influencing the prices consumers pay for everyday gadgets.

Also Read: Trump urges OpenAI to delay GPT-5, GPT-6 rollout

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Trump urges OpenAI to delay GPT-5, GPT-6 rollout

The Trump administration has reportedly asked OpenAI to slow the public release of its next-generation AI models, including GPT-5 and GPT-6, as the US government considers stronger safeguards for increasingly powerful artificial intelligence systems.

According to reports, officials have urged the company to coordinate closely with the government before launching future frontier AI models. The discussions are part of a broader effort to ensure that highly advanced AI systems are released responsibly, with adequate measures to address national security, cybersecurity and public safety risks.

The move comes as governments around the world grapple with the rapid pace of AI development. Powerful AI models are becoming increasingly capable of generating human-like text, writing software, analysing complex information and performing tasks that were once considered exclusive to humans.

While no formal ban or legal restriction has been announced, the reported request signals a shift towards closer government oversight of advanced AI technologies. Officials are said to be exploring frameworks that would allow innovation to continue while reducing the risks associated with deploying increasingly capable AI systems.

OpenAI has not publicly confirmed any delay to its future models. The company has previously said it supports responsible AI development and has introduced safety testing and evaluation processes before releasing new systems. Industry experts believe collaboration between AI companies and governments is becoming increasingly important as the technology grows more powerful.

The discussions also reflect the intensifying global competition in artificial intelligence, with the United States seeking to maintain its leadership while ensuring advanced AI tools are developed safely. Technology companies are investing billions of dollars in larger and more capable models, raising fresh questions about regulation, transparency and accountability.

Although OpenAI’s development roadmap remains unchanged for now, the reported discussions underline a growing consensus that powerful AI systems will require greater oversight as governments seek to balance innovation with public interest and national security.

Also Read: IBM develops world’s first sub-1 nanometer AI chip

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Google relaxes Play Store billing

Google is set to roll out one of the biggest changes to its Play Store business model in recent years, giving developers more freedom to choose how payments are processed on Android apps.

The company has expanded its Play Billing Choice programme, allowing eligible app developers to offer alternative payment systems alongside Google’s own billing service. The updated policy takes effect next week and is expected to reduce the fees developers pay for transactions made through external payment providers.

For years, developers have argued that mandatory use of Google’s billing system increased costs and restricted competition. The latest changes are designed to address some of those concerns while still keeping Google Play Billing available as an option for users.

Under the revised programme, developers using alternative payment systems will receive fee reductions compared to standard Play Store commissions. Google says the lower fees reflect the fact that some payment-related services will be handled by third-party providers instead of the company itself.

The policy shift comes amid increasing scrutiny from regulators worldwide. Governments and competition watchdogs have pushed major app store operators to provide more choice and reduce barriers for developers. In response, both Google and other technology giants have gradually adjusted their marketplace rules.

Developers are expected to benefit from greater flexibility and potentially higher earnings. Companies offering subscription services, streaming platforms and digital content could see lower operating costs, allowing them to invest more in product development and customer acquisition.

Google has stressed that security, transparency and consumer protection will remain central to the Play Store experience. Users will continue to see clear payment information regardless of which billing option they choose.

As the new rules come into effect, developers will be watching closely to assess whether lower fees and additional payment choices translate into meaningful business benefits. For the broader app ecosystem, the changes represent another chapter in the ongoing debate over platform control, competition and digital marketplace fairness.

Also Read: RBI tightens rules for large NBFCs

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Meta and EssilorLuxottica’s new AI glasses

Meta has expanded its push into wearable technology with the launch of a new range of AI-powered smart glasses developed in partnership with eyewear giant EssilorLuxottica. The new product line, simply called Meta Glasses, starts at $299 and is aimed at bringing smart eyewear to a wider audience.

The launch marks an important step for Meta as it seeks to strengthen its position in the fast-growing smart glasses market. Unlike previous products developed under the Ray-Ban and Oakley brands, the new glasses carry Meta’s own branding while still benefiting from EssilorLuxottica’s expertise in eyewear design and manufacturing.

The collection debuts with 26 style options across different frame shapes, colours and lens combinations. Customers can also choose prescription lenses, making the devices suitable for everyday use. The lineup includes three main designs — Adventurer, Fury and a slim oval model created in collaboration with celebrity Kylie Jenner.

At the heart of the glasses is Meta AI, powered by the company’s latest Muse Spark technology. Users can interact with the AI assistant through voice commands, ask questions, receive contextual information and access hands-free assistance throughout the day. The glasses also feature built-in cameras, microphones and open-ear speakers, allowing users to capture photos and videos, make calls and listen to audio without needing headphones.

Meta says future software updates will add more advanced capabilities, including real-time language translation and turn-by-turn navigation. The company believes smart glasses could become one of the most important consumer AI devices in the coming years by offering assistance without requiring users to constantly look at a smartphone screen.

The launch comes as competition in AI-powered wearables intensifies. Rivals including Google, Apple and Snap are all investing heavily in smart eyewear, seeing it as a potential successor to traditional mobile devices. With a lower starting price and a strong focus on fashion, Meta hopes its latest glasses will help bring AI technology into everyday life for millions of consumers.

Also Read: Realme India CEO Michael Guo resigns

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Jumpp enters UPI arena after NPCI greenlight

Indian fintech platform Jumpp has taken a major step in its growth journey after receiving approval from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to offer Unified Payments Interface (UPI) services directly through its app. The move allows users to make everyday digital payments while managing their investments and financial planning from a single platform.

Founded by Sarvjeet Singh Virk, Jumpp started as an AI-driven financial platform focused on helping users access investment products such as digital gold, mutual funds and systematic investment plans (SIPs). With the addition of UPI services, the company is expanding its role from a wealth-management app to a broader financial services platform.

Users will now be able to carry out peer-to-peer transfers, merchant payments, utility bill payments and mobile recharges without leaving the Jumpp app. The company says the integration is aimed at reducing the need to switch between multiple applications for different financial activities.

To support the new payment offering, Jumpp has partnered with YES Bank for banking infrastructure and Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS) services. The platform also uses the Account Aggregator framework, enabling users to view and manage financial information from different accounts in one place.

The NPCI approval marks an important milestone for the startup as competition intensifies in India’s rapidly growing digital payments market. NPCI, which oversees UPI and other retail payment systems in the country, grants approval to third-party application providers that meet regulatory and operational requirements.

Jumpp believes the combination of AI-powered financial guidance and digital payments can help users make smarter financial decisions while simplifying day-to-day money management. The company is particularly focused on expanding access to digital financial services in Tier II and Tier III cities, where demand for integrated financial solutions continues to grow.

As digital payments become increasingly central to daily life, Jumpp’s entry into the UPI ecosystem signals its ambition to become a one-stop platform for spending, saving, investing and managing money across India.

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