Nothing Phone 2a now available on sale and some users can get it for as low as Rs 19,999

Nothing Phone 2a is finally available for sale in India. It marks the third smartphone launch in the country and is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro chipset, offering up to 12 GB of RAM and a 5,000 mAh battery. It features the signature Nothing transparent design, a glyph interface, and the minimalist Nothing OS UI. Priced starting at Rs 23,999, the phone is now available for as low as Rs 19,999, including bank deals and exchange offers.The base version of the Nothing Phone 2a, equipped with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, comes with a price tag of Rs 23,999. Furthermore, the configurations of 8GB + 256GB and 12GB + 256GB are available for Rs 25,999 and Rs 27,999, respectively. These devices are offered in both White and Black colour options on Flipkart. Interested buyers can also avail an instant discount of Rs 2,000 on HDFC bank cards. Additionally, there are offers available on Axis bank cards, along with an additional Rs 2,000 discount on exchanges. As of today, buyers can purchase the new Nothing Phone 2a for Rs 19,999. Additionally, anyone who buys the Phone (2a) between March 12 and March 19 is eligible for up to 1 year of perplexity pro subscription. Moreover, Flipkart is also offering bundled discounts on accessories. CMF Buds are available for Rs 1,999 down from the original Rs 2,499 and a multiport 65W CMF GaN Charger is available for Rs 1,999 down from Rs 2,999 - compatible with the Phone (2a). This offer is valid for 30 days from the date of purchase. The Nothing Phone 2a is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro chipset, providing robust performance. It offers a base RAM capacity of 8 GB, but what sets it apart is the inclusion of an 8 GB RAM booster, effectively boosting the total RAM to an impressive 20 GB. This unique feature ensures smooth multitasking and responsiveness. When it comes to photography, the Phone 2a doesn't disappoint. It features a dual-camera setup at the rear- A 50-megapixel main camera with an f/1.88 aperture lens and a 1/1.56-inch sensor size, complete with optical image stabilization. And an ultra-wide-angle camera with an impressive 50-megapixel resolution and a 114-degree field-of-view. For capturing selfies, the Phone 2a boasts a 32-megapixel front camera, delivering high-quality self-portraits similar to its predecessor, the Nothing Phone 2.  

OYO To Launch 13 Self-Operated Hotels Under Premium Brand ‘Palette’ This Year

"SUMMARY Using a format akin to OYO Rooms, the business plans to open Gujarat's Morbi as the first independently run location under the ""Palette"" brand. Last year, Oravel Stays introduced ten hotels under the Palette brand as part of a test program in cities like Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Jaipur. OYO CEO Ritesh Aggarwal said last month that the company has doubled its PAT to INR 30 Cr in Q3 FY24, marking the second consecutive profitable quarter for the firm. By the end of this year, parent company Oravel Stays, a prominent player in the hospitality industry, plans to launch 13 independently run hotels under the upscale ""Palette"" brand. The business said in a statement on Thursday (March 7) that it will launch the concept by building a Palette hotel in Morbi, Gujarat, replicating an OYO Rooms model.  By the end of this year, Oravel Stays, the parent company of Oyo, a significant player in the hospitality industry, wants to open 13 upscale hotels under the Palette brand. The business established ten Palette resorts in Jaipur, Hyderabad, Digha, Mumbai, Chennai, Manesar, and Bengaluru as part of a pilot program last year. With this, there will be 23 hotels operating under the Palette brand overall. Similar to Oyo's hotels, the Palette hotels will run on a ""self-operated"" model. As a result, the corporation won't need to invest much capital in this move. This will be the company's reintroduction of its self-operated concept, which it abandoned in 2020. The company added that it will assume direct operational control of a few Palette hotels in high-growth and potential regions in order to guarantee improved guest experience and service delivery. Morbi, dubbed the city of ceramics in India, is a major economic center in Gujarat, according to Oravel Stays. Ninety percent of India's tile output is produced in the district, which is home to around 800 tile factories with an annual revenue of roughly Rs 50,000 crore. We can't wait to open our first independently run Palette hotel in Gujarat, and Morbi is the ideal place to do it. Morbi is a significant market for us because of its thriving economy and expanding commercial prospects, according to Aditya Sharma, commercial Head, Oravel Stays."

