In the world of technology and innovation, some individuals have risked everything to challenge the status quo, speaking out against unethical practices and systemic flaws within the industries they once served. These whistleblowers, often at the forefront of crucial revelations, faced immense personal and professional consequences for exposing corporate wrongdoing. 

Suchir Balaji, John Barnett, Joshua Dean, Ian Murdock, and Aaron Swartz are just a few examples of those who paid the ultimate price for their courage. From AI ethics to aviation safety, open-source advocacy to digital rights, their stories resonate with anyone who believes in transparency, accountability, and justice. While their deaths were marked by tragedy, their actions sparked vital conversations about whistleblower protections, corporate responsibility, and the price of truth in an often opaque tech industry. This article dives into their legacies, the sacrifices they made, and the impact they left on their respective fields.

Suchir Balaji

Suchir Balaji was a 26-year-old researcher at OpenAI, recognised for his groundbreaking work in artificial intelligence. However, his legacy is equally tied to his courage as a whistleblower. In 2024, Balaji publicly accused OpenAI of violating copyright laws, alleging that its AI models, such as ChatGPT, unlawfully used copyrighted material for training. His disclosures gained widespread attention, especially amidst growing concerns about the ethical use of AI.

Tragically, Balaji was found dead in his San Francisco apartment on November 26, 2024. Authorities ruled his death a suicide, sparking debates about the pressures faced by individuals exposing the secrets of powerful corporations. Balaji's revelations and untimely death have left an indelible mark on the AI industry, highlighting the urgent need for transparency, ethical guidelines, and better protections for whistleblowers.

Also Read: What does OpenAI researcher’s death tell us about the ugly side of AI?

John Barnett

John Barnett was a quality control manager at Boeing who became a whistleblower to ensure safety in the aviation industry. With decades of experience, Barnett raised concerns about Boeing’s production processes, including the use of substandard parts and malfunctions in oxygen systems on aircraft. His warnings were particularly alarming in the wake of safety controversies surrounding the Boeing 737 MAX.

Despite the validity of his concerns, Barnett faced immense professional and personal challenges. In March 2024, he was found dead in a hotel parking lot, with authorities ruling his death as self-inflicted. Barnett’s death underscored the immense toll faced by whistleblowers in high-stakes industries. His efforts brought attention to systemic flaws in aviation manufacturing and the need for improved whistleblower protections to safeguard public safety and support ethical professionals.

Joshua Dean

Joshua Dean, a whistleblower at Boeing, joined the ranks of individuals who risked everything to speak out against corporate malpractice. Dean focused on revealing safety violations in aircraft production, emphasising risks that could endanger passengers. Alongside his colleague John Barnett, Dean’s disclosures painted a troubling picture of compromised safety in one of the world’s most trusted industries.

Though Dean’s actions were courageous, they also came at a significant personal cost. He passed away in 2023, with details surrounding his death remaining vague. His demise, along with Barnett’s, prompted other whistleblowers to come forward, shedding further light on systemic issues in aviation safety. Dean’s story reflects the personal sacrifices made by those who prioritize public welfare over corporate secrecy.

Ian Murdock

Ian Murdock was a visionary in the tech world, best known as the founder of Debian, one of the most influential Linux distributions. A staunch advocate for open-source technology, Murdock believed in democratising software to foster innovation and accessibility. His work laid the foundation for countless technological advancements, shaping the modern software ecosystem.

However, Murdock faced personal and professional pressures that culminated in his tragic death in 2015. In the days leading up to his passing, Murdock shared cryptic messages about his experiences with law enforcement and systemic oppression. His death was ruled a suicide, but it raised numerous questions within the tech community. Murdock’s legacy endures through Debian, serving as a testament to his groundbreaking contributions and the ongoing challenges faced by those who challenge the status quo.

Aaron Swartz

Aaron Swartz was a prodigious programmer, activist, and co-founder of Reddit. Known for his relentless pursuit of open access to information, Swartz advocated for a freer and more equitable internet. His efforts included the creation of RSS, contributions to Creative Commons, and campaigns against restrictive legislation like SOPA and PIPA. In 2011, Swartz was indicted for downloading millions of academic papers from JSTOR to make knowledge freely accessible.

Facing severe legal consequences and mounting pressure, Swartz tragically took his own life in 2013 at the age of 26. His death galvanised the tech community and led to widespread discussions about digital rights, prosecutorial overreach, and mental health. Swartz’s enduring legacy is a reminder of the delicate balance between innovation, activism, and the systemic forces that shape our digital world.

In a chilling turn of events, Suchir Balaji, a former OpenAI researcher, was found dead in his San Francisco apartment on November 26, 2024. Balaji had recently made headlines by accusing OpenAI of unethical data practices. Now, Balaji’s death has raised unsettling questions about the risks faced by whistleblowers and the ethical accountability of AI giants. His final posts, which accused OpenAI of foul practices and a gross violation of privacy norms, now resonate with an ominous weight, leaving the world to ask the question – What is the price we are paying to make AI better?

What happened with the former OpenAI researcher?

Suchir Balaji, an Indian-American AI researcher, was discovered deceased under circumstances that authorities have yet to fully disclose. Prior to his death, Balaji had been vocal about OpenAI's alleged misuse of data. In his final post on X (formerly Twitter), he criticised the company for foul practices and a disregard for user privacy."Balaji’s allegations centred on OpenAI’s purported unauthorised use of personal data to train its AI models, a claim that has raised serious ethical and legal questions.

Balaji’s criticisms were not new but carried the weight of an insider’s perspective. His accusations against OpenAI included claims of harvesting sensitive user data without consent and deploying it in ways that could potentially violate global data protection laws. His demise has left many wondering if his role as a whistleblower put him in harm's way. While officials have yet to confirm foul play, the timing of his death has sparked widespread speculation and conspiracy theories online.

Balaji's death is also being mourned in the tech community, where he was recognised as a brilliant mind dedicated to pushing the boundaries of AI. His tragic passing has led to an outpouring of tributes, alongside calls for greater transparency in the practices of AI companies like OpenAI. The incident raises significant questions about the treatment of whistleblowers and the responsibility of corporations to safeguard those who expose wrongdoing.

The shady practices behind closed doors at OpenAI

OpenAI has faced multiple accusations of data theft and privacy violations in recent years, adding to the gravity of Balaji's claims. In July 2024, a privacy complaint was filed against OpenAI’s ChatGPT in the European Union, alleging breaches of data protection laws. The complaint argued that ChatGPT unlawfully processed personal data without proper consent, violating the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

One of the central issues is OpenAI’s alleged scraping of publicly available data to train its models. Critics argue that while some data may be publicly accessible, its use in AI training constitutes a breach of privacy and intellectual property rights. The legal challenges have highlighted the blurred lines between publicly available data and ethical AI practices. Further compounding these issues, OpenAI was accused of deleting data pertinent to a copyright lawsuit. The lawsuit claimed that OpenAI’s models were trained on copyrighted material without authorisation, leading to concerns about intellectual property rights and the ethical use of data. This alleged act of data deletion has drawn sharp criticism, with some accusing OpenAI of attempting to evade accountability.

In November 2024, major Canadian news media companies initiated legal action against OpenAI, accusing it of using their content without permission to train AI models. This lawsuit underscored the growing tension between AI developers and content creators over data usage rights. The case has garnered significant media attention and could set a precedent for future AI-related legal battles. Additionally, the Austrian organisation NOYB (None of Your Business) filed a complaint against OpenAI, alleging that the company violated data protection laws by scraping personal data from the internet without consent. 

Recently, in our own backyard, we saw ANI file a lawsuit against OpenAI for unauthorised use of its content. Following that incident, and many others mentioned here, as highlighted in our article covering the lawsuit, “Several major publishers have taken a collaborative approach and have already signed a licensing deal with Open AI to monetise their content. These include the likes of Associated Press, Financial Times, and Axel Springer, the German publisher of Politico and Business Insider.”

These legal challenges highlight the complex landscape of data privacy in the age of AI. OpenAI has denied any wrongdoing, stating that its data collection practices comply with applicable laws and regulations. However, these assurances have done little to quell public scepticism. The controversy has not only put OpenAI under the spotlight but has also raised broader questions about the ethical practices of AI companies. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into our daily lives, the need for robust regulatory frameworks to govern data usage has never been more apparent.

OpenAI is not the only one stealing data for training AI models

The controversy surrounding data misuse is not exclusive to OpenAI. Other tech giants have faced similar allegations, indicating a widespread issue within the AI industry. Salesforce’s CEO recently acknowledged that AI models are often trained on data obtained without proper authorisation, reflecting a broader industry problem. In another instance, Midjourney accused Stability AI of stealing data for AI training purposes, leading to legal disputes over data ownership and consent. The lawsuit highlighted the competitive pressures in the AI industry, where companies often push ethical boundaries to gain an edge. Stability AI denied the allegations, but the case has drawn attention to the murky ethics of data usage in AI development.

Moreover, reports revealed that companies like Apple, Nvidia, and Anthropic used thousands of YouTube videos without creators' knowledge to train AI models. This practice has raised ethical concerns about the exploitation of creators' content without fair compensation. Critics argue that such practices undermine the intellectual property rights of content creators and set a dangerous precedent for the future of digital media. The widespread use of personal data scraped from the web to train AI models has prompted discussions about privacy and consent. Individuals' personal information is often utilised without their knowledge, leading to potential violations of privacy rights. This issue is particularly concerning given the sensitive nature of some of the data being used, including medical records, social media activity, and financial information.

Also Read: Be careful what you wish for about AI

The issue of data misuse extends to the realm of cybersecurity. AI models are susceptible to data poisoning attacks, where malicious actors manipulate training data to compromise AI systems. This vulnerability poses significant risks to the integrity and security of AI applications. Experts warn that as AI systems become more sophisticated, the stakes of data misuse and cybersecurity breaches will only grow. In light of these challenges, experts advocate for stricter regulations and ethical guidelines to govern the use of personal data in AI training. Ensuring transparency, accountability, and respect for individuals' privacy rights is crucial as AI continues to evolve and integrate into various aspects of society.

Is this it?

The death of Suchir Balaji has intensified scrutiny on OpenAI and the broader AI industry’s data practices. While investigations into his death continue, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the ethical dilemmas and responsibilities that accompany technological advancement. The fallout from Balaji’s allegations has already prompted calls for greater oversight of AI companies and their data collection practices.

For OpenAI, the stakes are high. As one of the leading companies in the AI space, its reputation is closely tied to public trust. The ongoing legal challenges and accusations of unethical practices threaten to erode that trust. To address these concerns, OpenAI must demonstrate a commitment to ethical practices and transparency. This includes providing clear explanations of how data is collected and used, as well as ensuring compliance with global data protection laws. At a broader level, the AI industry faces a critical juncture. The rapid pace of AI development has outpaced regulatory frameworks, leaving significant gaps in oversight. Policymakers must act swiftly to address these gaps and establish robust guidelines for data usage in AI training. This includes creating mechanisms for accountability and ensuring that individuals’ privacy rights are protected.

The tragedy of Suchir Balaji’s death also underscores the importance of protecting whistleblowers who expose unethical practices. Whistleblowers play a vital role in holding corporations accountable, but they often face significant risks in doing so. Establishing stronger legal protections for whistleblowers is essential to fostering a culture of transparency and accountability within the tech industry. As the world grapples with the ethical implications of AI, Balaji’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the need for vigilance and accountability. The challenges of data privacy and ethical AI practices are complex, but they are not insurmountable. By addressing these issues head-on, the tech industry has an opportunity to build a future where innovation is guided by principles of fairness, transparency, and respect for human rights.

The world of consumer technology is used to the constant churn of new devices – from folding phones to AI-powered laptops, and everything in between. So when a shift comes along that promises to accelerate the adoption of a whole new computing category, you have to sit up and take notice. That’s what Android XR is promising. 

Android XR is this new operating system from Google, crafted in collaboration with Samsung and steeped in AI, AR, and VR features, which promises to move us beyond tapping and swiping on our touchscreens to an entirely different way of engaging with our devices. Where Android XR helps our headsets and glasses understand not just what we want, but where we are and what’s around us. It’s the good old Android operating system evolving to learn new tricks, where technology platforms adapt to us and not the other way around.

Let’s take a closer look at 5 key features of Android XR, for now.

1) Multimodal input and spatial compute on Android XR

Android XR introduces a big shift in how we interact with our devices by supporting a wide range of input methods, according to Google’s blog. Instead of being restricted to taps and swipes, users can rely on hand gestures, eye tracking, voice commands, and even familiar peripherals like keyboards and mice to interact through Android XR-powered devices in the near future. 

Also read: Our extended reality truly begins in 2024 with the Apple Vision Pro

This multimodality provides unparalleled flexibility, allowing people to choose the interaction style best suited to their situation, whether navigating a virtual workspace or enjoying immersive entertainment. Beyond input diversity, Android XR leverages AI to imbue flat content with depth and spatial context. Images in Google Photos take on realistic dimensionality, Google Maps’ Street View will feel like stepping into a street rather than merely browsing it on screen, elevating the user experience beyond traditional screens.

2) Diverse app ecosystem

With Android XR, Google reimagines its signature applications – Maps, Photos, YouTube, and even Chrome – to thrive in 3D, mixed reality environments. What’s more, beyond Google’s own ecosystem, the Android XR platform will support familiar mobile and tablet apps from the Google Play Store. This backward compatibility will allow users to bring their favorite apps into the XR domain without developers reinventing the wheel. The result is an expansive library of experiences that range from productivity tools to immersive games. This expansive app support ensures that XR devices can transition effortlessly from entertainment to work, making them as versatile as a smartphone or laptop – just vastly more immersive.

3) Deep AI integration in Android XR

Central to Android XR’s vision is Gemini, Google’s integrated AI assistant. This isn’t just another digital helper, but an always-on context-aware companion that understands your surroundings, intentions, and needs all the time. According to Google, by analysing environmental cues and user behaviour, the AI can deliver timely insights – like directions to a nearby restaurant or safety tips as you navigate unfamiliar streets. 

In addition, Gemini’s AI-driven navigation can guide users through 3D worlds with precision, highlighting points of interest or critical data layers with minimal user effort. All of this makes XR devices genuinely helpful, not just visually impressive. 

4) Android XR-ready smart glasses and headsets

Android XR emerges from a broader vision that Google shares with partners like Samsung and others. While the initial device – code named “Project Moohan” – promises a high-quality mixed reality headset set to launch in 2025, this is only the start. 

Also read: Samsung teams up with Google and Qualcomm for Project Moohan: Here’s what it is

The platform supports a spectrum of XR experiences, spanning fully immersive virtual reality realms, augmented overlays atop physical spaces, and even audio-centric applications for when visuals aren’t needed. The potential hardware ecosystem is extensive. By collaborating with hardware partners, including Qualcomm and startups like Lynx, Sony, and XREAL, Android XR aims to foster a market where different devices cater to diverse preferences, professions, and budgets. This approach ensures that XR doesn’t remain a niche novelty but evolves into a practical technology used for everyday tasks.

5) Developer-friendly foundations of Android XR

As much as Android XR is about user experience, it’s equally about empowering developers. And Google has made the platform accessible and interoperable from day one. Developers can leverage ARCore for augmented reality, OpenXR for advanced virtual experiences, and familiar tools like Android Studio, Jetpack Compose, and Unity to build and optimize XR apps and games. This foundation means creators can adapt their existing skill sets rather than mastering entirely new frameworks. It also encourages swift experimentation, letting developers prototype ideas and iterate until they produce compelling content. 

By enabling developers to craft experiences that seamlessly integrate with other Android devices, the platform ensures a cohesive ecosystem where hardware and software complement each other. The result? A richer catalog of XR apps poised to reshape how we learn, play, and communicate in a world increasingly defined by contextual computing.

What are your thoughts on Google’s announcement of Android XR? Will it challenge Apple’s Vision Pro and its roadmap for XR devices and spatial computing? Who will come out on top? All these questions are bubbling in my head, which I’ll hopefully tackle in another article. Exciting times ahead for sure in the world of XR and spatial computing!

Also read: Meta Orion AR glasses make Apple Vision Pro look clunky

For years, Microsoft has been exploring artificial intelligence to reshape industries and improve user experiences. The latest in this effort, Phi-4, adds to its suite of language models. Released as part of the Azure AI ecosystem, Phi-4 focuses on efficient and adaptable capabilities for specific applications, particularly completion tasks. While the model shows promise, a critical assessment of its design and applications is essential to understand its actual utility.

Phi-4 focuses on small-scale efficiency

Phi-4 is positioned as a lightweight alternative to larger models like GPT-4, targeting tasks that demand precision without requiring substantial computational resources. It is designed for applications such as auto-filling forms, text predictions, and tailored content generation. Microsoft’s focus on completion-centric workflows suggests a deliberate choice to prioritise targeted efficiency over expansive generative capabilities. According to Microsoft, Phi-4 builds on the Phi series’ design but refines its architecture for concise, contextually relevant outputs. By reducing latency and improving efficiency, Phi-4 addresses specific needs rather than attempting to be a one-size-fits-all solution. This approach may appeal to businesses aiming to optimise performance within defined parameters.

Phi-4 is based on an optimised transformer architecture that balances scalability with modularity. This design enables the model to function effectively even on constrained hardware. Microsoft has emphasised its accessibility, suggesting it is suitable for industries like healthcare and finance, where compliance and quick insights are paramount. The model’s compact size offers advantages, particularly in reducing energy consumption, aligning with Microsoft’s sustainability goals. However, its smaller scale may limit its ability to handle more complex or generalised tasks, which remains a consideration for potential adopters.

Also Read: SLM vs LLM: Why smaller Gen AI models are better

Targeted applications and integration with Azure AI

Phi-4’s specialisation sets it apart from general-purpose language models. Its training on curated datasets allows for domain-specific accuracy, making it more applicable for industries with precise requirements. For example, in customer service, Phi-4 can handle nuanced queries and deliver focused responses. This level of specialisation, while beneficial for particular use cases, may require additional effort to fine-tune for broader applications.

Phi-4 integrates seamlessly with the Azure AI ecosystem, offering businesses a straightforward path to implementation. Through Azure OpenAI Service, the model can be deployed in natural language processing pipelines or custom AI applications. Its compatibility with other Azure tools, like Cognitive Services, expands its usability. Microsoft has highlighted Phi-4’s role in multimodal AI, combining text and image inputs for enriched outputs. While this feature broadens its scope, the effectiveness of such integration in real-world scenarios will depend on further user feedback and iterative updates.

In a landscape dominated by larger models like OpenAI’s GPT series and Google’s Bard, Phi-4 carves out a niche by prioritising efficiency and specificity. Its ability to function on limited hardware makes it a cost-effective option for businesses. However, these strengths are offset by its narrower focus, which may not cater to all use cases. The smaller size and reduced computational requirements may appeal to industries with constrained resources. Still, users should weigh these advantages against the model’s limitations in versatility and scalability.

Ethical design and challenges in the world of AI in 2024

Microsoft’s emphasis on responsible AI development is evident in Phi-4’s safeguards against biases and unethical use. The company’s approach includes rigorous testing and an invitation for collaboration with developers to address potential shortcomings. However, achieving true transparency and accountability in AI models remains an ongoing challenge, requiring consistent oversight. While Phi-4 reflects Microsoft’s commitment to ethical AI, questions about the long-term reliability and fairness of such models persist. These concerns underline the importance of critical scrutiny in the deployment of AI technologies.

The global AI market has seen exponential growth, projected to reach $1.5 trillion by 2030, driven by advancements in natural language processing, machine learning, and autonomous systems. According to a 2023 McKinsey report, 50% of businesses have integrated AI into at least one function, emphasising its role in shaping industries like healthcare, finance, and retail. Within this context, models like Phi-4 represent a growing trend of domain-specific solutions that prioritize efficiency and scalability.

Also Read: Gemini 2.0 features: 5 ways Google improved its AI tool

Smaller AI models are gaining traction due to their reduced environmental footprint and cost-effective deployment. For instance, studies highlight that models requiring fewer resources can significantly lower carbon emissions compared to large-scale counterparts. As organisations prioritise sustainability, compact models like Phi-4 may align better with corporate social responsibility goals.

Future directions for Phi-4

Microsoft has announced plans to enhance Phi-4 with multilingual capabilities and extended APIs, aiming to broaden its appeal. These updates could improve the model’s versatility and adoption across diverse sectors. However, the success of these efforts will depend on how effectively they address user needs and market demands.

As the AI field evolves, the role of smaller, specialised models like Phi-4 will become clearer. Their ability to complement larger models while filling specific gaps could redefine how AI is leveraged across industries. Moreover, the push for ethical AI development and the integration of AI into regulatory frameworks will likely influence how businesses adopt technologies like Phi-4.

The rise of artificial intelligence has been nothing short of revolutionary, but its rapid adoption has also raised critical ethical concerns. ElevenLabs, a company celebrated for its advanced AI voice-generation tools, has recently found itself in the eye of a storm. Reports suggest that its technology may have been exploited in a Russian influence operation, sparking debates about the responsibility of AI developers in preventing misuse.

The technology behind ElevenLabs

ElevenLabs is at the forefront of AI voice synthesis, offering tools capable of generating hyper-realistic human voices from simple text prompts. Earlier this year, the company introduced a feature called Voice Design, which allows users to create a completely unique voice from scratch. This innovation enables the generation of personalized voices tailored for applications such as audiobooks, virtual assistants, and gaming characters. The system's ability to mimic accents, emotions, and tones with incredible accuracy has made it extremely popular among creators and developers.

Yet, with great power comes great responsibility, or in this case, vulnerability. The same tools that enable creative possibilities can also be misused for nefarious purposes, as recent events have demonstrated.

Allegations of misuse in Russian campaigns

Reports indicate that the platform’s realistic voice capabilities were exploited in a Russian influence operation aimed at spreading misinformation. This campaign allegedly involved crafting fake audio messages to manipulate public opinion and disseminate propaganda. The use of AI-generated voices added a layer of authenticity to the fabricated messages, making it harder for audiences to discern fact from fiction.

While ElevenLabs has not officially confirmed these allegations, the reports underscore the potential for such technology to be weaponized. This incident has reignited discussions about the ethical implications of AI and the measures companies must take to safeguard their tools from misuse.

Balancing innovation and security

ElevenLabs’ vision has always been to democratise voice technology, making it accessible to anyone with a creative idea. Its tools are widely used by audiobook narrators, content creators, and educators to enhance their work. However, the alleged exploitation of these tools for misinformation highlights the fine line between accessibility and security.

In response to growing concerns, ElevenLabs has implemented measures to mitigate misuse. The company is strengthening its security protocols and collaborating with stakeholders to prevent future misuse. The company now requires users to verify their identities before accessing advanced features like Voice Design. They’ve also developed a detection tool capable of identifying audio generated by their AI.

These steps aim to balance user accessibility with safeguards against unethical applications. However, experts argue that industry-wide guidelines are essential to curb malicious applications of such technology​.

The broader implications

The controversy surrounding ElevenLabs is not an isolated incident but a reflection of broader challenges in the AI industry. AI-driven tools like ElevenLabs’ voice generator are increasingly being used for personal and professional tasks, such as creating narrations for YouTube videos or generating custom voiceovers for podcasts. These legitimate use cases highlight the transformative potential of the technology.

However, as tools become more sophisticated, their potential for misuse grows exponentially. Deepfake technology, for example, has already been used to create convincing but false audio and video recordings. The stakes are even higher when such tools fall into the hands of bad actors seeking to manipulate public opinion or spread misinformation.

In the absence of comprehensive legislation, companies like ElevenLabs are stepping up to self-regulate. Still, the road ahead is challenging. Governments and organizations must work together to create robust frameworks that protect users while fostering innovation. Initiatives like public awareness campaigns and AI literacy programs can also help mitigate risks by empowering individuals to critically evaluate digital content​

What can be done?

Industry experts suggest a multi-pronged approach to addressing these challenges. Firstly, companies like ElevenLabs must continue to innovate on security features. Identity verification, watermarking AI-generated content, and real-time detection algorithms are crucial in preventing misuse. Secondly, regulatory frameworks need to catch up with technological advancements. Governments and international bodies should collaborate to establish guidelines for the ethical use of AI.

Education also plays a pivotal role. Users and consumers must be made aware of the existence and potential misuse of AI-generated content. Encouraging media literacy can help individuals critically assess the authenticity of the information they encounter.

A cautionary tale for the AI industry

The alleged misuse of ElevenLabs’ technology serves as a cautionary tale for the AI industry at large. It highlights the unintended consequences of innovation and the importance of proactive measures to prevent abuse. While ElevenLabs’ tools offer incredible possibilities for creative expression and productivity, their potential for misuse cannot be ignored.

For ElevenLabs, this controversy is a stark reminder of the challenges that come with leading in an emerging field. The company’s response to this crisis will likely set a precedent for other AI firms navigating similar issues.

The road ahead

Despite the controversy, the future of AI voice technology remains bright. Tools like ElevenLabs’ voice generator have the potential to revolutionize several industries, from entertainment to education. However, realising this potential will require a delicate balance between fostering innovation and ensuring ethical use.

As the debate over AI ethics continues, it is clear that the responsibility for preventing misuse lies not just with developers but with society as a whole, which does sound like a lofty utopian dream. But yes, collaboration between tech companies, regulators, and the public will be essential in shaping the future of AI.

In the case of ElevenLabs, the coming months will be critical. How the company addresses these allegations and strengthens its safeguards will not only impact its reputation but also influence the trajectory of AI voice technology as a whole.

When Google unveiled Gemini 2.0, the stakes in the AI ecosystem were redefined. Competing in a world dominated by generative AI titans like OpenAI and Anthropic, Gemini 2.0 exemplifies Google's commitment to innovation with unmatched sophistication. The second-generation AI model introduces transformative capabilities in multimodal learning, developer tools, and image generation, setting new benchmarks for generative AI applications. But what does Gemini 2.0 bring to the table for users and developers alike? Let’s dive deeper.

Multimodal intelligence amplified

Gemini 2.0’s prowess begins with its improved multimodal capabilities, seamlessly integrating text, image, and video comprehension. This advancement adds more value to user interactions, allowing the AI to process mixed-input queries, such as interpreting a picture while answering contextually complex text-based questions. Google emphasises that this evolution stems from extensive R&D at DeepMind, merging language comprehension with visual and spatial intelligence for real-world relevance.​

For instance, in professional environments, Gemini’s advanced APIs support dynamic presentations, blending text and visual analytics. Developers can use the platform to create applications that redefine user interactions—be it in e-commerce, content creation, or education.

Gemini 2.0 brings Custom Gems

A standout feature of Gemini 2.0 is "Custom Gems," which allows users to design AI experts tailored to specific tasks. Whether you need assistance with coding, career advice, or even event planning, these Gems can be personalised to meet your needs. Users can name and program their Gems with distinct functionalities, creating virtual assistants that evolve alongside their requirements.​

The implications are profound. Imagine a marketing professional configuring a Gem for trend analysis or a student creating a Gem to simplify advanced calculus. Google’s initiative to put this customisation in the hands of users emphasises their vision for AI as an empowering tool.

Also Read: Google Willow quantum chip explained: Faster than a supercomputer

Imagen 3: Artistic brilliance meets precision

Gemini 2.0 also introduces Imagen 3, Google’s state-of-the-art image generation model. Known for creating hyper-realistic visuals, Imagen 3 boasts unparalleled quality, producing outputs ranging from photorealistic landscapes to vibrant artistic creations. Enhanced safeguards ensure responsible use, especially in sensitive domains like image generation involving people. As part of a controlled rollout, users gain access to the model’s full capabilities with enterprise-grade safety protocols.​

The integration of Imagen 3 makes Gemini 2.0 an ideal choice for creative industries, empowering designers, marketers, and educators to craft visuals with minimal effort. Coupled with Google's focus on ethical AI practices, Imagen 3 represents innovation with responsibility.

Also Read: ChatGPT Canvas explained: What is it and how to use new OpenAI tool?

Beyond user-facing features, Gemini 2.0 excels as a developer-centric platform. Its APIs include tools optimised for code generation, debugging, and seamless integration into existing ecosystems. In particular, Google has emphasised that Gemini’s APIs are tailored to empower creators with advanced but accessible capabilities, fostering AI-driven app development.​ For developers, the platform simplifies intricate tasks such as generating training datasets, automating repetitive workflows, and integrating multimodal features into applications. The result? A shorter development cycle and groundbreaking AI-driven solutions across sectors.

A strategic edge in the AI race

While Gemini 2.0 excels in technology, it is also a strategic response to the competitive AI landscape. Facing rivals like GPT-4 and Claude AI, Google has leveraged its expertise in search, cloud computing, and developer platforms to position Gemini 2.0 as a holistic solution. Features like Custom Gems and Imagen 3 are not only technological advancements but also user retention strategies aimed at deepening Google’s ecosystem integration.​ By positioning Gemini 2.0 as both an enterprise-grade and consumer-friendly tool, Google demonstrates a clear vision—bridging the gap between cutting-edge innovation and accessibility.

Also Read: Sapient’s RNN AI model aims to surpass ChatGPT and Gemini: Here’s how

Challenges and the road ahead for Google after Gemini 2.0

Despite its merits, Gemini 2.0 isn’t without challenges. Ethical concerns about generative AI remain a hot topic, and Google’s safeguards will need to continuously evolve to prevent misuse. Furthermore, the high computational demands of such advanced models could limit access for smaller developers or organisations without robust infrastructure.

Looking ahead, Google’s roadmap includes expanding access to Gemini’s features globally, introducing developer grants, and further refining its ethical AI frameworks. The journey will undoubtedly influence the broader AI ecosystem, fostering innovation while addressing societal challenges.

In Gemini 2.0, Google has created more than just an AI model—it has crafted a vision of the future. With advancements like Custom Gems and Imagen 3, this platform is set to redefine how users and developers interact with AI. Yet, its broader impact depends on how effectively Google navigates the challenges of scalability and ethics.

In the fast-moving AI industry, there’s been an interesting development: Singapore-based startup Sapient Intelligence has announced the successful closure of its seed funding round, securing $22 million at a valuation of $200 million. This investment, led by prominent entities such as Vertex Ventures, Sumitomo Group, and JAFCO, primarily aims to advance Sapient's mission – which is to address the limitations inherent in current AI models like OpenAI's ChatGPT, Google's Gemini and Meta’s Llama.

Also read: Osmo’s scent teleportation: How AI is digitising scent for the first time

That’s right. A new AI startup wants to challenge the popular incumbents like OpenAI, Meta, Google and others with a more powerful, more comprehensive AI foundational model which better understands human nuance and has a longer lasting memory. 

An AI framework based on neuroscience

Traditional AI models, including GPT-4 and Gemini, primarily utilise transformer architectures that generate predictions by sequentially building upon prior outputs. Yes, this is the same concept outlined in the ‘Attention Is All You Need’ research paper from 2017, that experts all over the world consider as a landmark moment in NLP and kickstarting the era of ChatGPT. 

While effective for various tasks, this autoregressive method often encounters challenges with complex, multi-step reasoning, leading to issues like hallucinations – instances where the model produces incorrect or nonsensical information.

Also read: Google Gemini controversies: When AI went wrong to rogue

Austin Zheng, co-founder and CEO of Sapient Intelligence, elaborated on these challenges in a recent interview with Venturebeat, stating, "With current models, they’re all trained with an autoregressive method... It has a really good generalization capability, but it’s really, really difficult for them to solve complicated and long-horizon, multi-step tasks."

