VLC Media Player is one of those software programs you can find on almost everyone's PC or laptop. But if you ask people what they use it for, the only answer you'll usually hear is playing music and videos. I don't blame them, as the app is so goated that hardly anyone ever gets to understand its true capabilities. I was just like them, using it as a dependable media player until a few years ago, when I decided to dig deep into the settings and menus of the platform. As I explored, I discovered that VLC is packed with tools that can replace several standalone apps many of us keep installed. In this guide, I'll share some of the hidden features of VLC Media Player so you can start using the app to its fullest.

1. Watch online videos in VLC

One of the first hidden features that I came across was the direct streaming feature of online videos through VLC. I usually keep more than one tab open in my web browsers, and streaming videos through them is sometimes messy. Between ads, notifications, and dozens of tabs, it becomes distracting. That's when I started opening certain videos directly in VLC. The experience felt cleaner and more focused. All I needed was the video link, and VLC handled the rest.

If you want to try it, copy the URL of the video you want to watch. Open VLC, click on Media and then Open Network Stream. Paste the link into the box and press Play. VLC will start streaming the video within the player. It works particularly well with supported online video links, although some streaming services with content protection restrictions may not work.

Also read: Best retro handheld gaming devices in India: Nine picks for every budget

2. VLC as a backup file converter

We all struggle to convert files using the unreliable free online tools or download an extra app that would take up memory and space on our devices. However, digging through the settings, I get to know that the app can double down as a file conversion tool. Hence, I no longer need to go on the hunt for reliable software or a website. Since I discovered this feature, I only use VLC to convert files. Like, I recently needed a video in a format that would play on an older device. Instead of searching for another programme, I simply opened VLC and converted the file in a few minutes.

If you're looking for how you can also do that, then let me tell you it's very simple. All you need to do is open VLC and click Media, followed by Convert/Save. Add the file you want to convert and press Convert/Save again. Select the output format you want, specify the destination of the newly created file and begin the process. When it is done, you will have your newly converted file ready to use.

3. VLC as a camera app alternative

There is nothing more frustrating than launching your webcam before a meeting and finding that the camera app refuses to cooperate. While the Photo Booth on a Mac is pretty reliable, that's not the case with the Windows Camera app. I've run into that situation more than once. One day, I was so frustrated that I started looking for alternative apps, and then I discovered that VLC could display my webcam feed. What started as a quick test soon became a feature I actually rely on. Whenever I want to check if my camera is working properly, VLC is often the first app I open.

The added benefit is that VLC can also record the webcam feed and save it in different formats. If you also want to use this feature, then head to your VLC media player and select 'Media'. Now, click Open Capture Device, choose your webcam source and start the preview. Within seconds, you'll be able to see your camera feed directly inside VLC.

4. VLC audio and video controls

For years, I completely ignored VLC's effects menu, as I assumed the player was only meant to play content. However, it turns out that VLC also includes several tools that can help improve both audio and video playback. I first used these controls while watching a movie with unusually dark scenes. Instead of adjusting my monitor settings, I opened VLC's video controls and tweaked the brightness, and to my surprise, the difference was immediate.

The audio tools can be just as useful. I've used the equaliser to make dialogue clearer and improve the overall sound experience when using basic speakers or headphones. To access these settings, you need to navigate to the VLC player and click on 'Tools' followed by 'Effects and Filters'. Once you have done that, you can alternate between the audio and video controls. This will include things like equaliser controls, sound improvements, brightness controls, colour controls, and many others.

Also read: Top 5 upcoming phones in July 2026: Nothing Phone 4b, Oppo Reno 16 and more

5. Preserve the old CD collection

Physical media might not be as popular today, but if you’re an OG, it’s highly possible that you still have some physical media that is important to you. The challenge is that modern computers and laptops are gradually moving away from built-in disc drives, making it harder to access those older collections.

That's where VLC surprised me once again. It can rip audio CDs and save the tracks directly to your computer. If you've ever ripped a CD before, you know how frustrating the process could be. It was important to see that the ripping did not get interrupted and corrupted along the way because a minor problem could result in the failure of the extraction and you would have to repeat the whole thing again. Apart from that, the software selection was not diverse and quite difficult to use.

Unlike when using other specialised software, I was able to take advantage of the software which was preinstalled on my computer. In case I needed to back up some of my old music CDs, VLC made everything very easy and simple.

To rip a CD on your device, you need to insert the disc into your computer's drive and launch VLC. Select Media and then Convert/Save. Open the Disc tab and choose Audio CD. Select your disc drive and continue to the Convert option. From there, choose the format you want and start the process. VLC will save the tracks to your computer, making them easier to access on modern devices.

If you’re thinking about buying a new smartphone, it might be worth holding on for a little while. Over the next few weeks, brands like Nothing, OnePlus, Oppo, Samsung and Tecno are expected to launch some interesting devices across different price segments. Some are focusing on bigger batteries, others are bringing better cameras, while a few are trying to offer a more premium experience without a flagship price tag. Based on everything revealed so far, these are the upcoming smartphones that look most promising. While we’ll have to wait for the official launches to know how they perform, here’s what each of them is expected to bring.

Nothing Phone 4b

Nothing has been steadily growing its smartphone lineup, and the Phone 4b looks like the company’s next affordable device. The phone is expected to come in three colours and two storage variants, including 8GB + 128GB and 8GB + 256GB storage.

According to the leaks, it may feature a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. It is said to be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 processor.

As shown in the images released by Nothing, the Phone 4b will feature a dual-camera setup, and according to the tipsters, it might probably be a 50MP primary sensor. The phone is also tipped to pack a 5,400mAh battery.

Overall, the Nothing Phone 4b would be a great option for buyers who are looking for a clean software experience with unique design aesthetics.

Oppo Reno 16

Oppo seems to be focusing a lot on cameras with the Reno 16. The phone is expected to feature a compact 6.32-inch 1.5K flat display with a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 1,800 nits of peak brightness. Powering the device could be a Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 chipset, paired with LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 3.1 storage.

The camera is easily one of the biggest highlights of the Reno 16. The phone is confirmed to feature three 50MP sensors at the back: primary, ultrawide and a periscope lens with 3.5x optical zoom.Even the front camera is expected to be a 50MP sensor, which should make the phone a solid option for selfies.

This time, Oppo is launching the Bubble Mag E-badge along with the Reno 16. This will magnetically attach to the back of your smartphone and display a live preview from the rear cameras, letting you also use the higher-quality main camera for selfies and video calls. 

The Reno 16 is expected to pack a 6,700mAh battery with 80W fast charging.

OnePlus N6

The OnePlus N6 is launching soon on June 30. The company has already started teasing the N6 on its website with some expected features. According to their website, the OnePlus N6 comes with an 8,000mAh battery that could easily stretch up to 2 days on a single charge, along with 45W fast charging. The phone is also confirmed to feature a 120Hz display, a large 5.3K VC cooling system, and a 50MP dual-rear camera setup paired with an 8MP selfie snapper.

According to the leaks, the phone is expected to be powered by a MediaTek Dimensity chip, although exact details are yet unknown. The phone is also tipped to be priced under Rs 20,000. 

Given the promising specs, the OnePlus N6 could become one of the strongest battery-focused smartphones in its segment.

Samsung Galaxy M47

Samsung’s M-series has always been about offering a reliable smartphone experience, and the Galaxy M47 looks and sounds promising. As per the official listing on Samsung’s website, the Galaxy M47 will come with a 120Hz Super AMOLED display, probably 6.7 inches in size, along with Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection. The official listing also shows that the phone will be powered by a Snapdragon chipset paired with LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 3.1 storage.

The camera setup will include a 50MP main camera, a 5MP ultrawide camera, and a 2MP macro sensor. For selfies and video calls, there could be a 12MP snapper at the front.

Battery capacity is tipped to remain at a 5,000mAh battery. Although what’s confirmed is the support for 45W fast charging. Also, given Samsung’s reputation for keeping the device future-ready, the Galaxy M47 will come with a promise of 6 years of main OS updates paired with 6 years of security patches.

Tecno Camon Slim

Tecno has been quite active lately on its global social media accounts, hyping up its upcoming Camon slim smartphone. The main highlight of the phone is its 6.39mm slim profile. But, beyond the looks, the leaked specifications are also looking promising. 

The Tecno Camon Slim is expected to feature a 6.78-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate. Under the hood, you may get the Helio G200 Ultimate chipset. It could come with 8GB RAM and offer up to 256GB of storage. The phone is also expected to run HiOS 16.2 based on Android 16 out of the box.

Camera-wise, Tecno could use a 50MP Sony LYT-600 sensor, along with a secondary sensor, which could be an ultra-wide sensor or a depth sensor. For selfies, a 32MP front camera is expected.

Despite its slim profile, the Camon Slim is expected to pack a 5,600mAh battery with 60W fast charging support. Apart from that, the phone may also come with IP68 and IP69 ratings, military-grade durability, stereo speakers, NFC, and an in-display fingerprint scanner.

Retro handheld gaming has quietly become one of the most active corners of consumer electronics and almost none of it happens through official retail channels in India. Nearly everything in the retro handheld gaming devices category arrives through a small number of Indian resellers who import hardware from China, or through marketplaces where the same internal hardware gets sold under a dozen different invented brand names at a dozen different prices.

That makes buying one of these handheld gaming devices a slightly different exercise than buying a phone or a tablet. Price comparisons matter more here and so does knowing which devices are genuinely distinct hardware versus which are the same Chinese reference design wearing a different sticker. This retro handheld gaming devices guide covers nine picks available to Indian buyers in 2026, from sub-Rs 5,000 handhelds built purely for 8-bit and 16-bit emulation, up to Android-capable devices that stretch into PS2-adjacent territory.

Best entry-level retro handheld gaming device: Anbernic RG28XX (Rs 4,999)

The smallest and cheapest current Anbernic handheld in India. The 2.83-inch IPS screen and Linux-based system are built for 8-bit and 16-bit emulation, comfortably handling NES, SNES, Game Boy and similar systems, with light PSP capability at best. It will not play anything PS1-demanding well. For a first retro handheld, or a gift for a child who mainly wants Mario and Sonic, this is the cheapest credible option in the current Indian lineup.

Best sweet-spot retro handheld gaming device: Anbernic RG35XX Pro (Rs 6,999)

The 3.5-inch IPS display and 64-bit Linux system handle PS1 and PSP comfortably, which is the point where most casual buyers' expectations land. Strong community firmware support means the out-of-the-box software experience improves significantly if you're willing to flash an alternative OS. This is the Anbernic to recommend if someone asks for just one device and nothing else.

Best ultra-compact retro handheld gaming device: Miyoo Mini Plus (Rs 6,499)

The smallest device on this list that still uses a proper 3.5-inch IPS screen, built around Onion OS, widely regarded as one of the best custom firmware experiences in this category. It handles PS1 and everything below cleanly. At the time of writing, only the white colourway was in stock at the retailer we checked, so colour availability is worth confirming before ordering. Battery life sits around 5 to 6 hours, on the lower side for this list, a fair trade for the pocketable size.

Best retro handheld gaming device with bigger screen and battery: Anbernic RG40XX H (Rs 7,999)

A step up from the RG35XX line in both screen size (4-inch) and battery capacity (3,200 mAh), at a similar generation of Linux-based emulation performance. Worth the extra money mainly for buyers who found the 35XX series screen too small for comfortable extended play.

Best square-screen and dual-OS retro handheld gaming device: Anbernic RG CubeXX (Rs 7,499)

The unusual 1:1 square display sounds like a gimmick until you remember how many classic systems, Game Boy, Game Gear, Neo Geo Pocket, NES, were designed around closer-to-square aspect ratios. Runs both Android and Linux, giving it more flexibility than the rest of the Anbernic lineup here, at the cost of being a noticeably chunkier device to hold.

Best for retro plus modern Android emulation: Anbernic RG552 (Rs 13,340)

The only genuinely premium pick in the main list, and the one stable Indian listing we found for a device in this performance class. It pushes into PS2-adjacent emulation territory that the Linux-based handhelds above cannot touch. This is a meaningfully different price bracket from everything else here, and worth it only if PS2, GameCube-lite, or heavier Android gaming specifically matter to you.

Best budget retro handheld gaming device: R36 Ultra (from Rs 3,500)

The R36 Ultra is part of a flooded sub-category: dozens of nearly identical RK3326-chip handhelds sold under invented reseller brand names (Playtastic, BVG, HZ TOYZ, AISLPC, and more) on Amazon and Flipkart, each pricing the same internal hardware differently. We found credible listings for the R36 Ultra ranging from roughly Rs 3,500 to Rs 4,500 depending on storage variant and seller; one Flipkart listing showed Rs 14,999 for what appears to be the same hardware, which looks like opportunistic pricing rather than a real market rate, and we'd treat it with scepticism. Two close siblings worth knowing about: the R36H (a horizontal, PSP-style layout of the same chip) and the R36MAX (a larger 4-inch 1:1 screen version), neither of which had a stable, visible Indian price at the time of writing. All three run the same RK3326 chip and handle the same generation of games; if you're choosing between them, pick based on form factor and screen size rather than expecting a meaningful performance difference.

A nostalgia pick: Nintendo Game & Watch: Super Mario Bros.

This deserves a different kind of entry than everything above. Nintendo released this limited-edition Game & Watch system in November 2020 for the Super Mario Bros. 35th anniversary, and officially stopped shipping it to retailers after March 2021. It was never sold through Nintendo's official channels in India, and what's available now is import and collector resale stock, mostly through Amazon.in third-party sellers, with prices that vary enough between listings that we're not printing a number here. If you want one, treat it as a collectible purchase rather than a "best buy," check seller ratings carefully, and expect to pay a premium over its original international retail price.

Quick pick: Which retro handheld gaming devices should you buy?

The budget smartphone segment is getting really competitive with brands now focusing on features that were once reserved for premium devices. Big batteries, fast charging, high refresh rate and even extended software support are no longer exclusive to the flagship devices. The upcoming OnePlus N6 and previously launched Redmi 15 5G can be an example for this transition. While both the devices are said to target users looking for big battery and everyday performance, they may take slightly different approaches when it comes to hardware, software and display. Here is a closer look at how the two smartphones compare based on information available so far.

OnePlus N6 vs Redmi 15: Price in India

The OnePlus N6 is scheduled to launch on June 30, 2026, and is expected to compete in the highly contested sub-Rs 20,000 segment. According to leaks, the base 4GB RAM and 128GB storage variant may be priced at around Rs 19,999.

The Redmi 15 5G, meanwhile, starts at Rs 20,499 for the 6GB RAM and 128GB storage model. And if you want more storage and power, you can choose the 8GB RAM and 256GB version, which is priced at Rs 24,499.

Battery and charging

The OnePlus N6 is expected to feature a massive 8,000mAh battery based on Silicon-Carbon battery technology. The device will support 45W fast charging, with the company suggesting that a quick five-minute charge could provide approximately 1.7 hours of YouTube playback.

The Redmi 15 5G is not far behind, packing a 7,000mAh battery. Charging speeds are slightly lower at 33W but it even offers 18W wired reverse charging, allowing users to power accessories or other devices directly from the phone.

Performance and software

While OnePlus has not officially confirmed the chipset powering the N6, the company has revealed several hardware details ahead of launch. The phone is expected to ship with Android 16-based OxygenOS 16 and include a large 5,300mm² vapour chamber cooling system designed to maintain stable temperatures during gaming and extended media consumption.

On the other hand, the Redmi 15 5G comes with Qualcomm's Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 processor. The phone runs on HyperOS based on Android and will get two Android versions along with four years of security patches.

Display

If the leaks are believed to be true, the OnePlus N6 comes with a flat display measuring between 6.72 inches and 6.78 inches, however, the final details are yet to be announced. The Amazon teaser also reveals that the device will have a 120Hz refresh rate panel.

The Redmi 15 gets a bigger 6.9-inch Full HD+ display. It comes with a 144Hz AdaptiveSync refresh rate making it arguably the best in the segment. The device also gets TÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light and Flicker-Free certifications for improved viewing comfort during extended use.

Camera

According to the Amazon microsite, the OnePlus N6 will get a 50MP primary camera paired with a 2MP depth sensor. It will also offer a 60FPS video recording along with the dual video recording mode. For selfies, the device may feature a 8MP front camera.

On the other hand, the Redmi 15 comes with a 50MP AI dual-camera system with an f/1.75 aperture. The device offers promising software driven photography additions such as built in custom film filters and AI Sky replacement tools with HyperOS. On the front, users get an 8MP selfie camera.

Design and durability

In terms of design, we do not know much about the OnePlus N6. The reports suggest that the device will have IP64 rating for protection against dust and water splashes. The company has revealed the first of the device on Amazon microsite. The design looks like a signature OnePlus with matte finish, a squarish camera module and two camera lenses.

The Redmi 15 5G comes with premium marble like finish and features IP64 rating for dust and splash resistance. It gets a fancy camera island that adds character to the look. The device is available in Midnight Black, Sandy Purple and Frosted White.

What’s the conclusion

While we do not have detailed information about the OnePlus N6, both devices are promising in the segment, particularly for users who value battery life, faster charging, and a positive user experience. Of course, the 8,000 mAh battery with OxygenOS 16 will be an appealing option in the sub-Rs 20,000 range.

On the other hand, with the Redmi 15G, the users will get a larger 6.9-inch display, a 144Hz refresh rate, reverse charging support, and a more established hardware package. Stay tuned to Digit, as we will publish a detailed review next week.

Like endless waves of Ganga flowing by the ghats, so people flock to Varanasi’s spiritual zones with unwavering commitment. In their quest for everything from inner peace and salvation to artistic endeavours and mouthwatering chaat, they don’t stop until their journey’s end, as the ancient city has very well known for thousands of years.

The first time you walk out of Varanasi’s railway station or the airport and into the lanes of the old city that lead toward the ghats, you don’t notice the city by its temples as much as the crowd of people it attracts. Thousands of them pour out of buses, cars, and cycle rickshaws, and start weaving their way through narrow gullies barely wide enough for two side-by-side. They move in waves you can’t fully map. Tour groups and solo travellers share the densely packed roads with cows, scooters, ceremonial processions, sadhus and the occasional SUV. The chaos appears total and unforgiving.

“You see so much chaos when you visit the city for the first time,” said Dipankar Das, part of Arcadis’ team behind a crowd-management ecosystem called Sankalp, when we sat down to talk. “But once you stay for one or two days, you realize in that chaos, there is some sort of rhythm, where things seem to happen on autopilot. And you won’t realise it unless you stay here.” 

That observation, in one form or another, has become the starting premise for every startup working in Varanasi, in their quest to present new ideas to help the city become more navigable for anyone visiting its heritage zones in the ancient city of Kashi and beyond.

To that end, in August 2025, the Toyota Mobility Foundation – in collaboration with the City of Varanasi, Challenge Works and the World Resources Institute – named five finalists for its $3 million Sustainable Cities Challenge, focused on transforming crowd management in Kashi. 

Each team received $130,000 in early funding to demonstrate their solutions on the ground. I spent a day with all five startups, witnessing how they are trying to make a difference, with their solutions in action on ground. What I realised is that none of them saw what needed to be done the same way. Some saw a measurement gap, where others saw a routing issue. One walked 100 kilometres on foot to make a better map of the old city quarters, while another painted the city’s walls like a primitive geocaching game. 

Together they present something far more interesting than any single answer could ever achieve, highlighting a multi-layered argument for what it will actually take to modernize an ancient city like Varanasi.

Sankalp by Arcadis: Giving Varanasi a new situational awareness

Arcadis had prior experience working with places like Tirupati and Vijayawada – similar in terms of religious significance attracting constant crowds of pilgrims. But Das is the first to admit the city of Varanasi humbled them. 

“Varanasi has old infrastructure, not everything is updated to a modern or urban city, and that’s part of the city’s appeal,” he said, pointing out the variety of people coming here – from somebody walking barefoot to families in a big car, and everything in between. “This city is able to cope up with all kinds of people,” he said. Their solution, Sankalp, is aimed towards people to make informed decisions. It layers situational awareness on top of the city’s existing playbook – a dense web of walkie-talkies, WhatsApp groups, and the institutional memory of officers who have run Mahashivratri for years.

Also read: BigOHealth: One man’s tragedy to a healthcare mission at India AI Impact Summit 2026

When asked to describe their secret sauce, Das suggested it’s like taking the city’s intuition and accumulated wisdom and backing it with data. “We put the entire thing under a simulation platform,” Das explained. 

“If I close a particular road, what is the impact on the other road? If suddenly one part of the road is made a pedestrian only zone, where does it impact in terms of traffic flow? If there is a chaotic situation then how do the people exit?” The point of all this is to convert a previously experience-based decision into “an experience plus data-backed decision” going forward, underscored Das.

During Mahashivratri, the Sankalp team also rolled out Kashi Path – a multilingual web app accessed by QR codes placed along strategic routes, so visitors didn’t have to install anything but still get up-to-date information. In all of this, the deeper learning for Das and his team at Sankalp was how imported assumptions don’t work in Varanasi. 

For example, their previous threshold for “dangerous” crowd density, based on temple studies elsewhere, were quietly demolished by local officers in Varanasi. “Everything got challenged there, everything got changed there,” Das said. As a result, the Sankalp team rebuilt its methodology. “That’s the way we see crowds now, it's much different than how we used to see it before coming to Varanasi.”

CityFlow AI: Measuring the unseen

If Arcadis is augmenting the city’s decision-making, then CityFlow AI is feeding it the raw and real-time signal it has never had before. “You can only manage what you measure,” Apurva Kumar, the company’s San Francisco–based founder, framed the problem in a single line. “First, you’ve got to know that there is overcrowding, where and when, and to what extent. And then you can start to apply your interventions.”

Not for any end user, CityFlow is built for the municipal authority of Varanasi. “We are probably the only innovator that has built a solution exclusively for the municipal authority,” Apurva said, during our chat. The company already has city-scale deployments in the US, Canada, Australia and Mexico. In Varanasi, their input sensor is a military-grade, weatherproof device not much bigger than a modern smartphone, which is mounted twenty to thirty feet above street level. 

Computer vision counts the number of humans (with their heads) in their field of view, divided by the walkable area, and publishes a density metric in real-time, explained Apurva Kumar. “Three people per square metre is tight, but you can still walk, you can still breathe. Once it gets to 4-5 people per square metre, you really have no control. You are being carried by the crowd.”

Within a minute of breaching a threshold, CityFlow’s AI system can push alerts to Varanasi Smart City war room and WhatsApp alerts to police and emergency services, along with remedial suggestions based on the city’s existing playbook. 

In order to fit the unique Indian context of Varanasi, CityFlow’s AI had to be retrained, explained Apurva Kumar. “Stray dogs, bovine, wheelchairs, auto rickshaws, EV tuktuks,” along with a huge variety of headgear and attire that turns up in Kashi had to be correctly identified to reduce false positives, according to Apurva Kumar. And because cellular networks routinely buckle during mega-events by huge swathes of crowds, every sensor caches a full day’s data locally on 512GB storage, then quietly catches up when the network returns.

Behtar-Way by VOGIC AI: Solving a routing problem

“For people like us who are from North-Eastern UP, we know that Varanasi isn’t just a city. We understand its rhythm,” said Kushagra Rao of VOGIC AI who grew up in Gorakhpur. “When we started working here, we didn’t begin by saying, let’s make a crowd management platform. We first started observing on the ground.” And what they saw reframed the problem entirely. “The main problem isn’t that Varanasi is overcrowded. The main problem is everyone is taking the same obvious route,” Rao revealed.

Locals were already using shortcuts “just metres away from the main road.” VOGIC’s product, Behtar-Way, simply tries to surface that local knowledge in an easy-to-use mobile app. Because vehicle-mapped tools like Google Maps can’t enter the inner lanes of the old city of Kashi, the Behtar-Way team built a verified pedestrian network the hard way. 

“Rahul Yadav, who heads the operations in Varanasi, and the team walked over 100 km, mapping Panchkoshi, Vishwanath, and surrounding areas like never before.” The intuitiveness of Behtar-Way is that each route gets a walkability score, a video walkthrough so first-timers don’t have to step blindly into a narrow lane, and tagged points of interest – lassi shops, GI-tagged silk weavers, half-forgotten temples. This turns every Behtar-Way recommended detour into a unique exploratory experience of Varanasi.

Behind the app sits Ankush, VOGIC’s proprietary AI layer, with potential inputs from the city’s existing 2,000 IP cameras. Ankush can combine deterministic alerts (for things like parked vehicles, blocked lanes) with a probabilistic model that learns each camera’s normal pattern and sets its own thresholds. 

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A second patent uses “physical embedding signatures” explained Kushagra Rao, so the system they’re pitching to the city can recognise an ambulance, a wheelchair, or banned vehicles without manually rewriting rules every single time. “See, AI is dumb,” Kushagra said. “It can only tell you that I have found this pattern. Based on that, the call you take, that is where human intelligence comes. So we are not removing humans at all. We are making them super humans.”

NayiChaal by Prameya: Accessibility as the lever

Parshav Sheth and Shail Bajaria, both Mumbai-trained architects, picked the narrowest niche of the five teams and made it the most expansive. “What we are looking at is accessibility,” Parshav said. “If we can provide a last mile kind of mobility solution to someone with the biggest mobility challenges, then automatically that creates a precinct where things are more equitable.” 

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NayiChaal’s philosophy fuses physical and digital into something Parshav calls “digital urbanism.” Their team segmented Kashi’s heritage precinct into 200 blocks and indexed each one of them on mobility, safety, culture, identity and heritage. They tested their app with people who have partial blindness as well.

“Up until 2020 there was this idea in urbanism where people used to go tactical urbanism, which is popularly known as jugaad in India. While we realised that Varanasi is very fertile for tactical urbanism, you still need IoT.” 

Their dashboard, Niyantran, runs an urban simulator that lets city officials drag-and-drop interventions – a wheelchair pick-up point here, a canopy there, a signage in between – and see the impact on a parametric score. 

“This is complete gamification of their problem,” Parshav said. The team also runs climate sensors at each Ghat (PM2.5 at Manikarnika is “just off the chart”) and digital signboards that can re-route in real time when, say, VVIP movement shuts down a lane.

They are also operating in a city changing under their feet. Post-2020, Varanasi has seen “a 45x times increase in the number of people,” and the demographics are shifting, as younger visitors are arriving with very different expectations, according to Shail. But the team is careful not to overreach. “The police officer standing there takes the final call,” Parshav said. “How do we empower that guy? How do we tell him that in the next 30 minutes, this action will lead to that reaction?” 

The biggest insight came at Mahashivratri 2026, when every digital tool failed: “If everything fails, Prameya has digital signboards with real-time rerouting capacity,” underscored Parshav.

JanJatra by The Urbanizer: Painting the city’s wayfinding

Siddhi Soni and Vanshika Shah are urban designers, not technologists, and their solution shows it. They observed that Varanasi already had crowd management, but “it was not interconnected. It was operating on an individual level,” Soni pointed out. 

Their resulting fix is a colour-coded pedestrian signalling system that’s painted onto the streets themselves – blue for the way to a ghat, yellow for the way to a temple, red for the way back to the main road. Delightfully simple. “Ours is a network-based implementation,” Siddhi said. Think of it as a metro line, except the lines run along the floor of the lanes and the riders walk.

