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  • itel launches two budget smartphones under Rs 15,000; both mark segment first features [details]

    Switching from Android to iPhone made super easy, thanks to Apple







    itel Mobile India, which has been democratising technology by delivering quality smartphones under Rs 10,000, takes another leap in launching India’s most affordable and powerful 5G smartphone — “P55 Power 5G” under this segment, making it an accessible technology for consumers.

    The itel P55 Power 5G is equipped with MediaTek dimensity 6080 chipset ensuring uninterrupted and outstanding performance. Addressing the discerning need for expansive memory and seamless performance, the smarphone boasts 128GB storage and 6GB RAM. Additionally, it offers a 4GB+4GB RAM with 64GB ROM variant to cater to varying storage requirements among consumers.

    The itel P55 Power 5G emerges in two colours — Galaxy Blue and Mint Green. The 4GB + 64GB variant will be available in offline stores at Rs 9,699 while the 6GB+128GB variant will be exclusively available on Amazon at Rs 9,999 from October 4.

    “itel has been at the forefront in driving the digital revolution in Bharat, successfully facilitating the seamless transition of customers from 2G to 4G. As India is poised to welcome approximately 150 million 5G users by 2024, flagging off a big digital revolution, we are determined to democratize 5G technology, making it accessible and affordable for the masses in Bharat,” said Arijeet Talapatra, CEO, itel India.

    itel P55 Power 5G

    itel P55 Power 5Gitel

    “The itel P55 Power 5G redefines technology supremacy under the 10K segment by offering 5G connectivity with NRCA technology, combined with the powerful MediaTek D6080 chipset, creating a perfect synergy of swift connectivity and outstanding performance,” he added.

    The itel P55 Power 5G boasts 50MP AI dual camera and an 8MP front camera.

    Harnessing the prowess of 5G capabilities, users can enjoy streaming movies, uploading high-resolution photos, and seamlessly sharing voluminous content on the go. The device comes equipped with NRCA resulting in better connectivity and faster internet even in the low network area.

    The smartphone boasts a 5000 mAh battery, which is complemented by 18W fast-charging capabilities. Along with face recognition, it features a side fingerprint sensor that adds an extra layer of security.

    The brand also offers a one-time screen replacement facility to the users.

    itel S23+

    After disrupting the sub 10K segment with innovation of premium affordable smartphones, itel Mobile India has marked its debut into the 15K segment with the launch of S23+.

    With the segment first 3D curved AMOLED Display smartphone for less than Rs 15,000, itel has raised the bar once again, crafted to match the style quotient of Gen Z.

    The smartphone’s premium features are complemented by an exceptional 32MP ultra-clear front camera with flash, first in the segment, offering customised beauty enhancements and multiple modes, alongside a powerful 50MP main camera.

    “The under 15K segment represents a substantial 50 per cent share of the smartphone market. With the introduction of the itel S23+, we are embarking on a bold journey, venturing into uncharted territory to redefine this segment with ground breaking features,” said Arijeet Talapatra, CEO, itel India.

    itel S23

    itel S23itel

    “The S23+ smartphone, equipped with pioneering features, is poised to cater to the style preferences of Generation Z while setting a new benchmark in the sub-15K segment. With this launch, itel is delivering a significant enhancement to the Bharat consumer experience, offering exceptional viewing and much more,” he added.

    Priced at Rs 13,999, the itel S23+ will be available in two colours — Elemental Blue and Lake Cyan, which will go live for sale on Amazon India from October 6, with retail availability starting in the last week of the same month.

    The 6.78-inch FHD+ 3D curved AMOLED display delivers 240 Hz of touch sampling rate.

    With storage options of up to 256GB+16GB (8GB RAM with 8GB Memory Fusion), a sleek 7.9mm slim body and weighing just 180 gm, the itel S23+ establishes a fresh benchmark in contemporary design, catering to all walks of life.

    The main camera captures life’s essence with unmatched clarity, while the front camera with flash, elevates self-expression, preserving emotions and details in your selfies.

    The display comes protected with Gorilla Glass 5, which offers four times more resistance to drops than standard glass screens.

