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Nintendo hikes switch 2 prices despite strong sales

Nintendo has announced a global price increase for its popular Switch 2 gaming console, even as the company continues to enjoy strong demand and record sales growth.

The gaming giant said the decision was driven by rising production expenses, higher chip prices and increasing global supply chain costs. The updated pricing will affect major markets including the US, Europe and Japan over the coming months.

The Switch 2 has been one of Nintendo’s biggest recent successes, attracting strong demand from gamers since launch. The console’s popularity helped the company report impressive financial results for the fiscal year, making it one of the fastest-selling Nintendo devices in recent years.

Despite the strong momentum, Nintendo said maintaining current pricing had become difficult due to increasing costs across the electronics industry. Analysts say the growing global demand for semiconductors, especially because of the AI boom, has made components more expensive for technology companies worldwide.

The price hike is also expected to impact accessories and online subscription services in some regions. Existing Switch models in Japan may also become costlier.

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Instagram ends encrypted DMs for users

Instagram has removed end-to-end encryption for direct messages (DMs), ending a feature that offered extra privacy for user conversations on the app. The change came into effect globally on May 8, 2026.

End-to-end encryption allowed only the sender and receiver to read messages, preventing others,  including the platform itself, from accessing conversations. With the feature now discontinued, Instagram chats will no longer have that level of protection.

Meta, Instagram’s parent company, said the decision was taken to improve safety monitoring and strengthen its ability to identify harmful or illegal activity on the platform. According to reports, the company wants better tools to detect scams, child exploitation, abuse-related content, and other violations.

The encrypted messaging feature was introduced as an optional setting in 2023. Users who enabled it for private chats have now started receiving notifications about the shutdown. Instagram has also advised users to download important chats, media, and shared files before the encrypted feature is fully removed.

The move has triggered criticism from digital privacy groups and cybersecurity experts, who argue that encryption is important for protecting user communication and personal data. Many users also expressed concerns online about reduced privacy on the platform.

Meta clarified that regular safety protections and account security measures will continue on Instagram. However, direct messages will now be subject to the company’s standard moderation systems.

The change currently applies only to Instagram DMs. WhatsApp, another Meta-owned platform, will continue offering default end-to-end encryption for personal chats.

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Skyroot becomes India’s first space-tech unicorn

Skyroot Aerospace has achieved a major milestone by becoming India’s first space-tech unicorn after raising $60 million in a fresh funding round. The Hyderabad-based startup is now valued at $1.1 billion, highlighting growing investor confidence in India’s private space industry.

The funding comes at an important stage for the company as it prepares for the launch of Vikram-1, its first orbital rocket mission. If successful, Vikram-1 will become the first privately developed Indian rocket to place satellites into orbit, marking a significant step for the country’s commercial space ambitions.

Founded in 2018 by former ISRO scientists Pawan Kumar Chandana and Naga Bharath Daka, Skyroot has quickly emerged as one of India’s most promising space startups. The company first gained national attention in 2022 after launching Vikram-S, becoming the first Indian private company to send a rocket into space.

Skyroot said the newly raised funds will be used to expand manufacturing capacity, speed up rocket development, and increase launch frequency in the coming years. The company is also working on future launch vehicles and satellite deployment services as demand for low-cost commercial launches grows globally.

The latest investment round included participation from major global and domestic investors, underlining rising international interest in India’s growing space ecosystem. Industry experts believe the company’s unicorn status reflects how rapidly the country’s private space sector has evolved since the government opened the industry to startups and private companies.

The commercial satellite market has expanded significantly in recent years, with companies around the world looking for affordable and reliable launch partners. Skyroot aims to position itself as a key player in this market by offering cost-effective launch services for small satellites.

With strong investor backing, growing technological capabilities, and a landmark launch ahead, Skyroot is now entering a crucial phase in its journey to become a global space-tech company.

It is believed that the upcoming Vikram-1 mission will be a defining moment for the startup and could strengthen India’s standing in the global commercial space industry if successful.

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Google introduces AI-powered Fitbit Air

Google has entered the growing AI-driven wearable market with the launch of Fitbit Air, a new screenless fitness tracker designed to focus on health monitoring rather than smartwatch-style features. The company said the wearable combines passive health tracking with artificial intelligence-based wellness insights.

