Top Trending Technology News & Highlights
I tested the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro: Samsung has finally produced wireless earphones for Android users that are on par with the AirPods Pro.
The unpleasant reality is as follows: I see AirPods Pro everywhere, including corporate tech campuses, airports, cafes, and parks, despite my best efforts to avoid them. Even though high-end wireless earbuds have been available for years, I've always questioned why other businesses haven't been able to compete with them. But I can now confidently state that the new Galaxy Buds 4 Pro feel like a real rival to the AirPods Pro, and they function flawlessly with my Galaxy S26 Ultra.It's better late than never, and the Buds 4 Pro hit all the right notes—from their amazing sound quality and efficient active noise suppression to their simple design and cozy fit. To be honest, I didn't have high expectations for the Buds 4 Pro at first, but they astonished me.For a closer look at the Samsung Buds 4 Pro, including their strengths and weaknesses, scroll down. The Buds 4 Pro are clearly different from earlier Samsung wireless earbuds in terms of design. Instead of only making technical changes and renaming the earbuds, I'm delighted Samsung took the effort to completely redesign them. I thought it was great how the Buds 4 Pro differed cosmetically from the AirPods Pro.A premium brushed-metal strip runs along the stems of the black model I tested. They have a really elegant, minimalist design and don't appear cheap. Because each earbud weighs only 5.1 grams, your ear canals won't be strained. They didn't hurt or strain me while I wore them for hours at full power. Although it's crucial to remember that the earbuds are not completely waterproof, they have an IP57 classification, which indicates that they are resistant to dust and can be submerged in up to three feet of water for thirty minutes.
Published 21 Mar 2026 05:58 PM
As competition intensifies, Anthropic updates its AI safety pledge. What is stated in the new policy?
Anthropic has updated its safety guidelines to better reflect the current global regulatory framework that places a higher priority on the development and competitiveness of AI. The Claude maker stated in a revised version of its Responsible Scaling Policy (RSP), a voluntary framework that Anthropic uses to address catastrophic risks from AI systems, that it would not cease developing an AI model that was deemed dangerous if a competitor had already released a model that was comparable or better.This is a change from its RSP from two years ago, which said Anthropic would postpone potentially hazardous AI development. Anthropic stated in a blog post on Tuesday, February 24 that the change in its safety policy was brought about by the rapid advancement of AI and the absence of government agreement on AI rules. Given that Anthropic has been repeatedly referred to as one of the most safety-conscious companies in the AI industry, the revised policy represents a significant change. But the AI startup has also faced fierce competition from rivals like Google, OpenAI, and Elon Musk's xAI, which frequently release state-of-the-art tools."We anticipated that the announcement of our RSP would inspire other AI firms to implement comparable regulations." We anticipated that RSPs or comparable regulations would eventually become voluntary industry standards or influence AI legislation meant to promote safety and openness in AI model development, according to Anthropic. It further stated that "some parts of this theory of change have played out as we hoped, but others have not," based on its evaluation of the earlier RSPs.
Published 25 Feb 2026 05:53 PM
How CTV can prevent repeating the ad errors of linear TV for living room monetization
Connected TV live sports are about to enter a crucial period of recalibration. The medium is plagued by an old broadcast reflex: more advertisements equal more money, despite its promises of scale, accuracy, and living-room supremacy. A fundamental concern for the ecosystem is raised by the growing need to profit from every stop as live matches draw enormous concurrent audiences. To what extent can ad loads be increased before fandom becomes transactional and viewer immersion breaks down? Tolerance is a delicate currency in an environment where control and choice are paramount. This unique research explores what sustainability actually means during live sports by bringing together voices from the CTV, ad-tech, platform, and agency sectors. Beyond simple inventory counts, topics like experience design, temporal intelligence, creative ecosystems, and attention economics are covered. The emphasis is on creating a model where monetization does not come at the expense of loyalty, taking into account factors like the unpredictable nature of live broadcasts and the potential to increase interaction after the final whistle. The fundamental conflict is obvious: how well the ecosystem learns to use the screen, rather than how much advertising it can accommodate, will determine the direction of CTV sports in the future.
Published 24 Feb 2026 05:42 PM
According to sources, India orders a university to withdraw from the AI summit after introducing a Chinese robot as its own.
According to two government sources, an Indian university was forced to leave its booth at the nation's premier AI event after a staff member was seen passing off a commercially available robotic dog manufactured in China as the institution's own.Orion needs to meet you. This was created by Galgotias University's Centre of Excellence," communications professor Neha Singh said this week on state-run channel DD News in comments that have since gone viral.NEW DELHI (AP) — After one of its employees showed off a commercially available robotic dog manufactured in China and claimed it was the institution's own invention, a private Indian university was expelled from a major artificial intelligence symposium in New Delhi on Wednesday. Two government sources claim that a day after Neha Singh, a communications professor at Galgotias University, told state-run broadcaster DD News that the robotic dog Orion was created by the university's Center of Excellence, the university was directed to remove its booth at the summit. However, internet users soon recognized the robot as the Unitree Go2, which is used extensively in research and education and is marketed by China's Unitree Robotics. It starts at $1,600. Singh told reporters on Wednesday that she had never stated outright that the dog was an exhibit rather than the university's original creation.The two government officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not permitted to address the media, said the event was an embarrassment for the host nation, India. But according to a statement from Galgotias, the university was "deeply pained" and called the occurrence a "propaganda campaign" that might spread negativity and lower the spirits of students who are trying to use global technology to innovate, learn, and develop their talents.
