WhatsApp will soon introduce a new degree of personalization with a Meta AI chatbot. Imagine a chatbot replying to your queries not just answering them but also remembering your preferences for tailored responses. That's exactly what Meta AI plans with its memory soon. Still in development is a feature more popularly known as Memory. It's going to make Meta AI much smarter and more personalized. Memory will let Meta AI recall your key information shared during chats and apply it in making more accurate responses during future conversations. Your favorite food preference or birthday-Meta AI could soon tailor its interactions to your tastes. This is the next update on voice message support, which was introduced earlier in the year for Meta AI within WhatsApp. The new feature is focused on ensuring that the chatbot remembers some details and uses them for a more customized experience. Though it is not available to the users, this particular feature has popped up in the latest version of the WhatsApp beta for Android, meaning that its rollout may be on the cards soon. Meta AI is going to have a direct feature within the contact card on WhatsApp, and this is the Memory feature. It is going to have a specific section showing everything Meta AI can remember about you. For instance, if once you mentioned that you happen to be a vegan or are allergic to peanuts, Meta AI would make a note of it and then ensure that all future food recommendations or conversations stay aligned with that preference. This feature empowers users to have full control over the information. You can, through simple commands like "remember this" or "forget this," view, update, or even delete any information Meta AI has stored. This flexibility makes sure that you're always in control of your personal data and that it's a priority on concerns about privacy. A memory function now makes the chatbot much stronger and provides more relevant and personalized responses. For instance, if you often ask for a restaurant recommendation, Meta AI would not suggest places where you do not enjoy eating or even that may cause food allergies. The same would happen if you enjoyed listening to podcasts or documentaries; Meta AI can remember that and continue suggesting content based on your personal preferences. This personalization level makes the Meta AI experience feel really quite smooth, placing the user more into a service that can be approached as that of a personal assistant than a basic chatbot. In case meta AI remembers important details, it can assist a user in easy daily activities in much more intuitive ways by providing recommendations, reminders, and advice especially tailored to their needs. Mark Zuckerberg, according to reports, has indicated that one can try out Meta AI's voice chat by installing the latest WhatsApp updates. The mode of voice chat is intended to make one form of communication with the chatbot more natural. A user, instead of getting static answers to questions, is thus able to have real-time, spoken conversations. The new Memory feature brings even more personalization in the Meta AI. While users will be able to interact more naturally through voice, the chatbot will remember them and make every interaction relevant and engaging. Features like these point clearly toward Meta positioning AI as a central part of our communication platforms. While WhatsApp has always been about connecting people, integrating AI opens such exciting possibilities for making conversations much more tailored-be-it with friends or chatbots. This feature is quite promising. Still, it has not been announced when it will be fully released to the public. The Memory feature is still in beta testing, and there is no date for its release. However, this gives an idea of what AI-powered conversations in the near future will look like, and this is what's getting everyone excited about WhatsApp. Meta AI's Memory feature, that is going to add a personal touch to the conversation on WhatsApp, should infuse in itself both convenience and customization into the system. For example, it would help in remembering your favorite foods, important dates, or hobbies, for that matter. The feature promises an ability to pay closer attention to one's specific needs by making one a more personalized assistant within one's messaging app, hopefully changing the ways we interact with AI on a day-to-day basis. Stay tuned for further updates on Meta as the feature continues to be developed and refined. Meanwhile, WhatsApp users have much to anticipate in a further engaging and personalized experience ahead: Meta AI.

Motorola has incrementally enhanced its game in terms of software updates, and the latest report confirms that Motorola Edge 50 Fusion is currently receiving its much-awaited Android 15 beta update in India. With the new update, the mid-range smartphone caught up with the other OEMs, such as Realme and OPPO, which have long distributed their Android 15 beta versions. Interestingly, this beta update for Motorola comes at a time when Samsung is yet to announce a specific timeline for its One UI 7 beta program. In the blog, we take a closer look at the Android 15 beta update Motorola Edge 50 Fusion, its new features, and how it compares with the other rollouts from Android 15. Key Highlights: Size: The Android 15 beta update weighs 1.89GB. Security Patch: The update comes with the latest October 2024 security patch. New Features: Two new system fonts, lock screen customization options, and smoother graphics are some of the major improvements. Version Number: V1UU135H.6. What to Expect In the Android 15 beta update, multiple notable enhancements have arrived to Motorola Edge 50 Fusion. A user shared that the beta version includes a variety of improvements in performance, customization, and security. 01. Smoother Graphics and Faster Performance Android 15 is going to make your smartphone smarter and more responsive. As promised, the update smoother graphics would really sharpen the fluidity of the overall visuals especially on scrolling or switching from one application to another. More so, the opening speed of apps has been enhanced promising a quicker lag-free user experience. 02. October 2024 Security Patch Mainly, any update of software always brings security to the fore. The Android 15 beta release includes the latest October 2024 security patch, presumably closing up any potential vulnerability for ensuring safety of personal data. The Moto Secure app has also been upgraded to version 4.1, providing stronger protection through better secure authentication and detecting risky websites and networks. 03. Customizable Lock Screen The lock screen customization option is perhaps the standout feature of Android 15. Moto Edge 50 Fusion users are thus able to customize their lock screens with different clock faces, shortcuts, and all other widgets. This added an entirely new dimension to their ability to personalize their phones, which was largely absent before. 04. New System Fonts The Android 15 beta update introduces two new system fonts— FontSpaceGrotesk and FontWorkSans . These fonts offer more options for personalization, allowing users to switch between different text styles for a fresher look. 05. Improved Fingerprint Animation One small but noticeable change is that fingerprint animation has returned to personalization menu, removed in Android 14. Locking up your phone is a more visual and satisfying process with the addition on top of all other customization features of the device. 06. Expanded Volume Toggle The updated volume toggle now features a down-to-top animation from right to left, making it visually smoother and more intuitive when adjusting volume levels. 07. Enhanced Widget Animations When users hard press on widgets, they’ll notice bouncier pop-up animations, providing a more engaging and polished experience when interacting with the home screen elements. How to Get the Android 15 Beta on Motorola Edge 50 Fusion As of now, there has been no word from Motorola regarding the Android 15 beta roll out for the Edge 50 Fusion on its social media handles. However, some of the users started getting the update, and it is expected that mass rollout may be carried out soon. Here's how you can check your eligibility for the update: 01. Check for the Update: Go to Settings > System > Software Update and check if the Android 15 beta is available for your device. 02. Join the Motorola Feedback Network (MFN): If the beta update isn’t available yet, you can register for Motorola’s Feedback Network. Once registered, you might receive the beta update ahead of the general rollout. 03. Backup Your Data: As always with beta software, make sure to back up your data before proceeding. Although beta versions are generally stable, there’s always the risk of encountering bugs or performance issues. What’s Happening with Other Brands? As Motorola publishes its Android 15 beta, Google, Realme, and OPPO too wait in line with their respective updates. Meanwhile, Android 15 for Google's Pixel has already started its rollout, while Realme and OPPO have also announced their roadmap on the very subject, although Samsung is being mum on announcing its One UI 7 timeline for Android 15, while its beta program will likely start sometime early next year. What’s Next for Motorola? The Motorola Edge 50 Fusion, already slated to get Android 15 beta, is likely not the last member of the Motorola Edge 50 family in this regard. Its brethren may arrive before the end of 2024, thus putting Motorola in a solid position among competitive players in the Android ecosystem, with this mid-range segment. The Motorola Edge 50 Fusion smartphone running the Android 15 beta update will face significant improvement in performance, customization, and security features. It includes features such as smoother graphics rendering, customizable lock screens, as well as new system fonts. For all the users of the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion in India, check out for the update and explore what Android 15 has to offer. With Motorola reportedly pushing to further enhance its software game, this will be a significant step in keeping Motorola's devices right up to speed with the latest Android innovations.