Their solution’s colour logic is rooted in a demographic insight that other tech-led teams might have missed. “Not all people may know how to read or write, you just need to know what colour represents what action, and you just need to follow that colour.” When the floor disappears under a deluge of feet – a regular Mahashivratri occurrence in Varanasi – vertical signage on walls still provide colour-coded routing information. The Urbanizer’s art is matched to the existing visual grammar of the lanes, painted in collaboration with Nagar Nigam under Swachh Sarvekshan guidelines. “We do not want to put something alien into this context,” Vanshika said. “We want to make use of the existing things that are already there.”

On top of the murals, the team has installed CCTV-based AI density detection wired to dynamic digital signboards. It can override everything else and steer pedestrians left or right depending on real-time crowding – with authorities holding the final override switch, according to Siddhi and Vanshika. 

Perhaps their most touching win is how it works with evening Ganga aarti organisers at Dashashwamedh Ghat, where they painted zones in blue to indicate where the crowd should and should not sit. “Daily, in aarti, they announce that you sit inside the blue line. Or you sit outside the blue line. That’s a huge success for us,” Siddhi Soni said proudly. 

Their closing word for the rest of the field is unflashy but correct all the same, “Crowd management is such an on-ground thing, you can’t always depend upon the tech. You can depend on tech for an overview, but it has to be bottom-up,” highlighted Vanshika Shah quite rightly.

Five lenses, one city

What ties these five solutions together is not technology. It is humility – a shared recognition that Varanasi will not be arm-twisted into doing anything in a hurry, it needs patient listening for solutions to surface. 

Every team came in with a model and ended up rebuilding it on the ground. Arcadis raised its crowd-density thresholds because local officers genuinely manage volumes that elsewhere would trigger panic. CityFlow retrained its computer vision because Indian streets contain Indian things. VOGIC walked 100 kilometres because a car-mapped world cannot find the city’s shortcuts. NayiChaal was built for the wheelchair user first because it knew the gain would compound. The Urbanizer painted walls because half the visitors cannot read the signs.

That bigger question – whether what works in Kashi can be replicated elsewhere – isn’t lost on the Challenge’s architects either. “The ancient city of Varanasi is where spirituality and history converge in deeply profound and human ways. We believe the innovations demonstrated by the five finalists in Varanasi can serve as a blueprint for other religious and heritage cities, while also improving the quality of life for their residents,” said Pras Ganesh, Executive Program Director at the Toyota Mobility Foundation.

The city itself is leaning into the experiment, as you start to witness yourself after spending a few days walking through Varanasi’s gullies and Kashi’s ghats – especially along the ancient city’s heritage corridor, where these disparate attempts to solve on-the-ground problems start to feel real and cohesive. The ultimate hope is to see if the city that taught five organisations to question their own assumptions can also show rest of India what participatory urban development can look like.

Also read: Building skyscrapers in India just became a lot faster with AI, says Inkers Technology

GTA 6 pre-orders opened up earlier this week and as one would expect, that is all the gaming community can talk about these days. Even PC gamers, who won’t be getting to play the game on launch day, are excited about the release. And this level of excitement for a GTA game isn’t happening for the first time. Over a decade back, in 2013, people were seen queuing up outside stores to grab their copy of GTA 5. It is safe to say that GTA is no longer just a gaming franchise. It is now one of the biggest entertainment brands in the world, one that can rival blockbuster movies, sell hundreds of millions of copies, and keep players hooked for years. 

And Rockstar didn't build this legacy overnight. Every GTA release pushed the franchise to new heights, turning what started as a niche top-down crime game into one of the most successful video game series of all time. Before GTA 6 arrives and attempts to rewrite the record books yet again, let us take a look at how every major Grand Theft Auto release made Rockstar bigger than ever. 

Also read: Best laptops for video editing in 2026: Top 5 picks we recommend

Grand Theft Auto and Grand Theft Auto 2: Where it all began

Now as a 90s kid, my introduction to the world of GTA was with Vice City that came out in 2002. But before we were all checking out every corner of Tommy Vercetti’s mansion after completing the game, there was the first ever GTA game - Grand Theft Auto. The game launched back in 1997 and reportedly sold over 3.5 million copies. PS: The game’s name was supposed to be Race-n-Chase earlier. 

And this game looked nothing like the series we know now. Instead of a third-person view in a 3D city, gamers at the time got a birds-eye view. Still, a few things were common- stealing cars, outrunning police officers, and completing missions.

The game had sparked controversy almost immediately because of its violent and criminal themes. And it was this controversy that helped put GTA on the map. Now the game wasn't really a blockbuster at the time, but selling over 3.5 million copies was a strong result for a brand-new IP in the late 1990s.

Also, Rockstar discovered something far more valuable than sales here. Players loved the freedom to create chaos instead of following a linear path.

Then came Grand Theft Auto 2 in 1999. This was the sequel that refined the original formula with better visuals and a reputation system that changed how gangs reacted to players. It is important to note that the birds-eye view was still there. 

Now, despite the improvements, GTA 2 didn't become a breakout success. It sold fewer copies than the original (around 2 million) and remained a relatively niche franchise.

And if you think back at that point, few people would have predicted that GTA would one day compete with Hollywood's biggest blockbusters. But, everything changed just two years later.

GTA III: The game that changed open-world gaming forever

This is where the franchise carved a niche for itself. With GTA III, launched in 2001, Rockstar Games introduced a whole new world that completely changed what players at the time expected from open-world games. The studio bid adieu to the top-down view and shifted to the third person perspective. Hence, Liberty City felt alive for players in a way few games had managed before. 

Cars filled the streets, pedestrians reacted to the player's actions, and every corner of the city invited exploration. And back in 2001, this was a pretty big deal. This reflected in the game’s sales figures as GTA III reportedly sold around 14.5 million copies. Thus, the game turned out to be several times bigger than the first two games combined.

GTA Vice City: Bigger, louder and impossible to ignore

Building on the success of GTA III, Rockstar Games’ next game was GTA: Vice City. The game came out in 2002 and had a bigger and memorable map. The game reportedly sold around 1.4 million copies in its first week in the US. Later, the figure jumped to 17.5 million copies. 

Now Rockstar could have played it safe after GTA III. However, it delivered one of gaming's most memorable settings. Talking about setting, Vice City's colourful 1980s atmosphere, unforgettable soundtrack, Hawaiian shirts, neon lights and the Scarface-inspired story made the game an instant classic. It wasn't just another GTA. It had its own identity. Perhaps this is why, we will be visiting the same setting in GTA 6.

GTA San Andreas: Rockstar's biggest leap yet

Now, after the super successful Vice City, we got to experience Los Santos in GTA San Andreas in 2004. In its first week, it reportedly sold around 2.1 million copies. And this figure later jumped to a mammoth 27.5 million.

So basically, if Vice City proved Rockstar could repeat its success, San Andreas proved the studio could dream even bigger.

The game came with three cities, a huge map, a more realistic progression system, gyms, restaurants, gang wars, flying aircraft and much more. For many fans, it remains the greatest GTA ever made.

PS: This also became one of the best-selling PlayStation 2 games of all time, with roughly 27.5 million copies sold worldwide.

GTA IV (2008): The franchise enters the HD era

After GTA San Andreas, the next major game came out 4 years later in 2008 and was a big hit. Launched for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, GTA IV looked more realistic than anything that Rockstar had created before. The Euphoria physics engine made every crash, fight and explosion feel dynamic, while Niko Bellic's storyline gave the series a more mature tone. And this was reflected in the game’s sales. The game sold more than 6 million copies in the opening week and its lifetime sales are reportedly over 25 million copies. 

GTA V: The game that changed everything

GTA V launch is an event that no gamer can forget. Back in 2013, this game came out and gamers were seen lining up outside gaming stores late at night to buy the physical disk. The game sold over 16 million copies during its first week and its lifetime sales stood at a staggering 230 million copies. The launch revenue of the game along was reportedly $1.15 billion. 

This was the first time that GTA had introduced 3 protagonists and we could switch among them while roaming around the world. GTA V’s map was also much bigger in comparison to GTA IV and the super detailed  open world kept people busy for hours. The biggest surprise here came after the game’s launch. GTA Online transformed GTA V from a successful single-player game into a platform that players kept returning to for more than a decade. Today, more than a decade later, players still enjoy GTA online from time to time.  

In addition to this, GTA V continues to appear on monthly sales charts around the world, something almost unheard of in the gaming industry.

All eyes on GTA 6

It is quite clear that almost every mainstream GTA game has been bigger than the one before.

The original game introduced the idea, GTA III reinvented open-world gaming, Vice City made the franchise iconic, San Andreas expanded its ambition, GTA IV proved the series could dominate a new console generation, and finally GTA V became one of the biggest games ever created.

Naturally, GTA 6 isn’t expected to be just another good game. Expectations from it are soaring high and it is expected to surpass its predecessor which managed to remain relevant for more than a decade. That's a super high standard by any measure. 

What do you think about GTA 6 and do you feel that the game will create the same effect as its predecessor? Do let us know and keep watching this space for more such updates. 

Also read: AI-generated games may arrive sooner than expected, says CD Projekt Red Co-CEO

This is the third time that Microsoft has increased its Xbox consoles' prices in the period following 2025. This one however, seems quite noticeable. The Xbox Series X 1 TB disc edition now retails at $800. The Series S 512 GB, previously considered the low-cost gateway into the world of Xbox, has surpassed the $500 mark. The 2 TB variant has been withdrawn. These will be your prices starting August 1. To give some context: today's most affordable Xbox is precisely as expensive as its predecessor, the Series X, was upon launch six years ago.

Also read: Riot Games’ Vanguard anti-cheat will no longer run at startup: Here’s why that matters

The increase itself is already annoying enough. But coming only two months after Microsoft made a spectacle out of decreasing the prices of Game Pass, it's just infuriating. In April 2026, the newly appointed CEO of Xbox, Asha Sharma, rolled back the increase in subscriptions announced back in October 2025, bringing the price of Ultimate back down to $22.99 and saying in a statement that it had grown "too costly" and caused the loss of millions of subscribers. At that point it seemed like a step in the right direction.

Because here is what that subscription rollback quietly carried with it: future Call of Duty titles no longer arrive on Game Pass on day one. They will land roughly a year after launch instead. The headline price went down; the headline feature went with it.

The pattern, put simply, goes like this: Microsoft increased subscription costs, saw their subscriptions fall by millions, reduced subscription costs after removing a key feature, and then increased hardware prices by $150. This is not a good value proposition. It’s a business squeezing customers’ patience on both ends.

Also read: NanoStack explained: Did IBM really build a 0.7nm chip?

The situation for Indian gamers, unfortunately, is worse. In India, Game Pass Ultimate cost was increased from INR 649 monthly fee to INR 1,389 in October 2025. This means that there was an increase of more than 100% in just one leap. While the April 2026 cut helped in a way, the price in India is still significantly higher than the price charged just a year before. And yet, Xbox hardware is quite expensive in relation to local incomes. Console gaming in India has traditionally faced the challenge of competing with free-to-play games for mobile and PCs. And yet the Series S was the only product which could make at least somewhat believable affordability case. With its price now at $500 and more, this argument goes right out the window.

The official reason for the increased hardware prices offered by Microsoft is the 2.5 times increase in storage and memory costs compared to the previous price hike due to inflation until 2027. The former is probably true. However, it does not answer the question of why all the cost must fall to customers' shoulders while the company rolls back one of the benefits to its subscribers.

Game Pass is a valuable service when viewed from the right angle. If one plays Xbox games regularly, then the games such as Forza Horizon 6, and future Gears and Fable will make the purchase decision on their own. However, the day-one access to the Call of Duty series is the reason most users choose to stay at Game Pass. Removing this feature along with the price increase turns the question of necessity into a very hard one.

Buy Now, Pay Later is an additional measure announced along with the prices increase by Microsoft. It says more than enough on the intentions of the company in regard to its subscribers.

Also read: After Apple, Microsoft raises Xbox prices: New console rates and effective date

Picture this. You finally finish editing a video you've been working on for the last two days. You hit the export button, lean back in your chair, and wait. And a few minutes later, you see that the progress bar has barely moved. On top of that, your laptop's fans sound like they're about to take off, the battery is draining rapidly, and you can't even open another app without everything slowing to a crawl. These situations are more common than you think. After all, video editing (especially when dealing with heavy footage) is one of the most demanding tasks you can throw at a laptop. 

Modern editing softwares such as Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve and Final Cut Pro don’t just need a fast processor. They also need capable GPUs, RAM, SSDs and a colour-accurate display that lets you trust what you're seeing on screen. So, the right laptop can save you hours every week by reducing render times and making your editing timeline feel smoother.

And in 2026, laptop makers have started building machines specifically for this purpose. Today's premium laptops are not only incredibly powerful, but they are also thinner, lighter and packed with AI features that speed up creative workflows. So if you're looking for a laptop that can comfortably handle demanding video editing projects, here are some of the best options available in India.

Also read: Best laptops under Rs 70000 for office work in 2026

Apple MacBook Pro M5 Max

If you are looking for the absolute best laptop for video editing (and aren’t interested in a gaming laptop), the latest MacBook Pro is the first name that usually comes to mind. 

Powered by Apple's M5 Max chip with an 18-core CPU and a massive 40-core GPU, the laptop comes with up to 128GB of unified memory and a massive 8 TB storage. The 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display offers up to 1,600 nits peak brightness, exceptional contrast, and industry-leading colour accuracy, making it ideal for professional editing work. But, all of this power also comes at a massive price tag.

So, if you use softwares like Final Cut Pro and DaVinci Resolve, this MacBook is built for you. 

Asus ProArt P16 OLED

If you are looking for a Windows device and price is no bar once again, think of the ASUS ProArt P16. The laptop comes with an AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 chipset and Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 laptop GPU with 24GB of dedicated graphics memory. Not just this, you also get a massive 64GB LPDDR5X RAM, 2TB SSD, and a stunning 16-inch 4K OLED touchscreen. The display further comes with a 120Hz refresh rate, 100 per cent DCI-P3 colour coverage, and Pantone validation.

In addition to this, Asus also bundles the laptop with creator-focused software and a three-month Adobe Creative Cloud subscription, making the ProArt P16 one of the most complete Windows laptops for video editors.

Lenovo Legion 7 (2025)

If the Asus Pro Art is too expensive for you, here’s another Windows laptop with strong performance. Also, this device looks as good as it performs. Say hello to the Lenovo Legion 7 (2025). It is powered by the Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX processor, Nvidia RTX 5070 GPU, 32GB DDR5 RAM, and a 1TB SSD. The laptop also sports a beautiful 16-inch OLED display with WQXGA resolution, a 240Hz refresh rate, Dolby Vision support, and 100 per cent DCI-P3 colour coverage.

Asus ROG Zephyrus G16

If you’re looking for a device that masquerades as a gaming and creator laptop, look no more beyond the ROG Zephyrus G16. This is the laptop that proves that powerful creator hardware doesn't have to come in a bulky chassis. Despite weighing under 2kg, it packs Intel's Core Ultra 9 285H processor, Nvidia RTX 5080 Laptop GPU with 16GB of graphics memory, 32GB LPDDR5X RAM, and a 2TB SSD. In the front, the 16-inch OLED display comes with a 2.5K resolution, a 240Hz refresh rate, and vibrant colours that make editing footage a breeze.

Now even though the Zephyrus G16 is primarily known as a gaming laptop, its hardware makes it equally suited for creators. The RTX 5080 will speed up rendering and AI-powered editing tasks, while the lightweight aluminium chassis makes it easier to carry between shoots or client meetings. If you're looking for a laptop that excels at both gaming and creative work without sacrificing portability, the Zephyrus G16 deserves to be on your list. 

Apple MacBook Pro M4 (14-inch)

If  you don’t want to spend over Rs 1.5 lakh on a device and still want the best possible experience, think of the 14-inch MacBook Pro powered by Apple's M4 chip. Despite being two generations old, you can still count on the M4 chip for editing videos like a pro. With its 14-inch form factor and 1.5kg weight, the laptop is also easy to carry around. Further, it comes with 16GB unified memory, a 512GB SSD, and a stunning Liquid Retina XDR display. 

For YouTubers, freelance editors, content creators, and students, this MacBook offers more than enough power to comfortably edit 4K videos without spending as much as the M5 Max model. It also comes with a great battery life, letting you edit for hours away from a power outlet. 

So which of these laptops will you pick? Do let us know and keep watching this space for more such updates.

Also read: Best touchscreen laptops in 2026: Dell XPS 14, Asus Zenbook 14 and more

Just like the camera and displays have evolved, the storage technology has also seen noticeable upgrades. Whether it is app launch time, game load speeds, 4K video transfers, or multitasking, the faster storage can definitely improve the overall experience. While UFS 4.1 is now making its way into premium and upper mid-range smartphones, many devices under Rs 45,000 are already offering flagship-grade storage speeds paired with powerful processors, large batteries, and high-refresh-rate displays.

So, if you are looking for a smartphone that offers speed, check out some of the best options currently available with UFS 4.1 storage below.

Poco X8 Pro Max

The Poco X8 Pro Max is positioned as a performance focused smartphone with flagship-level devices. It comes with UFS 4.1 storage and LPDDR5X Ultra RAM running at up to 9600Mbps, meaning you will get faster app loading and smoother multitasking. Under the hood, the device features MediaTek's 3nm Dimensity 9500s processor paired with an Immortalis-G925 MC12 GPU. The phone features a 6.83-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, HDR10+, Dolby Vision support, and a peak brightness of 3,500 nits.

Adding on, the device comes with an 8,500mAh battery with 100W fast charging. It also offers a 50MP primary camera with OIS, an 8MP ultra-wide sensor, a 20MP selfie camera, Android 16-based HyperOS 3.0, IP68/IP69K protection and an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor.

iQOO Neo 10

The iQOO Neo 10 comes with UFS 4.1 storage and LPDDR5X Ultra memory clocked at 9600Mbps. The smartphone is powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset and also features a dedicated Supercomputing Chip Q1 for gaming enhancements. The device comes with a 6.78-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate, 4320Hz PWM dimming and a 7,000 mAh battery with 120W fast charging.

For the camera, the device comes with a 50MP Sony sensor with OIS and an 8MP ultra-wide lens, while selfies are managed by a 32MP front camera. Both front and rear cameras support 4K 60fps video recording.

Motorola Edge 70 Pro

Motorola Edge 70 Pro comes with UFS 4.1 storage paired with LPDDR5X RAM and is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8500 Extreme processor. The device features a 6.8-inch AMOLED display with a 2772 x 1272 resolution, 144Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ support. It is backed by a 6,500mAh silicon-carbon battery supporting 90W fast charging.

Speaking of the camera, the users will get a 50MP Sony LYTIA 710 primary sensor with OIS alongside a 50MP ultra-wide camera that also doubles as a macro shooter. For selfies, the device will offer a 50MP autofocus front camera.

OnePlus Nord 6

The OnePlus Nord 6 comes with UFS 4.1 storage and LPDDR5X memory to improve the responsiveness during gaming and multitasking. The device comes powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset and is backed by a massive 9,000mAh silicon-carbon battery with 80W fast charging.

It also features a 6.78-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with a 165Hz adaptive refresh rate, a 50MP Sony LYT-600 primary camera with dual-axis OIS paired with an 8MP ultra-wide sensor, and durability credentials that include IP66, IP68, IP69, IP69K, and MIL-STD-810H certifications. The device also features a large 33,147 mm² cooling system.

Xiaomi Redmi Turbo 5

The Redmi Turbo 5 is the most recently launched option and also offers UFS 4.1 storage with LPDDR5X Ultra RAM and is powered by MediaTek's Dimensity 8500-Ultra processor. In terms of specs, the device comes with a 6.59-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, Dolby Vision support and 12-bit colour depth.

The device is backed by a massive 7,540mAh silicon-carbon battery and supports 100W fast charging and 27W reverse wired charging. The camera setup includes a 50MP primary sensor with OIS and an 8MP ultra-wide camera. It also offers IP66, IP68, IP69 and IP69K ratings.

Which one should you buy?

If raw battery is your priority, you can choose the Poco X8 Pro Max and Redmi Turbo 5, which offer 8,500 mAh and 7,540 mAh packs. The gamers can go with the iQOO Neo 10, thanks to the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset, dedicated gaming chip and 144Hz display. And if you want an all-around performance with a good camera, the Motorola Edge 70 Pro can be your next choice.

Anyway, all of these devices offer UFS 4.1 storage that remains one of the most important upgrades for users who want faster app launches, quicker file transfers and smoother performance.

For years, playing Valorant or League of Legends involved a tacit understanding among most players that they never explicitly agreed to: in return for a good game, you would give Riot permission to run some software on your PC before even starting Windows, accessing parts of your PC that most software couldn’t reach. This is called Vanguard, and based on who you ask, this could be a necessity that needed to be done or an anti-cheat program in disguise. Riot has now confirmed that Vanguard won’t start itself automatically when the computer turns on anymore, but it’s essential to understand what has changed and what hasn’t, and why this issue was ever present at all.

Also read: After Apple, Microsoft raises Xbox prices: New console rates and effective date

What a kernel-level driver actually does

Your operating system runs on levels. The first one is user mode, which includes your browser, game and most applications that you are consciously installing on your computer. Such programs are sandboxed to a certain extent, and they have access to whatever the operating system allows them to access. Beneath the user mode is the kernel, which is the operating system itself. Kernel has unlimited access to all hardware components, processes, and memory on your computer. In other words, kernel has full control of whatever is beneath it.

A kernel level driver runs in such an environment. It is neither besides your operating system, nor above it. Rather, it runs inside the operating system at the same privilege level as the latter does. By loading its driver, Vanguard has access to all system memory and hardware and can intercept communication between any hardware components and software. It is also the main reason why cheaters prefer kernel level drivers: once the code is loaded there, it becomes impossible to detect it in any way from the user level.

Riot's argument for running at this level has always been straightforward and, to be fair, technically sound. If Vanguard only ran in user mode, a kernel-level cheat could simply blind it entirely. A cheat driver intercepts any request a user-mode anti-cheat makes to the kernel, rendering it useless. To fight fire with fire, Vanguard needs to be in the kernel too.

Why people have a problem with this

Also read: GTA 6: From price to editions and release date, all FAQs answered

The problem was never really that Vanguard does something during gameplay. The problem was that Vanguard had the potential to do anything, and at any time. Prior to this fix, Vanguard’s kernel driver would be initialized at bootup, which means it would be active from the moment you started up your computer until the moment you turned it off, even if you didn’t actually launch Valorant on that day.

This makes all the difference in the world. Having kernel level access to your computer isn’t the same thing as giving an application permission to access your microphone. A bug in Vanguard, an update that went wrong, or the possibility that its build pipeline was compromised made it potentially a very serious risk indeed, and one that players were being asked to grant permanently, on pain of losing access to the game.

What the update actually changes

The introduction of the new on-demand mode at Riot means that the kernel driver of Vanguard is loaded when you run a Riot game and unloads when you stop playing it. This is actually a huge concession. The biggest valid complaint – always-on kernel-level access by a game developer – is being tackled directly.

The process that enables this is the Runtime Driver Attestation Report of Microsoft available in Windows 11 25H2. It records every driver that gets loaded after booting your computer inside the Trusted Platform Module, which is the secure cryptoprocessor on your motherboard. This allows Vanguard to check all the programs that got loaded before Vanguard, even if it wasn't running during that process. The reason for the always-on requirement is the famous "Who Loads First" problem; this takes care of it nicely.

But this is important. This mode is optional. The architecture of the kernel driver itself has not been changed. It continues to have the same level of access while active. And for those who don't qualify – users who do not have TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, IOMMU, VBS, and HVCI all enabled on Windows 11 25H2 – everything stays the same. Riot estimates that number at around 65 percent of its player base. For everyone else, Vanguard will continue to launch at start-up.

This move is a reminder of just how much leverage the game companies wield in this area. The reason why Riot was able to dictate kernel access on an indefinite basis, from tens of millions of players, was simply because there was no alternative – not playing. And the dynamic has not changed. Riot has decided to provide a kill switch, and that is great. But this is a choice that was made by Riot on their own terms and on their own schedule – not out of necessity.

Also read: AI-generated games may arrive sooner than expected, says CD Projekt Red Co-CEO

For 25 years, every faster phone and thinner laptop’s story has been pretty much the same. It involved shrinking the transistor, cramming more of them onto a semiconductor chip, rinse and repeat the process every couple of years. It’s what’s defined Moore’s Law for 60+ years – and now IBM says it has found a new way to prolong it.

IBM has unveiled a prototype it calls NanoStack, which is a "0.7-nanometre" or "7-angstrom" technology – the first sub-nanometre chipmaking process IBM claims is manufacturable. That’s what they essentially proved with the NanoStack prototype, duh.

IBM shares jumped more than 6% on the news, which means investors really liked the announcement. But here’s the interesting thing – IBM isn't shrinking transistors at all. So what’s going on here?

Reality check on "0.7nm"

Well, the number is marketing. The "0.7nm" label doesn't describe any physical feature on the chip – node names stopped being literal measurements years ago. By IBM's own account, the spacing between transistors has hovered around 40nm for a long time and isn't shrinking anytime soon – definitely not in NanoStack either.

This matters for how you contextualise chip-related information, including the one inside your current phone or laptop, for example. When Apple's A19 Pro (in the iPhone 17 Pro) is called a "3nm" chip, or the Intel 18A powered Panther Lake laptops is said to have a "1.8nm" chip, remember those are generation labels – not the width of anything you could measure on the chip’s physical surface. 

Therefore, IBM's "0.7nm" chip technology is best read as something that’s probably two full generations beyond the 2nm chips arriving in flagship phones right now, and not as a transistor on the IBM chip’s surface that's literally sub-nanometre.

So what chip has IBM actually built?

According to IBM’s research blog, NanoStack’s like a fingernail-sized chip holding nearly 100 billion transistors. To put 100 billion in perspective using the chips in your pocket and on your desk:

• The A17 Pro in the 2023 iPhone 15 Pro (which I'm currently using) packed 19 billion transistors.
• The A19 Pro in today's iPhone 17 Pro is estimated in the 25–30 billion range.
• The Intel 18A Panther Lake chip inside a laptop has roughly 3-5 billion transistors.

NanoStack roughly doubles the density of the 2nm-class technology IBM demonstrated back in 2021. Compared to that 5-year-old chip tech, IBM claims the NanoStack prototype delivers a 50% performance bump and up to 70% better energy efficiency.

IBM's pitch is fitting close to a hundred billion transistors into a fingernail-sized slice aimed not at workstations or high-powered server chips, but instead at small, battery-powered mobile devices.

Transistor layout: How IBM differs from Intel and TSMC

In order to understand what IBM has demonstrated with NanoStack, and how it’s potentially different from how Intel or TSMC builds their chips, you need to understand how transistor architecture works inside a semiconductor chip.

For decades, transistors inside a chip have been laid essentially flat – side by side on a single plane, like houses on a street. The whole industry, including IBM, recently upgraded from older "FinFET" transistors to a newer design called Gate-All-Around (GAA) to build better chips, and that’s what TSMC's 2nm process and Intel's 18A process essentially use. But GAA is still fundamentally a flat layout. You make things denser by packing the houses closer together, by thinning down the streets.

NanoStack builds upward or vertically instead of just sideways or horizontally. It vertically stacks transistors in offset layers – think of it as going from a row of bungalows to a row of duplexes or small multi-storeyed buildings. The same plot of land now gives you more space to build – vertically, not horizontally.

