Tata Motors Announces First EV Price Cuts in India; Electric Car Prices Lowered By Up to 8 Percent

Electric cars make up only 2 percent of all car sales in India, due to concerns over higher upfront costs and range anxiety. Indian automaker Tata Motors' electric vehicle (EV) unit on Tuesday said it has reduced prices of its cars by up to 120,000 rupees (~$1,450) in what is the first instance of a price cut by an electric carmaker in the country. Electric variants currently form just 2% of car sales in India, as buyers are wary about the higher upfront costs despite lower running costs and as range anxiety persists. "With battery cell prices having softened in the recent past and considering their potential reduction in the foreseeable future, we have chosen to proactively pass on the resulting benefits directly to customers," said Vivek Srivatsa, Chief Commercial Officer at the TPG-backed Tata Passenger Electric MobilityThe price of the top-selling Nexon.ev is now down 1.4% to 1.45 million rupees. Prices previously began at 1.47 million rupees, according to Tata's website. The company, which dominates EV car sales in India, also cut the price of its electric small car Tiago by 70,000 rupees. The base version now costs around 8.1% lower at 799,000 rrupees Launched in 2020, the Nexon.ev was India's cheapest electric SUV until the launch of Tata's Punch EV at 1.2 million rupees in 2024. EV sales have slowed globally as well, with U.S. carmaker Tesla leading a price-cut war to maintain its sales lead over rivals such as China's BYD. "Tata's price cut in India could prompt its rivals to also price their cars more competitively and launch newer EVs at aggressive prices," said Jay Kale, Vice President, Elara Capital. However, this is in stark contrast to India's EV two-wheeler market, in which IPO-bound Ola Electric and Hero-backed Ather are locked in a price war.  

Samsung Brings Its New AI Features To These Devices

Samsung launched the Galaxy S24 series with the new Galaxy AI features and is now extending some of these AI features to the Galaxy Buds2 Pro, Galaxy Buds2 and Galaxy Buds FE.The Galaxy AI features will be rolled out to the Galaxy Buds TWS earbuds via the OTA (over-the-air) update.After the update rollout, Galaxy Buds users will be able to use several Galaxy AI features through the Galaxy S24 series like Live Translate, Interpreter and more.The Galaxy S24 series Live Translate feature allows users to experience real-time call translation on their device screens while engaged in conversations via Galaxy Buds.Furthermore, the AI-driven interpreter feature on the Galaxy S24 series facilitates seamless two-way, face-to-face interpretation through the Galaxy Buds interface. By speaking directly into the Buds’ microphone, users can have their words translated, making the translated voice accessible via the Galaxy S24 series. This enables a nearly natural conversation between two individuals, each equipped with a Galaxy S24 series smartphone and Galaxy Buds, eliminating the need to hand over the phone. Consumers purchasing Galaxy S24 Ultra and Galaxy S24+ will get benefits worth Rs 12,000, while those buying Galaxy S24 can avail benefits worth Rs 10,000. Consumers can also opt for No Cost EMI for upto 24 months on purchase of S24 Series. Consumers purchasing Galaxy Buds2 Pro, Galaxy Buds2 and Galaxy Buds FE can avail of limited period cash back or upgrade upto Rs 6,000.  

Get a Wireless, Speedy Charger for iPhones for $40

The life of a business leader or entrepreneur can be quite demanding and high stakes. When you're trying to build something or maintain its growth, you need to protect yourself from all possible hazards, even something as simple as your phone dying during an important meeting or sales opportunity. To help you stay connected, you can get this Speedy Mag Wireless Charger for iPhone, which is on sale for just $39.99 (reg. $119) during our Presidents' Day sale. Its wireless design works with a solid, sleek, and slim charging base that you can rest your iPhone on for rapid charging to keep you juiced when you're holding that same phone up to your ear. Despite its slim design, the charging base can be trusted to keep your phone securely on it with its strong magnetic absorption features. While it is capable, fast-moving, and affordable, this Speedy Mag Wireless Charger is also safe. It comes with built-in preventative features to stop your device from overcharging or overheating. Entrepreneurs and business leaders, your time is your greatest asset. If you're not thinking ahead about ways to protect that time, even in as simple terms as having a reliable and transportable phone charger, then you're not giving yourself or your business the best odds of success. Turn that corner with this special deal. Don't miss your chance to get this Speedy Mag Wireless Charger for iPhone, which is on sale for just $39.99 (reg. $119) during our Presidents' Day sale — a price that beats Walmart's!  