Over past few years, gaming smartphones have became one of the most popular categories for someone who require maximum performance and built precisely for serious mobile gaming. Now, when regular flagships already have powerful hardware then why spend money on a gaming phone? Here we will look at what sets a gaming phone apart from any regular smartphone and determine whether a gaming phone deserves your hard-earned cash. What Makes a Gaming Smartphone Different? Gaming smartphones stand out because they are purpose-built for gaming, focusing on performance, cooling, and extra gaming features. Here are some of the major features that separate them from regular smartphones: 1. Performance and Processing Power However, gaming smartphones invariably boast the cream of the processors, for instance, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 or MediaTek Dimensity 9200. With various RAM allocations-Frequently 12GB or sometimes even 16GB-this hardware assures smooth gaming and multitasking.So while regular flagship phones have high-end processors as well, gaming phones take it a step further with features such as overclocked GPUs to enhance the graphics rendering. For example, the ASUS ROG Phone 7 can ride on a custom cooling system alongside optimized settings to provide maximum performance for players during long hours of heavy gaming with minimal frame drops. More conventional flagships like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra achieve great performance, but one must remember they are generally tuned to provide balanced power with other everyday features like camera quality and user experience. 2. Cooling Systems Perhaps the most conspicuous difference between gaming smartphones is that they have efficient cooling systems. Active cooling fans, vapor chambers, and thermal paste are included in such devices as the Lenovo Legion Duel 2 to prevent overheating during marathon gaming sessions. They facilitate smooth performance while avoiding throttling. Normal smartphones, they have heat management technologies, but they would usually be of lesser strength because they're not made for games that last for extended periods. The iPhone 15 Pro, for instance, may boil after 30 minutes of gaming, impacting performance. 3. Display and Refresh Rate Built to amaze, gaming smartphones adopt ultra-high refresh rates at 144Hz or more to give exceptional fluidity in display; the likes of ZTE Nubia RedMagic 9 Pro offers responsive gestures that emphasize seamless transitions and rapid touch responses with pin-sharp visuals. While more regular smartphones also tend to have high refresh rates (120Hz found in many flagship devices), they are naturally meant for generic usage-type scenarios, whether it is surfing through social media feeds or streaming. However, the gaming smartphones lay priority to adjust functionalities for greater resonance with gaming and lower input lag, effectively bringing them at the vanguard of competitive gaming. 4. Battery Life and Charging Speed Gaming sessions can be battery-draining, which is why gaming phones are fitted with massive batteries that can do fast charging. The devices like Xiaomi Black Shark 5 Pro provide 5,000mAh+ batteries with speeds that can fully charge the dice in below 30 minutes. It is also found that few gaming phones can charge through side-mounted ports so that while playing, there is no cable distracting your grip. While regular smartphones may offer decent battery life and charging time, gaming phones do surely focus more on providing limitless gaming experiences. The Google Pixel 8 Pro may be able to last through a day of regular use, but problems may arise when several hours of continuous gaming are to be sustained. 5. Design and Customization What design differentiates gaming smartphones is another point worth discussing. These devices forward a concept of design that is more aggressive and futuristic, with adjustable RGB lighting and extra buttons or triggers intended to enhance the gaming experience. The ASUS ROG Phone 6 has AirTriggers, which act as customizable touch-sensitive buttons, feeling like real buttons. Regular smartphones, on the other hand, promote a sleek, glamorous design worthy to entice a wider audience. They tend to abide by an aesthetic, usable, and portable design philosophy traded-off against niche gaming encountering. Are Gaming Smartphones Worth It? And that brings us to the all-important question: Is it worth buying a gaming smartphone? That is entirely relative to your goals. If you are a die-hard mobile gamer, a gaming smartphone is certainly a good option: it will have better cooling systems, a higher refresh rate, and many more responsive controls. These things could mean the difference between winning or losing in combat or sometimes just provide a better gaming experience when playing graphically intense games such as Genshin Impact, Call of Duty: Mobile, or PUBG Mobile. On the other hand, if you want an all-round device-a combination of camera, battery life, performance, and general use-it would be wise to consider a regular flagship. Such phones are going to run gaming activities reasonably well while excelling in other areas such as imaging with its capabilities, software optimization, and software updates over the years. Mobile gaming is the sole focus of one's smartphone; the special characteristics incorporated into gaming smartphones will exploit the full potential of mobile gaming. The extra cooling, the new displays, and the powerful processors make these devices for serious gamers or anyone who plays tirelessly on their smartphones. Devices like the ASUS's ROG Phone, RedMagic series, or BlackShark models are the key to staying on the cutting edge of mobile gaming. However, a casual gamer may favor a flagship to accomplish daily tasks, including quality photography, web browsing, and social media—the cost may tip in favor of a flagship with mobile capability as an afterthought. In the end, it all depends upon your peculiar needs. For someone whose very existence is spent gaming, a gaming phone is an expendable necessity. However, an average user who enjoys a casual game, weighs the other features equally, should go in for the flagship one without false hope.