IBM hasn’t built NanoStack out of nowhere. Credit where credit’s due, the company was first to demonstrate scaled GAA in 2021 – the same architecture that TSMC, Intel and Samsung went on to build their own versions of, and which is reaching phones and laptops this year.  With this in mind, NanoStack is IBM’s attempt to show the next direction the semiconductor industry is heading toward – vertically stacked transistors (the broader industry calls the family "CFET"). 

TSMC is ramping 2nm (N2) production now, the process behind Apple's upcoming A20, with 1.6nm (A16) and 1.4nm (A14) expected very soon on its roadmap. Intel said just last week that its 18A-P process (1.8nm-class) for performance tuned chips entered "risk production," the testing phase right before commercial manufacturing. NanoStack sits well beyond all of these on the timeline.

When to expect real products?

While NanoStack is a milestone for IBM and the semiconductor industry as far as prototypes go, stacking transistors introduces a huge yield problem – a fact that IBM's own researchers flagged. Because when you build a second layer on top of the first, the whole chip essentially gets bricked if any one of the two layers fails. 

Since manufacturing semiconductor chips always produces defective chips, creating two layers of transistors essentially means doubling the chances of failure. Solving this problem effectively where chip wafer yields are produced at high volume – because it directly impacts the cost of the future phone or laptop you will buy – is the most difficult challenge now ahead of IBM and the industry.

When will phones or laptops based on this new chip technology reach your hands? Not for at least five more years, suggests IBM, so think around 2030 or later. IBM expects chips produced on NanoStack tech to be first available for smartphone or AI chiplets, before percolating down the value chain.

The summer season comes with humidity that makes your house sticky and unpleasant. Although most people use dehumidifiers to solve this problem, your air conditioner can help you a great deal by simply using it the right way. AC are built for cooling air and removing excess moisture from it in the process. With a few changes on your side on how to use it, your air conditioner can lower the humidity in your house considerably without having to buy any extra equipment. Learning these practical techniques takes just a few minutes and can make a real difference in your indoor comfort.

Lower the AC fan speed

One of the best ways to combat high humidity levels in a home is to turn down the fan speed of the air conditioning unit. When the fan is set on high speeds, air passes quickly through the air conditioning unit without being allowed enough time by the cold coils in the unit to absorb any moisture from the air. Lowering the fan speed to low or medium enables slower air flow past the cold coils and increases the absorption of moisture from the air.

Also read: Free AC Yojana? No, the government is not giving free ACs on Aadhaar cards, says PIB

Maintain the coils of your AC

The cooling coils of your AC do their best to dehumidify the indoor air. However, the efficiency of your AC coils can be reduced as they accumulate dust and dirt over time, and this makes it difficult for the coils to extract moisture from the air. If that's the case, then the easiest fix is to change your air filter. You can also do this every one to three months or have your system professionally serviced annually.

Avoid auto-fan settings

The auto fan setting works against you, especially during the humid days, as in the auto mode, the fan shuts off once the temperature reaches your desired level. Even if the moisture is present inside the room.

However, if you switch your fan to run continuously, then the air will keep circulating through the cooling coils the entire day. This constant operation removes more moisture from your home and helps your AC cool better on humid days.

Also read: Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold leaks: From India price to launch timeline and specs, here is what to expect

Stop moisture at the source

When you want to reduce the humidity in an area, then it also means that you are preventing extra moisture from entering your home. The first and foremost thing you can do is to keep the windows and doors of your house closed during the humid days.

Other than that, if you have any leaks in your plumbing or roof, then you need to fix them immediately. Furthermore, use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens when cooking or showering, as these steps work together with your AC to keep humidity levels down.

Samsung Galaxy S series, obviously, has seen gradual upgrades with each generation bringing changes in cameras, performance, display technology, and AI capabilities. The Galaxy S26 Ultra comes with a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, an AMOLED display, and even Galaxy AI features. And now, the reports suggest that the Galaxy S27 Ultra may come with some big upgrades. The design may change, the battery can be bigger, the memory standards can be upgraded, and the much-anticipated thing, the built-in magnetic charging support, may also debut. Here are the five biggest changes that we expect.

1. Camera

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra saw a slightly different design with a vertical camera island and camera sensors placed on it. But the reports suggest that the Galaxy S27 Ultra may switch to a horizontal camera bar stretching across the upper portion of the device. This is something that we have already seen in the Google Pixel smartphones and even older Galaxy flagships. If true, this can really help improve stability when the phone is placed on a desk, eliminating the wobble complaints.

2. No more quad camera?

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra offers a quad-camera including a 200MP primary camera, a 12MP ultra-wide sensor, a 50MP periscope lens with 5x optical zoom and a dedicated 10MP telephoto camera offering 3x optical zoom.

As per the latest rumours, Samsung may simplify the setup on Galaxy S27 Ultra by removing the dedicated 3x telephoto sensor altogether. Instead, the company may rely on the upgraded 200MP ISOCELL HP6 primary sensor, possibly equipped with variable aperture technology.

Well, this is not the first time we have heard about this. Some reports also suggest that the Apple iPhone 18 Pro series may also feature this variable aperture technology. But why are they leaving that quad camera setup? The idea behind using this sensor can be to use high-resolution sensor cropping to achieve lossless 3x zoom results without requiring an additional lens. And if implemented, Samsung may also be able to free up valuable internal space as well.

3. Battery

If you are aware, the battery size across several generations of Samsung Ultra smartphones, including the Galaxy S26 Ultra, has remained unchanged at 5,000 mAh. However, it appears that Samsung has finally listened to feedback and may change things with the Galaxy S27 Ultra.

The industry reports suggest that Samsung may switch to silicon-carbon battery technology, which offers higher energy density than traditional lithium-ion cells. Combined with the additional internal space created by removing one camera module, this may allow Samsung to increase battery capacity to somewhere between 5,500mAh and 6,000mAh. And if true, this will be the biggest and most-wanted change. But it may also increase the device by a few millimeters.

4. Performance

The Galaxy S26 Ultra is powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset built on a 3nm manufacturing process. It is paired with LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.1 storage. And now the latest leaks suggest that the Galaxy S27 Ultra will get the biggest upgrade- Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro processor manufactured on a more advanced 2nm process. It is also rumoured to get LPDDR6 memory and UFS 5.0 storage. With this, the data transfer speeds and processing speeds will definitely increase resulting in improved multi-tasking, gaming and other tasks. Adding on, it will also be helpful for on-device AI workloads.

5. Qi2 magnetic charging

I've been a Samsung Galaxy S series user for nearly 7 years, and this is something I really wanted. Even after wireless charging was being offered in the devices for years, the magnetic system felt like a missed opportunity. However, this may change with the Galaxy S27 Ultra. According to reports, Samsung may introduce native Qi2 magnetic charging support, complete with internal alignment magnets integrated directly into the phone.

This means that users will be able to use compatible wireless chargers, battery packs, wallets, and car mounts without needing a separate magnetic case.

What all is coming?

If the leaks are correct, the Galaxy S27 Ultra will have a redesigned camera layout, a larger silicon-carbon battery, a faster 2nm processor, LPDDR6 memory, UFS 5.0 storage, and built-in Qi2 magnets. In addition, the device may run the One UI 9 update, which may include a slew of new Galaxy AI features. However, there are no rumours about Bluetooth support coming back to the S Pen, but if it does, Samsung fans will finally get what they have been demanding for years.

As per reports, the Samsung Galaxy S27, Galaxy S27 Pro, and Galaxy S27 Ultra will launch early next year. The exact details and pricing remain under wraps at the moment. We also advise the users to take these updates with a grain of salt, as all of it is based on early leaks.

Summer cooling options are no longer limited to traditional ACs. Today, buyers can choose between portable ACs, tower air coolers and desert air coolers as well. All three of these appliances help you stay cool, but they work in very different ways. A portable AC uses a compressor and refrigerant to cool the air, just like a regular AC. Tower and desert air coolers use water-based evaporative cooling, making them much cheaper to buy and run. Before spending your money, it is important to understand how these cooling appliances differ in terms of price, electricity use, maintenance and performance. Here is a simple comparison to help you choose the right option for your home.

Portable AC vs tower air cooler vs desert air cooler: Cooling method and performance

A portable AC provides powerful cooling using a compressor and refrigerant. It also removes excess moisture from the air, which makes it a good choice for hot and humid places. On the other hand, tower and desert air coolers use the water evaporation method to cool the air. They work best in hot and dry climates. These coolers increase humidity in the room.

Also read: Confused between portable AC and air cooler? From price to power consumption, every key factor compared 

Portable AC vs tower air cooler vs desert air cooler: Price and electricity consumption

Portable ACs are the most expensive option. They usually cost between Rs 25,000 and Rs 50,000 or more. They also consume the most electricity, with power usage between 900W and 1,500W.

Tower air coolers are usually priced between Rs 5,000 and Rs 12,000. They use only 50W to 150W of power. On the other hand, desert air coolers cost around Rs 6,000 to Rs 15,000 and consume 150W to 250W of electricity.

Also read: Desert air cooler or tower air cooler? Which consumes less electricity and offers better cooling 

Portable AC vs tower air cooler vs desert air cooler: Maintenance and everyday use

Portable ACs need very little maintenance. You may only have to empty the water collection tray occasionally. However, they require an exhaust pipe that has to be connected to a window or wall opening.

Air coolers need regular care. Their water tanks must be refilled, and the cooling pads should be cleaned to prevent dirt and mold. They also need fresh air, so keeping a window slightly open improves their performance.

Also read: Window AC or desert air cooler? Here is which one saves more electricity and easier on your pocket  

Portable AC vs tower air cooler vs desert air cooler: Which one should you buy?

A portable AC is the right choice if you live in a hot and humid area and want strong cooling without permanent installation. A tower air cooler is ideal for small bedrooms in hot and dry regions. It saves space, uses very little electricity and is budget-friendly. You can go for a desert air cooler for large rooms or semi-open spaces in dry climates. It provides better airflow than a tower cooler.

For many years now, NVIDIA has maintained an almost uncontested monopoly in the AI infrastructure market. The H100 and B200 GPUs are used to run data centers that host ChatGPT, Gemini, and all other advanced AI models that are being used. However, there is news from OpenAI which hints at a changing landscape – the Jalapeño, which is an accelerator chip customized for large language model inference in collaboration with Broadcom.

Also read: Claude Tag explained: The AI tool that writes 65% of Anthropic’s code

The Jalapeño chip was announced by OpenAI on June 24, 2026. It is the first Intelligence Processor that OpenAI has designed, and this means that it is a custom-built accelerator chip based on the requirements of the company's vision for the future of LLM inference. This is not a repurposed general-purpose GPU; rather, it is a chip designed with the needs of modern LLM inference in mind.

This is important because the actual performance is going to be much better than what the current generation has to offer. The architecture ensures that the performance-per-watt is far better than what exists right now with some more performance numbers expected to come in the near future. The architecture, according to OpenAI, has been designed such that data transfers are minimal and computing, memory, and networking elements have been balanced to get the maximum utilisation close to the peak performance - something that is known to be difficult for general-purpose GPUs when dealing with LLM workloads.

Also read: WhatsApp under Will Cathcart: The controversies that defined its last seven years

What makes Jalapeño stand out apart from its specs is the speed with which it was developed. From design to manufacturing tape-out, the chip was done in nine months flat and OpenAI boasts that it's the fastest development time for an ASIC till date in high-performance semiconductors. This feat has been made possible partly due to the use of their models in certain areas of the design process.

So what does this mean for the competition?

This marks yet another chip-maker joining the list of customers who have gone in-house. There are Google’s TPUs, Amazon’s Trainium, Microsoft’s Maia, as well as the custom silicon for inference developed by Apple and Qualcomm. In essence, there is a threshold level of scale beyond which developing your own silicon makes sense from both an economic and strategic standpoint. With ChatGPT being used by hundreds of millions of people, the potential savings are tremendous.

For Qualcomm, this move means less than for other companies mentioned above. Qualcomm has been actively promoting its Snapdragon and cloud AI chips for inference on devices and at edge locations. Jalapeño is an accelerator targeting the data center and not an edge rival. However, it shows that OpenAI aims to take control of the entire stack for inference, and such ambitions may eventually extend even beyond the data centers.

For Google, which runs its own TPU infrastructure and directly competes with OpenAI on the market, Jalapeño reduces the difference in terms of self-sufficiency of the infrastructure. The unique advantage of Google was in controlling the hardware for its AI.

Jalapeño is planned for initial deployment by end of 2026, at gigawatt scale with data centre partners, as the first step in a multi-generation platform. The chip wars just got a new, very spicy contender.

Also read: Best touchscreen laptops in 2026: Dell XPS 14, Asus Zenbook 14 and more

One thing that has undoubtedly seen a massive upgrade is the display in smartphones. And why not? The industry has spent years implementing higher refresh rates, slimmer bezels and more accurate colours. But in 2026, another display metric is grabbing attention: brightness. Whether you are reading messages under harsh sunlight, watching HDR content or gaming outdoors, peak brightness has become a solid factor among flagship and premium smartphones.

However, there is often a gap between what brands advertise and what user experience in the real world. Manufacturers usually quote local peak brightness brightness figures measured under specific HDR conditions, while actual usability depends more on sustained brightness and outdoor visibility. To better understand how the displays perform beyond marketing claims, we compared and listed results from our own tests. Here are some of the brightest smartphone screens available in 2026.

OnePlus 15

The OnePlus 15 comes with a 6.78-inch 1.5K LTPO AMOLED panel with 165Hz refresh rate. The company claims the display can reach 3,500 nits in HDR scenarios and 1,800 nits in High Brightness Mode (HBM). In our testing, the display reached 3,120 nits, making it one of the brightest screens you can buy this year. The panel also supports HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and HDR Vivid content.

Apart from the display, the phone comes with Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, backed by a massive 7,300mAh dual-cell battery with 120W wired and 50W wireless charging. The device also comes with 50MP triple-camera setup and IP66, IP68, and IP69K protection.

Vivo X300

The Vivo X300 comes with a 6.31-inch LTPO AMOLED display. The company claims that the device offers local peak brightness of 4,500 nits and 2,000 nits HBM. In our testing, the display recorded 3,340 nits. While this is lower than the claimed number, it still delivers excellent visibility under direct sunlight and impressive HDR performance. The display also includes ZEISS colour calibration, BOE Q10+ luminescent materials and a combination of 2,160Hz PWM dimming with global DC dimming to reduce flicker.

The device comes with MediaTek Dimensity 9500 chipset along with V3+ imaging chip. Other things include a 6,040mAh battery with 90W wired and 40W wireless charging, a 200MP ZEISS camera system and software support extending to five Android upgrades and seven years of security updates.

Oppo Find X9 Pro

Oppo Find X9 Pro offers a 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED ProXDR display with a micro quad-curved design. The company claims the panel can achieve 3,600 nits peak brightness and 1,800 nits in High Brightness Mode. Our testing recorded a maximum brightness of 3,100 nits. The display supports Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR Vivid, adaptive 1Hz to 120Hz refresh rates and 2,160Hz PWM dimming for eye protection.

Under the hood, the MediaTek Dimensity 9500 processor paired with a 7,500mAh silicon-carbon battery. Charging support includes 80W wired and 50W wireless charging. The camera setup is led by a 200MP Hasselblad periscope lens alongside 50MP primary and ultra-wide sensors.

Google Pixel 10 Pro XL

Google Pixel 10 Pro XL is also on the list. The device's 6.8-inch Super Actua LTPO OLED display is rated at 3,300 nits peak brightness and 2,200 nits HBM. In our tests, the panel reached the full 3,300 nits figure. The display also offers a sharp 1344 x 2992 resolution, adaptive refresh rates from 1Hz to 120Hz and support for Dolby Vision, HDR10+ and Ultra HDR content.

Along with this, the Google Tensor G5 chipset with 16GB RAM. It also features 5,200mAh battery, 45W wired charging, Qi2 wireless charging, a 50MP triple-camera setup and long software support.

Xiaomi 17T

The Xiaomi 17T launched with a 6.59-inch 1.5K AMOLED display and is claimed to offer 3,500 nits for HDR content. In our testing, the display reached 3,300 nits, putting it among the brightest phones currently available in this segment. The panel also includes 3,840Hz PWM dimming and Xiaomi Vision Care 2 technologies, earning TUV Rheinland eye-care certifications.

The device comes with MediaTek Dimensity 8500-Ultra processor paired with 12GB RAM and a 6,500mAh battery pack. It also supports 67W charging and 22.5W reverse wired charging. The camera duties are handled by a Leica branded setup with 5x optical zoom.

Vivo T5 Pro

The Vivo T5 Pro comes 6.83-inch 1.5K curved AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate and is claimed to offer 5,000 nits. In our testing recorded 3,320 nits rather than the claimed 5,000 nits, the display still ranks among the brightest panels available. The screen also supports 10-bit colour depth, 2,160Hz PWM dimming, and SGS-certified eye-care technologies.

The Vivo T5 Pro comes with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 chipset and is backed by a 9,020 mAh battery. It comes with a 50MP Sony IMX882 camera, IP68/IP69 certification and MIL-STD-810H durability compliance.

Which one should be your choice?

If brightness is important, the Vivo X300 had the highest measured brightness at 3,340 nits, followed by the Vivo T5 Pro at 3,320 nits, and the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL matched its official 3,300-nit claim exactly. However, you should consider more than just brightness. Performance, camera, design, battery life, and price are all important factors to consider.

“Today, when you talk to construction people about the latest technology being used, they will still be talking about AutoCAD and BIM, which are two to four decades old at this point,” says Argenio Antao, Chief Business Officer at Inkers Technology. 

As someone who has decades of experience in the construction business, Antao has been desperate for tech to rejuvenate and reimagine the possibilities in everything related to building apartments to huge smart city complexes. Since he didn’t find anything, he went ahead and developed it.

That stagnation is the problem Inkers is trying to solve with Kaël, India's first AI-native construction intelligence system. I have to be honest, when I first heard about AI in a space like construction, I almost laughed it off. But the more I got to know, the more it turned out to be interesting. Here’s why…

Also Read: Claude Tag explained: The AI tool that writes 65% of Anthropic’s code

Technology gap is huge in construction industry

Every construction project generates thousands of documents, be it schedules, vendor contracts, design revisions, inspection logs, WhatsApp threads, or, more importantly, invoices. The problem has always been that none of them talks to each other.

"We have traditionally always been working in silos," says Antao. "You have your design team separately, your planning guys, procurement people, construction people – and there is a lot of information loss that goes between one department and the other."

"Chaos is literally a carpenter contractor telling you he can't come next week, but the electronic lock contractor doesn't know about it. It is genuinely impossible at a human level to keep informing every affected party the moment something like this happens," says Rohan. 

A few software have tried to solve this, but largely, it has made the whole situation worse because of the number of programs in each step. You had a procurement tool here, a scheduling dashboard there, each solving a part of the problem in isolation. While on paper, it looks helpful, in reality, it’s a nightmare for the project managers, as they are the ones manually bridging the gaps.

AI is here to disrupt construction tech

"Construction projects have histories of two to three years – invoices, every project detail, everything needs to go in," says Rohan. "By mid-2025, context was no longer a problem. AI could actually understand the whole scheme of things and make decisions. That is precisely why this was the right time to build something like this."

The team behind Kaël carries what Rohan estimates to be 230 to 250 years of combined construction experience. "The project insights that our senior team has, what happened at a particular site – all of that is the training data." In Rohan's words, they have "literally copied Antao's brain and put it inside AI." 

Kaël is not just a dashboard

"The easiest way to understand Kaël is to imagine a very senior CFO or project head sitting with you," says Rohan. "This is a living entity that works on the project."

If a vendor proposes a material that conflicts with the specifications in the contract, Kaël flags it before the project manager opens their inbox. If a delayed activity is going to create a problem six weeks down the line, Kaël models the financial exposure and routes the alert to whoever needs to act.

"Everything that happens on a construction site goes through Kaël," says Rohan. "The only software we have not built is essentially Autodesk, where the architect is designing the building."

Also Read: WhatsApp under Will Cathcart: The controversies that defined its last seven years

How is Kaël AI helping construction companies in India

Rohan suggests that Kaël generated a comprehensive carbon footprint analysis for a project, including specific recommendations to bring the building into the top 25% of global emissions benchmarks, in under 30 minutes. "I don't believe that a person sitting on it for a month would be able to tell the client at such a quick pace," says Antao.

In another example, the duo stated that Kaël was able to produce a 100-page project report, with all essential information like cost per square foot, staffing requirements, and full schedule, during the course of a single client meeting. "What a normal PMC will take at least a month to prepare is done in half an hour while we are still in the meeting."

His point is clear: "AI today is at a point where humans are the bottleneck – it is not that AI is slow."

Will AI lead to job losses in construction?

I like to end most of my AI-related interviews on a slightly bitter note by asking a question that most founders are afraid to answer: Job losses. Naturally, this question had to pop up in my head, and that’s because Kaël is basically replacing project managers, right? But, well, both the spokespersons had something interesting to say on this. Let’s hear them out. 

Well, Rohan is pretty clear about where the human remains irreplaceable. He said, "We cannot replace Antao's hunch for the next 20 to 30 years with AI." I get it, but beyond that? Well, that’s something only time will tell. 

On the jobs question in particular, Antao sees Kaël less as a replacement and more as a multiplier. He states that for new entrants, it’s a great thing. "Imagine a fresher who comes into this industry and in six months has all the experience of a 10-year veteran," he says.

Thanks to AI, a large part of India is finally getting things done using newer ways. In today’s day and age, a lot of industries are supercharging themselves thanks to AI. It has gotten to a point that even an industry like construction, which has mostly been human-led, can be integrated with AI. It will be interesting to see where the future lies for AI in the construction space, and how other players bring innovations. 

Also Read: NVIDIA DGX Spark review: This is what a real AI PC feels like

Looking for a new laptop for work and don’t want to shell out more than Rs 70,000? Say no more. Here we have curated a list of some of the best laptops you can buy for under Rs 70,000 today. If your primary expectation from your laptop is performance, you can safely rely on these options. After all, your work laptop is the one that stays by you through those endless meetings, brainstorming sessions, deadlines, and whatnot. And investing in the right one is super important. So, without wasting any more time, let’s take a look at the top 5 laptops for office work in 2026. 

Also read: Best touchscreen laptops in 2026: Dell XPS 14, Asus Zenbook 14 and more

Apple MacBook Neo 

Apple launched the MacBook Neo in March this year and this laptop is designed to bring the MacBook experience to a wider audience. The starting model, carrying a price tag of Rs 69,900, runs on Apple’s A18 Pro chip. It also is equipped with 8GB unified memory and 256GB SSD storage. In the front, the laptop features a 13-inch Liquid Retina display and a 1080p FaceTime HD camera, making it well-equipped for both work and communication.

Talking about the battery life, the laptop can easily last through a workday without you having to constantly search for a charger. So if your work as an office goer revolves around documents, emails, video calls, and web-based applications, the MacBook Neo will lead to a smooth and hassle-free experience. Also, this one’s for all those who want a relatively affordable laptop to get into Apple's ecosystem. If you already own an iPhone or iPad, the MacBook Neo should be your default choice for work. 

Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3

The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 offers a strong balance between performance and affordability. It is powered by Intel Core i5-13420H chipset and gets the basics right with a 16GB DDR5 RAM and a 512GB SSD. The laptop also features a 15.3-inch WUXGA IPS display and weighs 1.59kg.

In simple words, this is the kind of laptop that can easily handle a busy workday. Whether you're juggling spreadsheets, browser tabs, presentations, and video meetings simultaneously, the IdeaPad Slim 3 has enough performance headroom to keep things running smoothly. The larger display is also useful for professionals who spend hours working with documents and data.

ASUS Vivobook S14

The ASUS Vivobook S14 is another solid pick if your priorities are portability and performance. It comes with an Intel Core i7-13620H chip, 16GB DDR5 RAM, and a 512GB SSD. When you open the lid, you get a 14-inch WUXGA display that takes care of all your visual needs. Moreover, the laptop weighs just 1.39kg and comes with features like face recognition support and a backlit keyboard.

Now we know that for those who frequently travel or move between meetings, portability can be just as important as performance. And the Vivobook S14 fits the bill here. The Core i7 chipset here ensures enough power for demanding tasks, while the lightweight design makes it easy to carry throughout the day. Features such as Windows Hello facial recognition and USB-C charging further enhance the everyday experience.

HP OmniBook 3

This is HP’s attempt to bring AI-powered hardware to the mainstream segment. The laptop features AMD's Ryzen AI 5 processor, a generous 24GB of DDR5 RAM (the maximum in this list), and a 1TB SSD. The laptop also comes with a 15.6-inch Full HD display and integrated Radeon graphics.

Now of course, the headline feature here is the huge 24 GB RAM which will let you multitask without any hiccups. You can easily run multiple productivity applications, browser tabs, communication tools, and background processes without worrying about slowdowns. The 1TB SSD also ensures plenty of room for documents, presentations, media files, and work-related software

Motorola Motobook 60

Finally, if you aren’t afraid to go a little offbeat, check out the Motobook 60. The laptop is powered by Intel's Core 7 240H processor and comes paired with 16GB RAM and a 1TB SSD. Then there is the 14-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, 500 nits brightness, and 100 per cent DCI-P3 colour coverage. All of this is packed into a lightweight 1.4kg chassis.

While office work does not necessarily require an OLED display, it certainly makes long hours in front of the screen much more enjoyable. Text appears sharper, colours look richer, and presentations feel more vibrant. The laptop is also powerful enough for occasional content creation, making it a good fit for those who work across productivity tasks and creative projects. Combined with its premium design and lightweight build, the Motobook 60 feels like a laptop that punches well above its price segment.

Also read: AI-generated games may arrive sooner than expected, says CD Projekt Red Co-CEO

Your air conditioner is working overtime during the hot months, and you're wondering if it's time to replace it. Before you call the dealer and spend thousands of dollars, take a step back. Replacing your AC is a big decision that affects your wallet and comfort for years to come. You might not actually need a new unit. Maybe your current system just needs some fixing. Or perhaps a new one is absolutely necessary. The truth is, many people rush into replacements without checking a few important things first. This guide walks you through three key questions to ask yourself. These questions will help you make the right choice. Whether you need repairs or a full replacement, you'll know exactly what to do next.

Is your current AC really at the end of its life?

Before replacing your AC, figure out if it can still be saved. Most AC units last between 10 and 15 years. If yours is under 10 years old, repairs often make more sense than replacement. Look for these warning signs: your AC is making strange noises, not cooling like it used to, or your energy bills have jumped suddenly. It may also be that you see any leakages from your air conditioner or you see ice forming on your pipes.

In certain situations a simple repair can help you, like when your AC system is not older than five years and the cost of repair does not exceed more than half of the cost of a new unit. If that's the case, then you should consider repairing your older AC. Furthermore, if repairs are frequent or your old unit is more than 12 years old, then I would suggest you replace it.

Also read: Want your split AC to consume less electricity? Follow these 5 tips

Is your current AC the right size for your home?

Many people don't realise that AC size matters hugely. A unit that's too small won't cool your home properly. One that's too large wastes energy and money. Proper sizing depends on your home's square footage, insulation, and window placement. Before buying new, get your home measured by a professional. The right size keeps your home cool without wasting power.