  • CMF by Nothing unveils Watch Pro, Buds Pro in India; priced competitively under Rs 5,000 [details]

    Apple Vision Pro teleports you into the future







    CMF, a new sub-brand of London-based consumer technology brand ‘Nothing’ on Tuesday launched Watch Pro and Buds Pro in India.

    Available in metallic grey and dark grey, the Watch Pro is priced at Rs 4,999 and Rs 4,499, respectively, while Buds Pro is priced at Rs 3,499 and comes available in dark grey, light grey, and orange colour options.

    The products will be available to buy starting September 30 from online and offline stores.

    “Through our inaugural products, including Buds Pro, Watch Pro, and Power 65W GaN, we’re combining elevated design with advanced technology to deliver an uncompromised user experience at a relatively accessible price point,” Akis Evangelidis, Co-founder of Nothing, said in a statement.

    CMF by Nothing unveils Watch Pro, Buds Pro in India

    CMF by Nothing unveils Watch Pro, Buds Pro in IndiaIANS

    CMF Watch Pro features a large 1.96-inch amoled display with vibrant colours, seamless navigation and a 58 fps refresh rate. It offers comprehensive health tracking, supports 110 sport modes, includes built-in GPS for accurate location data, and boasts up to 13 days of battery life.

    Additionally, its AI-powered call capability ensures clear and uninterrupted communication on the go. With an IP68 rating for water resistance, it can withstand rainy and wet conditions easily.

    Moreover, the company said that the CMF Buds Pro delivers an optimal sound experience with 45 dB hybrid active noise cancellation, clear voice technology for clear calls, and a powerful dynamic bass boost driver.

    Carl Pei

    Carl PeiWikimedia

    With a large 55 mAh battery in each earbud, users can enjoy up to 11 hours of music playback on a single charge (with ANC off), or extend their listening time to up to 39 hours with the charging case.

    Along with smartwatch and earbuds, the company launched a 65-watt multiport charger — CMF Power 65W GaN. Available in Dark Grey and Orange colour options, it is priced at Rs 2,999.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • WeWork India rejigs senior leadership to boost market presence [details]

    NASA & ISRO collaborate to establish International Space Station by 2024: Nirmala Sitharaman







    Flexible workspace provider WeWork India on Tuesday announced the appointment of two senior leaders to its executive leadership team.

    Debosmita Majumder has joined WeWork India as Chief Marketing Officer, while Rupesh Kumar has taken up the role of Head of Engineering, the company said in a statement.

    “As we continue on a path of profitability, marketing and engineering will play a key role in elevating member experience and amplifying our market presence,” said Karan Virwani, CEO, WeWork India.

    Majumder will be responsible for planning and elevating WeWork India’s brand and marketing infrastructure involving aspects such as brand campaigns, marketing automation, strategy development and more.

    Wework

    A WeWork logo is seen outside its offices in San Francisco, California, US September 30, 2019.Reuters

    With over two decades of experience in tech, Kumar specialises in building large-scale web applications and enterprise products.

    An IIT-IIM graduate, he has previously been associated with MediBuddy, BigBasket, and Adobe Systems.

    WeWork India said it is excited about the possibilities that lie ahead.

    WeWork India’s revenue grew by 40 per cent to Rs 400 crore during the first quarter of this fiscal year on rising demand for flexible workspace across major cities from corporates.

    Since entering the Indian market in 2017, WeWork has over 6.5 million square feet of assets signed across 50 locations.

    A logo of U.S. co-working firm WeWork

    A logo of U.S. co-working firm WeWork is pictured during a signing ceremony in Shanghai, ChinaJackal Pan via REUTERS

    However, the company is facing a “difficult operating environment” globally, which has not impacted its India business so far.

    Last month, WeWork, once valued at $47 billion, said that “substantial doubt exists about the company’s ability to continue as a going concern”.

    The company, which reported a net loss of $397 million for the second quarter over the consolidated revenue of $844 million (up 4 per cent year-over-year), projected a weak future amid losses, projected cash needs and increased member turnover.