Smartphones are the epicenter of the modern world, aiding personal connection, work, and entertainment. However, with the fast-paced growth of smartphone technology, a plethora of myths and misconceptions subsisted. From camera quality to charging methods, several users believe incorrect information that brings about insensible dread or misguided judgments. In this blog, let's look at the 10 most common smartphone myths and explain why these are false. Whether you're a casual mobile user or a techie, knowing what's real and what's not behind these myths will help you make more enlightened decisions regarding how to use your smartphone. Smartphone Myths: #01 More Megapixels Mean Better Camera Quality It is perhaps the most common myth about smartphone cameras. In new phone ads, manufacturers are usually quick to emphasize the mp count, making it look like more mps automatically mean better photos. However, that really only tells part of the equation. Breaking it down: Megapixels determine the resolution of your images, or how large the images can be printed or displayed before they lose detail. However, resolution is not the same as image quality. Other important factors include: Sensor size: A larger sensor captures more light, resulting in better low-light performance, better dynamic range, and less noise. Aperture: The size of the camera’s opening (aperture) controls how much light enters the sensor, influencing the sharpness and brightness of your photos. Image processing: Modern smartphones rely heavily on AI and image processing software to optimize things like color balance, sharpness, and clarity. The reality: A 12MP camera with a large sensor and advanced image processing software can easily outperform a 108MP camera with a small sensor and poor processing. For example, iPhones have consistently had great photo quality with lower megapixel counts because of their advanced image processing and larger sensors. #02 Closing Background Apps Saves Battery Life Some common practices among smartphone users to preserve battery life include closing the dozens of apps in the background. Many believe that having such background apps consumes an enormous amount of energy, but this is a misunderstanding on how modern operating systems such as Android and iOS manage resources. Understanding how it works: Both Android and iOS are built to perform in a way that minimizes interference with background tasks. When the user switches away from an application, the operating system typically suspends the application to reduce its CPU usage, thus making minimal impact on battery life; in fact, there's a few reasons for this: closing an app manually once it is left from, in fact, can use more battery thereon. Reopening closed apps requires more energy than resuming a paused app. The operating system has to reload the app from scratch, using more memory and CPU cycles. The reality: Continuously closing background apps won’t improve battery life. In fact, it might do the opposite. Your smartphone is smart enough to manage resources without needing manual intervention. #03 More RAM Always Means a Faster Phone RAM is an important aspect in how fast your phone operates, especially during multitasking. However, to say that if a smartphone has more RAM, it will automatically be faster, is only partly true. The amount of RAM Neo can be a single factor component of performance. Breaking down RAM’s role: The RAM holds data for active tasks; so more it is, your phone would be holding a larger quantity of applications or processes running at the same time. Raw RAM capacity, however, does not determine overall performance: Processor (CPU): Your phone’s processor is responsible for executing tasks, and a powerful CPU can handle tasks more efficiently than a weaker one, regardless of RAM size. Software optimization: How well the operating system and apps are optimized to use the available RAM can make a huge difference. For example, iPhones tend to have less RAM than Android phones, but their performance remains smooth due to iOS's excellent memory management. Storage speed: The speed of your storage (e.g., UFS 3.1) also impacts how quickly apps load and data is retrieved. The reality: Having 12GB or even 16GB of RAM sounds appealing; however, in the day-to-day usage of a smartphone, a well-optimized 6GB or 8GB device performs quite well. Additional RAM would definitely come in handy for certain tasks, such as gaming and using multiple resource-hogging apps, but the amount of RAM does not solely determine the speed of a phone. #04 Leaving Your Phone on Charge Overnight Damages the Battery Many people are worried that charging their phones through the later part of the evening would spoil the battery by overcharging the devices. However, modern smartphones are manufactured using smart charging technology whereby the battery cannot be damaged after overcharging and during long sessions of continuous power supply. Understanding battery technology: Most smart phones use lithium-ion batteries with an integrated overcharge protection circuit. Once such a battery reaches 100%, the power supply from the charger gets cut off, and the phone gets powered by the energy of the charger and not that of the battery. Some phones feature overcharge lockout, whereby once the battery reaches a level of 100%, it cannot be charged further. Trickle charge: Once fully charged, they maintain a small amount of power just to keep the battery topped up. Smart charging schedules: Phones like the iPhone learn your charging habits and slow down charging overnight, only reaching 100% just before you wake up. The reality: Leaving your phone charging overnight won’t damage the battery. Modern devices are built to handle this, and any potential harm is negligible compared to the convenience of a fully charged phone in the morning. #05 Higher Screen Resolution Always Looks Better A better display to assume will always come from a higher screen resolution. Though very impressive, high resolutions like 4K, the reality is that after a point, the difference really is negligible, especially on small smartphone screens. Breaking down resolution vs. display quality: Display quality is influenced by a variety of factors, including: Pixel density (PPI): This measures the number of pixels per inch. For most users, anything above 300 PPI is already sharp enough that individual pixels are imperceptible. Display technology: The type of screen—LCD, OLED, or AMOLED—has a greater impact on brightness, color accuracy, and contrast than resolution alone. Battery life trade-offs: Higher resolutions like 1440p or 4K consume more power, potentially reducing battery life. The reality: A 1080p (Full HD) display is usually sufficient for most smartphones, offering a good balance between sharpness and battery efficiency. Higher resolutions like Quad HD or 4K are overkill for most users and don’t drastically improve the visual experience. #06 Smartphones Emit Harmful Radiation That Causes Health Problems Years ago, there were great concern about the impact of smartphone radiation on individuals: people assumed that long exposure would cause more serious health issues, such as cancer. However, RF waves do not fall into the category of ionizing waves because they lack enough energy to damage DNA or cause mutations in cell structures. What research says: The WHO and regulatory bodies, such as the FCC, have worked extensively on mobile phone radiation and have not found any concrete proof linking this to serious health risks. Smartphones work millions of times below the safety limits for exposure to radiation, so users have nothing to worry about with normal usage. The reality: Smartphone radiation is safe and also backed by no scientific proof to even attempt to demonstrate that normal exposure from normal use poses a serious health threat. Safety guides are always precautionary; in this case, use handsfree accessories, but the fear of harmful radiation is largely unfounded. #07 Using Your Phone While Charging Damages the Battery It is another wide-spread belief that using one's phone while it is charging may either spoil the battery or may lead to heat generation. The truth about it is that this myth may have originated as technology improved over the years. Nevertheless, the modern lithium-ion battery is built to outwit all these problems. Understanding battery use during charging: When you use your phone while it’s charging, the charger sends power directly to the device, and any extra energy goes into charging the battery. This can make the phone feel a bit warm, but it usually won’t harm the battery. However, if the phone becomes very hot, it could be a sign of a faulty charger or cable. The reality: Yes, it is safe to use your phone when charging, but it will generate a little heat. One would, however ensure the use of the right charging source and avoid third-party accessories that do not meet one's type of phone specifications for over-heating. #08 More Cores in a Processor Mean Better Performance More often than not, when picking up your new smartphone, you will find that processors with more cores are always advertised. The myth behind these devices is that the number of cores makes the processor perform better. While it is true that a higher number of cores would increase a processor's potential for multitasking performance, much depends on it. Breaking down processor cores: A smartphone processor (SoC) can have anywhere from two to eight or more cores, but not all cores are equal. Cores can be divided into: High-performance cores: Handle demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. Power-efficient cores: Handle simpler tasks to conserve battery life. The architecture of the processor and how well it’s optimized for software play a crucial role in performance. A quad-core processor with better architecture (like Apple’s A-series chips) can outperform an octa-core processor with less efficient architecture. The reality: More cores don't necessarily mean better performance. The number of cores, the efficiency of those cores, software optimization, and several other factors - say the nature of your GPU or RAM - all do play a part in the actual speed and quality of your experience. #09 Battery Calibration Improves Battery Life Many users think mistakenly that that regular calibration of batteries through their complete draining and following full recharge to 100% gives them longer battery life. That practice probably was helpful when nickel-based batteries were new, but never was necessary for lithium-ion, which charges most smartphones today. How modern batteries work: The lithium-ion battery has mechanisms built in for cycle optimization during charging. They are not affected by the memory effect associated with earlier battery types, which required full cycle discharge to maintain capacity. The reality: Battery calibration isn’t necessary for modern smartphones. In fact, regularly draining your battery to 0% can actually shorten its lifespan, as lithium-ion batteries prefer shallow discharge cycles. #10 Phone Manufacturers Slow Down Older Phones on Purpose The concept creates much controversy, having it that the manufacturers intentionally degrade the speed of older phones to encourage people to switch to a more recently purchased model. The truth is that while it's possible for phones to slow down with age, this isn't necessarily because a manufacturer has throttled the phone intentionally. Why phones slow down over time: Software updates: Newer operating systems are optimized for the latest hardware and might not run as smoothly on older devices. Battery degradation: Over time, a phone’s battery naturally loses its capacity. Some manufacturers, like Apple, implemented features to limit performance to prevent random shutdowns in phones with degraded batteries. App bloat: As apps become more advanced, they consume more resources, which can slow down older devices. The reality: The phones do not aim to slow down on purpose so that you would buy a newer one. However, a mixture of various updates of the software, old hardware, and battery wear slows down older phones. Manufacturers do address this issue with the help of some optimisations and even battery health management tools. This will enlighten you to the truth behind these smartphone myths so you can be making more well-informed decisions while getting the most out of your device. Changing times demand changing with proper information rather than being misguided by wrong perceptions and outdated beliefs. Your smartphone is more advanced than most of the myths depict-from camera quality to charging habits. If you keep such facts in mind, you'll truly enjoy a better and longer-lasting smartphone experience. By debunking these myths, we hope you have a better understanding of how smartphones really work. Stay tuned to AndroBranch for more informative blogs on tech! FAQs Can I overcharge my phone if I leave it plugged in overnight? No, modern smartphones have built-in mechanisms to prevent overcharging once the battery reaches 100%. Is more RAM always better? More RAM can improve multitasking but is not the only factor that determines smartphone performance. Processor speed and software optimization play a big role too. Does using 5G drain my battery faster? Not significantly. Modern smartphones are optimized for 5G, and battery usage is comparable to 4G in most everyday scenarios.