Also read: Google Pixel 10 available with massive Rs 16000 discount on Amazon: How to grab the deal

How energy-efficient is the new system?

If your AC is older than 7 to 8 years, then it would be a good choice to go for a new and modern AC. As they are much more efficient than older models. A newer unit can cut your energy costs by 20 to 40 per cent. When you're opting for a new AC, look for the systems that have good ratings and reviews. This will help you save money every month while staying cool.

With the launch of Claude Tag from Anthropic, the ability to collaborate and work within the Slack app with Claude has been taken to the next level. The idea is simple: just put Claude into your Slack channels, link the necessary tools and information to it and then tag @Claude with your tasks that he will take care of.

Also read: WhatsApp under Will Cathcart: The controversies that defined its last seven years

It is presented by Anthropic as the future iteration of Claude Code that is more proactive, collaborative and created for teams not for individual developers. What numbers Anthropic is presenting are impressive: today, 65% of the company’s product team code is being written by an internal version of Claude Tag. And now this tool is being used not only in engineering but in any case when the company needs to hunt down product metrics or even debug problems.

How it actually works

Send a @mention to Claude with the task and it decomposes into stages, works them out step-by-step, utilizing all available resources in its disposal, and gives back a response in the Slack thread. The experience will be familiar for anyone who worked with Claude Code or Cowork, but what sets Claude Tag apart from these solutions is three additional features.

Also read: Best touchscreen laptops in 2026: Dell XPS 14, Asus Zenbook 14 and more

First of all, this is a multiplayer product – one instance of Claude works per channel, so everyone sees what it does and can jump into the middle of the thread. Secondly, it continuously learns over time, gathering context from channels where it exists and from all data sources connected to it, saving user from repeating his context again and again. Thirdly, in case the "ambient" mode is turned on, Claude will bring up relevant information by itself and notify users about the inactive threads without resolution.

For sensitive work, it allows administrators to configure access strictly, different channel settings imply different sets of tools and memory.

Who can use it

Claude Tag is now live in Beta for users of Claude Enterprise and Team. It is being rolled out starting on Slack, because this is where collaboration occurs naturally, but other platforms will be supported as well in future. It is running on Opus 4.8 and organizations eligible for this version receive a launch credit to try Claude Tag company wide.

Also read: NVIDIA DGX Spark review: This is what a real AI PC feels like

In 2019, Will Cathcart took charge of WhatsApp with an easy-to-understand message, "This is the most used messaging app in the world and it is completely private, secure, and reliable." It is only seven years since he took over but has decided to step down, saying that WhatsApp is now "in its strongest position ever before." He is right about the figures as WhatsApp now counts more than three billion active users all over the world, with 853 million of those being from India. However, one thing is clear – strength and controversy do not go hand-in-hand. Here is why.

Also read: NVIDIA DGX Spark review: This is what a real AI PC feels like

The Privacy Policy Revolt (2021)

Hardly any wounds that technology companies have self-inflicted in their history have been as spectacular as this one. On January 6, 2021, the company known as WhatsApp came up with a much-debated new policy which granted the company the right to use and distribute information about its users to its parent company – Facebook. The reaction came instantly.

During the weeks following the announcement, Signal became the top-grossing application with 17 million downloads within a week. WhatsApp was forced to push back its new deadline by three months (from February 8 to May 15) and tried to persuade users on social media – without success. This incident showed a profound lack of trust between WhatsApp and its two billion users; indeed, in India – where the company is widely used – it prompted an official warning from the Supreme Court concerning user privacy.

Pegasus: When WhatsApp Became the Weapon (2019)

Cathcart's tenure was off to a bad start right away thanks to the scandal involving the spyware. It involved taking advantage of the vulnerability called CVE-2019-3568 in WhatsApp's VoIP stack which made it possible to install the spyware on a device without user interaction at all. The spyware was used to attack journalists, activists, lawyers and senior government officials in India.

WhatsApp sued the NSO Group which presented itself as the victim of the spyware – however, the public image of such an application as WhatsApp was not going to stand being portrayed as the victim of such a violation of the very principles it had been founded on. NSO Group was found guilty by a federal judge in 2024 and was required to pay Meta $4 million.

Also read: What is OpenAI Daybreak: GPT-5.5-Cyber, Codex Security, and Patch the Planet explained

The Encryption Standoff With the UK (2023)

Cathcart made his fiercest public attack on government policy during discussions around the UK Online Safety Bill, which sought to require backdoors into the encryption of messages. WhatsApp would pull out of the UK if this was required. Cathcart made his position clear: "We won’t reduce the security of WhatsApp. We’ve never done that—and we’ve been okay with WhatsApp being banned in other countries around the world." WhatsApp joined forces on an open letter stating that the legislation would represent "an unprecedented threat to the privacy, safety and security of every UK citizen."

The pressure paid off and the backdoor requirements were toned down, but the struggle highlighted the fragility of the encryption protection against the government’s wishes.

Misinformation and Mob Violence in India

It may have been Cathcart’s darkest year not because of hacking or regulators but due to mob lynchings that swept across India in response to rumours of child abduction and organ harvesting spread virally over WhatsApp. It is believed that 24 individuals were murdered in 2018 in mob lynching attacks. In order to deal with the problem, WhatsApp implemented restrictions on forwarding messages, ran newspaper ads, and financed misinformation research. It was claimed that all these measures were mere patches applied to an underlying structure of a problem. Indeed, while WhatsApp encryption was the best feature of the platform, it was also what made it virtually immune to tracking down disinformation.

The Ads U-Turn (2026)

The last controversy associated with Cathcart’s tenure came at the very end of his time there. In 2026, WhatsApp started putting ads in its Updates tab, thus making its first serious move towards advertisements. For a company which had been promoting itself as the morally and ethically correct alternative to Facebook and Instagram for years, it was a clear change of course. People realized this, as did many critics who had always claimed that Meta’s acquisition of WhatsApp was always going to be monetized eventually.

Also read: Sakana AI’s Fugu: This Japanese AI claims to match Anthropic’s Fable 5 and Mythos Preview

There was a time when touchscreens were thought to belong only on devices that came with a 360 degree hinge. But these days, more and more brands are bringing touchscreens to laptops with the usual clamshell design as well. And while these laptops might not really act as a tablet whenever you want them to, having a touchscreen still makes a difference. But it is one of those differences that you notice only when they’re no longer there. For example, imagine wanting to quickly scribble some notes during a class or an online meeting, or wanting to zoom into a photo with your fingers while editing. 

And maybe this is the reason that today many touchscreen laptops also happen to be some of the best premium machines on the market. So, if you're looking for a laptop that combines performance, portability, and the convenience of touch input, here are some of the best touchscreen laptops available in India right now that you can think of buying.

Also read: 5 best gaming laptops for students in 2026: Asus ROG Zephyrus, Lenovo LOQ 15 and more

Dell XPS 14 (2026)

There is a reason everybody rejoiced when Dell announced the return of the XPS lineup earlier this year. The Dell XPS 14 is one of the most premium Windows laptops you can buy today. It comes with the Intel Core Ultra X7 chip, 32GB of RAM, and 1 TB SSD. And ofcourse, the best part about this laptop is the gorgeous 14-inch OLED touchscreen display. Now since this is an OLED screen, it gives you those vibrant colours, deep blacks, and excellent sharpness that just takes the entire experience up a notch.

So, the Dell XPS 14 is perfect for professionals, creators, and students who want a laptop that feels as premium as it performs.

Asus Zenbook 14 OLED

The Asus Zenbook 14 OLED is another premium device that earns a spot on this list. It is equipped with an AMD Ryzen AI 5 430 chip, 16GB RAM, and 1 TB storage. In the spotlight is that beautiful 14-inch OLED touchscreen display with a high-resolution panel and a 120Hz refresh rate. Despite packing powerful hardware, the laptop remains lightweight and highly portable. So, this is perfect for those who find themselves juggling life, as well as work.

Asus ExpertBook Ultra

The Asus ExpertBook Ultra is a business laptop. It gives you flagship performance in an incredibly lightweight package. Weighing under 1kg, the laptop features Intel Core Ultra Series processors, up to 64GB RAM, fast SSD storage, and a gorgeous 14-inch 3K OLED touchscreen display. Asus has also packed in several AI-focused features, business-grade security tools, and impressive battery life.

So for business users and frequent travellers, the ExpertBook Ultra offers a premium performance without adding weight to your backpack.

HP OmniBook X Flip

If you want a device with flexibility, consider the HP OmniBook X Flip. As the name suggests, it comes with a display that does a complete flip, transforming the device from a laptop into a tablet whenever needed. Inside, you get an Intel Core Ultra 9 chip, 1 TB storage and a stunning display.

As mentioned already, this device has multiple uses. Students can use it to take notes during lectures, artists can sketch directly on the screen, and working professionals can switch to presentation mode during meetings. PS: Thanks to the 2-in-1 design, the touchscreen is no longer just a bonus feature. It feels a much central part of the overall experience.

Lenovo Yoga 7 2-in-1

Yet another laptop that comes with a convertible design and absolutely stellar performance, the Lenovo Yoga 7 2-in-1 is also a solid pick.

The Lenovo Yoga series has long been one of the most popular names in the touchscreen laptop segment, and the Yoga 7 2-in-1 lives up to that expectation. It runs on an Intel Core Ultra 5 chip, sports a responsive touchscreen display and looks premium from the moment you lay your eyes on it. Then of course, there is the 360-degree hinge that allows multiple usage modes.

Also read: AI-generated games may arrive sooner than expected, says CD Projekt Red Co-CEO

Apple seems to be finally stepping into the foldable category after months of consistent leaks surfaced online. And if true, the device will be named as Apple iPhone Ultra and will directly compete with the Galaxy Z Fold series, Moto Razr Fold, Vivo X Fold and Google Pixel Fold series. The leaks even suggest that the device will be a little different and will have a wide, book-style foldable that opens horizontally into a mini-tablet. But, if the reports are believed to be true, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra will be standing in its way with a similar form factor.

However, both devices may play around with different selling points. Apple is reportedly focusing on extreme thinness, battery efficiency and crease reduction, while Samsung is said to continue prioritizing productivity features, multitasking and camera. Here is a closer look at how the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra and Apple iPhone Ultra could compare.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra vs Apple iPhone Ultra: Design and display

The leaks suggest that the Apple iPhone Ultra may use a passport-style chassis that unfolds into a large 7.8-inch display. The reports also suggest that the device could measure around 4.5mm when unfolded.

On the other hand, Samsung is said to offer the same wider 4:3-style internal display measuring around 7.6 inches. Both of these devices will aim to offer better user experience- make apps feel more natural and improve reading, browsing and document handling.

In terms of design, Apple is said to be developing a liquid metal hinge system combined with an internal stress distribution layer designed to make the crease nearly invisible. Samsung, on the other hand, is expected to use advanced ultra-thin glass technology with a thickness of around 60 microns to further reduce crease visibility.

Performance and battery

The report suggests that the Apple iPhone Ultra is said to debut with a next-generation A20 Pro processor built on TSMC's 2nm manufacturing process. The device may deliver better performance while reducing power consumption.

Samsung is said to power the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra with Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset built on a 3nm process. The device may come paired with up to 16GB of RAM, compared to the iPhone Ultra's expected 12GB memory configuration.

Speaking of the battery capacity, the Apple iPhone Ultra may get a battery between 5,500mAh and 5,800mAh despite its slim body. Samsung, meanwhile, retained the traditional battery design with a capacity between 4,800mAh and 5,000mAh. With the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, users can get faster 45W wired charging, while Apple is expected to remain closer to the 30W mark.

Camera

Apple is said to be planning to offer only two rear cameras. It may include a 48MP primary sensor and a 48MP ultra-wide camera. While it is not confirmed, the addition of telephoto lenses might be reserved for the next generation.

Samsung is said to bring a more versatile camera system. It may include a high-resolution primary camera, an ultra-wide lens and a dedicated 3x optical telephoto camera. Some reports suggest the primary sensor could reach 200MP, much like the Z Fold 7 and Galaxy S26 Ultra.

Adding on, the fingerprint security may also differ. Apple may drop Face ID on the foldable and return to a side-mounted Touch ID sensor integrated into the power button. Samsung is expected to continue using a side-mounted fingerprint scanner.

Software and multitasking

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is said to launch with Android 17 and One UI 9. It may bring some new Galaxy AI features and retain a persistent taskbar, desktop-like multitasking tools, floating app windows, S Pen support and the ability to run three apps simultaneously in split-screen mode.

On the other hand, Apple may launch its foldable device with iOS 27. It may bring native split-screen multitasking to an iPhone for the first time. The software is also expected to integrate Apple Intelligence features deeply into the foldable experience.

Which one looks promising?

As per the latest leaks, the Apple iPhone Ultra is said to focus on some of the biggest compromises in foldables, including the thickness, battery efficiency, and crease visibility. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, meanwhile, may still be the multitasker that can help you in your daily tasks, entertainment and clicking good pictures.

For Apple, this iPhone Ultra can become one of the most important hardware launches in years. And for power users who rely on advanced multitasking and mature foldable software, Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra may still remain the benchmark when it arrives. However, these are based on leaks and we will be doing a detailed comparison when both of the devices launch (obviously, if it does).

While there are tons of options in the market, choosing a smartphone or feature phone for senior citizens is considered a little difficult. The reason? Many factors including ease of use, reliability, battery life and accessibility, need to be considered. Some prefer simple keypad devices for calling and messaging, others may want the convenience of digital payments, video calling, navigation and emergency features without the complexity that often comes with modern smartphones.

Good thing? Manufacturers now offer devices across both categories. From traditional flip phones with large buttons and dedicated emergency functions to smartphones packed with accessibility tools, hearing-aid support and long-term software updates, there are several options worth considering. Here are some of the best phones for senior citizens in 2026.

Nokia 2660 Flip 4G

For the users who want simplicity above everything else, the Nokia 2660 Flip 4G is among the best choices. The device uses a classic clamshell design, which protects the keypad when closed while offering a familiar experience for users transitioning from older mobile phones. It comes with a 2.8-inch internal display alongside a 1.77-inch external screen that can show incoming calls, battery information and notifications without opening the phone.

It also features physical buttons and the user interface makes navigation much easier for the elderly users. Nokia has also included Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC) support and louder audio profiles to improve call clarity.

The device also offers a dedicated emergency button that can instantly contact up to five pre-selected contacts during emergencies. The phone is powered by a removable 1450mAh battery and supports 4G VoLTE connectivity. Additional features include wireless FM radio, an MP3 player with support for microSD cards up to 32GB, built-in UPI payments and a one-year replacement warranty.

HMD 110 4G

And if you want to buy a traditional feature phone with some modern conveniences, then check out HMD 110 4G. It comes with the Cloud Phone platform, which enables access to services such as YouTube, YouTube Music and news content without requiring a full smartphone operating system. This can be useful for seniors who want limited internet access without dealing with app stores and complex settings.

The phone comes with a 2.4-inch QVGA display, a durable metal-reinforced body and a ceramic-coated finish. A 0.3MP rear camera is included primarily for scanning QR codes through the built-in UPI payment system.

The device also adopts USB Type-C charging, eliminating the need for older proprietary chargers. Battery duties are handled by a removable 1450mAh cell that is rated for up to 15 days of standby time.

For users with visual limitations, the Phone Talker feature can read out caller names and text information in both Hindi and English. Wireless FM radio, MP3 playback, expandable storage up to 32GB and a one-year replacement guarantee round out the package.

HMD 105 4G

Like the HMD 110, this device also supports Cloud Phone services, giving access to YouTube and YouTube Shorts without installing conventional applications. The phone also integrates UPI payments directly into its interface, which means users can make digital payments on the go.

The built-in Phone Talker feature reads menu options, text messages, and key functions aloud, helping users who may struggle with smaller on-screen text. The phone includes a removable 1450mAh battery, HD voice calling, wireless FM radio, MP3 playback and USB Type-C charging.

Google Pixel 10a

And, if you are looking for a modern smartphone experience without sacrificing usability, the Google Pixel 10a can be the one. The device comes with Simple View mode that enlarges the icons and text and even simplifies navigation. Once enabled through the Accessibility settings, the interface becomes easier to read and operate.

The device also has a bright display, seven years of software updates and feature support. The device also supports Safety Check, Emergency Sharing, Car Crash Detection and lock-screen Medical Information access. These tools can be particularly useful for elderly users living independently.

Along with this, the device also offers Live Caption that can convert spoken audio into text in real time, while the Magnifier tool uses the camera to enlarge small text on labels, medication bottles and menus. The phone also offers seamless compatibility with modern Bluetooth hearing aids.

Samsung Galaxy A17

The Samsung Galaxy A17 comes with a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED panel that is bright and ideal for improved readability. It also has a 50MP primary camera that may come in handy in sharing images, scanning documents and more.

The device also has a Gemini AI shortcut which allows users to activate the voice assistant by long pressing the button. It can help with tasks such as asking questions, reading information aloud or managing everyday activities without typing.

The device also offers safety features. Pressing the power button five times can trigger SOS Emergency Sharing that contacts emergency services and sends location information to trusted family members.

The device also gets improved durability via Gorilla Glass Victus protection and an IP54 rating for resistance against dust and water splashes. Adding on, the company also offers an Assistant Menu that provides large on-screen controls for common functions, Voice Focus for clearer calls in noisy environments and Circle to Search.

Which phone should senior citizens choose?

The Nokia 2660 Flip 4G is a good choice for those who primarily want calling, messaging and emergency assistance. The HMD 110 4G and HMD 105 4G adds digital payment support and limited internet functionality while retaining the simplicity of keypad phones.

And if the idea is to get a smartphone experience, the Google Pixel 10a is a good option. It offers seven-year software support, accessibility-focused features and emergency tools. Lastly, the Samsung Galaxy A17 comes with a bigger display, AI powered assistance and more features that can be easier to use.

The NVIDIA DGX Spark might look like a normal Ubuntu-based mini-PC but it’s far from it. It looks like a compact desktop, sits quietly on a desk, plugs into a monitor and can technically be used like a small workstation. But treating it as just another mini PC would miss the point. DGX Spark is closer to a local AI lab in a small metal box, built for developers and researchers who want to run large models locally without immediately turning to the cloud.

That makes it an unusual product to review. A typical desktop review would begin with CPU performance, GPU performance, thermals, noise and pricing. DGX Spark needs all of that, but it also needs a different question: what can a capable user actually build with it?

The unit tested here was the NVIDIA Founder’s Edition, loaned to us by NVIDIA. In India, it retails for Rs. 5,04,990, which immediately places it outside the realm of casual experimentation for most consumers. Yet, in AI hardware terms, the price is not as absurd as it first looks. The reason is memory. There are plenty of faster GPUs, and there are cheaper desktops, but cheap consumer GPUs do not offer 128 GB of unified memory for local AI workloads. Trying to build a multi-GPU desktop with that kind of effective capacity would quickly become more expensive, more power-hungry and more cumbersome.

That is the interesting contradiction at the centre of DGX Spark. It is expensive for a desktop PC, but not outrageous for a local AI development box. It feels finished as hardware, but much of the software journey still has a developer-kit flavour. It is not something most people should buy, but it is one of the clearer previews yet of where local AI computing is headed.

Specifications

DGX Spark is built around NVIDIA’s GB10 Grace Blackwell superchip. It combines a 20-core Arm CPU with a Blackwell GPU architecture, fifth-generation Tensor Cores and 128 GB of coherent unified memory. NVIDIA positions it as a personal AI supercomputer capable of up to 1 PFLOP of FP4 AI performance, with support for AI models up to 200 billion parameters on a single unit.

The headline specification here is not just the compute number, though. It is the memory architecture. DGX Spark’s 128 GB coherent unified system memory gives the CPU and GPU access to a common memory pool. This is one of the keymetrics for hosting large language models because the limiting factor on a consumer desktop is often not raw shader performance, but whether the model and context can fit cleanly into memory without awkward compromises.

There are several similarly capable GB10 units available in the market. The ASUS Ascent GX10, GIGABYTE AI TOP ATOM, Lenovo ThinkStation PGX and Dell Pro Max(GB10) are some of the units selling in India, although some of these are priced much higher for no compute advantage over the vanilla DGX Spark. The I/O on the back can seem a bit minimalist. There is a power button, four USB Type-C ports, HDMI, Ethernet and the ConnectX-7 port, which allows DGX Spark units to be connected together. The first Type-C port is used for power input, so the usable port count will depend on how the system is set up.

For regular desktop use, DGX Spark has enough connectivity. For its actual role, the ConnectX-7 port is the more interesting bit. DGX Spark is not only meant to be used as a single compact AI box, but also as part of a small local AI setup where four DGX units can be linked for larger workloads. Each ConnectX-7 port is capable of up to 400 Gb/s bandwidth.

Build quality and design

DGX Spark has the kind of physical finish one expects from NVIDIA’s Founder’s Edition products. The chassis feels dense, premium and tightly engineered. It does not have the parts-bin feel of a typical small-form-factor desktop. It looks and feels like a hefty purpose-built device.

We took the unit apart partially. The bottom rubberised plate is held in place by strong magnets. Removing it exposes the Wi-Fi antennae. Beneath that, screws hold the bottom metal plate in place. Once removed, the internal structure reveals a large metal shield with a cutout for SSD access.

This is also where the limits of user serviceability become clear. The SSD is accessible, so storage is the one practical upgrade or service point. Beyond that, the system becomes much less inviting. The metal shield, PCB and heatsink are tightly integrated, and going further would mean disturbing thermal pads and risking the carefully assembled cooling interface. So we didn’t go for a rull teardown, we stopped at the heatsink-visible stage. A deeper teardown would have offered better photos, but also increased the chance of affecting thermals.

Suffice to say, this is not a tinker-friendly desktop built around modular consumer parts. If that’s what you want, buy a couple of GPUs and throw them into a server. The DGX Spark is a tightly packed AI appliance with one user-accessible component. Pulling out the whole assembly after removing the bottom plate felt risky, and that is usually the point at which most users should stop.

Thermal behaviour was impressive. Under load, the top surface reached around 41.4 degrees Celsius, while the rear exhaust area climbed to around 52.6 degrees Celsius. Peak wall power draw was around 220 W. More importantly, noise was negligible. DGX Spark remained very quiet even when running heavy workloads, which is a significant advantage over many high-end desktop AI setups. We’ve set up desktop PCs with four graphics cards running at full load and we’ve been on the business side of a GPU render farm inside a data centre, and the noise in either case is ridiculous. So or a device intended to live on a desk and run long local experiments, the DGX Spark is very well-designed.

Performance benchmarks

If you start reading up about the DGX Spark, you’ll often come across comparisons against the Apple Mac Mini which offers a significant advantage over typical PC desktops thanks to its unified memory. So for our testing, we decided to sneak away one of the Mac Studio machines that our designers use. In essence, the DGX Spark was compared against a Mac Studio with the M2 Ultra and 64 GB of unified memory. This was the largest capacity Mac Studio with the latest Apple silicon that we could find. We’re well aware of the M3 Ultra based machines available in the market but Apple rarely sends those out to us. That being said, the 64 GB configuration also introduces a hard practical ceiling that becomes very relevant once 70B-class models enter the picture. 

At a glance, the M2 Ultra has a significant memory bandwidth advantage. Its unified memory bandwidth is rated at 800 GB/s, while the DGX Spark’s 128 GB coherent unified memory runs at 273 GB/s. For LLM decode performance, memory bandwidth matters a lot because token generation is largely bound by how quickly model weights can be streamed through memory. A 70B model quantised to Q4_K_M occupies roughly 42.5 GB, which means the M2 Ultra’s theoretical ceiling works out to around 18.8 tokens per second.

In real-world usage, local inference runtimes rarely hit the full theoretical limit. Framework overhead, scheduling, memory access patterns and runtime behaviour usually bring sustained performance down to around 70 to 80 percent of that ceiling. That places the M2 Ultra 64 GB configuration in the region of 13 to 15 tokens per second for a 70B Q4 model, which is about what we experienced.

The DGX Spark, in contrast, delivered 37.76 tokens per second in the GPT-OSS 120B decode benchmark. Remember, this comes from a machine with lower raw memory bandwidth than the M2 Ultra, but with a platform built specifically around NVIDIA’s AI software stack and 128 GB of coherent unified memory. It is not simply a case of comparing bandwidth figures in isolation. DGX Spark has more breathing room for larger models, larger contexts and NVIDIA-accelerated workflows.

On a 64 GB machine, macOS does not make the full memory pool available to a single local inference process. In practice, the usable allocation for a large model often sits around the 48 GB to 51 GB range, leaving a 70B Q4 model very close to the system’s comfortable operating limit. That affects how much context can be used, how much room remains for the runtime, and how reliably larger models can be pushed without compromise. 

Turning the tables, prompt processing behaves differently. Unlike decode, which is heavily memory-bandwidth bound, prefill is more compute-sensitive. The M2 Ultra can process prompts at a much higher rate than it generates tokens, with 70B-class workloads typically sitting around the 220 tokens per second region and smaller 32B-class models moving closer to 410 tokens per second in favourable conditions. That means the Mac Studio can still feel responsive when ingesting a prompt, even though sustained generation on large models is much slower than the DGX Spark result seen here. 

The Mac Studio M2 Ultra remains a strong local AI machine for developers already inside the Apple ecosystem, especially for models that fit comfortably within the available memory. It is quiet, efficient and supported by a growing local inference community. But the 64 GB SKU is also operating near its practical ceiling with 70B Q4 models. 

DGX Spark feels more purpose-built for this class of work. Its 128 GB memory pool gives it more room for larger models and heavier local AI experiments, while the NVIDIA stack makes it better suited to workflows involving Riva, NIMs, TensorRT, local LLMs and multi-stage AI pipelines. At the eend of the day, your experience is not dependant only on the tokens per second metric. It is also about how much model headroom the system gives developers before they run into the wall.

Neither system showed signs of throttling during repeated runs. DGX Spark’s sustained behaviour remained stable, and the system stayed surprisingly quiet under load. That matters because long local AI sessions are not like short synthetic benchmarks. Developers may leave models running, iterate through workflows, test agents, or repeatedly restart containers and services. In that kind of usage, stability and thermals are just as important as a peak number.

The Mac Studio M2 Ultra still makes sense as a general-purpose creative and local AI machine. But DGX Spark is more focused. It is not trying to be the better all-round desktop. It is trying to be a compact NVIDIA-native AI development system with enough memory to make serious local experimentation practical. On that front, it makes a much stronger case than the raw bandwidth numbers might suggest.

Living with the software stack

Up until now, the DGX Spark’s hardware feels polished but the software journey is what matters more. This is NVIDIA'S home ground, so we're expecting a very frictionless experience. However, having worked with Ubuntu since it's early days, we know all too well that a developer's journey is anything but straightforward. NVIDIA knows that as well. So to make things easier, NVIDIA has been publishing playbooks and recipes through its Build site, and those are genuinely useful. They make the system feel less like a bare metal science project and more like a guided development platform. But like we said, this is still Linux. Anyone who has spent time getting AI toolchains running locally will recognise the rhythm: install, configure, wait, troubleshoot, fix a dependency, retry a download, point one service to another, then discover that something has changed upstream.

That does not mean the experience is bad. It means the user needs the right temperament. DGX Spark is not a one-click AI appliance for people who simply want a polished assistant. It rewards patience, and it assumes at least some comfort with Linux, containers, models, endpoints and local service orchestration.

