TECHNOLOGY

Here are the key technology updates from January 13, 2026: Iran’s Internet Shutdown Hits 100 Hours Protests in Iran have led to a complete internet shutdown, which has now lasted 100 hours. According to NetBlocks data, both mobile data and voice calls are entirely blocked, and alternative means of internet access are also restricted. Even VPN connections are largely ineffective, as the Iranian authorities have blocked signals from satellite internet services, including Elon Musk’s Starlink. Government Denies Source Code Sharing Proposal A Reuters report had suggested that the Indian government was considering a proposal requiring smartphone companies to share their source code with authorities. However, the government has clarified that this report is inaccurate and no such pro...

Today, smartphones with 1–2TB of storage are becoming common, yet ten years ago, Google launched a phone that offered something far more revolutionary: unlimited cloud storage. This milestone device was Google’s first Pixel smartphone, which allowed users to store unlimited photos and videos in original quality on Google’s cloud—a feature that many users still rely on even today. The Arrival of Unlimited Storage In 2016, Google introduced the very first Pixel phone. Its standout feature was unlimited cloud storage for photos and videos in original quality, making it unnecessary for users to worry about running out of phone storage. This offer continued up to the Pixel 5 series, giving users a compelling reason to choose Pixel over other smartphones. This feature quickly became a m...

According to the latest data released by Counterpoint Research, Apple emerged as the world’s largest smartphone brand by shipments in 2025, securing the top position with a 20% global market share. Strong demand for the iPhone 17 series played a key role in helping the tech giant overtake its rivals. The report highlights that Apple’s smartphone shipments grew by 2% year-on-year compared to 2024. Out of all smartphones shipped worldwide in 2025, one in every five devices carried the Apple logo— the highest share among all brands. Robust demand across major markets, including India, contributed significantly to this performance. Top 5 Global Smartphone Brands by Market Share (2025) BrandMarket ShareApple20%Samsung19%Xiaomi13%Vivo8%Oppo8%Others32% Samsung Gains Ground, Xiaomi Sli...

New Delhi: A recent incident has raised concerns over customer privacy at smartphone service centers. A Samsung user in India claims that while his phone was being repaired, technicians accessed his personal apps, including WhatsApp, and viewed his photos. The breach was discovered when the user checked his phone’s Screen Time after the repair. Screen Time Reveals Unauthorized UsageMost smartphone users rely on official service centers for repairs, trusting that their data remains safe. However, a video shared on social media shows a technician at a Samsung service center using a customer’s phone without permission. According to the user, the gallery app was accessed for approximately 10 minutes, and WhatsApp was used for about 2 minutes. The user reported confronting the staff, after w...

New Delhi: Many users face situations where their computer won’t start despite pressing the power button. While it can be alarming, the issue is often simple and can be resolved at home before seeking professional help. Problems may arise from power supply issues, connected USB devices, or display settings. Here’s a step-by-step guide to troubleshoot your computer. 1. Check the Power SupplyThe most common reason a PC or laptop won’t start is a power issue. If there’s no fan noise, lights are off, or the screen is blank, first try connecting your computer to a different power outlet. If it still doesn’t turn on, the power supply unit may be faulty and require replacement. 2. Inspect the MonitorSometimes the computer powers on but nothing appears on the screen. Check if the monitor is ...

New Delhi: TP-Link has introduced a high-tech Wi-Fi 7 router capable of delivering internet speeds up to 10Gbps when connected via a LAN cable. This latest device, named TP-Link Archer BE670, promises enhanced connectivity and is designed to provide full network coverage in larger homes. Key Features of TP-Link Archer BE670 Supported Bands: 6GHz, 5GHz, and 2.4GHz Maximum Data Speed: Up to 5,765 Mbps on 6GHz and 5GHz bands; 688 Mbps on 2.4GHz Ethernet Ports: 5 in total, including a dedicated WAN/LAN port supporting 10Gbps connectivity and a 2.5Gbps port Antennas: 6 for optimal coverage in large homes While the router supports maximum 5,765 Mbps speed on 6GHz wireless connections, the LAN connection can reach speeds of up to 10Gbps, making it suitable for high-speed gamin...

New Delhi: In critical situations, knowing your exact location can be life-saving. Google’s Emergency Location Service (ELS), available for Android smartphones, ensures that your location is automatically shared with emergency services when you call 112, India’s national emergency number. What is the Emergency Location Service?The Emergency Location Service is a safety feature designed for Android smartphones. Once activated, it works automatically whenever a user dials 112. The feature uses GPS, Wi-Fi, and mobile networks to determine your location, allowing emergency responders to reach you even if you are unable to share your exact position verbally. This means that during a crisis, you do not need to worry about giving directions or estimating your location—the emergency services...

New Delhi: The Government of India has clarified that a recent Reuters report claiming that the country is considering a proposal to make smartphone brands share their source code is incorrect. According to the PIB Fact Check Twitter account, the government has no such plan at present. Official StatementResponding to the report, the government emphasized that it is not seeking to compel smartphone companies to share source code. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) confirmed that the news suggesting mandatory sharing of source code for major smartphone brands is false. No such proposal is under consideration. Current Status of Regulatory DiscussionsMeitY officials clarified that ongoing discussions with industry stakeholders are part of routine consultations...

New Delhi: Sleep does more than just relieve fatigue—it can provide early warnings about future health risks. Research conducted by Stanford University shows that patterns in a person’s sleep can indicate potential risks for diseases such as heart disease, stroke, dementia, kidney failure, and even mortality. The study, published in Nature Medicine, introduces an AI model called SleepFM, which analyzes bodily activity during sleep to predict the likelihood of developing 130 different diseases. High Accuracy in PredictionsSleepFM has demonstrated a C-index accuracy of over 0.75, meaning it correctly predicts outcomes in approximately 75% of cases. For example: Heart attacks: 8 out of 10 predictions were accurate Dementia: 8.5 out of 10 Kidney disease: 8 out of 10 Stroke: 7.8...

New Delhi: India is set to achieve 4G connectivity in every village by June 2026, promising high-speed internet and improved call services across rural areas. The announcement was made by Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia during an event in Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh. Speaking at the inauguration of a sub-post office in Badrwas, Guna district, Scindia highlighted that this initiative will strengthen the Digital India mission and enhance connectivity for rural residents. Government Initiatives for Rural EmpowermentThe Union Minister also announced that India Post has signed two agreements with the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare aimed at empowering rural women and farmers economically. One agreement focuses on real-time monitoring of fertilizer distribution, ensuring tran...