• Vivo X500 series is making its global debut in Europe.
• The lineup is set to launch on October 27th.
• The X500 series just made its debut in China. 

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Vivo X500 series was launched in China earlier this week. The flagship lineup features three phones: Vivo X500, X500 Pro, and X500 Pro Max. The Pro models are also the first smartphones announced with the new MediaTek Dimensity 9600 Pro chipset. Vivo has now confirmed the global release of the X500 series with a dedicated microsite on the Vivo Austria website. 

Vivo X500 series global launch

According to the Vivo Austria website, the X500 series EU launch will take place on October 27th. The smartphones are set to go on sale on November 5th. Those interested can register and get a voucher for the X500 series. This will mark the global debut of the Vivo X500 series. It's expected to arrive in more markets, including India. It hasn't been specified, though, whether Vivo is bringing all three phones to Europe. 

There could be one change in the global variants compared to their Chinese counterparts. This is based on the European Product Registry for Energy Labelling (EPREL) listing for the Vivo X500 series' battery capacities. According to this database, the Vivo X500 could pack a 5,300mAh battery, the X500 Pro might get a 6,500 battery, while the Pro Max launches with a 6,800mAh battery. 

In comparison, the Vivo X500 in China has a significantly larger 7,500mAh battery. The X500 Pro won't make a difference, as the Chinese variant has a 6,510mAh battery. The Pro Max, however, has an 8,000mAh battery, the biggest in the lineup. It's a notable upgrade over the X300 series. The reduction in battery size could be due to specific requirements in that particular region. However, it's not official yet, so it's best to wait before jumping to conclusions. 

The Vivo X500 series stands out for its camera setup, offering a 3.5x periscope lens, ideal for capturing distant subjects without losing detail, and overall strong hardware. The lineup also comes with MediaTek's new flagship chipsets and large batteries. If you're waiting to purchase a new Android flagship, the Vivo X500 series makes sense, especially for its cameras. We'd still advise waiting for official specs before making a buying decision. 

• Devialet has launched the Phantom Ultimate Pulse Blue in collaboration with F1 driver Isack Hadjar.
• Key features include a compact form factor, acoustic performance, up to 24-bit audio processing, and wide compatibility.
• The speaker can be placed on a tabletop or a stand, which is sold separately at Rs 37,999.

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Devialet has launched a new variant of the Phantom Ultimate 98dB, called Pulse Blue. Developed in collaboration with F1 driver Isack Hadjar, the portable speaker draws inspiration from his team, Oracle Red Bull Racing, both in its colour and name. The Phantom Ultimate 98dB Pulse Blue joins the Deep Forest, Light Pearl, and Opera De Paris variants, which were launched earlier this year. Key features of the speaker remain unchanged.

Despite its compact form factor, the Devialet Phantom Ultimate 98dB delivers 400 Watts of power, which should be more than enough to fill a large room with sound. But loudness isn't the only focus here. The speaker has a frequency response ranging from as low as 18Hz for deep bass to 25kHz for higher frequencies, allowing it to reproduce a broad range of sounds while retaining detail across the spectrum. Furthermore, the speaker features a co-spherical wideband driver design to help create a wider, more immersive soundstage while maintaining clarity. 

The audio experience is backed by several proprietary technologies, such as ADH (Analog Digital Hybrid), which uses analog Class A amplification for linearity with digital Class D for compactness. It is claimed to improve thermal dissipation and high-frequency precision. Then, there are SAM (Speaker Active Matching) - an algorithm to adapt the signal in real-time to the speaker's characteristics, HBI (Heart Bass Implosion) to produce ultra-low frequencies in a small enclosure, and AVL (Adaptive Volume Level) to dynamically adjust volume in real-time based on the content.

The Devialet Phantom Ultimate 98dB offers a variety of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth v5.3. iPhone users will be able to cast to the speaker via AirPlay, while Android users can use Google Cast. Other streaming features include Roon Ready, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, and UPnP. The speaker comes with app support, which lets you tweak its EQ and audio modes.

While the Devialet Phantom Ultimate 98dB Pulse Blue can be comfortably placed atop a table or flat surface, the company has also launched a stand - sold separately. The Pulse Blue is priced in India at Rs 2,40,000, which is more expensive than its other variants. The tree stand costs an additional Rs 37,999.

Devialet's India partner manager, Henry Herve, defends the pricing with the product's uncompromising performance and striking design. Herve also believes that India is an increasingly important market for Devialet "...with a growing appreciation for innovation, design and exceptional sound. The exclusive edition - Devialet Phantom Ultimate 98dB Pulse Blue - is a celebration of that journey, bringing together uncompromising performance, striking design and the power of sound to create emotion." 