In our experience, the system itself was stable. There were no random crashes or unexplained hardware issues. The friction came from the process of setting up tools, downloading models and making different components talk to each other.

The NemoClaw experiment

One of the more interesting experiments we we running involved setting up NemoClaw as a local assistant. NVIDIA’s Build recipes made the basic setup relatively approachable, especially for a developer or enthusiast willing to follow instructions. The recipe or Playbook that we used was called “Run NemoClaw with a local LLM” was helpful in getting started. If you're reading this after 2026, there's a good possibility that the Playbook might have been updated or renamed to keep up with ongoing developments. 

While running the command was simpler that buttering bread, the problem was not the initial setup. The problem was everything around model acquisition and reliability.

The LLM model download was routed through official sources, and the servers were painfully inconsistent. A Qwen 35B-class model would begin downloading at excellent speeds, then slow to 2-7 KB/s halfway through. Since the final file was around 23 GB, getting stuck after 11 GB meant a ridiculous time sink. Download failures made it worse, as the process often had to be reinitialised. Ollama does allow you to continue paused or failed downloads but that didn't work here. 

The eventual workaround was more manual: use Ollama to download the model directly, keep an eye on the process, then point NemoClaw to the locally installed model. Once that was done, things moved along.

As an assistant, NemoClaw could go through the material that was shared with it, but the sandboxing created limits. When asked to write a DGX Spark review as a fun experiment, the result was not good enough. The agent could not research freely, and the output felt closer to the early days of ChatGPT, appearing slowly, almost word by word. Some of that was down to token generation speed and the model being used, but the larger issue was that a sandboxed local agent is only as useful as its access, tooling and workflow design allow it to be.

This made the experiment more valuable, not less. It showed what DGX Spark can enable, but it also showed that “local AI agent” is not magic. The hardware can run the workload. The developer still has to design the workflow, solve the plumbing and decide what level of access the agent should have.

That is probably the right way to understand DGX Spark. It's not a magical gizmo that removes the hard parts of building AI tools. Rather, it gives developers a local machine powerful enough to confront those hard parts with enough compute power.

Obviously, we wanted to see if the download issue was persistent. So we reset the DGX Spark back to factory conditions and ran the playbook again. This time around, while the download behaviour was similarly fast for the first half and came down to a crawl during the second half of the download, we didn't see a download failure. And the playbook ran perfectly. If this behaviour feels a little mercurial, then this is how working with a constantly evolving development tech stack feels like. This is completely normal and very unlike running typical Windows software which functions the same way for years on end.

The real-time audio intelligence experiment

The second experiment was more ambitious, it involved setting up a real-time, low-latency audio intelligence pipeline. The intended version was a high-fidelity digital human or interactive spatial avatar on screen, something that could be interrupted mid-sentence and respond like a natural phone call. The planned stack combined NVIDIA Riva for local accelerated speech recognition and text-to-speech, a quantised large language model running locally on Grace Blackwell, and NVIDIA Omniverse Audio2Face for animating a 3D mesh using the generated speech.

This Iron-Man-esque Jarvis-like implementation is exactly the kind of workload that makes DGX Spark interesting. It combines multiple neural pipelines into a single loop: audio to text, text to reasoning, reasoning to speech, and speech to facial animation. This is not a simple chatbot. It is a multi-stage local AI system where latency, memory bandwidth and software orchestration all matter.

The full avatar system did not come together because the Audio2Face endpoint was deprecated from the NIM being used. As a result, the final polished version with a spatial avatar was not completed. What did work was the core audio loop: speech was captured using a USB headset microphone, converted to text, passed to a local LLM, then converted back into speech.

Was this a slightly convoluted way to reproduce things that ready-made solutions already do? Yes. But that was the point. This is what makes the DGX Spark very interesting because it lets a developer build the pieces of a voice assistant locally, see how the parts fit together, and understand where the friction lives. Or for that matter, any other application involving an AI-pipeline. 

Qwen 35B worked for the pipeline, though it came with a noticeable memory footprint. We didn’t exactly measure the end-to-end latency since we were so engrossed with getting the entire pipeline to work properly, and barge-in was not implemented during testing so we had to wait for the app to stop speaking before we could give it another audio prompt. So, that meant that this experiment should not be presented as a finished real-time avatar demo. Nevertheless, it was great fun working towards a working prototype. NVIDIA has released Audio2Face as open source, so with a few more days, we could have got the entire app working as initially planned. It was very satisfying to put together a local AI pipeline, watching it fail, fixing it, then watching it finally respond. But even in its unfinished state, the experiment made DGX Spark’s purpose clearer than a benchmark chart ever could.

What DGX Spark gets right

The biggest strength of DGX Spark is that it puts a serious local AI environment into a compact, quiet and power-efficient form factor. It does not need a noisy tower, multiple large GPUs or a dedicated lab corner. It sits on a desk and behaves like a polished piece of hardware. The 128 GB unified memory pool is the real attraction. For developers experimenting with larger models, memory capacity often becomes the wall. DGX Spark gives them enough room to work with models that would be impractical on ordinary consumer desktops.

The NVIDIA ecosystem is another advantage. Riva, NIMs, CUDA, TensorRT, NeMo-related workflows and Omniverse components all make more sense on a machine like this than on a random collection of parts. The system’s silence also deserves credit. Running local AI workloads on high-end desktop hardware often means accepting fan noise, heat and power draw as part of the deal. DGX Spark remained quiet, with manageable surface and exhaust temperatures. For long experimentation sessions, that makes a difference.

What holds it back

The biggest limitation is the typical friction involved in developing applications. If you’ve never developed apps before and believe that the DGX Spark is going to turn you into a world-class software developer, then there’s something to be said about having delusions of grandeur. You should spend some time learning coding and building a few apps to get your way around APIs, frameworks and the typical tools. Especially considering that the DGX Spark is expensive at Rs. 5,04,990, and that immediately narrows its audience. For simple experimentation, many developers may prefer a cheaper machine, cloud credits or a Mac mini-class system, accepting slower performance in exchange for a much lower entry cost. At the same time, DGX Spark’s value proposition becomes stronger when one compares it with a multi-GPU desktop built for large local models. A setup with several RTX 4090 or RTX 5090-class cards would cost far more, consume more power and be harder to manage.

The second limitation is Linux comfort. This is not a system for users who expect consumer app polish. NVIDIA’s playbooks are helpful, but users still need patience. Downloads can fail. Model setup can be messy. Sandboxed agents have practical limits. Deprecated endpoints can break a planned workflow. None of this is unusual in local AI development, but it does make DGX Spark unsuitable for anyone expecting a turnkey assistant box. 

The third limitation is audience clarity. DGX Spark is not a gaming PC, not a mainstream creator desktop and not a workstation replacement for everyone. It is a developer platform that happens to be extremely polished as hardware. That distinction must be clear before anyone looks at the price.

Who is DGX Spark for?

Ahh, the most important question! NVIDIA’s DGX Spark makes the most sense for AI developers, researchers, data scientists, robotics teams, university labs, startup engineering teams and serious enthusiasts who want to experiment with local AI models without constantly pushing workloads to the cloud. It also makes sense for teams that care about privacy, repeatability and cost control. Cloud experimentation is convenient until the bills begin adding up. A local machine has a high upfront cost, but for certain workflows, especially repeated testing and prototyping, it can be more predictable.

It is also useful for developers who specifically want to build on NVIDIA’s local AI stack. If the goal is to test Riva, NIMs, local LLMs, multimodal workflows or AI agents in a compact environment, DGX Spark is far more relevant than a generic desktop. It is not for people who do not know Linux and do not want to learn. It is not for someone who wants ChatGPT in a box. It is not for a creator who only needs video editing performance. It is not for a gamer. And it is not for anyone who expects local AI development to be a one-step process. DGX Spark is best described as a very capable developer platform and a preview of the next AI PC era.

What about the RTX Spark?

Recently, NVIDIA unveiled the RTX Spark at COMPUTEX 2026. RTX Spark is aimed at slim Windows laptops and compact desktop PCs, and NVIDIA is positioning it as a platform for personal AI agents. It brings together a lot of NVIDIA technologies in a more mainstream PC context. That changes how DGX Spark should be viewed. It is no longer just an expensive local AI box for a niche audience. It now looks like the early, specialist form of an idea NVIDIA wants to push into the broader PC market.

DGX Spark is the dev kit version of the future. RTX Spark could be the consumer and creator version. But we could be wrong. We’d prefer to wait until the RTX Spark launches in India before figuring out where the two offerings end up distinguishing themselves. But this does not make DGX Spark obsolete. In fact, it makes the system more important as a reference point. DGX Spark shows what local AI development looks like when the hardware is already capable, but the tools still require patience. RTX Spark may eventually take some of that capability into Windows PCs with better app integration, better user-facing workflows and broader OEM support. Also, the RTX Spark allows for customisation of the hardware, at least in terms of memory. So you might end up with 32 or 64 GB of memory with RTX Spark machines. And that would end up presenting a few limitations to your development journey with larger models. Between the lines lies the larger conversation. A chunk of your AI tools are moving from cloud-dependent demos to real machines that can run meaningful workloads on the desk. So you can think of the DGX Spark as a very clear signpost.

Verdict

NVIDIA DGX Spark is an impressive machine, but it is not a simple one. As hardware, it is compact, quiet, premium and surprisingly practical. The 128 GB unified memory pool gives it a meaningful role in local AI development, and the Grace Blackwell platform makes it much more than a small desktop with a fast chip. From a user experience perspective, it is still very much a developer’s machine. The system itself is stable, but the journey around it involves Linux troubleshooting, large model downloads, sandbox limitations, shifting endpoints and the usual rough edges of fast-moving AI tooling. NVIDIA’s playbooks help, but they do not turn DGX Spark into a consumer appliance.

At Rs. 5,04,990, DGX Spark is not meant for everyone. It is for developers, labs, researchers and enthusiasts who understand what they are buying and why local AI matters to their workflow. In a way, while the DGX Spark shows the future, I personally feel that the RTX Spark may eventually democratise it.

There have been detection problems in the area of cybersecurity all along. Alert generation overwhelms the security teams, vulnerability discovery occurs much faster than vulnerability fixing, and that is where attacks occur. The Daybreak project of OpenAI, which has been significantly expanded this week, is founded on the following basic premise: bug discovery has never been the issue. The problem is how to fix them.

Daybreak is an effort by OpenAI to leverage frontier artificial intelligence throughout the whole process of remediation – from alert generation through validation of alerts to patch generation and deployment. This is how each of the three major components works.

Also read: Sakana AI’s Fugu: This Japanese AI claims to match Anthropic’s Fable 5 and Mythos Preview

Codex Security

Daybreak makes use of Codex Security as its engine. Codex Security generates a threat model for that specific codebase, identifies realistic attack vectors, tests for vulnerabilities in controlled environments, and suggests remedies after human analysis. The crucial difference between it and the usual scanning software is the fact that it doesn’t provide an array of findings but focuses on the ones that can be exploited, giving engineers data instead of making assumptions. Companies interested in the Daybreak service provided by OpenAI can request a vulnerability scan of their codebase by Codex Security. The costs are unknown.

GPT-5.5-Cyber

There are three levels of access available through Daybreak for the OpenAI models. There is Standard GPT-5.5 for general use. GPT-5.5 with Trusted Access for Cyber is the key model for verification in defensive tasks in authorized environments. GPT-5.5-Cyber is the least restrictive level of access, limited to verified entities, and is used for red team exercises, penetration tests, and vulnerability testing.

Also read: The Mac Mini is the best on-device AI computer you can buy: Here’s why

The newly released GPT-5.5-Cyber model has an accuracy rate of 85.6 percent on OpenAI's internal CyberGym test, compared to 81.8 percent previously, and can perform deeper analyses in large repositories of code. This new model has already detected vulnerabilities in Firefox, V8, Safari, and HTTP/2 implementations.

Patch the Planet

The third is Patch the Planet, which is an effort co-launched with Trail of Bits through partnership with HackerOne that helps open source projects progress from findings to fixings. More than 30 projects are signed up for this program, such as cURL, Go, Python, Sigstore, and pyca/cryptography. This program is bringing researchers, maintainers, and enterprises together into a shared governance model with human oversight and auditing.

The Partner Program

Lying beneath all of that is the Daybreak Cyber Partner Program, through which 28 security partners – ranging from Cisco to CrowdStrike, Cloudflare, Palo Alto Networks, Wiz, and SentinelOne – can tie GPT-5.5 into Trusted Access for Cyber within their own offerings. The end user gets the benefit without having to have direct access to the model.

As OpenAI is positioning Daybreak, it’s not about scanning using AI but partnering in the process of remediation. The question is whether it closes the validation gap.

Also read: Kunal Shah as WhatsApp chief: Why Meta and Zuckerberg picked CRED co-founder?

Four months is usually enough time to figure out whether a phone is actually good or whether you're still riding the excitement of owning something new. The Galaxy S26 Ultra has now been my primary smartphone for around 120 days, and at this point, I know exactly where I stand with it. I still carry an iPhone 17 Pro Max, but that remains my secondary phone by choice. Samsung is the one I reach for first, the one I trust most, and the one that’s an essential part of my daily routine. And no, this is not a traditional long-term review. If you're looking for benchmark scores, gaming performance and camera samples, I've already covered all of that in my full review. This piece is about something else entirely. It's about what happens when a phone becomes your everyday companion. It's about the features you stop thinking about because they work so well, the moments where a device surprises you, and the small frustrations that linger even after months of use.

As someone who has been a Samsung user long before becoming a tech reviewer, perhaps none of this should come as a surprise. My first Galaxy smartphone was the Galaxy S3, followed by the S4, S5, S6 Edge Plus and eventually the Galaxy Note 9. The first Samsung flagship I reviewed professionally was the Galaxy S20 FE, but it wasn't until the Galaxy S21 Ultra that I truly returned to using a Galaxy flagship as my main phone. Since then, I have reviewed or used every major Galaxy S and Galaxy Fold device. Yet somehow, after spending time with incredible phones over the years, I keep coming back to where I started.

Also read: Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra review: King of the hill

After four months with the Galaxy S26 Ultra, I absolutely believe this is the best smartphone money can buy in 2026. Here’s my long-term review.

The phone that survived what should've been a disaster

With the Galaxy S26 Ultra, the thing that surprised me most over the last four months has nothing to do with AI features, cameras or performance. Its durability. It’s funny, we rarely talk about it anymore because modern flagship phones are expected to be durable in today’s day and age. IP ratings, stronger glass and reinforced frames have become standard talking points, and perhaps because of that, we've started taking them for granted.

I certainly did.

But that changed after I dropped my Galaxy S26 Ultra twice on hard concrete roads. And trust me when I say this, these weren't small slips or gentle tumbles. Both drops were hard enough for me to immediately assume the glass was gone. I use the phone without a case or a screen protector, and Samsung didn't provide one either, so there was absolutely nothing protecting it from the impact. Yet when I picked the phone up on these two separate occasions, the damage was surprisingly minor. A couple of tiny nicks on the corners. That's it.

Thankfully, there was no shattered glass or major dents. So, no visible structural damage.

What makes this more impressive is that I remember dropping my Galaxy S23 Ultra three years ago in a far less dramatic incident, and that phone ended up with a shattered back panel. So, whatever Samsung and Corning have done this time around clearly works.

Also, for the first time, I am actually taking Samsung's ‘Armor Aluminum’ branding seriously. Usually, these names sound like marketing gimmicks designed for keynote presentations. This time, however, the frame feels every bit as strong as Samsung claims it is, and as you just read it, I say this from experience.

After using a bunch of premium devices over the years, this is probably the most confidence-inspiring build I have experienced on a smartphone.

Privacy Display is the feature more brands should copy

No Samsung phone discussion is complete without talking about the display, and the Galaxy S26 Ultra's panel remains exceptional. While there has been some criticism around peak brightness this year, I think that conversation lacks context.

You need to understand that the Privacy Display feature changes how the display behaves, and because of the technology involved, there is naturally some impact on brightness. Yet in real-world usage, I have never found the screen difficult to use outdoors. At times, when I am outside under the harsh Delhi sun, I have never faced a concern with visibility. In practice, it is easily as bright as other flagship phones, if not brighter.

The anti-reflective coating deserves praise, too. It remains one of Samsung's most underrated innovations.

But circling back, the star of the show is undoubtedly Privacy Display. I genuinely hope other brands shamelessly copy this feature. You see, the smartphone industry spends a lot of time copying cosmetic trends and questionable design choices. Yet genuinely useful innovations often get ignored. I really hope to see the Privacy Display feature on more smartphones in the near future.

Personally, I have customised the Privacy Display to work with specific apps and notifications, and now I barely think about it. That's actually the biggest compliment I can give it. I’ll be reading my WhatsApp messages, opening banking apps or simply checking personal notifications in public, and I no longer worry about someone peeking over my shoulder. It works quietly in the background and makes everyday life easier, and that's exactly what good technology should do.

Why One UI 8.5 remains Android's best software experience

Hardware gets people excited, but software is what determines whether a phone remains enjoyable after months of use. For me, One UI 8.5 continues to be one of Samsung's biggest strengths.

A lot of people still believe Apple owns the ecosystem conversation, and to some extent, I understand why. The iPhone and Mac combination remains excellent. But over the last few months, I have been using the Galaxy S26 Ultra alongside the Galaxy Book 6 Ultra, and to be fair, Samsung's ecosystem has been just as impressive. Everything I routinely do between an iPhone and a Mac can be done just as easily between the Galaxy S26 Ultra and Galaxy Book. In some cases, it even feels more flexible.

Other than the continuity features, Samsung’s My Files remains the best file manager available on Android. It has been that way for years, and nothing has changed my opinion. Features like Storage Share, which allow me to wirelessly access my laptop's 2TB storage directly from my phone, have become surprisingly useful once they become part of your workflow. The software's handling of files and codecs is equally impressive. Rarely do I come across a file that the phone cannot open or process.

Then there is customisation. The lock screen, the app drawer, the always-on display, the animations, the themes; everything can be personalised exactly the way you want. And if that's still not enough, Good Lock takes things even further. The amount of control Samsung gives power users remains unmatched.

The best voice recorder on any smartphone

One feature I feel doesn't get enough credit is Samsung's Voice Recorder. As someone who spends a good amount of time taking interviews, recording meetings and transcribing conversations, this app has become one of my most-used tools.

Of course, the recording quality is excellent, but that's not what impresses me most. It's the transcription and speaker separation. The ability to accurately identify multiple speakers in a recording is incredibly useful, and Samsung does a remarkably good job here. I have recorded conversations involving multiple people and watched the software separate and identify different speakers with surprising accuracy. Neither the Pixel nor the iPhone has matched this experience for me.

As I said, we don’t give enough credit to a voice recorder because it doesn’t sound like a flashy feature to have, but it's one of those things that becomes invaluable once you start relying on it.

Samsung's missing piece

For all the praise I have for One UI, there is still one glaring omission. The one thing I really want Samsung to fix. The fact that you still don’t get a native app locker in One UI. And frankly, I don't understand why.

Almost every major smartphone brand now includes one. For what it’s worth, even iPhones have the native app locking capability. Yet Samsung continues to rely on alternatives and workarounds instead of implementing a straightforward solution. In fact, Google's Pixel phones also have the same issue.

The good news is that Android 17 is expected to address this, and rumours surrounding One UI 9 suggest Samsung may finally be preparing to introduce a native app locker. And I sincerely hope those rumours are true. Because this is the only significant feature I find myself missing on a daily basis.

The S Pen, battery life, and the features you stop thinking about

Every year, I see reviewers and the general public alike question whether the S Pen still matters. My answer to that remains unchanged.

Absolutely.

Not because I use it every day, but because it's always there when I need it. Signing embargo documents, marking up PDFs, jotting down notes or making quick edits becomes infinitely easier when your phone has a stylus readily available. It's one of those features you don't actively think about until it disappears.

I would also want to address the battery life situation here. Yes, Samsung is still using a 5,000mAh battery. Yes, competitors from China are shipping much larger battery capacities. And yes, I would love to see Samsung finally increase the battery size next year. But despite all that, battery anxiety has never been a problem for me. Not just in regular day to day life in Delhi, but also when I have travelled with this phone domestically and internationally, the battery life holds up pretty well. I mean, could a phone’s battery last longer than one day? Certainly. But has it ever become an issue with me? Not once.

The camera I trust most

One of the fundamental pillars of a great phone is a solid camera. The one on the S26 Ultra is the most reliable one for me. And, I am not saying it’s the absolute best at everything, but as I said, it is reliable.

In fact, I will admit, the iPhone 17 Pro Max still holds a slight advantage when it comes to video recording. So, whenever I'm shooting professional footage for my work videos, I generally give the edge to the iPhone. But for photography, versatility and general daily use, I continue reaching for the Galaxy S26 Ultra.

There’s something about Samsung’s colour science that I absolutely love. The images themselves are detailed with excellent dynamic range across different lighting conditions. Colours, especially skin tones, look balanced and most importantly, the camera rarely disappoints.

These are the reasons I feel separate a great camera from a good one, and the S26 Ultra’s camera system falls firmly in the former category.

A design we may soon say goodbye to

The version I have of the Galaxy S26 Ultra is Samsung's hero colour, and while I initially preferred the white variant, I've completely changed my mind over the last four months. Without a shadow of a doubt, this is the best-looking S26 Ultra finish.

In fact, I've come to believe that smartphone brands generally know what they're doing when selecting hero colours. Many would remember the criticism surrounding the orange iPhone 17 Pro earlier this year proved exactly that. Despite the complaints, it became one of the most popular finishes. I think the same logic applies to each and every device out there.

As for the design itself, it may soon become a part of Samsung history. If current rumours are to be believed, the Galaxy S27 Ultra may just move away from the design language first introduced with the Galaxy S22 Ultra. Reports suggest Samsung is looking at a horizontal camera strip design, similar in spirit to the Galaxy S10 Plus, partly to accommodate Qi2 magnets and other hardware changes.

Also read: Samsung Galaxy Book 6 Ultra review: The Jack of all trades

If that happens, it will definitely mark the end of one of Samsung's most recognisable flagship designs. Part of me is excited for this, and a part of me knows I'll miss it.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: Final Verdict

Who is the Galaxy S26 Ultra for?

I think the people who bought it already know the answer. This is a phone for those who want the safest flagship recommendation possible. Great phones arrive every year, but only a handful remain part of the conversation long after launch.

The Galaxy S26 Ultra is one of those phones.

In fact, I would say the same applies to the iPhone as well. And that's why the debate has never really been iPhone versus Android. It's always been iPhone versus Samsung. These are the two heavyweight champions of the smartphone world, and whichever side you choose, you're unlikely to regret your decision.

For me, though, the Galaxy S26 Ultra comes out ahead.

After 120 days, I still believe it's the best smartphone of 2026. And if Samsung finally delivers a native app locker with One UI 9, it might just become the closest thing to a perfect smartphone I've ever used.

If you're planning to purchase an air cooler to deal with the scorching heat, then you may be confused between a desert air cooler and a window air cooler. While both devices work on a similar concept to cool your room, the size, electricity consumption and price make a big difference between the two. The desert cooler is bigger in size and is thus meant for large rooms and semi-open places. The window cooler, on the other hand, is smaller in size and more suitable for small rooms with less space available. The comparison below will help you choose wisely between a desert air cooler and a window air cooler.

Desert air cooler vs window air cooler: Performance

You can use a desert cooler when you want to cool large rooms or halls. The device uses its bigger tank and stronger fan to throw air across a wide area and is a good option for living rooms or open spaces. Whereas a window cooler fits smaller rooms, such as a bedroom or study, as it has a limited cooling reach. Also, note that both of the cooling devices lose their effectiveness once humidity rises, as they depend on evaporation rather than refrigeration.

Also read: Planning to buy an air cooler? Here is how to choose the right one

Desert air cooler vs window air cooler: Power consumption

Since a desert cooler carries a larger motor and pump for bigger tanks and stronger airflow, it draws around 150W to 300W units. A window cooler typically uses less energy, which usually falls between 100W and 200W. Though you may find that the gap is not that huge on a daily basis, when you compare the electricity consumption over a month or a full summer of daily use, then you'll see the difference.

Desert air cooler vs window air cooler: Maintenance

Both the air coolers need similar basic care, as you need to clean the honeycomb pads of the devices regularly and ensure you refill or drain the water tank to stop algae or odour in the devices.

Other than that, keep in mind that a desert cooler is larger between the two and takes more effort to clean and move. While a window cooler is lighter and easier to handle, it needs a proper window opening, which can be hard to find in big buildings with a number of floors.

Also read: Nothing Phone 4b India launch date confirmed: Check expected specs, price and more

Desert air cooler vs window air cooler: Operating cost and price

When you run a desert cooler for around eight hours on a daily basis, then it could cost you between Rs 250 and Rs 500 a month. A window cooler costs slightly less to run 8 hours a day for a month, as it's between Rs 170 and Rs 340 given its lower wattage.

Furthermore, the desert coolers are generally priced between Rs 9,500 and Rs 20,000 in the Indian market. The prices fluctuate depending on the capacity of the device. However, window coolers can be bought for Rs 12,000 to Rs 20,000.

Apple has already impressed fans with its first-generation iPhone Air variant. The device got appreciation for its slim profile, durable design, and impressive features. Now, the reports have started to surface online claiming that the iPhone Air 2 is already under development. The reports suggest that the device is reportedly carrying the internal codename V62 and is said to address the feedback given to the first generation model.

From a dual-camera setup and a next-generation 2nm chipset to increased RAM and improved battery efficiency, the upcoming device could be more than just a routine refresh. As per the leaks, here are top 5 changes that you can expect.

iPhone Air 2 vs iPhone Air: Top 5 biggest changes expected

Camera

Among the biggest complaints about the original iPhone Air was that it had a single rear camera. Now, multiple reports and leaked renders suggest that Apple may offer the iPhone Air 2 with dual 48MP sensors. The setup is said to include a primary wide camera and a 48MP ultra-wide sensor. Along with photographic flexibility, the second camera may enable Spatial Photo and Spatial Video recording for Apple Vision Pro, a feature unavailable on single camera iPhone Air.

However, we may still not get to see a dedicated telephoto lens to maintain the device's thin profile. Instead, the company may continue using high-resolution sensor cropping for 2x optical-quality zoom.

Performance

The iPhone Air 2 is tipped to be powered by Apple's next-generation A20 silicon built on TSMC's 2nm manufacturing process. This jump from 3nm to 2nm fabrication can increase transistor density, allowing more computing power within a smaller chip footprint. Supply chain leaks remain divided on whether Apple will use a standard A20 chip or a higher-end A20 Pro variant, but both options are expected to benefit from the new process.

As per the reports, this will help in delivering roughly 15 percent better performance while reducing power consumption by as much as 30 percent compared to current-generation chips.

Battery

The reports also claim that even after retaining the ultra thin form factor, the device may get an increased battery size. This is said to be done by new internal engineering solutions. The rumours also point to Wafer-Level Multi-Chip Module (WMCM) packaging. This technology stacks key components such as the CPU, GPU and RAM onto a single wafer, reducing motherboard space requirements.

The freed-up internal room could allow Apple to fit a larger battery without increasing the overall thickness of the phone. The device is also expected to feature an upgraded in-house modem, reportedly called the C2 or N2, which may improve power efficiency during 5G connectivity and add around two extra hours of active screen-on time.