    “Excess supply in commercial real estate, increasing competition in flexible space and macroeconomic volatility drove higher member churn and softer demand than we anticipated, resulting in a slight decline in memberships,” said WeWork interim CEO David Tolley.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • iOS 17 arrives with new features across Apple’s first-party apps; how to download [details]

    WWDC 2023: Highlights







    Apple iOS 17 was all set to be officially available globally, including in India, on Monday as a free software update for newly-launched iPhone 15 series, including the older models, with a slew of improved security features.

    The iOS 17 offers new features across Apple’s first-party apps, including the Phone app, Messages, FaceTime, and more, and introduces new functionality like Live Voicemail, FaceTime audio and video messages.

    “We’ve also reimagined AirDrop with new ways to share, autocorrect gets even better, and we’re introducing all-new experiences with Journal and StandBy,” according to Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering.

    iOS 17 unveiled

    iOS 17 unveiledApple

    The Phone app gets major updates, with Contact Posters that allow users to customise how they appear to their contacts, and Live Voicemail, which leverages the power of A17 Pro to see real-time on-device transcription as someone leaves a voicemail. Users can even pick up the call while the caller is leaving their message.

    Messages gets a new stickers experience, more powerful search, transcription of audio messages, and Check In, which allows users to automatically notify friends and family when they have made it to their destination safely, according to Apple.

    NameDrop gives users a new way to use AirDrop to more easily share contact information by simply bringing two iPhone devices together.

    The same gesture can be used to AirDrop content and more, and now users can step away from each other and finish sending large files over the internet.

    StandBy gives users a customisable full-screen experience with glanceable information designed to be viewed from a distance when iPhone is on its side and charging. With the Always-On display of iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, StandBy stays on to show useful information — perfect on a desk, nightstand, or kitchen counter.

    iOS 17 unveiled

    iOS 17 unveiledApple

    Interactive widgets on the Home Screen, Lock Screen, and in StandBy allow users to take action with just a tap, making it easy to complete a to-do, or play or pause a song right from the widget.

    Safari adds greater protection for Private Browsing and introduces profiles, helping users separate their browsing for topics like work and personal.

    iOS 17 delivers many more updates, including Journal, a new app that helps iPhone users reflect and practice gratitude through journaling, improvements to autocorrect and Dictation that make entering text faster and easier than ever before, password and passkey sharing with iCloud Keychain, and much more.

    A key addition to Lockdown Mode is that it now runs on Apple Watch, not just iPhones, iPads and Macs. Lockdown Mode in iOS 17 also automatically removes the geolocation data from photos by default when sharing photos with other people.

    Private browsing will also lock by default, prompting the device owner to scan their face or fingerprint before their private tabs will open.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • Ordeal of closing personal loans in India: why bank branch visits persist [details]

    Public sector banks to lend Rs 5 lakh personal loans for Covid treatment







    In a recent revelation, Nithin Kamath, co-founder of Zerodha, shed light on a frustrating ordeal that many consumers in India face when attempting to close a personal loan. Kamath’s observations have raised important questions about the persistence of this issue and whether regulatory measures are needed to ensure a more convenient and efficient process for customers.

    Kamath’s eye-opening account revolved around a colleague who found himself entangled in a bewildering situation. To close a personal loan that was originally obtained online, his colleague was required to make a physical visit to a bank branch. Adding to the complexity, this particular branch happened to be one of only two such branches in the bustling city of Bengaluru.

    Nithin Kamath, co-founder Zerodha

    Nithin Kamath, co-founder ZerodhaLinkedIn

    This narrative may sound all too familiar to many consumers, as various banks in India seem to follow a similar pattern. Customers often encounter significant hurdles when attempting to close their accounts or complete other post-sales procedures, despite the initial ease of obtaining the loan online.

    Kamath’s account has sparked discussions about whether regulatory bodies should intervene to rectify this ongoing issue. The question at the forefront of these discussions is whether banks should be mandated to provide more consumer-friendly processes for closing personal loans.

    While banks have increasingly embraced online and digital banking solutions, the requirement for in-person branch visits to complete certain transactions remains a persistent frustration for customers. Kamath’s call for regulatory oversight prompts a reconsideration of these procedures and their alignment with the convenience and efficiency expected in today’s digital age.