Accenture to acquire edtech Udacity to accelerate capabilities of Accenture LearnVantage

"Accenture, a technology corporation, recently revealed that it will invest $1 billion over the course of the following three years in Accenture LearnVantage, a new initiative. The goal of the development is to meet the pressing demand for data, AI, and technological capabilities across businesses. The company plans to acquire Udacity, an educational platform, in order to improve its capacity to provide customized, industry-specific training on a large scale.Reducing the skills gap with individualized education LearnVantage is intended to assist businesses in promptly recognizing and closing the skills gap caused by the swift growth of technology. The platform offers a variety of tailored learning experiences and serves a broad clientele, including company executives and board members who want to learn about generative AI and IT workers who require specific training in AI, data science, cloud, and cybersecurity. The tactical purchase of Udacity Accenture made a calculated strategic move when it acquired Udacity, an edtech platform with its headquarters in California that is well-known for its certified job-ready skills. With Udacity's experience with scalable learning technologies, professional services, and exclusive content, the agreement is anticipated to greatly enhance Accenture's learning and training offerings. Accenture will benefit from the addition of over 230 Udacity professionals, expanding its talent pool and capabilities. Putting money into labor forces. Accenture has always been committed to upskilling; the company provides about 40 million training hours annually and spends more than $1 billion on learning and training for its employees. Accenture hopes to further this commitment to its clients by assisting them in becoming independent ""talent creators"" through LearnVantage. It is anticipated that the development will enable clients to fully utilize the opportunities presented by technological transformation, spurring creativity and corporate expansion. Establishing a cooperative learning environment Accenture LearnVantage is going to work with top technology ecosystem partners like Microsoft, Google Cloud, and Amazon Web Services to deliver industry-relevant technology training along with state-of-the-art generative AI material. Additionally, the platform will provide certification services and nanodegrees, guaranteeing that students obtain practical experience and acquire abilities that are immediately useful in the field. "

CHEFLING secures Rs 40 lakh from Shark Tank India judges

"An inventive business called CHEFLING is changing the Indian food scene in the busy alleyways of Mumbai. CHEFLING, a company founded by Rounit Gambhir, is on a mission to introduce international cuisines into Indian homes' kitchens with its distinctive Do-It-Yourself (DIY) cooking kits. These kits are made to make cooking world cuisine easier, enabling everyone to enjoy and participate in gourmet cooking. The founder of CHEFLING, Rounit Gambhir, has a background deeply ingrained in the textile sector. But the collapse of his family's textile business in 2019 gave him the motivation to forge his own route. In 2020, Rounit launched CHEFLING after realizing the potential of DIY meal kits in the Indian market and being inspired by the idea. His vision was driven by his desire to find a simple, affordable, and sustainable answer to the difficulties he had in obtaining foreign goods and recipes. How Does Chewing Operate? CHEFLING uses a straightforward but efficient model. It sells homemade cooking kits that come with everything needed to make a certain cuisine. These kits cover a wide range of different cuisines, such as Mexican (Chalada and Taco), Italian (Lasagna), and Japanese (Sushi and Mochi). To make cooking easy, each kit includes a comprehensive recipe and, occasionally, a QR code that takes users to a video demonstration and enjoyable. The signature item of CHEFLING is their sushi kit, which is well regarded for both its convenience and high quality. The kits are reasonably priced and come in several sizes to suit the needs of singles, couples, and groups. Rounit says that although while the kits seem expensive, they are actually rather affordable when you compare the amount and caliber of sushi they can make to restaurant costs. CHEFLING expansion CHEFLING has reported remarkable sales figures since its founding; Rounit disclosed a total sales amount of more than Rs 60 lakh in a span of three years. Additionally, the firm has added new kits to its catalog, broadening its selection of products and target market. India's DIY food kit market is expected to grow rapidly, potentially reaching an estimated value of Rs 8000 crore by 2025.  Rounit hopes to gain a sizable portion of this market with CHEFLING. His goals are to showcase Indian cuisine to the globe and to make exotic cuisines available in every Indian home. His goals go beyond the available products; he intends to create a do-it-yourself bar kit and investigate other culinary advancements. Pitch to Shark Tank India A gourmet startup called CHEFLING sought Rs 40 lakhs for 10% equity in a compelling episode of Shark Tank India Season 3, valuing the company at Rs 4 crore. The pitch set off a bidding war that resulted in two primary offers: a combined offer of Rs 40 lakh for 25% stock from four investors, and an offer of Rs 40 lakh for 20% equity from Namita, Azhar, and Piyush. "