To overcome these limitations, Sapient is developing a novel AI architecture that draws inspiration heavily from the world of neuroscience and mathematics. This new design integrates transformer components with recurrent neural network (RNN) structures, emulating human cognitive processes, according to Sapient. Zheng explained, "The model will always evaluate the solution, evaluate options and give itself a reward model based on that... [It] can continuously calculate something recurrently until it gets to a correct solution."

Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs) in general process input in a sequential manner, maintaining a hidden state that captures information from previous inputs – this makes them great for data handling tasks where order is crucial, such as time-series forecasting. However, this same sequential processing nature of RNNs can lead to challenges in capturing long-range dependencies due to certain fundamental issues like the vanishing gradient problem. This is where Transformers help, where transformer-based models utilise a self-attention mechanism – which allows them to process all elements of the input sequence in parallel, effectively capturing relationships between distant elements without relying on sequential order. This parallel processing enables transformers to handle long-range dependencies more efficiently, making them particularly effective in tasks like language translation, where understanding the context across an entire sentence is essential. 

Think of RNNs as the CPU which can only do sequential tasks, and Transformers as GPUs which are great at parallel processing. Both in tandem are great for complementing each other’s strengths and weaknesses, which is what Sapient’s attempting to infuse its AI model with.

Sapient’s AI model approach involves combining transformer components with recurrent neural network structures, which ultimately allows the model to evaluate its own solutions, consider various options, and assign rewards based on outcomes – similar to cognitive processes observed in humans. When presented with a problem, we humans also try to solve it by weighing multiple options as solutions and rewarding ourselves with a dopamine hit whenever we choose the right solution, right? 

By emulating these brain functions, Sapient claims its model can iteratively refine its outputs until achieving accurate solutions, thereby improving its ability to handle complex, multi-step tasks. This brain-inspired design aims to create more adaptable and efficient AI systems, reflecting a broader trend in the AI research field where insights from neuroscience are informing the development of advanced AI models with greater capabilities.

Future of Sapient’s new AI model

What’s more, according to Sapient, their AI architecture is designed to enhance the foundational model's flexibility and precision, which they hope will allow it to tackle a broad range of tasks with greater reliability. This approach by Sapient isn’t too dissimilar from emerging reasoning models from industry leaders like OpenAI's o1 series and Google's Gemini 2.0, for instance. According to their spokesperson, Sapient's model has demonstrated superior performance in benchmarks such as Sudoku, achieving 95% accuracy without relying on intermediate tools or data – which is being hailed as a significant advancement over existing neural networks.

The company is also focusing on real-world applications, including autonomous coding agents and robotics. For instance, Sapient is deploying an AI coding agent within Sumitomo's enterprise environment to learn and contribute to the company's codebase. Unlike some existing models that require human oversight, Sapient's agents aim to operate autonomously, continuously learning and improving through trial and error. AI agents are incoming!

Also read: AI agents explained: Why OpenAI, Google and Microsoft are building smarter AI agents

Sapient's advancements reflect a broader industry trend towards developing AI systems capable of complex reasoning and planning. OpenAI's recent release of the o1 model, described as the "smartest model in the world," signifies a shift from prediction-based models to those emphasising reasoning capabilities. Similarly, Google's Gemini 2.0 aims to perform tasks and interact like a virtual personal assistant, showcasing improved multimodal capabilities.

These developments suggest that the AI industry is moving towards more autonomous and adaptable systems, capable of handling intricate tasks with minimal human intervention. Sapient's unique approach, combining insights from machine learning, neuroscience, and mathematics, positions it as another player that’s making its moves in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

Also read: ChatGPT Canvas explained: What is it and how to use new OpenAI tool?

One of the biggest events of the entertainment and gaming world in 2025 is hands down going to be the launch of the madly anticipated GTA VI / GTA 6 / Rockstar Games’ next blockbuster game. Believe me when I say it’s not an exaggeration that every gamer from around the world is waiting with bated breath for GTA 6 to release. And according to Rockstar Games, the developer of GTA titles over the years, and Take-Two (its parent company and publisher), GTA 6 is on track to release in 2025.

Also read: GTA 6 release date: Here’s when the most-awaited game can launch in 2025

This might be contrary to popular belief, but not everyone is elated by the impending release of GTA 6. Oh no siree! According to a revealing Bloomberg report, rival game publishers are nervously waiting for Rockstar Games and Take-Two to commit to a final release date of GTA 6 – aiming to steer their own games well clear of the GTA effect, to give them maximum chances for success, of course. Bloomberg claims that other game publishers won’t be committing to their game release dates in a hurry.

It makes sense, if you think about it. When every gamer and their grandmother will be buying GTA 6 in 2025, a game that’s expected to be very big in terms of its scope, playtime and incremental cost, a sizeable portion of the gaming community will likely stay away from buying any other game for at least a few months or more. Such is the allure and magic of the GTA franchise!

Grand Theft Auto: Brief history of a gaming phenomenon

The Grand Theft Auto (GTA) series, developed by Rockstar Games, has been a cornerstone of the gaming industry since its inception over 27 years ago dating back to 1997. Known for its expansive open-world environments and satirical take on American culture, the GTA game series has continually pushed the boundaries of interactive entertainment throughout its history.

The journey into gaming folklore began with the original Grand Theft Auto, which was released in November 1997 for MS-DOS and Windows. Recent and younger fans of later GTA games won’t even recognize the original, which was a top-down, 2D game that introduced players to a sandbox-style gaming experience across three fictional cities: Liberty City, San Andreas, and Vice City. Its success led to the expansion packs GTA: London 1969 and GTA: London 1961, both set in 1960s London. 

In 1999, Grand Theft Auto 2 continued the top-down perspective, this time set in the futuristic "Anywhere City." But it wasn’t until GTA III in 2001 where the series went through a transformative shift, embracing 3D graphics and a third-person perspective for the very first time in its franchise history. Set in a reimagined Liberty City, the game offered unprecedented freedom and a cinematic narrative, setting a whole new standard for open-world games at the time. 

Subsequently, GTA: Vice City (2002) transported players to a 1980s-inspired city, introducing voice acting, musical soundtrack and an attractive and vibrant, neon-lit world that introduced millions of new fans to the franchise. In 2004, GTA: San Andreas expanded the scope of the GTA gaming universe with an even bigger sandbox environment comprising an entire state, complete with three cities and rural areas, along with character customisation and RPG elements.

With support for 1920x1080 graphics, GTA IV (2008) returned to Liberty City with a focus on realism and HD graphical detail previously unseen in GTA games, while also introducing an online multiplayer mode for the very first time. Finally, GTA V (2013) elevated the GTA gaming series further by featuring not just one but three playable characters and an expansive open world encompassing both urban and rural areas. Its online game mode, called GTA Online, became a massive success, contributing to the game's enduring popularity for over a decade and counting. By the end of 2023, the GTA game series had shipped over 425 million units (with 200 million units comprising GTA V alone), making it one of the best-selling video game franchises of all time.

GTA 6: Leaks, trailers and speculation

Given the history and legacy of the GTA game franchise, it’s of course no surprise that anticipation for Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6) has been fueled by a steady stream of leaks, teasers, and speculations, each cranking up the mystery and intrigue surrounding Rockstar Games' upcoming gaming title.

You have to keep in mind that there’s been no new GTA game released since GTA V, which was all the way back in 2013. With expectation rife, the gaming community was rocked by a massive leak of over 90 video clips in September 2022 showcasing early development footage of GTA 6, which later Rockstar Games acknowledged to be true. These clips offered the earliest glimpses into potential gameplay mechanics, characters, and the sandbox world of GTA 6, sparking widespread discussions and analyses among gaming fans all over the world.

Also read: New GTA 6 gameplay leaked: Smaller storyline, new characters, and more revealed

Nothing much happened after that for over a year when in December 2023, Rockstar Games released the first official trailer for GTA 6, which quickly became a cultural phenomenon. The trailer became the most watched non-music video on YouTube within its first 24 hours, and has since then amassed over 225 million views in total, underlining the immense anticipation for the game. 

Then again after a year, in December 2024, Rockstar Games seemingly dropped a subtle hint about GTA 6 within the promotional material for the GTA Online DLC, Agents of Sabotage. The nod to GTA 6 was spotted by an eagle-eyed gamer, who noticed what looked like a Hidden Package from GTA: Vice City in the artwork of the online DLC, which many interpreted as an easter egg to the upcoming GTA 6 game's setting. While Rockstar Games has remained tight-lipped about GTA 6’s setting and larger themes, subsequent leaks and reports suggest a return to Vice City as all but confirmed, which is the GTA universe’s' fictional take on Miami. 

Leaks have also hinted at a dual-protagonist system in GTA 6, with players getting to choose between playing either a male or female character. Borrowing a page from role-playing games, GTA 6 is believed to have a pretty extensive character personalisation and customisation option built-in, one that will allow gamers of GTA 6 to make the playable character as personal as they possibly can. Rumours of in-game social media integration have also circulated in the recent past, especially after the original trailer release of GTA 6. Of course, not too long of a wait remaining now before the game officially releases.

GTA 6 release date in 2025

Everyone from GTA fans to gaming industry analysts have speculated on a potential release window of the hotly anticipated game, with some reports indicating a fall 2025 launch of GTA 6. This release timeframe for GTA 6 originates from a senior executive of Rockstar Games’ parent company.

Following the record-breaking trailer launch of GTA 6, Rockstar Games cursorily suggested a release window of 2025. Later during a May 2024 earnings call, no less than the Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick commented on GTA 6’s release timeline in 2025, saying that he was feeling “highly confident that we’ll deliver [GTA 6] in fall of 2025."

Make of that what you will. Whether GTA 6 launches around Diwali 2025 is anybody’s guess, but I think there’s a very good chance we’ll all be playing the game before Christmas 2025 for sure. Unless the game’s tragically delayed, which it has been by close to a decade, if you think about it. Let’s hope before the end of 2025, gamers around the world will be witnessing the cultural phenomenon that GTA 6 is destined to be!

Also read: GTA 6 launch timeline confirmed by parent company: Here’s when it will launch in 2025

OpenAI has announced the expansion of its ChatGPT Canvas feature to all users, offering a more visual and dynamic way to interact with AI. Originally rolled out in beta to select users in October 2024, ChatGPT Canvas is now integrated across all tiers, including free and premium subscriptions, aiming to enhance productivity and creativity in various tasks. With it now being open to a wider user base, let’s have a deeper look at what exactly ChatGPT Canvas is all about, and how it is set to impact the way we interact with AI tools going forward – 

What is ChatGPT Canvas?

ChatGPT Canvas is a flexible workspace where users can organise, edit, and visualise AI responses. Unlike the standard text-based interface, Canvas allows users to drag, drop, and arrange AI-generated content in a more interactive layout. This makes it particularly useful for brainstorming, planning, and drafting complex projects that benefit from spatial organisation.

For example, instead of navigating through a long text thread, users can separate ideas into different sections, group related content, or create flowcharts. The tool supports multiple file types, making it easier to integrate text, images, and other formats into one cohesive space.

ChatGPT vs ChatGPT Canvas: Why it matters

The introduction of Canvas represents a shift in how AI is used for collaborative and creative purposes. Traditional chat interfaces are great for quick responses but can become cumbersome for detailed projects. With Canvas, users gain more control over how they manage and refine AI outputs, turning ChatGPT into a versatile tool for a broader range of use cases.

According to OpenAI, this feature aligns with their mission to make AI not just accessible but also practical for day-to-day tasks. Professionals, students, and creatives are likely to find value in a workspace that adapts to their specific needs, whether it’s mapping out ideas for a presentation, drafting an essay, or creating a content strategy.

Feedback from early ChatGPT Canvas users

During its beta phase, Canvas received overwhelmingly positive feedback. Test users highlighted its adaptability for complex projects, particularly those involving multiple layers of information. For instance, content creators found it helpful for organising drafts, while educators used it to build lesson plans. However, some concerns were raised about the learning curve. While the interface is intuitive, users accustomed to linear chat systems needed time to adjust. OpenAI has addressed this by providing tutorials and templates to help users get started.

OpenAI’s strategic move

The expansion of Canvas comes at a time when OpenAI is facing increased competition from other AI platforms like Anthropic and Google’s Bard. By offering innovative tools like Canvas, OpenAI aims to differentiate itself and retain its user base.

Additionally, the feature aligns with the company’s focus on making AI a collaborative partner rather than just a query-response tool. With features like Canvas, OpenAI is positioning ChatGPT as a multi-functional assistant capable of handling tasks that go beyond simple interactions.

How to use ChatGPT Canvas?

Getting started with ChatGPT Canvas is straightforward. Once enabled, users can access the feature through their ChatGPT interface. After opening Canvas, you can begin by entering a prompt or uploading a reference file, such as an image or document. The AI generates content, which appears as movable blocks in the workspace. To organise ideas, simply drag and drop these blocks to arrange them visually. You can group related pieces, create diagrams, or use templates to streamline workflows. For brainstorming, start with a central prompt and build branches by asking follow-up questions.

Editing is easy – double-click any block to make changes directly. You can also integrate external tools by importing files or exporting the workspace to continue work elsewhere. For first-time users, OpenAI provides tutorials and pre-built templates to simplify navigation.

Looking ahead

OpenAI plans to continuously improve Canvas based on user feedback. Upcoming updates may include enhanced customisation options, real-time collaboration, and deeper integration with third-party apps. The company is also exploring ways to make the tool more accessible to non-English users, expanding its global reach.

Canvas is expected to appeal to a wide audience, from professionals managing intricate workflows to students working on group projects. Its versatility could make it a staple tool for anyone looking to blend creativity with organisation.

ChatGPT Canvas marks an evolution in how we interact with AI, offering a more flexible and visual approach to managing content. By expanding access to this tool, OpenAI is opening doors to new possibilities for collaboration, creativity, and productivity. Whether you’re brainstorming ideas, drafting a report, or planning a project, Canvas provides a workspace that adapts to your needs, making it a valuable addition to the ChatGPT ecosystem.

DeepMind’s new AI model, Genie 2, makes creating 3D interactive worlds as easy as describing them with text or showing an image. Whether it’s a robot exploring a forest or other imaginative scenes, the tool brings them to life in real time. It’s a big step for AI creativity, but it also raises questions about how it uses existing content and the impact it might have on industries like gaming and design. Genie 2 is shaping up to be a fascinating addition to the AI space.

Bridging imagination and reality

At its core, Genie 2 is about translating imagination into reality—or, at least, virtual reality. The model’s ability to simulate environments packed with accurate lighting, physics, and animations allows users to navigate these worlds as if they were characters in a video game. DeepMind claims that the system can produce scenes comparable to AAA video games, bolstered by its training data, which likely includes video game playthroughs.

Yet, this is where things get murky. While DeepMind hasn’t disclosed specifics about its training data, its affiliation with Google and access to platforms like YouTube bring legal ambiguities to light. Does Genie 2 essentially create derivative works from copyrighted video games it "watched" during training? These unanswered questions could turn into courtroom dramas, especially given how critical IP protections are in the gaming industry.

Genie 2 sets itself apart by solving problems that have plagued similar AI models. For instance, Decart’s Minecraft simulator, Oasis, suffers from poor resolution and forgetfulness - losing track of level layouts mid-simulation. In contrast, Genie 2 can remember off-screen elements and re-render them accurately when they reappear. Moreover, it supports a range of perspectives, from first-person to isometric views, while maintaining consistent interactions. The model is clever enough to understand that arrow keys should move a robot, not the surrounding trees or sky. These advancements highlight DeepMind’s technical prowess, making Genie 2 a standout in the nascent field of world modelling.

However, there’s a catch. Genie 2’s creations last only a minute, with most simulations wrapping up in 10 to 20 seconds. This limitation makes it less suited for long-term gaming experiences. Instead, DeepMind envisions it as a research and prototyping tool - a way to experiment with AI in unique, controlled environments. For creators, Genie 2 represents a powerful tool for rapid prototyping. Concept artists can now turn sketches into fully interactive environments, bringing ideas to life faster than ever. DeepMind underscores this in its blog, emphasizing Genie 2’s ability to transform “concept art into interactive experiences” seamlessly.

Researchers, too, stand to gain. By crafting diverse virtual worlds, Genie 2 provides fresh challenges for AI agents. These agents, unexposed to such tasks during training, can be evaluated in scenarios that test their adaptability and problem-solving capabilities. In essence, Genie 2 could redefine how researchers measure AI’s performance across a variety of domains.

Weaving through the controversies

As groundbreaking as Genie 2 is, it also invites scrutiny. The gaming industry, in particular, might view it as a double-edged sword. On one hand, it democratizes access to tools that were once exclusive to major studios. On the other, it could lead to job displacement as companies adopt AI for tasks traditionally handled by human artists and developers. This concern isn’t baseless. Industry giants like Activision Blizzard have already integrated AI to boost productivity - often at the cost of human roles. Genie 2 could amplify this trend, raising ethical questions about the balance between innovation and job preservation.

Additionally, the spectre of copyright infringement looms large. If Genie 2 uses video game footage for training without explicit permission, it could set off legal battles that shape the future of AI research. Google’s assertion that its terms of service allow the use of publicly available content only adds fuel to this fire.

DeepMind’s vision for the future

Despite these challenges, DeepMind’s ambitions remain undeterred. The development of Genie 2 aligns with Google’s broader push into AI-powered world modelling. Recent hires, including Tim Brooks from OpenAI and Tim Rocktäschel from Meta, reflect the company’s commitment to advancing this frontier. Genie 2 also hints at applications far beyond gaming. In architecture, it could revolutionize virtual walkthroughs for clients. In education, dynamic virtual classrooms could become the norm. The entertainment industry could use it for everything from pre-visualizing movie scenes to creating custom game levels. The possibilities are endless.

As DeepMind continues to refine its capabilities, Genie 2 may well become the benchmark for AI-driven creativity. Its ability to merge cutting-edge technology with artistic freedom signals a shift in how we approach virtual environments. Whether it becomes a force for democratization or controversy, one thing is certain: Genie 2 is only the beginning.

The best camera phones under ₹25,000 offer a strong combination of top-tier hardware and effective software optimizations in the mid-range segment. While most phones today provide decent cameras for everyday use, the best options under ₹25,000 stand out by delivering both high quality and ease of use. At this price point, you don’t want to be burdened with overly complex features; as the ability to quickly point, shoot, and capture good images is essential. Here is a selection of the best camera phones under ₹25000 that you can buy.

Redmi Note 13 Pro+

The Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G is a well-designed, feature-packed phone that impresses with its vibrant AMOLED display, offering a 1.5K resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and HDR support. The standout feature is the 200 MP primary camera, which captures detailed and vibrant shots in good lighting conditions. The ultrawide lens performs well in daylight, but the macro camera is underwhelming. Low-light performance suffers from noise, and video capabilities are limited to 4K at 30fps. The 16 MP selfie camera offers decent results in good lighting but lacks clarity in low light.

Who Should Buy It? 

The Redmi Note 13 Pro+ is an excellent choice for users seeking a feature-rich phone with a solid camera performance in good lighting.

OnePlus Nord CE 4

The OnePlus Nord CE4 features a dual-camera setup, comprising a 50-megapixel primary shooter and an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens. While the primary camera sensor is smaller compared to last year's model, the performance remains satisfactory for everyday users. In bright conditions, the images may appear slightly washed out with soft dynamic range, but they hold enough detail for social media posts and casual editing. Low-light shots, on the other hand, are vibrant and retain good detail, though there is noticeable light flare and occasional slow focus. The ultrawide shooter, however, produces inconsistent results, with washed-out colors and a warm tone. Overall, the camera is decent but not outstanding, making it more suited for casual users rather than photography enthusiasts.

Who should buy it?

The OnePlus Nord CE4 is ideal for those who prioritize performance and battery life in a mid-range smartphone. It offers reliable performance for day-to-day tasks and gaming, alongside excellent battery life and fast charging. However, if you're looking for a phone with exceptional camera and display quality, there are better options available in this price range.

Nothing Phone 2a

The Nothing Phone (2a) features a dual rear camera setup with a 50 MP primary sensor and a 50 MP ultrawide sensor, along with a 32 MP selfie camera. The primary camera delivers impressive detail retention and natural colors in ideal lighting conditions, although its dynamic range can sometimes falter. Low-light performance, however, is surprisingly good, offering crisp details and accurate color reproduction. The 32 MP front camera also excels, producing detailed and vibrant selfies. One downside is the inconsistent portrait mode, which struggles with edge detection and accurate skin tones. The Motion Capture feature also requires fine-tuning to perform better with moving subjects.

Who Should Buy It?

The Nothing Phone (2a) is perfect for those who value a unique design, smooth user experience, and solid camera performance at an affordable price. It’s ideal for users seeking a dependable daily driver without breaking the bank, especially those who appreciate the quirky design and bloatware-free interface.

Samsung Galaxy M55s 5G

The Samsung Galaxy M55 5G features a 50MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultrawide lens, and a 2MP macro shooter. The camera delivers solid results, especially considering the phone’s price. The primary shooter produces good dynamic range and ample detail, with low-light performance being particularly impressive. Despite a slight "watercolour effect" in the viewfinder, post-processing yields sharp, detailed images.

Who Should Buy It?

The Samsung Galaxy M55 5G is an excellent option for those seeking a budget-friendly device with a premium feel, a solid camera setup, and fast charging. It’s a good fit for casual photographers and those who value a balanced performance in a budget smartphone.

Redmi Note 13 Pro

The Redmi Note 13 Pro impresses with its 200MP primary rear camera, featuring a large 1/1.4″ Samsung HP3 sensor, f/1.65 aperture, and Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), offering excellent daylight performance with vibrant, detailed images. The camera also supports in-sensor zoom up to 4x, providing impressive cropping without a telephoto lens. The 8MP ultra-wide camera and 2MP macro sensor perform decently but don’t stand out, with the macro sensor being largely underwhelming. Low-light performance is strong, thanks to the camera’s sensor and advanced tuning, while the Night Mode and Pro Mode enhance details in dim conditions. The 16MP front camera delivers good, if not exceptional, selfies with decent edge detection in portrait shots. Video recording supports 4K at 30fps and 1080p at 60fps, with solid performance for the price range.

Who should buy it?

The Redmi Note 13 Pro is ideal for users who prioritize high-resolution photography and video recording in a mid-range device. If you’re looking for a smartphone with a standout primary camera that excels in daylight and low-light conditions, and don’t mind the absence of a telephoto lens, this is a solid choice.

iQOO Z9s Pro 5G

The iQOO Z9s Pro offers a solid camera experience with its 50MP primary sensor and 8MP ultrawide lens, though the performance can be inconsistent in certain conditions. Daylight shots from the primary camera are generally sharp, especially in the High-Res mode, but sometimes the colors appear washed out, and shadows lack detail. The ultrawide camera struggles with noise, particularly in dim lighting. Low-light performance is hit or miss, with the primary camera delivering decent results for social media but not quite reaching the level of premium devices. Portrait shots from the 50MP sensor are better than expected, offering good subject separation. The AI Erase feature is a standout, providing a useful tool for removing unwanted objects and people from photos, though its results are not flawless.

Who Should Buy It?

The iQOO Z9s Pro is a good choice for users looking for a budget-friendly device with solid cameras for everyday use. It’s especially suited for young professionals and students who value features like AI enhancements and a sleek design but don’t require the absolute best in low-light or ultrawide camera performance.

Motorola Edge 50 Fusion

The Motorola Edge 50 Fusion stands out for its solid camera setup, which includes a 50 MP primary camera with OIS and a 13 MP ultrawide camera with autofocus, serving also as a macro lens. In ideal lighting conditions, the primary camera delivers vibrant, high-contrast images with decent dynamic range. Portraits are especially sharp with great edge detection. The ultrawide camera, however, struggles in low-light conditions, showing more noise and chromatic aberration. On the bright side, the 32 MP front camera offers impressive selfie shots, with excellent color accuracy and dynamic range, even in low light. The macro mode, thanks to the ultrawide lens’s autofocus, is particularly noteworthy in this price range.

Who should buy it?

The Motorola Edge 50 Fusion is ideal for those who prioritize camera performance, especially for vibrant photos and detailed selfies, all at an affordable price.

The best camera phones in December 2024 are those that offer the most advanced camera setups in a smartphone. In 2024, most smartphones strike a solid balance between hardware and software. However, the standout camera phones are those that have perfected the integration of top-tier camera hardware with advanced software and computational post-processing algorithms. Not to be overlooked, video capabilities are just as crucial today, so video quality and stabilization features play a significant role in defining the best camera phones. So, here’s a list of the best camera phones in India that you can buy without any second thoughts.

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

The iPhone 16 Pro Max is Apple's latest flagship that refines hardware and software with a 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, A18 Pro chip, and upgraded camera system. It offers top-tier performance, with remarkable battery life and fast charging, though some features like Apple Intelligence are not yet available in India. The design is sleek with a lightweight titanium frame, but the phone remains large and bulky, and the camera control button has quite a bit of a learning curve. The improved 48MP camera system excels in ideal conditions, but struggles in low-light environments.

Who should buy it?

The iPhone 16 Pro Max is ideal for users seeking cutting-edge performance, superior display quality, and an enhanced camera system, especially those upgrading from older iPhone models like the iPhone 13 Pro Max. However, those already using the iPhone 14 Pro Max or 15 Pro Max may find the upgrades too incremental to warrant an immediate upgrade.

Vivo X100 Pro

The Vivo X100 Pro pushes the boundaries of smartphone photography and performance. Featuring a powerful MediaTek Dimensity 9300 chipset, a stunning 6.78-inch curved AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, and a host of other high-end specs, it offers an impressive experience. The camera, developed in collaboration with Zeiss, is the standout feature, with a versatile multifocal system, 10X optical zoom, and exceptional detail retention, making it one of the best camera setups available in an Android smartphone. The device is also equipped with a large 5,400mAh battery with 100W charging, ensuring longevity and fast recharging.

Who should buy it?

The Vivo X100 Pro is perfect for photography enthusiasts looking for a smartphone that offers unmatched camera capabilities. It also suits power users who demand excellent performance, fast multitasking, and smooth gaming.

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL represents a major leap forward for the brand, delivering a sleek, flat-sided design and cutting-edge AI features powered by Google's custom Tensor G4 chip. The 6.8-inch OLED display is exceptional, offering vibrant colors and smooth 120Hz refresh rate. The performance is snappy, with AI capabilities like real-time translation and advanced photo processing standing out, though the Tensor G4 chip lags behind Qualcomm's and Apple's offerings in raw benchmarks. The 5,060mAh battery offers all-day life, with improvements in both battery efficiency and charging speed. The camera system, while not radically different from previous models, provides top-tier computational photography, including a powerful 50MP main sensor and impressive AI-driven editing tools like Magic Editor and Add Me. Despite being slightly behind in raw specs, the Pixel 9 Pro XL excels in user experience, especially for those embedded in the Google ecosystem.

Who should buy it?

The Pixel 9 Pro XL is ideal for users who are deeply invested in Google's ecosystem and want cutting-edge AI features, long-term software support, and a polished smartphone experience. If you're a photography enthusiast or a fan of seamless AI-powered tools, this device is a top contender.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is a high-performance flagship with a robust titanium build, a 200MP camera system, and powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. The stunning display offers vivid visuals and peak brightness of 2600 nits, while its performance is geared towards heavy multitasking and gaming. Software features like Galaxy AI and live call translation improve usability, making it a versatile device for both business and entertainment. The camera system ensures exceptional photography, including impressive night shots and is backed with AI processing. With advanced cooling and impressive graphical capabilities, the Galaxy S24 Ultra caters to power users without compromising battery life.

Who should buy it?

The Galaxy S24 Ultra is perfect for users seeking top-tier performance, especially those interested in mobile photography, gaming, or multitasking.

If you're in the market for a budget-friendly smartphone that offers reliable performance, good displays, and a plethora of features, Xiaomi has a lot to offer in the sub-₹15,000 space. In December 2024, Xiaomi continues to dominate the sub-₹15,000 segment with phones that cater to a wide range of users. Here's a comprehensive list of the best Xiaomi phones under ₹15,000 this month.

Redmi Note 13 5G

The Redmi Note 13 5G is a versatile smartphone that combines style, performance, and a feature-rich experience at just a little over ₹15,000. Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6080 chipset, it offers pretty decent multitasking with a minimum of 6 GB RAM and it handles games like BGMI and COD Mobile without too many hiccups. The 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures vibrant visuals and a smooth scrolling experience, making it a good option for content consumption. Its 108 MP primary camera delivers impressive photos in daylight, though it struggles slightly in low-light scenarios. The phone’s 5,000mAh battery easily lasts over a day and supports 33W fast charging, ensuring you spend less time tethered to a charger. However, the plastic back compromises its premium feel, and MIUI's bloatware may be bothersome to some users.

Who Should Buy It?

The Redmi Note 13 5G is perfect for users who prioritise a premium display and decent gaming performance on a budget. It's also a great choice for casual photographers and those looking for an all-day battery experience.

Redmi 13 5G

The Redmi 13 5G offers a balanced package, making it a compelling choice for budget-conscious buyers. It sports a 6.79-inch FHD+ display, which, while lacking AMOLED technology, delivers sharp visuals and decent colour reproduction. The phone is powered by the Snapdragon 4 Gen 3 AE chipset, ensuring smooth everyday performance and light gaming. The 108 MP rear camera is capable of capturing good detail in daylight but falls short in dynamic range under challenging lighting. Its 5,000mAh battery can comfortably last a full day. On the downside, the phone's build quality feels a bit dated, and the single-speaker setup limits its multimedia appeal.

Who Should Buy It?

The Redmi 13 5G is ideal for users seeking a reliable daily driver for browsing, light gaming, and social media. It's a good pick for those who prefer long battery life over premium features like AMOLED displays.

Redmi 12 5G

The Redmi 12 5G is an affordable option with a strong focus on value. It features a large 6.79-inch FHD+ display that’s good enough for watching videos or scrolling through feeds, though it lacks the deep blacks and vibrant colours of AMOLED screens. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 processor, it delivers smooth performance for everyday tasks and light gaming. The 50 MP main camera is decent for casual photography but tends to overexpose highlights in bright settings. Its 5,000mAh battery ensures long usage times, but the 18W charging speed feels outdated in 2024. Additionally, the plastic back attracts fingerprints easily, making it look less polished over time.

Who Should Buy It?

The Redmi 12 5G is great for students or first-time smartphone users who want a dependable device for basic tasks without stretching their budget. It’s also a good option for users looking for a large display and strong battery life.

Redmi 13C 5G

The Redmi 13C 5G caters to entry-level 5G smartphone users, offering solid basics without unnecessary frills. Its MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ processor ensures adequate performance for light multitasking and app usage, but heavy gaming or resource-intensive apps can be challenging. The 6.74-inch HD+ display is serviceable for basic usage but lacks the sharpness of FHD+ screens. Its 13 MP primary camera captures acceptable photos in daylight but struggles with noise in dim lighting. The standout feature is its 5,000mAh battery, which provides exceptional longevity, though the absence of fast charging can be inconvenient for heavy users. The phone’s build quality feels sturdy, though it doesn't quite impress with its aesthetics.

Who Should Buy It?

The Redmi 13C 5G is an excellent choice for first-time 5G smartphone buyers or those upgrading from a non-smartphone. It’s also suitable for users prioritising battery life over advanced features.

Redmi A4 5G

The Redmi A4 5G is one of the most affordable 5G phones from Xiaomi, designed for users who need basic connectivity and functionality. Its Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 chipset ensures smooth navigation through basic apps and light tasks, though it struggles with heavier workloads. The 6.88-inch HD+ display offers modest brightness and clarity, making it sufficient for casual usage. Its 50 MP rear camera is decent for the price. The phone's 5,160mAh battery ensures it stays operational for extended periods, compensating for its other limitations. The lack of premium materials in the build further emphasises its entry-level status.