Published 18 Feb 2026 06:06 PM
Technology
21st century is dedicated to the Technology and technology is dominating everywhere and every part of the world and almost all the industries are now a days is technology dependent or they need technology help to drive more scale and deliveries.
What You Need To Know Ahead of Microsofts Earnings on Tuesday
Tech titan Microsoft Corp. (MSFT), which just became the second company ever to reach a market capitalization of $3 trillion, is due to report its second-quarter fiscal 2024 earnings on Tuesday after the market closes. Analysts expect Microsoft to post its highest revenue in seven quarters and an uptick in EPS, while the company's AI-powered cloud services continue to soar. Analysts forecast that Microsoft will announce net income of $20.6 billion, or $2.77 per share, compared with $17.4 billion and $2.20, respectively, in the prior-year quarter, according to data compiled by Visible Alpha. The company is also expected to report total revenue of $61 billion, a nearly 16% improvement year-over-year and the sharpest increase in this area in close to two years. Microsoft's Intelligent Cloud quarterly revenue, which has roughly doubled in the last three years, is expected to reach an all-time high of $25.3 billion in the latest quarter, according to Visible Alpha. This would represent a roughly 18% increase YOY.While Microsoft's AI adoption might spell big gains for its top and bottom lines, the company has run into legal issues as a result as well. Late in 2023, the New York Times sued Microsoft and OpenAI for copyright infringement, contending that ChatGPT was trained using millions of copyrighted articles. The suit calls for "billions of dollars in statutory and actual damages." 6 The company is also being scrutinized by the U.K.'s competition watchdog, which is evaluating whether Microsoft's partnership with OpenAI could affect competition. Also recently, the Federal Trade Commission launched an inquiry into Microsoft and OpenAI as part of a broader look at investments and partnerships in the AI space.
Google Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro Get New Mint Colour Option; Available in Only 128GB Variant
Google Pixel 8 series has been launched in a new colourway. After teasing the new colour option last week, Google announced the availability of the Google Pixel 8 and the Pixel 8 Pro in a new Mint colour. This is the fourth colour option for both handsets. In October 2023, the Pixel 8 was launched in Hazel, Obsidian, and Rose colourways, whereas the Pixel 8 Pro was offered in Bay, Obsidian, and Porcelain colourways. The price of the new Mint colour is the same as other colour variants. Last week, Google posted a binary code along with a video of a mint green colour splash on the Pixel 8 Pro on its social media handles. The binary code translated to “fresh year, fresh drop,” hinting at the new colour option. Interestingly, the new colour option will only be available in the 128GB inbuilt storage variant for both Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. The higher storage variants will only be available in the original colour options. In India, the Mint colour option is only available on the vanilla Pixel 8. It can be purchased through Flipkart. The colour will be exclusive to the Google Store and Google Fi in the US. Those who have already purchased the Pixel 8 or the Pixel 8 Pro can still experience the new colourway, as Google also sells a Mint silicone case for both phones. Samsung Ties Up With Blinkit to Deliver Galaxy S24 Series in Select Cities Pixel 8 price in India starts at Rs. 75,999 for the 8GB RAM and 128GB inbuilt storage model and the Pixel 8 Pro starts at Rs. 1,06,999 with the 12GB RAM and 128GB inbuilt storage model. Google Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro specifications The Pixel 8 features a 6.2-inch full-HD+ OLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate. Under the hood, it is powered by the 4nm Google Tensor G3 SoC. For optics, the smartphone sports a dual rear camera setup comprising a 50-megapixel primary sensor and a 12-megapixel ultra wide-angle camera. It carries a 10.5-megapixel camera on the front. The handset is backed by a 4,575mAh battery with support for 27W wired charging. In contrast, the Pixel 8 Pro features a 6.7-inch Quad-HD OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. Just like the base model, it also runs on the Google Tensor G3 chipset. The rear camera visor houses three sensors including a 50-megapixel primary camera, a 48-megapixel telephoto lens, and another 48-megapixel ultrawide camera. It is backed by a 5,050mAh battery with support for 30W wired charging.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Series to Be Available on Blinkit in Select Cities; Doorstep Delivery in 10 Minutes
Samsung Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24+, and Galaxy S24 Ultra were unveiled at the company's Galaxy Unpacked event last week. The latest flagships are currently up for pre-orders in India and are set to go on sale for the first time starting Wednesday, January 31. Ahead of the sale, Samsung has joined hands with hyper-local delivery company Blinkit to offer doorstep delivery of the Galaxy S24 series in select cities. The company is claimed to deliver new handsets to buyers within 10 minutes of receiving the order. Samsung, via a press release on Thursday (January 25), announced a tie-up with Blinkit to deliver its recently launched Galaxy S24 series in India. Customers in Bengaluru, Delhi-NCR, and Mumbai can order Galaxy S24 Ultra, Galaxy S24+, and Galaxy S24 smartphones on the instant delivery platform for doorstep delivery. The handsets will be delivered in less than 10 minutes of receiving the order, claims Blinkit. Meanwhile, other online retailers will take at least one day to deliver the handsets. Customers buying the Galaxy S24 series through the Blinkit app or website can avail of an instant cashback of Rs. 5,000 for payments made using HDFC Bank credit cards.Samsung's Galaxy AI Features Are Coming to These Older Devices: Report. The Galaxy S24 has a starting price tag of Rs. 79,999 for the base 8GB + 256GB variant, the Galaxy S24+ pricing starts at Rs. 99,999, and the Galaxy S24 Ultra has a starting price tag of Rs. 1,29,999. Samsung Galaxy S24 series run on Android 14-based One UI 6.1 and boasts Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays with up to 120Hz refresh rate. The Galaxy S24 packs 8GB of RAM, while the top-end Galaxy S24+ and Galaxy S24 Ultra offer 12GB of RAM. The Galaxy S24 Ultra runs on a tweaked version of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC called "Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC for Galaxy" in all regions. The India variants of Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24+ smartphones have Exynos 2400 SoC under the hood. All three phones have IP68-rated dust- and water-resistant build. Samsung has equipped the Galaxy S24 Ultra with a quad camera setup led by a 200-megapixel primary camera. The regular models have triple rear cameras led by a 50-megapixel wide-angle camera. Samsung to Make Galaxy S24 Series in India for Local, Global Markets The Galaxy S24 Ultra comes with a 5,000mAh battery with support for 45W wired charging and Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 that offers 15W charging speeds. The Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24+ pack 4,000mAh and 4,900mAh batteries with 25W and 45W wired charging support, respectively.