Shadowfax raises $100 million Series E round led by TPG New Quest

"Mumbai: Shadowfax, a modern logistics services provider, announced on Tuesday that it has raised $100 million for its Series E round, which is being led by TPG NewQuest, through a combination of primary and secondary funding. Those with knowledge of the situation claimed the deal values the nine-year-old company at $500-550 million, though specifics of the valuation were not made public.According to a press statement from Shadowfax, the round also included participation from current investors Mirae Asset Venture Investments (India), Flipkart, International Finance Corporation, Nokia Growth Partners, Qualcomm, and Trifecta Capital. The news of NewQuest's interest in the business was initially reported by Mint. To date, the company has raised close to $120 million from investors, including Flipkart, Qualcomm Ventures, Eight Roads Ventures, and US investment firm NGP Capital. Eight Roads Ventures, an early investor in the business that has supported it since its Series A in 2015, made a partial exit through this round, according to ShadowFax. In an interview with Mint, cofounder and CEO of Shadowfax Abhishek Bansal stated that the company has been growing profitably over the last four quarters, with an annualized revenue run rate of ₹2,400 crore for FY24. By March 31, 2024, it hopes to have closed its first year with a positive Ebitda. Bansal stated, ""We will be actively looking for more inorganic opportunities, given that we are already profitable."" The company also intends to list on Indian bourses over the next 24 months. Shadowfax intends to use the additional funding over the course of the next 18 months to expand last-mile delivery over all 20,000 Indian pin codes and increase its middle-mile network.  A portion of the money generated will be put toward expanding Shadowfax's express delivery network and creating services for direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands. Due to the rapid growth of trade in the nation, logistics companies now need to operate quickly. We intend to enhance our technology capabilities and develop middle-mile delivery in order to establish ourselves as a fully-fledged courier within the 3PL space,"" Bansal said. The company, which was founded in 2015 by Bansal, Vaibhav Khandelwal, Gaurav Jaithliya, and Praharsh Chandra, provides services to online-first brands that range from pharmacy and food delivery services to larger e-commerce logistics. 30-minute deliveries are available for speedy commerce. ""Shadowfax is transforming India's e-commerce logistics industry. Their developed technology stack has impressed us. According to Amit Gupta, partner and head of TPG NewQuest's India and Southeast Asia, ""this helps with the delivery of superior service metrics and allows them to quickly adapt their services to client's changing needs at the lowest price."" "

Luminous Power Technologies puts the spotlight on #WomenInEnergy

In honor of International Women's Day, Luminous Power Technologies today released a digital short as part of their motivational campaign, #WomenInEnergy. The video, which is told from the perspective of a kid, masterfully depicts the prejudices and stereotypes that are pervasive in society regarding women in particular domestic contexts, such as a home terrace. Now in its second year, Luminous' #WomenInEnergy campaign seeks to inspire a better future for future generations while challenging gender preconceptions and biases that currently exist in the energy sector. The video, which was conceived by Autumn Grey, focuses on the routine domestic tasks that get accepted because they are only performed by female family members. With a small child watching his mother go about her daily business on the patio, In the film, those being taken up by other family members are beautifully shown, and the mother's role as a solar technician under the Luminous training program is shown. In this story, a boy challenges the idea of bias by judging his mother's worth by the labor she does on their terrace. Recognized for its creative energy solutions, the brand breaks beyond apparent bias to deliver a unique message. The idea of the IWD video was discussed by Neelima Burra, Chief Strategy Transformation and Marketing Officer of Luminous Power Technologies. She stated, "Although society has made significant progress and moved the needle for women in certain professions, there is still a lot to be addressed." Our movie emphasizes the need to change people's perspectives to embrace gender-neutral roles and provide everyone the same opportunity. Even if women have all the qualifications needed to work in the energy sector, they are nevertheless perceived as having a disproportionate number of men in technician positions. This movie will encourage viewers to reflect and alter their viewpoints. To hasten the nation's energy transition and promote the installation of solar PV rooftops, we must capitalize on the talent of women. The goal of our campaign, #WomenInEnergy, is to change people's perceptions and make careers for women in fields like solar technician practical and appealing. Luminous Power Technologies' chief human resource officer, Shikha Gupta, "The purpose of this film is to inspire viewers to think of traditionally male-dominated professions as safe and growth-oriented environments for women as well, such as solar technician." This movie offers a comprehensive message about the value of family support, which is the cornerstone for empowering women in non-traditional roles. When attitudes shift and everyone in the family assumes more responsibility for the home, closing the current gender gap will actually happen.

Shoppers Stop empowers women to embrace their choices fearlessly with #Don’tStop campaign