Infinix is set to knock on the foldable phone market with the much-anticipated arrival of the Infinix Zero Flip. As the company's maiden foldable, this clamshell-style smartphone is expected to change the dynamics of affordability of foldables in India. On October 17th, this foldable will hit the market, and already, it has grab many people's attention due to its impressive specifications, stylish design, and the competitive price tag. Here, we dig deep into everything you need to know about the Infinix Zero Flip from its launch date, key features to expected price, and how it compares against the rest. Infinix Zero Flip India Launch Date, Color Options, and Availability Infinix has finally announced that the Zero Flip will hit Indian stores on October 17, 2024. It shall hit the market in two jaw-dropping colors: Blossom Glow and Rock Black. Interested buyers may get their hands on the device from Flipkart and Infinix's official website shortly after its launch. Infinix Zero Flip Price in India (Expected) Globally, the Infinix Zero Flip has been launched at a price of $600, roughly amounting to ₹50,500. Industry speculation suggests Indian pricing might be closer to the wise ₹50,000 - ₹55,000, making this one of the most affordable foldables on the market. This price tag competes with slightly more expensive foldables, and could be a game-changer for those considering a foldable but looking out for more budgetary options. Infinix Zero Flip Specifications The Infinix Zero Flip brings a mix of powerful hardware and cutting-edge features that are bound to impress. Display: The Zero Flip sports a 6.9-inch FHD+ LTPO AMOLED main display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 1,400 nits peak brightness. Additionally, the 3.64-inch AMOLED cover screen also supports 120Hz refresh rate and is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2, offering 1,100 nits peak brightness. Processor and Storage: Powering the device is the MediaTek Dimensity 8020 SoC, paired with 8GB of RAM and a massive 512GB of storage. This combination ensures smooth multitasking and plenty of room for media and apps. Battery and Charging: Equipped with a 4,720mAh battery, the Zero Flip supports 70W wired charging and 10W reverse wireless charging. This makes it one of the fastest-charging foldable smartphones, allowing you to quickly juice up the device on the go. Cameras: The camera setup is another highlight. It features a 50MP primary sensor with OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) for crisp shots, paired with a 50MP ultrawide lens. For selfies and video calls, there’s a 50MP front camera with autofocus, ensuring you capture every moment with clarity. Software: On the software front, the device runs on Android 14-based XOS 14.5. Infinix has also committed to providing two major OS updates and three years of security patches, making it a future-proof option for buyers. Design: The Infinix Zero Flip comes with a sleek, 7.64mm thin and 195g light body, designed for comfort. The foldable mechanism is durable, with the company promising over 4,00,000 folds, a solid assurance for longevity. Unique Display Features: It utilizes an LTPO AMOLED FHD+ internal display feature 2160Hz PWM dimming to reduce eye strain while using the device for a long period. The cover screen lies under Gorilla Glass Victus 2 that ensures lasting drops and scratches protection​. Infinix Zero Flip Alternatives While the clamshell-style foldable segment in India is still relatively niche, there are a few competitors that the Infinix Zero Flip will face. Here’s how it compares: Model Price in India Motorola Razr 50 ₹64,999 Tecno Phantom V Flip ₹54,999 OPPO Find N3 Flip ₹74,999 Infinix Zero Flip is built to take an extremely aggressive pricing stance, providing the figures to back an important decision for a user desiring foldable phones and worthy deals also for his scanty bucks. The Infinix Zero Flip is turning out to be an interesting addition to the Indian smartphone market. Given its pricing, specification, and foldable design, this device is expected to draw in tech lovers, as well as all the fans of foldable phones. While Infinix is known for making affordable smartphones with great features, the Zero Flip seems to bring the brand into the premium foldable space, offering an affordable substitute for costlier devices. After waiting for a while we've got our gaze on Infinix to see how far it delivers on the new launch of the Zero Flip- Get ready for exclusive deals and offers on Flipkart and its official website post the launch, slated for October 17 this year. If a foldable smartphone is in your wish list and you have no desire to sacrifice features with any trade-offs, the Infinix Zero Flip must be given due consideration.

As digital payment apps like Google Pay, Apple Pay, and others continue to rise, making everyday purchases has never been easier. Rather than lugging around a wallet full of plastic card, now all that is necessary is to use your smartphone or smartwatch at retail shops and transit stations. The questions left--is this really secure to use payment apps? In this detailed guide, we look at the security features of payment apps, how they work, if they are secure for both online and offline payments, and if you should use them for your everyday transactions. The Shift to Digital Wallets Digital wallets have revolutionized the way we deal with money. Gone are the days when one has to carry cash or physical credit cards. Today, apps such as Google Pay, Apple Pay, Samsung Wallet, Paytm, and PhonePe allow users to pay effortless through smartphones and smartwatches. This has reduced dependence on physical wallets and also simplified access to services like public transport. But with that increasing popularity, there's bound to be some question about security. Is your payment information vulnerable to someone swiping? Are you at risk of fraud if you should lose your phone? Let's dig a little deeper into how these apps work and assess what security comes with them. How Payment Apps Like Google Pay and Apple Pay Work Google Pay and Apple Pay are contactless payment applications based on near-field communication (NFC) technology. NFC is the data transfer that occurs wirelessly when two devices (such as a phone and the payment terminal) are brought into very close range. If you have ever used a hotel key card or an office keycard, you have already come in contact with a form of NFC technology. When using these apps, the credit and debit card information are not stored on your phone because they are not sent to the app. However, they become tokenized in order to help with security. What is Tokenization? Tokenization substitutes sensitive information used to identify a payment card-for example, a typical 16-digit card number and its expiry identification-with a unique, randomly-generated number called the token, which is transmitted to the bank or card issuer, where it is linked to the actual card, and used in place of the actual card number at the time of payment. Online firings are characterized by the fact that no two transactions could ever use the same token, meaning that since the token is valid only once, intercepting the transaction will hold little value to a hacker as it will not be valid for any further action. Thus, there is equal assurance that information about your real card is never exposed. Hence, payment apps are safer than using a physical card. Are Payment Apps More Secure Than Physical Cards? Yes, apps like Google Pay and Apple Pay are actually more secure than carrying around physical credit or debit cards. Here’s why: Tokenization: As mentioned above, payment apps use tokenization, which means your actual card details are never transmitted during a transaction. This reduces the risk of fraud significantly compared to physical cards, where your card number can be stolen through card skimming. Biometric Authentication: Before you make a transaction, a pop-up will normally ask you to verify the transaction through biometrics, for example, fingerprint or facial identification or through a PIN. So even if someone steals your phone, you will still be safe because they won't be able to access your stored cards without completing that verification step. One-Time Use Tokens: Tokens change with every transaction, meaning that even if someone were to intercept the token, they would not be able to reuse it. No Skimming: Scammers often use skimmers to steal card information when you swipe a card. Because Google Pay, Apple Pay, or other apps rely on NFC and tokenization, there is no physical card to swipe, so any risk of skimming is totally diminished. Can Anyone Use Saved Cards If You Lose Your Phone? The card details you save in Google Pay, Apple Pay, and other such applications are secured with different layers of protection including the lock screen password of your mobile device or biometrics. Even if in the worst-case scenario your phone happens to be stolen, a thief won't be able to use your cards without unlocking it first. Wearable Devices and Payment Security Even on the likes of an Apple Watch, the payment apps still require you to enter a PIN before proceeding with a purchase. These measures provide an additional layer of security, ensuring that only you can use the cards stored on your phone or smartwatch. These safeguards make it all the more safe to lose the phone with already-installed payment apps than it is to lose a wallet with several cards inside. The Safety of Tap-to-Pay in Public Places A major concern that users have is within the area of tap-to-pay apps, whether at retail outlets or public transport systems their card details might be stolen while making electronic transactions. Tokenization gives users the confidence