    Home Loan EMI Calculator

    “The post-sales experience in India can be quite frustrating, whether it’s closing a loan, canceling a credit card, or backing out of a home purchase Before Sales, you’re often promised that everything will be taken care of for you, but the reality can be quite different,” Gaurav Gupta, an investor banker, said on X.

    “Completely agree with you on this. We had to mail the Personal Loan head of one of India’s too Pvt Banks twice (not once) to close that loan. Also, it could happen only when we said that we’ll approach RBI Ombudsman if there’s no resolution,” CA Kanan Bahl wrote on X. 

    As consumers and financial industry experts continue to engage in these discussions, the hope is that banks and regulatory bodies will take heed of these concerns. It’s essential to work toward creating a more streamlined and consumer-centric approach to closing personal loans. By doing so, banks can enhance customer satisfaction and ensure that their services remain in tune with the evolving expectations of today’s digitally savvy consumers.

    Related

  • Jio launches ‘JioAirFiber’ services in 8 metro cities; plans start at Rs 599 [details inside]

    “Succession” returning to India, thanks to Jio; other HBO-exclusives coming to JioCinema







    Reliance Jio on Tuesday launched ‘JioAirFiber’ services, its integrated end-to-end solution for home entertainment, smart home services and high-speed broadband, across eight metro cities in the country.

    The eight cities include — Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai and Pune.

    JioAirFiber plans are divided into two categories — AirFiber and AirFiber Max.

    Jio AirFiber

    Jio AirFiberVia screengrab

    AirFiber users will have access to 30 Mbps and 100 Mbps plans at a starting price of Rs 599, while AirFiber Max users will have access to 300 Mbps, 500 Mbps, and 1000 Mbps plans at a starting price of Rs 1,499.

    AirFiber Max will be available in select areas, the company said.

    “Our extensive fiber-to-the-home service JioFiber, already serves over 10 million customers, with hundreds of thousands more getting connected each month. But there are still millions of homes and small businesses to be connected at a rapid pace,” said Akash Ambani, Chairman, Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited.

    JioAirFiber

    JioAirFiber

    “With JioAirFiber, we are expanding our addressable market to rapidly cover every home in our country with similar quality of service. JioAirFiber will enable millions of homes with world-class digital entertainment, smart home services and broadband, through its solutions across education, health, surveillance and smart home,” he added.

    Moreover, the company said that JioAirFiber will overcome the challenges of last-mile connectivity and connect every home and small business and transform India into a Premier Digital Society.

    Existing JioFiber tariff plans will continue as they are and there will be no change in existing user tariffs, according to the company.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • Honor 90 5G launched with 200MP camera, superb display; starts at Rs 37,999 [details]

    Switching from Android to iPhone made super easy, thanks to Apple







    Honor on Thursday launched a new 5G smartphone — “Honor 90” in two storage variants in India.

    Honor 90 will be available for purchase in three colours — Emerald Green, Diamond Silver and Midnight Black from September 18 across Amazon and retail channels.

    The smartphone will come in two storage variants 8GB+256GB and 12GB+512GB priced at Rs 37,999 and Rs 39,999, respectively.

    With the effective offers, the price comes down to as low as Rs 27,999 for the 8GB+256GB variant and Rs 29,999 for the 12GB+512 GB variant, the company announced.

    Honor 90

    Honor 90Honor

    “With a focus on empowering consumers with leading technology, Honor continuously works toward bringing innovation in display technology, battery tech software and artificial intelligence, which are backed by strong R&D capabilities. Leveraging Honor’s strong network and value chain, we are introducing the first smartphone in Indian shores with the launch of Honor 90 5G,” said Madhav Sheth, CEO, HTech, here at the launch event.

    Equipped with a 6.7-inch Quad-Curved Floating Display, Honor 90 supports a high resolution of 2664×1200, 100 per cent DCI P3 colour gamut and up to 1.07 billion colours.

    It comes with an adaptive screen refresh rate of up to 120Hz that dynamically adjusts as per the displayed content.