RAM upgrade could unlock more AI features

The first-generation iPhone Air shipped with 8GB of RAM, which limited the number of AI-driven tasks that could run simultaneously. For the iPhone Air 2, Apple is reportedly increasing memory to 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM. The extra memory could play a key role in supporting Apple Intelligence features, AI Siri, agentic AI tasks and more advanced on-device AI processing.

Better thermals

Adding on, the company may also introduce a new ultra-thin vapor chamber cooling solution for the iPhone Air 2. Unlike conventional graphite sheets, a vapor chamber spreads heat more evenly across a larger area by using a sealed liquid-based thermal system. This will allow the heat to be distributed across the chassis more efficiently and help maintain stable performance during gaming, video editing and more.

Also Read: iPhone 17 Review: The most sensible iPhone in 2025!

When will it launch?

As per the reports, there will be a change in the launch timeline. Unlike previous iPhone releases that typically arrive in September, the iPhone Air 2 is reportedly being considered for a Spring 2027 launch window, likely around March or April.

The reports further added that the company is planning to spread production and supply chain demands across the year instead of concentrating everything around its traditional autumn launches. And as a result, the Air series may get a clear identity within Apple’s lineup.

Speaking of the September launch, we may get to see the unveiling of the much anticipated Apple iPhone Ultra, along with iPhone 18 Pro Max and iPhone 18 Pro. The rumours suggest that the iPhone 18 can launch next.

Apple iPhone Air 2 price in India

As per the reports, the iPhone Air could launch with Rs 1,19,900 in India. However, Apple CEO Tim Cook has reportedly confirmed that the iPhone lineup may see a price hike due to the ongoing hardware and memory part price hike, along with geopolitical tensions.

For over a decade, smartphone buyers have primarily focused on specifications such as cameras, performance, battery life and charging speeds before making their purchase decision. However, software support has now become just as important, specifically as flagship phone prices continue to rise. Longer update commitments mean devices remain secure, get new features over time and stay relevant years after launch.

If we talk about today, there are several smartphone brands that have extended their software policies, with some promising support that stretches all the way into the next decade. From Google's Pixel lineup and Samsung's Galaxy S26 series to Apple's iPhone 17 family, here are some of the smartphones offering the longest software support currently available.

Google Pixel 10 series

Google with its latest Pixel 10 series offers a really great software longevity with the Pixel 10 series. The company offers seven years of software support across the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL. The devices were introduced with Android 16 and have already received Android 17. It will get support through Android 23.

Along with the operating system updates, Google is now committing to seven years of monthly security patches and seven years of Pixel Drops, which regularly introduce new AI features, camera tools and interface enhancements.

The long support cycle is backed by the Tensor G5 chipset, Google's first fully customized Tensor platform manufactured by TSMC. The chip is designed to handle future software requirements while powering on-device AI experiences through Gemini Nano.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Series

Just like Google, Samsung also offers seven year software updates with the Galaxy S26 family, including the Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26+ and Galaxy S26 Ultra. All the devices come pre-loaded with One UI 8.5 based on Android 16. The software roadmap means Galaxy S26 users can expect new Android versions, updated Galaxy AI features and security improvements well into the early 2030s. Samsung's support strategy is supported by either the Exynos 2600 or Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, depending on the region. The company is also making future software experience around Galaxy AI with deeper integration of services such as Google Gemini and Perplexity AI.

Apple iPhone 17 Series

Apple does not publicly specify a fixed number of software updates for its iPhones but based on its recent track record, the iPhone 17 series is said to receive around seven years of software and security support. The lineup launched iOS 26 and is projected to remain supported through iOS 33. This includes the standard iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max.

Apple’s software approach differs from Android manufacturers because updates are released simultaneously across supported devices. New features, security patches and Apple Intelligence capabilities are generally delivered at the same time.

The device comes loaded with Apple's A19 and A19 Pro processors, which are designed to handle increasingly demanding AI workloads. Apple has also introduced Memory Integrity Enforcement (MIE) and Enhanced Memory Tagging Extension (EMTE) technologies to strengthen long-term security.

Motorola Signature

Motorola Signature launched with Android 16 and comes with a seven-year update commitment. Users can expect seven major Android upgrades through Android 23, along with security updates until June 2032. Along with traditional software maintenance, the company aims to deliver ongoing feature additions via Moto AI updates, camera enhancements and more.

The device is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset, built on a 3nm process. The platform is designed to provide enough performance headroom for future Android updates and AI features. The phone also supports Motorola's Ready For ecosystem, allowing desktop-style experiences through its USB 3.2 Type-C connection.

Vivo X300 FE

The Vivo X300 FE comes with OriginOS 6 based on Android 16 and is guaranteed five major Android OS upgrades, taking it through Android 21. However, Vivo supplements this with seven years of security updates. The X300 FE comes with flagship-grade hardware, including a Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 processor and 12GB LPDDR5X Ultra RAM. Vivo says its OriginOS 6 software includes an "Ultra-Core Computing" framework capable of improving cold app launch performance by up to 18.5 percent. The phone also supports Memory Fusion technology.

Which phone offers the best long-term software support?

If software longevity is your top priority, then the Google Pixel 10 and Samsung Galaxy S26 series are among the best options, thanks to seven years of complete updates and security patches with new feature additions. On the other hand, the Apple iPhone 17 is a strong option for users invested in the iOS ecosystem. Motorola is also offering its Signature with the same 7-year promise.

And if a camera phone is your choice with decent software support, you can definitely go with the Vivo X300 FE as it offers five years of updates.

If you are a college student, you would know how it can at times look like a balancing act. One moment, you need to finish an assignment in a rush and the other, you’re called by your buddies for a late-night gaming session. Now most students don’t want to (or have the necessary means to) carry two different devices for tasks like these. This means that the laptop that they pick as their daily driver will have to do all the heavylifting.. It should be powerful enough to run demanding games, reliable enough for presentations and coursework, and portable enough to carry between classrooms, libraries, and hostels every day.

If you also often find yourself in a similar situation, pay attention. Gaming laptops have become much more student-friendly in recent years. Today, there are many options that are lighter, slimmer, and more versatile than the bulky gaming machines that existed until a few years ago. The gaming laptops available today can handle everything from coding projects and video editing assignments to esports titles and the latest AAA games. After all, a laptop with a dedicated GPU has much more capability than purely running games. So if you're heading to college in 2026 and want a laptop that can keep up with both your studies and your gaming habits, these are the best options worth checking out.

Also read: Can a thin and light gaming laptop really handle AAA games? I found out

Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (2025)

The Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 is the one for students who are constantly on the move. It features an AMD Ryzen 9 processor, Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 GPU with 8GB GDDR7 VRAM, 16GB LPDDR5X RAM, and a 1TB SSD. Despite packing such powerful hardware, the laptop weighs just 1.5kg. It also comes with a gorgeous 14-inch 3K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, 100 per cent DCI-P3 colour coverage, Dolby Vision support, and up to 500 nits brightness.

Now that we have an idea of the specs, let’s quickly talk about who exactly will benefit from this laptop.The biggest advantage of the Zephyrus G14 is that it doesn't look or feel like a traditional gaming laptop. It can easily fit into a backpack without becoming a burden during long days on campus. So, if you’re someone who is constantly moving around, this laptop makes  a lot of sense for you.  The RTX 5060 graphics card is also ideal for students pursuing courses in animation, game design, video editing, or engineering, while the OLED display makes everything from movies to creative projects look stunning. 

HP Victus 15

The HP Victus 15 is for students who want strong gaming performance without spending more than Rs 1 lakh. It comes powered by Intel's 14th Gen Core i5-14450HX processor paired with 24GB DDR5 RAM, a 512GB SSD, and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 graphics with 6GB VRAM. The laptop sports a 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display with a 144Hz refresh rate, making fast-paced games look noticeably smoother.

The Victus 15 is a great choice for students looking for an all-rounder. The hardware is powerful enough for gaming, multitasking, coding assignments, and content consumption. Whether you're preparing a presentation, attending online classes, editing videos for a college project, or exploring large open-world games during the weekend, the Victus can comfortably handle it all. The generous 24GB RAM also ensures that multiple apps and browser tabs can run smoothly at the same time.

Lenovo LOQ 15 (2025)

The Lenovo LOQ 15 seems tailor-made for students who need their laptops for more than just gaming. It is equipped with Intel's Core i7-13700HX processor, 16GB DDR5 RAM, a 1TB SSD, and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5050 graphics with 8GB GDDR7 memory. The laptop also comes with a 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display with a 144Hz refresh rate and 100 per cent sRGB colour coverage.

Coming to who this is for, it is ideal for students enrolled in engineering, architecture, computer science, animation, or design courses. The powerful processor can handle demanding software, while the RTX 5050 graphics card is useful for 3D rendering, video editing, and much more. The colour-accurate display is another advantage for creative students who need reliable visuals for editing work. Even though the laptop is slightly heavier than some alternatives, it rewards users with desktop-class performance.

Acer Nitro Lite 16

The Acer Nitro Lite 16 proves that a gaming laptop does not have to be bulky, or cost over Rs 1 lakh. It features an Intel Core i7-13620H processor, 16GB DDR5 RAM, a 512GB SSD, and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 graphics. The laptop comes with a large 16-inch WUXGA display that supports a 165Hz refresh rate while keeping the overall weight to just 1.95kg.

Now if you are someone who enjoys having more screen space, this is the pick for you. The larger display makes it easier to work on assignments, spreadsheets, coding projects, and multitasking. At the same time, the RTX 4050 provides enough graphical power for modern games and creative applications. So, students who split their time between studies, entertainment, and gaming will find the Nitro Lite 16 to be a practical option.

ASUS TUF Gaming A16 (2026)

The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 focuses on delivering dependable gaming performance in a relatively portable design. It is powered by the AMD Ryzen 7 processor and comes with 16GB DDR5 RAM, a 512GB SSD, and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 graphics. The laptop features a 16-inch WUXGA display with a 144Hz refresh rate and a taller 16:10 aspect ratio that provides additional screen space for productivity.

The TUF A16 is a great fit for students who want a laptop that can last throughout their college years. The durable build quality makes it well-suited for daily travel between classes and hostels, while the hardware is powerful enough for gaming, coding, multimedia projects, and general coursework. Asus has also included fast-charging support, which can be incredibly useful for students who spend long hours away from a power outlet.

Also read: AI is super capable, but cannot replicate human emotions: Nitin Kumar, Qualcomm

An independent studio known as Aeos Games located in Bengaluru, India, has released a new gameplay trailer of their new soulslike game titled "Unleash the Avatar." Unleashed in Bilibili Game First Look, the trailer is the biggest reveal of the game yet. In addition, the trailer shows clearly how Unleash the Avatar is one of the best indie games to have been produced in India in recent times.

This trailer starts with the character Vikram fighting Kinkara who happens to be a servant of Yama, the god of death and justice in Hinduism. This game seems to have very deep combat mechanics which include things such as dodge and parry but not only these since there seem to be some fresh ideas added into it. These new ideas include a range attack known as chakra and also a feather prism attack.

This world is created out of Indian Epic mythology. The game is set in an alternate reality where there has been the dissolution of the wall that exists between Naraka (the Hindu mythological hell) and earth; as a result of which, the Asuras and Rakshasas have invaded the world. Vikram, the player character, becomes the avatar of a part of the power of Lord Vishnu and needs to restore balance. This is quite a unique premise, and this game stands apart from other fantasy games that rely heavily on European medieval mythology.

Also read: The Mac Mini is the best on-device AI computer you can buy: Here’s why

Technically, the developers at Aeos are creating everything from scratch. The game uses a fragmented-chakra engine that works in conjunction with an internally developed physics system, a highly refined AI for enemies that punishes the players based on their posture, and parry mechanics. They are constructing their environments out of photo assets of olden Indian towns, which lends an air of authenticity to their world like no other game based on similar cultural context. Legendary voice actor Johnny Yong Bosch, who was in Persona 4 and Bleach, voices Vikram.

Aeos Games is a 40-person, entirely self-funded studio, and Unleash the Avatar is its debut title. A 2026 launch window is currently targeted for PC via Steam, where the game is available to wishlist now. For a first production title from an independent Indian studio, the ambition on display here is hard to ignore.

Also read: Can a thin and light gaming laptop really handle AAA games? I found out

What makes the AI of Japan's Sakana unique is that they developed an AI that can hold its own against the most powerful Anthropic's models without being one itself. This AI system is called Fugu, and it works through coordinating a group of available AI models instead of using one giant model. Rather than seeing it as a model, you should see it as a conductor that chooses the correct combination of models to perform a specific task and produces one final output through the coordination. This concept was called "multi-agent system as a model" by Sakana, and the numbers prove how impressive it can be on paper.

Also read: Kunal Shah as WhatsApp chief: Why Meta and Zuckerberg picked CRED co-founder?

When it comes to some important tests such as SWE Bench Pro (software engineering), LiveCodeBench (coding), and GPQA-Diamond (graduate scientific reasoning), Fugu Ultra, the highest level of this system, rivals Anthropic's Fable 5 and locked Mythos Preview models.

In this case, it turns out that Fable 5 and Mythos Preview do not belong to Fugu's agent pool. According to Sakana, it was done intentionally because these models are not publicly accessible, meaning that the system's benchmark numbers are achieved exclusively through models that are freely accessible to anyone. The point is that a Japanese startup has managed to come up with something similar to Anthropic's system developed for many years in secrecy.

Also read: The Mac Mini is the best on-device AI computer you can buy: Here’s why

Of course, how this benchmark parity will manifest itself in practical terms remains to be seen. Multi-agent systems tend to be more difficult to evaluate compared to single-model systems, and their orchestration increases latency, complexity and costs which may not always be reflected in headline figures. However, Fugu's design is great for structured tasks where you can properly route your requests between models.

However, the main thing remains the same. When a multi-agent architecture can reach the level of performance of a frontier model using exclusively publicly available pieces, it redefines the idea of cutting-edge AI. It's not necessary to have the best model; sometimes, you only need to combine the existing models properly.

Founded by Google Brain alumni David Ha and Llion Jones, Sakana AI has been moving in the direction of nature-inspired and evolutionary AI for quite some time already, since 2023. This is one of its most direct attempts to engage in the frontier lab discussion, but probably not the last one.

Also read: Can a thin and light gaming laptop really handle AAA games? I found out

Immediately after news broke that Meta has appointed Kunal Shah, co-founder of CRED, as the global head of WhatsApp, pretty sure the next question on everyone’s mind was why? What’s so special about a Mumbai-based fintech founder that probably most people out of India might not have heard about till now.

Here’s what Mark Zuckerberg said about Kunal Shah in his Facebook post, “Kunal built CRED into one of India's most important technology companies, and he brings the kind of builder mentality and global perspective that will serve him well in running the world's biggest messaging app.” 

Zuckerberg praised Shah’s “builder mentality” and “global perspective” as key traits for what he’s looking for WhatsApp’s next phase of growth, making it more than just a communication app used by over 3 billion people around the world.

“I look forward to working with Kunal to continue to make WhatsApp the best service for billions of people and millions of businesses,” Zuckerberg said in his post, giving us more than a big hint of why Kunal Shah is in the WhatsApp hot seat.

Also read: Kunal Shah to be new WhatsApp CEO, confirms Meta

It’s pretty clear that WhatsApp’s next big growth phase isn’t about communication overload, it revolves around payments and commerce, and Kunal Shah fits in perfectly here as he has spent over a decade building fintech products – first FreeCharge, and now CRED. If WhatsApp has to become a super-app for everything communication, finance, commerce, with AI agents and complex workflows made simple, Kunal Shah is definitely part of the answer of getting there.

Another reason why CRED’s Kunal Shah is the new WhatsApp chief is because he isn’t a Silicon Valley entrepreneur. Based in Mumbai, Shah understands Indian consumer behaviour, digital payments and being mobile first better than most. It matters because India isn’t just another geography for Zuckerberg, Meta and WhatsApp – India is WhatsApp’s largest user base. 

Also read: Zuckerberg wants AI CEO to run Meta: What could go wrong?

Zuckerberg praised Shah’s “builder mentality” and in CRED Shah has built one of India’s most popular apps for credit card users. CRED doesn’t have a lot of users, only 17 million according to Reuters, but it processes over 40% of India’s credit card payments. It definitely has the pulse of high-value fintech customers in India, know how that will no doubt be crucial in unlocking WhatsApp’s appeal and value going forward.

Apart from hiring Kunal Shah away from CRED, Meta is also making a pretty generous $900 million investment in the Indian fintech company. Whether it’s price to peel Shah away from his startup or pouring rocket fuel on CRED’s mission is anyone’s guess, I think it’s a bit of both. 

Meta and Zuckerberg aren't hiring Kunal Shah to simply “run WhatsApp.” It appears to be betting that WhatsApp’s future will involve lots of commerce and payments, backed by AI agents and superintelligence baked in. Where Shah’s job is to imagine and build WhatsApp into a trusted, world-class conversational operating system for chat-based commerce and more.

Also read: Meta’s superintelligence division is building a dedicated hardware team

The Mac Mini is out of stock. Not the kind of product stock issues that are seen from time to time just before a release of a new product by Apple, but truly, structurally out of stock – a number of different models have been backordered for many weeks. At Apple's Q2 2026 earnings call, Tim Cook himself drew attention to the demand for the Mac Mini, connecting it to the rise of agentic AI systems.

Also read: Valorant has a new map that changes how you play the game, here’s why

This all boils down to the architecture of the processor used in the Mac Mini. The M4 processor from Apple employs a unified memory architecture, where the CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine use the same memory space. Given that the AI tasks involve transferring massive amounts of data between different processors all the time, the significance of that cannot be overstated. A Mac Mini equipped with 24GB of unified memory will comfortably support a capable large language model, with significantly lower energy consumption than an x86 system with similar performance. Neural Engine, with its 38 TOPS rating on the M4 processor, is efficient enough to do inference of such models as Qwen 3 or Llama 3 using Ollama locally.

This is in contrast to the alternatives. Both Snapdragon X Elite and Intel Core Ultra laptops have made some considerable improvements, and the figures in terms of NPU capability are rather impressive. However, they come with significant premiums - competent Copilot+ laptops start at twice the price of Mac Mini – and the ecosystem in terms of local AI inferencing on Windows is still lagging behind compared to the one offered on macOS. MLX, Apple's machine learning framework optimised for Apple silicon, offers a mature and documented process for inference on Apple computers that doesn't have any equivalents on the Windows platform.

Also read: Best phones for low light photography: Vivo X300 FE, Oppo Find X9s and more

And then there is the issue of agency which makes this case for the Mac Mini even more interesting. Platforms such as OpenClaw and Mac version of Perplexity app have made an autonomous AI node – a computer that works independently from user's actions – very popular concept. With its headless capabilities, power efficiency, and relative affordability, Mac Mini was practically built for this use case, despite being developed without taking it into account. Perplexity itself documents the Mac Mini as its recommended hardware choice for running the agent.

The M5 refresh, expected later in 2026, is rumoured to push even harder on AI performance with a redesigned Neural Engine. But the current M4 model already makes the case clearly enough. While the rest of the industry is still debating what an AI PC should look like, Apple's smallest desktop has quietly become the answer.

Also read: India’s new Satcom rules explained: Unlike 5G, it’s not just about spectrum anymore

Buying an air conditioner is no longer a simple choice. Most buyers today get stuck between an inverter AC and a normal (fixed speed) AC, and the confusion is fair. Both cool your room, but they work in very different ways. A normal AC turns its compressor fully on or fully off to control temperature, while an inverter AC adjusts the compressor speed to match the cooling needed. This difference affects everything from your electricity bill to how long the unit lasts. If you are planning to buy an AC this summer, understanding these basics can help you avoid regret later and pick a model that actually suits your home and budget.

Inverter AC vs normal AC: Efficiency

The inverter ACs are more efficient between the two, as their compressors can run at different speeds instead of constantly turning on and off. Along with that, once your room reaches the desired temperature, the compressor slows down and keeps maintaining the temperature, rather than shutting off completely. As a result of this, you get more consistent cooling, and the device also reduces the energy waste.

Whereas a normal AC uses a fixed-speed compressor that repeatedly starts and stops to maintain the set temperature. Each restart uses extra electricity, which increases power consumption. Because of this, inverter ACs usually save more energy over time, especially when they are used for many hours each day.

Also read: Confused between portable AC and air cooler? From price to power consumption, every key factor compared

Inverter AC vs normal AC: Maintenance and running cost

Normal ACs come with a simpler design and are much easier and less expensive to repair. Not only that, but the technicians are also more familiar with these types of systems, as they have been working on such devices for ages now. The basic service visit usually costs around Rs 500 to Rs 800, in which you'll get the basic maintenance done.

Whereas the inverter ACs use advanced electronic components, and as a result of that, the repair costs of the cooling device are comparatively higher. Moreover, depending on the part that needs replacement, the repairs may cost between Rs 1,500 and Rs 3,500, and you can't ask a local technician to service it, so the professional tax would also come into play. However, you should also note that the inverter compressors do not constantly start and stop; hence, the wear and tear on the device is less, and you may face fewer faulty parts in the long run.

Also read: Elon Musk says AI can surpass all human intelligence within four years

Inverter AC vs normal AC: Electricity bill and price

A normal AC with eight hours of daily usage would attract a monthly electricity bill of roughly Rs 2,500 to Rs 3,000. While an energy-saving inverter AC with the same capacity would be charged around Rs 1,800 to Rs 2,200. 

Aside from that, the initial cost of investment of the ordinary ACs is less. You can usually purchase them for around Rs 28,000 to Rs 35,000, while inverter ACs cost around Rs 35,000 to Rs 50,000.

Heat in the summer season makes people look for affordable cooling solutions. Two popular options are portable ACs and air coolers. Both are designed to cool your room, but they work very differently and suit different needs. Which one is best for you depends on your local climate, budget, power consumption & more. Knowing the differences between these appliances will help you make a smarter buying decision. Here is a quick comparison of portable ACs and air coolers.

Portable AC vs air cooler: Price

Air coolers are more affordable than portable ACs. Most air coolers are available for between Rs 3,000 and Rs 15,000, making them a popular choice for budget-conscious buyers. Portable ACs are more expensive, and range from Rs 25,000 to Rs 60,000.

Portable AC vs air cooler: Power consumption

Air coolers usually consume less electricity than portable ACs. They take about 80W and 200W of electricity. Portable ACs use a compressor to cool the room, which requires much more power. So, most models consume around 900W to 1,500W. 

Also read: Desert air cooler or tower air cooler? Which consumes less electricity and offers better cooling 

Portable AC vs air cooler: How they work

Air coolers use evaporative cooling. They pull hot air through water-soaked cooling pads. As the water evaporates, the air becomes cooler before being pushed into the room. Meanwhile, portable ACs work like regular ACs. They remove heat from indoor air using refrigerant. The hot air is then thrown through a hose connected to a wall opening. 

Portable AC vs air cooler: Climate 

Air coolers work better in dry and hot regions where humidity levels are low. In humid weather, air coolers may not be very effective because they add more moisture to the air. This can make the room feel uncomfortable and sticky. Portable ACs are a better choice for hot and humid areas. They cool the room while also removing excess moisture.

Also read: Window AC or desert air cooler? Here is which one saves more electricity and easier on your pocket  

Portable AC vs air cooler: Maintenance and setup

Air coolers require regular refilling of water. Users also need to clean the water tank and cooling pads from time to time to prevent bad odours and mould growth. On the other hand, portable ACs do not need water but require a window or wall opening to release hot air outside. You have to regularly clean filters and some models may require draining of collected water.

Portable AC vs air cooler: Which one should you choose

You should buy an air cooler if you live in a dry climate, want lower electricity bills and are looking for an affordable cooling option. Go for a portable AC if you live in a humid area, need stronger cooling and want better temperature control.

Smartphone displays have definitely evolved. Over a decade ago, LCD panels dominated almost every price segment while OLED was premium luxury. Now, the OLED is the default choice across the market, from the flagship devices to the increasingly affordable devices. On the other hand, Mini LED, despite thriving in televisions and laptops, has largely stayed out of the smartphone conversation. But if you are curious about how each technology works and what smartphones actually demand from a display, read along.

How each tech works

The OLED or Organic Light Emitting Diode is a self-emissive technology where every pixel makes its own light. There is no separate backlight layer. Today, you must have already seen that every smartphone uses AMOLED panels which uses an active matrix variant that allows individual pixels to switch on and off independently. This helps in delivering perfect blacks, high contrast ratios and better power efficiency when displaying dark content.

Also read: From foldable iPhones to AI glasses, here is everything Apple may launch over the next two years

LCD works on different principles. A backlight sits behind the panel and a liquid crystal layer controls how much of that light reaches the viewer. As the backlight is always on, the LCD panels cannot fully turn off individual pixels, which is why black tends to look slightly grey. This technology is cheaper to produce and is why it survives in the budget segment.

Mini LED is often treated as something that is new but it is essentially an advanced form of LCD. Instead of a single backlight, it uses thousands of tiny LEDs grouped into local dimming zones that can brighten or darken independently. This gets closer to OLED in terms of contrast, but the underlying architecture is still LCD-based.

Why OLED fits smartphones

The dominance of OLED in smartphones is not just related to picture quality. It comes down to how well the technology fits the unique engineering constraints of a handheld device. Among the factors, thickness comes first. A modern OLED panel sits somewhere between 0.5mm and 1mm thin while the LCD panels typically need 2mm to 3mm to accommodate the backlight, diffuser and supporting layers. Mini LEDs need even more space because of the LED array and optical components. So, in a device where every fraction of millemetre matters, OLED frees up room for larger batteries, better cooling systems and more advanced camera hardware and is the ideal choice.

Secondly, many flagship phones use flexible OLED panels built on plastic substrates that can bend. This allows display driver components to sit behind the screen rather than alongside it, allowing the manufacturers to offer ultra-thin bezels. Meanwhile, LCD and Mini LED panels are rigid and require additional space at the bottom for drivers, making symmetrical, edge-to-edge designs far harder to achieve.

OLED also helps in battery efficiency. Black pixels on an OLED display are simply switched off, consuming virtually no power. Dark mode on an OLED device genuinely extends battery life, with power savings estimated at anywhere between 15 and 30 percent depending on usage. On the other hand, LCD panels keep the backlight running regardless of screen content and Mini LED, while more efficient than traditional LCD, still requires constant management of hundreds of dimming zones, adding processing overhead.

Lastly, optical fingerprint sensors, ultrasonic readers and under-display cameras all need light to pass through the panel. The thin, light-permeable structure of OLED makes this possible. The opaque backlight layers in LCD and Mini LED panels block that transmission which means under-display implementations are complicated and far less viable.

The drawbacks of OLED

However, OLED panels also have limitations. Many OLED displays use Pulse Width Modulation to control their brightness. Instead of reducing power directly, the display rapidly toggles pixels on and off. Most users never notice, but those sensitive to flickering may face eye strain or headaches.

Furthermore, OLED uses organic materials that degrade over time, and static interface elements such as navigation bars or notification icons may age at a different rate than the other parts of the screen.

Why Mini LED stayed out of smartphones

Mini LED has got its place in the large screen appliances. On a 65-inch television or a 14-inch laptop, there is enough physical space for local dimming zones to work. Smartphones offer none of that. The additional thickness, power demands, blooming artefacts from misaligned dimming zones and incompatibility with under-display sensors make Mini LED impractical for a device that needs to be thin, efficient and feature-rich all at once.

