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Airtel launches Priority Postpaid plans with 5G slicing

Bharti Airtel has launched its new Priority Postpaid plans in India, introducing 5G network slicing to enhance mobile connectivity for users. The new service aims to provide better speed, lower latency, and more stable network performance, especially during peak usage hours.

5G slicing allows Airtel to divide its network into multiple virtual segments and allocate dedicated capacity to specific user groups. With this system, Priority Postpaid customers receive higher network priority, ensuring smoother data usage even in crowded locations such as business districts, events, and transport hubs.

The telecom operator said the new plans are designed for customers who rely heavily on mobile internet for work, streaming, and daily communication. Existing Airtel postpaid users will automatically be eligible for the priority benefits, while others can upgrade to postpaid plans through Airtel’s app or retail outlets.

The Priority Postpaid plans start at around ₹449 per month and go up depending on features and benefits. Higher-tier plans include additional perks such as unlimited calling, data rollover, international roaming options, and bundled OTT subscriptions like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV+.

Airtel said the rollout is part of its strategy to monetise its 5G standalone network and improve user experience through advanced technology. The company said the priority service will be especially useful in high-traffic situations where networks often slow down due to heavy usage.

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Google, Blackstone launch $5 bn AI cloud venture

Google and Blackstone have announced a joint venture to create a new artificial intelligence-focused cloud company, backed by an initial $5 billion investment from Blackstone. The move is aimed at meeting the rapidly growing global demand for AI computing infrastructure.

The new US-based company will focus on building large-scale data centre capacity and offering access to Google’s custom-built AI chips, known as Tensor Processing Units (TPUs), through a cloud service model. These chips are widely used for training and running advanced AI systems.

Under the plan, Blackstone will take a majority stake in the venture while providing the initial equity funding. Google will supply hardware, software, and technical expertise to power the platform.

The project is designed to bring around 500 megawatts of computing capacity online by 2027, with scope for further expansion as demand increases. The total investment could eventually reach as much as $25 billion, including additional financing over time.

The venture will be led by long-time Google executive Benjamin Treynor Sloss, reflecting Google’s deep involvement in the project despite it being structured as a separate company.

The partnership comes at a time when global demand for AI infrastructure is surging, driven by the rapid growth of generative AI tools and large-scale machine learning systems. Companies across industries are competing for access to high-performance computing power, particularly specialised chips that can handle AI workloads efficiently.

The initiative also positions Google more directly in competition with other cloud and chip players by allowing external customers to access its proprietary TPU technology outside its core Google Cloud platform.

Also Read: Copilot key on Windows can now be remapped

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Copilot key on Windows can now be remapped

Microsoft is updating Windows 11 to give users more control over the Copilot key, allowing it to be reassigned instead of always opening the AI assistant.

Introduced in 2024, the Copilot key was meant to provide quick access to Microsoft’s AI tool. However, some users complained it replaced useful keyboard functions and changed familiar layouts.

The upcoming update will allow users to remap the key through system settings. It can be switched to functions like Right Ctrl or the Context Menu key, depending on user preference.

The change is part of Microsoft’s effort to refine its AI integration while keeping traditional keyboard usability intact. The feature will be available directly in Windows Settings in a future update.

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OpenAI buyvoice AI startup weights.gg

OpenAI has acquired voice artificial intelligence startup Weights.gg, a company known for building advanced tools that can replicate human voices with high realism. The deal is part of OpenAI’s wider push to strengthen its capabilities in voice-based AI and improve real-time speech interaction systems.

Reports say the acquisition was completed earlier in 2026, although neither OpenAI nor Weights.gg has officially confirmed the transaction. The deal reportedly includes the startup’s technology, intellectual property and engineering team. The financial details of the acquisition have not been made public.

Weights.gg gained attention for its consumer-focused platform called Replay, which allowed users to generate and share AI-cloned voices using short audio samples. The tool became popular for its high-quality voice replication but also raised concerns about potential misuse. The platform was shut down earlier this year, close to the time of the acquisition.

The startup focused on voice synthesis and cloning technology, a rapidly growing segment of artificial intelligence. These systems can convert text into natural-sounding speech and replicate human voices with high accuracy, opening up use cases in entertainment, customer service, education and accessibility tools.