Who Should Buy It?

The Redmi A4 5G is ideal for users on a tight budget who need a reliable device for basic tasks and want to experience 5G connectivity without spending more than ₹10,000.

Conclusion

Xiaomi continues to dominate the budget segment with its diverse range of smartphones, offering something for everyone under ₹15,000. Whether you're a gamer, a casual user, or someone upgrading to 5G for the first time, this lineup has a phone to match your needs. Choose the one that best aligns with your priorities, be it display quality, camera performance, or battery life.

In 2024, the competition among premium smartphones has reached new heights, with brands pushing the boundaries of performance, innovation, and design. Today, Flagship smartphones are more than just communication devices—they're powerhouses capable of easily handling gaming, photography, productivity, and entertainment. What sets the best-performing phones apart is their ability to deliver a seamless and powerful experience in every facet of their operation.

At the heart of these high-performance devices are cutting-edge processors, such as Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 or the more recent Snapdragon 8 Elite. On the MediaTek side of things, the latest processors include the latest MediaTek Dimensity 9400 and last year’s MediaTek Dimensity 9300, delivering unprecedented speeds and efficiency. Coupled with up to at least 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.0 or 4.1 storage, these phones redefine multitasking and app responsiveness. Display technology also plays a pivotal role, with most flagships offering AMOLED or OLED panels, ultra-high refresh rates, LTPO technology, and HDR support for immersive visuals.

In the era of 2024, AnTuTu and GeekBench scores have become a benchmark for measuring smartphone performance, offering a comprehensive evaluation of CPU, GPU, memory, and user experience. But beyond numbers, the true essence of a best-performing phone lies in its ability to harmonise software optimisation, thermal management, and battery efficiency with sheer processing power.

This article explores the crème de la crème of December 2024, showcasing phones that lead the performance charts while offering insights into what makes them truly exceptional.

1. iQOO 13

The iQOO 13 is a testament to the brand's focus on delivering top-tier performance. With the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor at its core, paired with up to 16GB of RAM and the fastest UFS 4.1 storage, the phone is designed for speed. Its 2,881,472 AnTuTu score highlights its capability to handle intense gaming and multitasking with ease.

The 6.82-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate ensures buttery-smooth visuals, making it a favourite among gamers. Its thermal management is one of the best in the smartphone space, which keeps the device cool during extended gaming sessions, and its triple 50MP camera setup delivers good results in diverse lighting conditions.

2. Realme GT 7 Pro

Realme continues to redefine value in the flagship segment with the GT 7 Pro. Its Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and an AnTuTu score of 2,783,771 demonstrate its prowess. The phone features a 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate, delivering sharp and vibrant visuals.

It also comes with ultra-fast 120W charging, which takes the 5,800mAh battery from 0 to 100% in just 30 minutes. Its triple-camera system, featuring a 50MP Sony IMX sensor, captures good detail and colour accuracy. It’s a strong competitor for anyone seeking flagship performance at a slightly lower price.

3. OPPO Find X8 Pro

The OPPO Find X8 Pro is the first flagship phone in India to feature MediaTek’s Dimensity 9400 chipset, achieving an impressive 2,253,105 on AnTuTu. The phone is designed for power users and camera lovers alike, offering 16GB of RAM and an advanced cooling system to sustain performance under heavy workloads.

Its camera system, particularly its periscope telephoto lens, delivers exceptional zoom capabilities. With a sleek, aluminium frame, the Find X8 Pro combines aesthetics with high performance. The 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display with Dolby Vision support ensures stunning visuals for media consumption. 

4. iPhone 16 Pro Max

Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro Max is driven by the A18 Pro chip, which continues Apple’s tradition of smooth and seamless performance. The phone scored a whopping 3322 points in the GeekBench Single Core test and 8071 points in the Multi Core Test, making it one of the best-performing phones in the market.

The phone features a Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion technology, ensuring smooth animations and excellent colour reproduction. Its advanced camera system now includes a 48MP main sensor with improved low-light performance. The iPhone 16 Pro Max is an iterative upgrade, but for users of older models like the iPhone 13, it feels like a substantial leap forward.

5. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, achieved an AnTuTu score of 1,819,834. While it doesn’t top the charts, its overall package makes it one of the most versatile smartphones of 2024. The device features a 6.8-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and one of the brightest screens on the market.

Its quad-camera setup, particularly the 200MP main sensor, captures stunning details. The S Pen integration adds a unique dimension for productivity-focused users. The battery life is also a standout, with the phone lasting comfortably for a full day of heavy use.

6. Vivo X Fold3 Pro

The Vivo X Fold3 Pro showcases innovation with its foldable design while maintaining flagship-level performance. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and 16GB of RAM, it scores 2,022,712 on AnTuTu. Its foldable AMOLED display offers an expansive viewing experience for multitasking and entertainment.

Its hinge durability and crease management make it one of the best foldable devices on the market. The camera system, including a 50MP main sensor, performs exceptionally well, rivalling traditional flagships in both quality and versatility.

7. Xiaomi 14

The Xiaomi 14, equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, strikes an excellent balance between size and power. With an AnTuTu score of 1,998,189, it is a capable contender for users seeking high performance without breaking the bank.

Its 6.36-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and its sleek, lightweight design make it stand out from the pack. The phone’s camera system, featuring a 50MP Leica-tuned main sensor, produces natural colours and sharp details. The device also excels in battery life, offering a full day of power on a single charge.

8. iQOO 12

The iQOO 12 is another stellar performer from iQOO, featuring the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and scoring 2,119,219 on AnTuTu despite not using the latest processor. Its 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ support provides an immersive viewing experience.

The iQOO 12 has exceptional gaming performance, with titles like Genshin Impact running smoothly even at max settings. Its camera setup, while not the most versatile, still delivers impressive results, particularly in good lighting conditions. The inclusion of 120W fast charging ensures minimal downtime.

9. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6

Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6 continues to be one of the top choices in the foldable segment, with its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and an AnTuTu score of 1,582,830. The 7.6-inch inner AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate is perfect for multitasking and immersive media consumption.

The phone comes with some structural improvements such as enhanced hinge durability and reduced crease visibility. The camera system ensures near-flagship-level photography. With its premium build and productivity-enhancing features, the Fold 6 is a favourite among power users.

10. Vivo X100 Pro

The Vivo X100 Pro, powered by MediaTek’s Dimensity 9300, achieved a robust AnTuTu score of 2,153,814 but its true superpower is its versatile camera setup which features a class-leading 1-inch main sensor. Thanks to this and ZEISS-tuned cameras, it excels in both photography and videography. 

It features a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and one of the best colour calibrations in the market. The phone’s battery life and fast-charging capabilities are also noteworthy, making it a well-rounded flagship option.

Conclusion

The best-performing phones of December 2024 showcase the incredible strides in smartphone technology, offering unparalleled performance, cutting-edge features, and sleek designs. Whether you’re a gamer, a productivity enthusiast, or a photography buff, there’s a flagship phone tailored to your needs. With options ranging from foldable innovations like the Vivo X Fold3 Pro and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 to performance beasts like the iQOO 13 and Realme GT 7 Pro, the market is brimming with exceptional choices.

Google might be battling antitrust cases left, right and centre, but that isn’t stopping the search engine giant from taking big strides into the future of quantum computing. Google showed off Willow, its latest  and most powerful quantum computing chip till date. According to Google and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai, Willow is a “state-of-the-art quantum computing chip with a breakthrough that can reduce errors exponentially.” 

Also read: Google unveils quantum computing chip Willow and even Elon Musk is impressed

In his online tweet, Pichai shared more words about the Willow quantum chip's exceptional performance – which according to Hartmut Neven, Google’s Quantum AI chief, is unlike anything that classical computing can match.

In Google’s official blog post on the announcement, Neven claimed that Willow performed a standard computational task in under five minutes, which would otherwise take one of today’s fastest supercomputers 10 septillion (or 1025) years to complete. Sounds crazy, doesn’t it?

If there’s one thing certain it’s that Google's latest quantum computing chip, Willow, represents a significant advancement in the field, showcasing unprecedented computational capabilities. Let’s check them out one by one…

Inside Google Willow quantum computing chip

Willow is Google's state-of-the-art quantum processor, featuring 105 qubits – quantum bits that can exist in multiple states simultaneously, enabling complex computations beyond the reach of classical computers (which are capable of doing only binary operations in 0 and 1 states). Developed at Google's Quantum AI lab, Willow utilises superconducting materials and operates at ultra-low temperatures to maintain quantum coherence. 

Compared to the IBM Heron H2 quantum chip announced in November 2024, which has 156 qubits, the Google Willow may seem to be weaker in comparison. But a notable innovation in Google Willow is its enhanced error correction rate, achieving an exponential reduction in error rates as qubits are added, which is a critical step toward building scalable quantum systems in the future.

Google Willow quantum chip’s key achievements

In Google’s internal benchmark tests, Willow performed a computational task in under five minutes – a feat that would take the world's fastest supercomputers 10 septillion years (10^25 years) to complete. This performance itself surpasses Google's 2019 Sycamore processor, which solved a problem in 200 seconds that classical computers would need 10,000 years to tackle.

Also read: Shaping the future of quantum computing: Intel’s Anne Matsuura

Another critical advancement with Google Willow is its enhanced error correction – which is insanely important, especially for quantum computers. By increasing the number of qubits and implementing real-time error correction, Willow reduces error rates exponentially, a milestone published in Nature. This development addresses a longstanding challenge in quantum computing, where adding qubits often introduces more errors into the system. At least, Google Willow seems to have found a way to get around this foundational roadblock towards building a quantum computing system in the near future.

Importance of the Google Willow quantum chip

Google Willow's breakthroughs in computational speed and error correction in quantum computing definitely mark a pivotal step toward practical deployments of quantum computing. These advancements open avenues for real-world applications across various industries. In the field of AI, it will enhance machine algorithms and data analysis like never before. Help us find new medicine and pharmaceutical drugs for increasingly more personalised medical treatments. Quantum computing can also optimise energy systems in a way that classical computers just can’t, and pave the way for advancements in fusion energy research at an unprecedented rate.

By overcoming key obstacles in quantum error correction, Google Willow brings us closer to quantum computers that can solve complex problems currently deemed too big and time consuming for classical systems.

With the unveiling of Google's Willow chip, are you dreaming of owning a quantum computing PC in your home? That will take some time, as current quantum computing systems are highly sensitive, requiring ultra-low temperatures and specialised environments, making them impractical for personal use. According to experts, quantum computing will disrupt fields like cryptography, medicine and AI, but will be largely accessible through cloud-based services rather than personalised devices. Yeah, despite rapid advancements, it may be several decades before quantum computers become commonplace in households around the world.

Also read: PQC encryption standardised: How they secure our digital future in quantum computing era

The best mobile phones under ₹10000 in December 2024 are ones that offer a bang for your buck, giving you all the essential features at an accessible price point. Whether you are a first time smartphone user or someone who is looking for a secondary budget phone under ₹10,000, you need to keep in mind some basic things such as the processor, battery capacity, RAM and storage options. Here are some of the best smartphones under ₹10000 for you to choose from.

Redmi A4 5G

The Redmi A4 5G is Xiaomi’s latest foray into budget-friendly smartphones, bringing 5G connectivity under ₹10,000. It is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 4S Gen 2 processor, it features a 6.88-inch HD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a large 5,160mAh battery. While its design looks stylish and its display impresses with vibrant colors, the camera performance is mixed. There’s bloatware and ads from apps which you can remove and disable, but it feels an extra step. However, it excels as a dependable, affordable 5G device with solid day-to-day performance and exceptional battery life, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious buyers.

Who should buy it?

First-time smartphone users, budget-conscious buyers seeking 5G, or anyone looking for a reliable secondary device with robust connectivity and long-lasting battery life.

iQOO Z9 Lite

The iQOO Z9 Lite offers a balanced package of features at a budget price point. Its design stands out, paired with a durable IP64 water and dust resistance certification. The 6.72-inch LCD display provides vibrant colors and a 90Hz refresh rate. The phone excels in day-to-day performance, powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 SoC. The cameras deliver acceptable results in daylight and selfies but struggle in low-light scenarios. Battery life is it’s key strength, with a 5,000mAh battery lasting over a day on moderate usage. However, the slow 15W charging could be a drawback for some. On the software front, FunTouch OS atop Android 14 offers smooth usability despite some bloatware.

Who should buy it?

Buy the iQOO Z9 Lite if you value durability, dependable everyday performance, and strong battery life in a budget smartphone.

Redmi 13C 5G

The Redmi 13C 5G stands out as the first ‘C’ series smartphone with 5G connectivity, priced at ₹10,999. Its starry design is eye-catching. The 6.74-inch HD+ display with a 90Hz refresh rate delivers responsive performance and decent brightness, though the resolution may seem limited to Full HD users. It is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ chipset, and supports smooth gaming and daily tasks without overheating. The MIUI 14 OS is a drawback due to bloatware and ads, but these can be disabled. The camera performance is a mixed bag; while the 50MP main sensor and 5MP front camera perform adequately in good lighting, low-light photography struggles. The 5000mAh battery offers solid endurance, even during gaming and navigation.

Who Should Buy It?

First-time smartphone buyers or those on a budget looking for 5G connectivity, smooth gaming performance, and a striking design. Perfect for users prioritizing value over advanced features.

Vivo T3 Lite 5G

The Vivo T3 Lite 5G is an affordable 5G smartphone designed for users seeking solid performance without breaking the bank. The 6.56-inch HD+ display with a 90Hz refresh rate offers smooth visuals, while the device's performance is sufficient for everyday tasks but not ideal for gaming. Equipped with a 5000mAh battery, the phone delivers dependable battery life for regular usage. The 8MP rear camera captures decent photos in good lighting but struggles in low light.

Who should buy it?

The Vivo T3 Lite 5G is an excellent choice for budget-conscious users who want a 5G phone with reliable performance, good battery life, and basic photography capabilities. It’s ideal for those who primarily use their phone for daily tasks, social media, and media consumption.

Moto G45 5G

The Motorola G45 5G is a standout budget 5G smartphone that impresses with its premium design, featuring a vegan leather back and seamless camera bump inspired by Motorola’s higher-end models. Its 6.5-inch HD+ 120 Hz display delivers vibrant colors, but brightness levels fall short. It’s performance is solid for everyday tasks, thanks to the Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 processor. The software experience is refreshingly clean with Android 14 and minimal bloatware, plus promised upgrades to Android 15 and three years of security updates. The dual-camera system performs well in daylight and offers decent portrait capabilities, but low-light photography suffers from noise. Battery life is reliable for a day’s use, with a 5,000 mAh cell and 18 W charging, though it’s not the best in its class.

Who should buy it?

The Motorola G45 5G is ideal for budget-conscious users seeking a stylish phone with clean software, 5G connectivity, and decent all-around performance. It’s perfect for those prioritizing design and everyday usability over gaming and advanced photography.

Galaxy A14 5G

The Samsung Galaxy A14 5G offers exceptional value for its price, providing a sharp 6.6-inch display, decent performance, and 5G connectivity. The phone features a 90Hz refresh rate and a 50MP main camera, delivering solid visuals for the cost. While the Exynos 1330 chip and 4GB of RAM are adequate for everyday tasks, the phone’s 5,000mAh battery life could be better. Its excellent software upgrade policy sets it apart from competitors in this price range.

Who should buy it? 

The Samsung Galaxy A14 5G is perfect for users who want a reliable 5G experience, a sharp display, and a solid software upgrade commitment without breaking the bank. It’s ideal for those who prioritize long-term software support over cutting-edge specs.

Poco M6 5G

The POCO M6 5G packs a MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ processor, a 6.74-inch IPS LCD with 90Hz refresh rate, and a 5000mAh battery capable of a day’s worth of use. It features a practical design with dual SIM slots, microSD support, and a headphone jack. The 50MP primary camera delivers usable shots in ideal lighting but struggles with dynamic range and low-light performance. The software experience is bogged down by bloatware and notification spam.

Who should buy it?

The POCO M6 is ideal for those users who prioritize a large display, decent battery life, and basic performance for content consumption, casual apps, and light photography.

Winter’s coming, if it isn’t already here. Which means geysers or water heaters are the need of the hour across most Indian homes, whether you’re desiring a hot shower or not-so-cold water for all your kitchen needs. Knowing you need a hot water geyser for your home is only the beginning of your water heater buying journey, because then comes the process of zeroing in on the best geyser for your specific needs.

After considering a whole host of factors like energy efficiency, heating speed, capacity, and safety features, we have come up with the following list of water heaters and geysers under a budget of ₹10,000, from various popular brands. Dive right in!

1) Havells Instanio Prime 25L Storage Water Heater (Geyser)

The Havells Instanio Prime 25L Storage Water Heater is an impressive option for small to medium-sized families looking for a reliable and feature-rich geyser under ₹10,000. Its innovative color-changing LED ring provides a visual indicator of water temperature, transitioning from blue to amber as the water heats up. The heater boasts an ultra-thick super cold rolled steel tank with Feroglas coating, ensuring superior corrosion resistance and extended longevity. 

With a powerful 2000-watt heavy-duty heating element, it delivers quick heating and optimized energy efficiency, producing 20% more hot water output. The multi-function valve ensures safe operation by preventing pressure build-up beyond 8 bars, making it ideal for high-rise buildings and pressure pump applications. Its protective anode rod and advanced design further enhance the geyser's durability, promising reliable performance for years to come

2) Bajaj Shield Series New Shakti 15L

The Bajaj Shield Series New Shakti 15L Storage Water Heater is an excellent choice for households seeking a reliable geyser on a budget. Packed with advanced features, this 5-star rated water heater offers comprehensive protection and performance. Its DuraAceTM tank with marine-grade glassline coating and DuraCoatTM non-stick heating element ensures superior durability and efficient heating. The innovative Swirlflow Technology promises 20% more hot water output, making it ideal for small to medium-sized families. 

Also read: Best geyser under ₹15000 in November 2024

With multiple safety systems including a child safety mode, LED power indicators, and a magnesium anode, the geyser provides peace of mind. Its unique weld-free joint technology and pre-coated metal body enhance resilience, while the ability to withstand 8 bar pressure makes it suitable for high-rise buildings. Backed by an impressive warranty package of 10 years on the tank, 6 years on the heating element, and 4 years on the product, this Bajaj geyser offers exceptional value and reliability.

3) Racold Eterno Pro Storage Water Heater 15L

The Racold Eterno Pro 15L Storage Water Heater is an impressive option for those seeking an efficient geyser. With its compact vertical design, this water heater comes equipped with Titanium Plus Technology, featuring a titanium enamel coating that effectively prevents corrosion and withstands challenging water conditions. The Smart Bath Logic technology allows users to personalize their bathing experience while saving up to 40% on energy consumption.

A standout feature is its enhanced Safety Plus system, which incorporates three layers of protection through a thermostat, cutout, and safety valve, ensuring a worry-free hot water experience. The geyser's sturdy construction enables it to withstand high pressures up to 8 bar, making it ideal for high-rise buildings. Its larger magnesium anode further extends the tank's lifespan, while the Flexomix technology guarantees consistent hot water output for long, comfortable showers.

4) Crompton Amica Pro 25-L Water Heater

The Crompton Amica Pro 25-L water heater presents an excellent value proposition for those seeking a reliable geyser without burning a hole through your wallet. This 5-star rated storage water heater stands out with its rust-proof plastic body and powerful 2000W heating element. Its superior glassline coating provides exceptional protection against scaling, ensuring optimal performance even in hard water conditions. 

The geyser boasts an advanced 3-level safety system, including a high-precision capillary thermostat, automatic thermal cut-out, and a multi-functional valve that offers comprehensive protection against electric shocks and overheating. With the ability to withstand up to 8 bar pressure,the heater comes with a reassuring warranty package of 5 years on the tank, 2 years on the element, and 2 years on the product. Its white and blue design adds a modern touch, while the LED display provides convenient monitoring of the heating process.

Also read: Best heaters in November 2024

India has about 700 million smartphone users, with close to 14 billion UPI transactions worth ₹20 lakh crores happening on a monthly basis. Beneath the glossy veneer of consumer technology lies this complex ecosystem where smartphone innovation meets the necessity of digital commerce. And safeguarding these devices and the apps ecosystem inside them goes beyond a simple antivirus program. It’s about runtime defenses, cloud-based analytics, and AI-driven intelligence that adapt to evolving cyber threats, according to Pankaj Patankar, Head of Marketing for Protectt.ai Labs Pvt Ltd. 

In an exclusive interview, Patankar explains how Protectt.ai is aiming to reshape the mobile app security landscape. What struck me most was Protectt.ai’s intense focus on real-time, in-app threat protection and the level of sophistication they bring to fighting the hidden – and sometimes not-so-hidden – adversaries lurking behind every suspicious link, tampered APK, or cleverly disguised piece of malware.

Providing constant mobile app security

Mobile security is often portrayed as a tug-of-war between developers who patch vulnerabilities and hackers who exploit them. Protectt.ai flips this dynamic on its head. Their approach is not just to block known threats, but to anticipate and neutralize them as they happen.

“At Protectt.ai, our core strengths in the mobile app security landscape are centered around our advanced Runtime Application Self-Protection (RASP) technology, which sets us apart from competitors,” Patankar explained. The mention of RASP (Runtime Application Self-Protection) particularly piqued my interest. Rather than relying solely on perimeter defenses, RASP technology defends the app from within, making it harder for attackers to manipulate code or data.

As Patankar put it, “We leverage sophisticated AI and ML algorithms for enhanced threat detection, allowing us to adapt quickly to evolving attack vectors.” It’s a sentiment that encapsulates the company’s approach: treat security as a living, evolving system, not a static checklist of defenses.

Also read: Cybersecurity in Age of AI: Black Hat 2024’s top 3 LLM security risks

Traditional mobile antivirus solutions rely on signature-based detection, which are great for known threats but less effective against zero-day exploits or entirely new malware species. Protectt.ai, on the other hand, uses a cloud-based analysis system and next-gen runtime capabilities.

“Our RASP solution provides continuous, in-app security, detecting and responding to threats as they occur, ensuring immediate mitigation of vulnerabilities,” Patankar told me. This is critical because a threat can appear out of nowhere – a malicious snippet of code injected into a supposedly benign update, or a cleverly disguised phishing attempt exploiting a user’s trust in a familiar brand.

By maintaining a scalable cloud infrastructure, Protectt.ai can correlate threat intelligence across vast data sets. According to Patankar, “Our scalable cloud infrastructure enables efficient threat intelligence and provides actionable insights to strengthen our clients’ mobile app security posture.”

How Protectt.ai is bridging the mobile app security gap

Downloading apps only from official app stores like Google Play or Apple’s App Store is often the first recommended step towards mobile app safety that we all know. These platforms do perform initial security scans, creating a reliable environment for users. However, even after these apps are downloaded, vulnerabilities can emerge.

“While Play Store and App Store conduct rigorous security checks before publishing apps on their platform, challenges arise after installation," Patankar explained. Attackers can reverse-engineer apps, tamper with their code, and repackage them to distribute malicious versions via phishing links. Once installed, these rogue apps can compromise user data or even carry out unauthorized financial transactions.

“This evolving threat landscape requires a proactive approach beyond the initial checks offered by app stores. Protectt.ai addresses this critical gap with AppProtectt, a state-of-the-art solution that continuously monitors apps in real-time, detecting and neutralizing dynamic threats such as malware, reverse engineering, and tampering.” Patankar emphasised. It’s a proactive stance – while stores focus on a one-time approval, Protectt.ai ensures the app remains safe throughout its lifecycle.

When you think of mobile security, the word “antivirus” might come to mind. But as Patankar noted, antivirus solutions mainly target known malware strains. Today’s threats extend much further. Reverse engineering, debugging, root detection bypasses, API manipulation – the list goes on and on.

“AppProtectt provides 75+ security capabilities such as Anti-Malware, Unsecured Wi-Fi, Reverse Engineering, Decompilation, Debugging, Root Detection, App Tampering protection, Screen sharing and Screen Mirroring Fraud Protection.” All of that’s quite a mouthful, but it boils down to a comprehensive, layered defense that doesn’t just check for malware signatures – it watches for anything suspicious happening in the runtime environment.

Also read: WazirX hack: Confusing aftermath of the biggest cyberattack on Indian crypto exchange

Patankar summed it up: “While traditional antivirus software covers known malware and viruses, AppProtectt offers multi-layered defense mechanisms tailored to safeguard apps from a wide range of sophisticated mobile security threats.”

Few industries exemplify the need for robust mobile security more than BFSI (Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance). With millions of users performing sensitive transactions daily, a single breach can be catastrophic.

Patankar painted a vivid picture: “Our internal research suggests that more than 90% of apps in the BFSI sector are prone to reverse engineering.” That’s staggering, considering how many of us rely on mobile banking apps for everything from checking balances to making mortgage payments.

To drive the point home, he shared a real-world example: “For a leading private sector bank in India with 5+ million users, we implemented our solution. In 3 months, we saw an 87% reduction in screen mirroring cases.” That’s the kind of tangible result that stands out – less theoretical and more like a real-life intervention that prevents fraud and preserves trust.

AI-driven threat detection in zero trust environment

Looking beyond the present, Patankar predicted emerging scenarios where the complexity of mobile apps would continue to grow. “Super apps are the future, combining multiple services like messaging, payments, shopping, and travel into a single platform,” he said. More functionalities mean broader attack surfaces, reinforcing the need for a robust, adaptive security posture.

AI-driven threat detection, behavioral analytics, and zero trust frameworks are all on the horizon. Patankar was optimistic: “By offering diverse functionalities under one roof, super apps boost user engagement and stickiness...These technologies will help identify and neutralize threats in real-time, often before the user is even aware, by analyzing patterns and anomalies in data.”

In other words, tomorrow’s mobile app security won’t just react to threats – it’ll anticipate them.

One negative about security solutions is often that they sacrifice user experience for protection. If apps become sluggish or start throwing false positives left and right, users lose patience – and possibly trust.

Patankar addressed this: “Protectt.ai uses deep technology solutions – advanced AI and machine learning to analyze threats. This helps enhance product security capabilities and minimize false positives.” The result? Users can go about their business without constantly encountering unnecessary red flags.

Balancing top-tier security with seamless usability is no small feat. Yet, Protectt.ai seems committed to ensuring their solutions become unobtrusive guards that work quietly in the background, delivering peace of mind without making daily tasks more complicated.

As we wrapped up our conversation, Patankar hinted at what’s next for Protectt.ai. “We are all set to expand our footprint in the USA, Dubai, and the MEA region. We’re set to launch a series of innovative products to secure the end-to-end user mobile app journey,” he confirmed. This forward momentum signals that mobile app security is no longer a niche concern. With cyber threats evolving daily, the industry – and Protectt.ai in particular – must remain agile, continually refining defenses and preempting new vulnerabilities.

Also read: McAfee’s Pratim Mukherjee on fighting deepfake AI scams in 2024 and beyond

The Shanghai CS2 Major has entered its most thrilling phase, with the playoff bracket now officially set. After days of gruelling competition in the Elimination Stage, only the top teams remain to vie for the prestigious title. Held in the heart of Shanghai, this Major is shaping up to be a defining moment in Counter-Strike 2 history, with elite teams like Vitality, G2 Esports, and surprise contenders poised for dramatic clashes.

Shanghai CS2 Major 2024 Elimination Stage: Trials and triumphs

The Elimination Stage showcased Counter-Strike at its finest, with underdog stories and powerhouse dominations alike. Teams battled fiercely across maps that tested their strategies and adaptability while fans were treated to unforgettable moments. Vitality, led by Mathieu "ZywOo" Herbaut, demonstrated why they are perennial favourites, cruising through their matchups with near-perfect form.

Meanwhile, G2 Esports, powered by a resurgent Nikola "NiKo" Kovač, dismantled their competition, solidifying their position as the team to beat. On the flip side, fan-favourites Natus Vincere fell short of expectations, exiting the tournament earlier than anticipated. Their struggles highlight the high stakes and unpredictability of this event.

Shanghai CS2 Major 2024 Playoffs bracket

The playoff bracket is a testament to the depth of talent in this Major. Vitality, seeded as favourites, is set to face off against Apeks, a team that has proven capable of punching above its weight. Vitality’s blend of firepower and tactical brilliance will be tested by Apeks' tenacity and unorthodox playstyle.

In another marquee matchup, G2 Esports will lock horns with Heroic, a battle that promises tactical fireworks. Heroic’s disciplined approach will be pitted against G2's explosive, high-octane gameplay, making it a must-watch encounter.

Team Liquid, the North American representatives, have a date with The Spirit, who scraped through the Elimination Stage. This matchup will test Liquid's consistency and Spirit's ability to capitalise on clutch moments. Lastly, The MongolZ, a dark horse in the tournament, will face the formidable MOUZ, whose star player, David "frozen" Čerňanský has been in stellar form.

Shanghai CS2 Major 2024 Playoffs: Key storylines to watch

1. Can ZywOo Maintain His Dominance?
   ZywOo's performances have been nothing short of extraordinary, carrying Vitality through critical moments. The playoffs will reveal if he can sustain this level against the best in the world.
2. G2’s Redemption Arc
   After a series of underwhelming Majors, G2 appears rejuvenated. NiKo's consistent fragging and Justin "jks" Savage's clutch factor could lead them to their long-awaited title.
3. Surprise Package: The MongolZ
   Few expected The MongolZ to make it this far, yet their unpredictable strategies and fearless approach have made them the Cinderella story of this Major. Can they continue their dream run?

The Shanghai Major has elevated CS2's global appeal thanks to its top-notch production and passionate audience. The city has embraced the event, with fans flocking to the arena in record numbers. The playoff stage is expected to amplify this fervour, creating an unforgettable atmosphere for players and spectators alike.

What lies ahead at Shanghai CS2 Major 2024?

With the playoff matchups set, the stage is primed for iconic battles and potentially career-defining moments. Will Vitality secure another Major victory? Can G2 reclaim their former glory? Or will an underdog rise to the occasion and etch their name in CS2 history?

To get all of our coverage of the Shanghai CS2 Major 2024, check out this page.

Day 2 of the Perfect World Shanghai CS2 Major 2024 was a whirlwind of intense action, unexpected upsets, and dominant performances. As teams from around the world clashed on the server, fans were treated to a thrilling display of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive.

Brazilian smiles begin Day 2 of the Shanghai CS2 Major 2024

The highly anticipated clash between Natus Vincere and Spirit lived up to the hype. Both teams showcased their exceptional skill and tactical prowess, but it was Spirit who emerged victorious. The match was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading rounds. However, Spirit's superior teamwork and individual brilliance ultimately proved to be the difference.

FURIA and Liquid faced off in a thrilling match that went down to the wire. Both teams displayed incredible resilience and determination, but it was FURIA who came out on top. The Brazilian squad's aggressive playstyle and strong individual performances were key to their victory.

G2 Esports continued their dominant run in the tournament with a convincing victory over 3DMAX. The European powerhouse's exceptional teamwork and strategic depth were on full display, as they overwhelmed their opponents. MOUZ and FaZe Clan faced off in a closely contested match. Both teams traded rounds and displayed high-level Counter-Strike. However, FaZe Clan's experience and individual brilliance ultimately proved to be the difference, securing a narrow victory.

Vitality and MIBR, two of the top teams in the world, clashed in a highly anticipated match. The match was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams showcasing their exceptional skill and tactical prowess. In the end, Vitality emerged victorious, thanks to their strong individual performances and superior teamwork and became the first team to make it to the playoffs.