    Honor 90

    Honor 90Honor

    Moreover, the smartphone features a triple camera system that consists of a 200MP main camera, 12 MP ultra-wide, and 2MP depth camera. On its front, Honor 90 sports a 50 MP camera which will help capture stunning selfies that brim with details, according to the company.

    The smartphone comes packed with a large 5000mAh battery that empowers always-on users with day long usage. With a single full charge, the smartphone can provide up to 19.5 hours of continuous video streaming.

    Honor 90 runs on the latest Android 13 based MagicOS 7.1, and packs a punch with enhanced smart features like Magic Text, which provides a smart life experience and maximises productivity.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • Over 25 mega tech parks to transform North Bengaluru landscape; see list [details]

    Bengaluru’s KIA now a ‘sunflower airport’; this is all you want to know concerning the tag







    Bengaluru, popularly referred to as the Silicon Valley of India, has lengthy been on the forefront of the nation’s technological developments. With its thriving IT business, the town has turn into a magnet for tech giants and startups alike. The metropolis has expanded exponentially to accommodate the ever-growing demand for workplace areas and innovation hubs and North Bengaluru is about to witness the following section of improvement because it sees a number of state-of-the-art tech parks within the coming years. These upcoming tech parks promise to additional solidify Bengaluru’s place as a world tech powerhouse.

    From Infosys to SAP Labs and Boeing to Philips Innovation Campus, there are lots of thrilling new tech campuses on the horizon for Bengaluru’s north half. 

    manyata tech park it companies in bangalore bengaluru tech parks SEZ

    Manyata Tech Park web site

    According to MoneyControl, there’s a powerful lineup of tech parks poised to redefine the town’s tech panorama. Here’s the list: 

    1. Embassy Manyata Extension Nagawara (Estimated Completion: 2024)

    Located in Nagawara, the Embassy Manyata Extension is about to be an enlargement of the long-lasting Manyata Tech Park. This extension will present further world-class infrastructure for companies and startups.

    2. Ebisu Tech Park (Estimated Completion: 2025)

    Adjacent to Nagawara, the Ebisu Tech Park is one other addition to the tech ecosystem in North Bengaluru. It guarantees to provide a conducive atmosphere for innovation and development.

    3. Hines Uptown (Estimated Completion: 2026)

    Hines Uptown, additionally located in Nagawara, is predicted to contribute considerably to the town’s tech-driven economic system. Its trendy design and facilities are doubtless to entice tech firms and startups.

    4. Shriram Hebbal 1 (Estimated Completion: 2024)

    Hebbal is about to welcome the Shriram Hebbal 1 tech park in 2024. This improvement displays the town’s northward tech enlargement.

    5. Prestige Waterfront (Estimated Completion: 2025)

    Nagawara continues to be a hotspot for tech development with the Prestige Waterfront tech park. It guarantees to provide gorgeous views and a dynamic workspace.

    6. Prestige Century Landmark (Estimated Completion: 2025)

    Hebbal’s Prestige Century Landmark is one other jewel within the crown of North Bengaluru. It’s anticipated to present a premium tech park expertise.

    7. Century Downtown (Estimated Completion: 2024)

    Byatarayanapura is gearing up for the Century Downtown tech park, promising a vibrant ecosystem for companies.

    8. L&T Phoenix Tech Park (Estimated Completion: 2023)

    Already on the horizon, the L&T Phoenix Tech Park in Byatarayanapura is about to redefine the world’s tech panorama.

    9. Sattva Horizon (Estimated Completion: 2023)

    Yelahanka welcomes the Sattva Horizon tech park, contributing to the world’s improvement as a tech hub.

    10. Bagmane Sierra Business (Estimated Completion: 2025)

    Yelahanka will even be dwelling to the Bagmane Sierra Business tech park, providing a spread of alternatives for tech fanatics.

    11. District Embassy Business Hub (Estimated Completion: 2024)

    The Embassy Business Hub in Yelahanka is designed to be a thriving district for tech and innovation.

    12. CapitaLand IT Park (Estimated Completion: 2025)

    Yelahanka’s tech ecosystem will obtain a lift with the CapitaLand IT Park.

    13. North Gate Phase 2 (Estimated Completion: 2025)

    Phase 2 of North Gate in Yelahanka guarantees to proceed the success of this tech park.