OpenAI has been steadily expanding its work in audio and speech AI, including real-time voice features in its products. The addition of Weights.gg is expected to help improve voice quality, responsiveness and natural conversation experiences across its systems.

At the same time, voice cloning technology has raised ethical and regulatory concerns globally. Experts warn that it can be misused for impersonation, deepfake audio and misinformation, prompting companies to develop safeguards and detection tools.

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New Google accounts may face 5GB storage limit

Google is reportedly testing a new approach to free cloud storage that could reduce the default limit for new accounts from 15GB to 5GB. The storage applies across Gmail, Google Drive and Google Photos, which all draw from a shared quota.

In the test, some users signing up for new Google accounts are shown only 5GB of free storage initially. To access the full 15GB, users may need to complete phone number verification during or after the registration process.

This change does not appear to affect existing Google accounts, which continue to receive the standard 15GB free storage allocation. The experiment is currently limited in scope and has not been officially rolled out worldwide.

For years, the 15GB free storage plan has been a key part of Google’s ecosystem, giving users a unified space for emails, files and photo backups. It has also been a competitive advantage in the cloud storage market.

However, storage usage has increased significantly over time as users store more high-resolution photos, videos and documents. This has led many users to eventually upgrade to paid Google One plans once their free limit is reached.

The new test suggests Google may be exploring ways to better manage storage demand while also tightening account verification processes. Industry observers note that linking storage benefits to identity confirmation could become a broader trend across digital platforms.

Google has described the move as a controlled experiment aimed at improving platform security and reducing the creation of fake or spam accounts. By linking full storage access to verification, the company may be trying to discourage mass sign-ups that exploit free storage offerings.

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HCLTech anchors ₹2,800 cr bet on Sarvam AI

HCLTech is set to lead a major investment of around $300 million (about ₹2,800 crore) in Bengaluru-based AI startup Sarvam AI, marking one of its biggest moves into the artificial intelligence space.

The funding round is expected to value Sarvam AI at nearly $1.5 billion (about ₹12,000 crore), reflecting strong investor interest in AI companies focused on building large language models and enterprise tools.

As part of the deal, HCLTech is expected to invest around $150 million. Other investors, including Bessemer Venture Partners, are likely to contribute about $50 million, while the remaining amount will come from global funds such as Nvidia-linked investors, Prosperity7, Activate and Glade Brook Capital.

Sarvam AI focuses on developing AI systems designed for Indian languages and enterprise use cases. The company is part of a growing push to build local AI models that can compete in the global generative AI race while also serving India-specific needs.

The latest valuation represents a sharp jump from its earlier funding round, showing rising confidence in India’s AI ecosystem. The deal also stands out because it marks a major Indian IT services company directly leading a large AI startup investment, beyond its traditional outsourcing and services business.

Industry experts say this reflects a broader shift in the tech sector, where IT companies are increasingly investing in or partnering with AI startups to stay relevant in a fast-changing market.

If completed, the funding round will be one of the largest AI-focused investments in India so far, strengthening Sarvam AI’s position in the country’s emerging “sovereign AI” space.

Also Read: OpenAI brings codex to ChatGPT mobile app

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OpenAI brings codex to ChatGPT mobile app

OpenAI has integrated its coding assistant Codex into the ChatGPT mobile app, allowing users to handle programming tasks remotely from their smartphones.

Codex is an AI-powered tool that helps developers generate code, fix errors, review changes and improve software projects. Earlier, it was mainly available on desktop platforms, but the new update extends its use to mobile devices.

With this rollout, developers can monitor ongoing coding tasks, approve changes, and track progress directly from the ChatGPT app. However, the actual processing and execution of code still takes place on connected systems such as cloud servers or computers, while the phone serves as a control interface.

The feature is being introduced in a phased manner for both Android and iOS users. It is aimed at making software development more flexible by allowing engineers to stay connected to their projects even when away from their workstations.

OpenAI said the update is part of its effort to improve productivity tools for developers as demand for AI-assisted coding continues to grow globally. The company is competing in a fast-expanding market for AI developer platforms.

Codex was initially launched as a desktop-focused tool to support coding assistance and automation. The mobile integration now allows users to interact with AI coding workflows in real time while on the move.

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Instagram’s launches ‘Instants’

Instagram has launched a new feature called “Instants” that allows users to send disappearing photos through direct messages, as social media platforms continue shifting towards more private and temporary communication.