"With Pulse Blue, we invite listeners to experience music not simply as sound, but as an extraordinary expression of entertainment, emotion and excellence," he further added.

If you are looking for a compact portable speaker that delivers a premium listening experience, the Devialet Phantom Ultimate 98dB Pulse Blue is worth considering. While several competing speakers offer similar features at a fraction of the price, Devialet's proposition goes beyond the feature list, combining powerful acoustics, sophisticated audio processing, distinctive design, and premium build quality in a compact form factor.

The Devialet Phantom Ultimate 98dB Pulse Blue will be available for pre-order starting September 23rd through partnered Luxury Personified outlets.

• Xiaomi has teased what seems like a transparent-back version of the Xiaomi 18 series hours before its China launch.
• It could be potentially reviving a design last seen on the Mi 10 Ultra.
• The Xiaomi 18 Pro and Pro Max are launching in China tonight.

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Xiaomi appears to have saved a more interesting design twist for the end of its Xiaomi 18 Pro series launch. Hours before the flagship phones are set to debut in China, the company posted a teaser on Weibo calling it "one more thing", showing what appears to be a transparent back on one of the Pro models.

The phrase has long been associated with Apple, which popularised it as a cue for an unexpected final reveal at the end of its product launches. Xiaomi is seemingly borrowing that for a design making a comeback in its smartphones.

Xiaomi 18 Pro transparent back teased

Xiaomi has experimented with transparent phones before. The Mi 8 and Mi 9 series had transparent editions, followed by the Mi 10 Ultra Transparent Edition in 2020. The company has not used the treatment on a flagship since then, making the Xiaomi 18 teaser interesting.

[caption id="attachment_716304" align="alignnone" width="554"] Mi 10 Ultra[/caption]

Transparent smartphone designs have found a second life through Nothing, whose phones have made exposed-looking internals and transparent rear panels a core part of their identity. The design has subsequently appeared on several more affordable phones, including models from CMF and other brands. In recent years, it has therefore become much easier to find a transparent-looking phone in the mid-range than at the flagship end.

Xiaomi bringing the idea back to its premium lineup could be a way to give the Xiaomi 18 Pro series a visual identity beyond the usual camera and performance upgrades. It also lets the company connect a current flagship to its own history while tapping into a design language that has become more recognisable thanks to Nothing.

It's still unclear whether the teased model is based on the Xiaomi 18 Pro or Pro Max, or whether it will be sold alongside the regular versions or as a limited edition. For anyone considering the series primarily for its design, this is one version worth waiting for before making a decision and seeing whether it'll be available globally.

Xiaomi 18 Pro, Pro Max specifications and features

The Xiaomi 18 Pro and Pro Max will feature a Leica-branded dual 200MP rear camera system. Both get a 200MP main camera with a 1/1.28-inch sensor and a 200MP periscope telephoto using a 1/1.56-inch sensor. Both phones will also come with Xiaomi's Super Pixel Display 2.0, a similar hardware-based privacy display that we saw on the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra.

The Xiaomi 18 Pro and Pro Max will pack 7,000mAh and 8,500mAh batteries, respectively, with 100W wired and 50W wireless charging. They will use different versions of Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6, with the higher-tier version reserved for the Pro Max.

Xiaomi is launching the Xiaomi 18 Pro and Pro Max in China today and global availability, including India, remains unannounced. That makes it too early to judge the transparent version on value, especially if Xiaomi positions it as a limited premium edition. For Indian buyers, the bigger question is whether Xiaomi brings the Pro models here at all, since the Xiaomi 17 Pro and Pro Max skipped India.

Redmi Note 17 Pro Max vs Motorola Edge 70 Pro+: price in India

Redmi Note 17 Pro Max starts at Rs 49,999 for the base variant with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage. The Motorola Edge 70 Pro+ is not only cheaper at Rs 47,999, but it also offers more RAM and storage (12GB + 256GB). For the same memory configuration, the Note 17 Pro Max is available at Rs 55,999. 

Redmi Note 17 Pro Max vs Motorola Edge 70 Pro+: design, display

The two phones differ quite a lot when it comes to design, making it easy to distinguish between them. The Redmi Note 17 Pro Max has a flat design with a striking back panel that shows shifting clouds on the Secret Sunrise variant. The handset comes in Matcha Green and Stealth Black colours as well. The Note 17 Pro Max is quite durable against dust and water with IP66/IP68/IP69/IP69K ratings.