Wildcard head out of the Shanghai CS2 Major 2024

GamerLegion dominated Wildcard, easily securing a victory. The European squad's superior skill and experience were on full display, as they overwhelmed their opponents.

BIG and paiN Gaming faced off in a closely contested match. Both teams displayed impressive performances, but it was BIG who emerged victorious. The German squad's disciplined playstyle and strong individual performances were key to their win.

The Mongolz, the underdogs of the tournament, pulled off a major upset by defeating Heroic. The Mongolian squad's impressive performance surprised many, as they showcased their skill and determination.

Other notable matches from Day 2 of the Shanghai CS2 Major 2024

• 3DMAX vs. paiN Gaming: 3DMAX secured a victory over paiN Gaming, showcasing their improved form.
• Heroic vs. BIG: Heroic bounced back from their loss to The Mongolz with a convincing victory over BIG.
• FaZe Clan vs. Wildcard: FaZe Clan easily defeated Wildcard, securing a dominant win.
• MOUZ vs. paiN Gaming: MOUZ continued their strong performance with a victory over paiN Gaming.
• Spirit vs. FURIA: Spirit secured a close victory over FURIA, showcasing their resilience.
• Vitality vs. GamerLegion: Vitality dominated GamerLegion, securing an easy win.
• G2 Esports vs. The Mongolz: G2 Esports easily defeated The Mongolz, continuing their dominant run.
• Natus Vincere vs. Liquid: Natus Vincere secured a hard-fought victory over Liquid.

The second day of the Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024 has been filled with exciting matches and unexpected results. As the tournament progresses, fans can expect more thrilling action and intense competition.

To get all of our coverage of the Shanghai CS2 Major 2024, check out this page.

As we enter the last few weeks of 2024, many smartphones stood out in the sea of sameness, especially mobile phones under ₹25,000, where the battle was as volatile as ever to find the perfect balance between price and performance. Some features seen only on premium phones made their way to the mid-range segment, reshaping what users expected from their dependable smartphones. So, if you are looking for the best mobile phones under Rs 25000 in India, here are our top picks.

1. OnePlus Nord CE4

The OnePlus Nord CE4 is a well-rounded mid-range smartphone focusing on performance and battery efficiency. It has a 6.74-inch vibrant AMOLED display supporting 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+, but has excessive blue light, which may strain eyes over prolonged use. 

Performance-wise, the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset with 8GB RAM outshines rivals like the Nothing Phone (2a), offering a smooth experience for gaming, multitasking, and day-to-day usage. Its 5,500mAh battery delivers impressive longevity, coupled with blazing-fast 100W charging. However, the phone takes a hit in the camera department, downgrading to a dual-lens setup with a smaller sensor, resulting in average output. While it’s a dependable device for general use, it doesn’t cater well to those seeking top-notch photography or flagship-grade display quality.

Who Should Buy It?

If you're looking for a performance-oriented mid-range smartphone with exceptional battery life and fast charging, the OnePlus Nord CE4 is a solid choice. However, it’s less ideal for users prioritizing high-quality cameras or long-term display comfort.

2. Redmi Note 13 Pro

The Redmi Note 13 Pro builds on its predecessor with significant upgrades in display, performance, and overall usability. Its standout 6.67-inch 1.5K AMOLED display delivers a premium visual experience with 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, Dolby Vision, and HDR10+ support, ideal for media consumption. The Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 processor offers smooth day-to-day performance and decent gaming chops. The 200MP main camera impresses with sharp daylight and low-light shots, aided by OIS, while the 8MP ultra-wide and 2MP macro cameras remain underwhelming. Battery life is solid, with a 5100mAh capacity providing all-day use and 67W fast charging. At its price, it competes well with alternatives like the Nothing Phone (2) and realme 12 Pro, offering a balanced package for mid-range buyers.

Who Should Buy It?

The Redmi Note 13 Pro is ideal for media enthusiasts, casual gamers, and photography hobbyists looking for a capable mid-range smartphone with a stunning display, reliable performance, and all-day battery life.

3. Motorola Edge 50 Fusion

The Motorola Edge 50 Fusion is a stylish and capable mid-range smartphone priced under ₹25,000. It borrows the luxurious design of its pricier sibling, the Edge 50 Pro, but uses a plastic frame to cut costs while retaining an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance—rare in its segment. It is powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2, offering smooth day-to-day performance but lags behind competitors like the OnePlus Nord CE4 and Nothing Phone (2a) in gaming and benchmarks. The 6.7-inch pOLED display impresses with brightness and deep blacks but lacks HDR support, a downside for content enthusiasts. The camera setup is the highlight, featuring a 50 MP primary lens with OIS, a versatile 13 MP ultrawide-macro camera, and a stellar 32 MP selfie shooter, delivering vibrant and sharp images in most conditions. The 5,000 mAh battery offers decent endurance, backed by 68 W fast charging. 

Who should buy it?

The Motorola Edge 50 Fusion is ideal for users prioritizing premium design and camera performance at an affordable price. Casual users who value aesthetics, photography, and a clean Android experience will find it appealing, but gamers and power users may prefer alternatives with stronger performance.

4. Motorola Edge 50 Neo

The Motorola Edge 50 Neo is a stylish mid-range smartphone, competing against the OnePlus Nord CE4 and Nothing Phone (2a). It has features like a sharp 6.4-inch LTPO P-OLED display with a dynamic 120 Hz refresh rate, IP68 water resistance, 15 W wireless charging, and a well-rounded camera system. The vegan leather back adds a premium touch, however, its performance, powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300, lags behind competitors in benchmarks, and the 4,310 mAh battery delivers average endurance. The camera system, including a 50 MP primary lens with OIS and a 32 MP selfie shooter, excels in good lighting but struggles in low-light scenarios. Motorola’s Hello UI is clean and bloat-free, with a commitment to five years of updates.

Who should buy it?

The Motorola Edge 50 Neo is ideal for those seeking a vibrant display, versatile cameras, and clean software at a mid-range price. It’s a great fit for casual users and media enthusiasts but may disappoint gamers and heavy users looking for top-tier performance or battery life.

5. Lava Agni 3

The Lava Agni 3, priced under ₹25,000, stands out in the mid-range market with innovative features like a dual AMOLED display setup (6.78-inch main and 1.74-inch secondary) and a customizable Action Button. The phone’s stock Android 14 experience, bloatware-free OS, and promised software updates further enhance its appeal. However, the Agni 3 falters in critical areas such as outdoor display brightness, camera consistency, and battery endurance, making it less competitive against rivals like the Motorola Edge 50 Neo, OnePlus Nord CE4, and Nothing Phone (2a). Its unique design and features cater to niche preferences but may not suffice for broader user needs.

Who should buy it?

The Lava Agni 3 is ideal for users seeking a stylish and feature-rich smartphone with a unique dual-display design, a clean software experience, and reliable performance for everyday tasks. However, it’s less suited for those prioritizing top-notch cameras, gaming performance, or extended battery life.

6. Vivo T3 Pro

The Vivo T3 Pro positions itself as a competitive mid-range smartphone. It features a sleek and slim design with a leather back, a 6.77-inch curved AMOLED display, and is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset. With its standout 5,500 mAh battery offering excellent longevity and 80W fast charging, the phone caters to users seeking reliability. While its performance and display are notable, the slower UFS 2.2 storage and some bloatware in the software detract from the overall experience. The dual rear camera setup performs well in daylight but struggles with sharpness and low-light scenarios. For gamers, the device handles most titles well but falls behind competitors like the POCO X6 Pro in terms of storage speed and gaming optimization.

Who should buy it?

The Vivo T3 Pro is ideal for those seeking a stylish smartphone with excellent battery life, a vibrant display, and reliable performance for daily tasks. It’s perfect for casual users and media enthusiasts but may not satisfy hardcore gamers or photography purists.

7. Nothing Phone 2a

The Nothing Phone (2a) is a stand-out addition to the mid-range segment, priced under ₹25,000. It retains the brand’s iconic transparent design, but with a polycarbonate back, offering a premium aesthetic, despite the plastic build. The Glyph Interface continues to stand out, while the IP54 rating ensures added durability. The 6.7-inch AMOLED display with HDR10+ support and 1,300 nits of peak brightness is impressive. It is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro, offering smooth everyday usage and decent gaming performance, though hampered by slower UFS 2.2 storage. The dual 50 MP rear cameras perform well in daylight and low-light conditions but falter in portrait shots and dynamic range. A 5,000 mAh battery ensures a full day of usage, though the lack of a bundled charger and wireless charging are drawbacks.

Who should buy it?

The Nothing Phone (2a) is ideal for those seeking a unique, minimalist smartphone with premium design elements, smooth performance, and a clean Android experience, all at a competitive price point under ₹25,000. It’s perfect for users who value aesthetics and software polish over raw specs.

The first day of the Perfect World Shanghai CS2 Major 2024 was a whirlwind of intense action, unexpected upsets, and dominant performances. As teams from around the world clashed on the server, fans were treated to a thrilling display of Counter-Strike action.

Heroic start strong; mibr stun NAVI on Day 1 of the Elimination stage of the Shanghai CS2 Major

The Danish powerhouse, Heroic, kicked off the tournament with a decisive 13-8 victory over FaZe Clan. Their disciplined playstyle and strategic prowess were on full display, as they consistently outmaneuvered their opponents. Heroic's strong start solidified their position as one of the top contenders for the Major title.

In a surprising turn of events, 3DMAX managed to defeat paiN Gaming 13-11. This victory highlighted the unpredictable nature of the Major, where any team can emerge victorious on a given day. Lucas 'Lucky' Chastang played a pivotal role in 3DMAX's success, delivering a series of clutch plays and impressive aim.

One of the biggest upsets of the day came from MIBR, who defeated Natus Vincere 13-11 on Inferno. This unexpected victory showcased MIBR's improved form and their ability to capitalise on NaVi's inconsistencies. Felipe "insani" Yuji led the charge for MIBR, finishing the match with an impressive 1.60 rating.

G2 and MongolZ start off strong at the CS2 Major!

G2 Esports cruised to a 13-5 victory over BIG, showcasing their dominance in the opening round. The European powerhouse displayed excellent teamwork and individual skill, overwhelming BIG and securing a comfortable win.

The Mongolz, the underdogs of the tournament, continued their impressive run with a 16-13 victory over MOUZ. Usukhbayar '910' Banzragch was the star of the show for The Mongolz, leading the team to victory with a 1.43 rating. His exceptional aim and game sense were instrumental in securing the upset.

Other notable matches from Day 1 of the Shanghai CS2 Major 2024

• Spirit vs Wildcard: Spirit, the hotshots from the last Major, secured a comfortable 16-10 victory over Wildcard.
• Vitality vs FURIA: Vitality edged out FURIA in a closely contested match, winning 16-13.
• Liquid vs GamerLegion: Liquid dominated GamerLegion, winning 16-7.
• 3DMAX vs MIBR: 3DMAX continued their strong performance with a 16-12 victory over MIBR.
• Heroic vs BIG: Heroic secured another dominant victory, defeating BIG 16-8.
• FaZe Clan vs Wildcard: FaZe Clan bounced back from their earlier loss with a 16-7 victory over Wildcard.
• MOUZ vs paiN Gaming: MOUZ defeated paiN Gaming 16-11.
• Spirit vs FURIA: Spirit secured a 16-13 victory over FURIA.
• Vitality vs GamerLegion: Vitality defeated GamerLegion 16-10.
• G2 Esports vs The Mongolz: G2 Esports easily defeated The Mongolz 16-5.
• Natus Vincere vs Liquid: Natus Vincere secured a 16-12 victory over Liquid.

The first day of the Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024 has set the stage for an exciting tournament. With so many upsets and dominant performances, it's clear that anything can happen in this prestigious event. As the tournament progresses, fans can expect more thrilling matches and unexpected twists. Stay tuned for the next day of action, where the top teams will battle it out for a chance to advance to the playoffs.

To get all of our coverage of the Shanghai CS2 Major 2024, check out this page.

For years, OnePlus has been celebrated for its innovation and user-first approach, creating a loyal community of tech enthusiasts in India. However, recent challenges such as the notorious green line issue on AMOLED displays and motherboard problems have cast a shadow over the brand’s reputation. The green line problem, where vertical lines inexplicably appear on the screen, has frustrated many users.

Acknowledging the growing concerns, OnePlus has launched its “Green Line Worry-Free Solution,” a comprehensive initiative aimed at addressing the issue head-on. Combining advanced display technology, rigorous testing, and an industry-first lifetime warranty, this move reflects OnePlus’ commitment to rebuilding trust in the highly competitive Indian smartphone market. But is it enough to win back the hearts of Indian consumers?

Let’s delve into the specifics of the green line issue, OnePlus’s solution, and whether this ambitious effort can truly restore faith in the brand.

The Issue at Hand

Green lines on AMOLED displays have been a sore point for smartphone users, with OnePlus devices being no exception. These vertical lines, which appear seemingly out of nowhere, are believed to result from a complex interplay of factors. According to tech experts, the causes range from manufacturing defects, poor sealing of AMOLED layers, or physical stress on the display, to excessive heat buildup. Many cases have also been reported shortly after software updates, sparking speculation about potential software-related triggers.

However, OnePlus has clarified that it does not attribute the issue to the software itself. Instead, the company believes the problem lies in the excess heat generated inside the phone. The same also happens during the update process. This heat can stress the display’s delicate AMOLED components, leading to the green line malformation. This distinction underscores the company’s focus on tackling the root cause—heat and environmental factors—rather than superficial fixes.

OnePlus’ Response: A Multifaceted Solution

OnePlus’s response, unveiled on December 6, 2024, takes a three-pronged approach:

1. Advanced Display Technology
The company has introduced an Enhanced Edge Bonding Layer using PVX edge-sealing materials. This technology is designed to combat the impact of moisture and oxygen penetration, key contributors to green line issues. OnePlus claims this innovation has significantly reduced display failures, even in India’s challenging climate.

2. Rigorous Quality Control
Every OnePlus phone now undergoes over 180 tests in extreme simulated conditions. From high-temperature endurance to structural durability, the brand is pushing the limits of its devices. The “Double 85” test (85°C and 85% humidity) is a new test added to the fray primarily to combat green line woes.

3. Lifetime Warranty
Perhaps the most consumer-friendly aspect is the lifetime warranty against the green line issue. This warranty applies to all OnePlus smartphones, old and new, setting an industry benchmark. By doing so, OnePlus aims to reassure users of its confidence in the durability of its displays.

Restoring Faith: A Consumer-Centric Move

OnePlus India CEO Robin Liu emphasised the brand’s “user-first approach,” describing the initiative as a testament to OnePlus’s commitment to quality. The lifetime warranty, in particular, is a standout feature.

These measures are likely to resonate with consumers who value longevity and reliability. For existing users, the extended warranty serves as a peace offering, while for potential buyers, it could tip the scales in favour of OnePlus over competitors.

Can OnePlus Win Back Indian Audiences?

The Indian smartphone market is fiercely competitive, with brands like Samsung, Xiaomi, and Realme offering a plethora of options. While OnePlus’s move is commendable, rebuilding trust will require more than just technical fixes—it hinges on consistent performance and effective communication.

The clarification around the causes of green line issues may help alleviate consumer confusion, but scepticism lingers about whether the problem has truly been solved. OnePlus’ proactive measures show promise, but the brand must continue to provide transparency in updates and maintain the reliability of its devices to reestablish its reputation.

The Indian smartphone market in 2024 has been flooded with innovation, redefining what we expect from our pocket-sized devices. From advanced photography systems to powerful processors, this year’s lineup of mobile phones caters to every budget and user type. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast, a gamer, or someone looking for a reliable daily driver, 2024 offers a smartphone tailored to your needs. Here are some of the best mobile phones money can buy in 2024.

1. iPhone 16 Pro Max: The Ultimate Powerhouse

Price: ₹1,44,900 onwards

The iPhone 16 Pro Max represents the pinnacle of Apple’s engineering. Featuring a 6.9-inch ProMotion Super Retina XDR OLED display with stunning brightness levels, it’s perfect for those who consume and create media. The Apple A18 Pro chip powers through tasks effortlessly, while the improved battery life ensures all-day usage. Apple’s latest camera system introduces a periscope telephoto lens, enabling up to 5x optical zoom. The camera is amongst the most reliable ones in the smartphone market in 2024. The titanium build not only feels premium but also enhances durability, while features like Dynamic Island continue to offer unique usability.

Who should buy it? If you’re deeply entrenched in the Apple ecosystem or looking for a device that excels in photography and performance, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is an ideal pick.

2. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: Android at Its Best

Price: ₹1,29,999 onwards

Samsung continues to lead the premium Android space with the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. Boasting a 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic LTPO AMOLED display, the phone offers jaw-dropping clarity and colour accuracy. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor ensures excellent performance that will even satisfy power users. The 200MP primary camera has been improved over the previous generation S23 Ultra, with superb details and dynamic range. Unique to the Ultra series, the S Pen adds an extra layer of productivity for professionals and creatives. The 5,000 mAh battery makes it reliable for heavy users as well, with the S24 Ultra sporting the best battery life ever seen on a flagship Galaxy device so far.

Who should buy it? Power users who value productivity, premium design, and cutting-edge camera technology.

3. Vivo X100 Pro: A Flagship for Photographers

Price: ₹89,999 onwards

The Vivo X100 Pro is a true flagship built with photography enthusiasts in mind. With a 1-inch Sony IMX989 sensor paired with Zeiss optics, it captures exceptional detail and colour accuracy, especially in low light. The 50MP main sensor, along with the ultrawide and periscope zoom lenses, ensures versatility for any kind of shot, from wide-angle landscapes to detailed zoomed-in portraits. Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9300 chipset, the Vivo X100 Pro handles multitasking, gaming, and media consumption pretty well. Its 120Hz LTPO AMOLED display is bright and vibrant, while the 100W fast charging ensures you stay powered up all day.

Who should buy it? Anyone who prioritises photography and seeks a premium Android experience with excellent performance and a sophisticated camera setup.

4. Motorola Razr 50 Ultra: The Foldable Champ

Price: ₹79,999 onwards

Motorola’s Razr 50 Ultra brings nostalgia and modernity together in one sleek package. Its foldable design features a durable hinge that ensures longevity, and the 6.9-inch LTPO AMOLED main display is perfect for gaming and content consumption. The external 4-inch display is the best among flip smartphones in the market and it adds convenience for quick notifications and selfies. The Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor and near-stock Android experience make it a joy to use. Battery life, while decent, is supported by 45W fast charging for quick top-ups.

Who should buy it? Users seeking a stylish, compact phone with modern features.

5. Redmi Note 13 Pro+: A Game-Changer in the Mid-Range Segment

Price: ₹22,999 onwards

While the Redmi 14 series is on the horizon, the Redmi Note 13 series continues to be excellent value for money. Featuring a 200MP primary camera that brings excellent photography chops to the mid-range, it excels at capturing stunning details and vibrant colours. The 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate makes media consumption a joy. Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Ultra chipset, the device handles day-to-day tasks and casual gaming with ease. Additionally, its 120W fast charging ensures the battery is topped up quickly, making it a reliable option for power users.

Who should buy it? Budget-conscious buyers who want a premium experience without splurging.

6. OnePlus 12R: Affordable Flagship Killer

Price: ₹39,999 onwards

The OnePlus 12R retains the brand's legacy as a flagship killer. Packed with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, a 1.5K AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, and a massive 5,500mAh battery, this phone is a performance powerhouse. The design is clean and minimalist, while OxygenOS offers a snappy UI with minimal clutter. It also supports 100W fast charging, making it perfect for busy users.

Who should buy it? Gamers and performance enthusiasts on a budget.

7. POCO F6: Mid-Range Masterpiece

Price: ₹29,999 onwards

POCO has consistently offered incredible value, and the F6 is no exception. Powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor, it delivers performance that rivals more expensive phones. In fact, it is one of the most powerful phones in the ₹30,000 price segment, making it a delight for power users who don't want to break the bank. So, if you're all about the raw power, the POCO F6 is simply a no-brainer.

Who should buy it? Students and gamers who want flagship-level specs at an affordable price.

8. Realme GT 6T: A Gamer’s Delight

Price: ₹32,999 onwards

Realme’s GT 6T shines with its Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 chipset and 120Hz LTPO AMOLED display, perfect for gamers and binge-watchers. With a peak brightness of a whopping 6,000 nits when watching HDR content, this phone even rivals phones that are double its cost. The design is bold, and the 120W fast charging ensures you never run out of juice during long gaming sessions. The cameras, while good, are secondary to the phone’s performance-focused features.

Who should buy it? Gamers and heavy media consumers.

9. iQOO Z9: Best in Budget

Price: ₹19,999 onwards

The iQOO Z9 is a stellar choice for those on a budget. With the MediaTek Dimensity 7200 processor, it is one of the best phones for gamers on a budget. Additionally, its 120Hz AMOLED display offers buttery smooth performance. Its 44W fast charging and sleek design add to its appeal, making it one of the most well-rounded phones in its segment.

Who should buy it? Budget buyers and casual gamers.

10. Redmi 13 5G: Budget Superstar

Price: ₹12,499 onwards

Redmi’s 13 5G offers incredible value with its Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 AE, a 120Hz LCD display, and a 108MP dual-camera system. It’s ideal for first-time smartphone users or those upgrading from older budget models. Despite its low price, it doesn’t compromise on essential features like 5G connectivity and a long-lasting 5,030mAh battery.

Who should buy it? Budget-conscious buyers and first-time smartphone users.

Choosing the Right Phone in 2024

2024’s lineup of mobile phones has something for everyone. Whether you’re eyeing the iPhone 16 Pro Max for its photography and ecosystem benefits, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra for its versatility, or the Redmi 13 5G for its unbeatable value, the choices are endless. Carefully consider your priorities—be it performance, design, camera, or budget—and pick the phone that fits your lifestyle.

When we talk about artificial intelligence, the conversation often gravitates toward its tangible impacts -- the algorithms that can predict our shopping habits, the machines that can drive cars, or the systems that can diagnose diseases. Yet, lurking beneath these visible advancements are intangible unknowns that most people don't fully grasp. To shed light on these hidden challenges, I interviewed Lama Nachman, Intel Fellow and Director of the Intelligent Systems Lab at Intel.

Nachman is at the forefront of AI research and development, steering projects that push the boundaries of what's possible while grappling with the ethical implications of these technologies. Our conversation delved into the less obvious obstacles in responsible AI development and how Intel is addressing them head-on.

The intangible unknowns of Ethical AI

"While technical aspects like algorithm development are well understood, the intangible unknowns lie in the intersection of stakeholder needs and the AI lifecycle," Nachman began. She highlighted that these challenges manifest in subtle ways that aren't immediately apparent to most people.

"From algorithmic bias causing invisible but significant harm to certain populations, to the complex balance of automation versus human intervention in the workforce," she explained, "less obvious challenges include building genuine trust beyond technical reliability and the environmental impact of AI systems."

Also read: Navigating the Ethical AI maze with IBM’s Francesca Rossi

One pressing issue is the advent of large language models. "With large language models, it has gotten much harder to test for safety, bias, or toxicity of these systems," Nachman noted. "Our methods must evolve to establish benchmarks and automated testing and evaluation of these systems. In addition, protecting against misuse is much harder given the complexity and generalizability of these models."

Intel's approach to Ethical AI

As a pioneer in technology, Intel recognises the ethical implications that come with advancing AI technologies. Nachman emphasised Intel's commitment to responsible AI development. "At Intel, we are fully committed to advancing AI technology in a responsible, ethical, and inclusive manner, with trust serving as the foundation of our AI platforms and solutions," she said.

Intel's approach focuses on ensuring human rights, privacy, security, and inclusivity throughout their AI initiatives. "Our Responsible AI Advisory Council conducts rigorous reviews of AI projects to identify and mitigate potential ethical risks," Nachman explained. "We also invest in research and collaborations to advance privacy, security, and sustainability in AI, and engage in industry forums to promote ethical standards and best practices."

Diversity and inclusion are also central to Intel's strategy. "We understand the need for equity, inclusion, and cultural sensitivity in the development and deployment of AI," she stated. "We strive to ensure that the teams working on these technologies are diverse and inclusive."

She highlighted Intel's digital readiness programs as an example. "Through Intel’s digital readiness programs, we engage students to drive awareness about responsible AI, AI ethical principles, and methods to develop responsible AI solutions," according to Nachman. "The AI technology domain should be developed and informed by diverse populations, perspectives, voices, and experiences."

Ethical AI challenges and lessons learned

Implementing responsible AI practices comes with its own set of challenges. Nachman was candid about the obstacles Intel has faced. "A key challenge we have as developers of multi-use technologies is anticipating misuse of our technologies and coming up with effective methods to mitigate this misuse," she acknowledged.

She pointed out that consistent regulation of use cases is an effective way to address technology misuse. "Ensuring environmental sustainability, developing ethical AI standards, and coordinating across industries and governments are some of the challenges that we as an industry need to address together," Nachman added.

Also read: Balancing AI ethics with innovation, explained by Infosys’ Balakrishna DR

When asked about the lessons learned, she emphasised the importance of collaboration and continuous improvement. "The biggest learning has been the importance of responsible AI development as a foundation of innovation," she said. "We need multidisciplinary review processes and continuous advancement in responsible AI practices, as well as collaboration across industries, academia, and governments to drive progress in responsible AI."

On the prospect of establishing a global policy on AI ethics, Nachman was thoughtful. "Global policy on AI ethics should centre human rights, ensure inclusion of diverse voices, prioritise the protection of AI data enrichment workers, promote industry-wide collaboration, responsible sourcing, and continued learning to address critical issues in AI development," she proposed. "This policy should aim to ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability in AI development, protecting the rights of workers, promoting responsible practices, and fostering continued improvement."

India's role in shaping Ethical AI

India is rapidly becoming a global hub for AI talent and innovation. Intel is leveraging India's unique position to advance responsible AI development through ecosystem collaboration. "Our initiatives in India reflect a deep commitment to fostering ethical AI practices while harnessing the country's vast potential in the field," Nachman shared.

Intel has launched several targeted programs in collaboration with government and educational institutions. "The 'Responsible AI for Youth' program, developed in collaboration with MeitY and the National e-Governance Division, aims to empower government school students in grades 8-12 with AI skills and an ethical technology mindset," she said. "This initiative is crucial in preparing India's next generation of innovators to approach AI development responsibly."

Another significant initiative is the "AI for All" program, a collaborative effort between Intel and the Ministry of Education. "This self-paced learning program is designed to demystify AI for all Indian citizens, regardless of their background or profession," Nachman explained. "By enabling over 4.5 million citizens with AI basics, Intel is helping to create a society that is not only AI-literate but also aware of the ethical implications of AI technologies."

Furthermore, the "Intel AI for Youth" program, developed in collaboration with CBSE and the Ministry of Education, empowers youth to create social impact projects using AI. "With over 160,000 students trained in AI skills, this initiative is significantly contributing to India's growing pool of AI talent," according to Nachman.

"Through these programs and collaborations, Intel is not just leveraging India's position as an AI hub but is actively shaping it," Nachman emphasised. "By focusing on responsible AI development from the grassroots level up, Intel is helping ensure that as India becomes a global leader in AI, it does so with a strong foundation in ethical practices."

Balancing data needs with privacy

Data privacy is paramount, especially with AI's increasing reliance on vast amounts of data. Nachman detailed how Intel balances the need for data with the imperative to protect individual privacy.

"Intel’s commitment to privacy extends to its broader security innovations, developing both hardware and software solutions to enhance AI security, data integrity, and privacy across the entire ecosystem," she explained. "These efforts aim to create a robust foundation for trustworthy AI deployment."

At the core of Intel's strategy is the development of Confidential AI. "This technology allows businesses to harness AI while maintaining stringent security, privacy, and compliance standards," Nachman said. "It protects sensitive inputs, trained data, and proprietary algorithms, enabling companies to leverage AI capabilities without compromising confidentiality."

Also read: AI agents explained: Why OpenAI, Google and Microsoft are building smarter AI agents

To ensure ethical considerations are at the forefront, Intel’s Responsible AI Advisory Council conducts rigorous reviews throughout AI project lifecycles. "Assessing potential ethical risks, including privacy concerns, is a key part of our process," she noted. "Using a privacy impact assessment process for all datasets helps identify and mitigate privacy issues early in the development stage."

Intel also invests heavily in privacy-preserving technologies such as federated learning. "This approach enables AI model training on decentralised data without compromising individual privacy," Nachman explained. "It allows for the development of powerful AI models while keeping sensitive data secure and localised."

She underscored the importance of respecting and safeguarding privacy and data rights throughout the AI lifecycle. "Consistent with Intel’s Privacy Notice, Intel supports privacy rights by designing our technology with those rights in mind," she said. "This includes being transparent about the need for any personal data collection, allowing user choice and control, and designing, developing, and deploying our products with appropriate guardrails to protect personal data."

Need for collaborative effort and education

According to Nachman, Intel's commitment to responsible AI extends beyond its corporate initiatives. "Intel actively collaborates with the ecosystem, including industry and academic institutions," Nachman shared. "We contribute to ethical AI discussions to address shared challenges and improve privacy practices across sectors."

Furthermore, Intel emphasises education and awareness through programs like the AI for Future Workforce Program. "These efforts help in instilling a deep understanding of AI ethics and responsible development practices in the next generation of AI professionals," she said.

Throughout the course of this interview, quickly it became very clear to me that responsible AI development is a multifaceted challenge requiring collective effort. "We as an industry need to address these challenges together," Nachman asserted. "It's not just about what one company can do, but how we can collaborate across industries, academia, and governments to drive progress in responsible AI."

She stressed that the development of AI technologies should be informed by diverse populations and experiences. "The AI technology domain should be developed and informed by diverse populations, perspectives, voices, and experiences," she reiterated.

Also read: Google Gemini controversies: When AI went wrong to rogue

Counter-Strike 2 continues to make waves in the esports arena, and the Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024 is all set to etch its name in CS history as the first CS2 Major in China. Following months of electrifying RMR tournaments, the stage is ready for an epic two-week showdown starting December 5, 2024, in the vibrant city of Shanghai. With 16 of the world’s top CS2 teams battling for the championship and a share of the $1,250,000 prize pool, fans are in for a treat!

For the duration of the tournament, we’ll bring you daily updates to keep you informed about all the action and drama. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about the Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024.

Shanghai CS2 Major: Daily updates

Elimination Stage:

Day 1 - MIBR pull off a surprise win over NAVI, G2 and MongolZ get off the blocks, strong!
Day 2 - G2 eSports dominate 3DMAX, Vitality off to the playoffs
Day 3 & 4 - The playoffs battlelines are drawn

Shanghai CS2 Major Schedule: It all starts now!

The tournament kicked off with the Opening Stage on November 30, featuring 16 teams in a Swiss System format. Each team must secure three wins to progress to the Legends Stage, while three losses will mean elimination. Matches alternated between best-of-one and best-of-three, with high-stakes ties determined in BO3 showdowns. The teams that made it out of this stage into the Elimination stage were – The MongolZ, Liquid, GamerLegion, paiN, FURIA, Wildcard, MIBR, and BIG.

The Elimination Stage begins on December 5, where eight teams from the Opening Stage will join the top eight squads that earned direct entries from the RMRs. From there, the competition will culminate in the Playoffs, starting December 12, with a single-elimination bracket to crown the winner on December 15, 2024.

Where to watch Shanghai CS2 Major?

Fans can catch all the action live on Perfect World Esports' YouTube and Twitch channels, with streams tailored for global audiences. For a more immersive experience, players can tune in via the CS2 in-game stream on CSTV.

