TECHNOLOGY

Here’s a quick roundup of the top tech stories from 19 January 2026. Major headlines include Asus stepping back from smartphones, leaks from Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S26 series, updates from Microsoft, and news about the social media platform X. 1. Asus Will No Longer Make SmartphonesAsus has officially announced that it will not launch any new smartphones this year. Chairman Johnny Shih confirmed that the company will instead focus on AI hardware. Existing Asus smartphone users will continue to receive full support. Known for its Zenfone and ROG series, Asus cited increasing market competition and declining profits as key reasons for the move. The company plans to invest in AI-centric systems, including intelligent machines and robotics. 2. Samsung Galaxy S26 Series Models Accident...

Switching from wireless earbuds to wired earphones may seem like a downgrade, but my personal experience has shown me otherwise. For anyone frustrated by charging multiple devices, seeking superior audio quality, or annoyed by audio lag, wired earbuds can actually prove far more practical. Here’s a breakdown of the five key benefits of making the switch: 1. Cost-EffectiveWired earbuds are significantly cheaper than wireless alternatives. A high-quality wireless earbud can cost up to ₹6,000, while premium wired models are available for around ₹2,000. Even decent wired earbuds can be bought for ₹700–1,000, making them a wallet-friendly option without compromising on quality. 2. Superior Audio QualityIf audio clarity is your top priority, wired earbuds outperform wireless ones. Wireless...

Buying an air conditioner (AC) in January may sound unusual, but experts say it can save you thousands of rupees. If you’re planning to purchase a new AC before the summer heat, this month could be the most beneficial time to do so. Unlike the busy months of March–April, the off-season offers lower prices, more options, and better services. Here’s why buying an AC in January is a smart choice: 1. Prices Are LowerWith demand low in January, companies reduce AC prices to attract buyers. It is also an opportunity for retailers to clear old stock. In contrast, during the summer months, high demand and limited availability drive prices up significantly. 2. Sales and Discounts Are AbundantJanuary brings Republic Day sales on platforms like Amazon and Flipkart, with attractive discounts on ...

Apple appears to be in hot water in India. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has issued a strict warning to the tech giant, asking for a response by next week. Failure to comply could trigger unilateral action by the regulator. This legal battle, ongoing since 2021, centers on in-app payments, and Apple could face a potential fine of $38 billion (approximately ₹32 lakh crore). CCI’s Warning to AppleAccording to Reuters, Apple has been delaying responses in an antitrust investigation that has been underway since 2021. Frustrated by these delays, the CCI has issued a final warning. The regulator made it clear that if Apple does not provide its response by next week, it will move forward and take action independently. What’s the Case About?The case involves Apple’s in-app paymen...

For those looking to buy a smart TV, now is the perfect time to place an order. Amazon and Flipkart have kicked off their Republic Day sales, offering 32-inch smart TVs starting at just ₹7,799. We’ve rounded up six of the most affordable and reliable options for buyers. Top Smart TV Deals to Grab: MarQ by Flipkart 80 cm (32-inch) HD Ready LED Smart Coolita TV (32HDCDQEE1B) Price: ₹7,999 Features: HD resolution, 60Hz refresh rate, 24W speakers, 2 HDMI ports, 2 USB ports Discounts: Additional ₹1,250–1,500 off with select cards Infinix 80 cm (32-inch) HD Ready LED Smart Linux TV (32Y1D/32Y1C/32Y1B) Price: ₹7,799 Features: HD resolution, 60Hz refresh rate, 18W speakers, 2 HDMI ports, 1 USB port Discounts: Up to ₹500 off with HDFC bank card, 1-year warranty ...

China is taking traffic management to the next level—robot police are now controlling intersections and issuing fines when necessary. Equipped with AI algorithms and high-definition cameras, these humanoid traffic officers can detect violations by cyclists and pedestrians, issue on-the-spot warnings, and, in some cases, send fines directly to offenders’ homes. Evading these “robo cops” is almost impossible. A Glimpse into Wuhu CityTo understand China’s technological advancement, one need only observe a busy intersection in Wuhu, Anhui Province. Here, cyclists are guided to use non-motorized lanes—not by human officers, but by a humanoid robot. Dressed in a police uniform, reflective jacket, and white cap, the robot bears the badge “Intelligent Police Unit R001.” From a distance, it look...

In today’s world, electronic devices like mobile phones, TVs, laptops, and chargers have become an essential part of daily life. While most people check a product’s brand, features, and price before buying, many often overlook a small but crucial mark—the CRS mark. This tiny symbol is not just a logo; it is a sign of safety, quality, and reliability. What is the CRS Mark?CRS stands for Compulsory Registration Scheme. It is a certification that indicates that a product complies with the safety and quality standards set by India’s Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). Electronics such as mobile phones, laptops, smart TVs, tablets, LED lights, and power adapters must carry the CRS mark. Each CRS-marked product has a unique registration number, proving that it has been tested and approved by th...

In a remarkable milestone for artificial intelligence, two humanoid robots were seen engaging in a natural, unscripted conversation—just like humans—without any human intervention. This historic demonstration took place during CES 2026 (Consumer Electronics Show) and was presented by US-based robotics company Realbotix. The two humanoid robots, named Aria and David, held a continuous conversation for nearly two hours, astonishing audiences and experts alike. What made this interaction extraordinary was the fact that it was not scripted, not remotely controlled, and did not rely on internet connectivity. A Conversation Without Human Input According to reports, the entire interaction happened autonomously. No predefined dialogue was programmed, and no operator guided the robots duri...

If you have ever opened YouTube Shorts “for just a few minutes” and suddenly realized hours have passed, you are not alone. Short-form videos are designed to keep users scrolling endlessly—but YouTube has now introduced a feature that may finally help users take control of their screen time. The platform has rolled out a new option called Shorts Feed Limit, allowing users to set a daily time limit for watching YouTube Shorts. Once the allotted time is over, scrolling stops and a notification alerts the user—helping break the habit of mindless consumption. What Is YouTube Shorts Feed Limit? YouTube Shorts were created to offer quick, engaging videos, but many users end up spending far more time than intended. To address this growing concern, YouTube now lets users decide how much t...

Free Wi-Fi in hotels and public places may seem convenient, but cybersecurity experts warn that it can pose serious risks to your personal data, passwords, and even bank accounts. Connecting to an unsecured hotel network can expose users to data breaches, cyber-stalking, and financial fraud. Are Hotel Wi-Fi Networks Safe? According to a report by Reader’s Digest, connecting your smartphone or laptop to hotel Wi-Fi can put your personal information, login credentials, and banking details at risk. Thousands of guests often use the same network, making it an easy target for hackers—especially since many hotel networks operate with outdated or weak security systems. Once cybercriminals gain access to a hotel’s Wi-Fi router, they can potentially monitor online activity, steal passwords...