The Motorola Edge 70 Pro+, on the other hand, has a slim design with curved edges and a curved display. It comes in three Pantone colours with different finishes, such as wood and fabric-like. For durability, the Edge 70 Pro+ comes with IP68 and IP69 ratings, and the MIL-STD-810H military standard. 

When it comes to design, the decision is more on the buyer and what finish or style they prefer. It's still worth mentioning that a curved design offers an immersive viewing experience. 

Display specs are also different for both phones. With the Redmi Note 17 Pro Max, you get a large 6.83-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, up to 3,500 nits peak brightness. The Edge 70 Pro+ offers a similarly priced 6.8-inch 1.5K ‘Extreme AMOLED display' with a 144Hz refresh rate, 5,200 nits peak brightness, and Gorilla Glass 7i protection. So you're getting a higher refresh rate and brightness with the Motorola phone, which would be a slightly better visual experience overall. 

Redmi Note 17 Pro Max vs Motorola Edge 70 Pro+: chipset, battery

The Redmi Note 17 Pro Max is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 5 chipset, paired with LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.1 storage. While the chipset should be capable of handling everyday tasks with ease, it feels underwhelming for this price segment and represents a downgrade from its predecessor, the Redmi Note 15 Pro+, which is powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 4. Users who regularly perform intensive tasks or demanding workloads may find the Snapdragon 6 Gen 5 limiting.

In comparison, the Edge 70 Pro+ is equipped with the MediaTek Dimensity 8500 Extreme, alongside LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.1 storage. The more powerful chipset offers better performance and is better suited to gaming, multitasking, and other power-intensive workloads.

Battery endurance is where the Redmi Note 17 Pro Max overpowers with its massive 10,000mAh battery. This comes with 100W wired and 27W reverse charging support. With this battery capacity, there's no anxiety over your phone dying or needing a quick charge. Battery is one area companies have been focusing on, in the mid-range segment. In comparison, the Edge 70 Pro+ carries a modest 6,500mAh battery with 90W wired and 15W wireless charging. While not as large as the Note 17 Pro Max, it should still be sufficient for an entire day's usage. 

If battery endurance is key, the Redmi Note 17 Pro Max is a no-brainer. But if that isn't a requirement, then the Edge 70 Pro+ should do just fine. 

Redmi Note 17 Pro Max vs Motorola Edge 70 Pro+: cameras

For photography, you get a 50MP primary sensor and an 8MP ultra-wide lens on the Redmi Note 17 Pro Max. Selfies are handled by a 32MP front camera. The camera setup is decent for casual photography, but it might seem less versatile compared to the Edge 70 Pro+. This phone has a triple-camera setup, featuring a 50MP primary camera, a 50MP ultra-wide lens, and a 50MP periscope lens with 3.5x optical zoom. It also has a 50MP front camera for selfies. 

Just based on specs, we can say that the Edge 70 Pro+ has an advantage with superior sensors and a telephoto lens. If photography is your thing, the Edge 70 Pro+ is the smarter choice here. 

Redmi Note 17 Pro Max vs Motorola Edge 70 Pro+: software

On the software front, the Redmi Note 17 Pro Max runs HyperOS 3 with Android 16 out of the box. HyperOS 3 offers an interactive and customisable UI with over 100 refined animations, ‘HyperIsland', a notification pill that shows updates for charging, timers, reminders, and more features. HyperOS 3 also offers AI Cinematic Lock Screen and Dynamic Wallpapers, and a redesigned home screen with new icons. The smartphone will also get 4 OS upgrades and six years of security updates. 

In comparison, Motorola phones offer a clean and near-stock Android experience with a bunch of AI features tailored for personal and professional use. The Edge 70 Pro+ also runs Android 16 out of the box with 3 OS upgrades and 5 years of security patches promised. 

If you want more control over your UI and need longer software support, the Redmi Note 17 Pro Max is the better choice here. But if a clean and clutter-free UI is what you prefer, the Edge 70 Pro+ might make more sense. 

Summing up

If we consider only the specifications, the Motorola Edge 70 Pro+ has the upper hand in terms of performance and cameras. It's also more affordable while offering more RAM and storage for less. The Redmi Note 17 Pro Max gets an advantage in battery reliability and software support. If you're currently using a phone from 2024 or earlier, the performance and camera upgrades in the Edge 70 Pro+ would be significant, while the Note 17 Pro Max offers a substantial leap in battery life and software longevity.