Who’s competing in Shanghai CS2 Major?

The Shanghai Major features an exciting mix of experienced veterans and hungry newcomers. Vitality, the reigning Paris Major champions, enter the fray as heavy favorites, alongside G2 Esports, FaZe Clan, and NAVI, who are eager to reclaim past glory.

Asia’s rising stars, including pseudo-home team The MongolZ, will look to leverage local support, while the Americas will showcase powerhouse rosters like FURIA and Liquid. The competition promises high-octane matchups with every round.

Notably, teams like BIG, Heroic, and Wildcard have shown exceptional form during the qualifiers, setting the stage for thrilling underdog stories. Each roster brings unique strategies and skills, ensuring a Major filled with surprises.

Shanghai CS2 Major updates and drama

The road to Shanghai wasn’t without its fair share of challenges. Astralis, a four-time Major champion, narrowly missed qualification in a shocking upset, leaving fans reeling. Meanwhile, Wildcard clinched a historic spot, further solidifying NA’s presence in CS2 esports.

Another notable storyline is the evolution of team rosters. Several organizations revamped their lineups post-RMR, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the tournament. With the unpredictable dynamics of CS2’s revamped mechanics and strategy, the Shanghai Major promises fresh meta developments.

What’s next at Shanghai CS2 Major?

As we gear up for the tournament's opening matches, all eyes are on the first day of action from Shanghai. With a mix of global stars and local sensations, the Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024 is set to redefine Counter-Strike 2’s legacy.

Make sure to follow our daily updates for match results, standout performances, and the latest happenings from the heart of Shanghai. Grab your snacks, settle in, and get ready to witness the pinnacle of CS2 esports!

Tweet of the day from the Shanghai CS2 Major

My pick for the best Tweet from the Perfect World Shanghai CS2 Major 2024 –

OnePlus, synonymous with value-for-money smartphones and innovation, has consistently captured the imagination of Indian consumers. Its journey began with the revolutionary OnePlus One which took the market by storm, earning itself the “flagship killer” tag. Since then, while smartphones in OnePlus’ portfolio have gotten more expensive than the glory days of the OnePlus One, the company’s focus on blending cutting-edge technology with user-centric features has positioned it as a formidable player in the market. To fortify its position as a market leader in India, OnePlus has launched Project Starlight.

This initiative signals the brand’s intent to deepen its roots in India, which remains one of the most competitive and diverse smartphone markets globally. As part of Project Starlight, OnePlus has committed to an annual investment of ₹2,000 crore over the next three years. This is aimed at creating India-specific innovations while addressing durability, customer service, and unique environmental challenges.

Robin Liu, CEO of OnePlus India, addressed us at OnePlus’ factory in Shenzhen China recently, stating, “At OnePlus, we are deeply committed to understanding and addressing the unique needs of our Indian users. The Project Starlight is a demonstration to our dedication to going beyond the surface to tackle the challenges faced by our users in their daily lives. India remains a top priority for us globally, and we continue to strive to earn the trust and affection of our Indian community.”

The three main pillars of Project Starlight

India’s smartphone market is unique, characterised by diverse environmental conditions and demanding user habits. OnePlus has acknowledged these realities through its regional innovation strategy under Project Starlight.

Robin Liu, CEO of OnePlus India, aptly summarised the brand’s approach by saying, “From the intense heat and humidity to heavy usage and longer replacement cycles, we recognize the need for our devices and services to serve our users reliably for years to come.”

Project Starlight focuses on three key areas: durability, improved customer service, and developing India-specific features. 

Project Starlight: Tailoring Innovation to Indian Consumers

According to a 2022 Deloitte study, India is projected to have 1 billion smartphone users by 2026, OnePlus’s strategy to align with regional needs could resonate strongly. Striking the right balance between innovation and reliability will determine whether OnePlus can cement its leadership in this competitive landscape.

To kick off Project Starlight, OnePlus commits to making devices more durable and innovative. One of the upcoming innovations is the ProXDR display that’s set to premiere on the upcoming OnePlus 13. It is capable of a peak brightness of 4,500 nits and is the world’s first Display Mate A++ display. DisplayMate is an industry standard for optimising, calibrating, testing, evaluating, and comparing various types of displays.

Additionally, features like Steady Connect, which extends Bluetooth range to 360 meters, cater to practical challenges. This innovation proves invaluable in crowded gyms, homes, or metro stations where interference often disrupts connectivity. Additionally, OnePlus is introducing a customised signal optimisation feature tailored for environments like the Delhi Metro, ensuring undisturbed connectivity in a variety of settings.

The OnePlus 13 will also be the first smartphone to deliver 5.5G which promises 380 per cent faster speeds, which is invaluable for India’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.

The Green Line Problem: How OnePlus plans on addressing it

Even as OnePlus rolls out ambitious projects, it hasn’t been able to escape scrutiny over recurring issues, particularly the green line defect in several of its phones with AMOLED displays. Users of devices across the OnePlus 8, 9, 10, and 11 series have reported vertical green or yellow lines appearing on screens without any apparent physical damage. This problem, although not unique to OnePlus, has gained significant visibility due to the brand’s large market share in India.

Industry experts suggest that OLED technology, which underpins AMOLED displays, is prone to pixel degradation over time. This issue is exacerbated in high-refresh-rate devices, where faster updates to the display strain the hardware. The heat and humidity in countries like India could also be a factor in display degeneration as moisture gets into a phone over time. 

To that end, OnePlus has announced the Green Line Worry-Free Solution under Project Starlight. OnePlus has begun adding a new protective PVX layer to all the upcoming smartphones with AMOLED displays in the company’s portfolio. OnePlus even mentioned that devices from 2024 have also included this novel technology to reduce green line woes. OnePlus also carries out rigorous testing and quality check measures to minimise the risk of green line occurrence. 

We were fortunate enough to witness some durability tests OnePlus phones go through in its Shenzhen Durability Lab. These include several drop tests, tumble tests, USB port tests, Twist and Bend tests, and IP rating tests.

The importance of smartphone durability and after-sales service in a price-conscious Indian smartphone market

A study by Counterpoint Research highlights a crucial insight: Indian consumers increasingly value durability and after-sales service, factors influencing 60 per cent of purchase decisions. Project Starlight seeks to address these priorities. 

OnePlus is deploying a dedicated Quality Testing team that adopts a Zero Tolerance Attitude to quality issues. The company is also bolstering its service quality by increasing service centres in the country by 22 per cent, which includes an 11 per cent rise in exclusive service centres. The company hopes to expand its service centres by a whopping 50 per cent by 2026. 

Competitive pressures and market realities

The Indian premium smartphone market is fiercely competitive, with players like Samsung, Apple, and Google continually raising the bar. For OnePlus, which carved its niche as a “flagship killer,” maintaining relevance now involves competing directly with established giants.

Project Starlight represents an important pivot. By investing heavily in India, the brand is not only strengthening its manufacturing capabilities but also customising its offerings to local preferences. For example, high-performance devices that withstand heat and humidity resonate deeply with Indian users. Furthermore, by improving after-sales service and providing durable components, OnePlus can tap into the growing preference for longevity over frequent upgrades.

However, challenges persist. Rising production costs, competition from Chinese brands like Xiaomi and Vivo, and the scrutiny over recurring issues like the green line defect all add to the complexity of operating in this market. According to IDC, OnePlus saw its market share fall from 6.2 per cent to 3.6 per cent in Q3 of 2024, so for OnePlus to recover and sustain growth in the highly competitive Indian smartphone market, it must consistently deliver on its promises.

A promising yet challenging path ahead with Project Starlight

India represents both an opportunity and a challenge for OnePlus. The country’s young, tech-savvy population appreciates innovation but demands value and reliability in equal measure. With Project Starlight, OnePlus has outlined a roadmap to meet these expectations, but its success will depend on execution.

OnePlus’ journey is a microcosm of the broader tech industry, where brands must balance the pursuit of cutting-edge features with the practicalities of everyday usage. Addressing recurring issues like the green line defect is not just a necessity; it’s an opportunity for OnePlus to demonstrate its commitment to quality.

For now, OnePlus stands at a crossroads. With its focus on regional innovation, strong investment in India, and a willingness to address challenges, the brand has the potential to redefine consumer expectations. By capitalising on this moment, OnePlus can solidify its position as a leader in India’s premium smartphone market, setting standards that could influence the global landscape. Whether it rises to the occasion remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the stakes have never been higher.

The Indian consumer tech market is a unique and very tricky landscape. Buyers here are known for their price sensitivity, yet they demand performance and reliability on par with global markets. With the launch of the Intel ARC B580, the stage is set for a three-way battle with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 and AMD Radeon RX 7600. 

After the recent turn of events at Team Blue’s HQ, with many claiming that they are done for good, this launch is slated to be a make-or-break moment for Intel. While Intel’s pricing strategy promises to disrupt the mid-range GPU segment, its real test lies in its ability to deliver consistent performance and support. The success of this card, whose launch comes off the back of the recent stability and other colossal failures that they had to face with their 13th and 14th Gen CPUs, will define the road ahead for Intel.

Now, while we wait for the review unit of the card to show up at the Digit Test Labs, let’s have a cursory look at what Intel is bringing to the table – 

Intel ARC B580 has pricing on its side; For now.

Price is a dominant factor in the Indian market, and Intel has chosen to enter the fray with a launch price of $249 (around ₹20,500 pre-taxes). This makes the ARC B580 more affordable than the NVIDIA RTX 4060 at $299 (₹24,500 pre-taxes) and slightly cheaper than AMD’s RX 7600 at $269 (₹22,000 pre-taxes).

Intel’s pricing undercuts its competitors, but affordability alone may not seal the deal. Indian buyers are increasingly looking for value that balances cost, performance, and longevity. NVIDIA and AMD have built a strong foothold in this segment by offering mature ecosystems and reliable drivers, something Intel will need to match if it hopes to sway buyers.

Tall claims off the block 

The ARC B580 aims squarely at gamers looking at high-quality experiences at 1440p. With 12 GB of GDDR6 memory on a 192-bit interface, the ARC B580 is designed to handle modern games with texture-heavy demands. Benchmarks suggest that Intel’s offering is not just competitive but even outpaces the RTX 4060 by 10 per cent in raster performance while also delivering a 24 per cent improvement over its predecessor, the ARC A750.

However, NVIDIA maintains its edge in ray tracing. With 3rd-generation Ray Tracing cores and DLSS 3.5 technology, the RTX 4060 offers smoother visuals and higher frame rates in ray-traced titles. Its Frame Generation feature improves performance further, making it a strong choice for gamers invested in visually rich environments.

AMD’s RX 7600, meanwhile, sticks to its strengths in rasterisation. While its ray tracing capabilities lag behind Intel and NVIDIA, its 32 Compute Units and Infinity Cache allow it to deliver reliable performance at 1080p and light 1440p gaming. It’s a pragmatic choice for buyers who prioritise efficiency over cutting-edge features.

Now, we will test and verify all these claims all over again once the Intel card shows up. For now, it does look like a good choice for the everyday gamer.

AI – The buzzword that is a reality now

In an age where AI-driven enhancements are becoming a must-have, Intel’s XMX AI engines bring competitive features to the table. From image upscaling to generative tasks like real-time filters and creative workflows, Intel is positioning the ARC B580 as a tool not just for gamers but also for creators.

NVIDIA, however, remains the undisputed leader in this space. Its 4th-generation Tensor Cores power DLSS 3.5, enabling features like Frame Generation and Ray Reconstruction. These technologies elevate gaming visuals and make the RTX 4060 an excellent choice for users who want the best of AI-driven enhancements. AMD’s approach to AI is more modest. The RX 7600’s AI capabilities, while present, do not match the refinement or scope of NVIDIA and Intel. This reflects AMD’s broader strategy of focusing on core performance rather than chasing AI-driven innovations.

What about the electricity bills?

Efficiency is a critical factor for Indian buyers, who are often mindful of electricity costs and long-term ownership expenses. The ARC B580’s 190W power draw, while manageable, is notably higher than the RTX 4060’s highly efficient 115W consumption. NVIDIA’s ability to deliver performance at lower power levels strengthens its appeal, especially for users prioritising energy efficiency.

AMD’s RX 7600 strikes a balance between the two, with a typical board power of 165W. It offers better efficiency than Intel without sacrificing much performance.

I want 1440p!

The ARC B580 comes with 12 GB of GDDR6 memory with a bandwidth of 456 GB/s, giving it a distinct advantage in memory-intensive scenarios. This makes it particularly suitable for games at 1440p and beyond, where larger textures and higher graphical settings demand more memory. And they claimed that this is a 1440p card. So, it will be interesting to see how it fares in our tests. Moving on. 

In contrast, the RTX 4060 and RX 7600 are limited to 8 GB of GDDR6 on a 128-bit bus. While NVIDIA compensates for this with its memory management through Ada Lovelace architecture, and AMD uses its Infinity Cache to boost effective bandwidth, the gap in raw memory capacity may become a bottleneck for these GPUs in memory-hungry games.

In the driving seat

Software support and driver reliability are make-or-break factors in the Indian market. NVIDIA’s GeForce Experience/App suite is the gold standard, offering features like Ansel, Highlights, and Reflex. These tools enhance gaming and productivity workflows, making the RTX 4060 a well-rounded choice. AMD’s Adrenalin Edition software provides similar functionality, with features like Radeon Boost and Anti-Lag aimed at competitive gamers. However, its driver support, while much improved, still lags behind NVIDIA’s seamless updates.

Intel’s ARC Control software is relatively new and offers promising features like overclocking controls and performance monitoring. However, driver maturity remains a question mark. Intel will need to address this quickly to build confidence. They have come a long way from where they started, having released over 50 drivers since launch and expanding support to 2.5 times the games that they did have support for. If they continue on this path, they might add a lot of appeal to their new card. 

Felling hot, hot, hot!

India’s hot climate makes cooling solutions an important consideration. The ARC B580’s design incorporates improved airflow and whisper-quiet operation, making it a viable option for Indian conditions. Similarly, the RTX 4060 benefits from its inherently efficient architecture, allowing for compact and effective cooling solutions.

The RX 7600, with its compact 2-slot design, offers decent thermal performance but depends heavily on the aftermarket cooler used. Buyers should carefully consider cooling solutions, especially for builds intended to operate in less ventilated setups.

Also Read: How is Sam Altman redefining AI beyond ChatGPT?

What works in India?

The Indian GPU, rather the overall consumer tech market, is not just about raw specifications; it’s about understanding the diverse needs of the audience. Gamers, creators, and even casual users prioritise value, reliability, and ecosystem compatibility.

The ARC B580’s pricing and features make it an enticing choice for gamers looking to step up to 1440p gaming without overspending. However, its relative lack of software polish and higher power draw could be potential deal-breakers for some.

NVIDIA’s RTX 4060 continues to dominate thanks to its refined ecosystem, low power consumption, and best-in-class ray tracing. For those who can stretch their budgets, it remains the safest and most versatile option. The RX 7600 appeals to pragmatic buyers. Its focus on efficient rasterisation and competitive pricing makes it an excellent choice for 1080p gaming, but it lacks the premium features that NVIDIA and Intel bring to the table.

Wrapping up

The Intel ARC B580 enters the Indian market as a potential disruptor, combining affordability with strong 1440p gaming capabilities and modern AI-driven features. It challenges the status quo established by NVIDIA and AMD by offering a larger memory capacity, advanced upscaling with XeSS, and competitive performance metrics. However, Intel’s journey is not without hurdles - driver maturity and power efficiency are areas that need immediate attention if the ARC B580 is to build trust among Indian buyers.

For those who value polished ecosystems and advanced AI capabilities, the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 remains a standout choice. Its efficiency, exceptional ray tracing, and robust driver support make it an ideal option for creators and gamers willing to invest a bit more for premium features. However, its limited memory configuration might raise concerns for future-proofing in memory-intensive gaming scenarios.

AMD’s Radeon RX 7600 caters to the pragmatic buyer. It delivers reliable rasterisation performance and efficient power usage, making it a cost-effective option for mainstream gamers who prioritise smooth 1080p and light 1440p gameplay over cutting-edge features. Ultimately, the right GPU depends on your priorities. 

Snapdragon has established itself as one of the most trusted names in the smartphone industry, consistently delivering reliable performance and cutting-edge innovations that both consumers and manufacturers depend on. As the smartphone landscape evolves, foldables represent the latest breakthrough, introducing unique challenges such as dual screens, limited space, and durability considerations. Snapdragon is at the forefront of this evolution, driving innovative experiences in many of the leading foldable devices. The recently introduced Snapdragon 8 Elite offers an incredible boost in performance, efficiency and AI, and will further level up the foldable game in the coming year. 

 But what contributes to the reliability of Snapdragon processors in the foldable form factor? What makes them the preferred choice for foldable phones? Let’s elaborate!

Snapdragon Superpower

Powering a foldable device is like handling two phones in one. You need a powerful chipset to make switching between the two displays seamless, as well as a power-efficient one to prevent it from completely draining your battery.

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is based on an extremely power-efficient 4nm process. Its Kryo CPU cores are designed to enhance power efficiency and are arranged in an upgraded configuration of 1 Prime, 5 Performance, and 2 Efficiency cores. The chipset can intelligently allocate tasks to the appropriate cores based on their complexity. Essentially, this means that the processor can perform like a beast when necessary or dial down to effectively tackle light workloads without breaking a sweat. Moreover, these professors are designed for long-term use to ensure that your performance is well maintained over time.

Great AI Processing Capabilities 

When you have a large canvas of a foldable phone at your fingertip, you get more room to express yourself and thus your creativity and productivity can naturally run wild. This is also why foldables are perfect for AI experiences that help you accomplish more with minimal effort. 

The Snapdragon processors on foldable phones are fully equipped to support class-leading AI processing. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 features an advanced AI engine, the world’s first to support generative AI models with up to 10 billion parameters directly on the device. This opens the door to all kinds of innovative AI use cases. Moreover, the Hexagon NPU on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is designed for exceptional power efficiency, ensuring that your phone can run AI applications without compromising battery life.

Elevating the camera experience 

Once again, accommodating large camera sensors in foldable smartphones is challenging due to strict size and thickness constraints. To deliver a true flagship-grade camera experience while maintaining a sleek and functional form factor, a phone must rely as much on its image processing capabilities as on its camera optics. This is where the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3's highly capable and Cognitive Spectra ISP shines. It helps intelligently analyze the scene, optimising capture settings, to deliver superior results in varying lighting conditions. It supports multiple cameras and handles demanding video tasks in real-time like a pro, promising stunning captures. 

Power that lasts 

Foldables have two screens to power, which can really put a strain on battery life. That’s why making sure they last longer between charges requires a power-efficient chipset! The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 serves as the flagship platform that offers remarkable efficiency across its CPU, GPU, and NPU. 

As compared to last-gen Snapdragon, the Kyro Cores offer  20% improved power efficiency, the Adreno GPU delivers up to 25% better power efficiency, and the Hexagon NPU delivers 40% improved performance-per-watt for sustained AI inferencing!  This integrated design not only enhances performance but also leads to significantly improved battery efficiency. 

By intelligently managing power, the Snapdragon 8 series processors like the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and Snapdragon 8 Elite are designed to allow users to enjoy the full potential of their foldable devices without the constant worry of charging them. 

To sum it up, the Qualcomm Snapdragon processors have significantly raised the bar for the foldable experience. They are designed to let you be the best creative version of yourself, without worrying about performance or battery life. Their powerful performance, energy efficiency, and AI capabilities ensure that these devices can deliver a seamless and immersive experience, combining the best of both smartphones and tablets.

[Brand Story]

Mobile gaming has seen a significant surge in popularity in India over the past few years, driven by advancements in smartphone technology, affordable data plans, and a growing library of high-quality games. Mobile gamers demand more than just speed - they want a smooth, immersive experience that keeps up with their fast-paced gameplay. This is where Snapdragon chipsets truly shine. 

These chips are engineered for cutting-edge technology that makes them very dependable gaming partners. They offer exceptional power and AI-driven innovation, assuring of lightning-fast response times, stunning graphics, and seamless multitasking, all while keeping the battery consumption to a minimum. 

The recently launched Snapdragon 8 Elite is the first mobile platform to support Unreal Engine 5.3 with full Nanite support, thus enabling film-quality 3D visuals, rivalling AAA console games. 

In this article, we’ll explore five reasons why Snapdragon chipsets are trusted by smartphone brands and consumers to power an exceptional gaming experience! 

Unmatched Performance 

Snapdragon helps unleash max performance 

Performance is the backbone of any gaming device, determining the overall experience and capability to run games smoothly. Snapdragon chips are renowned for their exceptional performance in smartphones, promising speed and efficiency that gamers can rely on. They ensure quick load times, fluid frame rates, and responsive controls, all of which are essential for immersive gameplay. 

Built on a cutting-edge process, Snapdragon 8 Elite is equipped with powerful Oryon cores which improve performance by a stunning 45% enabling a powerful gaming experience while also improving power efficiency. The chipset includes 2 prime cores clocked at blazing 4.32GHz, making them one of the fastest cores on smartphones! So, yes, with all that power you will surely be leveling up your gaming.  

Immersive Graphics

The Adreno GPU in the Snapdragon 8 Elite delivers 40% faster graphics rendering and 40% improved GPU power efficiency, resulting in ultra-smooth, lag-free visuals. Its sliced architecture which divides the GPU into smaller independent cores promises astonishing graphics and realistic environments without compromising battery life. Snapdragon’s gaming chips also include the Snapdragon Elite Gaming suite of technologies developed specifically for premium mobile gaming. These include exciting features like advanced customisation, support for high refresh-rate displays, and ultra-realistic graphics.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFuSR4rVWg4<Ray tracing with global illumination demo>

Hardware-accelerated Ray Tracing with Global Illumination simulates the way light interacts with a scene in the real world. This helps produce lifelike lighting, reflections, and shadows in complex scenes powered by Unreal Engine, dramatically uplifting gaming visuals. Adreno Frame Motion Engine doubles frame rates while keeping power consumption steady, ensuring smoother motion or more fluid gameplay. Snapdragon Game Super Resolution enhances graphics with upscaling, offering high resolution without draining battery life. Together, these features make a massive difference to your gaming experience.

Great AI Processing Capabilities 

We are in the age of AI where apps and games are evolving to leverage AI-driven enhancements. For your devices to be future-proof, they need to have solid AI capabilities. This will make them better positioned to adapt to new advancements and deliver an intelligent experience. This is yet another area where Snapdragon chips excel. 

The Oryon cores and Adreno GPU on Snapdragon 8 Elite are optimized for AI and the chipset also features a leading AI engine that brings up to 45% improvement in AI performance. This opens up a host of opportunities to explore novel AI use cases. 

The Hexagon NPU (Neural Processing Unit) is a key element in making Snapdragon-powered smartphones incredibly power-efficient when managing AI workloads. With the increasing demand for on-device AI tasks, such as real-time translation, advanced image processing, and voice assistants, efficient AI processing is crucial for enjoying AI capabilities without making a dent in the battery mileage.

Incredible Battery Life

Power efficiency is just as crucial as raw performance

Striking the right balance between power and efficiency is important in real-world scenarios, where your phone does much more than just game. Gamers need sustained performance for intense sessions, but they also require endurance to keep playing without draining the battery too quickly.

The Snapdragon 8 Elite is the flagship platform that brings in incredible efficiency across CPU, GPU and NPU ensuring a much-improved battery performance. Efficient power management ensures that your phone doesn’t overheat or rapidly drain the battery, even during graphics-intensive games like Call of Duty: Mobile or Genshin Impact. 

Also, on-the-go gaming often involves switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data networks, which can be power-hungry. Snapdragon-powered gaming phones employ the best-in-class 5G, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth technologies to ensure that these transitions are seamless while minimising battery drain.

Play and stream with confidence

Modern gaming is not just about smooth gameplay but also encompasses an immersive audio experience and factors like streaming on social media platforms. Snapdragon combines powerful audio to complement top-tier graphics quality. HDR games run up to twice as fast, and aptX Adaptive technology ensures the audio stays perfectly synced with the action on-screen, creating a seamless gaming experience.

Snapdragon Sound is designed to provide a high-quality listening experience, particularly when you are gaming with wireless headphones or earbuds. It enables ultra-low audio latency and allows gamers to promptly hear and react to in-game cues like gunshots, footsteps, or enemy movements. Snapdragon Sound also facilitates high-resolution and lossless audio for audiophiles. 

Snapdragon Sound facilitates immersive audio to give gamers an edge

As for game streaming, the Snapdragon 8 Elite features a very capable Spectra AI ISP that produces AI-enhanced photos and videos in real-time, thus making you look your best in every environment.  

To sum it up, Snapdragon-powered devices lead the way in gaming with cutting-edge technologies at their core, ensuring that players enjoy an immersive and dependable gaming experience. Snapdragon processors offer a perfect mix of high performance, stunning graphics, smart AI features, long battery life, and excellent sound quality. The Snapdragon 8 Elite takes gaming to the next level, providing smooth gameplay and the exciting potential of AI enhancements. These innovations ensure that players have the best tools to play and share their favourite games confidently. 

If you missed the festive season, the new year is a great time to upgrade your smartphone. You can finally get options powered by Snapdragon 8 Elite and also leverage remarkable offers on high-performance devices powered by the Snapdragon 8 series.

With advancements in mobile technology, these processors have become the backbone of modern devices, delivering superior performance, efficiency, and consistency. They promise not only incredible raw power but also enhancements across key areas, including battery life, display quality, camera performance, and even your security and privacy.

Before we get to some incredible deals on Snapdragon-powered mid-range smartphones, let’s talk a bit about why Snapdragon processors are considered the gold standard when it comes to smartphones! 

Why you should buy a Snapdragon-powered smartphone?

When it comes to smartphones, the chipset is both the heart and brain. It dictates how quickly apps launch, how efficiently the battery lasts, and how smoothly you can switch between tasks. The chipset must perform flawlessly every time, as even the slightest jitter or lag - say, 1 in 10 times - can disrupt the seamless experience and lead to frustration. In today’s era of high-demand mobile gaming, AI-driven applications, and 5G connectivity, the chipset plays an even more crucial role in defining your user experience.

Snapdragon processors are renowned for their longevity, offering durability and reliability that ensures consistent performance over time. With a focus on enhanced security, Snapdragon devices benefit from regular updates that improve functionality and help you stay secure. 

Performance-wise, these processors excel in delivering high-speed processing, efficient multitasking, and exceptional graphics, particularly for gaming. Snapdragon chipsets also facilitate advanced AI features such as machine learning and natural language processing, improving efficiency in real-world use cases like photography, voice assistants, and predictive text. 

So, essentially, Snapdragon processors are the ones you can trust. Major industry OEMs trust Snapdragon processors for their flagships for a reason. Over the years, even consumers have come to trust the Snapdragon brand for consistently delivering reliable performance and cutting-edge technology. 

Let’s now list some of the best deals that you shouldn’t miss. 

Realme GT 7 Pro

Realme GT 7 Pro is the first phone in India to be powered by Snapdragon 8 Elite. This powerful chipset is paired with up to 16GB RAM and 512GB storage, ensuring smooth performance even under demanding tasks. The 120Hz quad-curved AMOLED display delivers vibrant, crisp visuals, and the phone features a capable triple rear camera system, led by a 50MP primary sensor with OIS.

Other highlights include a robust build with IP69 dust and water resistance, a convenient under-display fingerprint sensor and 120W fast charging support. You can get it from Amazon for a starting price of Rs. 59,999.  

Buy Now

iQOO 13 

The iQOO 13 is a high-performance smartphone designed for gaming enthusiasts. It is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform which ensures smooth, powerful gameplay with enhanced graphics and low power consumption. The smartphone features a 144 Hz Q10 2K LTPO AMOLED display for precise control and fluid visuals, ideal for fast-paced gaming. It also boasts a 7K VC Liquid Cooling System to prevent overheating during extended sessions. 

The phone is IP68 and IP69 certified, housing a robust 6000mAh battery with 120W FlashCharge for uninterrupted gameplay. For photography enthusiasts, the iQOO 13 is equipped with a Sony 100mm portrait camera and a 32MP selfie camera, promising stunning shots across scenarios.

Buy Now

Xiaomi 14 CIVI

The Xiaomi 14 Civi is an all-rounder powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 mobile platform. The chipset is based on a power-efficient 4nm process and integrates advanced architectural features like the X4 Super-core and Qualcomm Triple ISP, resulting in impressive performance at a very competitive price. The quad-curve AMOLED display supports a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 3000 nits of peak brightness. The Xiaomi 14 Civi features stereo speakers for powerful audio and supports advanced HDR formats like Dolby Vision and HDR10+, promising an exceptional content viewing experience.

The Professional Triple Camera with Leica Optics is the icing on the cake. Additionally, the 4700mAh battery with 67W turbocharging ensures long-lasting battery life.

Buy Now

Realme GT 6 5G

The Realme GT6 delivers strong performance, staying true to the GT series' reputation for speed and power. Powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, the device offers up to 16GB RAM and 512GB storage, ensuring smooth multitasking and gaming experiences. The 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate enhances visuals with HDR10+ and Dolby Vision support.

The camera setup includes a 50-megapixel primary shooter, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide angle shooter, and a 50-megapixel telephoto for portraits. Other interesting features include Stereo speakers, Hi-res audio support, and a massive 5500mAh battery with 120W fast charging! 

Buy Now

OnePlus 12R

The OnePlus 12R is another interesting mid-ranger that is fueled by Qualcomm’s powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor and offers great value. This flagship chipset paired with 16GB RAM and 256GB storage delivers lightning-fast performance, efficient battery life, and seamless multitasking. Adreno graphics further power an amazing gaming experience. The primary camera on the rear is equipped with a Sony IMX890 sensor with OIS that can capture vivid details. 

The appealing 1.5K LTPO ProXDR Display with Dolby Vision offers extremely high brightness and contrast. Even within its sleek design, the 12R makes room for a 5500mAh battery with 100W fast charging. 

Buy Now

[Brand Story]

Apple’s iPads have always been a subject of debate. For creative professionals like designers and sketchers, it’s a dream device. But for the average user? The purpose feels a bit vague. After all, if you want to watch movies, play games, or scroll through social media, your smartphone or laptop already ticks those boxes. So where does the iPad fit in?

Apple’s new iPad Mini 7 attempts to answer this by shrinking the form factor. It’s small enough to not be a smartphone but remains bigger and more versatile. After using it for over a month, here’s what I think about it.

Design and Display

The iPad Mini 7 sticks to its predecessor’s design language—compact and lightweight. It has an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display, an LCD panel that’s bright enough at 500 nits for indoor use. Outdoors, it works fine in the shade, but the glossy screen might bother some, for those who prefer matte displays, a screen protector (costing around ₹500) solves the problem.

However, the bezels feel outdated in 2024. They not only look ancient but also rob the device of valuable screen real estate.

Another surprising omission? No haptic feedback. Apple’s iPhones boast industry-leading haptics, so typing on the iPad Mini feels oddly hollow. This is a feature Apple should seriously consider for future models.

Hardware and Performance

The Mini 7 packs a punch with the A17 Bionic chip, the same as the iPhone 15 Pro but with one less GPU core. With 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage (expandable via fast USB 3), performance is top-notch. Whether it’s gaming, creative workflows, or multitasking, the iPad Mini delivers. It breezes through tasks, and benchmarks reflect this superiority:

• It outperforms rivals like the OnePlus Pad 2 and Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra in Geekbench 6.
• In gaming, it consistently achieves 60 FPS at maximum settings on Genshin Impact, BGMI, and COD Mobile.