that actual card details are never transmitted during a transaction. Again, let's suppose someone intercepted your payment: he could only get the token that cannot be reused. In other words, pay through many tap-to-pay apps, like GPay or ApplePay, it is usually much safer than by swiping the plastic card. Apple Pay and Google Pay for Online Purchases Online and in-app payments through Apple Pay and Google Pay have the same security as those done at the point of sale. You do not have to enter credit/debit card details on your phone when you are shopping online or through an app. In fact, the app is creating a token just like it will do for the transaction at the point of sale. That means that the website or app from which you are making the purchase never actually sees your actual card details. Of course if the merchant's systems get hacked, then your payment data is safe, since this is in recent years when data breaches have emerged as a growing concern. UPI-Based Payment Apps In India, UPI (Unified Payments Interface) has become the dominant method for making payments, with apps like PhonePe and Paytm leading the charge. But is UPI safe to use? Yes, PhonePe and Paytm are both considered safe for UPI transactions. Here’s why: Two-Factor Authentication: UPI transactions typically require two layers of authentication: your UPI PIN and an OTP (one-time password) sent to your phone. Secure Encryption: UPI-based apps encrypt all transaction data, ensuring that your payment details are safe from hackers. However, it's essential to remember not to share your UPI PIN or OTP with anyone, as doing so can give scammers access to your account. Is PayPal Safe to Use? PayPal is one of the most widely used digital payment platforms globally. It is considered safe because: Fraud Protection: PayPal offers buyers fraud protection, ensuring that you can dispute unauthorized transactions. Encrypted Payments: Like other payment apps, PayPal encrypts all transaction data to keep your information safe. Two-Factor Authentication: PayPal also supports two-factor authentication, adding an extra layer of security to your account. As more users are using UPI Apps like PhonePe, PayTM, and Google Pay, the scams that victimized users are also increasing. In my blog " Exposed: The Rise of PhonePe Scams and How to Stay Safe in the Digital Payment Landscape " these are the newest schemes used by fraudsters to take advantage of the vulnerability of a digital payment system. From phishing attacks to spoofed UPI payment links, I run you through all kinds of scams, how they work, and-most importantly-share actionable tips on how you can keep your hard-earned money and personal information safe while using PhonePe or other UPI Apps. So go on, remain aware, and remain safe in today's digital world! In conclusion, Google Pay, Apple Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, and PayPal are widely regarded as safe choices for everyday payments as they offer a greater degree of security as compared to plastic cards through tokenization, user biometrics, and secure encryption. Although no system can provide complete protection from fraud, these apps at least give you substantial blocking against prying eyes into your financial whereabouts. To secure your transactions as much as possible, always use strong passwords, enable biometric controls, and never share UPI PINs or OTPs with anyone. With these tips, payment apps can be used with the utmost confidence for your transactions with your essential purchase information safe and secured.

As Google plans to roll out the stable Android 15 update on Pixel devices by mid-October, other smartphone companies are already preparing for the next update of Android. Vivo has outsmarted Google in the competition by announcing its FuntouchOS 15 operating system on top of Android 15, which has begun on select phones. With this, it has paved a new benchmark for software updates in the race. This further makes clear that Vivo is committed to faster updates, raising the ante for the rest of the Android OEMs, such as Motorola, which has been slow with its software rollouts. We are going to explore in this blog the Motorola devices that are expected to get the Android 15 update. Although leaked online, there seems to be some missing models that cast several doubts over Motorola's update strategy. For those interested in the latest Vivo, our detailed blog post, " Vivo Rolls Out Android 15-Based FuntouchOS 15 with New Features and Eligible Phones ," will help break it all down on how Vivo is leading the charge with fast software updates. Let's now zoom in on Motorola's rollout for Android 15 and which devices will be eligible, together with reasons some key models are left behind. Motorola users have been eagerly waiting for the much-awaited major update Android 15, but recent leaks point out some shocking exclusions in the list of supported devices. Some flagship models and new releases will get the new update, while others like the Moto G 2023 series and recently launched Moto G Play 2024 will lag behind. This shocking piece of news has left Motorola fans on high alert, especially those of the excluded devices. Motorola Android 15 Rollout Despite the silence of Motorola on an official release date, a leaked list of Android 15-compatible devices was leaked online, courtesy of YTechB that throws light into Motorola plans. Nonetheless, it is incomplete as some models are not included, though this has many thinking that there may be updates or corrections afterwards. Its track record for timely software updates doesn't stand out as particularly strong. The brand has historically been a laggard behind its peers when it comes to Android updates, a sore spot among users. Motorola, however, has improved in this area, including for its higher-end models, and lags rivals like Samsung, with the promise of up to six OS upgrades for devices such as the Galaxy A16. Notable Omissions from the Android 15 Compatible List The most shocking omission is in the form of necessary models from the Moto G series developed by Motorola. As the Moto G 2023 series, for instance, did not feature some Moto G Play 2024 devices, which came with Android 13 and were also spot on in terms of the Android 14 update before the release, these need no additional commentary as it has come out to be a shocking surprise especially for the date of January 2024. The list also seems to be missing models like Motorola Edge 2023 and the Moto G 2022 series. This might be a sign of there being unlisted devices or that Motorola has decided to provide fewer software updates to only a selected number of devices. Motorola Phones Expected to Receive Android 15 Here’s a look at the Motorola devices that are expected to receive the Android 15 update, according to the leak: Motorola Edge Series: Motorola Edge 2024 Motorola Edge Plus 2023 Motorola Edge 40 Pro Motorola Edge 50 Motorola Edge 50 Fusion Motorola Edge 50 Neo Motorola Edge 50 Pro Motorola Edge 50 Ultra Moto G Series: Moto G Power 5G 2024 Moto G 5G 2024 Moto G Stylus 5G 2024 Moto G34 5G Moto G35 Moto G45 Moto G55 Moto G75 Moto G85 Motorola Razr Series: Motorola Razr 2023 (Razr 40) Motorola Razr Plus 2023 (Razr 40 Ultra) Motorola Razr 2024 (Razr 50) Motorola Razr Plus 2024 (Razr 50 Ultra) Other Motorola Devices: ThinkPhone ThinkPhone 25 This list, while promising for owners of Motorola’s flagship Edge series and the Razr line, still leaves out several models that users had expected to see included. However, this could indicate a change in strategy for Motorola, prioritizing higher-end and mid-range devices for the Android 15 update. Is Motorola Closing the Update Gap? While Motorola has made sure to improve its software support, it still lags far behind the best in class, such as those offered by Samsung or Google. That does come at a cost. It's true that Motorola has started to offer much longer software updates for some of its mid-range versions of its phones and this is an improvement, but everything in the Moto G line lags. For example, the Galaxy A16 by Samsung falls in the same class as Moto G and guarantees six OS updates; Motorola still has catching up to do regarding similar promises for its mid-range devices. With more improvement in their update strategy, fans are expecting Motorola to get better updates for all of their devices much faster than it is at the moment. The Road Ahead for Android 15 on Motorola Devices Motorola has not come out to release any details or timelines concerning the Android 15 rollout date. From history, however, it is quite obvious that users will have to wait for a long time, sometimes even up to a year, before each is rolled out to all the eligible devices. Of course, the Motorola Razr+ (2023) did receive its Android 14 update after more than a year. Thus, users should not be so optimistic when it comes to how fast the Android 15 rollout will be done. It would be noted that, for Motorola users, this list of compatible devices running Android 15 might not be the final word. Since the official release of Android 15 has yet to happen, Motorola may have reasons to revise the list or provide updates later this year. For now, missing users will just have to wait and see if they have hope that their desired updates will be expanded. Based on the above, it can be concluded that although Motorola is on the right track in addressing software support, a leaked list of devices reportedly capable of running Android 15 strongly indicates that there is still work to be done-higher particularly for owners of Moto G-series who feel neglected on such an important issue. Motorola fans have just one hope that Motorola may actually improve and provide faster, regular update support across the entire device spectrum.