"Shoppers Stop launched the #Don'tStop campaign, which was created by Makani Creatives, in honor of Women's Day. The initiative aims to eliminate the biases and social pressures that women experience in the fields of fashion and beauty. Because of the unattainable standards that society has established, women—who are frequently the targets of unrelenting scrutiny and judgment—find themselves doubting their decisions and lacking confidence. The #Don'tStop campaign exhorts women to not hold back and to bravely embrace their choices. In the video, a girl receives criticism for being judged as ""Too Flashy,"" ""Too Bold,"" ""Too Revealing,"" ""Too Tight,"" ""Too Wild,"" and ""Too Fake,"" which is a reflection of the judgment many women face in all spheres of life. This realization served as the basis for Shoppers Stop's campaign, which encourages women to live freely and openly, without fear of repercussion. Women are frequently told what to dress, how to look, and how to portray themselves in society. #DontStop encourages women to reject these expectations and embrace their individuality. As longtime creative partners of Shoppers Stop, Sameer Makani, co-founder of Makani Creatives, commented on the campaign, saying, ""We wanted this topical campaign to authentically reflect the brand's ethos."" Our inspiration came from fashion, which is one of the most potent mediums for expressing oneself. The campaign is a powerful reminder to ignore unfavorable remarks and make decisions that suit one's comfort level and own preferences. ""We were struck by the power of simplicity in the storytelling and yet the impact it had on every woman in the room when team Makani presented the idea,"" Shwetal Basu, chief marketing and communication officer at Shoppers Stop and customer service associate, continued. It strikingly conveys the idea that, as a company, we are ardent supporters of self-assurance, tenacity, and inclusivity, opening doors for each and every woman to embrace her personal style."" The goal of the campaign film is to support women's uniqueness and give them the freedom to live boldly without fear of criticism or judgment."

ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund launches ‘Sapno ki Kishte’ campaign for Womens Day

"The commercial draws attention to the financial difficulties that women encounter and stresses the significance of using SIP to secure one's future. In honor of International Women's Day, ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund is launching Sapno ki Kishte, a new campaign that follows a mother and her son on their journey. The ad portrays the woman's unwavering will to fulfill her son's ambition of getting a car despite her daily obstacles with a moving story. The ad emphasizes the significance of women being financially literate and safeguarding their futures by using the Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) path.  The campaign highlights women's tenacity and daily sacrifices while highlighting their critical role in influencing their families' goals and objectives. Viewers see a woman's everlasting fortitude and perseverance as the story progresses. Abhijit Shah, ICICI Prudential AMC's head of marketing for digital and client experience, emphasized the significance of the campaign in honoring and appreciating the accomplishments made by women. He said, ""We at ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund think that everyone should be able to reach their financial objectives, no matter what their situation. We hope to celebrate women's unwavering spirit and the way Mutual Funds provides a means for them to safeguard their families' futures through this campaign. The ad emphasizes the advantages of using mutual funds as an investment vehicle to achieve long-term objectives and provide financial security. ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund is still dedicated to helping people achieve financial independence. The company's many digital outlets, including Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, will be used to reach a large audience for the campaign. The campaign highlights women's tenacity and daily sacrifices while highlighting their critical role in influencing their families' goals and objectives. Viewers see a woman's everlasting fortitude and perseverance as the story progresses. The ad emphasizes the advantages of using mutual funds as an investment vehicle to achieve long-term objectives and provide financial security. In order to support people on their path to financial independence, ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund continues to provide a broad choice of investment solutions that are geared towards meeting various needs."

TATA IPL on digital streaming is set to reinvent the stage for advertisers

"TATA IPL 2024 is more than just a massive cricket match. For advertisers wishing to maximize their effect and reach, it's the ideal venue. The competition, which has the potential to reach 650 million viewers, will present unmatched chances to engage and interact with a wide range of Indian audiences, regardless of whether they are viewing the match on 4G feature phones or 5G-enabled 4K devices. With its extensive IPL ad suite this year, JioCinema is going all out to make it simpler than ever for companies to engage with viewers. The possibilities are genuinely unlimited with live streaming available across 19 channels, exclusive IPL content available in different Indian languages, and more than 100 cohorts to target. Marketers now have a rare chance to enthrall consumers and strengthen their brand's visibility. The IPL will be viewed on CTV devices by more than 200 million cricket enthusiasts. Of these, at least 25% will watch the event on state-of-the-art 4K devices and support their favorite team. From investing, dining out, entertainment, consumer durables, travel, and beauty and personal care, these ultra-premium viewers enjoy the best. Throughout the IPL, they are every marketer's dream due to their tremendous spending power and passion for exclusive cricket events! The fact that fans may view the matches for free on any devices—even 4G feature phones—makes TATA IPL 2024 even more special. It will make the IPL more accessible to a wider audience and enable marketers to engage with untapped markets that were previously only accessible through audio advertisements. Jio 4G feature phones will be used by 35–40 million consumers to view the Indian Premier League, offering sponsors chances to reach these genuinely incremental audiences with creative multimedia ad placements like pre-roll roadblocks, personalized communication, and coverage ownership. During TATA IPL 2024, advertisers can target specific audiences with over 100 audience groups using a variety of ad innovations. The strategy will be incredibly focused and granular, with an unprecedented scope and reach due to the highest number of cohorts available on LIVE sports. These cohorts will open up IPL advertising to companies of all sizes. Additionally, it lessens the likelihood of waste of advertising budget, addressing a major issue for marketers. JioCinema is expanding IPL affiliations to small companies and local stores in order to further improve accessibility, providing effective solutions that are priced affordably. This effort ensures that any brand, regardless of size, can take use of this unmatched platform to maximize reach and engagement. It also expands the horizons for these businesses and magnifies the impact of IPL advertising. The 'IPL brand' has tremendous potential that a small firm planning an expansion might use to attract new customers while staying inside a certain budget. This is a calculated action that strengthens the credibility of the advertising message, fosters brand trust, and makes it easier to enter undiscovered areas."