"Moto G24 Power India Launch Set for January 30; Teased to Offer 6,000mAh Battery, Helio G85 SoC "
Moto G24 Power is confirmed to be offered in Glacier Blue and Ink Blue colours. Moto G24 Power will be launched in India next week. The Chinese smartphone vendor has announced the arrival of a new Moto G series smartphone through its official social media handle. Motorola has also listed the Moto G24 Power on its India website revealing its design and specifications. It is confirmed to come in Glacier Blue and Ink Blue shades. The Moto G24 Power is teased to run on the MediaTek Helio G85 SoC. Dual rear cameras, a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, and a 6,000mAh battery are other key specifications of the handset. It will be sold via Flipkart. Motorola, through its official X account, confirmed that the Moto G24 Power will launch in India on January 30 and will go on sale via the company's official website, Flipkart, and other leading retail stores. The Lenovo subsidiary and Flipkart are both teasing the key specifications of the smartphone via a dedicated microsite. The price details of Moto G24 Power are not known at this moment. However, we can expect the handset to be priced at around Rs. 10,000. The Moto G24 Power is confirmed to be offered in Glacier Blue and Ink Blue colours. It is listed to run Android 14 and feature a 6.56-inch HD+ display with 90Hz refresh rate. The handset will be powered by a MediaTek Helio G85 SoC, coupled with up to 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. Moto G04, Moto G24 With 5,000mAh Battery Unveiled: See Price For optics, the Moto G24 Power gets a dual rear camera unit, comprising a 50-megapixel primary camera with Quad Pixel technology alongside a 2-megapixel macro shooter. Selfies and video chats will be handled by a 16-megapixel front camera. It gets stereo speakers supported by Dolby Atmos and a side-mounted fingerprint scanner for authentication. It will offer an IP52-rated build and pack a 6,000mAh battery with support for 33W fast charging.
Oppo, Nokia Resolve All Pending Patent Disputes via Cross Licencing Deal
Nokia said that Oppo will make royalty payments, along with catch-up payments to cover the periods of non-payment as part of the cross-licencing deal.Finnish telecom gear maker Nokia said on Wednesday it had signed a 5G patent cross-licencing deal with Chinese device maker Oppo that resolves patent litigation between the companies. Nokia has been involved in legal disputes with several Chinese tech firms, including Oppo and Vivo, over patent payments. The Finnish group recently signed an agreement with Chinese smartphone maker Honor."Under the agreement Oppo will make royalty payments, along with catch-up payments to cover the periods of non-payment," Nokia said in a statement. "The agreement resolves all pending patent litigation between the parties, in all jurisdictions."OP Corporate Bank analyst Kimmo Stenvall said investors had expected the parties to reach an agreement "sooner or later". Nokia' shares were roughly flat at 1049 GMT (4:19pm IST).Inderes analyst Atte Riikola said it was good uncertainty was now lifted about the timing of the deal, after the process had taken longer than expected. Nokia in December warned it would not meet its financial outlook for 2023, saying talks over unspecified licence renewals would continue into this year.
How China Cannot Use Its Technology for Artificial Intelligence Because of US Intervention
The Biden administration is proposing requiring US cloud companies to determine whether foreign entities are accessing US data centers to train AI models, US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said on Friday. "We can't have non-state actors or China or folks who we don't want accessing our cloud to train their models," Raimondo said in an interview with Reuters. "We use export controls on chips," she noted. "Those chips are in American cloud data centers so we also have to think about closing down that avenue for potential malicious activity." The Biden administration is taking a series of measures to prevent China from using US technology for artificial intelligence, as the burgeoning sector raises security concerns. The "know your customer" rule that was proposed was made available to the public on Friday and will be published the following Monday. It is significant, according to Raimondo. The US is "trying as hard as we can to deny China the compute power that they want to train their own (AI) models, but what good is that if they go around that to use our cloud to train their models?" she stated. Raimondo stated last month that Nvidia would not be permitted by Commerce "to ship is the most sophisticated, highest-processing-power AI chips, which would enable China to train their frontier models."For a variety of national security reasons, the US government is concerned about China developing sophisticated AI systems, so it has taken action to prevent Beijing from obtaining cutting-edge US technologies to bolster its armed forces. Under the proposed legislation, foreign nationals who register for or keep accounts using US cloud computing would have to provide identification through a "know-your-customer program or Customer Identification Program." Additionally, cloud computing companies would have to certify compliance on an annual basis, and it would set minimum standards for identifying foreign users.Raimondo said US cloud computing companies "should have the burden of knowing who their biggest customers are training the biggest models, and we're trying to get that information. With that information, what will we do? Depending on what we discover. President Joe Biden in October signed an executive order requiring developers of AI systems that pose risks to US national security, the economy, public health or safety to share the results of safety tests with the US government before they are released to the public.The Commerce Department intends to request those surveys from businesses in the near future. Companies will have 30 days to reply, Raimondo told Reuters. "Any company that doesn't want to comply is a red flag for me," she stated. Biden's "illegal" executive order is being implemented by Commerce, according to Carl Szabo, general counsel at the tech industry trade group NetChoice, "to force industry reporting requirements for AI." He went on to say that making US cloud providers disclose how non-US organizations were using their resources "for training large language models could deter international collaboration."