The much-awaited JioFinance application in India by Jio Financial Services Limited, JFSL is apparently a sweeping suite of financial solutions for the digital-first generation. Currently accessible through the MyJio app, the App Store, and the Google Play Store, this new application promises to simplify personal finance management for millions of users in this country. With the beta phase having been successfully concluded on May 30, 2024, the updated version is very well poised with many more services and features that would make it useful for a great number of users. Since its beta release four months ago, more than six million users have tested the app, and the feedback is working in the hands of JFSL to perfect the platform ensuring a smooth user experience. Key Features of the JioFinance App The JioFinance app is designed to be a one-stop destination for users looking for an array of financial products. Whether you're interested in securing a loan, managing mutual funds, or making fast UPI payments, this app has something for everyone. Here’s a closer look at the key offerings: 01 UPI Payments and QR Code Integration It means you'll be able to connect your bank account with the JioFinance app, making all UPI payments as a breeze as scanning QR codes from any physical stores. It's like any other popular payment platform in nature but integrated with a larger financial ecosystem created by Jio. 02 Loans on Mutual Funds, Home Loans, and Loans Against Property The competitive loan offerings stand out. JioFinance permits users to apply online for loans on mutual funds, home loans, and loans against property at competitive interest rates. This means immense savings for a customer who would otherwise face higher interest rates from most traditional financiers. As these loans can be sought digitally, the process of borrowing also saves substantial amounts of time. 03 Digital Savings Accounts by Jio Payments Bank The application will provide an online savings account from Jio Payments Bank Limited (JPBL), which may be opened in just five minutes by using the biometric authentication system. In addition, the customers will get a physical debit card for transaction purposes. The app has already crossed 1.5 million customers in the Jio Payments Bank platform, where any routine expense or handling of finances is made easier. 04 Comprehensive Insurance Plans However, the other insurance product offered by JioFinance includes 24 insurance plans in life, health, motor, and two-wheeler. The facility allows the online availability of and management of the insurance needs of customers rather than approaching the office or an agent. In a multiple variety of insurance products, JFSL hopes to expand access to much-needed financial protection. 05 Enhanced Financial Management Probably the most valuable feature of the JioFinance app is that it can allow users to view consolidated financial holdings on numerous bank accounts and mutual funds. This will therefore allow customers to have their investments on just one place; customers can monitor these in just one place. 06 Mobile Recharge and Utility Payments The app, apart from its advanced services, allows for basic payment features such as mobile recharges and bill payments, FASTag recharges, and credit card bill payments. This can add more layers of convenience, putting an end to day-to-day transactions done using disparate applications. The app, designed by Jio Financial Services-the business spun off from Reliance Industries in August 2023-will transform the country's landscape of digital finance. The company, JFSL, aims to democratize financial services through cutting-edge technology by making access to financial services easy, fast, and secure. With its easy user interface and powerful back-end infrastructure, JioFinance is all set to be the trusted companion for millions of Indians. The firm also intends to enhance the service portfolio of the current app. JFSL, along with investment management firm BlackRock, will delve into the mutual fund and wealth management businesses. Jio Financial Services, along with BlackRock, has received in-principle approval from India's market regulator, SEBI, to operate as co-sponsors of a mutual fund business in India. This would add another dimension to the already growing services at JFSL. Under JioFinance, the app will promise to be one-stop shop that offers customers the facilities of digital banking, loans, UPI payments, and insurance, therefore easing their whole gamut of financialness. Here, competitive pricing for lending in specific can help save a lot for most users, while integration into the overall feature set will make financial management easier and more convenient. With updates and features aplenty expected over the following months, JioFinance looks poised to hit all cylinders with its promising digital finance platform for Indians. Improvement in user experience in conjunction with further forays in investment and wealth management services is a good omen for JFSL and its users in the immediate future. The country whose digital transformation is picking pace is now set to anchor a new era for the fintechs as JioFinance is going to help the users in managing their finances so that they can plan ahead with ease and confidence. Launched of the updated JioFinance app marks noteworthy progress toward fulfilling JFSL's vision of making financial services accessible to everyone in India. With more than 1.5 million users already using the facility for managing their recurring expenses through Jio Payments Bank accounts, the app is becoming a trusted destination for digital financial solutions. In a statement, Hitesh Sethia, Managing Director and CEO of JFSL, said, "Our mission is to democratize access to seamless and convenient financial services by leveraging technology. With the refreshed JioFinance app, which is truly Made in India, and with many more new features coming soon, we are well on our way towards becoming a trusted financial companion for the people of India." How to Get Started with JioFinance Getting started with JioFinance is simple: Download the app from Google Play Store, or Apple App Store. Link your bank account to start making payments and managing your finances. Explore the wide array of financial products, including insurance, mutual funds, and loan services, all at your fingertips. As JioFinancial Services continues to evolve and bring more services, it’s clear that the app will play a pivotal role in reshaping the financial landscape in India. In fact, at a time when the fintech ecosystem in India is growing rapidly, the JioFinance app brings together diverse services that an end user can integrate into one single dashboard. This gives a holistic financial platform on which a user can manage their financial life entirely digitally-from UPI payments and competitive loans to savings accounts and insurance. Set to expand further, JioFinance is well on its way to becoming an important player in the evolving face of financial service interfaces in the country​.

