TECHNOLOGY

February 10, 2026: Many smartphone users notice that the usable storage on their devices is always less than the advertised capacity. Whether it’s a 128GB phone or a 1TB model, a portion of the storage seems unavailable for personal use. The reason lies in the combination of the operating system, system updates, cache files, and pre-installed apps (bloatware) occupying space. Operating System SizeNo smartphone comes completely empty. Each device comes preloaded with an operating system (OS), which consumes a significant portion of the total storage. This is why a 128GB phone may only show around 110–115GB available to the user, depending on the OS and device optimizations. The Weight of BloatwareBesides the OS, smartphones include system apps and third-party pre-installed apps, often...

Chandigarh, February 10, 2026: A Chandigarh woman lost ₹80,000 after falling prey to a customer care scam while trying to get a refund from Blinkit, the popular quick commerce app. The incident began when she received a damaged grocery order and tried to contact customer support for a refund. How the Scam HappenedIn an attempt to resolve her issue, the woman Googled Blinkit’s customer care number. Unbeknownst to her, the top search results included a fake number promoted through SEO and paid advertisements. When she called this number, scammers contacted her via WhatsApp under the guise of processing her refund. The fraudsters then tricked her into installing a remote access app like AnyDesk or a screen-sharing tool. Once she shared her screen, the scammers gained control over her ph...

February 9, 2026, Bengaluru: Tech giant Apple is gearing up to celebrate its 50th anniversary this year, and CEO Tim Cook has promised employees a special commemoration. The company, founded on April 1, 1976, in a California garage by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne, now has over 2.5 billion active devices worldwide. Tim Cook on Apple’s MilestoneDuring an all-hands meeting with employees, Cook said, “I promise some form of celebration.” Reflecting on the past five decades, he added that thinking about Apple’s journey fills him with pride and joy. While the exact details of the celebration remain under wraps, industry observers note that the milestone could coincide with a major leadership transition at Apple. Leadership Transition on the HorizonReports suggest that Apple ...

Bengaluru, February 9, 2026: Bengaluru-based AI startup Sarvam has unveiled its latest AI voice model, Bulbul V3, positioning it as a strong competitor to global AI chatbots like Gemini and ChatGPT. The standout feature of Bulbul V3 is its ability to understand and speak in 11 Indian languages, capturing the nuances, accents, and conversational style unique to India. Plans are already underway to expand support to all 22 official Indian languages. Bulbul V3: A Master of Indian LanguagesUnlike many AI systems that operate primarily in English, Bulbul V3 excels at conversing naturally in Indian languages, including regional dialects and code-mixed sentences—commonly seen when Hindi, English, and other languages are blended in daily conversation. The AI model can deliver fluid, emotion-awa...

Have you seen videos where objects like a roti, a plastic bottle, or an orange appear to talk? These quirky clips have taken social media by storm. The roti might say, “Eat me too much and you’ll gain weight,” or a plastic bottle could complain, “I was only here to quench thirst, then thrown away.” Creating such videos is now easier than ever, and no special technical knowledge is required. Step 1: Use ChatGPTOpen the ChatGPT app on your mobile or computer. Tap the three lines on the top left, go to Apps, then select GPTs. In the search box, type Object Talk Hindi and select it. Enter the object’s name, for example, “apple.” ChatGPT will generate a script and prompts for images suitable for your video. You can even specify the video theme, like “health benefits of apple.” Step 2: Gen...

More than 40% of Android smartphones, or over 1 billion devices, are now vulnerable to cyberattacks because they are running Android 12 or older versions, Google has confirmed. These outdated phones no longer receive security updates, leaving them exposed to malware and spyware threats. According to Forbes, only 57.9% of devices currently run Android 13 or newer. By December 2025, just 7.5% of phones were on the latest Android 16, while Android 15, 14, and 13 were on 19.3%, 17.2%, and 13.9% of devices, respectively. This shows a large portion of phones still run outdated software, putting users at risk. Google’s AdviceDevices launched in 2021 or earlier are the most vulnerable. Google recommends that if your phone cannot run Android 13 or higher, you should consider switching to a ne...

A recent incident in Nizamuddin, Delhi, saw a geyser explosion claiming a life, highlighting the importance of identifying warning signs and maintaining geyser safety. Experts say that most geyser accidents are preventable if users recognize the early indicators and follow simple safety measures. Warning Signs to Watch ForBefore a geyser explosion occurs, there are usually three telltale signs: The geyser suddenly heats water excessively, indicating a faulty thermostat that may fail to auto-cut. Steam or bubbles appear in the tap water while filling, signaling overheating. Leaks from the tank or failure of the geyser to auto-cut even after prolonged use. Noticing any of these signs early allows timely maintenance and prevents accidents. Three Key Safety Measures Use...

Airtel is making a major shift in its 5G network, moving from NSA (Non-Standalone) 5G to SA (Standalone) 5G, the same technology that Jio has been using since the beginning. This upgrade marks Airtel’s move to pure 5G, eliminating reliance on 4G infrastructure and bringing faster speeds, lower latency, and more stable connections to its users. NSA 5G vs SA 5GPreviously, Airtel’s NSA 5G relied on 4G infrastructure, which meant users saw the 5G icon but experienced speeds and coverage influenced by 4G. In contrast, SA 5G runs entirely on 5G core technology, unlocking the full potential of the network without 4G dependencies. The upgrade allows the network to operate more efficiently, delivering improved coverage and speed. What Changes for UsersWith SA 5G, Airtel customers can now enjo...

Do you often notice extra charges when making UPI payments for mobile recharges or bill payments? Some UPI apps levy a platform fee, adding a few extra rupees to your payment. The good news: you can easily avoid these charges. 1. Check the Final Amount Before PayingMany users don’t notice that while recharging ₹100, their UPI app may charge ₹103 or ₹104. Always review the payment summary before confirming a transaction to ensure no extra charges are applied. 2. Pay Directly Through Official AppsPlatform fees are charged for using third-party UPI apps. The easiest way to avoid them is to pay directly via the service provider’s official app. For instance, recharge a Jio number via the MyJio app instead of a third-party UPI app. You may even receive discounts for using the official plat...

We often spend thousands on high-end earbuds, but what about a gadget designed to protect your ears from surrounding noise? The Sennheiser Sound Protex Plus, priced at ₹2,990, promises exactly that. After using it for over a month, here’s a detailed look at how it performs. Noise Protection FiltersThe Sound Protex Plus resembles regular earbuds but comes with replaceable filters to manage noise. Use the Low filter for mild protection or the Full filter to block most external sounds. The device is designed to reduce surrounding noise significantly, including loud TVs, traffic, or even airplane cabin noise. Unboxing ExperienceThe packaging is similar to standard earbuds but includes small, medium, and large buds along with four filters marked Low, Mid, High, and Full. It also comes wit...