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Canara HSBC Life Insurance launches iSelect Guaranteed Future Plus digital campaign

"As part of their most recent digital promotion, Canara HSBC Life Insurance has released three distinct films on their own social media channels, each of which highlights a key element of their most recent digital product, ""iSelect Guaranteed Future Plus."" The non-linked non-participating individual savings life insurance plan, created to meet a range of financial needs, guarantees a stable future for loved ones, and the campaign presents poignant tales via various life circumstances. Essential life insurance and guaranteed benefits are provided by iSelect Guaranteed Future Plus to safeguard customers' financial security throughout their entire lives. The program is made to adjust to your evolving milestones, so it will make sure your financial objectives are met on schedule. It offers peace of mind with customized alternatives that offer essential coverage and assured advantages, like as returns on your investment. The future is safe whether you go for stability, daily expense coverage with a complete premium refund, or quick cash assistance. The plan is designed to meet policyholders' financial goals and milestones, reflecting Canara HSBC Life Insurance's commitment to ensuring their customers' financial well-being throughout life's many stages. ""Through our new digital campaign, We aim to portray various life scenarios, illustrating the importance of building a financial plan to fulfil one's bigger promises and aspirations,"" says Canara HSBC Life Insurance Chief Strategy Officer and Distribution Officer Rishi Mathur. Our newest, top-notch product, iSelect Guaranteed Future Plus, offers excellent guaranteed returns and a thoughtful financial tool that ensures income and returns while preserving our clients' financial security. The most important takeaway from this is that you need a plan to assist you get ready to fulfill the larger promises made keeping your word to your loved ones and overcoming obstacles in life. ""As part of their most recent digital promotion, Canara HSBC Life Insurance has released three distinct films on their own social media channels, each of which highlights a key element of their most recent digital product, ""iSelect Guaranteed Future Plus."" The non-linked non-participating individual savings life insurance plan, created to meet a range of financial needs, guarantees a stable future for loved ones, and the campaign presents poignant tales via various life circumstances. Essential life insurance and guaranteed benefits are provided by iSelect Guaranteed Future Plus to safeguard customers' financial security throughout their entire lives. The program is made to adjust to your evolving milestones, so it will make sure your financial objectives are met on schedule. It offers peace of mind with customized alternatives that offer essential coverage and assured advantages, like as returns on your investment. The future is safe whether you go for stability, daily expense coverage with a complete premium refund, or quick cash assistance. The plan is designed to meet policyholders' financial goals and milestones, reflecting Canara HSBC Life Insurance's commitment to ensuring their customers' financial well-being throughout life's many stages. "Through our new digital campaign, We aim to portray various life scenarios, illustrating the importance of building a financial plan to fulfil one's bigger promises and aspirations,"" says Canara HSBC Life Insurance Chief Strategy Officer and Distribution Officer Rishi Mathur. Our newest, top-notch product, iSelect Guaranteed Future Plus, offers excellent guaranteed returns and a thoughtful financial tool that ensures income and returns while preserving our clients' financial security. The most important takeaway from this is that you need a plan to assist you get ready to fulfill the larger promises made keeping your word to your loved ones and overcoming obstacles in life. "  

Xiaomi 14 set to launch in India today: How to watch LIVESTREAM and everything expected

Xiaomi enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the launch of the much-anticipated Xiaomi 14 flagship series in India today, March 7. The Chinese tech giant is all set to unveil its latest offering in an exclusive event hosted in New Delhi, scheduled to commence at 6 pm IST. The Xiaomi 14 series, first revealed on a global stage during the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2024, comprises three distinctive models: Xiaomi 14, Xiaomi 14 Pro, and Xiaomi 14 Ultra. With teasers flooding social media platforms in recent weeks, enthusiasts are poised to finally get a glimpse of the official specifications and design elements of the Xiaomi 14 series.Xiaomi enthusiasts can catch the Xiaomi 14 launch event live on the company's official YouTube channel, starting at 6 PM today, March 7. Among the highlights, the Xiaomi 14 is rumored to boast a luxurious 6.36-inch LTPO AMOLED display, featuring an impressive 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 3000nits. Xiaomi aficionados can expect a choice of three elegant color options: Jade Green, Black, and White. Under the hood, the Xiaomi 14 is anticipated to be powered by the cutting-edge 4nm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, complemented by a robust 12GB LPDDR5X RAM. The device is speculated to be available in two storage configurations: 256GB and 512GB. Photography enthusiasts are likely to be pleased with the triple-camera setup rumored for the Xiaomi 14, comprising a 50MP main camera, a 50MP telephoto camera, and a 50MP ultra-wide camera. Selfie aficionados can anticipate a high-resolution 32MP front camera. In terms of endurance, the Xiaomi 14 is expected to house a substantial 4610mAh battery, with support for a rapid 90W HyperCharge capability, ensuring lasting performance throughout the day. While the base version of the Xiaomi 14 is expected to debut in India today, reports suggest that the Xiaomi 14 Pro and Xiaomi 14 Ultra models may not make an appearance, mirroring the absence of their predecessors, the Xiaomi 13 Ultra, from last year's lineup.  