In a groundbreaking development, a U.S. court forced Google to open up its Play Store, compelling it to implement changes that come into effect from November 1st. The ruling spells a big departure in the mobile app ecosystem since it is more likely to challenge the hegemony of Google in the marketplace for Android apps and provide doors open to developers. Microsoft hasn't let too much time pass since the ruling without making the most of its opportunity, announcing some pretty big updates for its Xbox app on Android. Xbox President Sarah Bond made known through social media that beginning November, users would be able to buy and play Xbox games directly from the Xbox application on their Android devices. Some much-awaited changes indeed because early versions didn't allow buying from this application. Decisions like these raise many questions though-why weren't they done earlier? To put this in some context, The Verge noted that both the Steam and PlayStation app already allow to buy games on their mobile platforms. In fact, Microsoft was behind on this, although it does not seem there are any technical reasons why it couldn't do it. The only apparent reason was a requirement by Google that apps making in-app purchases would need to use Play Store billing, a system that took a portion of the transaction. However, this court judgment has upped the game. A stranglehold on Play Store billing from Google would be broken, and developers will thus be forced to work through Google's system as in the case of Microsoft. The new freedom in being allowed to offer in-app game purchase means that Xbox by-passes completely the billing system of the Play Store. This update will make the latest integration between Xbox Cloud Gaming and the app very solid. Now that it is updated, users do not only purchase Xbox games; they immediately stream those games using Xbox Cloud Gaming. Players can now directly jump into playing games on a mobile device without necessarily using a console. To begin with, for those who may not know, Xbox Cloud Gaming is one such platform that allows one to play Xbox games on their phones through a subscription-based service. This is the response from Microsoft to game streaming services by Sony and Valve and other firms, although their solutions are usually to stream games off a PlayStation console or PC. Microsoft's actions in moving forward so quickly after this court opinion really speak to the need for flexibility in terms of billing and app-store distribution for large companies. But who else will follow? For instance, would Amazon re-enable in-app purchases, or would it do that specifically for its Kindle app? In 2022, it removed in-app purchases, thus forcing users to purchase books through their web interface. Users might again get in-app purchases for Kindle as well as other apps, due to the fact that developers can self-bill them through their own systems. Interestingly, the updates of the Xbox app from Microsoft arrive at a time when the company is still working on its dedicated Xbox mobile store - a project we've already featured on AndroBranch. Actually, way back in an earlier blog, we were discussing how ambitious Microsoft was to launch an all-decked-up version of Xbox App Store that would easily distribute mobile games from its studios, including Candy Crush, Minecraft, and Call of Duty Mobile, among others. While that dedicated store is yet to launch, the latest release of the Xbox app represents something of an exciting omen of what is in store for the near future. It hints at a broader strategy by Microsoft that is designed to expand its presence in mobile gaming. The web-based Xbox mobile store, under development as such, is also said to be focused on selling first-party games and in-game items, thereby offering players more options going forward. This is a great ruling by the high court for developers and consumers alike, as Google can no longer force developers to use the billing service of the Play Store. Accordingly, the developer will have more control over its revenues as well as how the transaction is processed inside their application, and the higher court ruling will spur greater competition inside the app marketplace, potentially resulting in cost savings for the consumer as companies look for ways to price themselves more competitively. For years, the control that Google has over the Play Store has been under attack. The ruling finally gives developers a chance to be allowed to operate with a bit more freedom. The ruling also requires Google to allow rival app stores to be distributed within the Play Store itself, thereby making an even more competitive environment. More importantly, however, this is quite significant to companies like Microsoft, which would prefer to carve out their spaces specifically in mobile gaming and app distribution. This is only the tip of the iceberg if Microsoft's speedy response to this ruling turns into a major shake-up in Android's world. With the imminent option to buy and play Xbox games right from the Xbox application on Android, users will not face the massive clutter that awaits them in lots of unskinned applications. This should serve Microsoft's interests as well as put down the first challenge for other developers who need to regain control over their apps. So, looking forward to the future in November, we definitely do anticipate other major players such as Amazon and Spotify and Netflix to respond to this newfound flexibility of the Google Play Store. One thing for certain is that simply the beginning of a new age of mobile app development will emerge.

Imagine a folding phone that apparently reads minds and folds itself even before you can say what you were thinking it would do. No, we're not talking of future science fiction here yet; however, Motorola has gone to patent something so out-of-this-world (literally) for this latest patent that you'll wish to rethink everything a folding phone can do. What's the magic sauce? It'll involve some true tech wizardry, changing perhaps even the way we relate to foldable. If you're a perpetual fidget who can't get that hinge on your phone just right, Motorola's going to do you a huge favor. Want more? Let's unwrap this mind-blowing concept and see what Motorola's been cooking up in its labs. What Exactly Is This Motorola Folding Phone Patent? Alright, no more chit-chat. The patent, dubbed 'Autonomous Form Factor Control of a Foldable Mobile Device,' is basically your personal assistant for your folding phone's hinge. Forget about fiddling with the thing because it's going to do all the heavy lifting for you autonomously! Advanced materials combined with just a pinch of NASA magic make the hinge adjust independently with you. Yes, it's that cool. How Does This Automatic Folding Magic Work? 01. The Brainpower Behind the Hinge The actual brain of the phone is the processor, which is always counting how many times you folded the device, where you're positioned, and how you're moving. It will then give a signal to adjust the hinge to the perfect viewing angle. It's like having a hinge that just "gets you.". 02. NASA’s Shape-Shifting Tech – In a Phone?! Motorola actually imports some of the NASA developed high-tech goodies like Shape Memory Alloys (SMA). These materials actually change their shape when heated up. The phone hingey would use friction or electrical impulses to make these alloys heat up. And it's the adjustment of the hinge. In simple words, your phone hinge could bend and flex based on how close or far you are, all by itself. 03. Linear Resonant Actuators (LRA) The LRA motors behave like a spring system, so they keep the linear motion of the hinge under control. This way, in case the hinge does shift, it gets to respond fast and smoothly. You might say that the robot inside your phone quietly adjusts things so you do not have to. And here's the kicker—just like how Apple's Center Stage feature in Mac webcams follows you around, Motorola's phone camera will do the same. It can detect if you're moving closer or further, and the hinge adjusts up or down to give you the best view. Pretty neat, right? This Could Be a Game-Changer 01. Hands-Free Adjustments This is an imagined phone. For example, the hinge automatically adjusts to give you a perfect view without raising a finger: no longer must one awkwardly prop up a display and no craning of the neck to view the screen! 02. Better for Your Body Yes, this does have real ergonomic benefits. You never have to worry about the phone finding that perfect angle, thus never straining your neck and eyes. It is one of those thoughtful features you wonder how you managed without. Motorola's folding phone patent is pretty much the giant leap toward foldable phones. Waiting for more details on when (if ever) this technology will find its way into a commercial product, one thing is sure: The future of folding phones is getting a lot more interesting.