The feature enables users to share photos that vanish automatically after being viewed once. Unlike regular Instagram posts or stories, the images are not stored permanently on profiles or feeds. The tool is designed for quick, informal sharing between friends.

Meta, which owns Instagram, said the feature aims to encourage users to share everyday moments more freely without worrying about maintaining a perfect online image. The company noted that many users now prefer direct conversations and private sharing over public posting.

The launch comes at a time when user behaviour on social media is changing rapidly. Experts say younger audiences increasingly prefer smaller social circles, direct messaging and disappearing content instead of public updates visible to large numbers of followers.

Instagram’s new feature closely resembles tools already popular on Snapchat, where disappearing photos and temporary messages have long been a key attraction. Social media companies are now competing heavily in this area as messaging becomes central to user engagement.

Technology analysts believe platforms are moving away from highly curated social feeds and focusing more on real-time interactions. Temporary content is seen as more personal, less stressful and more authentic for users.

It is said that Instagram is testing additional messaging-focused experiences and exploring new ways to improve private communication on the platform. Meta has been introducing several updates across Instagram in recent months, including AI-powered tools, creator features and advanced messaging options.

The company said Instants will become available gradually in different regions over the next few weeks. Users will be able to access the feature directly through Instagram chats once it is activated on their accounts.

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Google showcases next-generation AI tools

Google has unveiled a range of new artificial intelligence features for Android devices along with a new AI-powered laptop platform called GoogleBook during its Android Show 2026 event.

The company introduced “Gemini Intelligence”, an upgraded AI assistant integrated directly into Android smartphones and tablets. Google said the system is designed to help users perform tasks more naturally through voice and text commands.

According to the company, Gemini Intelligence can summarise conversations, organise information, draft messages and assist users across multiple apps. Google said the AI will make Android devices more personalised and interactive.

Another major announcement was GoogleBook, a lightweight laptop platform built around AI-powered tools. Google showcased features such as real-time summarisation, smart writing assistance, voice-based commands and AI-supported search.

The company demonstrated how users could ask Gemini to manage schedules, write emails, edit photos and retrieve information from files using simple conversational prompts.

Google said more details about the rollout of Gemini Intelligence and GoogleBook will be shared during its upcoming developer conference, Google I/O.

Industry experts believe the announcements highlight Google’s push to compete aggressively in the rapidly growing AI market, where companies including Microsoft, Apple and OpenAI are introducing similar technologies. Google said the new AI features will also improve services like Maps, Search, messaging and accessibility tools on Android devices.

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Samsung enters India’s refurbished phone market

Samsung India has introduced its “Certified Re-Newed” smartphone programme in India, offering refurbished Galaxy devices with company-backed warranty and quality assurance.

The programme allows customers to buy refurbished Galaxy smartphones directly from Samsung at lower prices while still receiving official warranty and after-sales support. The company said the initiative is aimed at making premium smartphones more affordable and accessible to a wider range of users.

According to Samsung, every refurbished device sold under the programme undergoes multiple quality checks, including hardware inspection, software testing, battery health verification and complete data wiping before resale. The company added that only genuine Samsung parts are used during refurbishment.

The smartphones will also come with a one-year manufacturer warranty, similar to new devices. Samsung said this would help build trust among buyers who are often hesitant about purchasing refurbished phones from third-party sellers.

Initially, the programme includes selected models from Samsung’s Galaxy S25 lineup and Galaxy A-series smartphones. Reports said some flagship models are available at significantly reduced prices compared to their original launch rates, making premium Galaxy devices more affordable for consumers.

In fact Samsung’s entry into the organised refurbished smartphone segment could strengthen consumer confidence in certified pre-owned devices. India’s refurbished smartphone market has grown rapidly in recent years as rising smartphone prices push more consumers toward affordable alternatives.

The initiative is viewed as part of Samsung’s broader sustainability strategy. By extending the life cycle of smartphones through refurbishment and resale, companies can help reduce electronic waste and promote reuse of devices.

The move places Samsung among the few smartphone brands in India directly offering company-certified refurbished devices with official support and warranty benefits.

Experts believe other smartphone brands may also introduce similar programmes as demand for certified refurbished devices continues to rise in the Indian market.

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