THIS WEEK IN ENTERPRENEURSHIP POLICY + RESEARCH
Welcome to ‘The Startup State’ - a weekly bulletin from the GEN Policy and Research team highlighting key entrepreneurship news, reports, commentary and features from around the world. The GEN Atlas is the world’s largest entrepreneurship policy compendium, featuring over 350 case studies from 70 countries. Our latest entry to be updated examines Germany’s Better Regulation Program - a wide-reaching initiative to reduce red tape, simplify regulations, and improve the overall quality of policymaking. Read the Atlas entryThe UNDP, the presidents of Rwanda and Ghana, and Nigeria’s digital economy minister Bosun Tijani used Davos to launch ‘Timbuktoo’, an ambitious pan-African development initiative with the aim to mobilize $1bn capital to create 10 million jobs and transform 100 million lives. It will include legislative reform, derisking investment, and ‘university innovation pods’, among other efforts to strengthen African entrepreneurship ecosystems (UNDP). Saudi Arabia has boosted its Aramco Ventures unit by $4bn, more than doubling the state oil company’s overall venture capital funds (Aramco).The United Kingdom’s technology secretary Michelle Donelan has announced a government “scaleup policy sprint” with the aim of matching US levels of VC investment as a share of GDP by 2030 - which would mean an additional £5bn ($6.3bn) per year into British startups (Sifted | Speech transcript).Nigeria’s minister of women affairs and social affairs Uju Kenedy-Ohaneye has launched a new unit in the SME Development Agency of Nigeria dedicated to supporting women and youth entrepreneurship (Blueprint) Publications and analysis This World Bank report examines ten years of data behind a public-private matching grant program to answer the question of whether public funding can help startups innovate and subsequently improve their performance. This Tony Blair Institute for Global Change report sets out how the UK can reset its historically aid-focused African engagement approach to embrace emerging economic opportunities and achieve mutual prosperity and cooperation. This World Economic Forum and Schwab Foundation Global Alliance for Social Entrepreneurship report is the first, comprehensive global dataset to estimate the size and scope of social enterprise worldwide. It finds 10 million social enterprises globally, with $2 trillion annual revenue and 200 million jobs.This World Economic Forum report introduces a multidimensional framework to assess the quality of growth across 107 countries globally. It characterizes nations’ economic growth across four dimensions: innovativeness; inclusiveness; sustainability; and resilience. This World Economic Forum and Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance report reveals new data on the rapidly evolving fintech ecosystem and the opportunities fintech activities are offering traditionally underserved consumers and businesses.
These innovators are accelerating the aviation industrys transition to net-zero
Aviation accounts for 2% of global greenhouse gas emissions and, with air travel projected to increase, these emissions are poised to escalate.The Sustainable Aviation Challenge on UpLink called for innovators who accelerate the development and adoption of sustainable aviation fuel and other propulsion solutions.16 Top Innovators were selected as winners and will gain visibility opportunities, special event invitations and curated introductions to industry partners and potential funders. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), aviation accounts for 2% of global greenhouse gas emissions and with air travel projected to increase over this decade, these emissions are only poised to climb. The challenge is to reinvent flying and make it compatible with our global net-zero emissions targets. Decarbonizing aviation is one of the toughest challenges of the clean energy transition and one that will require many technological breakthroughs and a concerted effort by innovators, industry, governments, and finance providers. To accelerate and support the transformation of aviation and expedite its journey to net-zero, UpLink and the First Movers Coalition have launched the Sustainable Aviation Innovation Challenge to identify and accelerate the most innovative and promising start-ups in this sector. With 130 high-quality submissions received from around the globe, 16 Top Innovators were selected by industry partners to join the UpLink Innovation Ecosystem. To this end, we’re excited to announce the cohort of Sustainable Aviation Top Innovators to accelerate the development and adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and other propulsion solutions, with the broader vision of enhancing the viability of promising start-ups in this space. Innovation ignites the spark, but collaboration fuels progress. These 16 innovators are now plugged into World Economic Forum formal programming and a support ecosystem of industry partners and investors to scale up their ventures through business and technology collaborations.
The impact of supporting a new generation of entrepreneurs.
UpLink, launched in 2020 by the World Economic Forum in collaboration with Deloitte and Salesforce, is building an open innovation platform ecosystem fostering entrepreneurial solutions for global challenges aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Since its inception, it has grown into a vibrant community of purpose-driven entrepreneurs, investors, visionary organizations and experts. It has hosted 51 Innovation Challenges, bringing forth nearly 6,500 innovative solutions worldwide, recognizing 442 of these as 'Top Innovators' and 46 as 'Top Investors.' More than 250 ecosystem partners from across sectors have supported these innovators through catalytic funding, expertise, and other acceleration opportunities. UpLink aims to accelerate the growth and impact of early-stage entrepreneurs, build innovation ecosystems of diverse stakeholders, and shift perceptions of innovation's role in achieving the SDGs. These innovators, carefully selected for their impactful and sustainable solutions, are integrated into a dynamic ecosystem for growth, collaboration, and increased global visibility.Since early 2023, UpLink has started to implement a robust impact management and measurement strategy following industry best practices, to better support and showcase the positive transformation led by its Top Innovators. Here are the key impact highlights reported by UpLink Top Innovators in UpLink's 2023 Annual Impact Report:
Netflixs password crackdown worked. It could have more tricks to lure subscribers.