Priced at $99, Fitbit Air does not include a display, notifications, or apps. Instead, the lightweight wrist strap continuously tracks user health data in the background and delivers personalised recommendations through Google’s new Health app. The device is powered by Google’s Gemini AI technology, which analyses fitness and biometric information to provide coaching related to sleep, recovery, activity levels, and overall wellness.

The wearable includes features such as continuous heart-rate monitoring, sleep analysis, blood oxygen tracking, activity tracking, temperature sensing, and heart rhythm notifications. Google claims the device can offer up to seven days of battery life on a single charge.

According to the company, Fitbit Air is aimed at users who want health insights without the distractions associated with traditional smartwatches. The product reflects a growing trend in the wearable technology industry, where companies are shifting focus toward continuous biometric tracking and AI-powered health analysis.

Google has also announced a unified Google Health app that will replace the older Fitbit app experience. The new platform combines fitness, sleep, and wellness information in one interface while offering AI-generated recommendations based on user data patterns.

The company confirmed that Fitbit Air will support both Android and iPhone users, widening its potential customer base. Alongside the device, Google is also introducing a subscription-based AI Health Coach service that provides more advanced health analysis and customised wellness guidance.

Fitbit Air directly competes with popular screenless wearable brands such as Whoop and Oura, which have gained popularity among fitness-focused users and professional athletes.

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Google Pixel phones get major May update

Google has released its May 2026 update for Pixel smartphones, focusing mainly on fixing bugs and improving device performance ahead of the expected Android 17 rollout.

The update resolves a number of common issues faced by Pixel users. These include wireless charging slowdowns, display flickering and screen freezing problems reported on several models.

Google has also fixed a camera bug affecting some Pixel 10 devices, where the camera app would freeze during video recording or while switching zoom levels.

Apart from these fixes, the update includes the latest Android security patch and general stability improvements designed to make devices run more smoothly.

For Pixel 10 users, Google has added a security-related anti-rollback feature that blocks phones from returning to older Android versions after updating. The feature is aimed at improving system security and reducing software-related risks.

The update is being rolled out gradually to supported Pixel devices worldwide. Users can download it manually by checking the software update section in phone settings.

Reports describe the May update as a preparation step for Android 17, helping reduce compatibility issues before the major software release arrives later this year.

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Meta issues warning over WhatsApp security bugs

WhatsApp has issued an alert asking users to update their app after discovering security bugs that could expose devices to harmful files. The company has already released fixes, but users need to install the latest version to stay protected.

The problems were found in the way WhatsApp processes files and attachments. Hackers could take advantage of this by sending files that appear harmless but may contain hidden risks. For example, a file might look like a simple document but behave differently when opened.

There is also a concern with how links are handled within the app. Some links could be disguised in a way that misleads users into opening unsafe pages or downloading unwanted content. These tricks often rely on users trusting the sender and not checking carefully before clicking.

Experts say these bugs alone do not infect devices. The risk mainly arises when users open suspicious files or click on unknown links. This makes awareness and caution just as important as the update itself.

Meta has confirmed that it has not seen large-scale misuse of these flaws so far. However, it is urging users to act quickly and update the app as a precaution.

Cybersecurity professionals point out that messaging apps are frequent targets for attacks because they are widely used and people often trust what they receive. This makes it easier for attackers to spread harmful content.

Users should make sure their apps are updated through official platforms like the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. It is also important to avoid opening files or links from unknown sources.

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Zuckerberg, Chan back $500mn plan to model human cells

Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan are investing $500 million into a new scientific initiative led by the Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, aimed at using artificial intelligence to better understand how human cells function.

The project, part of Biohub’s broader “Virtual Biology” effort, seeks to build advanced AI models that can simulate human cells. These digital models are expected to show how cells behave in both healthy and diseased states, helping scientists study biological processes in a faster and more detailed way.

Researchers believe this could significantly change how medical science works. Instead of relying only on lab experiments, scientists could run computer-based simulations to test ideas, understand diseases, and explore treatments. This approach could save time, reduce costs, and accelerate discoveries.

The five-year programme will focus heavily on building tools and collecting large-scale biological data. A major portion of the funding will go into generating high-quality datasets, which are essential for training accurate AI models. The initiative will also support collaborations with research institutions globally, allowing scientists to share and use data more effectively.