    14. (*25*) Business Park (Estimated Completion: 2026)

    Chikkajala is about to host the (*25*) Business Park, including to the town’s tech infrastructure.

    15. Divyasree Tech Space (Estimated Completion: 2026)

    Devanahalli will see the rise of the Divyasree Tech Space, contributing to the area’s development.

    16. Prestige Tech Cloud Park (Estimated Completion: 2024)

    Located close to the airport toll plaza, the Prestige Tech Cloud Park goals to present handy connectivity.

    17. DivyaSree Avance (Estimated Completion: 2025)

    Hennur Road’s DivyaSree Avance tech park is about to be a hub for innovation.

    18. Bhartiya City IT Park Extension (Estimated Completion: 2024)

    The Bhartiya City IT Park Extension on Thanisandra Road will cater to the town’s tech wants.

    19. Century Business Park and Township (Estimated Completion: 2027)

    Yelahanka’s Century Business Park and Township will present a holistic tech ecosystem.

    20. Brigade World Trade Center (Estimated Completion: 2027)

    Devanahalli’s Brigade World Trade Center is predicted to be a world enterprise vacation spot.

    21. Embassy Knowledge Park (Completion Date: To Be Determined)

    The Embassy Knowledge Park in Chikkajala is poised to be a middle for information and innovation.

    22. SAP Labs (Estimated Completion: 2025)

    Bagalur’s SAP Labs is about to contribute to the town’s tech prowess.

    23. Boeing (Estimated Completion: 2024)

    Boeing’s presence in Bagalur will add aerospace experience to the town’s tech panorama.

    24. Technology Innovation International Park (Estimated Completion: 2024)

    The Technology Innovation International Park in Bagalur shall be a hub for cutting-edge tech.

    25. Bengaluru Aerospace Park (950 acres) (Completion Phases: Phase 1 by March 2024 & Phase 2 by Dec)

    This huge aerospace park in Bagalur is about to entice international aerospace firms.

    26. Bengaluru Signature Business Park (407 acres) (Estimated Completion: 2024)

    Devanahalli’s Bengaluru Signature Business Park guarantees to be a signature vacation spot for companies.

    27. Foxconn Technology Group

    This mega mission shall be sprawling in 300 acres in Doddaballapur and Devanahalli. The estimated completion is but to be declared. 

    As these tech parks come to life, they’re anticipated to create numerous alternatives for companies, startups, and tech fanatics, additional propelling Bengaluru’s standing as a world tech hub.

  • Apple Watch Series 9 launched with wizardly gestures; starts at Rs 29,990 [details]

    Apple Vision Pro teleports you into the future







    Apple’s annual iPhone event has concluded with the launch of four new iPhones and watches. The Apple Watch Series 9 was the first product to be revealed at today’s event, bringing some exciting new updates, focused on enhanced performance and emphasis on environmental impact. The Series 9 offers an array of impressive features, including the S9 SiP, a pretty-cool double-tap gesture, a brighter display, on-device Siri with health data access, Precision Finding for iPhone, and more. Powered by watchOS 10, this new Apple Watch incorporates redesigned apps, the Smart Stack, fresh watch faces, enhanced cycling and hiking functionalities, and mental health support tools.

    But in a meaningful way, Apple has made a a groundbreaking move towards sustainability. Apple now offers a carbon-neutral option for all Apple Watch models, which is in line with the company’s ambitious Apple 2030 initiative to achieve carbon neutrality across its entire business, including the supply chain and product life cycle by 2030.

    To that extent, Apple has introduced FineWoven, a sustainable microtwill material that contains 68 percent post-consumer recycled content, for bands. Additionally, the Sport Loop band incorporates 82 percent recycled yarn. Apple has collaborated with Nike and Hermès to create more environmentally friendly band collections.

    Apple

    “Apple Watch is an indispensable companion that helps millions of people with their health, fitness, communications, and safety. We’re introducing our best Apple Watch lineup, with incredible new capabilities and technological advancements, including a new double tap gesture, brighter display, on-device Siri, as well as our first-ever carbon neutral products. Whether users are upgrading from earlier models or buying their first, there’s never been a more compelling time to experience Apple Watch,” Jeff Williams, Apple’s Chief Operating Officer, said of the new watch series.