Netflix added almost 30 million subscribers in 2023 after cracking down on password sharing in May.Customers balked at the idea, but in the end Netflix prevailed.AdvertisementWhen Netflix announced it was mulling a ban on password sharing a few years ago, subscribers immediately balked. Many threatened to ditch their subscriptions, screaming #CancelNetflix, while others followed through and decisively closed their accounts.Nobody liked the idea. I certainly didn't. But let's be honest: We knew this had to happen.For years, Netflix turned a blind eye to password sharing, even winkingly encouraging it on social media. But that was when Netflix was in an exponential growth phase that carried the company to its 2021 share price high of more than $690. In 2022, Netflix reported losing subscribers for the first time in more than a decade — about 200,000 accounts in the first quarter of that year and close to 1 million in the second.Couple those losses with the fact that the streaming landscape had become much more crowded than it was in 2007 when Netflix first started offering its library online. Think Hulu, Disney+, Prime Video, Paramount+, and others. So, say you're one of Netflix's co-CEOs: You see your company is bleeding subscribers, your competitors are circling you like vultures, and, at the end of the day, you're beholden to your shareholders.And wow, look, an internal analysis report drops on your desk. It reveals that there are about 100 million households around the world who are accessing Netflix without a paid account, including a cheap Business Insider reporter leeching off his ex.In the third quarter of 2023, Netflix reported that it added 8.8 million subscribers, vastly exceeding expectations. The fourth quarter numbers yielded even better results: 13.1 million global subscribers for a total of more than 260 million, Business Insider's Lucia Moses reported. That's a gain of nearly 30 million over 2022. Two moves likely helped Netflix boost those numbers, according to Jadrian Wooten, an economics professor at Virginia Tech who writes the newsletter Monday Morning Economist.While Netflix was preparing its password-sharing crackdown, it introduced an ad-based subscription at about $7 a month, which was $3 less than its cheapest ad-free offering at the time and slightly cheaper than a Hulu account. The company also provided an option for households to add users to their existing accounts for about $8 a month. "So that was sort of a move that was done both to geographically expand to other countries and offer a cheaper version, but it also introduces sort of this second tier for people who were sharing an account, and they could then bump down to that next part," Wooten told BI. "So the idea is they wouldn't pay for a full account on their own, but maybe if they lost access, they would drop down to that ad-tier part."
SAP is restructuring 8,000 jobs to focus on AI, some employees could be asked to leave
SAP has unveiled a major restructuring plan, affecting 8,000 jobs, as it is now preparing for the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI). This transformative move, backed by a substantial €2 billion (around Rs 18,000 crore) investment, highlights SAP's commitment to positioning itself for future growth in the dynamic tech landscape, the company said in a blog post. SAP has unveiled a major restructuring plan, affecting 8,000 jobs, as it is now preparing for the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI). This transformative move, backed by a substantial €2 billion (around Rs 18,000 crore) investment, highlights SAP's commitment to positioning itself for future growth in the dynamic tech landscape, the company said in a blog post. The software company's CEO Christian Klein explained the importance of this strategic transformation, describing it as the next chapter for SAP. The German enterprise software giant aims to steer its focus towards Business AI, signaling a notable shift in its investment priorities. Klein expressed confidence in the company's prospects, particularly in the year 2024.Of SAP's extensive workforce of 108,000 employees, more than 7 percent will feel the impact of this restructuring. To manage these changes, SAP clarified that the majority of the approximately 8,000 affected positions are expected to be addressed through voluntary leave programs and internal re-skilling initiatives. The voluntary program suggests that some of the employees could be asked to leave internally, which won't be labelled as layoff, something that Amazon was also reported to be doing. The company wants to end 2024 with a workforce size comparable to its current levels after implementing reinvestments.
Moto Razr 40 Ultra, Razr 40 get up to Rs 20,000 price cut
Motorola has slashed the prices of its Moto Razr 40 and Razr 40 Ultra foldable phones by up to Rs 20,000. The premium devices boast impressive specifications and are now available at reduced prices.In Short Motorola Razr 40 and Razr 40 Ultra get a significant price cut of up to Rs 20,000.The Razr 40 Ultra features a 6.9-inch P-OLED display, Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor, and a dual rear camera system.The Razr 40, resembling the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4, offers a 6.9-inch viewing area. If you are planning to buy a foldable phone, you should check out the deals on Motorola Razr series. The Moto Razr 40 as well as the Razr 40 Ultra are getting a price cut of Rs 20,000. To recall, the Moto Razr 40 Ultra was launched at a price of Rs 89,999. However, the price will now be down to Rs 69,999. Even the Moto Razr 40 is getting a price cut of Rs 10,000, which is now available for Rs 49,999. Motorola is making waves with the release of the Motorola Razr 40, a phone that bears a striking resemblance to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4, complete with a compact cover display. This petite OLED cover display measures just 1.5 inches and boasts a 2:1 aspect ratio. While it may seem small, it provides users with a handy space for checking apps and call notifications on the go.However, the magic truly unfolds when you open up the Razr 40, revealing an expansive 6.9-inch viewing area with a 22:9 aspect ratio. The phone's cover display maintains a standard 60Hz refresh rate, but the main display kicks things up a notch with an impressive 144Hz refresh rate. Motorola has equipped the main screen with a 10-bit display panel, promising a palette of over 1 billion possible colors for an enhanced visual experience. In terms of features, the Motorola Razr 40 aligns with some of the standard offerings found in other cutting-edge Motorola Edge phones. It's worth noting that the phone does not include an audio jack, although it compensates with speakers that boast Dolby Atmos support, delivering a rich and immersive audio experience. Connectivity-wise, the Razr 40 is up to par with support for NFC, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.3.One interesting twist is that Motorola has included a protective case right in the box, ensuring that your stylish and sophisticated Razr 40 remains well-guarded from the elements and everyday wear and tear.With its sleek design, innovative features, and striking resemblance to its Samsung counterpart, the Motorola Razr 40 is poised to make an impact in the world of foldable smartphones, offering a unique blend of style and substance for tech enthusiasts on the lookout for the next big thing in mobile technology.
