TECHNOLOGY

New Delhi: In the ₹449 mobile recharge category, Jio and Airtel are once again going head-to-head. Airtel has introduced a prepaid plan with truly unlimited 4G/5G data, while Jio offers a postpaid plan at the same price that allows three numbers under a single bill. But which plan gives you the best value? Let’s break it down. Airtel ₹449 Prepaid Plan: Unlimited Everything Airtel’s ₹449 prepaid plan is designed for heavy data users who don’t want any restrictions. Key features include: Unlimited 4G/5G data for 28 days (with a 300GB fair usage cap). Unlimited voice calls and 100 SMS per day. Extra benefits such as 30GB Google One cloud storage, JioHotstar Mobile access for 28 days, Airtel Xstream Play access to 20+ OTT apps including SonyLIV, 6 months of Apple Music, and fre...

New Delhi: Meta has confirmed that WhatsApp will soon introduce a subscription model, meaning users may have to pay to access certain premium features on the popular messaging app. While the free version will continue to be available, the paid plan is expected to offer a host of exclusive benefits, similar to YouTube’s premium model. What the WhatsApp Subscription Will Offer:According to reports, WhatsApp subscribers will gain access to special features, including: Ad-free Status Tab – no advertisements while viewing Status updates. Exclusive Stickers and App Themes – customize chats with premium designs. More Chat Pins – ability to pin more than three chats. Custom App Icon – change the WhatsApp icon on your device. Special Ringtones – access to unique notification soun...

Bengaluru: Flipkart’s limited-time sale is offering attractive discounts on Samsung smartphones, including 5G models and premium devices. The sale is valid until 5 February, and users can get the latest Samsung 5G smartphones starting at just ₹8,999. The sale features models such as Samsung Galaxy F06 5G, Galaxy F36 5G, Galaxy S25 Plus 5G, and Galaxy S24 5G Snapdragon variants, with significant price cuts. Samsung Galaxy F06 5G:The Samsung Galaxy F06 5G, originally priced at ₹12,499, is available for ₹8,999 during the Flipkart sale. It sports a 6.7-inch HD+ display, a dual rear camera setup of 50MP + 2MP, and an 8MP front camera. The phone comes with 4GB RAM, 64GB storage, and supports 25W fast charging for its 5,000mAh battery. Samsung promises four OS upgrades, meaning it can run A...

Google has made a significant leap into the medical field with AlphaGenome, an advanced AI model capable of analyzing DNA sequences to predict how genetic changes can affect the human body. Essentially, AlphaGenome reads DNA the way a doctor interprets MRI scans, CT scans, and blood tests together, providing almost precise insights into potential diseases. Understanding DNA and Its ImportanceEvery cell in our body contains a unique instruction manual called the genome, written in the language of DNA. This “book” determines how we look, how our body functions, and the diseases we might be prone to. Even a tiny change in a single DNA letter can sometimes trigger serious illnesses, making it extremely challenging for scientists to predict the impact—until now. How Powerful Is AlphaGenom...

Oakley and Meta have teamed up to launch the world’s first performance AI glasses, named Oakley Meta Vanguard, in India. Designed for athletes who want to blend technology with training, these stylish smart glasses are priced starting at ₹52,300 and come packed with cutting-edge AI features. Key Features for AthletesThe Oakley Meta Vanguard is engineered for high-intensity sports. Equipped with Meta AI, these glasses can sync with fitness apps like Garmin, providing real-time insights into heart rate, performance metrics, and workout progress. Users can simply say “Hey Meta” to get updates. For Indian users, the glasses now support Hindi voice commands, allowing you to take photos or send messages in your native language. Additionally, the AI responses come in Bollywood star Deepika Pad...

The Epstein Files, which have caused global outrage, are now accessible in a user-friendly format called Jmail. This platform compiles all publicly available documents, emails, photos, and videos related to Jeffrey Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell in one place, making it easier for people to explore the extensive archive. What Are the Epstein Files?The Epstein Files comprise nearly 6 million documents, images, and videos connected to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell’s sex trafficking network. They include secret government documents, emails, and audio-visual records, exposing some of the world’s most notorious activities involving high-profile individuals. The collection has been described as a “raw dossier” of some of the most disturbing crimes in recent history. Why...

New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India on Tuesday sharply criticized Meta Platforms Inc. and WhatsApp during hearings related to their 2021 privacy policy, warning the companies against misusing Indian users’ personal data. Chief Justice of India Suryakant reportedly stated that if these companies cannot comply with the Constitution, they are free to leave the country. The Case:The dispute centers on WhatsApp’s 2021 privacy policy, which required users to share personal details with Meta. Users were reportedly not given a real option to opt out. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) considered this an abuse of dominance in the Indian market and imposed a hefty penalty of ₹213.14 crore. In January 2025, the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) removed the finding of abuse o...

The recent India-US trade agreement has raised questions about its impact on India’s smartphone and technology sector. Will this deal make smartphones more affordable? What changes can be expected in electronics and semiconductors? NBT Tech spoke with Rajeev Singh, Managing Director of BenQ India & South Asia, for expert insights. Opportunities for India’s Tech Sector The trade deal reduces tariffs on Indian goods exported to the US from 50% to 18%, opening significant opportunities for Indian technology companies. According to Rajeev Singh, this will allow Indian companies to expand their global presence and become more competitive. Electronics and hardware manufacturers, in particular, stand to benefit from easier access to international markets, lower production costs, and inc...

India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) may soon be integrated with China’s Alipay+, allowing Indian tourists to make payments in countries where Alipay+ operates. Currently, Alipay+ is available in over 100 countries, and this integration could significantly strengthen UPI’s global reach. UPI-Alipay+ Integration Talks The Indian government and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) are reportedly in discussions with Alipay+, a product of the Chinese fintech giant Ant Group, to link UPI with the platform. According to Reuters, if the talks succeed, it will make digital payments in China and other countries much easier for Indian travelers. This collaboration could also help restore trade and diplomatic ties between India and China following the 2020 border tensions. Benefits for Indi...

Concerns have emerged in Pakistan over alleged government control of internet speeds, drawing comparisons to internet restrictions in Iran. Citizens have accused the Pakistani government of deliberately throttling internet access, prompting an official written response from the authorities. Government Denies Intentional Slowdown Recent public allegations suggest that the Pakistani government has been slowing down internet speeds across the country. Internet throttling, which refers to deliberately reducing bandwidth, has sparked widespread debate. In its official statement, the government denied using any system to intentionally slow down internet speeds. However, it acknowledged the presence of a Web Monitoring System (WMS) used to block certain content online. Web Monitoring ...