Thermals are well-managed too. Even after an hour-long gaming session, the device feels warm but never uncomfortably hot.

Apple Pencil Pro Integration

The iPad Mini is fully compatible with the Apple Pencil Pro, which works flawlessly. The hover function, minimal latency, and added haptics make it a fantastic tool for artists and note-takers. One feature I loved? The pencil creates a digital shadow on the screen that adjusts based on whether you’re using a pen or eraser. It’s these small touches that showcase Apple’s attention to detail.

While I’m not much of an artist myself, I can see this being a game-changer for creatives.

Portability and Everyday Use

The compact size is what truly sets the iPad Mini apart. I’ve been carrying it daily alongside my laptop and smartphone. It doubles as a Kindle, and I’ve been enjoying reading Blindsight by Peter Watts—a hard sci-fi novel featuring vampires and genetically enhanced humans exploring alien territory. The portability makes it an excellent companion for both work and leisure.

Another unexpected use case? Recording benchmark numbers while testing laptops. Its small size makes it incredibly convenient for quick tasks like note-taking or organizing data.

Media Consumption and Connectivity

For media consumption, the iPad Mini’s speakers deliver good sound quality, and the display—though not OLED—is color-accurate and bright enough for most scenarios. However, under direct sunlight, it struggles, limiting outdoor usability.

Connectivity is a highlight. With Wi-Fi 6E, USB 3.0 (10GB/s transfer speeds), and eSIM support, Apple has ensured the Mini 7 keeps up with modern demands. The faster USB 3.0 port is a blessing for those who rely on external SSDs for storage, making the base 128GB variant a practical choice.

Battery Life

Battery performance is solid. In my testing, the iPad Mini lasted:

• 9 hours 42 minutes of web browsing.
• Around 9 hours of continuous video playback.

This easily covers a full day of heavy usage, whether you’re working, gaming, or streaming content.

Gaming Performance

Gaming on the iPad Mini is a treat. I tested three popular games:

1. Genshin Impact: Ran at maximum settings with smooth 60 FPS.
2. BGMI: Flawless gameplay at the highest graphics.
3. COD Mobile: No frame drops or stutters, even at peak settings.

The A17 chip ensures excellent performance while keeping the device cool, making it a fantastic option for mobile gamers.

Turning the iPad Mini into a PC

Apple has added functionality to extend the iPad Mini’s capabilities. By connecting a Thunderbolt cable, pairing a USB-C mouse and keyboard, and using the improved file management system, the iPad Mini can double as a basic computer. While there are limitations—like the inability to install third-party apps or full file system access—it’s a step in the right direction for those seeking versatility.

What Could Be Better?

While the iPad Mini 7 has a lot going for it, it’s not without flaws:

1. Outdated Design: The bezels feel like a relic, especially in 2024.
2. Lack of Haptics: Typing feels incomplete without the tactile feedback that Apple excels at on its iPhones.
3. LCD Display: An OLED screen would have elevated the media experience, particularly for streaming and gaming.
4. Limited Brightness Outdoors: At 500 nits, it struggles in direct sunlight.

Conclusion: Is the iPad Mini 7 for You?

The iPad Mini 7 is an impressive device that finds its sweet spot between a smartphone and a laptop. It’s portable, powerful, and versatile. Whether you’re using it for gaming, note-taking, or even as a secondary display, it excels. The new additions like faster USB 3, improved connectivity, and the A17 Bionic chip make it a jack of all trades.

However, its media experience is held back by the LCD screen, and the outdated design might be a dealbreaker for some. But if you can look past these drawbacks, the iPad Mini 7 is a multipurpose device that punches well above its weight.

So, should you buy it? If you want a portable powerhouse that can handle everything from gaming to productivity, the iPad Mini 7 is worth considering. And if you want me to test its limits by ditching my laptop for a month, let me know in the comments!

As we come to the season finale of 2024, smartphone brands plan to conclude the year with Smartphones that set the stage for 2025. From Asus to Xiaomi, the upcoming phones in December 2024 touch most price segments and cater to general buyers and enthusiasts alike. Some of the big launches include the Redmi Note 14 series and Vivo X200 lineup, to name a few. Let’s take a look at some of the most awaited upcoming smartphone launches in December 2024.

Redmi Note 14 Series (Dec 9)

The Redmi Note 14 series will launch on December 9 in India. The lineup is expected to include the Redmi Note 14, Redmi Note 14 Pro and Redmi Note 14 Pro Plus. Xiaomi has gone live with a microsite for the Redmi Note 14 Pro Plus teasing some of the features such as a 50-megapixel camera system with a telephoto lens, curved AMOLED display with Gorilla Glass Victus 2, IP68 water resistance and AI features like real-time translation, image eraser and more. The top-of-the-line model is expected to have a beefy 6,200 mAh battery.

Vivo X200 Series

Vivo’s flagship camera smartphone lineup, the X200 series is all set to make its Indian debut in December 2024. The company is expected to launch the X200 and X200 Pro phones backed by the Zeiss Imaging system that has come to be known as a hallmark feature of Vivo’s flagship smartphone series. Vivo has started teasing some of the features of the X200 series including the Dimensity 9400 SoC with V3+ chip. One of the biggest improvements is expected to be the 6,000 mAh semi-solid state battery on the X200 Pro and 5,800 mAh on the X200. 

iQOO 13 (Dec 3)

The iQOO 13 India launch is all set for December 3. With most of the details out in the wild, prospective buyers are just waiting for the price reveal of the upcoming Snapdragon 8 Elite-powered smartphone. The iQOO 13 is confirmed to feature a 50-megapixel camera system and being a gamer-centric smartphone, it's primed for 2K 144Hz gaming backed by a robust 6,000 mAh battery.

OnePlus 13

The OnePlus 13 is also expected to be unveiled this month. While the phone has officially launched in China, the Indian arm is keeping things under wraps. Being a flagship phone, the OnePlus 13 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC with a 50-megapixel triple camera system tuned by Hasselblad Colour Science. The phone is expected to be powered by a 6,000 mAh battery.

Xiaomi 15

The Xiaomi 15 was unveiled as the first Snapdragon 8 Elite-powered smartphone in October and is set to launch soon in India. It’s not yet confirmed whether Xiaomi will be bringing the Xiaomi 15 Pro to India or will skip it like last year. Having said that, the Xiaomi 15 boasts strong credentials such as a 50-megapixel triple camera setup backed by Leica optics and a 5,400 mAh battery.

As AI systems become increasingly integrated into our daily lives, the ethical considerations surrounding their development and deployment have never been more critical. To delve deeper into this pressing issue, I interviewed Balakrishna D. R. (Bali), Executive Vice President and Global Services Head of AI and Industry Verticals at Infosys.

Bali's insights shed light on how a global leader like Infosys navigates the complex terrain of AI ethics, balancing the relentless pursuit of technological advancement with a steadfast commitment to responsible practices.

Infosys’ AI vision grounded in responsibility

Infosys doesn't just dabble in AI, says Bali, it has crafted a comprehensive vision that embeds ethical considerations into every facet of its AI endeavours. "We have enumerated the guiding principles in a Responsible AI (RAI) Vision and Purpose document, laying the foundation for all our AI pursuits," Bali explained. "It is aligned with our corporate vision and values (CLIFE). A well-articulated RAI Vision is a critical first step for any AI-first enterprise."

Also read: Navigating the Ethical AI maze with IBM’s Francesca Rossi

He emphasised that despite the rapid evolution of AI technologies -- including newer models, agentic frameworks, and hardware platforms -- the fundamental principles of Responsible AI remain unchanged. "The seven pillars of RAI at Infosys act as the north star for us and have become a critical differentiator for our AI offerings," he said. These pillars include Transparency, Fairness, Equal Access, Human + AI (not Human vs. AI), Safeguarding Human Rights, Ethical Innovation, and Global Responsible AI Adoption.

To operationalize these principles, Infosys launched the Responsible AI Suite (AI3S) as part of Infosys Topaz. "It helps enterprises balance innovation with ethical considerations and mitigate risks due to AI adoption," Bali noted. Driven by the Responsible AI Office -- a dedicated team of cross-functional experts -- the suite offers a framework that aims to monitor and protect AI models and systems from threats through technical, legal, and process guardrails.

Fairness in AI isn't a box to be checked but a continuous commitment. Infosys approaches this challenge through interventions at three levels: Strategic, Tactical, and Operational.

At the strategic level, the company builds overarching frameworks and governance structures. "This is where we build well-crafted policies for procurement, deployment, and responsible AI talent reskilling," Bali explained.

The tactical level involves mechanisms for continuous monitoring. "We install mechanisms like risk and impact assessments, conduct market scans of AI vulnerabilities, perform rigorous red-teaming, and conduct periodic audits," he said.

Operationally, Infosys focuses on the right processes, legal frameworks, and technical guardrails. "This includes enabling developers with specialised toolkits for building responsibly and developing technical guardrails that monitor and filter the input and output," Bali added.

Their "Responsible AI by Design" methodology is central to these efforts. It focuses on the nature of the use case, the type of models and data being used, and how the model is trained. "We analyse the use case from varied lenses, select the right model, assess the data used to fine-tune the model, and build runtime guardrails that detect and mitigate subtle biases in generated content," Bali elaborated.

Also read: In pursuit of ethical AI

Data is the lifeblood of AI, but with great data comes great responsibility. Infosys ensures adherence to global regulations like GDPR, CCPA, and the EU AI Act. "For privacy, we employ RAI by design across the lifecycle," Bali said. This includes privacy assessments and audits, formulating policies and governance, and implementing technical approaches like homomorphic encryption and federated learning.

He highlighted the importance of developer and user training, as well as automated systems to track and enforce data retention. "Process changes like data anonymization, minimization, and access controls are crucial," he added.

Collaborative efforts for Ethical AI

Infosys understands that fostering ethical AI practices is not a solitary endeavour. "We have been working with multiple academic bodies, regulatory institutions, and governments as industry consultants for advancing responsible AI," Bali shared.

Some notable collaborations include membership in the AI Safety Institute Consortium established by NIST, joining the Coalition of Content Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA), and participating in the Artificial Intelligence Governance Alliance (AIGA) spearheaded by the World Economic Forum. "Infosys is also a member of the ISO committees on AI and contributes to the development of future AI standards," he noted.

Furthermore, the company has partnered with the Stanford University Institute for Human-Centred Artificial Intelligence and joined the AI Alliance alongside leading companies like IBM, Meta, and Intel.

Beyond corporate initiatives, Infosys leverages AI to drive social impact. Bali shared a compelling example: "We have developed an AI accessibility solution for hearing and visually impaired customers of a major broadcasting company. It is a real-time audio and visual captioning system that provides simultaneous scene and dialogue descriptions, enabling individuals with disabilities to fully experience and enjoy entertainment."

Another initiative is Infosys Springboard, which uses AI to create a digital learning platform aimed at supporting underserved students and professionals in India. "We are building personalised learning assistants that help learners with customised learning paths, adapting to their individual needs and learning styles," he explained.

AI's environmental footprint is a growing concern, and Infosys is proactive in addressing it. "We manage our environmental concerns in AI through energy-efficient hardware, data centers, and optimised model designs," Bali said. "We have built our own optimised AI Cloud with specialised infrastructure, focusing on reducing our AI carbon footprint."

Infosys is also using AI to optimise its server and data center operations, managing cooling systems and workload distribution to minimise energy consumption. "We have collaborated with Shell to create an integrated solution for green data centers using immersion cooling technology," he added.

Adopting "Green AI" techniques, Infosys leverages methods like quantization and pruning to reduce compute demands and energy usage. "We conduct intensive assessments to compute and calculate our Scope 3 emissions due to AI by selecting and working with environmentally conscious vendors and partners," Bali emphasised.

Recognizing that the future of AI lies in the hands of today's learners, Infosys invests heavily in education and training. "We are empowering the next generation of AI professionals across the globe in multiple ways," Bali stated.

Initiatives include ethical AI workshops focusing on AI ethics and regional regulations, partnership programs with universities like IIT/IIMs and Kellogg's, and internal learning platforms offering courses from basic foundations to practitioner levels. "Our internship program InStep has focused projects on responsible AI," he added.

Also read: How is Sam Altman redefining AI beyond ChatGPT?

Infosys also contributes to open-source AI ethics tools and hosts hackathons to tackle some of the toughest problems in responsible AI. "We believe in fostering a culture of continuous learning and ethical awareness," Bali said.

A vision for India's AI future

Looking ahead, Infosys envisions AI as a catalyst for India's growth across multiple sectors. "With the potential to be the AI talent capital of the world, we have to do pioneering work in frontier research," Bali asserted.

He emphasised the need for scalable solutions and frugal innovation to reduce the cost of AI at the unit economics level. "We cannot deliver to our huge population if we cannot reduce cost per transaction to a minimum," he warned. "We have to experiment and innovate in novel ways to achieve this and subsequently set the trend for AI adoption worldwide."

Bali echoed Infosys Chairman and Founder Nandan Nilekani's sentiment: "India has the potential to be the AI use-case capital of the world." To realise this, he outlined a four-pronged approach:

1. Instituting and streamlining AI governance and regulatory control via formulation of policies and standards.
2. Creating AI safety bodies with centralised accountability to ensure ethical AI by enforcing regulations.
3. Investing in R&D of technical guardrails to solve ethical AI design challenges and enable a talent pool in Responsible AI.
4. Building platforms and ecosystems for idea exchanges.

Infosys isn't just setting lofty goals; it's actively working to achieve them. "We are doing our part by walking the talk in our own organisation and with our customers," Bali affirmed.

In a world where the ethical implications of AI are under increasing scrutiny, Infosys is trying to embed responsibility into the very fabric of its AI endeavours. Bali's and Infosys’ insights offer a roadmap for other organisations navigating the intricate balance between innovation and ethics.

Also read: AI agents explained: Why OpenAI, Google and Microsoft are building smarter AI agents

vivo is back in the spotlight as we anticipate the imminent arrival of the next X-series smartphones. The vivo X100 series that debuted earlier this year raised the bar for flagships high and the upcoming vivo X200 series smartphones are expected to take the game to a whole new level. 

The vivo X200 series is expected to be the perfect amalgamation of cutting-edge camera technology and powerhouse performance, making it perfect for those who demand nothing but the best from their flagship phones!

Elite performance with an AI advantage

While we’re still waiting for the official specs to drop, the recent China launch and the India teaser have already given us a sneak peek of what’s coming. The vivo X200 series will debut with the powerful MediaTek Dimensity 9400 chipset, making it one of the first few phones in India to feature this powerhouse. Built on TSMC's second-generation 3nm process, the chipset delivers impressive power efficiency. 

With its eighth-generation MediaTek NPU 890 AI processor, it brings 60 TOPS of ultra-high AI computing power while improving power efficiency for AI workloads. So, whether it’s smart photography, real-time translations, power efficiency or gaming enhancements, the vivo X200 series will keep up with all the AI-driven demands, keeping your phone future-proof and ahead of the game.

The chipset boasts a powerful CPU based on Armv9.2 architecture with MediaTek's All Big Core Design, including a high-performance Cortex-X925 core clocked at 3.63 GHz, positioning it among the fastest mobile processors available! The X200 Series also benefits from the vivo and ARM partnership, including establishing a joint lab focused on deep innovation and performance optimisations. 

This essentially means that all the demanding games and apps on your phone will run butter smooth without any hiccups or any hint of lag. Compared to the last gen MediaTek Flagship chip, the Dminesity 9400 offers 35% faster single-core performance and 28% faster multi-core performance along with 35% more power efficiency.   

The 12-core GPU provides faster ray tracing for more realistic lighting and reflections in games. Whether it’s high-speed downloads, lag-free gaming, or juggling multiple online tasks, the MediaTek 9400 is fully equipped to impress. 

But yes, the most anticipated feature is the camera performance. The Vivo X200 Pro combines the power of a dual flagship chip setup to redefine mobile photography.  The Dimensity 9400 is designed to handle complex imaging systems and minimise power consumption while users are taking photos and videos. The real magic happens with the addition of vivo’s dedicated image processing chip which brings cutting-edge advantages like superior noise reduction, faster image processing, and advanced computational photography capabilities.

Together, these two chips ensure class-leading camera performance, making every shot crisp, vibrant, and professional. The vivo X200 Pro is expected to include the dedicated V3+ image processing chip that equips it with all the power it needs to deliver a class-leading camera performance! 

Camera expectations are riding high

As we mentioned, vivo has always managed to impress with camera performance on its X-series flagships and when you throw the ZEISS partnership into the mix, it’s clear that we’re in for something special. The collaboration between these two giants has consistently produced impressive results, bringing stunning low-light capabilities, incredible colour accuracy, and breathtaking details in images, portraits and videos. 

This year, the vivo X200 series will debut India’s first 200MP ZEISS APO Telephoto Camera! Indeed telephoto cameras are the most fun part of modern flagships, providing the thrill of peeking far away without moving an inch. 

Leveraging the large size and high-resolution sensor, vivo has also equipped the telephoto camera on these next-gen flagships to do a lot more! You’ll be able to capture stunning telephoto portraits with remarkable depth and sharpness, intricate telephoto macros packed with fine details, and dramatic telephoto nightscapes perfect for low-light photography. The X200 series promises to unlock an entirely new level of creativity, making it absolutely fun to zoom in and explore the finer details like never before!

Another interesting highlight of the upcoming phones is the Landscape mode, which integrates all the tools you need to capture perfect landscape shots in one place. Whether you’re chasing starry skies, snapping the perfect moonlit shot, or capturing that dreamy sunset glow, this mode will have you covered.

And yes, this telephoto camera is expected to be complemented by a class-leading 50MP VCS True Color Main Camera that promises to be a one-stop landscape photography tool.  

Simply Perfect

The excitement around vivo’s upcoming X200 series is palpable and this should be your next go-to flagship for a good reason. As we count down to the official launch, we are excited to see how these phones blend powerhouse performance with some of the top-tier camera tech on the market. The X200 series looks poised to push the flagship game even further and feels tailored for today’s on-the-go creators. We’re all eager to experience these devices and check how vivo redefines our expectations once again. The vivo X200 Series is expected to launch in India in December 2024, so stay tuned for more updates coming your way soon! 

[Brand Story]

At a time when artificial intelligence is no longer the stuff of science fiction but an integral part of our daily lives, the ethical implications of AI deployments have moved from theoretical academic debates to pressing real-world concerns. As AI systems become more embedded in every aspect of our phygital existence, the question is no longer about what AI can do, but what it should be doing in a responsible manner. I had the opportunity to interview Francesca Rossi, IBM Fellow and Global Leader for AI Ethics at IBM, to delve into these complex issues.

Also read: How is Sam Altman defining AI beyond ChatGPT?

Francesca Rossi is no stranger to the ethical quandaries posed by AI. With over 220 scientific articles under her belt and leadership roles in organisations like AAAI and the Partnership on AI, she's at the forefront of shaping how we think about AI ethics today and on building AI we can all trust.

Ethical challenges of rapid AI growth

"AI is growing rapidly – it's being used in many services that consumers interact with today. That’s why it’s so important to address the ethical challenges that AI can bring up," Rossi started off. She highlighted the critical need for users to trust AI systems, emphasising that trust hinges on explainability and transparency.

"For users, it’s important from an ethical standpoint to be able to trust the recommendations of an AI system. Achieving this needs AI explainability and transparency," she said. But trust isn't the only concern. Rossi pointed out that data handling, privacy, and protecting copyrights are also significant ethical challenges that need to be tackled head-on.

When asked how IBM defines 'Responsible AI,' Rossi detailed a comprehensive framework that goes beyond mere principles to include practical implementations.

"IBM built a very comprehensive AI ethics framework, which includes both principles and their implementations, with the goal to guide the design, development, deployment, and use of AI inside IBM and for our clients," she explained.

The principles are straightforward yet profound, according to Rossi:

1. The purpose of AI is to augment human intelligence.
2. Data and insights belong to their creator.
3. New technology, including AI systems, must be transparent and explainable.

But principles alone aren't enough. Rossi emphasised the importance of turning these principles into action: "The implementation of these principles includes risk assessment processes, education and training activities, software tools, developers’ playbooks, an integrated governance program, research innovation, and a centralised company-wide governance in the form of an AI ethics board."

Also read: Google Gemini controversies: When AI went wrong to rogue

IBM's commitment to open and transparent innovation is also evident. "We’ve released our family of Granite models to the open-source community under an Apache 2.0 licence for broad, unencumbered commercial usage, along with tools to monitor the model data – ensuring it’s up to the standards demanded by responsible enterprise applications," Rossi added.

Collaboration with policymakers is key

The role of policymakers in AI ethics is a hot topic, and Rossi believes that collaboration between companies and governments is crucial.

"As a trusted AI leader, IBM sees a need for smart AI regulation that provides guardrails for AI uses while promoting innovation," she said. IBM is urging governments globally to focus on risk-based regulation, prioritise liability over licensing, and support open-source AI innovation.

"While there are many individual companies, start-ups, researchers, governments, and others who are committed to open science and open technologies, more collaboration and information sharing will help the community innovate faster and more inclusively, and identify specific risks, to mitigate them before putting a product into the world," Rossi emphasised.

One might wonder how these high-level principles translate into practical measures within IBM's AI systems. Rossi provided concrete examples: "IBM has developed practitioner-friendly bias mitigation approaches, proposed methods for understanding differences between AI models in an interpretable manner, studied maintenance of AI models from the robustness perspective, and created methods for understanding the activation space of neural networks for various trustworthy AI tasks."

She also mentioned that IBM has analysed adversarial vulnerabilities in AI models and proposed training approaches to mitigate such vulnerabilities. "We made significant updates to our AI explainability 360 toolkit to support time series and industrial use cases, and have developed application-specific frameworks for trustworthy AI," she added.

AI innovation within ethical boundaries

A common concern is whether strict ethical guidelines stifle innovation. On the contrary, Rossi sees ethics as an enabler rather than a hindrance. "AI can drive tremendous progress for business and society – but only if it’s trusted," she stated.

She cited IBM's annual Global AI Adoption Index, noting that while 42% of enterprise-scale companies have deployed AI, 40% are still exploring or experimenting without deployment. "Ongoing challenges for AI adoption in enterprises remain, including hiring employees with the right skill sets, data complexity, and ethical concerns," Rossi said. "Companies must prioritise AI ethics and trustworthy AI to successfully deploy the technology and encourage further innovation."

Also read: From IIT to Infosys: India’s AI revolution gains momentum, as 7 new members join AI Alliance

Building AI systems that prioritise ethical considerations is no small feat. Rossi acknowledged the hurdles: "We see a large percentage of companies stuck in the experimentation and exploration phase, underscoring a dramatic gap between hype around AI and its actual use."

She pointed out that challenges like the skills gap, data complexity, and AI trust and governance are significant barriers. "IBM’s annual Global AI Adoption Index recently found that while around 85% of businesses agree that trust is key to unlocking AI potential, well under half are taking steps towards truly trustworthy AI, with only 27% focused on reducing bias," she noted.

To address these challenges, IBM launched watsonx, an enterprise-ready AI and data platform. "It accelerates the development of trusted AI and provides the visibility and governance needed to ensure that AI is used responsibly," Rossi explained.

India's role in shaping global AI ethics

India is rapidly emerging as a major player in AI innovation, and Rossi believes the country has a significant role to play in shaping global AI ethics and governance.

"Given that the AI market in India is growing at a rapid pace, with some estimates suggesting it is growing at a CAGR of 25-35% and expected to reach 17 billion USD by 2027, AI ethics and governance will be key as the market continues to develop," she said.

She highlighted recent initiatives like the Global IndiaAI Summit 2024 conducted by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), which focused on advancing AI development in areas like compute capacity, foundational models, datasets, application development, future skills, startup financing, and safe AI.

With India's growing talent pool in AI and data science, education and training in AI ethics are paramount. Rossi mentioned that IBM researchers in India are focused on AI ethical challenges across IBM's three labs in the country: IBM Research India, IBM India Software Labs, and IBM Systems Development Labs.

"These labs are closely aligned to our strategy, and their pioneering work in AI, Cloud, Cybersecurity, Sustainability, Automation is integrated into IBM products, solutions, and services," she said.

Future of AI ethics

Looking ahead, Rossi is optimistic but cautious about the evolution of AI ethics over the next decade. "Investing in AI ethics is crucial for long-term profitability, as ethical AI practices enhance brand reputation, build trust, and ensure compliance with evolving regulations," she asserted.

IBM is actively building a robust ecosystem to advance ethical, open innovation around AI. "We recently collaborated with Meta and more than 120 other open-source leaders to launch the AI Alliance, a group whose mission is to build and support open technology for AI and the open communities that will enable it to benefit all of us," Rossi shared.

As AI becomes increasingly interconnected and embedded in our lives, new ethical challenges will arise. Rossi highlighted the importance of focusing on trust in the era of powerful foundation models.

"In keeping with our focus on trustworthy AI, IBM is developing solutions for the next challenges such as robustness, uncertainty quantification, explainability, data drift, privacy, and concept drift in AI models," she said.

The TLDR version of my interview with IBM’s Francesca Rossi constantly underscores a fundamental truth: ethical considerations in AI are not optional – they're essential for sustainable success. As Rossi aptly put it, "These considerations are not in opposition to profit but are rather essential for sustainable success."

As AI's influence is only set to grow, Francesca Rossi's insights offer a roadmap for navigating the complex ethical landscape of AI. It's an effort that demands transparency, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to building systems that not only advance technology but also uphold the values that define us as a society. A collective effort that involves policymakers, educators, and industry leaders here in India and around the world.

Also read: IBM reveals faster Heron R2 quantum computing chip: Why this matters

In late 2022, we saw the rise of ChatGPT, an AI chatbot that swiftly captured global attention. It introduced AI with its powers unleashed truly and transformed AI's role in society. The man behind this transformation is Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI. Known for his foresight and strategic decisions, Altman has led OpenAI from its origins as a non-profit research lab to a commercial powerhouse at the centre of artificial intelligence innovation. Many have vilified him, and many have celebrated his leadership in a new future where our lives are more intertwined with AI than we could ever imagine. This duality is what makes Sam Altman’s tryst with AI, his role in the development of OpenAI, and the currently ongoing shift in focus from greater good to commercial success interesting!

Early leadership and vision

Before taking the helm at OpenAI, Altman was already an influential figure in Silicon Valley. His early career is a key factor in understanding his role in shaping OpenAI’s trajectory. Altman co-founded the location-based social networking app Loopt in 2005 at the age of 19. Although Loopt was eventually acquired, Altman’s entrepreneurial experience earned him a spot in the prestigious startup accelerator Y Combinator (YC). YC is often hailed as one of the most influential forces behind the modern startup ecosystem, having helped launch companies like Dropbox, Airbnb, and Reddit. Altman’s leadership at Y Combinator, where he served as president from 2014 to 2019, gave him the strategic insight needed to navigate complex technical landscapes and manage the rapid scaling of ventures—skills that would later prove invaluable at OpenAI.

Altman’s vision for AI was bold and audacious from the start: to create Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) that would benefit all of humanity. AGI represents a form of AI capable of understanding, learning, and applying intelligence across a broad range of tasks at a level that matches or surpasses human intelligence. Altman’s emphasis on AGI from early on set OpenAI apart from other research institutions that focused more on narrow, task-specific AI. AGI has remained a distant, almost mythical goal in the world of AI development, but Altman’s confidence in its potential has driven OpenAI’s research and product development.

A critical element of Altman’s vision was the ethical and societal impact of AI. His early speeches and interviews reflected a deep awareness of AI’s transformative power and the ethical considerations surrounding its development. Unlike some technology leaders who focus purely on innovation, Altman has been outspoken about AI’s dual-edged nature—its ability to benefit society greatly but also the risks it poses if not developed responsibly. In several interviews, Altman has articulated that the most significant challenge for AI isn't just technological but ethical: how can we build systems that can do incredible things without causing harm? This question has been a cornerstone of his leadership at OpenAI.

Altman has often framed AGI not only as a technological achievement but as a societal leap comparable to the development of electricity or the internet. He’s been careful to point out that AGI must be developed in a way that it benefits everyone, not just a select few. In various forums, he’s emphasised the need for a balanced approach—one that recognises AI’s potential to solve complex problems but also prepares for its risks. This philosophy of responsible innovation has been central to Altman’s leadership and has set the stage for what would follow.

OpenAI: Non-profit to commercial giant

One of the most significant shifts under Altman’s leadership was OpenAI’s transition from a non-profit research organisation to a capped-profit model. OpenAI was founded in 2015 by a group of tech luminaries, including Elon Musk, Altman, and several others, as a non-profit entity with the mission of ensuring that AI would be developed safely and broadly benefit humanity. The organisation’s non-profit roots were crucial in establishing its credibility in the early days, especially as concerns over AI safety and ethics were growing.

However, Altman and OpenAI soon realised that advancing AI research to the level of AGI required massive computational resources, talent, and financial investment. These requirements were far beyond what could be supported by a non-profit organisation. In 2019, Altman made the controversial decision to transition OpenAI into a "capped-profit" entity—a hybrid model that allowed for-profit investment while limiting returns for investors. The model was designed to align incentives with OpenAI's mission to prioritise societal benefit over pure profit.

This structural change was met with mixed reactions. Some saw it as a betrayal of OpenAI’s original mission, arguing that the move towards commercialisation could compromise its commitment to ethical AI development. Others viewed it as a pragmatic approach to ensure the organisation had the necessary resources to stay competitive in an increasingly crowded and well-funded AI landscape. Altman navigated this transition deftly, securing a landmark partnership with Microsoft that has since proven to be crucial for OpenAI’s success.

Microsoft’s multi-billion-dollar investment in OpenAI provided the financial fuel for projects like ChatGPT and the resources to scale OpenAI’s cutting-edge research. The partnership also allowed OpenAI to integrate its AI technologies into widely-used software like Microsoft Office and Azure Cloud. Through this, Altman has positioned OpenAI as a global leader in the commercial AI space while maintaining its core mission. By embedding its AI tools into Microsoft’s vast ecosystem, OpenAI has been able to democratise access to advanced AI technologies, enabling businesses and individuals to leverage AI for a wide range of applications.

This strategic pivot has not only cemented OpenAI’s place at the forefront of AI research but also highlighted Altman’s ability to balance innovation with financial pragmatism. The capped-profit model, while not without its critics, allowed OpenAI to tap into the vast resources of the private sector without entirely abandoning its ethical goals.

Also Read: The Musk Effect: From Twitter to X and beyond

Ethical dilemmas and public flak

As OpenAI has grown, so too have the ethical dilemmas it faces. Much like Elon Musk, who often finds himself at the centre of public debates about free speech and platform control, Sam Altman has become a key figure in the ongoing discourse about AI ethics. Altman has consistently advocated for responsible AI development, pushing for government regulation and ethical frameworks to ensure AI benefits humanity without causing harm. He has openly discussed the risks AI poses, from job displacement to the creation of biased or harmful systems, and has urged both the tech industry and governments to collaborate on establishing guidelines for AI use.

Altman’s approach to AI ethics is both cautious and proactive. He has acknowledged the potential for AI technologies to be misused by bad actors, particularly in areas like surveillance, autonomous weaponry, and disinformation. This recognition has led him to advocate for stronger government regulation, even testifying before U.S. Congress on the need for clear rules governing the use of AI. Altman has argued that without such regulation, the rapid pace of AI development could lead to unintended consequences, particularly as AI systems become more powerful and autonomous.