Izi Mini X Nano Drone With 3-Axis Gimbal, 4Km Live Video Range Launched in India
Izi, a consumer electronics brand focussed on consumer drones, has launched its new Mini X nano drone in India today, January 24. The Mini X nano drone is available in two different versions — Standalone and Fly More Combo. The drone is said to be capable of transmitting live videos from a maximum distance of 4km. It features a Sony CMOS sensor with f/2.0 aperture and boasts video recording capabilities at 4K (Ultra-HD) resolution. The Mini X nano drone starts at the price of Rs. 29,999.The Izi Mini X Standalone nano drone is available at the price of Rs. 29,999, whereas the Mini X Fly More Combo has been priced at Rs. 37,999. The main difference between the two models is two extra batteries that allow the latter to sustain flight for 93 minutes as opposed to the base variant's 31-minute flight time, as per the company. The base model also does not come with a triple-charging hub that can charge all the batteries at the same time. The drone can be purchased via Izi's website and Amazon. The Izi Mini X nano drone features a 20-megapixel Sony sensor that has 4x zoom capabilities and can record videos in 4K resolution. The drone weighs 249g and the body has a foldable modular design for added portability. It can reach a maximum altitude of 800m and can fly at the speed of 16m/s or 58kmph, as per the company.Izi Mini X nano drone is equipped with GPS and GLONASS sensors that enable precise navigation and safe returns with one-tap control. This is useful in low battery or lost control scenarios. The drone offers 10+ flying modes that help in capturing a diverse set of videos. The photography modes on the drone include Normal, Helix, Comet, Circle, Follow Me, Dronie, Rocket, Waypoint, Route Plan, and Panorama. For storage, the Mini X nano drone sports an SD card slot supporting up to 128 GB Class 100 UHS-1 microSD card. The drone works with the Izi Sky Eye app for remote piloting control, aerial photography, cinematography, and flight parameter adjusting.
Spotify to Allow In-App Purchases for Subscriptions, Audiobooks on iPhone in Europe After March DMA Deadline
Spotify will be able to avoid Apple's 30 percent fee for purchases made via the App Store once the EU's DMA regulations go into effect in March.Spotify users in Europe from March will be able to buy audiobooks and subscription plans from within the music-streaming app as a result of the region's new competition law for Big Tech, the Swedish company said on Wednesday.The move will help the company avoid Apple's 30 percent fee for purchases through its App Store, which has long been a source of contention between app developers and the tech giant.Spotify has for years been in embroiled in a legal battle, alleging that it was forced to raise the price of its monthly subscriptions to cover costs tied to Apple's App Store rules. Instagram, Facebook, Messenger Now Work Separately, But There's a Catch "For years Apple had these rules where we couldn't tell you about offers, how much something costs, or even where or how to buy it," Spotify said in a blogpost."The DMA (Digital Markets Act) means that we'll finally be able to share details about deals, promotions, and better-value payment options in the EU."Under the DMA, which all Big Tech firms must comply with by March 7, companies are obligated to treat their own products and services like they do rivals'. How Apple Plans to Enable Sideloading in Europe in the Coming Weeks Apple plans to challenge the European Union's decision to put all of App Store into the bloc's new digital antitrust list, Bloomberg News had reported in November. On Tuesday, Apple asked a London tribunal to throw out a mass lawsuit worth around $1 billion brought on behalf of more than 1,500 app developers over its App Store rules.Apple had also drawn criticism from Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg who called App Store policies and fee structure as problematic and causing a conflict of interest. Japan to Force Apple, Google to Allow Third-Party App Stores: Report We've always been interested in helping developers distribute their apps, and new options would add more competition in this space," Meta said on Wednesday."Developers deserve more ways to easily get their apps to the people that want them. Is the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 the best foldable phone you can buy in India right now? We discuss the company's new clamshell-style foldable handset on the latest episode of Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast. Orbital is available on Spotify, Gaana, JioSaavn, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and wherever you get your podcasts.Affiliate links may be automatically generated - see our ethics statement for details.For the latest tech news and reviews, follow Gadgets 360 on X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads and Google News. For the latest videos on gadgets and tech, subscribe to our YouTube channel.