Verdict

So, what is the verdict? The OLED panel wins almost every count which matters including thinness, efficiency, contrast, brightness and design flexibility. The LCD on the other hand, holds its ground for the budget end. Lastly, Mini LED is a good choice for televisions and laptops but remains a poor choice for smartphones.

Until Micro LED becomes commercially viable at consumer scale, OLED will remain the technology that defines what a modern smartphone display looks and feels like.

Spotting a gamer at an office or a cafe is quite easy. Just look for the person with a heavy laptop, as well as a huge charging brick that is sometimes as heavy as the machine itself. But what if I tell you that it doesn’t always have to be that way? Gaming laptops have changed and are now getting thinner, lighter and way more stylish than they used to be. But the question remains: can a slimmer machine really deliver the same kind of experience as a chunky gaming rig packed with aggressive cooling and oversized hardware? And this weekend, I tried finding an answer by daring to do something I normally wouldn’t: loading up my favourite AAA titles on a thin and light gaming laptop, the Lenovo Legion 7i Gen 10, to see how it fares. And what happened next really surprised me. 

The Lenovo Legion 7i Gen 10 weighs around 2 Kg and is roughly 0.7 inches thick. This makes it thinner and lighter than many other gaming laptops and even on par with some productivity laptops like the MacBook Pro 16-inch. At first, it is just hard to believe that this thing can pack such power. At the same time, the laptop is gorgeous and comes in a Glacier White finish.

Beneath that stunning exterior sits an Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX processor and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Laptop GPU, which on paper, is a pretty solid combination and is enough to run modern games easily. And, when you tweak certain things, the experience becomes just super. Let me explain. 

Also read: 5 best laptops for video streaming and entertainment: Top picks we recommend in 2026

Lenovo Legion 7i Gen 10: Specs at a glance

Before I get into the details of my gameplay experience, let’s take a quick look at what the laptop offers. 

I majorly tested out 3 AAA games on the device: 007 First Light, Forza Horizon 6 and Pragmata. And thanks to Nvidia's multi-frame gen and DLSS technologies, I was able to get a fantastic overall experience. Excited? Here are all the details. 

007 First Light 

The first game I tried out was 007 First Light.  This is exactly the kind of title that can bring any gaming machine to its knees if pushed enough. The game launched roughly a month back and has rich environments, cinematic lighting and plenty of visual effects creating a demanding scene.

But the Legion 7i Gen 10 handled itself quite well here. 

I started the game on default settings, which were as follows: 

• Resolution: 2560 x 1600 resolution
• Nvidia DLSS and Frame Generation: Off
• Graphics: Medium

Now, the moment I started playing the game, it all looked decent and performed well. But knowing what this machine is capable of, I decided to shake things up a little. 

The first thing that I did was to switch the graphic settings to Ultra. And as you would expect, the frame rates saw a huge drop to just 30 fps. PS: the in-game VRAM meter was also screaming for help, begging me to lower graphic settings. Now, just to be clear, the game was still playable, but I could easily notice frame drops and the dips in smoothness, especially during more demanding scenes.

Then I decided to turn on Nvidia's DLSS and Multi Frame Generation technologies, which completely changed the game. 

With Frame Generation set to 6 and DLSS Super Resolution running in Performance mode, I saw frame rates going up to as high as 240 fps. The jump was, of course, dramatic. 

Explosions, lighting effects, character models and environmental detail continued to look excellent while the gameplay felt incredibly fluid. Just to remind you, I hadn’t touched the graphic settings at all. Everything was still set to Ultra. 

Curious to see how far I could push things, I switched DLSS Super Resolution to Ultra Performance mode. And as a result, those frame rates climbed even higher, reaching roughly 280 fps. Once again, the visuals remained super impressive. Unless you are actively hunting for differences, the image quality remains more than good enough to simply enjoy the game.

But through it all, my personal favourite remained frame gen set to 4 and DLSS Super Resolution set to Balanced mode. In this case, the game still delivered around 150 fps, and everything looked fantastic. I never felt like I was sacrificing visual fidelity in exchange for performance.

Forza Horizon 6

After stepping into James Bond’s shoes, it was then time to drift around the streets of Tokyo. So, I fired up Forza Horizon 6. The first thing that grabbed my attention here was, of course, the breathtaking graphics. Forza Horizon 6 is a well-made game, there is no doubt about that, but looking at it on an OLED screen equipped with an Nvidia 5070 GPU is a whole different experience. 

Here too, I started the game in 2560 x 1600 resolution with graphics set to Ultra and Nvidia DLSS and frame gen turned off. Here, I was getting frame rates hovering between 70 and 90 fps, depending on the scene. Whether I was speeding through open highways or navigating crowded festival zones, the game felt smooth and responsive.

But then I turned on Nvidia's DLSS and Multi Frame Generation to see what difference they would make. 

Switching to DLSS Performance mode and setting Multi Frame Generation to 4 unlocked another level of performance. Frame rates shot well beyond 200 fps, often hovering between 280 and even 300 fps while maintaining excellent image quality.

I then pushed things further by setting Multi-Frame Generation to 6X. And this is where the frame rates reached beyond 450. And before you ask me, yes, the game still managed to look spectacular. 

Be it the reflections on car bodies, environmental details, or the vibrant trees and cherry blossoms, everything looked straight out of a movie scene.

Pragmata

The final AAA game that I ran on the Lenovo Legion 7i Gen 10 was Pragmata. Now, unlike Forza Horizon 6, this is not a game that takes it easy on your machine’s hardware. The futuristic setting here is packed with advanced lighting, detailed textures, particle effects, and visual complexity that can challenge even some of the most powerful gaming rigs.

And when I ran the game at native 2560 x 1600 resolution with the best graphics settings, it was clear how demanding it is. Frame rates generally hovered between 35 and 45 fps. The game remained playable, but there were moments where performance dips became noticeable, especially during combat-heavy and visually demanding scenes.

In many ways, this game reminded me of what happened in 007 First Light. The hardware was capable, but the game was clearly asking for more resources than a slim gaming laptop could comfortably provide at maximum settings.

So, once again, I enabled DLSS in Balanced mode alongside Multi Frame Generation set to 4X. And I could feel the change immediately. Frame rates climbed well beyond 120 fps and frequently stayed between 140 and 160 fps. More importantly, the game felt super smooth and more responsive.

To see how far performance can go, I set DLSS to Performance mode and enabled Multi Frame Generation 6X. And as I expected, the results were amazing.

Frame rates regularly crossed 250 fps and even reached as high as 280 fps. Considering where the game started, the jump felt almost unbelievable. And when you talk about how the game looked, it maintained its quality quite well. 

So, can a thin and light gaming laptop handle AAA games?

After spending an entire weekend testing modern AAA titles on the Lenovo Legion 7i Gen 10, my answer is a clear yes. For years, we as gamers were forced to choose between portability and performance. But I feel glad to say that in 2026, that compromise is starting to disappear.

The Lenovo Legion 7i Gen 10 never felt like a machine that was constantly fighting against its slim design. Whether I was sneaking through cinematic missions in 007 First Light, racing through the streets of Tokyo in Forza Horizon 6, or exploring the visually demanding world of Pragmata, it was all a super-engaging and enjoyable experience. 

Now, even though the Lenovo Legion 7i Gen 10 deserves a lot of credit here, technologies such as DLSS and Multi Frame Generation also play an important role by helping extract additional performance when games become particularly demanding. As a result,  you get smoother gameplay, higher frame rates, and impressive visual quality without carrying around a super heavy machine. Basically, it is a win-win situation. 

So if you have been in two-minds about buying a gaming laptop that is thin and light, I hope this article and the Lenovo Legion 7i Gen 10 help you in making your decision. And remember, the best experience might just be a small change away.

Also read: AI is super capable, but cannot replicate human emotions: Nitin Kumar, Qualcomm

Whenever Riot adds another map to the game, there comes a phase where everybody is stumbling through unknown hallways, getting killed by angles they didn't even think possible, and accusing their teammates of rotating to spots they didn't understand because the map was completely different. Summit, Valorant's 13th official map coming June 24, is about to do all of those things to you – and this time, the map is part of the reason why.

Also read: India’s new Satcom rules explained: Unlike 5G, it’s not just about spectrum anymore

Summit takes place in a Radiant training academy located in the Chinese mountains – and while you're tempted to breeze right past the lore at this point, it's important to remember that this is where Sage trained before joining the Protocol. The developers have been dropping clues about this place through Sage's Easter eggs for weeks now, and it gives a lot more meaning to this potentially generic China map.

However, it will be not aesthetics which are going to impact the gameplay of Valorant with the launch of Summit. There are three droppable walls which will appear in A site, B site, and Mid. If activated, these walls are going to be permanently dropped throughout the whole game – blocking certain sightlines and even more importantly, rotation paths. That is the key thing which, I believe, players are currently overlooking. Unlike all other maps available to choose from, Summit has something new for Valorant which adds a variable to the game. And that means that teams will have to make decisions and plays faster than usual.

Think about how it will work for defenders. Dropping wall in Mid to prevent rotation seems like a good idea, but only until your squad is split by that wall. And for the attacking squad, there is an opportunity to lock down site after the plant – preventing the enemy from taking back the site at all. If that is not OP and is actually genius – again, it depends upon which side of that wall you stand when the Spike is planted.

Also read: Disabling these 3 hidden Windows settings made my PC instantly faster: Here’s how

The agent meta is going to take time to settle, but controllers and sentinels who can play around permanently altered geometry stand to gain the most here. Any agent whose value relies on a rotation that a wall can physically block is going to need a rethink.

Retake, another 3v3 game mode that is going to release together with Summit, is also something to look forward to. The spike is already planted and both teams have to play on opposite ends of the field in each round; the loadout is randomized. It is basically a plant simulator and when the map has walls which can seal out the defusal route, it is going to help learn the map quickly like nothing else.

I have not yet played Summit myself. No one except for Riot Games and its gang of content creators has, save for the show match at Masters London. The droppable wall system is one of the first times that I am unsure how to approach a round in Valorant and that is exactly what is making the map worthy of consideration.

Also read: How Sennheiser is simplifying pro audio for India’s exploding concert and corporate circuit

Smartphone cameras have reached a point where clicking pictures after sunset is no longer a problem. Companies have started using larger sensors, better lenses, optical image stabilisation, AI-powered image processing and advanced computational photography capabilities. This allows the users to capture impressive detail even in challenging lighting conditions. But it should be noted that not all devices approach low-light photography in the same way. Some priotise natural ambience and realistic shadows, while others focus on cleaner images with aggressive noise reduction.

And if you are looking for some of the best smartphones for low-light photography without spending much, here are some of the best options.

Vivo X300 FE

The Vivo X300 FE comes with Zeiss collaboration and offers one of the strongest low-light photography experiences in its segment. At the heart of the setup is a 50MP Sony IMX921 primary sensor paired with a bright f/1.57 aperture. It also features Zeiss T coating, which is designed to minimise flare and ghosting caused by streetlights, headlights and neon signs. The phone also includes a 50MP Sony IMX882 periscope telephoto camera with OIS, allowing zoom shots and portraits to retain detail even in darker environments.

In real-world use, the X300 FE generally favours realistic exposures rather than artificially brightening scenes. In our testing, we noted that the image processing engine does a good job of preserving textures while keeping noise under control. High-contrast environments such as streets and markets are handled particularly well, with highlights remaining balanced and colours appearing vibrant.

However, you would not feel the same for the 8MP ultrawide camera. When used, you will notice drops in ambient lighting, softer details and even visible shadow noise.

Oppo Find X9s

The Oppo Find X9s is yet another device that can offer you great night photography. The device comes with a 50MP primary sensor with an f/1.8 aperture and OIS, a 50MP periscope telephoto camera offering 3x optical zoom and OIS and a 50MP ultra-wide camera with a 120-degree field of view.

Speaking of why, the Find X9s has the ability to suppress grain in dark scenes. In our testing, we noticed that shadow areas often appear cleaner than on many competing devices. Rather than aggressively brightening images, the phone generally preserves realistic tones and natural contrast, which, by the way, is Hasselblad's colour philosophy.

The Find X9s also introduces an AI Portrait Glow feature that automatically improves facial lighting in dim conditions. This simply means that portraits appear more balanced and not over-processed.

Samsung Galaxy S26

The latest Samsung flagship, the Galaxy S26, can also be considered. The device offers a 50MP main camera with an f/1.8 aperture and a 10MP telephoto lens offering 3x optical zoom. It captures detailed night photographs but applies less aggressive grain reduction than some competitors.

The One UI 8.5 has a dedicated Night Mode, which is largely integrated in the standard Photo mode which allows the phone to automatically detect and process dark scenes using multi-frame image stacking. And in practical use, the cameras can handle the mixed lighting situations particularly well.

Along with the photography, the low-light video recording is also strong. Compared to previous generations, the video footage shows better detail retention and fewer muddy artefacts when tracking movement at night.

Google Pixel 10

The Google Pixel 10 comes with a 50MP primary camera with an f/1.68 aperture, a 10.8MP telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom and support for up to 20x Super Res Zoom and a 13MP ultrawide camera. It also comes with Google's Auto Night Sight, which is among the strongest software-driven low-light systems on the market.

Instead of dramatically lifting shadows, the algorithm tends to preserve darker areas and maintain natural contrast. It can also handle motion handling, thanks to Google’s image processing pipeline. However, bright light sources such as street lamps and illuminated signs can occasionally show colour fringing or clipped highlights.

Apple iPhone 17

The Apple iPhone 17 comes with a 48MP Dual Fusion system and is among the most reliable smartphones for low-light photography, thanks to its A19 chipset and upgraded Photonic Engine. It aims to preserve natural lighting and shadow detail for a more realistic look instead of artificially brightening scenes.

Despite lacking a dedicated telephoto lens, the phone’s 2x in-sensor zoom is very usable at night. You will get good colour accuracy and sharpness. The 18MP front camera is also good at taking pictures in dim lighting with reduced grain and preserving natural skin tones. Low-light video remains a major strength, with 4K recordings showing excellent noise control and stable subject tracking.

Which phone is best for low-light photography?

There is no single winner for this one. The Vivo X300 FE stands out for its Zeiss-backed optics and strong telephoto performance. On the other hand, Oppo Find X9s offers great control in noise and delivers realistic colours. Meanwhile, the Samsung Galaxy S26 comes with an improved overall camera performance, including Nightography capabilities. The Google Pixel 10 is a good choice for computational photography and moving subjects. The iPhone 17 is a recommended choice if you want to move to Apple’s ecosystem.

In case of India auctioning the 5G spectrum in 2022, winning the bid itself meant reaching the destination point. Pay the money, collect your radiowaves, and roll on. However, when it comes to satellite communications companies, the new draft regulations by India indicate how differently the game is played.

The Department of Telecom announced the draft of Telecommunications (Spectrum Assignment by Administrative Process) Rules, 2026 on 17th June, and the primary highlight of this announcement is that the satcom companies are not supposed to win the spectrum via any auction processes whatsoever. Instead, they receive their spectrum allocation through an administrative process, where they are required to pay an annual fixed fee of Rs 30,000 to Rs 50 lakh per terminal depending on the service type and a non-refundable application fee of Rs 1,000.

Also read: Best GaN chargers in India: One charger for your phones, tablets and laptops

The clearance ladder

According to the draft guidelines, the satcom company will have to be cleared by security first to even get a letter of intent from the DoT. The letter of intent precedes the licence. The licence then precedes spectrum allocation. Even after these, there still needs to be separate permission from the government for the company to be able to connect its satellite network to any telecommunications infrastructure, which includes mobile phones, landline telephones, and the internet.

Also read: Best power banks for phones in India in 2026

That is to say, spectrum allocation is not the end. It is somewhere along the way.

According to the draft guidelines, the satcom company cannot connect its networks to any public switched telephone network, public land mobile network, satellite telephone services, and the internet without government permission. That is a serious limitation for companies with a business model reliant on the use of broadband internet.

Who it affects

Three companies which are currently in the line of fire are Elon Musk’s Starlink, Bharti-backed Eutelsat OneWeb, and Jio Satcom. These companies have also been working on launches of satellites for commercial broadband internet in India. However, while the latest regulations will not affect these companies, it imposes an extra regulatory layer on them, which was not needed before.

According to former TRAI Principal Advisor Satya N Gupta, the additional approval is definitely connected with the issues of security of satellites’ service since satellite communication by nature crosses boundaries and is difficult to intercept compared to terrestrial one.

The regulation also affects BSNL as the spectrum acquisition process through administration makes less money for them up front but then the company will have to pay market prices and renew its applications at the expiration of its assignments. Thus, the financial discipline should be improved. Currently, the draft is under discussion in DoT for 30 days.

Also read: How Sennheiser is simplifying pro audio for India’s exploding concert and corporate circuit

Apple and Google are expected to unveil their next-generation flagship smartphones in the coming months. Although neither company has officially revealed details about the devices, a lot of leaks and rumours have already shed light on what users can expect from the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro. The iPhone 18 Pro is expected to build on Apple's premium flagship formula. Meanwhile, the Pixel 11 Pro is expected to focus on Google's AI powered feature and camera capabilities. Here's a closer look at the expected specifications, launch timelines, and potential India pricing of the Apple iPhone 18 Pro and Google Pixel 11 Pro.

Apple iPhone 18 Pro vs Google Pixel 11 Pro: Display and camera (Expected)

As per leaks, the  Apple iPhone 18 Pro is said to come with a 6.3-inch LTPO+ Super Retina XDR OLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate. On the other hand, the Pixel 11 Pro could equip a 6.31-inch LTPO OLED display with up to 144Hz refresh rate. 

For photography, the iPhone 18 Pro is expected to house a 48MP primary camera, a 48MP ultra-wide lens and a 48MP telephoto lens. For selfies and video calls, there could be a 24MP front-facing camera.  Meanwhile, the Pixel 11 Pro will likely pack a 50MP main camera, a 48MP ultra wide lens and a 48MP periscope lens. On the front, the phone may house a 42MP or 48MP camera for selfies.

Also read: Nothing Phone 4b in works? Company hints at new lineup, here is what we know 

Apple iPhone 18 Pro vs Google Pixel 11 Pro: Processor and battery (Expected)

The iPhone 18 Pro is said to equip the A20 Pro chip, while the Pixel 11 could run on the Tensor G6 chip. Battery-wise, the iPhone 18 Pro is likely to pack a 4,288 mAh battery with 40W wired fast charging support. On the other hand, the Pixel 11 Pro could house a 4,707 mAh battery with 45W wired fast charging support.

Also read: Nothing Phone 4b in works? Company hints at new lineup, here is what we know 

Apple iPhone 18 Pro vs Google Pixel 11 Pro: India price and launch timeline (Expected)

The Apple iPhone 18 Pro is said to start at Rs 1,34,900 to Rs 1,43,990. The phone will most likely be launched in September 2026. Meanwhile, the Pixel 11 Pro is expected to be priced at between Rs 1,03,999 and Rs 1,19,999, and may get launched in August 2026 or September 2026.

Please note that all the details about the phones are based on leaks and rumours. So, it is advised to take them with a pinch of salt.

Also read: Anthropic and US govt in talks to create AI security framework after Claude Fable 5 ban: Report    

There was a time when students would just carry a notebook and a pen to classes and be done with the day. But today, things are not that simple anymore. There are online classes, assignments, video editing, AI tools and so much more that can put a lot of pressure on students. And to get through this all, you need a laptop that you can rely on every single day. And by reliability, I don’t just mean a device that won’t give up on you in the middle of a task. What I do mean here is a device that is smart enough to keep up with your day. Yes, I am talking about AI PCs. So whether you're a college student juggling deadlines or someone preparing for competitive exams, an AI-powered laptop can make everything easier

So if you're looking for an AI laptop that can handle all your workload today and stay relevant for years to come, here are five options worth considering.

Also read: Asus ExpertBook Ultra review: Built for business, not attention

Lenovo Yoga Slim 9i Gen 10

Some laptops are built to blend in but the Lenovo Yoga Slim 9i Gen 10 does the exact opposite.

This is one of the most premium AI laptops currently available, combining striking design with serious performance. It is powered by Intel's Core Ultra 7 256V processor and can be configured with up to massive 32GB LPDDR5x RAM and a 1TB SSD.

It is safe to say that this laptop is custom-built for students pursuing creative courses such as design, architecture, video production, or engineering. Because that extra horsepower can make a huge difference.

The star of the show is the stunning 14-inch 4K display. Whether you're editing photos, creating presentations, or simply reading through study material, the screen offers exceptional sharpness and clarity.

A large 75Wh battery ensures that all this power remains practical for everyday use. It is easily one of the most future-ready AI laptops students can invest in today.

Asus Vivobook S16 OLED

The Asus Vivobook S16 OLED feels like a machine designed for people who want something a little different. After all, not every student is happy with a simple grey laptop that disappears into a classroom.

Powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon X processor, the laptop combines strong AI capabilities with impressive battery life. That said, the attention-grabbing feature here is the gorgeous 16-inch OLED display. Now at first, you might not think much about it. But when you're working on an assignment, creating presentations, or unwinding with a Netflix show after a day full of classes, you will realise how important having a good screen is.

Moreover, the dedicated Copilot key puts Microsoft's AI assistant just one tap away. Which means that if you need help with things like summarising notes, drafting emails, or organising your schedule, Copilot will step in instantly.

At 1.7kg, this is still a portable enough laptop to carry around campus, while the long battery life means you won't spend your day searching for power outlets between lectures.

Asus Zenbook 14 (2026)

Now if you prefer portability over everything else and don’t mind a smaller screen size, the Asus Zenbook 14 (2026) deserves a spot on your shortlist.

Weighing just 1.28kg, this one is easy to slip into a backpack and even forget about. Under the hood, the laptop is powered by AMD Ryzen AI 5 430 processor and an integrated XDNA NPU designed specifically for AI tasks. Moreover, there is 16GB RAM and 1TB SSD giving you enough storage for projects, assignments, presentations, and media files. In the front you get a 14-inch OLED touchscreen that will be super useful for students who prefer interacting directly with the screen while taking notes or reviewing documents.

A large 75Wh battery further ensures that the laptop can comfortably survive a full day of classes and study sessions.

Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro

The Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro is the kind of laptop that makes an impression before you even turn it on.

Wrapped inside a premium full-metal chassis that weighs just 1.2kg, it is one of the sleekest devices in this category. In the front, you get a gorgeous 14-inch 3K Dynamic AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. Heavy focus on the words 3K and AMOLED here. These two things mean that for students who spend hours reading documents, watching lectures, or creating content, the display alone will be a major selling point.

Powering the device is the Intel Core Ultra 5 processor, paired with Galaxy AI features that help speed up everyday tasks. The laptop also comes with a great battery life, meaning you won't have to hunt for a charger around campus.

As far as the ports are concerned, you get all the basics with Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1, and multiple connectivity options.

Acer Swift Neo OLED AI PC

The Acer Swift Neo OLED AI PC leads to a balanced overall experience when you think about portability, performance, and even affordability.

Built using a lightweight aluminium chassis weighing around 1.3kg, this laptop feels premium without becoming too expensive. The 14-inch OLED display offers rich colours and strong contrast, making it ideal for both work and entertainment.

Inside, the laptop runs on Intel Core Ultra 5 115U processor alongside Intel Arc graphics. You also get AI Boost features and a dedicated Copilot key that can help streamline everyday workflows.

For students studying design, media, marketing, or other creative fields, the colour-rich OLED display and capable hardware make this a well-rounded option.

The 1TB SSD also means you won't run out of storage anytime soon, even if your coursework involves large files.

Also read: 5 best laptops for video streaming and entertainment: Top picks we recommend in 2026

There was a time when a phone simply did not ship without a charger in the box. That changed when Apple stopped shipping the charging brick, Samsung followed within a year and most of the industry has gradually fallen in line since. Buying a phone, tablet or pair of earbuds in India increasingly means buying the charger separately, as a deliberate accessory rather than a given. The result is a drawer full of chargers: one for the phone, one for the tablet, an old laptop brick that takes up half a bag and a couple of slow 10 W adapters from years ago that still technically work. Too many chargers are, in practice, too many chargers, more cables to pack and more bricks to remember, with no real gain in convenience.

That’s where Gallium Nitride or GaN chargers come into the picture. The technology packs the same or higher wattage into a fraction of the size and heat of older silicon chargers, meaning a single GaN charger can realistically replace the phone charger, the tablet charger and, in many cases, the laptop charger too. But what actually matters is which fast-charging protocols a charger supports, how many ports it has and whether a brand's claims about compatibility and speed hold up against the spec sheet.

This guide covers GaN chargers available in India in 2026, spanning single-port budget chargers from under Rs 800 to 140 W multi-device chargers built to power a laptop, a phone and a pair of earbuds at once. Here’s our list of the best GaN chargers for phones, tablets and laptops in India.

Best ultra-budget single-port GaN charger: Amkette Mozen Boost Pro 45W 1C (Rs 799)

For a single USB-C port, this is the most fully documented charger under Rs 800 on the Indian market. It supports GaN3 fast-charging technology with full Power Delivery (PD) 3.0, Programmable Power Supply (PPS) and Adjustable Voltage Supply (AVS) protocol coverage, plus explicit compatibility with Samsung's 45 W Super Fast Charging 2.0. Amkette lists support for Apple, Samsung, Nothing and Google devices specifically, along with general USB-C tablets and earbuds. There's no bundled cable and no second port, but for a phone-and-tablet charger at this price, it thoroughly covers most devices.

Best compact GaN charger: Stuffcool Numen 45 / Numen 45 Pro (Rs 1,499 / Rs 1,699)

The Numen 45 Pro is the more capable of Stuffcool's two GaN chargers with two Type-C ports delivering up to 45 W combined PPS and explicit Apple AVS compatibility for the iPhone 17 Pro. Stuffcool says it can charge the latest iPhones to 50% in 20 minutes. The single-port Numen 45 (Rs 1,499) drops the second port but bundles a 100 W, 5 A Type-C cable with an integrated e-marker chip which is a genuine value addition if you also need a cable that can handle higher-wattage laptop charging elsewhere.

Best GaN charger for Samsung phones: Samsung Original 60W Power Adapter (Rs 2,086)

If you are fully on Samsung hardware, the brand's own charger removes any compatibility guesswork. It supports USB Power Delivery 3.1 with PPS and Samsung states it delivers a 75% charge in 30 minutes on the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Standby power draw is rated at 0.005 W and the charger uses 20% recycled material. It isn't the cheapest or highest-wattage option here, but for Samsung loyalists, buying the brand's own charger removes any doubt about charging protocol support.

Best GaN charger for OPPO, OnePlus and Realme phones: OPPO 100W Power Adapter (Rs 2,199)

OPPO's own 100 W charger is built around its SuperVOOC ecosystem but also supports PD 3.0, PPS, Quick Charge and the Universal Fast Charging Specification (UFCS), making it broadly usable beyond OPPO devices. The dual USB-A and Type-C ports support several output combinations depending on what's plugged in, up to 67 W plus 33 W simultaneously. OPPO states the third-generation GaN design reaches a conversion efficiency of up to 90%. At 150 g, it's also one of the lighter 100 W chargers on this list.