OpenAI to invest in Indian developers, hold summits

ChatGPT maker OpenAI will continue investing in the developer community in India and hold several developer summits in the country this year, the company’s chief strategy officer, Jason Kwon said on Saturday.“India has the key ingredients of being one of the world's leaders in AI. It has the largest developer community in the world, with some of the most impressive talent in the field, a track record of developing extraordinary technology businesses and a relentless focus on competing on the world stage,” said Kwon at the ET Now Global Business Summit in New Delhi.The company plans to meet with Indian developers to work alongside OpenAI product leaders on some of the most difficult challenges in AI. OpenAI's vice president of engineering, Srinivas Narayanan, had met developers in Bengaluru on January 5.“Our hope is that this collaboration between Silicon Valley developers and Indian developers will put us on a path for building the tools that define our future” Kwon added.Kwon also talked about the need to focus on safety while exploring the potential of AI. He said OpenAI tools can be made safer through technology, partnerships, and collaboration with governments. Product management is a multifaceted discipline that plays a critical role in bringing successful products to market. Whether it's developing a new software application, launching a consumer product, or managing a service, effective product management is vital for meeting customer needs and achieving business goals.    

OnePlus Buds 3 review in 5 points

The new OnePlus 12 smartphones from OnePlus seem to be the best of the lot that the company has launched yet. In our review, we liked the new flagship OnePlus 12 and its younger sibling, the OnePlus 12R, which we even tagged as the flagship killer. At the same time, even more than the phones, it is the newly-launched OnePlus Buds 3 earbuds that has caught our attention. OnePlus has managed to offer users a good pair of earbuds that perform almost like their Buds Pro lineup but cost almost half of the Buds Pro 2.Priced at Rs 5,499, the OnePlus Buds 3 offers incredible value and impressive features, including dual dynamic drivers, support for Hi-Res Audio via LHDC 5, 94ms low latency, touch volume control, up to 49dB active noise cancellation, IP55 rating for water and dust protection, and up to 44 hours of playback time with the accompanying charging case. While the specs look good on paper, in our detailed review of OnePlus Buds 3, we found out that these new earbuds excel in performance and are almost close to the Pro series. Though there are some areas where they could have been better.Featuring a premium design, the OnePlus Buds 3 borrows cues from the Buds Pro 2 and Apple AirPods Pro. Its short-stemmed style earbuds are pair with a revamped pebble-shaped charging case which echoes the design aesthetic of the Buds Pro 2. Available in Splendid Blue and Metallic Gray, these earbuds look premium and the blue variant, which I reviewed, offers the vibrant pop of colour. Now, while the design is similar, the OnePlus Buds 3 are lighter than the Buds Pro 2. They offer a comfortable, snug fit without feeling cheap or flimsy. While I personally prefer a bit of weight which the premium earbuds offer, the Buds 3 do not disappoint in terms of build quality.During my week of using the Buds 3 for an average of 6-7 hours daily, I found little to complain about these earbuds, especially considering the price. I used earbuds to listen to a range of music albums across genres. Whether it was melodic Bollywood tunes or energetic K-Pop tracks, the Buds 3 consistently impressed me with clear vocals, immersive backgrounds, and decent bass. While the Buds 3 obviously don't match the performance of the Buds Pro 2 (which is expected considering the price difference), they serve as a strong reminder that specs aren't everything.      

Electric kettles under ₹1500 can be a great Valentines Day gift

Choosing the perfect Valentine's Day gift requires a blend of thoughtfulness and functionality. Electric kettles, especially those under ₹1500, offer an excellent choice for those wanting to add a touch of care to their partner's daily routine. These kettles come in sleek designs and boasts of features that make morning rituals or evening wind-downs more enjoyable. With the ability to quickly boil water for coffee, tea, or instant meals, they serve as a practical yet intimate gift, showing consideration for your loved one's comfort and needs. High-end models within this price range not only offer rapid boiling, but also precision temperature control, allowing for the perfect brew every time. Some are equipped with keep-warm functions, ensuring the water remains at an ideal temperature for longer periods. Their stylish designs enhance kitchen aesthetics, making them more than just a utility item, but a statement piece that reflects your partner's taste and style. An electric kettle under ₹1500 combines luxury with everyday utility, making it a thoughtful Valentine's Day gift. It's a way to say you care about the small moments in your loved one's day, from that first cup of morning tea to a soothing nightcap, enhancing both their kitchen and their daily experiences. The Butterfly EKN Electric Kettle combines elegance with efficiency. Its 1.5-litre capacity and 1500 watts power ensure rapid boiling for your daily beverages and meals. The auto cut-off and dry boil protection features enhance safety, while the 360-degree swivel base adds convenience. Its spout filter ensures a clean pour every time, and the ergonomic design makes it comfortable to use. This kettle is perfect for those seeking a blend of style and practicality in their kitchen appliances.      