OnePlus 13 might come with improved cameras, new design: All we know

It has been over three months since OnePlus launched its flagship phone, the OnePlus 12 in China. A month after that, the phones were launched globally in January this year. And now, rumours regarding the OnePlus 13 have already started surfacing. The upcoming OnePlus flagship could sport an entirely new design, as well as improved camera capabilities, as per recent leaks. Read on to know more about OnePlus 13 and how it is going to raise the bar for the brand.According to reliable leakster Digital Chat Station's post on Weibo, the OnePlus 13 might come with significant camera and design changes. While specifics remain rather unclear, the distinctive camera housing used in the OnePlus 12 is expected to undergo a transformation. The 50-megapixel main camera and the periscope camera, which had a 64-megapixel capacity and 3x optical zoom in the OnePlus 12, are reportedly under development. Digital Chat Station also hints at possible improvements, drawing attention to OnePlus being a subsidiary of Oppo, which boasts superior cameras in its Oppo Find X7 Ultra flagship. This includes a distinct 50-megapixel main sensor and a pair of 50-megapixel periscope cameras, one providing 6x optical zoom. The OnePlus 13 may inherit some of these advancements.Beyond cameras, the leaks suggest the OnePlus 13 might run on a Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chipset, a predictable upgrade from the current Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. In addition to this, the anticipated December release of the smartphone could position it amongst the first smartphones featuring this high-end silicon. Additionally, the OnePlus 13 is rumored to retain a 2K screen and incorporate an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor for enhanced security, according to another leaker, Smart Pikachu. It is to be noted that all these details at this point are mere speculations. We will know more about the smartphone when the brand officially decides to spill the beans on what users can expect from their next flagship device.Recently, a tipster also shared details about possible specs of the upcoming OnePlus Nord 5 smartphone. While OnePlus is yet to confirm the OnePlus Nord 5 release, tipster Shishir suggested that the phone will share a camera setup with the pricier OnePlus 12R. If the leak holds true, the Nord 5 could inherit the 12R's impressive ultra-wide and macro sensors, coupled with the 1/1.56-inch Sony IMX 890 sensor for enhanced photography. According to the leak, the upcoming OnePlus Nord 5 could be fueled by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Plus Gen 3 SoC, paired with up to 16GB of RAM. The device is also rumoured to sport a 6.74-inch 120Hz OLED display boasting 1.5K resolution. While resembling the OnePlus 12R's display, the Nord 5's LTPO panel promises industry-leading peak brightness. Expected to be a mid-range device under Rs 35,000, it may not match the 12R's pricing. Under the hood, the leak suggests a 5,500mAh battery for the OnePlus Nord 5, aligning with OnePlus's trend of offering similar battery capacities across models. The device is likely to feature a glass back and plastic frames.  

Elon Musk loses world’s richest person title to Jeff Bezos

Elon Musk is no longer the world's richest person. Musk lost his position, for the first time in nine months, to Jeff Bezos after shares in Tesla tumbled 7.2% on Monday. Musk now has a net worth of $197.7 billion; Bezos’ fortune is $200.3 billion.It’s the first time that Bezos, 60, the founder of Amazon.com Inc., has topped Bloomberg’s ranking of the richest people since 2021. The wealth gap between Musk, 52, and Bezos, which at one point was as wide as $142 billion, has been shrinking as Amazon and Tesla shares move in opposite directions. While both are among the so-called Magnificent Seven stocks that have propelled US equity markets, Amazon shares have more than doubled since late 2022 and are within striking distance of a record high. Tesla is down about 50% from its 2021 peak. Tesla shares fell on Monday after preliminary data showed shipments from its factory in Shanghai slumped to the lowest in more than a year. Amazon, meanwhile, is coming off its best online sales growth since early in the pandemic. Musk’s wealth could take a further hit after a Delaware judge struck down his $55 billion pay package at Tesla, where he’s chief executive. The decision took the side of an investor who’d challenged Musk’s compensation plan, which had been the largest in history.   