• Samsung has increased the prices of the Galaxy S26 series in India by up to Rs 25,000, with the lineup now starting at Rs 1,02,999.
• The Galaxy S26, S26+ and S26 Ultra have all received price revisions effective September 23rd, according to a retail document.
• The price hike comes shortly after Apple increased the iPhone 17's India price to Rs 99,900.

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Samsung has increased the price of its flagship Galaxy S26 series in India, marking the first price revision for the flagship lineup since its launch earlier this year. The Samsung Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26+ and Galaxy S26 Ultra have all received price increases, with the hike ranging from Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000 depending on the variant. Notably, the increase comes shortly after Apple raised the price of the iPhone 17 in India following the launch of the iPhone 18 Pro models and the iPhone Duo.

Samsung Galaxy S26 series new prices

According to a price revision document circulated through Samsung's retail channels, the revised prices are effective from September 23rd. The regular Galaxy S26 now starts at Rs 1,02,999, while the Galaxy S26+ starts at Rs 1,34,999 and the Galaxy S26 Ultra starts at Rs 1,54,999.

The price revision is particularly notable for the Galaxy S26 Ultra 16GB + 1TB, which has crossed the Rs 2 lakh mark following a Rs 25,000 increase. The other variants across the S26, S26+ and S26 Ultra lineups have received a Rs 15,000 hike.

Apple recently raised the India price of the iPhone 17 from Rs 82,900 to Rs 99,900 following the launch of the iPhone 18 Pro models and the iPhone Duo. That puts the entry-level Galaxy S26 at Rs 3,099 above the iPhone 17's revised starting price. The Galaxy S26 had originally launched at Rs 87,999, giving Samsung a short-lived price advantage after the Apple price hike. That gap has now effectively disappeared, with both companies having revised their flagship pricing in India. Notably, Apple and Samsung are among the last OEMs to raise prices of their current flagships, as other Chinese manufacturers have already done so multiple times in the past.

Samsung Galaxy S26 specifications

The Samsung Galaxy S26 has a 6.3-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate and up to 2,600 nits peak brightness. It is powered by the Exynos 2600 in some markets, while other regions get a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy. India gets the Exynos version while the US gets the Qualcomm chipset. The phone comes with 12GB RAM and 256GB or 512GB storage, along with a 4,300mAh battery, 25W wired charging and wireless charging. Its triple rear camera setup includes a 50MP primary camera, 12MP ultrawide camera and 10MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom. Other features include Android 16 with One UI, Gorilla Glass Victus 2, an Armor Aluminum frame and IP68 water and dust resistance.

Just like the iPhone, India is not the cheapest market for the Galaxy S26 series. At launch, the US price started at USD 899.99, which was roughly Rs 82,000 when converted, while the UK and European prices were higher. The UAE was closer to India's pricing. The latest hike further widens the gap with the US, although direct currency conversion does not account for taxes, duties, warranty coverage or regional pricing strategies.

For buyers considering the Galaxy S26 series, existing stock at original pricing becomes more relevant. The new prices are still not live on Samsung's website at the time of writing, so any remaining units sold at their earlier prices could offer a meaningful saving, particularly on the Ultra variants.

• OPPO K14 Plus is launching in India next week.
• It will be the fourth phone in the series and the most expensive yet.
• OPPO has revealed several key details about the K14 Plus. 

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OPPO K14 Plus was officially teased in India last week, and now the official launch date has been revealed. The K14 Plus will launch as the fourth phone in the lineup after the newly launched OPPO K14 Lite, K14, and K14x. As speculated earlier, the Plus branding here did mean a large battery, as the OPPO K14 Plus is confirmed to pack a massive 8,000mAh battery. OPPO has revealed more details about the upcoming phone. 

OPPO K14 Plus India launch details 

The OPPO K14 Plus is set to launch in India on September 29th. It will be available exclusively on Flipkart Unique, with offers during the Big Billion Days, which is set to start on October 9th. More details are expected to be revealed soon. 

OPPO K14 Plus specifications

The OPPO K14 Plus's highlight is its 8,000mAh battery, which is expected to deliver multi-day power even with intensive usage. This would make the phone an ideal choice for power users and gamers. The smartphone is also confirmed to be powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7360 MAX, claimed to have delivered an AnTuTu score of over 1 million. This suggests capable performance for everyday usage involving multitasking, gaming, and such. It's also getting a 5000mm² VC cooling system for better heat dissipation. 