However, OpenAI’s rapid commercialisation has drawn criticism from some quarters. While Altman has been a vocal proponent of transparency and ethical AI, critics argue that OpenAI’s business model raises questions about who controls these powerful technologies and how they are deployed. The development of models like GPT-4 and ChatGPT has led to concerns about potential misuse, from the spread of disinformation to the creation of increasingly sophisticated deepfakes. These criticisms have highlighted the inherent tension between OpenAI’s dual goals of innovation and ethical responsibility.

Altman’s response to these concerns has been to call for open discussions and greater collaboration between the private sector, governments, and academia. He has emphasised the need for a shared approach to AI governance, one that ensures AI technologies are developed in a way that maximises their benefits while minimising their risks. In this sense, Altman’s leadership has been defined not just by his ability to navigate the technical and financial challenges of AI development but also by his willingness to engage with the broader societal and ethical questions that AI raises.

Altman’s AI roadmap

Altman’s vision for the future goes far beyond AI as a tool for specific industries—it encompasses broader societal impacts. He has often mentioned that AI could be the most significant technological advancement since the internet, with the potential to reshape entire economies and industries. Altman believes that AI will not just automate tasks but also enhance human capabilities, leading to innovations in fields ranging from healthcare and education to climate science and space exploration.

One of Altman’s key goals is to make AI more accessible. He envisions a future where AI tools like ChatGPT are not limited to large corporations or research institutions, but are available to individuals and small businesses, enabling them to harness the power of AI to solve complex problems and drive innovation. This democratisation of AI is central to Altman’s vision of ensuring that AI benefits all of humanity, not just the privileged few.

However, Altman is also cautious about the potential risks associated with AI. He has repeatedly warned about the dangers of unchecked AI development, particularly as AI systems become more advanced and autonomous. In interviews and public appearances, Altman has stressed the importance of building AI systems that are not only powerful but also safe and aligned with human values. He has spoken about the need for robust safeguards to prevent the misuse of AI, whether by malicious actors or through unintended consequences.

Looking ahead, Altman’s goals for OpenAI include developing more advanced AI systems that can reason, learn autonomously, and collaborate with humans to solve global challenges. He has expressed optimism that AI will play a crucial role in addressing some of the world’s most pressing problems, from climate change to disease eradication. However, Altman is also realistic about the challenges ahead, acknowledging that with great power comes great responsibility. He has called for a global effort to manage the risks associated with AI, emphasising that the decisions made today will shape the future of AI for generations to come.

The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has announced the top six teams from the fourth cohort of the Carbon Zero Challenge (CZC 4.0), a nationwide initiative aimed at fostering eco-friendly technological innovations. 

The Carbon Zero Challenge, initiated by IIT Madras, aims to accelerate the development of sustainable technologies addressing critical environmental issues. Since its inception, the challenge has supported approximately 100 prototypes, fostering innovation in sectors such as energy, materials, agriculture, air, and water. These teams will each receive seed funding of up to ₹10 lakh to further develop their prototypes. Additionally, one team received a special mention for its notable achievements.

Also read: From IIT to Infosys: India’s AI revolution gains momentum, as 7 new members join AI Alliance

Gudlyf Mobility Pvt Ltd – H2ARWASTE: This team is developing hydrogen storage cylinders utilizing agricultural waste. By converting biomass into hydrogen storage solutions, they aim to provide a sustainable alternative to conventional materials, potentially reducing reliance on non-renewable resources.

EESAN – CBG for Sustainability: Focused on producing cleaner bio-methane for domestic and small business use, EESAN's technology could offer a renewable energy source, contributing to reduced greenhouse gas emissions and promoting energy self-sufficiency.

Electropulse Innovations – Wastewater Treatment: Employing high-voltage pulse generators, this team's approach to wastewater management seeks to enhance treatment efficiency, which is crucial for addressing water scarcity and pollution challenges in India.

Also read: Meet the IIT-Bombay graduate who worked on camera control feature for Apple’s iPhone 16 series

Thaal Chemy Innovations Pvt Ltd – Sustainable Packaging: By producing nano-cellulose from agricultural residues, Thaal Chemy aims to create eco-friendly packaging materials. This innovation could help reduce plastic waste and promote the use of biodegradable alternatives.

ReWinT – End-of-Life Turbine Blades: ReWinT is developing methods to recycle wind turbine blades using eco-friendly chemical and thermal processes. This initiative addresses the growing concern of waste from decommissioned turbines, contributing to a circular economy in the renewable energy sector.

Chrissron Biomass Solutions – Plant-Based Resin: This team is manufacturing sustainable resin derived from plant waste, offering an alternative to petroleum-based resins. Their innovation has the potential to reduce the environmental impact of resin production and promote the use of renewable materials.

YoTuh Energy: Receiving special mention and recognised for their electrified refrigeration technology for cold logistics vehicles, YoTuh Energy's solution addresses the need for efficient and sustainable refrigeration in India's supply chain, which is vital for reducing food spoilage and energy consumption.

Thales, a global leader in advanced technologies, has been actively supporting eco-innovation initiatives in India. As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts, Thales collaborated with IIT Madras for the second consecutive year to support the Carbon Zero Challenge (CZC) 4.0, aligning with its commitment to building a safer, greener, and more inclusive world. 

Also read: IIT Bombay loses over 7 lakh to digital arrest scam: Here’s what happened

Expressing the company's dedication to sustainable development, Ashish Saraf, Vice President and Country Director for India at Thales, stated, "Thales is proud to have supported IIT Madras’ Carbon Zero Challenge, an initiative that not only stimulates transformative eco-innovation but also resonates closely with our vision of advancing sustainable solutions for the future. Our collaboration on CZC with IIT Madras has been to empower young innovators across India to address critical environmental challenges and pave the way for development of impactful, resource-efficient technologies, in line with our long-term commitment towards nurturing a cleaner, greener world. We congratulate all the participants and look forward to the continued progress of these exceptional teams in shaping a sustainable tomorrow."

Prof. Indumathi Nambi, Coordinator of the Carbon Zero Challenge at IIT Madras, highlighted the program's impact, stating that CZC 4.0 attracted over 2,000 participants from 775 universities and 430 startups across India. She noted that 30 startups have emerged from previous cohorts, with another 35 advancing toward commercialization. Participating teams received up to ₹5 lakh in funding and mentorship to develop their prototypes.

The success of CZC 4.0 underscores IIT Madras's commitment to nurturing startups that address pressing environmental challenges through sustainable technology, contributing to India's efforts in combating climate change and promoting a greener economy.

Also read: IIT-AIIMS developing AI applications to improve India’s healthcare: Here’s how

Photography is something that we all adore. Every one of us has a photographer inside who just wants to come out and go mad with the cameras, take pictures of everything, fascinating or boring, doesn’t matter. If you ask me, photography is just one thing that I am okay with spending a whole night just to get ‘a' picture. Coming to camera advancements these days, our smartphones have gotten so advanced that they are now literally able to take pictures equivalent to pictures taken from a professional camera, at least visually if not technically. One of those advanced smartphones is the latest flagship iQOO 13. I got my hands on it ahead of its launch on December 3, and guess what? I went to the streets to test its camera! 

So, the iQOO 13 is equipped with a triple camera setup, which holds a 50-megapixel Sony IMX921 main camera with OIS, a 50-megapixel ultrawide lens, and a 50-megapixel Sony IMX 816 telephoto sensor with 2x optical zoom. For those who don’t know, the iQOO 12 was equipped with a 64-megapixel periscope telephoto sensor with 3x optical zoom, and we were quite impressed with it. 

Jump forward to iQOO 13, I must say that it is not an upgrade but it has its own charm. 

First impression of iQOO 13’s camera 

I went to Dubai with iQOO to test iQOO 13’s camera and this device clicked some beautiful pictures. These pictures have the right amount of light, colours, and details, and the bokeh effect is also decent. 

However, when I came back to Delhi, I realised one thing, even an affordable smartphone can capture great pictures in a good atmosphere and good light like I saw in Dubai. However, Delhi as we all know has become a gas chamber, and we constantly have this yellow hue in the atmosphere. The pictures I clicked in India look a bit washed off, which I will be showing in my review on December 3.

How did I like Portraits? 

Moving to portrait shots, if you have patience, you can click good portrait shots with the iQOO 13 or should I say it clicks easy portraits better for e.g. with a single subject. But, I expected more from this device.

Flagship phones these days are really good with edge detection, however, some shots I have taken from the iQOO 13 show the edge detection is a bit off, which is not a good thing keeping in mind that the iQOO 12 killed it last year. 

Basically, when there are multiple subjects, the camera gets confused and focuses randomly. However, I have got a hack for this. After you click the picture, open it > tap on bokeh icon > tap where you want to focus > and adjust the bokeh, to me 8.0 aperture seems better than the default 2.7 aperture. This trick will fix portraits for you.

Surprisingly good in low-light settings

Low-light photography is something that I really enjoyed with the iQOO 13. It does boost colours, but the pictures look great to me. If you use portrait mode with 3x or 4x zoom, you will be able to capture sharp and right coloured pictures.

However, like every other smartphone, if you are clicking pictures in complete darkness, it will smoothen them like anything. And that is not the case with just low-light photography, there’s smoothening, even with the portraits.

Selfie camera

Lastly, the front camera is decent. It is a 32-megapixel sensor, which captures average pictures I should say. My face is generally not that pink, but okay I don’t mind it. This selfie shooter also captures the right amount of details.

Camera features that I liked

Now, let’s talk about some camera features. I have noticed two really interesting features; Snapshot and Fisheye. Snapshot is basically for moving subjects but it doesn’t work like Pixel 9’s Action Pan mode, which captures the subject and blurs everything. However, Snapshot captures the whole frame. For example, if you are capturing a moving bike, the whole picture would be a still frame.

Second is Fisheye, as the name suggests, it puts the fisheye effect in pictures. This is how the Fisheye pictures from the iQOO 13 look like. 

Lastly, you can also enable street mode on the iQOO 13 by swiping up, which will give you a complete access to your camera, basically a more enhanced version of Pro mode. Truely for professionals. 

So, this is how I liked iQOO 13’s camera. My verdict says that colours are the major con of this camera, and details can also be improved. iQOO is promising an upcoming update and we can hope that these issues will get fixed with it. However, if you have a slight photography sense, you can take brilliant shots with this device. It just needs a little patience and the right frame.

One last tip for you - Portrait mode at 100mm focal length gives your pictures a professional, cinematic touch. Adios! 

With over two decades of unwavering commitment to delivering objective and technically robust consumer product reviews, Digit is thrilled to announce the opening of the Digit Zero1 Awards 2024 and Best Buy Awards 2024. These prestigious accolades celebrate the pinnacle of product performance and value in the consumer technology landscape for the year 2024.

Celebrating Excellence in Performance and Value

The Digit Zero1 Awards honour products that have demonstrated unparalleled performance in their respective categories. Our mission is to acknowledge and commend brands that prioritise innovation and invest heavily in research and development to push the boundaries of what's possible. If you're seeking the absolute best-performing products in the market, look no further than the upcoming Zero1 Award winners.

Complementing the Zero1 Awards, the Best Buy Awards 2024 spotlight products that offer exceptional value for money. These awards recognize items that not only perform admirably but also provide consumers with the best bang for their buck, ensuring top-tier technology is accessible to a wider audience.

Product categories of Zero1 Awards 2024

Check out the 40 categories of products we are considering for Zero1 Awards 2024:

Mobiles

Premium / Flagship (Over 50k)
Highend (35k - 50k)
Mid-range smartphone (20k -35k)
Budget smartphone (under 20k)
Camera phone under 30k
Camera phone (No budget)
Best Battery Phone (No Budget)
Best display phone (No budget)
Gaming smartphone (no budget)
Foldable Phone (Flip & Fold)
AI Smartphone

Laptops

Gaming Laptop (price no bar 250K+)
Gaming Laptop (151K - 250K)
Gaming Laptop (81K - 150K)
Gaming Laptop (Under 60K - 80K)
Mainstream Laptop (50-70K)
Mainstream Laptop (40-50K)
Creator Laptop
Premium thin and light Laptop

TVs

BEST OLED TVs
BEST Mini LED TVs

Audio

Bluetooth Speakers
Wireless Headphones
Premium Truly Wireless Earphones
Mid-Range Truly Wireless Earphones
Budget Truly Wireless Earphones
Gaming Headsets

CPUs

Desktop Processor

Storage

NVMe SSD
External SSD

Graphics

Graphics Card

Networking

Wi-Fi 6 Router (Under ₹10k)

Keyboard

Mechanical keyboard

Mice

Gaming mice

Wearable

Smartwatch (Price no bar)
Smartwatch (Budget below 15K and above 5K)
Smartwatch (Budget below 5K)

Tablets

Tablets

Monitors

Gaming monitors

Our Rigorous Testing Process

At Digit, we don't just review products—we rigorously test them. Each product category undergoes a comprehensive and meticulous evaluation designed to assess performance without bias. Our testing process focuses solely on the product's ability to deliver on its promises, excluding considerations for price, design, or additional features during the Zero1 Awards assessment. This approach ensures that the awards are a pure reflection of performance excellence.

Why the Zero1 Awards Matter

The Digit Zero1 Awards are unique in their singular focus on performance. Unlike other accolades that might factor in aesthetics or cost, we concentrate exclusively on how well a product fulfils its intended function. This makes the Zero1 Awards a definitive benchmark for consumers and industry professionals alike.

For instance, if you're wondering which gaming laptop truly stands out in terms of performance in India, the Zero1 Award winner in that category is your go-to reference. It's about identifying products that set new standards, prompting other brands to innovate and surpass these benchmarks in the coming year.

Eligibility and How to Participate

We invite brands to submit their products for consideration in the Digit Zero1 Awards 2024 and Best Buy Awards 2024. To ensure fairness and thorough evaluation, only products that have been launched and are available in the Indian market between November 15, 2023, and November 14, 2024, are eligible.

Due to the extensive testing required, we encourage early submissions to guarantee that your product receives the attention it deserves.

Digit Best Buy Awards 2024

Along with the Zero1 Award for best-performing products of 2024, we will also crown the Best Buy Award in each of the 40 categories of products in contention for this year. Unlike the Zero1 Award, which is price agnostic and only focuses on the performance of a product in each category, the Best Buy Award will only be awarded to products with the best value for money score in our category-wise product comparison sheet.

Digit Popular Choice Awards 2024

At Digit, we value not just expert opinions but also the voices of our vibrant community of readers and viewers. That's why we're thrilled to announce the Popular Choice Awards 2024—your platform to vote for what you believe is the best gadget of the year. This is your chance to spotlight the devices that have truly made a difference in your life.

The Popular Choice Awards empower you to recognise products that have impressed you with their innovation, performance, and value. Whether it's a smartphone that redefined your connectivity, a laptop that boosted your productivity, or a smart gadget that added convenience to your daily routine—we want to hear from you.

Participating is easy. We'll provide a curated list of the top gadgets across various categories, and all you need to do is cast your vote for your favorites. Your votes will determine which products stand out as the most beloved by the Digit community.

Join Us in Celebrating the Best of 2024

The Digit Zero1 Awards and Best Buy Awards are more than just accolades—they're a celebration of technological advancement and consumer value. By participating, brands not only gain recognition but also contribute to setting higher industry standards for the future.

Stay tuned as we unveil the winners who have outperformed and outvalued the competition in 2024. Whether you're a consumer eager to find the best products or a brand striving for excellence, the Digit Zero1 Awards and Best Buy Awards are your definitive guide to the year's top technology.

When shopping for a TV on a restricted budget, you’ll often face a choice: go bigger or prioritise specific features. For most viewers, size truly matters. A larger display offers a more immersive, luxurious experience and can significantly enhance your viewing pleasure.

If you're a basic user who isn’t concerned about cutting-edge HDMI 2.1 connectivity or ultra-precise colour accuracy, a BIG TV that doesn’t break the bank might be just what you need. Here are a few excellent options to consider!

What to expect from affordable 65-inch TVs?

65-inch TVs from tier-1 brands like Sony, Samsung, and LG offer LED LCDs. Options from competitive brands like Hisense, TCL, Blaupunkt, Acer, and others offer 65-inch QLED TVs for under ₹50,000. 

Most of the modern 65-inch TVs support HDR10 and many also support Dolby Vision HDR. Features like 120Hz refresh rate, VRR, and full HDMI 2.1 bandwidth would be hard to come by in this budget. Some TCL TVs do simulate a convincing 120Hz experience in game mode. 

Best affordable 65-inch TVs to buy in India

Now let’s proceed to our list of some of the best affordable 65-inch TVs that you can pick from. 

LG 65-inch UR7500PSC LED TV

The LG 65-inch 4K Ultra HD LED Smart TV offers a 60Hz refresh rate, HDR10, HLG, and a 4K upscaler powered by the α5 AI Processor 4K Gen6. As for audio, it offers 20W AI Sound featuring a virtual surround 5.1 up-mix and Bluetooth surround readiness. Connectivity includes 3 HDMI ports, 2 USB ports, eARC, Bluetooth 5.0, and Wi-Fi.

The TV is part of LG’s WebOS Renew program, promoting software updates and sustainability for the next 5 years. Smart features include Apple AirPlay 2, HomeKit, and advanced modes like Filmmaker Mode. Gaming features include Game Optimizer, ALLM, and HGIG. 

Buy Now

TCL 65-inch P71B Pro QLED TV

The TCL 65P71B Pro is a 65-inch 4K UHD QLED TV that is a great option for gamers on a budget. It can mimic a 120Hz refresh rate using TCL’s Dual Line Gate or DLG technology. There is also VRR and MEMC for smooth visuals. It offers 3 HDMI 2.1 ports, USB, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth for seamless connectivity. The 35W Dolby Atmos ONKYO 2.1ch audio system with a subwoofer promises immersive sound.

Smart features include hands-free voice control, video chat, multi-view, and mobile mirroring. The TV supports Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Dynamic Color Enhancement. Slim design and eye care technology are other notable highlights to look forward to. 

Buy Now  

Samsung 65DUE70 Crystal 4K Vivid LED TV 

This Samsung LED LCD TV offers innovative features and a sleek design. Its 4K upscaling ensures your favourite content is presented with crisp, enhanced resolution, while the PurColor engine offers vibrant and nuanced colours that should appeal to generic consumers. For purists, Samsung also adds a Filmmaker mode with minimal post-processing. The TV supports HDR10 but not Dolby Vision. 

On the audio front, OTS Lite promises immersive, 3D virtual surround sound that dynamically follows the action. With SmartThings integration, it also transforms your home into a connected smart hub to control and monitor all IoT devices from one place.

Buy Now 

Acer 65-inch L Series 4K Ultra HD Smart Google TV

This is a feature-rich yet affordable 65-inch 4K UHD TV.  To enhance your content experience, the TV includes HDR10, Dolby Vision, and AI picture Optimization for clear and vibrant visuals. With MEMC for smooth motion, VRR, and ALLM, it should also be a decent option for gamers on a budget. 

The 36W high-fidelity speakers with Dolby Atmos and multiple sound modes create an immersive audio experience. It’s powered by Google TV with Android 14, and connectivity options include dual-band WiFi, Bluetooth 5.2, HDMI 2.1 and more. 

Buy Now

Blaupunkt 65-inch QLED 4K Google TV Review

The Blaupunkt QLED QD7030 (review) offers a large 65-inch display at an affordable price. The TV performs well with SDR content, delivering good colour accuracy and wide viewing angles, though HDR performance falls short due to limited brightness and contrast. It features a sleek design, with side-facing ports and a solid build. Powered by 2GB RAM and 16GB storage, it performs decently, though it can be sluggish when multitasking. The Google TV interface is user-friendly, with voice commands and streaming support. Gaming performance is fine for casual play, but it lacks VRR and ALLM features. 

Buy Now

Generative AI is reshaping industries at an unprecedented pace, we all can attest to this phenomenon. Which is why cybersecurity matters more than ever before, especially on our personal computing devices. As Windows continues to incorporate AI-driven features, from intelligent security protocols to enhanced user functionalities, the operating system is redefining what personal computing means for all of us. To understand how AI is transforming Windows and its implications for cybersecurity, I interviewed Anand Jethalia, Country Head of Cybersecurity at Microsoft India & South Asia.

Also read: Cybersecurity in Age of AI: Black Hat 2024’s top 3 LLM security risks

Our conversation delved into the escalating role of AI in both fortifying and challenging Windows security. With cyber threats growing in sophistication, AI emerges as a double-edged sword – empowering defenders while equipping adversaries alike. Anand shares insights on how Microsoft leverages AI to protect Windows users globally, the innovations on the horizon, and how individuals can navigate this new era where AI and Windows converge to shape the future of personal and enterprise security. Edited excerpts follow:

Q) With advancements in AI, how do you see the cyber threat landscape?

AI has fundamentally reshaped the cybersecurity landscape, acting as both a powerful defence mechanism and a tool for increasingly sophisticated threats. On the defence side, AI has revolutionised how organisations detect and respond to cyber risks by enabling real-time analysis of vast data sets and uncovering patterns and anomalies indicative of potential breaches. We’ve seen the evolution of AI from the early rules-based systems to machine learning, and now to the advent of generative AI. 

However, AI’s potential is not exclusive to defenders. Cybercriminals, including nation-state actors and sophisticated criminal enterprises, are increasingly exploiting AI to automate and scale their attacks, making them more efficient and harder to detect. They are using AI to mimic legitimate behaviours, automate cyberattacks, and identify new vulnerabilities, amplifying the threat landscape. The inadvertent leakage of sensitive data through AI prompts also poses a growing concern.

As we look to the future, the role of AI in security will expand even further. AI will drive improvements in threat detection, reduce false positives, and automate routine tasks, all while fortifying organisations’ overall security posture. Yet, as cyber adversaries continue to evolve, our collective investment in AI and its integration into security strategies will be critical to staying ahead of these sophisticated threats. Security professionals will remain indispensable, focusing on advanced incident response and proactive threat hunting, with AI as a powerful ally.

Q) How is AI changing the way we protect ourselves on phones and laptops?

AI is truly transforming how we protect personal devices, like phones and laptops, from cyberthreats. At Microsoft, we’re leveraging AI to enhance both detection and prevention, using machine learning algorithms that analyse data in real time to block threats before they cause harm. 

For instance, supervised learning allows us to recognize known threats, such as malware, by detecting their unique signatures. Unsupervised learning takes it a step further, identifying emerging threats by spotting abnormal patterns that don’t have known signatures. We also use AI-powered user behaviour analytics to monitor for suspicious activity that could indicate compromised accounts.

When it comes to personal devices, AI plays a key role in boosting endpoint security – whether it's identifying vulnerabilities, detecting malware, or preventing unauthorised data transfers. Additionally, AI-driven next-generation firewalls and intrusion detection systems are helping us tap into threat intelligence to stay ahead of novel cyberattacks.

Also read: India's cybersecurity crisis: Expensive breaches keep rising

At the core of our approach is Microsoft’s Zero Trust security model, which continuously validates device trustworthiness, ensuring that every device accessing company resources is secure. We also emphasise advanced authentication, like passwordless access through Azure Active Directory, which enhances both security and user experience. Our integrated security solutions – such as Microsoft Sentinel and Microsoft 365 Defender—offer proactive protection, while Microsoft Purview ensures data governance and insider risk mitigation. We focus on security from the ground up, embedding privacy and control into every aspect of our technology.

Q) What steps does Microsoft take to ensure that AI-driven security tools protect users' privacy, especially here in India? 

At Microsoft, we prioritise protecting user privacy, including that of our customers in India, through a multi-layered approach built on AI-driven security tools. Our AI-powered tools, such as Microsoft Defender and Microsoft Purview, are developed with privacy by design principles, meaning privacy considerations are embedded at every stage of development. We use advanced encryption to safeguard data both at rest and in transit, ensuring a high level of protection. Moreover, we provide transparency reports and user consent mechanisms, empowering users to understand how their data is used and enabling them to control privacy settings.

For instance, Surface devices come equipped with robust AI-driven security features, including Windows Security for real-time malware protection and Windows Hello for passwordless authentication via facial recognition or biometrics, reducing the risk of credential theft. BitLocker encryption adds an extra layer of protection for sensitive data, ensuring it remains secure. Our Windows operating system security, with features like Secure Boot and Windows Defender System Guard, further strengthens protection against firmware attacks, safeguarding users' devices from a wide array of cyberthreats. This comprehensive approach ensures that our AI-driven tools not only enhance cybersecurity but also uphold user privacy at every level.

Q) What innovations in cybersecurity should we look forward to?

Cybersecurity is a constantly evolving field that is changing to better detect and respond to attacks.  One of the gamechangers in security will be the integration of AI and machine learning into cybersecurity systems, enabling more proactive threat detection and response. AI’s transformative power is rapidly shaping a new generation of cybersecurity tools, tactics, creating new opportunities at an accelerating pace. These technologies will help identify and neutralise threats in real-time, often before the user is even aware, by analysing patterns and anomalies in data. 

Q) What ways can businesses ensure that they stay resilient in the ever-evolving threat landscape? 

To stay resilient in today’s dynamic threat landscape, digital enterprises must adopt a proactive, multi-layered approach to cybersecurity.

With AI in security, businesses can instantly detect anomalies, respond swiftly to mitigate risks, and customise defences to their unique needs. Last year we launched the Secure Future Initiative to help protect against customers, industry and ourselves emerging threats. This initiative boils down to three key principles: building technologies that are secure by design, by default, and in operation. It’s the largest cybersecurity engineering effort in history-a multiyear commitment that has the equivalent of 34,000 full-time engineers dedicated to it. 

Also read: AI impact on cybersecurity future: The good, bad and ugly

However, cybersecurity isn’t just a technical matter; it’s a human one. Organisations must invest in ongoing employee training to recognize phishing, social engineering, and other tactics, reducing the risk of human error that can lead to breaches.

Q) What role do you see humans playing in cybersecurity in the future? How can today’s youth prepare for careers in a field where AI is taking a bigger role?

As AI becomes increasingly integral to cybersecurity, the role of humans remains crucial, particularly in areas requiring strategic thinking, ethical judgement, and creativity – qualities that AI cannot fully replicate. While AI excels at handling repetitive tasks such as threat detection, data analysis, and pattern recognition on a large scale, human expertise is indispensable for interpreting these results, making nuanced decisions, and addressing sophisticated attacks that require contextual understanding and insight.

Humans will play a key role in cyber threat intelligence and strategy. Although AI can identify potential threats, humans are needed to grasp the broader implications, develop long-term defence strategies, and adapt security policies to evolving global risks. Human analysts are also essential for tackling zero-day vulnerabilities and targeted attacks that demand innovative problem-solving.

For young individuals aiming to enter the field, proficiency in AI and a solid understanding of cybersecurity will be essential. Aspiring professionals should concentrate on building a robust foundation in AI and machine learning, alongside traditional cybersecurity concepts such as network security, cryptography, and risk management.

In a future where AI handles numerous operational tasks, humans will continue to be the strategic leaders, ethical guides, and creative problem solvers in cybersecurity. Young individuals preparing for this field should embrace both technological expertise and broader skills, enabling them to make unique contributions in a dynamic, AI-enhanced environment.

Also read: CrowdStrike BSOD error: Risking future of AI in cybersecurity?

Quantum Dots have undeniably become the cornerstone of modern TV innovation. These high-efficiency colour converters are being used to enhance all sorts of display technologies including LCD, OLED and even micro LED.  Despite their growing presence, there’s often confusion about the different types of Quantum Dot-based technologies and how they differ. Let’s break down the most popular types and highlight their differences.

What are quantum dots? 

Quantum dots are tiny semiconductor particles that emit light when excited. What colour of light they emit depends on the size of the quantum dot. The important thing is that there is no loss of efficiency (in a way, brightness) when colour conversion takes place via quantum dots. In comparison, when colour filters are used a significant portion of light is absorbed resulting in loss of quantum efficiency.  

Also Read: 8 Different Types of OLED Display Technologies You Should Know About

Source: Samsung

Quantum dots can be classified into several types based on the material used and applications. But there are two popular types that you need to be familiar with. 

Electroluminescent Quantum Dots (EL-QDs) emit light when excited by an electric current. The more popular ones are Photoluminescent Quantum Dots (PL-QDs) which emit light when excited by UV light or blue light. 

QLED Displays

QLEDs are the most popular type of Quantum Dots-based displays in consumer devices today. 

Source: Nanosys

These displays use a quantum dot enhancement layer (either QDEF film or xQDEF diffuser plate) between the backlight and LCD panel.

The blue light from the backlight LEDs falls on Quantum Dots and some of it is converted to Green and Red. This results in a healthy mix of Red, Green and Blue components in the white light which is necessary to achieve a larger colour volume. 

Also Check: QNED vs QLED vs OLED TVs: What’s the difference? 

QLED TVs are easy to manufacture which is also why they are quite popular. LG’s QNED TVs and some of Sony’s Triluminous TVs are also based on the same technology. The MacBook Pro launched in 2024 also uses QDEF film in its display for the first time as was discovered by DSCC.

QD-OLED Displays

QD-OLED uses a Quantum Dots layer for colour conversion, unlike WHite OLEDs which use a colour filter. It's easy to manufacture OLED displays with red, blue and green subpixels for smartphones but not for larger display sizes like TVs and monitors. 

Instead, manufacturers use a single colour emitter and then achieve colour conversion using a colour filter or quantum dots. When Quantum Dots are used, there is no loss in quantum efficiency and the display can achieve larger colour volume and higher contrast. This also enables QD-OLED TVs to be brighter than conventional white OLED TVs. 

QD-micro LED Displays

Source: Applied Materials

QD-micro LED displays are principally similar to the QD-OLED displays. The difference is that instead of organic emitters or OLEDs, these displays use inorganic emitters or micro LEDs which can last longer and can go much brighter. 

Again, it's challenging to transfer three different colour micro LEDs to a substrate and thus manufacturers see using a single blue colour emitter followed by a Quantum Dot colour conversion layer in later stages as a more pragmatic approach. QD-micro LED displays are still a few years away from consumer devices. 

QDEL or QD-LED or Nano LED Display

QDEL is one of the most promising upcoming display technologies. It is also referred to as Nano LED or QD-LED. In fact, there were times when this technology was also referred to as QNED and QLED, which were later registered by LG and Samsung for different display technologies and are now quite popular. 

All the other applications that we have discussed above use Photoluminescent Quantum Dots that are excited using blue light. QD-EL or Nano LEDs on the other hand use Electroluminescent Quantum Dots which like regular LEDs can emit light when excited by current. In QDEL displays, Quantum dots do everything on their own. They don’t require an OLED or LED layer and thus offer high purity and brightness.

The technology was the prime focus at SID Display Week and TCL also showcased a 14-inch 2.8K QD-EL laptop screen prototype fabricated by ink-jet printing. This display offers a variable refresh rate (30 Hz - 120 Hz) and a wide viewing angle. 

The Indian smartphone market in November 2024 reflects a surge in diversity, catering to every budget and need. From cutting-edge flagship devices to budget-friendly all-rounders, brands are competing fiercely, driven by advancements like generative AI integration, lightning-fast 5G, and innovations in design and cameras. Flagship phones now blur the lines between smartphones and professional tools, while high-end and mid-range phones deliver premium experiences without breaking the bank. Meanwhile, budget smartphones are closing the gap, offering quality displays, robust performance, and efficient software. Here are the top 10 best phones across flagship, high-end, mid-range, and budget segments to suit varied preferences.

