Technology
Mark Zuckerberg launches WhatsApp Channels, Indian celebs join
WhatsApp Channels are rolling out globally over the next few weeks
Meity blocks 348 apps identified by Home Ministry: MoS IT
Apps were found to be transmitting users' information in an unauthorised manner to servers located outside the country
Bengali techie gets patent in stereoscopy
patent is for inventing pathbreaking technology which can convert any 2D image to a stereoscopic 3D one while maintaining its original depth
India successfully test-fires two more surface-to-air missiles off Odisha coast
Performance of all weapon system components including missile, weapon system radar and command post have been validated during the trials
IIT Madras, US Uty develop AI-based algorithms to enhance 3D effects in phone videos
According to officials, such algorithms will prevent mobile phone images from being 'flat' and impart a realistic 3D feel
Mobiles & Tabs
Vivo releases Apex 2020 concept phone with edgeless display, Gimbal camera
The Vivo Apex 2020 is seen sporting a 48-megapixel Gimbal camera at the back, along with 5-7.5X optical zoom.
Realme 9i to be launched in India on January 18
The Snapdragon 680-powered phone debuted in Vietnam earlier this week
Google's Pixel 6a smartphone might launch in May
The phone will likely come with a 6.2-inch OLED screen while its dimensions are rumoured to come in at 152.2 x 71.8 x 8.7mm
Samsung makes Galaxy S20 Series accessible to more people
The South Korean tech giant has also announced exciting deals and offers.
Apple's next iPhone mirrors last year's, adds more storage
The pre-recorded video event streamed Tuesday gave Apple a chance to present a polished story
Gadgets
AirPods 3 rumoured to be announced at Apple event
The new AirPods are rumoured to feature a similar design as the AirPods Pro
Google Pixel Fold tipped to launch this year
It has been long rumoured that Google is eyeing to enter the foldable space with its own Pixel foldable phone
Apple's iPhone 15 Pro might come without SIM card slot
The latest rumours claim Apple will ditch the physical SIM card slot beginning with the iPhone 15 series in 2023
YouTube Music now available on Google, Samsung's new WearOS platform
9to5Google says there doesn't appear to be a way to stream music from the app -- it appears that you can only download music right now
Apple bringing you a free personal fitness guru for yoga, dance, workout and more soon
If you have an Apple Watch, you could soon download and sync guided videos for all fitness activity through the app Cupertino is working on
Reviews
Infinix Smart 2 review: A budget delight
Featuring Face Unlock and a crisp display, the Smart 2 can go head-on with smartphones from established brands.
Vivo V9 review: For those who need a perfect daily driver
The V9 is purely a camera phone with decent internals that works well as a daily runner.
Nokia releases first Android 9 Pie update for Nokia 7 plus
This upgrade builds upon the features of Android 8.0 Oreo, and focuses on a better experience with emphasis on AI and machine learning.
HTC U11 review: The smartphone with a lot of 'Sense'
HTC’s flagship offering for 2017 ticks all the right boxes without shouting out loud.
Xiaomi Redmi 5A review: A bang for your buck
The Redmi 5A is essentially a refreshed version of last year’s Redmi 4A for a lot less amount of money.
In Other news
Apple announces huge push into classical music, standalone app launching in 2022
The tech giant stated that it will incorporate the app's functionality and playlists into Apple Music
Twitter says new videos will be less pixelated for better experience
Twitter has removed a pre-processing step in its video pipeline when you upload
Facebook Messenger to get built-in bill splitting feature
The feature could be useful for situations like divvying up a restaurant bill with your friends or splitting a bill with roommates
Twitter to show full-sized images on web
This is the same update that banished Twitter's awkward auto-cropping algorithm on its Android and iOS apps
Airtel internet services briefly disrupted due to technical glitch; services restored
Several Airtel users on Twitter complained that both their mobile data and broadband connection stopped working