Up front, the K14 Plus will house a 1.5K AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate and up to 3,600 nits peak brightness. The display specs are solid, as it would not only deliver a smooth scrolling experience but also sufficient brightness for outdoor use. The smartphone is getting a 50MP OIS main camera with 4K video recording and a 16MP Sony IMX480 selfie camera. 

OPPO has also promised 6-Year Smoothness Protection with the K14 Plus. The phone is equipped with IP69K durability and a Damage Proof 360 Armour Body. It also gets dual stereo speakers with an Ultra Volume mode. The smartphone will most likely launch with ColorOS 16 out of the box.

Based on what has been revealed so far, the OPPO K14 Plus is shaping up to be a well-rounded mid-range phone focusing on battery life, reliable performance, and a durable build. It also looks like the K14 Plus will hold the top position among the other OPPO K14 phones, judging by its specifications. This would give OPPO a bigger presence in the mid-range segment with a new battery-focused option. 

If you're coming from a 2-year-old mid-ranger, the K14 Plus might offer significant improvements in battery, performance, and durability. And with offers teased for the Flipkart sale, it would be a good opportunity to purchase the phone. 

• Apple has refreshed the Mac mini with M6 and M5 Pro chip options in India.
• The new Mac Studio gets M5 Max and M5 Ultra chips for professionals.
• The Mac mini starts at Rs 99,900, while the Mac Studio starts at Rs 2,79,900.

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Apple has refreshed its compact desktop lineup in India with the new Mac mini and Mac Studio, bringing its latest M6, M5 Pro, M5 Max and M5 Ultra chips to the range. The Mac mini targets casual users, students, developers and aspiring creatives, while the Mac Studio caters to professionals with more demanding work.

Both desktops also bring Apple's latest on-device AI features, improved performance, and connectivity options. Here's what the new Mac mini and Mac Studio offer.

Mac mini, Mac Studio: price in India

The new Mac Mini gets M6 and M5 Pro

Apple's Mac mini comes in two chip options, the M6 and M5 Pro, giving users a choice between everyday performance and more power for demanding work. The standard M6 model uses a 12-core CPU and 12-core GPU, with Neural Accelerators in every GPU core for AI and graphical tasks.

The M6 also gets a dual 16-core Neural Engine and up to 170GB/s of memory bandwidth. It starts with 16GB of unified memory and can go up to 32GB. Apple claims up to 40 percent faster CPU performance, 2x faster graphics and 4x faster AI performance compared with the previous Mac mini. For most users, this should mean smoother multitasking and better performance in creative apps and AI features.

The M5 Pro is more powerful, with a 18-core CPU, 20-core GPU and 64GB of unified memory. It also offers up to 307GB/s of memory bandwidth, making it better suited to heavier tasks such as video editing, game development, and software work which may require large file transfers often.

Both models support Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and 2.5Gb Ethernet, with a 10Gb Ethernet option. The M5 Pro also comes with Thunderbolt 5 ports, which can help users connect faster external storage and other high-speed accessories.

Mac Studio now offers M5 Max and M5 Ultra

Apple has also refreshed the Mac Studio with the M5 Max and M5 Ultra chips, targeting professionals who work with demanding tasks such as video editing, 3D design, software development and AI. The M5 Max has an 18-core CPU and up to a 40-core GPU, while the M5 Ultra goes even further, to a 36-core CPU and 80-core GPU.

The M5 Max supports up to 128GB of unified memory, while the M5 Ultra can go all the way up to 512GB with memory bandwidth of up to 1.2TB/s. Apple says the Mac Studio can deliver up to 4.3x faster AI performance and 1.8x faster graphics, depending on the configuration. For professionals, the extra memory and graphics power should help when working with large video files, complex 3D projects or AI models directly on the Mac.

The device comes with Thunderbolt 5 ports, with data speeds of up to 120Gbps. The Mac Studio can support up to eight displays, including up to four Studio Display XDR monitors running at 5K and 120Hz. For users running AI workloads, Apple also supports connecting multiple Mac Studio systems through Thunderbolt 5 and RDMA, which the company says can deliver up to 3x faster distributed AI inference than what a single system can achieve.

Should you buy the new Mac mini and Mac Studio?

The new Mac mini and Mac Studio target different users, so the choice mostly comes down to how much performance you actually need on a daily basis. The Mac mini M6 should be more than enough for students, regular users, developers, small businesses and aspiring creatives, especially for office work, coding, light editing and general AI tasks. The M5 Pro version is more suitable for users who regularly handle heavier creative or technical workloads.