    Apple Watch Series 9: Features

    As usual, the Apple Watch Series 9 gets an upgraded chip and now comes equipped with the all-new S9 SiP for an improved performance and features. What really caught everyone’s attention is the double-tap gesture and on-device Siri with health data access.

    Under the hood, the S9 SiP includes a 4-core Neural Engine, ensuring faster machine learning tasks while maintaining an all-day 18-hour battery life.

    Diving deeper into the novel double-tap gesture, it simplifies the interaction with Apple Watch Series 9 like never before. This gesture allows users to perform various actions with a double tap, such as stopping timers, playing and pausing music, answering phone calls, and more. The gesture is powered by advanced machine learning algorithms and will be available through a software update next month. It is the most practical feature for a smartwatch and many brands will follow the suit.

    The Series 9 also features an improved display with a maximum brightness of up to 2000 nits, making it easier to read text even in bright sunlight. It can also lower its brightness to one nit for use in dark environments.

    Apple Watch S9

    Apple says Siri requests can now be processed on the Apple Watch Series 9, which means quicker and more reliable responses for tasks that don’t require internet connectivity. Siri can also access health data from the Health app for various health and fitness-related queries.

    In another meaningful upgrade, the Series 9 includes a second-generation Ultra Wideband (UWB) chip for Precision Finding with iPhone 15. It offers distance and direction guidance to locate a misplaced iPhone. Additionally, Apple Watch Series 9 can integrate seamlessly with HomePod when in proximity, allowing for convenient media control.

    Finally, since the Apple Watch Series 9 runs on watchOS 10, it gets redesigned apps, a new Smart Stack for widgets, fresh watch faces, enhanced cycling and hiking features, and tools to support mental health.

    Pricing and availability

    The Apple Watch Series 9 lineup is available for pre-order, and will hit the stores on Friday, September 22.

    Apple Watch Series 9 starts at Rs 41,900, and Apple Watch SE starts at Rs 29,900 in India. Bands can be ordered from today, with availability in stores commencing on September 22. As for watchOS 10, it will be available for Apple Watch Series 4 and later from September 18.

  • Apple unveils 1st carbon neutral products; ends use of leather [details]

    Switching from Android to iPhone made super easy, thanks to Apple







    Apple has announced its first-ever carbon-neutral products in the all-new Apple Watch lineup as part of its ambitious 2030 climate goal and also ended the use of leather across all of its product lines.

    The company will replace leather with a new textile called FineWoven, an elegant and durable twill made from 68 per cent post-consumer recycled content.

    FineWoven offers a subtle lustre and a soft, suedelike feel, and is available on iPhone MagSafe cases and wallets as well as the Magnetic Link and Modern Buckle Apple Watch bands.

    Apple Watch S9

    The company also introduced a new tool in the Home app called Grid Forecast, which helps inform users when their power grid has cleaner energy available, so they can decide when to use electricity.

    “We’ve achieved an important milestone in making the world’s most popular watch carbon neutral — and we will keep innovating to meet the urgency of the moment,” Lisa Jackson, Apple’s vice president of Environment, Policy, and Social Initiatives, said in a statement.

    According to the company, each carbon-neutral Apple Watch model meets the following strict criteria — 100 per cent clean electricity for manufacturing and product use, 30 per cent recycled or renewable material by weight, and 50 per cent of shipping without the use of air transportation.

    Apple Watch S9

    Apple Watch S9

    These combined efforts result in at least a 75 per cent reduction in product emissions for each model.

    The tech giant is also accelerating progress toward plastic-free packaging by 2025.

    In addition to achieving the first 100 per cent fibre-based packaging for the new Apple Watch and band lineup, the packaging for every iPhone 15 model is over 99 per cent fibre-based, said the company.

    Beyond its 2030 goal, Apple is also working toward a 90 per cent reduction in emissions by 2050 — which will necessitate advocating for collective action from governments, businesses, and individuals to accelerate global progress in the fight against climate change.

    (With inputs from IANS)