Google Renames Bard to Gemini, Launches Gemini Advanced

Google has officially launched Gemini Advanced. After multiple reports and Google CEO Sundar Pichai's statements during the company's quarterly earnings call confirming its arrival, the subscription tier of the tech giant's most powerful AI model is now live. Alongside Bard, the free version of the generative AI chatbot, which now runs on the Gemini Pro model, has also been renamed Gemini. As a promotional offering, Gemini Advanced is currently being offered for no charge for two months.Pichai announced the launch of the subscription tier of the AI in its newsroom and said, “The version with Ultra will be called Gemini Advanced, a new experience far more capable at reasoning, following instructions, coding, and creative collaboration.” He also revealed that the Gemini Advanced subscription will be called the Google One AI Premium plan and will be bundled with Google One. As a result, users who subscribe to it will also get all the other benefits of Google One and 2TB of cloud storage space.Highlighting its features, a separate post mentioned that Gemini Ultra could " create step-by-step instructions, sample quizzes or back-and-forth discussions” and become a personal tutor for a user seeking guidance for academic purposes or looking to upskill. The Ultra model is proficient in advanced coding and can help users in generating, analysing, editing, as well as debugging complex coding tasks. Further, digital creators can benefit from Google Advanced subscription as it can generate content, analyse recent trends, and offer ideas and inspiration for engagement and audience growth. The free version of Gemini (which is trained on Gemini Pro) and Gemini Advanced will be available on the website, and an Android app. iOS users can try out the AI assistant through the Google app. The monthly subscription price for Google Advanced has been set at Rs. 1,950 a month. However, the tech giant is currently running a promotional offer where users can try it out for two months without a charge. Alongside the launch of the subscription tier, Google also officially renamed Bard to Gemini. “Bard has been the best way for people to directly experience our most capable models. To reflect the advanced tech at its core, Bard will now simply be called Gemini,” added Pichai.  

TCS sounds final call for staff to work from office

MUMBAI: Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has extended the period by which employees should return to office by another quarter, to March end, but has informed them that this will be the last deadline for doing so. Failure to resume work from office (WFO) by then will lead to "consequences," chief operating officer NG Subramaniam, told ET, citing work culture as well as security issues. "We are exercising patience but have taken a principled stand that employees have to get back to offices," he said. "We have sent employees the final communication on this and if they do not, there will be consequences to face." He said working from home made employees and employers vulnerable. With the kind of cyberattacks in today's context, an organisation can inadvertently get into trouble," he said. "One cannot have the kind of controls at home and there can be security risks to businesses. In the fiscal third quarter, India's second largest IT firm Infosys said one of its US units was affected by a cyber security issue, resulting in the unavailability of several applications. In December, HCLTech reported a ransomware incident, adding that it had made no impact. TCS is aiming to revive the pre-pandemic work culture in a shift away from the 25-by-25 hybrid model it had announced during the Covid-19 outbreak. It had said in 2020 that once all employees returned to office, a fourth of them would work from home by 2025. At the December quarter earnings announcement on January 11, the company said 65% of the workforce had been coming to the office up to three days a week.  

Court relief for Byju’s in TLB lenders’ suit

Byju’s won a legal reprieve on Monday when a civil court in Bengaluru declined to grant a plea by its lenders challenging Manipal Group Chairman Ranjan Pai’s acquisition of a 40% stake in the embattled edtech firm’s subsidiary Aakash Institute, two people aware of the development said.  The lenders of Byju’s $1.2 billion term loan had moved the city court last Thursday seeking an ex-parte injunction on the transaction allowing Pai to convert a loan of about $250-$300 million he had advanced to the brick-and-mortar coaching network into equity in Aakash Institute. Thursday’s legal challenge by the TLB lenders caught both Byju’s and Pai “by surprise” the sources said. The lenders were petitioning the court about Pai's conversion of debt into equity at a lower valuation of $600 million compared to the valuation of $950 million ascribed to Aakash Institute when it was acquired by Byju’s parent Think & Learn in 2021. As such, the proposed deal hurts the lenders of Think & Learn, the lenders contended. This lender group controls 80% of the term loan raised by Byju's in November 2021.  According to people present at the hearing on Monday, the court did not grant the injunction to block the deal as per the lenders' plea while also adding that the jurisdiction for the case was not correct. The lenders had cited the credit agreement which they said bars Byju’s parent Think & Learn from selling any asset without prior approval from the lenders, the sources said. Byju’s made its arguments over the weekend at the city civil court, they added.  