Flagship Phones

1. Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Price: ₹1,44,900

Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro Max exemplifies premium design, combining a durable titanium body with a vibrant Super Retina XDR OLED display. Powered by the A18 Pro chip, it excels in raw performance and battery optimisation. Its camera setup features a tetraprism telephoto lens for impressive zoom capabilities, paired with a 48 MP sensor that captures stunning details in any light, thanks to the 24 MP binned output. Features like Apple Intelligence and a speedy processor make it a top choice for professionals. While pricey, the seamless ecosystem and longevity make it a worthwhile investment for Apple loyalists.

2. Xiaomi 14 Ultra

Price: ₹99,999

The Xiaomi 14 Ultra is a dream device for photography enthusiasts. Equipped with a 1-inch sensor and a variable aperture lens, it delivers incredible clarity and depth. It runs on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, ensuring blazing-fast performance and efficient multitasking. The 120Hz AMOLED display is vibrant and sharp, ideal for media consumption. Xiaomi’s MIUI 15 brings refined features, further enhancing user experience. Though its hefty design might not suit everyone, its standout camera and reliable battery life make it one of the best flagship choices.

3. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

Price: ₹1,09,999

The Galaxy S24 Ultra builds on Samsung’s legacy of excellence, featuring a QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate. It houses the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip and up to 16 GB RAM, making it a multitasking powerhouse. The S Pen integration adds versatility, while the quad-camera setup—featuring a 200 MP primary sensor—delivers stunning photos. Its robust build with Gorilla Glass Armor and IP68 certification ensures durability. The Galaxy S24 Ultra caters to professionals, gamers, and photographers alike, though its bulkiness might deter some users.

High-End Phones

4. Motorola Razr 50 Ultra

Price: ₹79,999

The Motorola Razr 50 Ultra redefines the flip form factor every year with its sleek design and innovative features. Sporting a 6.9-inch foldable AMOLED display and a massive 4-inch cover display with a 165Hz refresh rate, both displays offer vibrant visuals and smooth navigation. The Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 ensures smooth day-to-day performance, and the improved hinge design enhances durability. Its outer display enables quick tasks without unfolding the device. The camera system, while not the most advanced, produces respectable results. Ideal for trendsetters seeking a unique blend of style and functionality, the Razr 50 Ultra carves a niche in the premium market.

5. Vivo X100 Pro

Price: ₹89,999

The Vivo X100 Pro 5G is a photography-centric smartphone featuring a Zeiss-tuned camera setup. Its 1-inch sensor captures stunning details, while advanced stabilization ensures sharp shots. Powered by the Dimensity 9300 chip, it handles multitasking and gaming effortlessly. The LTPO  AMOLED display delivers vivid visuals, complemented by a sleek glass-and-metal design. The 100W fast charging adds convenience, though its battery life might not match rivals. For creators and photography enthusiasts, the Vivo X100 Pro 5G stands out as a high-end device worth considering.

Mid-Range Phones

6. OnePlus 12R

Price: ₹35,999

The OnePlus 12R is a mid-range powerhouse with flagship-like performance. Featuring the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, a 120Hz LTPO AMOLED display, and a 5,500mAh battery with 100W fast charging, it excels in daily tasks and gaming. OxygenOS delivers a smooth user experience, with relatively low bloatware. The triple-camera setup is versatile though the 2 MP macro seems dated. The phone captures decent shots in various lighting conditions. The phone’s premium design and build quality make it feel more expensive than it is. It’s an excellent choice for users wanting flagship performance at a relatively affordable price.

7. iQOO Neo 9 Pro

Price: ₹33,999

Geared towards gamers, the iQOO Neo 9 Pro combines the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset with a 144Hz AMOLED display, ensuring fluid visuals and responsive gaming. Its 5,160 mAh battery supports 120W fast charging, delivering extended playtime and quick recharges. The phone’s design caters to gaming aesthetics, while its triple-camera system offers decent versatility. Despite its gaming focus, it handles everyday tasks and multitasking with ease, making it a compelling mid-range option for users seeking speed and power.

Budget Phones

8. Redmi 13 5G

Price: ₹12,999

The Redmi 13 5G offers excellent value with a 120Hz FHD+ display, a Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 AE processor, and a sleek design. It handles everyday tasks smoothly and delivers decent gaming performance. The 108 MP main camera captures sharp daylight shots, though low-light results are average. Its 5,030mAh battery ensures reliable longevity, with fast charging for added convenience. While it lacks stereo speakers and has some bloatware, it remains an easy recommendation for budget-conscious buyers.

9. Realme Narzo 70 Pro

Price: ₹15,498

The Realme Narzo 70 Pro impresses with its Dimensity 7050 chipset and capable cameras, offering quick performance and noteworthy photography chops. Its AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate is a rarity in this price segment, delivering vibrant visuals. The battery life easily lasts a day too. The Narzo 70 Pro stands out for its balance of performance, cameras, and affordability, appealing to students and young professionals.

10. iQOO Z9

Price: ₹18,498

The iQOO Z9 is a feature-packed budget phone with the snappy Dimensity 7200 chipset and a 120Hz AMOLED display. Ideal for gamers and streamers, it offers smooth performance and immersive visuals. Its dual-camera system produces decent photos in good lighting. The 5,000mAh battery ensures reliable usage, with 44W fast charging for quick top-ups. While its design may feel basic compared to competitors, its reliable performance and display quality make it an excellent budget option for multimedia users.

If you’ve to look at some of the most innovative and cutting edge experiences in the smartphone industry, consider buying a foldable screen smartphone. Most of these foldable phones are flagship grade, which means they’re not easy on your pocket, but they offer something that most premium or high-end smartphones just can’t match – a feature that’s not just a gimmick, but a gamechanger!

Also read: Upcoming phones in November 2024: ROG Phone 9, Oppo Find X8, Realme GT 7 Pro

So here are our recommendations on some of the best foldable phones out there, which you can buy to embrace the frontier of smartphone innovation.

1) Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 is a powerhouse foldable smartphone that redefines multitasking and mobile productivity, packed with features that keep things smooth and versatile. Running on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, it handles complex tasks and multitasking like an absolute boss, transforming from a compact smartphone to a tablet-sized workspace with remarkable ease. The expansive 7.60-inch primary display offers a fantastic visual experience, with Samsung significantly improving the notorious display crease that plagued earlier foldable models. Loaded with intelligent AI features that can transcribe and summarise meetings, the device goes beyond traditional smartphone capabilities. 

Also read: Best Phones Under ₹10,000: November 2024

The foldable phone’s triple-camera setup, led by a robust 50MP main sensor, delivers capable shots across various scenarios. With 12GB RAM and 256GB storage, it provides ample power and space for demanding users. The 4400mAh battery ensures a full day of use, whether you're working, gaming, or switching between multiple apps. While the pricing remains a significant hurdle, the Fold 6 stands as one of the most refined foldable smartphones currently available in the market, offering a glimpse into the future of mobile computing.

2) Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold

The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold brings innovation to the foldable smartphone segment with its impressively slim design and versatile form factor. Featuring an expansive 8.00-inch primary display and a sleek metal frame with glass panels, the device offers a refined foldable experience. Powered by the Google Tensor G4 processor and packed with 16GB RAM, it delivers reliable performance complemented by an impressive seven years of software and security updates. The phone's standout features include sophisticated AI-driven image editing and generation capabilities that add significant value to the user experience. 

Also read: Best Xiaomi phones under 15000 in November 2024

While camera performance might not quite match its premium pricing, the device compensates with unique software optimizations and intelligent features. The 4650mAh battery provides adequate daily usage, though charging speeds remain somewhat conservative. With its dual front cameras and triple rear camera setup, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold offers a glimpse into the future of mobile computing, particularly for users seeking a device that seamlessly transitions between smartphone and tablet modes. Despite some performance limitations, its numerous AI features and long-term software support make it an intriguing option for tech enthusiasts embracing the foldable revolution.

4) OnePlus Open

The OnePlus Open presents a formidable foldable smartphone experience, blending innovative design with premium functionality. Its Voyager Black finish with a faux-leather rear panel gives it a unique, camera-inspired look that stands out in the foldable market. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, the device keeps things smooth across its expansive 7.82-inch primary display, with the innovative Open Canvas feature allowing up to three apps to run simultaneously in a split view. The camera system is a standout, featuring a brand-new Sony LYTIA sensor that captures impressive photos across various lighting conditions, complemented by a class-leading telephoto lens. 

Also read: Best battery backup phones in November 2024

Toss in a 4800mAh battery that easily lasts beyond a day, 16GB of RAM, and storage options up to 1TB, and you've got a dependable device that redefines mobile multitasking. While it lacks wireless charging, its lightning-fast wired charging experience more than makes up for it. The OnePlus Open emerges as a compelling option for users seeking a sophisticated, feature-rich foldable smartphone that breaks the mould of traditional mobile design.

3) vivo X Fold 3 Pro

The Vivo X Fold 3 Pro shines with impressive features for the foldable smartphone enthusiast. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, it breezes through tasks with raw performance that matches traditional flagship devices, all while maintaining an incredibly lightweight design. Its 8.03-inch display with an innovative hinge system offers a slim, water-resistant (IPX8) experience that transforms seamlessly between smartphone and tablet modes. The unique design uses aluminium framing, proprietary Armour glass, and a glass fibre rear panel, resulting in a device that feels as light as a regular smartphone. 

Also read: Best Flagship Phones in November 2024

A vapour cooling system ensures consistent performance, while the triple-camera setup with a 50MP main sensor captures stunning images across various lighting conditions. With a massive 5700mAh battery that delivers top-notch endurance for both foldable and traditional smartphone standards, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB storage, it's ready to keep up with your most demanding mobile needs. The true Always-On Display (AOD) mode, which turns the phone into a table clock when idle, adds an extra touch of innovation to this cutting-edge device!

5) Motorola Razr 50 Ultra

The Motorola Razr 50 Ultra impresses with its innovative foldable design and compact form factor, making it a standout option in the foldable smartphone segment. Sporting a sleek 6.90-inch display with an IPX8 water-resistance rating and a brand-new, more reliable hinge, the device redefines the foldable phone experience. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor, it delivers robust performance for daily tasks and even 3D gaming. The practical cover display is a game-changer, featuring Google's Gemini AI capabilities that allow users to accomplish numerous tasks without even opening the main screen. 

While the 4000mAh battery might seem compact, it provides impressive longevity for a slim foldable device, with fast charging options including wireless charging. The foldable phone’s dual 50MP rear camera setup captures good images, though it may tend to heat up during extended video recording. With its unique form factor and smart features, the Razr 50 Ultra emerges as a compelling choice for users seeking a cutting-edge, versatile foldable smartphone.

Also read: Best Samsung phones under 25000 November 2024

Ask any smartphone user this question: Who doesn’t like more battery backup in their phones? And the answer will always be that everyone likes to have smartphone batteries that last longer than what they eventually do, day in and day out. 

Also read: Best Mobile Phones Under 25000 in November 2024

Therefore, here’s a list of recommended smartphones with exceptional battery backup and battery performance for you to check out.

OnePlus 12

The OnePlus 12 delivers a compelling flagship experience, blending premium design with robust performance. Crafted from glass and aluminium with a sleek 3D curved edge display, it offers vibrant QHD+ resolution that impresses visually. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, the device handles tasks with remarkable ease, while its large vapour chamber cooling system keeps performance consistent and smooth. The camera system offers solid performance, particularly with its impressive 6X telephoto zoom, though low-light ultra-wide shots leave room for improvement. 

Also read: Best Samsung phones under 25000 November 2024

Where the OnePlus 12 truly shines is its battery performance – boasting excellent battery life and incredibly fast charging capabilities, including rapid wireless charging. Running OxygenOS 14 based on Android 14, it provides a refined software experience that complements its hardware prowess. Overall, the OnePlus 12 emerges as a powerful, dependable smartphone that ticks most boxes for users seeking a high-performance device that has a long-lasting battery.

iPhone 16

The iPhone 16 emerges as a compact yet capable smartphone in Apple's lineup. Sporting a 6.10-inch display with a crisp 1179x2556 pixel resolution, the phone delivers sharp visuals despite its 60Hz refresh rate. Powered by the hexa-core A18 processor and 8GB of RAM, it handles everyday tasks with Apple's signature smoothness. The dual-camera system, featuring a 48-megapixel primary lens and a 12-megapixel ultra-wide sensor, captures detailed and vibrant images across various scenarios. 

Also read: Best Xiaomi phones under 15000 in November 2024

While specific battery details aren't forthcoming by Apple, the iPhone 16 supports wireless charging and comes with IP68 water resistance, adding to its versatility. With respect to battery performance, the iPhone 16 continues to do better than previous iPhone versions, offering a solid day’s (if not slightly more) battery backup regularly while doing a variety of tasks on it – which is great to see from a top-notch smartphone in the market.

Vivo X Fold 3 Pro

The Vivo X Fold 3 Pro redefines the foldable smartphone category with its innovative design and impressive battery and overall performance. Crafted with an aluminium frame, proprietary Armour glass, and a glass fibre rear panel, it achieves a remarkably lightweight form factor that challenges traditional foldable expectations. The sophisticated hinge mechanism not only enables a slim profile but also secures an IPX8 water resistance rating, a notable achievement for a foldable device. 

Battery performance stands out as a true highlight, with a substantial 5700 mAh battery complemented by blazing-fast 100W charging that ensures minimal downtime. The device packs plenty of raw performance to rival standard flagship smartphones, enhanced by a vapour cooling system that maintains consistent performance under stress. With its combination of cutting-edge design, powerful performance, and exceptional battery capabilities, the Vivo X Fold 3 Pro emerges as a compelling option.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra makes a compelling statement in the flagship smartphone segment with its cutting-edge design and powerful performance. Featuring a stunning 6.80-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate and Gorilla Glass Armour protection, the device offers vibrant visuals and robust durability. Powered by the octa-core Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and 12GB of RAM, it handles complex tasks with remarkable efficiency. 

Also read: Best Phones Under ₹10,000: November 2024

With a substantial 5000mAh battery and wireless charging support, the device ensures long-lasting performance and convenient power management. Running on Android 14, the S24 Ultra delivers a smooth, feature-rich experience that caters to power users and photography enthusiasts alike. Its comprehensive camera capabilities, paired with robust battery performance, position it as a top-tier smartphone for those seeking uncompromising technological excellence.

Samsung Galaxy M35 5G

The Samsung Galaxy M35 5G impresses with its excellent balance of performance and battery life, making it a compelling option in the mid-range smartphone segment. Powered by the Exynos 1380 chipset and Mali-G68 MP5 GPU, it offers robust performance that scored over 595K points in AnTuTu benchmarks. The standout feature is undoubtedly its massive 6000mAh battery, providing exceptional endurance for daily use, complemented by 25W fast charging support. 

The camera system, while serviceable, includes a 50MP primary camera with OIS, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 2MP macro sensor. Running Android 14 with One UI 6, the device comes with the added benefit of four years of OS upgrades and five years of security patches. With additional features like Dolby Atmos, Knox Vault security, and a vapour cooling chamber, the Galaxy M35 5G emerges as a solid choice for users prioritising battery life and reliable performance.

Also read: Upcoming phones in November 2024: ROG Phone 9, Oppo Find X8, Realme GT 7 Pro

Taking a serious swing at miniaturising the good old desktop PC, Microsoft has announced the Windows 365 Link – a compact, fanless Windows PC aimed at connecting users directly to their Windows 365 Cloud PC in seconds. While it’s currently aimed at business users in medium or large organisations – a more cloud-native version of a thin client – I can’t help but wonder at the potential for this device to become Microsoft’s response to Apple’s Mac mini in the consumer market. 

I mean why not? The Mac mini’s been a favourite among those looking for a small yet powerful desktop computer without breaking the bank for a long time now. So what’s stopping Microsoft from extending the Windows 365 Link to everyday consumers like you and me? 

The Windows 365 Link is an interesting piece of hardware. Yes, it has its pros and cons from an end user perspective (which I’ve highlighted further in the article), but it should deserve a spot in retail stores alongside its intended business-focused rollout.

Windows 365 Link: What is it exactly?

At first glance, the Windows 365 Link is a small, unassuming device. Measuring just 4.72-in x 4.72-in x 1.18-in, it's a compact box that can easily sit on a desk or disappear completely from view by being mounted behind a monitor. It's designed to boot up in seconds and provide instant access to a Windows 11 desktop streamed from the cloud – that’s right, it doesn’t have Windows 11 natively present on its internal storage. The device comes equipped with an array of ports, including three USB-A 3.2 ports, one USB-C 3.2 port, HDMI and DisplayPort outputs, an Ethernet jack, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity.

As per Microsoft’s announcement, the Windows 365 Link is intended exclusively for businesses and organisations – at least for now. Microsoft plans to launch it in a limited release in December 2024, and make it more generally available in April 2025, pricing starting at $349 in select markets. So, where does that leave the average consumer?

Why the Windows 365 Link makes sense for consumers

Let’s face it, at $349 starting price, the Windows 365 Link is inexpensive and doesn’t cost a fortune. It offers an accessible price point for consumers looking to experience Windows 11 without investing in a full-fledged PC. For students, freelancers, or anyone on a budget, this device could be an economical way to access a non-smartphone OS-based computing environment.

The Windows 365 Link’s small size makes it ideal for minimalist users – both in terms of desk space and overall computing experience. It's comparable to the Mac mini in size and could easily blend into a home office or living room environment. Anyone who’s online in 2024 is already a heavy user of cloud-based applications, whether it’s OTT streaming services or Google Docs – the Windows 365 Link just takes this a step further by streaming the entire Windows 11 desktop through the internet. This means all your PC settings, applications, and files are accessible from anywhere, irrespective of any hardware limitations.

For less tech-savvy consumers, think of elders in your family (for instance), the Windows 365 Link reduces potential headaches. In theory, your offline device isn’t a single point of failure for all of your data anymore. Since everything’s in the cloud, Windows operating system updates and cybersecurity events are handled automatically as well.

Challenges of Windows 365 Link

Of course, the Windows 365 Link isn’t without its drawbacks – the biggest one being its reliance on a consistent (and high-speed) internet connection. Since the device streams Windows 11 operating system from the cloud, it’s essentially a brick if your internet’s down or if it’s slow (not above a certain recommended speed threshold). Naturally, for consumers in areas with erratic and unreliable internet, this computing device is simply a non-starter.

Unlike traditional desktop PCs, or the Mac mini for that matter, the Windows 365 Link doesn't store data or applications locally. Which means if your internet goes down, so does your ability to use the device – this limitation could be a big no-no for users who need access to their computers at all times, of course.

Total cost of ownership is another concern, because accessing Windows 365 requires a subscription right now, which could add to the overall cost of owning the Windows 365 Link for the average consumer. Paying more and not having the ability to customise and tweak the system to their liking pretty much makes this device not worthy of Windows power users as well.

Why the Windows 365 Link should have a consumer variant

Despite the cons, there's a compelling case for Microsoft to bring the Windows 365 Link to the consumer market. By offering an affordable, easy-to-use device, Microsoft could empower more people to participate in the digital world. Students, senior citizens, and developing regions on the wrong side of the digital divide could benefit immensely from such computing platforms.

Apple's Mac mini has demonstrated over the years that there’s consumer appetite for a sleek, compact desktop experience. Windows 365 Link gives Microsoft the opportunity to tap into this market segment, offering a Windows-based alternative. 

As a long-time observer and user of Microsoft's products through the 1990s, I definitely see the Windows 365 Link as more than just a business tool. It's a window into the future of computing, where local and cloud-based experiences converge. For Microsoft, the Windows 365 Link presents an opportunity to further refine what personal computing means for end users.

Of course, challenges exist. Internet infrastructure varies widely, and not all users are ready to embrace a fully cloud-dependent device. However, with thoughtful implementation and perhaps hybrid solutions that offer some offline capabilities, Microsoft could mitigate these concerns.

At least in my humble view, the Windows 365 Link has all the makings of a device that could leave its mark on the consumer PC market. By addressing the cons and leveraging the pros, Microsoft has the chance to offer a compelling alternative to the Mac mini and other compact PCs in the market. As we move toward a more digitally connected and cloud-centric world, devices like the Windows 365 Link could become the norm rather than the exception.

Also read: Mac Mini M4: Apple’s unexpected gaming console?

OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, has faced several lawsuits related to copyright infringement and misuse of copyrighted material in training its AI models. The latest is the lawsuit filed by the Indian news agency ANI, which alleges that OpenAI used its copyrighted news content to train its AI models without permission. 

This marks the first instance of an Indian organization suing OpenAI or any AI company for copyright infringement. However, similar lawsuits have become increasingly common internationally. The implications for how AI and copyright law interact are significant and could shape the future of AI development.

Judge Amit Bansal noted the complexity of the case and announced the appointment of an amicus curiae or a neutral expert or organization to provide the court with valuable insights or information to aid in its proceedings.

What are ANI’s complaints?

ANI has accused OpenAI of training its Large Language Models (LLM) based on ANI’s content. ANI argues that merely because its content is publicly available does not “give OpenAI the right to exploit it or use it or create copies or store it.” 

ANI also cited ChatGPT responses that are “verbatim or substantially similar” to articles published by ANI, which makes it a reproduction of copyrighted material and therefore copyright infringement. 

Thirdly, ChatGPT also misquoted ANI and made false attributions in several responses.ANI’s lawyer Siddhant Kumar cited several examples including a claim about an ANI interview with Rahul Gandhi that never occurred, along with other instances of misquoting. He stated that such actions could harm his rights, damage ANI’s reputation, and contribute to the spread of fake news and public disorder.  

The ANI is seeking Rs 2 crore in damages and a court order to permanently restrain OpenAI or its agents from storing, publishing, reproducing, or using ANI's works in any way.

OpenAI’s Response to the Allegations

Update: Here is the official response from Open AI spokesperson In response to ANI's lawsuit.

"We take great care in our products and design process to support news organizations. We are actively engaged in constructive partnerships and conversations with many news organizations around the world, including India, to explore opportunities, listen to feedback, and work collaboratively. Along with our news partners, we see immense potential for AI tools like ChatGPT, including through search, to deepen publishers’ relationships with readers and enhance the news experience.
More broadly, we build our AI models using publicly available data, in a manner protected by fair use and related principles, and supported by long-standing and widely accepted legal precedents."

OpenAI’s representative, Amit Sibal, stated the company's commitment to transparency in its operations. He highlighted that, over the past two years, OpenAI has faced 13 lawsuits in the United States, two in Canada, and one in Germany, none of which resulted in any form of injunction against the company. He argued this reflected the company's compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

Sibal argued that "copyright does not protect ideas or facts, only their expression," asserting that any information collected and processed by OpenAI was never delivered to users in the same expression as its sources.

Regarding storing ANI’s data, OpenAI clarified that the model functions by learning from information aggregated from various sources. At the time of a query, there is no accessing data from any dedicated database. ANI’s information is not stored in any database.

Regarding potential inaccuracies, OpenAI acknowledged that ChatGPT could sometimes produce false responses if queries were manipulative. The company stated it had addressed every instance of false attribution flagged by ANI and pledged to correct any similar issues in the future.

OpenAI also raised concerns about territorial jurisdiction. Sibal highlighted that OpenAI has no offices in India, with its servers located abroad, and stated that the AI model’s training and data processing occur outside India. Since no reproduction of content took place in India, he argued there was no basis for legal action within the country.

The Road Ahead

Such lawsuits against OpenAI highlight critical questions about the boundaries of copyright law in the AI era. ANI’s case once again underscores concerns about the use of copyrighted materials without consent or compensation, a debate that is increasingly prevalent in creative industries, from journalism to literature and photography. ChatGPT and similar tools compete with publishers by offering information derived from copyrighted works, potentially reducing web traffic and subscription revenue for content platforms.

Several major publishers have taken a collaborative approach and have already signed a licensing deal with Open AI to monetize their content. These include the likes of Associated Press, Financial Times, and Axel Springer, the German publisher of Politico and Business Insider.

As the debate intensifies, these decisions will likely influence the future of content creation and AI innovation.

When it comes to the cutting edge, the computing world is oversaturated with AI advancements. Unless you’re talking about quantum computing, where IBM continues to position itself at the forefront of innovation. That’s right, at its IBM Quantum Developer Conference 2024 last week, the company announced significant milestones in quantum computing, including its brand new Heron R2 quantum processor. Let’s see what all the fuss was about, shall we?

Back in 2022, IBM had set itself an ambitious goal known as the 100×100 challenge. Its objective was to develop a quantum computer that could run circuits with 100 qubits at a depth of 100 gates, delivering accurate results within a day's runtime. If you’re new to quantum jargon, think of qubits as the quantum equivalent of classical bits – 0s and 1s – the fundamental units of information in computing. Unlike bits, which are binary, qubits can exist in multiple states simultaneously, thanks to the principles of quantum mechanics. This property allows quantum computers to process vast amounts of data at unbelievably fast speeds.

Also read: PQC encryption standardised: How they secure our digital future in quantum computing era

Fast forward to November 2024, and IBM has not only met but exceeded this challenge. They've developed a quantum computer capable of executing circuits with up to 5,000 two-qubit gate operations. This isn't just a feather in IBM's cap, but a significant leap for quantum computing as a whole. It demonstrates that complex quantum algorithms can be run more efficiently and accurately than ever before, inching us closer to more powerful quantum computers in the near future.

IBM Heron R2 quantum processor

Undoubtedly one of the highlights of IBM Quantum Developer Conference 2024 was its unveiling of the Quantum Heron R2 processor. Sporting 156 qubits arranged in a heavy-hex lattice, this processor employs a tunable coupler architecture. In simpler terms, it's designed to reduce "crosstalk" – the unwanted interactions between qubits that can introduce errors in computations. Reducing errors in computation – either classical or quantum – is how you increase the accuracy, reliability and overall performance of the platform. The IBM Heron R2 chip sports larger qubit count and performance capability compared to Google’s 70-qubits Sycamore chip unveiled in 2023 or Intel’s 12-qubit silicon-based Tunnel Falls chip from June 2023.

Imagine trying to have a conversation in a moving train compartment, where the background noise makes it hard to focus. The IBM Heron R2 processor effectively silences that background noise, allowing qubits to communicate more clearly and reliably. For example, it extends users’ ability to return accurate results from quantum circuits of nearly two times the size of IBM’s 2023 demonstration of quantum utility, while running up to 50 times faster in a timeframe slashed from 112 hours to 2.2 hours.

These advancements have real-world implications that could touch many aspects of our lives very soon. Quantum computers have the potential to solve complex problems that are currently too difficult or nearly impossible for classical computers – problems like optimising supply chains, discovering new pharmaceuticals, improving cryptography, and even tackling climate change models.

IBM's progress in refining and upgrading its quantum hardware, specifically with the Heron R2 chip, allows it to process more qubits while improving computational accuracy. Thanks to these computational strides, a future where quantum computers could complement or even surpass classical computers in certain tasks is very much possible to achieve.

Quantum software upgrades

Hardware isn't the only area where IBM has made strides. The company has also enhanced its quantum software stack, integrating significant improvements into Qiskit – IBM’s open-source quantum computing framework. These software upgrades optimise data movement and introduce a new generation runtime, resulting in speeds exceeding 150,000 circuit layer operations per second (CLOPS).

Also read: IIT Madras opens India’s quantum research doors, joins IBM’s quantum computing network

For researchers and developers, this means they can run complex quantum experiments more efficiently – up to 50 times faster than before. This accessibility accelerates innovation, allowing for more sophisticated experimentation and a quicker path to discovering practical quantum applications.

One of the longstanding challenges in quantum computing has been bridging the gap between theoretical potential and practical application. IBM's recent achievements are significant steps in that direction. By improving both hardware and software, they're addressing the two sides of the quantum coin. It’s an exciting time to be alive, and to witness such quantum computing breakthroughs!

Quantum computing challenges

However, the journey is far from over. Quantum computing still faces hurdles, particularly in error correction and scalability. While the Heron R2 processor reduces noise, completely eliminating errors remains a challenge – something that even IBM admits. Developing effective quantum error correction methods is essential for scaling up quantum systems without sacrificing accuracy.

Another key challenge in this field is transitioning from theory to application. You see, as companies like IBM, Intel or Google build larger quantum computers, engineering challenges multiply exponentially. Maintaining qubit coherence (their ability to maintain quantum states, a key requirement for any quantum computer) becomes increasingly difficult as systems grow in size and complexity. All of which demands a skilled workforce adept in quantum mechanics, engineering, and software development to drive the field forward at the necessary pace.

As far as IBM’s concerned, by successfully completing the 100×100 challenge and introducing the Heron R2 processor, IBM is pushing the boundaries of what's possible in quantum computing. One qubit at a time.

Also read: Shaping the future of quantum computing: Intel’s Anne Matsuura

After the screen, a smartphone’s camera would probably be its most important feature, wouldn’t you agree? And if you’re looking for a camera phone in November 2024, we have some absolute top-notch recommendations for you – where money isn’t a consideration.

Also read: Upcoming phones in November 2024: ROG Phone 9, Oppo Find X8, Realme GT 7 Pro

Whether it’s the latest iPhone or Google Pixel or Samsung Galaxy S-series smartphone, given below are nothing but the best camera smartphones in the market right now.

1) iPhone 16 Pro Max

The iPhone 16 Pro Max emerges as a pinnacle of smartphone innovation, offering an exceptional blend of cutting-edge hardware and refined performance. Featuring a spacious 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, the device delivers stunning visual clarity and immersive viewing experiences. Powered by the advanced A18 Pro chip, it provides groundbreaking performance across multiple tasks, with particular strength in computational photography and graphics-intensive applications. 

Also read: Best Phones Under ₹10,000: November 2024

Its brand new Camera Control button notwithstanding, the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s camera system stands out as a true highlight, boasting a sophisticated triple-sensor array including a 48MP main lens, 48MP ultrawide, and 12MP telephoto, enabling remarkable photographic capabilities like 4K video recording at 120 fps and advanced audio mixing. Its ability to capture stunning detail and maintain outstanding colour accuracy, especially in ideal lighting conditions, cements the iPhone 16 Pro Max as a top-tier choice for mobile photography enthusiasts.

2) Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL emerges as a top-tier smartphone that blends premium design with cutting-edge performance. Crafted from glass and aluminium with a sleek, flat display that handles direct sunlight brilliantly, the device showcases natural colours and exceptional brightness. Powered by impressive AI capabilities and a robust cooling system, it delivers smooth performance for both daily tasks and gaming. 

Also read: Best Xiaomi phones under 15000 in November 2024

The Pixel 9 Pro XL’s camera system truly stands out, with the Video Boost feature working magic to elevate video recording quality to new heights. Its sophisticated imaging capabilities allow users to capture stunning photographs and videos with remarkable ease. While maintaining a slim profile, the phone packs in impressive features like wireless charging and IP68 water resistance, making it a versatile companion for tech enthusiasts who demand both style and substance. With its well-rounded performance and top-notch software experience, the Pixel 9 Pro XL proves itself as a formidable contender in the market for one of the best camera phones you can buy currently.

3) Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra redefines flagship smartphone excellence, delivering a premium experience with its cutting-edge features and robust design. Sporting a stunning 6.80-inch display with 120 Hz refresh rate and Gorilla Glass Armor protection, the device offers a visual feast with exceptional durability. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and 12GB of RAM, it handles everything from everyday tasks to intensive gaming with remarkable ease. 

The S24 Ultra’s camera system is a true standout, featuring a quad-camera setup headlined by a remarkable 200-megapixel primary sensor, complemented by ultra-wide, telephoto, and additional lenses that capture stunning details across various shooting conditions. With its titanium frame, IP68 water resistance, and a range of storage options from 256GB to 1TB, the S24 Ultra emerges as a powerhouse that balances sophisticated design, top-tier performance, and photographic prowess.

Also read: Best Samsung phones under 25000 November 2024