Soft murmurs in the tech circles for quite a while stated that Apple was finalizing plans for a special event this month, and finally, a reliable source has added fuel to the murmurs. Famous Bloomberg journalist and leaker Mark Gurman thinks that Apple might hold its launch event in late October, and exciting products are set to release, especially one long-awaited by all – Apple Intelligence. Let's dive into the expected timeline, products, and details surrounding this big release. Apple October Event Timeline and Expected Products Mark Gurman has once again hinted that Apple is probable to host its next major event towards the end of the month. No confirmed date has emerged, but for one, last year's fall event was hosted on October 30th. If all these rumors are true, we might be seeing some of these products hitting the shelves as early as November 1st. Expected products at the event: Low-end MacBook Pro M4 (14-inch) High-end MacBook Pro M4 (14-inch and 16-inch) Upgraded Mac Mini (M4 or M4 Pro) iMac M4 New iPad Mini Notably absent from the list is the highly anticipated 11th-generation standard iPad, which fans were hoping for this year. What’s Coming in 2025? Gurman has also made some juicy predictions for the lineup we might see in the next year. Focusing for now on the October event, it is always fun to speculate what Apple has up its sleeve down the line. Expected in 2025 are: MacBook Air M4 (13-inch and 15-inch) iPhone SE 4 iPad Air (11-inch and 13-inch) New Magic Keyboards New AirTags Further down the pipeline, we might even see a Mac Studio M4 by mid-2025, new Mac Pros, the iPhone 17 series, and M5 Macs in the latter half of the year. Apple Intelligence Release Date Tipped Among all this product news, perhaps the most exciting is that of Apple Intelligence, which may reach the markets with iOS 18.1 on October 28th. The much-awaited AI update will be said to come with features that will make your Apple devices smarter than ever. Some of the first batch of features include: Writing Tools: Enhancing your typing and writing experience. Call Transcription: Transcribe phone calls in real-time. Search in Photos: Improved photo search capabilities. Clean Up Tool: Erase unwanted objects in your photos with ease. Memory Movie Creation: Make movies using just a simple prompt. Glowing Siri: A visual upgrade to Siri for better interaction. But that’s not all! Other AI-powered goodies like ChatGPT integration, Image Playground, and Genmoji are expected to roll out with iOS 18.2. As for the upgraded Siri experience, that may arrive with iOS 18.4 sometime in March 2025. Such a promising lineup of new products and innovations seems to make the company's potential October event highly exciting for any tech enthusiast. Be it the upcoming MacBook Pros, iMacs, or the futuristic Apple Intelligence, there's a lot in store. And when all this happens, forget the dates; 2025 seems to promise a lot from Apple. Update Shortly Official updates will be communicated to you as we hit the final days of October. Here's waiting for the next move from the house of Apple.

Two years ago, many eyebrows were raised when Zomato said it would acquire a struggling quick-commerce startup, Blinkit - formerly Grofers. Many critics questioned it: Could the food delivery giant somehow succeed in the highly competitive quick-commerce space? Today, Zomato has proved its critics wrong. Blinkit has survived and thrived, reporting an astonishing 130% YoY GOV growth in the last quarter (Q1 FY25). "It's been such a reassuring story that Zomato is now looking to bet big on its next territory—going out. District is an all-in-one app called Zomato's next biggie, that promises to make the 'going out' experience revolutionized. The app would compile services like dining, movie ticket bookings, live performances, sports events, shopping, and even staycations, under one roof. Building its two strong arms, dining out and ticket booking events, Zomato would help all those wanting to 'step out for fun and entertainment'. Blinkit is the template Zomato goes by as far as its approach to District is concerned. Many thought that when Zomato first bought Blinkit, that was a non-player in quick commerce and would never compete with the likes of Swiggy Instamart or BigBasket. However, Blinkit has seen huge leaps and bounds with massive YoY growth, and Zomato thus positioned it as a brand in its own right, with its own app. Now, it seems Zomato hopes for the same in the treatment of District. This is an approach that has been a mainstay for the company's strategy around Blinkit, but it is the plan - to leverage traffic from the main app for District-that the leadership of the company reiterated on the Q1 FY25 earnings call. The overall belief will be that this helps keep customer acquisition costs low-an important consideration when scaling any new business. The user base of urban millennials and Gen Z will form a frictionless audience for District. According to Karan Taurani, Senior Vice President at Elara Capital, "Zomato has already built a huge following among the groups, so it's well-positioned to cross-sell new services to its existing customer base.". So, what does District offer? District is going to be a single app that will integrate everything that could fall under the category of 'going out'. Whether it's booking a table at a restaurant, movie tickets, live music concerts, or a weekend getaway, District promises to address all of these. Zomato Chief Executive Officer Deepinder Goyal has big aspirations for District - he describes it as a potential "game changer" in the going-out space. Goyal wants to build District as the third big B2C vertical for Zomato, following the company's food delivery and quick-commerce businesses. "I think this is an untapped market; with this, we are going to create a new stream of revenue," he says. Presently, the 'going-out' vertical of Zomato focuses on two key areas. These include the dining out and Zomato Live segments. The dining out segment allows users to discover restaurants and make table reservations. It also allows users to pay for their experience at the restaurants. On the other hand, the Zomato Live segment is a ticketing platform for events like food festivals, concerts, and any other kind of live performances. During FY24, the 'going-out' segment of Zomato recorded revenue of INR 258 crore with an increase of 51% from INR 171 crores in FY23. Then, the district is looking forward to adding more use cases such as movie ticketing, sports events, shopping, and even staycations, thus making it possible for a lot of services to be obtained by the users on one platform. One of the company's strengths is a strong and interactive customer base. The company has gathered a huge following over time by its flagship food delivery application and quick-commerce service, Blinkit. Additionally, the introduction of its Zomato Gold loyalty program, which offers such benefits as exclusive deals and waived delivery charges, has increased loyalty among customers. With such an enormous and interactive base of users, Zomato has the potential to cross-sell services by District to millions of already existing customers. This is a similar strategy that can be employed with District to grow the customer base," said Kush Ghodasara, independent market expert. According to him, the success of Zomato with Blinkit lies both in the effective execution and the understanding of the Indian consumer. This also brings in the issue of timing as the online ticketing market is growing at 15-20% year on year in India. Currently, the platforms taking most of this market share are BookMyShow; however, Zomato's vast customer base presents a huge opportunity to disrupt the market. The convenience fees of the online ticketing market are expected to be INR 1,500 crore, of which Zomato will definitely take some share. On top of this, the pan-India cinema market amounts to approximately INR 12,000 crore, whereas the live events market is at around INR 10,000 crore. District unifies different ticketing services that Zomato can then penetrate through these markets and built as a hub for entertainment. The events business is primarily known for its volatility. While it provides Zomato with a huge opportunity, it comes with challenges. Even large players like BookMyShow had problems scaling up past the INR 1,000-crore revenue mark. For Zomato, it will be handling the issues of customer acquisition cost and managing profitability for long-term success at District. But analysts are optimistic. If the marketing and advertisement costs are included in the bill, costs for the district are expected to increase 8-10%, Ghodasara said, and that will partly be offset by strong margins coming in from Zomato's food delivery business and Blinkit, she said. Still, this is a short-term increase in costs and isn't going to have any material impacts on profitability going forward for Zomato. With District, Zomato is now aiming to become the online gateway for going out, just as it has in food delivery and quick commerce. By offering one-stop convenience for the needs of going out, the company may therefore be building a new, meaningful profit source capable of fueling company growth as its food delivery business matures. In the weeks ahead, Zomato will see the official launch of District, and everyone will be eyeing it to see if it can replicate Blinkit's success. With a strong execution record of loyal customers, an ever-growing market for entertainment and events, District is indeed another huge success story under Zomato's belt. As Goyal aptly put it, "If we execute this well, going out could become the third large B2C business to emerge out of Zomato." And with the launch of District just around the corner, Zomato is ready to take on its next big challenge. Stay tuned as this exciting new chapter unfolds.