Banks await RBI nod on KYC challenges at Paytm before moving business

Digital payments player Paytm is awaiting the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) approval to start moving its settlements business from Paytm Payments Bank to other lenders. But issues around KYC (Know Your Customer) of the accounts could be a major hiccup holding up the process. Two senior bankers in the know told ET that given Paytm was involved in issues around KYC of its user base in the past, bankers are looking for directions from the RBI before taking on the business. KYC is a process that requires a potential customer to submit original identity documents to a bank before being able to access its services. The central bank allows digital KYC through video verification. “We have to be careful about who we are doing business with. In this case, we need to be sure of the KYC of the merchants as well as the customers, so the central bank will need to take a call on that,” one of the bankers said. This will take time, and the banking regulator will only take the call after detailed consideration and thorough scrutiny of its own. The actual number of proper KYC-ed users of Paytm will be scrutinised too, the bankers added. The RBI did not respond to emailed queries from ET. On January 31, the RBI asked Paytm Payments Bank to stop offering basic banking services from February 29. It has effectively asked its customers to move all their funds from the payments bank or use up their available balance.The language and the directive from the banking regulator came as a shock to the banking and fintech industry. Several industry insiders said that coming back from this situation might be a huge challenge for the bank promoted by Paytm founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma.In 2020, a similar incident occurred when Yes Bank was put under an embargo by the regulator and PhonePe, a major digital payments player already by then, was left with no settlement system. Almost overnight, PhonePe moved its banking business to ICICI Bank -- with the regulator’s blessings. Another banker that ET spoke to pointed out that unlike the case of PhonePe — where the transfer was primarily UPI handles — in this case, it is about accounts of merchants and customers, making the process more time-consuming.   

Apple CEO Tim Cook Reveals Generative AI Features Will Be Unveiled ‘Later This Year’, Mentions India too

Apple could soon bring generative artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities to its devices, revealed CEO Tim Cook during the company's quarterly earning calls. While speaking about the Cupertino-based tech giant's achievements in the last quarter, Cook mentioned that it has been spending a “tremendous amount of time and effort” on AI. Without disclosing any details, he also hinted that these features could be released later this year. If Apple does step into the generative AI space, it will be competing with the likes of Microsoft, Google, and OpenAI.During the call, Cook alluded to AI multiple times and specifically mentioned generative AI once. Presenting his prepared remarks, the Apple CEO said, “ As we look ahead, we will continue to invest in these and other technologies that will shape the future. That includes artificial intelligence, where we continue to spend a tremendous amount of time and effort, and we're excited to share the details of our ongoing work in that space later this year.”While there is no way to know how Apple may innovate with generative AI, some have speculated that one of its main impacts will be seen in Siri, which might be able to handle more complex verbal commands and tasks. Other possible features remain unknown at this time. Despite name-dropping the emerging technology, Cook never revealed any information on exactly what Apple was working on or which devices were likely to receive AI features. While answering an analyst's question regarding any thoughts on the potential upcoming announcements on AI, Cook said, “In terms of generative AI, which I would guess is your focus, we have a lot of work going on internally as I've alluded to before. Our M.O., if you will, has always been to do work and then talk about work and not to get out in front of ourselves, and so we're going to hold that to this as well. But we've got some things that we're incredibly excited about that we'll be talking about later this year.” Cook may not have revealed a lot, but rumours about Apple entering the generative AI space have been surfacing for a while. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman recently reported that Apple's iOS 18 update, which is expected to arrive with the launch of the iPhone 16 series in September-October, could be one of the biggest in Apple's history. Cook's statements align with the same. Apart from AI, another highlight during Apple's earnings call was the mention of India. The country made an appearance during the prepared remarks of both the Apple CEO and Luca Maestri, the Chief financial officer of Apple. Both of them mentioned India highlighting Apple's quarterly records in the country. Notably, the iPhone maker surpassed the ten million mark in revenue for the first time in a calendar year in India, leading the category, as per a Counterpoint report.    

Apple unveils AI image tool that lets you make edits by just describing them

The researchers highlighted the model's ability to derive explicit visual-aware intentions, leading to meaningful image enhancements. Apple researchers have introduced an AI model enabling users to write desired changes to a photograph using simple language, eliminating the need for traditional photo editing software. The groundbreaking model, named MGIE (MLLM-Guided Image Editing), is the result of a collaboration between Apple and the University of California, Santa Barbara. Capable of executing various editing tasks including cropping, resizing, flipping, and applying filters solely through text prompts, MGIE represents a significant advancement in image editing technology. This innovation can handle both straightforward and intricate editing requests, such as altering specific objects within a photo or enhancing brightness levels. MGIE harnesses the power of multimodal language models, first deciphering user prompts and then generating corresponding edits. For instance, a request for a "bluer sky" translates to adjusting the brightness of the sky portion of an image. This approach ensures precise interpretation and execution of editing instructions. For example, a prompt to "make it more healthy" when editing an image of a pepperoni pizza results in the addition of vegetable toppings. Similarly, instructing the model to "add more contrast to simulate more light" enhances the brightness of a dark image, such as tigers in the Sahara.