China launches commercial carrier rocket Lijian-1 Y3
Five satellites were placed into predetermined orbit by China's commercial carrier rocket Lijian-1 Y3, which was launched on Tuesday at 12:03 p.m. from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China. Taijing-1 03, Taijing-2 02 and 04, Taijing-3 02, and Taijing-4 03 were the five satellites, which were primarily used for environmental surveys, space probes, and scientific research. The launch set new records in China's multiple satellite platforms and payload technologies.The rocket was painted with the Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism's logo, which depicts the traditional Chinese Loong (Dragon), in honor of the new Chinese year. The mission was carried out in extremely cold temperatures—down to minus 20 degrees Celsius—which further confirmed its adaptability to different conditions. The Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Institute of Mechanics in collaboration with CAS Space created the Lijian-1. Its dimensions for the 500-kilometer sun-synchronous orbit are as follows: total length of 30 meters, diameter of the core stage 2.65 meters, takeoff weight of 135 tons, takeoff thrust of 200 tons, and carrying capacity of 1,500 kg.The solid-propellant carrier rocket was first launched in July 2022, and has already sent 37 satellites into space. Its launch success rate is 100 percent. The mission was the third launch of the Lijian-1 carrier rocket.
Botree Software International Pvt. Ltd.
Navigating the intricacies of distribution management has long been a challenge in the business landscape, posing hurdles for companies seeking to optimise their supply chains. The complexities of managing distribution and elevating retail execution have proven to be significant obstacles. It is within this challenging terrain that Botree Software has risen as a transformative force.As a pioneer and leader in route-to-market solutions, Botree has redefined the management of distribution and the enhancement of retail execution for brands. With an illustrious 25+ year history, the Botree product ecosystem empowers over 60 blue-chip clients, 85,000+ distributors, 32,000+ active sales representatives, and reaches 5+ million retail stores. This extensive reach contributes to increased market share, revenue, and profit for its clients. Serving diverse industries such as FMCG, Consumer Durables, and OTC Pharma, Botree Software exemplifies scalable, innovative, and impactful solutions across various sectors.Botree’s inception stems from inspiration drawn from Gautama Buddha’s enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree. Pioneering Distributor Management Software (DMS) from the outset, Botree was the first to provide an enterprise-grade DMS to marquee brands such as Amul, Nestle, Parle, and Marico that helped them gain visibility into their secondary sales, manage inventories, drive trade promotion schemes, etc. nationally.While facing initial resistance from distributors to provide visibility and transparency, early adopters in the FMCG sector played a pivotal role in establishing Botree as the go-to DMS provider for big brands. Strategic collaborations with industry giants like Hindustan Unilever and Nestle India became turning points, propelling Botree into prominence. The commitment to delivering a high-quality domain-centric, scalable, and enterprise-grade DMS supported by strong customer service resonated with FMCG brands and distributors, fostering a dedicated following for Botree. Some of their esteemed clientele includes renowned names like Dabur India Limited, Marico Limited, Nestle India Limited, Tata Consumer, Perfetti Van Melle India, Amul, Kenvue (erstwhile J&J Consumer), etc.Expanding offerings to meet evolving customer needs translated into increased market share and a growing customer base. Today, Botree Software stands as a name synonymous with DMS, reflecting its unmatched expertise and enduring impact in the industries it operates in.Keyur Maniar, an accomplished and seasoned professional, brings over three decades of diverse and enriching sales, delivery, and cross-functional experience with a demonstrated track record of meeting P&L, CSAT, and Risk/Compliance goals. Over the years, he has progressed through various roles, including Director and Senior Vice President at leading firms, before assuming his current position. His journey through various roles has cultivated his strategic thinking, leadership skills, and keen business acumen and enabled him to quickly analyse key business issues and to develop and execute transformation strategies to grow top-line and bottom-line. Currently, under his guidance, Botree is undergoing a significant cultural and technological transformation over the past 18 months.Botree is revolutionising supply chain management with its comprehensive end-to-end solutions, addressing industry-specific challenges in distribution and retail automation. Designed for sectors like CPG, Consumer Durables, and OTC Pharma, these solutions offer a holistic approach to optimising inventory, streamlining orders, driving trade promotions, and enhancing the customer experience.Products such as Botree Sales Force Automation (SFA), Botree DMS, Botree Mobile DMS, Botree FlexiDMS, Botree Retailer Connect, and Botree Insights automate sales and distribution channels as well as provide actionable insights to drive revenue velocity.As more companies seek a single vendor for comprehensive sales digitisation, Botree stands out as the only one capable of meeting this requirement. Designed to be light and scalable, their solutions ensure effectiveness even in areas with limited internet connectivity, showcasing their commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements in route-to-market supply chain digitisation. Although initially focusing on larger enterprises, Botree Software has adapted its strategy over the last 18 months. The surge of regional as well as D2C players entering the market led to the introduction of a robust SaaS solution alongside its enterprise offering to accommodate these emerging businesses. Recognising the growth potential, Botree Software actively targets tier 2 and tier 3 players, aligning its solutions with the diverse needs of these emerging market players.Whether used standalone or as part of an integrated solution, Botree’s offerings cater to diverse business needs. Recognising the uniqueness of each enterprise, Botree provides tailored solutions across both enterprise and SaaS models, ensuring that the outcomes exceed client expectations, thereby fostering efficiency and sustainable growth. Prioritising scalability, innovation, and client centricity while delivering robust, reliable products through cutting-edge technologies makes Botree Software stand out in a competitive market. Despite the emergence of a fair number of competitors, Botree maintains its uniqueness, competitive differentiators, and enduring client preference amongst brands of all sizes.
Accelerating enterprise global capability maturity using digital capabilities and practitioner’s strength.