Rajeev Chandrasekhar issues a 3-point clarification on directive that got AI firms worried

"Process of seeking permission, labelling and consent based disclosure to user users about untested platforms is insurance policy to platforms who can otherwise be sued by consumers," Rajeev Chandrasekhar tweeted.The Centre on Monday clarified its directive for AI platforms to seek approvals before launching a product, saying the advisory did not apply to startups. The Centre's directive created ample confusion that all kinds of companies, including startups, need to have approvals before launching their AI platforms. Taking to X, Union Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology Rajeev Chandrasekhar highlighted three important points to clarify the rule. Chandrasekhar said that the advisory is aimed at large and "significant platforms" and won't be applied to startups. He further said that the rules are aimed at untested AI platforms "from deploying on Indian internet". "Process of seeking permission, labelling and consent based disclosure to user users about untested platforms is insurance policy to platforms who can otherwise be sued by consumers," Rajeev Chandrasekhar tweeted. The Minister said that the safety and trust of "India's internet" is a shared and common goal for the central government, users and platforms.The central government issued the recent advisory on March 1, over two months after the ministry issued the first advisory in December last year under the new IT rules. The first one was aimed at social media platforms directing them to follow existing IT rules to tackle deepfake problems."We issued one more advisory, which is a continued one that advises intermediaries and platforms that use AI, to be very careful about deploying on the public internet in India and allowing access to consumers," the Union Minister told ANI. Rajeev Chandrasekhar said the second advisory was issued to ensure another case of Google Gemini AI tool that clearly showed a "violation in law by outputting unlawful content" was not repeated. He further said that the advisory would help platforms to be more "disciplined about taking ther AI models and platforms from the lab directly to the market".  

Using Paytm Wallet to pay for Uber rides? The company has a message for you

Uber alters payment methods in India due to issues with Paytm Bank. Users won't be able to add money to their Paytm Wallets via the app from March 16, 2024, but existing wallet balances can still be used for Uber rides.Uber, a popular ride-hailing app in India, is switching up its payment methods because of some problems with Paytm Bank. Paytm Wallet has been a common way for people to pay for Uber rides, but now, because of issues between Paytm Bank and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Uber is making changes. Starting March 16, 2024, Uber won't let users add money to their Paytm Wallets through the app anymore. This is because the RBI, which regulates banks in India, has told Paytm Bank to stop certain services. However, if you already have money in your Paytm Wallet, you can still use it to pay for Uber rides even after March 16. Uber has been sending emails to its users to let them know about these changes. They're advising people who use Paytm Wallet on Uber to either make sure they have enough money in their wallets before March 15 or switch to a different way to pay for rides. In the email Uber sent out, they said: "According to the RBI's recent instructions, users won't be able to add money to their Paytm Wallets after March 15, 2024. But don't worry, if you have money in your wallet, you can still use it to pay for Uber rides after March 15, 2024."To make things easier for users, Uber is suggesting a few alternative payment methods. You can choose to pay for your Uber rides using Amazon Pay, Uber Cash, UPI, or Credit/Debit Cards. And of course, you can always pay with physical cash if that works better for you. If you're an Amazon Prime member, there's an extra perk for you. When you use Amazon Pay to pay for Uber rides, you'll get 5 per cent cashback on all your rides. Out of this, 4 per cent will be credited to your Uber account, and 1% will be given back to you as cashback in your Amazon Pay wallet. This can help you save money on future rides with Uber and also when shopping on Amazon.in. The decision to move away from Paytm Wallet comes as Paytm Bank faces challenges from the RBI. Uber wants to make sure its users can still easily pay for rides, so they're offering these alternative options. Make sure to update your payment method before March 16 to avoid any interruptions in your Uber rides.  

Netflix India expands horizon, promises diverse content lineup for 2024

Netflix India's Vice President of Content, Monica Shergill, revealed the streaming giant's ambitious plans to cater to a wider audience base in 2024 in an announcement this week. Highlighting upcoming projects like Sanjay Leela Bhansali's period spectacle "Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar" and the comedy show "The Great Indian Kapil Sharma Show," Shergill emphasised the platform's commitment to Indian content. "With 42 India titles trending globally on Netflix in 2022 and a staggering 62 last year, we've seen continued and consistent success with Indian content," Shergill told PTI. However, she acknowledged the unpredictability of achieving global phenomena like "Squid Game," stressing that such success ultimately hinges on audience reception. "As a creative executive, I would submit to the audience's love... All we have to do is really work hard, take bold bets, and make exciting content," she remarked, reflecting on the evolving tastes of viewers. Discussing the impact of the pandemic, Shergill noted how it provided ample time for audiences to explore content from around the world, contributing to Netflix India's phenomenal rise in 2023. The platform secured prestigious accolades, including an Oscar and an International Emmy, further solidifying its position in the industry. Looking ahead to 2024, Shergill promised an even more ambitious lineup, featuring diverse stories spanning different genres and formats. From the thrilling "IC814: The Kandahar Hijack" to the period film "Maharaj," starring debutant Junaid Khan, and Imtiaz Ali's unique take on the life of Punjabi singer Amar Singh Chamkila, Netflix India aims to captivate audiences with compelling narratives. Addressing queries about producing a global sensation akin to "Squid Game," Shergill likened such success to a "unicorn," acknowledging the industry's faith in Netflix's ability to deliver world-class content. The 2024 slate also includes a range of films and series, such as "Do Patti," "Murder Mubarak," "Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba," and "Wild Wild Punjab," along with unscripted titles like "Fabulous Lives versus Bollywood Wives" and the documentary "The Greatest Rivalry-India Vs Pakistan."  