However, creating detailed models of human cells is a complex task. Current data is limited, and understanding the full behaviour of cells requires massive amounts of precise information. Biohub plans to address this gap by investing in better data collection and open scientific collaboration.

The long-term goal is ambitious, to improve understanding of diseases and eventually help develop better treatments or even cures. While results may take time, experts say this marks an important step toward combining AI with biology.

At the same time, the initiative raises questions about how sensitive biological data will be managed. Ensuring privacy, transparency, and ethical use will be critical as the project grows.

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GalaxEye deploys Drishti, India’s private space milestone

India’s space ambitions received a major boost with the launch of Mission ‘Drishti’, a next-generation Earth observation satellite built by startup GalaxEye. The satellite was successfully launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, marking a key achievement for the country’s private space sector.

What makes Drishti special is its advanced OptoSAR system—a technology that combines optical and radar imaging. This allows the satellite to capture high-quality images regardless of weather conditions or time of day, overcoming a major limitation of traditional satellites.

In simple terms, while most satellites struggle to capture images during cloudy weather or at night, Drishti can continue to “see” clearly. This makes it a powerful tool for continuous monitoring of the Earth’s surface.

At around 190 kg, it is the largest Earth observation satellite developed by a private Indian company so far. The mission highlights how startups are stepping up and complementing the work of ISRO in building advanced space capabilities.

The satellite is expected to support a wide range of uses. From helping authorities respond faster during natural disasters to improving crop monitoring and urban development planning, Drishti’s data can be used in many practical ways. It can also strengthen defence and surveillance systems by providing reliable, real-time imagery.

The launch has been welcomed as a landmark moment for India’s growing space ecosystem. Experts say it reflects the increasing role of private companies in driving innovation and reducing dependence on traditional systems.

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ChatGPT image tool sees surge in India

ChatGPT’s latest image tool is quickly catching on, especially in India, which has emerged as one of its fastest-growing markets. The updated version is drawing attention for fixing a long-standing problem in AI-generated images, messy, unreadable text,  while also making image editing much simpler for everyday users.

Earlier AI tools could create impressive visuals, but they often struggled when it came to adding text. Words would appear distorted or incorrect, making the images less useful for real-world needs like presentations, posters, or social media posts. The new version changes that by producing much cleaner and more accurate text within images.

What’s also driving its popularity is how easy it is to use. Users don’t need any design skills or specialised software. With just a simple prompt or a quick edit, they can improve photos, adjust backgrounds, or create entirely new visuals within seconds.

This has opened up a range of practical uses. From students making presentations to small business owners creating marketing content, the tool is helping people produce professional-looking visuals without much effort. It’s also being used for personal tasks like enhancing photos or creating better profile pictures.

Entrepreneur Anupam Mittal recently pointed out a relatable use case, professional headshots. Many people have plenty of photos on their phones, but very few that are suitable for platforms like LinkedIn. According to him, the new tool can quickly turn a casual photo into something more polished and work-ready.

India’s strong response to the tool reflects a broader trend. With more people creating content online and looking for quick, affordable solutions, AI tools like this are finding a ready audience. The combination of simplicity, speed, and improved quality is making them appealing to both individuals and businesses.

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Hidden Smart TV feature raises privacy concerns

Smart TVs have become a common part of households, but a lesser-known feature is now raising concerns about privacy. Many of these devices come with a built-in technology called Automatic Content Recognition (ACR), which can track what users are watching.

ACR works by analysing the audio and visuals on a screen to identify content. It can recognise shows from streaming platforms, cable TV, or even devices connected through HDMI, such as gaming consoles or set-top boxes. Once identified, the system creates data about viewing habits.

This data is often used to improve user experience by suggesting shows or delivering personalised advertisements. However, the concern is that many users are not aware this tracking is happening. In several cases, ACR is enabled by default when the TV is set up.

Privacy experts warn that such data collection can go beyond simple recommendations. The information may be shared with third-party advertisers or data companies, raising questions about how securely it is handled and who has access to it.

There are also concerns that smart TVs may continue tracking content even when they are used only as display screens for external devices. This means users could be monitored without actively using built-in apps.

With growing focus on digital privacy laws, including India’s data protection framework, experts say there is a need for clearer disclosures and better control for users.

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