Global Capability Centers (GCCs) are consistently gaining patronage as a strategic lever and have seen rapid growth over the past couple of years. GCCs are in-house units that are set up by multinational companies in offshore geographies to take advantage of low operating costs, talent availability and language skills. Large companies have been using an outsourced model; however, over the years, there has been a major shift towards a GCC model, which is also referred to as in-house centres. Early on, these units were set up to take advantage of the cost and talent arbitrage, but have now progressed to be ‘value creators’ and are being leveraged as innovation and transformation hubs. India continues to be the top destination for new GCCs, hosting over 1580 centres with a talent pool exceeding 1.66 million professionals as of June 2023.With a mission to simplify and make GCCs accessible and be size agnostic, Gloplax was founded in 2019 by leaders of the global sourcing industry. Gloplax has emerged as a ‘game changer’ in facilitating the establishment and operation of GCCs in India and the Philippines. Leveraging extensive experience, practitioner’s strength, and a digital ecosystem, Gloplax is rightly poised to accelerate the GCC journey for its clients. Gloplax has become a trusted partner for marquee brands in Financial Services and Retail. With a global presence spanning India, Philippines, US, UK, and Australia, Gloplax provides a definite edge in enabling seamless global operations.A successful GCC set-up requires a comprehensive ecosystem to support/ enable at each stage of its lifecycle. Gloplax has developed a digital ecosystem that comprises advanced technology-enabled tools, frameworks, verified vendor partners and reliable industry data and insights. The Gloplax team has a history of successfully setting up and running Global Capability Centres (GCCs) of leading multinational companies over the last two and a half decades.Their commitment extends across the entire value chain of global sourcing, guided by the core belief that solutions should be tailored to each client’s unique context. “Embracing a bespoke approach supported by our distinctive 3E model – Effectiveness, Efficiency and Experience integrated in all that we do, Gloplax ensures customised and impactful solutions for every engagement.” Shared Aveek Mukherjee, Co-founder and MD, Gloplax. Founded by professionals and senior leaders from the global sourcing industry, Gloplax distinguishes itself through deep experience and a technology-enabled operating environment. The leaders at Gloplax are proud of their impressive legacy of establishing GCCs for leading Financial Services companies and MNCs from other industries, Retail, Technology and other industries. Gloplax recently announced a strategic alliance with KPMG in India, a prominent advisor in the GCC domain. Together, they present a comprehensive “GCC as a service” model encompassing strategy and design, capability building, facility setup, operational management, and support functions like Human Resources, Finance, Risk Management, Compliance, Branding, Recruitment, and technology implementation. This collaborative model offers numerous advantages, including lower capital outlay, accelerated time to market, flexibility in team scaling, access to high-quality talent, market insights, industry experts, and competitive costs compared to traditional standalone GCC models. The joint service model caters to diverse industries such as Financial Services, TMT (technology, media, and telecommunications), Healthcare, ENR (energy and natural resources), Manufacturing, Insurance, and more. Charlie Roberson brings a wealth of experience from his 28-year career, retiring as Executive Vice President at a large US bank. Leading the company’s global services from its inception in 2007, he grew it to 25,000+ resources within a decade. Charlie’s approach, tailored to the company’s culture, earned the trust of senior leaders. Under his leadership, Gloplax excels in assessing opportunities, supporting decision-makers, and providing ongoing delivery excellence, primarily in India and the Philippines.
Sensex tumbles 1,628.01 points to close at 71,500.76; Nifty plunges 460.35 points to 21,571.95
The company has received additional orders worth ₹339.31 crore since the last disclosure on 26th Dec 2023 and these orders pertain to Combat Management System, Composite Communication System, Transmit / Receive Modules, Mobile Autonomous Stabilization System and other spares / services, said BEL in a filing to the exchanges. Nifty Banks Slides More Than 4%, Biggest Fall Since February 2022. HDFC Bank Records Worst Day In 3 Years, Falls Over 8% After Earning. HDFC Bank Contributes Over 50% Fall To Both Nifty & Nifty Bank. HDFC Bank Reacts Sharply To Earnings, Erases `1 Lk Cr Market Cap. BSE-listed Cos Erase Market Cap Of `4 Lakh Cr Today. All Sectoral Indices Close In The Red While Volatility Index Surges 11%. Sensex Slides 1,628 Points To 71,501 & Nifty 460 Points To 21,572. Nifty Bank Falls 2,061 Points To 46,064 & Midcap Index 516 Points To 47,152Except Bandhan, All Nifty Bank Constituents End In The Red. IEX Slides 11% On Power Minister’s Mkt Coupling Comment. Asian Paints Reports Earnings In-Line, Stock Is Down 2%. Pricol Sees Block Deals Of Over 15%, Minda Corp & PE Likely Sellers. IT Stocks See Buying Amid Market Sell-off, Most IT Stocks In The Green. ICICI Lombard Surges After An Improved Showing In Q3, Up 6%. L&T Tech Surges Despite Reporting Below-than-expected Results, Up 4%. Polycab Extends Gains, Closes With A Gain Of 2% Ahead Of Results. Market Breadth Fvaours Declines, Advance-Decline Ratio At 1:3.In what was touted to be a takeover attempt, Minda Corp mentioned that this was only a financial investment and will not fetch them any special rights in Pricol other than those of a normal shareholder. The management of Pricol had told CNBC-TV18 on February 17 that the promoters have no intention to sell any stake in the company as it is on the path of growth and is doing well. "I definitely do not want to sell. I'm 1,000 percent committed to this business," Mohan said. "Our market share has gone up. We have a very strong order book, zero long term debt, healthy cash profits, capacity, and we know we are on a growth curve. So why would I sell?" he further added. On January 4 this year, India's competition regulator had said that prima facie, the proposed merger by Minda may have adverse on competition and that it intends to conduct further inquiry into the process. Shares of Pricol are off the day's low, currently trading 2% lower at ₹360.70, while those of Minda Corp have surged to the day's high, currently trading 3% higher at ₹395.75.