Best multi-port GaN charger: Amkette Mozen Boost Pro 67W (Rs 1,399 / Rs 1,799)

Amkette's 67 W charger comes in two versions worth knowing about. The single-port 1C variant (Rs 1,399) includes a bundled 2 m, nylon-braided 67 W Type-C cable and supports a wide spread of protocols, including VOOC, SuperVOOC and Mi Turbo Charge alongside PD 3.2 and PPS. The 2C1A variant (Rs 1,799) adds a second Type-C port and a USB-A port, with power split intelligently across whichever combination of ports you are using; for example, 45 W plus 20 W when both Type-C ports are active together. If you only ever charge one device at a time, save the Rs 400 and get the 1C. If you regularly charge two devices together, the 2C1A is worth the extra.

Best portable GaN charger: Spigen Fast Charging Adapter, 70W (Rs 2,469)

The standout feature here is the retractable electric prongs that fold flush into the charger body, making it easier to drop into a bag without scratching anything. It supports dual-device fast charging up to 60 W on a single port, dropping when both ports are in use. The clear limitation is that this charger does not support PPS at all. If you charge a recent Samsung Galaxy device that relies on PPS for its fastest charging speeds, this isn't the right pick. For everyone else who values a charger that survives a bag without damage, it's a reasonable trade-off.

Best 100W multi-port GaN charger: Amkette Mozen Boost Max 100W 3C1A (Rs 3,299)

Three Type-C ports plus a USB-A port, with a single port able to hit the full 100 W when used alone and several combinations available when charging multiple devices. For example, 80 W + 20 W + 10 W + 10 W across all four ports. It also supports Quick Charge, PD 3.2, PPS, VOOC, SuperVOOC and more. At under half the price of the UGREEN equivalent, this is the strongest value argument for anyone who wants a capable 100 W multi-device GaN charger.

Best GaN charger with multi-port: CMF by Nothing 140W GaN Charger (Rs 4,999)

The highest wattage on this list and the only one explicitly designed and marketed to charge a phone, a laptop, and a pair of earbuds or a smartwatch at the same time. It has three ports (two Type-C, one USB-A), nine layers of safety protection, and PD 3.1 support and ships with a detachable 5 A USB-C to USB-C cable. There is no PPS specifically called out in the listing and no display to check charging status, but for buyers who specifically want to power multiple high-draw devices off one charger, nothing else here matches the combined wattage.

Honourable mentions

UGREEN Nexode 100W (Rs 5,947)

UGreen is a premium alternative to the above selection. Four ports (three Type-C, one USB-A), dynamic temperature sensors, and explicitly tested compatibility with the MacBook Air M3, MacBook Pro and Steam Deck. UGREEN notes that Dell laptops won't charge at full speed due to protocol limitations on Dell's end. It costs nearly double the Amkette for broadly similar core specs, so this is for buyers who specifically want UGREEN's brand reputation and documented device testing.

Spigen 65W Fast Charging Adapter PE2302 (Rs 2,099)

This is a lower-wattage sibling to the 70 W Spigen charger above with three ports (two USB-A, one Type-C) and a lighter 140 g body. Samsung Super Fast Charging tops out at 45 W and only works when a single port is in use; PPS support is present here, unlike the 70 W model, but the overall wattage ceiling is lower. Worth considering only if the lighter weight matters more than the extra 5 W of headroom.

Quick pick: which GaN charger should you buy?

If you’re shopping in the Rs 50,000 to Rs 60,000 segment, you’ll quickly realise that your options are surprisingly limited. And the moment you start looking for a phone that delivers both flagship-grade performance and serious camera capabilities, the list becomes even shorter. That’s what makes the Xiaomi 17T and Motorola Signature such an interesting comparison. On one side, you have the Xiaomi 17T, which leans heavily into photography with Leica branding, tuning and a camera-first approach. On the other hand, the Motorola Signature skips the camera partnership but counters with flagship hardware and a larger primary camera sensor. Both phones promise a flagship-like experience without crossing into the Rs 80,000-90,000 territory. Both feature premium designs, powerful chipsets and capable camera systems. And both sit in roughly the same price bracket.

So, between the Xiaomi 17T and the Motorola Signature, which one actually gives you better value? And, which one should you spend your money on? Let’s take a closer look.

Why does this category matter?

Before getting into the comparison, it’s worth talking about why this segment is so important.  Because at Rs 20,000-30,000, buyers usually accept compromises. But once you approach Rs 60,000, expectations change completely.

At this price, users expect premium build quality, flagship performance, excellent cameras, reliable battery life and long-term software support. There is very little room for compromise. That’s exactly why comparisons like this matter. The Xiaomi 17T and Motorola Signature aren’t ultra-premium flagships, but they are trying to deliver as much of that flagship experience as possible while staying below the prices of devices like the Galaxy S Ultra or iPhone Pro models.

Xiaomi 17T vs Motorola Signature: Design and build

The Xiaomi 17T immediately stands out for how comfortable it feels in the hand. It’s relatively compact, easy to grip and surprisingly manageable. The flat frame, slim bezels and Leica-branded camera module give it a clean and modern appearance.

The Motorola Signature takes a different approach. The moment you pick it up, it feels like a more expensive device. The aluminium frame, linen-inspired finish and incredibly slim 6.99mm design make it stand out, which is difficult to ignore.

In terms of durability, the Xiaomi 17T comes with Gorilla Glass 7i protection and an IP68 rating. The Motorola Signature goes further with Gorilla Glass Victus 2, IP68, IP69 and MIL-STD-810H certification.

So, if premium materials and durability matter to you, the Motorola Signature feels more like a true flagship.

Xiaomi 17T vs Motorola Signature: Display

Both phones feature excellent displays, but they again take slightly different approaches. The Xiaomi 17T features a 6.59-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, Dolby Vision, HDR 10+ support and a 12-bit colour panel.

Meanwhile, the Motorola Signature offers a larger 6.8-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a smoother 165Hz refresh rate and Dolby Vision support.

On paper, Motorola appears to have the advantage. It has the larger display, the higher refresh rate and the more aggressive brightness claims. During our testing at Digit Test Labs, the Motorola Signature reached around 2,450 nits in HBM (High Brightness Mode), while the Xiaomi 17T reached around 1,760 nits.

However, specifications don’t always tell the full story. In daily use, the Xiaomi display feels more impressive when watching HDR content. Movies look richer, colours appear more vibrant, and the viewing angles are great. I watched ‘The Boys’ on Netflix, and I got a very immersive experience.

The Motorola display is still excellent. The larger size makes gaming and content consumption more immersive, while the 165Hz refresh rate makes scrolling feel incredibly smooth.

Xiaomi 17T vs Motorola Signature: Performance

Under the hood, the Xiaomi 17T is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8500 Ultra chipset, while the Motorola Signature uses the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 processor.

The benchmark difference is pretty visible. The Xiaomi 17T scored around 2.1 million in Antutu, while the Motorola Signature crossed 3.1 million. Geekbench results show a similar gap; Motorola got 2,892 in single-core and 9,498 in multi-core, while Xiaomi got 1,700 in single-core and 6,308 in multi-core.

That said, Xiaomi deserves credit for its thermal performance. During CPU throttling tests, it maintained around 88 per cent of its peak performance, compared to Motorola's 61 per cent.

In everyday usage, however, both phones feel extremely fast. Apps open quickly, multitasking remains smooth, and animations are fluid. For daily tasks like messaging, browsing and social media, most users won’t notice much difference.

Gaming is the area where Motorola’s advantage becomes obvious. In BGMI, the Xiaomi 17T averaged around 86fps and could only go up to 90fps, while the Motorola Signature pushed close to 120fps. I would say that’s a meaningful difference for anyone who spends a lot of time gaming.

Xiaomi 17T vs Motorola Signature: Cameras

The Xiaomi 17T features a 50MP primary camera, a 12MP ultrawide sensor and a 50MP 5x periscope telephoto lens tuned by Leica. For selfies, it has a 32MP front camera. The entire camera system on the 17T is tuned in collaboration with Leica.

The Motorola Signature also uses a 50MP triple camera setup, including a 50MP primary, 50MP ultrawide and a 50MP 3x telephoto camera. Selfies are handled by a 50MP front camera.

Starting with the main camera, both phones produce excellent images. By the way, for this comparison, all Xiaomi shots were taken using Leica Authentic mode, which delivers more natural-looking colours. Motorola tends to apply slightly warmer tones, making images appear a little more vibrant straight out of the camera.

In terms of detail, the Xiaomi 17T has a slight edge. Fine textures and smaller elements within the frame are retained slightly better, and highlight control also feels more natural.

In portrait mode, Xiaomi produces portraits that feel realistic and true to life, while Motorola delivers punchier colours and a more social-media-friendly look. Both perform extremely well, and edge detection is surprisingly close between the two.

Motorola's 50MP ultra-wide sensor is noticeably better than Xiaomi's 12MP alternative. Images contain more detail, look sharper and feel more flagship-grade overall.

Motorola's 50MP front camera captures more detail and generally produces cleaner results.

However, when it comes to portrait selfies, I actually preferred the Xiaomi. The background separation in images looked more natural, and the overall output felt more balanced.

Video recording is another area where Motorola gains an advantage. The Signature supports 8K recording at 30fps with Dolby Vision support, while the Xiaomi 17T tops out at 4K 60fps.

Xiaomi 17T vs Mbotorola Signature: Battery and charging

The Xiaomi 17T packs a large 6,500mAh battery, while the Motorola Signature uses a smaller 5,200mAh battery. For obvious reasons, in daily usage, the difference is noticeable. The Xiaomi lasts longer and can comfortably stretch into a second day for moderate users.

In our PCMark Battery test, the Xiaomi 17T lasted an impressive 15 hours and 24 minutes, while the Motorola Signature lasted only 12 hours and 38 minutes.

However, charging is where Motorola shines. Motorola Signature supports 90W wired charging, 50W wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging. Xiaomi 17T only supports 67W wired charging.

Xiaomi 17T vs Motorola Signature: Software

The Xiaomi 17T runs on HyperOS 3 based on Android 16, while the Motorola Signature uses Hello UI based on Android 16.

HyperOS offers more features and tighter ecosystem integration, while Hello UI focuses on a cleaner, near-stock Android experience.

Personally, I prefer Motorola’s software because it feels simpler, less intrusive, has no bloatware and is more fluid.

In terms of updates, both brands promise seven years of Android updates and seven years of security patches, which is excellent to see at this price point.

Xiaomi 17T vs Motorola Signature: Which one should you buy?

After spending time with both devices, the conclusion becomes surprisingly clear. If photography is your top priority, I’d pick the Xiaomi 17T. The Leica tuning, excellent telephoto camera, strong battery life and gorgeous display create a package that feels designed specifically for camera enthusiasts.

But for most buyers, the Motorola Signature is the more complete smartphone. It offers better build quality, stronger performance, cleaner software, a better ultrawide camera and more versatile charging features.

The Xiaomi 17T wins in a few very important areas. The Motorola Signature simply wins more of them. And when you’re spending close to Rs 60,000, that’s what ultimately matters. Not which phone has the better specifications on paper, but which one asks you to make fewer compromises. Right now, that phone is the Motorola Signature.

When we think about what makes a computer feel fast, we usually focus on hardware upgrades, storage space, or cleaning up unused apps. What many people do not realise is that Windows itself runs dozens of background services that quietly consume system resources. Most of them are designed to support a wide range of users, from home users and students to large corporations and government organisations. That means your PC may be running features you have never used and probably never will. Curious about what was happening behind the scenes on my own computer, I reviewed several Windows services and found four that served no purpose in my daily workflow. I disabled all of them, and my Windows device suddenly felt so much faster. Here are the settings I turned off, and you can too.

Why I started looking at Windows services

Windows is built to work for millions of people with different needs. Some users connect to office networks, others manage large groups of devices, and some rely on specialised hardware to do their jobs. Microsoft includes many services that start automatically when Windows boots to support various scenarios. The problem is that not every feature is useful for every user.

When I checked the list of services running on my PC, I found several that had been active for years despite never being used. Rather than blindly disabling them, I took a cautious approach. I checked what each service did, disabled it, restarted my computer, and used the system normally for a few days. If nothing broke, I left the service disabled.

Also read: Best power banks for phones in India in 2026

1. Print Spooler: A service for printers I never use

The first service I disabled was the Print Spooler. The feature has a simple job: whenever you send a document, photo, or webpage to a printer, it manages that request and sends it to the printer. This service is essential because printing remains a regular part of daily work, especially in offices, schools, and other workplaces.

However, in my case, the printing is almost nonexistent, as most of the documents are shared digitally and are stored in the cloud or viewed on a screen. That made me wonder why a printing service was always running in the background. Hence, I decided to just disable it.

But just to be clear, disabling it did not suddenly transform my PC into a speed machine, as while the service was unnecessary in my case, it is fair to say that it does not consume a huge amount of system resources.

Furthermore, way back in 2021 the scammers were using the feature to take over your Windows device. Although Microsoft fixed the vulnerability, it showed how much access a service like Print Spooler has within Windows. So, if you never print anything, disabling the Print Spooler may be a reasonable option. Also keep in mind once disabled, you'll not be able to print anything unless you enable the feature again.

To disable the Print Spooler service, I pressed Windows + R and typed 'services'. MSc and pressed Enter. Under the 'Services' tab, I discovered 'Print Spooler', which I opened. I do not have a printer on my computer system, so I chose 'Stop' and set the startup type as 'Disabled'. After restarting, I checked that the system worked normally without the Print Spooler service running.

2. Smart Card: Enterprise features on a home PC

The second service I found that was not useful for me was the Smart Card. It enables Windows to interact with the physical smart card used in identity and secure logins. It is common to see these systems in government institutions, military organisations, healthcare institutions, and big companies.

As in such institutions, an employee can use a card or badge to gain access to computers, networks, or secure systems.

Hence, this functionality is important for the enterprise users. However, for a typical home user, it is often irrelevant. Moreover, when I looked at my own usage, neither I nor anyone from my family connected any kind of smart card reader on my Windows device. Hence, I decided to disable it, and to do so, I pressed Windows + R and typed 'services'. MSc, and pressed Enter.

In the Services window, I found the Smart Card option and opened it. Since I wasn’t using any smart card device, I stopped the service, changed the startup type to disabled, and clicked Apply and OK. After restarting my PC, everything worked normally without the service running in the background.

Also read: How Sennheiser is simplifying pro audio for India’s exploding concert and corporate circuit

3. Windows Search: The only service I was unsure about

Aside from the abovementioned, I also disabled the Windows Search feature on my device. Unlike the other services on this list, Windows Search serves a purpose that almost everyone uses. The feature is a lifesaver when you have to search for files, folders, and other data which are indexed just to open them instantly.

However, after a careful review and reading about it, I found that while the feature is useful, the indexing consumes resources, as it requires scanning of files on a regular basis, which may lead to increased disc usage, memory usage, and CPU usage.

Moreover, I also had another issue with Windows Search, as even when the indexing was enabled, I often found the search experience inconsistent. Sometimes it worked perfectly while at other times it struggled to find files that I knew existed.

While I do agree that the feature is highly relevant for certain communities like students, businesses, remote workers, developers, IT administrators, government agencies, and many others, even when it's inconsistent, I still decided to turn it off, and to do so, I pressed Windows + R and typed 'services'. MSc, and pressed Enter.

In the Services window, I found Windows Search, opened it, clicked 'Stop', and set the startup type to 'Disabled'. After clicking Apply and OK, I restarted my PC. Windows Search stayed disabled, and my alternative search tool worked normally.

Should you follow me?

I wouldn't suggest disabling all of the services that I disabled on my Windows device, since the configuration of each computer is unique, and some of them can be valuable depending on the usage of Windows by a particular user.

However, even if you try to tweak only one or two parameters discussed above, the likelihood is high that you will see the results. Try making the changes that suit you most and test their efficiency, as the outcome might surprise you.

A power bank is one of the simplest purchases and also one of the easiest to get wrong. The market in India spans devices priced under Rs 1,000 right up to power banks that can charge a laptop nearly as fast as a wall charger and capacity alone rarely tells you which one is right for your use case. A traveller who needs to keep a phone alive across a long flight has very different requirements from someone charging a MacBook on the go, and someone who has switched to MagSafe wireless charging needs an entirely different kind of power bank altogether.

This guide looks at eight power banks available in India in 2026, chosen across distinct price brackets and use cases rather than ranked purely by capacity or wattage. Here’s a list of the best power banks for phones in India in 2026.

Best budget power bank: Spigen ArcPack 10,000 mAh (Rs 999)

For pure value, nothing here beats the Spigen ArcPack. At under Rs 1,000, you get three ports: one USB-A and two Type-C. The USB-A port supports 22.5 W fast charging via Quick Charge (QC) 3.0 and the Type-C ports support Power Delivery (PD) 3.0 for both input and output. Spigen states the ArcPack has passed 11 reliability tests including drop and over-current testing and complies with 16 safety criteria. There is no display, no charging beyond 22.5 W and multi-port output caps at 15 W when charging more than one device at once. For someone who just wants a dependable backup without paying for extras, this is the starting point.

Best high-capacity budget power bank: Amazon Basics 20,000 mAh (Rs 1,099)

Rs 100 more than the ArcPack buys more than double the capacity. This Amazon Basics power bank packs 20,000 mAh into a body with both USB-A and Type-C output, plus the rare addition of dual input ports, Micro-USB and Type-C for flexible recharging. It supports 22.5 W output, bidirectional Type-C PD and can charge up to three devices at once. The trade-off is speed: 22.5 W is modest for a battery this large, so refilling the power bank itself takes longer than the faster options on this list. For someone prioritising capacity over charging speed at the lowest possible price, this is the easy recommendation.

Best compact power bank: Xiaomi Pocket Power Bank Pro 10,000 mAh (Rs 1,699)

At 199 g and roughly the size of a smartphone, the Xiaomi Pocket Power Bank Pro prioritises portability. It supports 33 W two-way fast charging alongside a separate USB-A port for charging two devices at once. Xiaomi rates the battery to retain 80% of its capacity after 300 charge cycles. The trade-off for the compact size is capacity: at 10,000 mAh, this comfortably charges most phones around two times over, not more. If pocketability matters more than raw capacity, this is the pick.

Best fast-charging power bank: Xiaomi Power Bank 4i 20,000 mAh (Rs 2,099)

The Xiaomi Power Bank 4i is essentially the Pocket Power Bank Pro's larger sibling: the same 33 W two-way fast charging and PD 3.0 support, but with doubled capacity and a third port (two USB-A and one Type-C) for charging three devices simultaneously. The 12-layer circuit protection and the 300-cycle, 80% capacity retention claim carry over from Xiaomi's other entry on this list. At 440 g, it is noticeably heavier than the Amazon Basics power bank at a similar capacity, but the faster charging speed and Xiaomi's service network make the price difference worth it for buyers who plan to use this as a primary travel power bank rather than an occasional backup.

Best MagSafe and wireless charging power bank: Stuffcool Nido 10,000 mAh Qi2.2 (Rs 4,999)

The Nido is built specifically for wireless charging, supporting the newer Qi2.2 standard at up to 25 W for MagSafe-compatible iPhones, which Stuffcool says charges twice as fast as standard Qi2 power banks. Wired Type-C charging at up to 45 W extends compatibility to Samsung, Pixel and other Android devices through the same built-in cable, which doubles as the input port. A built-in stand allows hands-free use and StandBy mode on supported iPhones and a digital display shows remaining charge. At 194 g, it is also lighter than most 10,000 mAh power banks on this list.

Best power bank for laptops and high-output devices: Stuffcool Giga Max 25,000 mAh (Rs 5,299)

This is the highest-capacity power bank on this list and it is built to charge more than just phones. The Giga Max outputs up to 100 W through a built-in Type-C cable, enough to charge a MacBook, an iPad or a DSLR, alongside support for Samsung's Super Fast Charging 2.0 and a 50% charge in 30 minutes for iPhones and Pixel phones. A TFT display shows input, output and battery status. At 96.25 Wh, it sits just under the 100 Wh limit most airlines set for lithium batteries in cabin baggage despite the 25,000 mAh rating, which Stuffcool says makes it flight-safe, though it's worth checking your specific airline's policy before travel regardless. It carries Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification and is manufactured in India.

Honourable mentions

UGREEN Nexode 12,000 mAh power bank (Rs 6,399)

A 100 W power bank from an established global brand with the same headline feature as the Stuffcool Giga Max: charging a laptop or tablet quickly with UGREEN citing a 40% charge on an iPad Pro M4 in 30 minutes. A smart display shows real-time charging status. At 12,000 mAh, it holds less than half the Giga Max's capacity for a higher price, so it's worth considering mainly for buyers who specifically want UGREEN's brand reputation and support network over outright value.

DailyObjects Loop Qi2 10,000 mAh power bank (Rs 5,998)

DailyObjects Loop is a MagSafe-compatible wireless power bank with an aluminium body, aimed at buyers who care about premium materials. Wireless charging is not limited to MagSafe-equipped iPhones; Qi-compatible devices from Samsung, OnePlus and other Android brands can also charge wirelessly on the pad. At Rs 5,998, it costs roughly Rs 1,000 more than the Stuffcool Nido for a similar capacity without a stand or display, though the build quality is a clear step up. A 5,000 mAh version is available at Rs 3,999 for buyers who want a lighter, smaller option.

The events sector in India is no doubt changing in the recent past and Sennheiser would like its hardware or software to evolve according to this change. We caught up with Naveen Sridhara, Sales Director at Sennheiser India, to talk about the new Spectera Transmitter platform from the company, the increasing influence of AI in pro audio sector and how, according to him, convenience and not technology, will rule the next phase of professional audio.

Also read: Top 5 smartphones under Rs 40000 you can buy right now: Poco X8 Pro, Nothing Phone 4a Pro and more

The key product here is Spectera, which is a transmitter platform and one that Sridhara is clearly excited about. For rental houses, the key point would be the simplicity it provides. As he said, "For a rental company, you have 64 channels of wireless and they need to carry many racks... that has been simplified into just a small device which can do 64 channels, so you can even carry it with you in your car and set up the whole thing." The product also combines the extensive network of analog antennas into one digital antenna which can be carried over the network cables and body packs for transmission and reception into one bi-directional body pack.

When AI came into the discussion, Sridhara immediately positioned it as being a software and cloud solution story and not hardware-focused. The Sennheiser control software named Sound Base is not exclusive to their devices. "It's taking care of any wireless equipment, wireless microphone in the environment... we also have our competition, anything can be used, put together," he noted, positioning this solution as an opportunity for managing fragmented and multi-vendor RF environments.

Also read: AI is super capable, but cannot replicate human emotions: Nitin Kumar, Qualcomm

As for headphones, the discussion took a turn towards HD 480s that were made for professional studio monitoring applications. According to Sridhara, this is a real gap-filler for Sennheiser products as "This is true, I would say position filler is one in that segment. We did not have anything." He believes that there is room for growth in terms of usage far beyond audiophiles and into mixing and studio workflow as part of Sennheiser's range of Neumann monitors for creators.

The topic of the live events boom in India was raised on multiple occasions during the discussion. Sridhara cited the emergence of such artists as Karan Aujla, Diljit, as well as The Wish, which is an all-female troupe, to demonstrate that live events are not the exclusive privilege of a limited number of established artists anymore. In addition, Sridhara highlighted sports broadcasts as an area often overlooked as a source of growth because sports broadcasts have already exceeded the reach of news coverage. From a geographical perspective, the country has already surpassed Delhi and Mumbai.

On where the industry is headed, Sridhara was candid about the shift his own teams have to make. "The challenge is to build competency in the market," he said, pointing to the move from hardware dependence toward cloud-driven software infrastructure that dealers and engineers will need to learn from scratch.

Asked for the single biggest takeaway shaping professional audio's next phase, his answer was blunt: convenience. "You may have the best technology, but if it's not really, it's quite complex to handle, still you know the customer is still struggling," he said. Spectera's plug and play scanning is built around exactly that problem.

One thing that hasn't shifted is R&D. Despite India's growing importance as a market, Sridhara confirmed the company's core R&D remains centred in Germany, at least for now.

Also read: Four ways to Superintelligence: This is how Google DeepMind thinks it will happen

The sub-Rs 40,000 smartphone segment has become increasingly competitive over the past few years, with brands offering features that were once limited to flagship devices. Buyers can now find smartphones with high refresh rate AMOLED displays, powerful processors, capable camera systems and large batteries without increasing their budget too far. What’s particularly interesting is that manufacturers are focusing on different strengths to stand out, whether it’s performance, or choosing the right smartphone depends largely on what you prioritise most. So, if you’re looking for the best smartphone experience under Rs 40,000, these are some of the devices that deserve your attention.

Poco X8 Pro

Poco has a strong reputation among performance-focused buyers, and the X8 Pro looks set to continue that trend. The smartphone is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8500 Ultra processor and features a 6.59-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate.

For photography, the device is equipped with a 50MP primary camera with optical image stabilisation alongside an 8MP ultrawide sensor. While the camera setup looks simple on paper, it is backed by powerful hardware that gives strong overall performance.

The Poco X8 Pro also features a 6,500mAh battery with support for 100W fast charging. The combination of a powerful chipset, a large battery and fast charging capabilities makes it one of the most complete smartphones available under Rs 40,000.

Nothing Phone 4a Pro

Nothing phones are known for their clean software, unique design and a clutter-free user experience, and the Phone 4a Pro appears to continue that philosophy. The 4a Pro features a Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 processor and a 6.77-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate.

The camera setup consists of a 50MP primary camera, a 50MP periscope telephoto camera and an 8MP ultrawide camera. The inclusion of a periscope camera is particularly noteworthy and works great.

The Phone 4a Pro also packs a 5,400mAh battery with 50W fast charging. Combined with Nothing’s clean software experience, the Phone 4a Pro could appeal to users looking for a balanced smartphone without unnecessary bloatware.

Motorola Edge 70 Pro

Motorola has been steadily expanding its premium smartphone portfolio, and the Edge 70 Pro looks like one of the company’s strongest offerings in the upper mid-range category. The smartphone is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8500 Extreme processor and features a 6.8-inch 1.5K pOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate.

Battery life is also a strong point, with the device featuring a 6,500mAh battery supported by 90W fast charging.

The camera setup is also interesting on the Motorola Edge 70 Pro. The phone features a triple 50MP camera system consisting of primary, ultrawide and telephoto sensors. This gives it a level of versatility that is not commonly seen in this price range, making it an attractive option for users who value photography alongside performance.

Vivo T5 Pro

Vivo’s T series has usually focused on delivering strong specifications at competitive prices, and the T5 Pro follows a similar path. The T5 Pro features the Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 chipset alongside a large 6.83-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate.

For cameras, the device comes with a 50MP Sony IMX882 primary sensor with optical image stabilisation and on the front, you get a 32MP selfie shooter.

The biggest talking point here is the battery. The Vivo T5 Pro packs a huge 9,020mAh battery paired with 90W fast charging support. This combination makes it one of the strongest battery-focused smartphones currently available in the price segment.

Realme 16 Pro

Realme has been focusing on battery life and performance in its recent smartphones, and the Realme 16 Pro appears to continue that approach. The phone is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Max processor and features a 6.78-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate.

One of the biggest highlights of the smartphone is its 200MP primary camera. The main camera performs well. Images are sharp and detailed, with colours that remain close to natural. The high-resolution sensor certainly helps the device stand out in this segment.

The Realme 16 Pro also packs a massive 7,000mAh battery with support for 80W fast charging. For users who prioritise battery life above everything else, this could be one of the more appealing options available under Rs 40,000.