Infosys executive says AI will directly impact jobs, companies will hire fewer employees in future

Ever since OpenAI introduced the world to ChatGPT in 2022, interest in generative AI has reached new heights. While some people feel that the emerging technology will prove to be beneficial for people and aid them in their day-to-day lives, there is another section of people who have been saying that it will take away human jobs. And an Infosys senior executive believes that generative AI will lead to decreased headcount in organisations. In other words, companies will be hiring fewer employees in the future thanks to AI.Satish H C, executive vice-president and co-head (delivery), said according to a Business Standard report, that because of new technologies like generative AI (artificial intelligence), companies will need fewer employees in the future. He added that this shift will happen gradually over the next three to five years. He further explained that as companies start using advanced technologies like generative AI more, they'll become more efficient, and that means they won't need as many people for traditional jobs. In simple terms, as technology becomes more important, companies might hire fewer people in the future, and this shift is expected to happen slowly over the next few years. In another interview with Reuters, the Infosys senior executive had said that the company was also turning out to be "AI first." He had said, "At Infosys, I don't think we were digital first. It took us a few years, but now that we have the hindsight of how we adapted to digital, we are adapting to AI much better and I think we are going AI first," he said.A few companies have already started replacing some of their human workforce with AI. One such company that recently made headlines for its automation success is Klarna, a Swedish financial technology company. The company revealed recently that its AI assistant has taken on the work that 700 employees used to do. This news comes a year after the company fired approximately a similar number of employees. The company had also faced massive criticism for the same. When Klarna faced staff reductions, CEO Sebastian Siemiatkowski pointed to economic uncertainties, worries about inflation, and the potential for an upcoming recession as reasons for the decision. Siemiatkowski had also received criticism for his handling of the situation, especially when he posted a spreadsheet on LinkedIn that listed the names of many laid-off employees. In response to questions from Fast Company about how the AI assistant's productivity in human terms was calculated, Klarna clarified that this metric had no connection to the earlier staff reductions.  

Phone with 28,000mAh battery showcased, Energizer says it can last for a week

While I saw a lot of innovative devices at this year's MWC 2024 tech show, the thing that I was not expecting to see here is a smartphone with a whopping 28,000mAh battery under the hood. Well, I think you might be as surprised as I was after finding out about it. Moreover, this one even has a rugged build quality and the company is claiming that it is shockproof as well as waterproof too. At MWC 2024, Avenir Telecom showcased it as an Energizer Hard Case P28K device.It is like any other traditional smartphone in the market, but with a much bigger battery and good build quality. It seems the device might not be for a regular consumer because it is very bulky and almost feels like holding a big stone in hand. But, it is a perfect device for workers, maybe, who work in places like mining and more. The smartphone won't die soon and will last for a week, something that they might want to have. It will also not get damaged because of water - all thanks to its support for IP69 rating. I do believe that its robust battery capacity comes at a cost in terms of size and weight. Weighing 570g and measuring 27.8mm thick, it's substantially bulkier than conventional smartphones. Nevertheless, it supports fast charging up to 33W, allowing for a full charge in under an hour and a half. The device runs on Android and has all the Google apps as well. Marketed as the ultimate endurance phone, this device promises an entire week of regular usage and with an IP69 rating, the company is ensuring durability in harsh environments. With talk time rated at 122 hours and standby time extending up to 2252 hours, it seems like a dependable companion for extended periods without access to charging points. In terms of specifications, the P28K offers entry-level features with no 5G support and a MediaTek MT6789 processor. It includes 8GB of RAM, 256GB of storage, a trio of rear cameras, Android 14, and a 6.78-inch 1080p LCD display. Avenir Telecom plans to launch the Energizer Hard Case P28K in October 2024, priced at EUR 249.99, targeting global markets excluding the US. While it may not appeal to those seeking sleek designs or cutting-edge performance, the P28K caters to a niche audience prioritizing endurance and reliability in their mobile devices.