The Mac Studio is a more specialised machine and caters to a specific crowd. The M5 Max and M5 Ultra models target professionals working with heavy video, 3D, music and AI workloads where the more powerful CPU, GPU, and memory configurations can save a lot of time. The ability to configure up to 512GB of unified memory also makes the M5 Ultra relevant for users running very large AI models locally. =

For most buyers, the Mac mini is simply the more practical option because it offers plenty of performance in a much smaller and cheaper package. The Mac Studio is mainly when your work can actually take advantage of its higher performance and memory limits. Apple also offers education pricing from Rs 88,900 for the M6 Mac mini, which makes it a more approachable option for students and educators.

• These phones are confirmed to receive the stable Nothing OS 5.0 update in early November.
• The update introduces multiple new widgets and lockscreen clock styles.
• Users finding the firmware problematic can roll back to Nothing OS 4.1.

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Staying true to its promise, Nothing OS 5.0 Open Beta is now available for the Phone (4a), Phone (3a), and Phone (3a) Pro. As seen on the Nothing Phone (3) and Phone (4a) Pro, the update brings a number of customisation options, a split quick settings panel, widgets, and quality-of-life improvements that enhance the overall experience. Interested users can download and install the update through the Nothing Beta Hub v2.0 APK.

How to download Nothing OS 5.0 Open Beta on Phone (4a), Phone (3a), Phone (3a) Pro

Ensure your device is running the latest Android 16 firmware (Nothing OS 4.1) before updating to the Nothing OS 5.0 Open Beta. Once that's confirmed, follow these steps to download and install the NOS 5.0 beta:

Step 1: Download the Nothing Beta Hub V2.0 APK from Nothing's website. You can find the download link at the bottom of this webpage.

Step 2: Now, go to the Downloads folder on your phone and install the Nothing Beta Hub APK. Enable the "Install unknown apps" option in Settings beforehand so the APK installs successfully.

Step 3: Now go to the Settings app > System > Nothing Beta Hub and check the version

Step 4: Tap the Join Beta button to register for the update

Step 5: Once done, wait for five to six minutes Open Beta update will be seeded to your device, after which you can tap Go to initiate the update

The Nothing OS 5.0 beta installs like any regular local update and should take just a few minutes for your phone to reboot. You may occasionally see an error saying that joining the beta has failed. For the Phone (3), Nothing has confirmed this is usually caused by server overload when too many users try to access the open beta at the same time. If this happens, simply wait a few hours and try again on your Nothing smartphone,

If you run into bugs or find the beta unstable, you can request a rollback through the Nothing Beta Hub in Settings. Previously, Nothing has confirmed that the stable Nothing OS 5.0 update will be available by early November 2026.

Key features and improvements on Nothing OS 5.0

Nothing OS 5.0 debuts a duo of fresh lock-screen clocks, Gooey and Micrographics, plus clock colours that automatically match your wallpaper. It also introduces three new widgets (Collector, Away Time and Glyph Timer) and a translucent Lucent theme. The added clock styles deliver a satisfying dose of personalisation, while the software continues to stand out for its distinctive design language across fonts, widgets, and clock aesthetics.

[gallery link="file" columns="7" td_select_gallery_slide="slide" ids="713940,713944,713941,713943,713932,713934,713945"]

The update also adds a dedicated Glyph app, multi-app drag-and-drop on the home screen, a split Quick Settings toggle, adjustable torch brightness, the Geist typeface, refreshed icons, and tighter spacing throughout Settings. Anyone seeking a modestly refreshed interface will find Nothing OS 5.0 hits the mark.

Essential AI gets faster voice transcription, Smart Collections, and simpler AI app-creation tools. System performance improves overall, and the build brings Android 17 additions such as 3D emojis, a refined Dark Theme and iPhone Quick Share compatibility. We've already covered the software in depth, head over to our hands-on review for the complete picture.

Because this remains a beta, install it only if you're comfortable with potential bugs or have a secondary device to test on. For your daily driver, it's wiser to wait for the stable Nothing OS 5.0 release, which Nothing expects to arrive in early November.

• Beats 360 are the brand's first over-ear headphones with interchangeable ear and headband cushions.
• They offer up to 32 hours of battery life, IPX4 sweat and water resistance, ANC and personalised Spatial Audio.
• The headphones are priced at Rs 42,900 in India.

[/highlights]

Apple-owned audio brand Beats has launched the Beats 360, its new flagship over-ear headphones and the first from the brand to feature interchangeable ear and headband cushions. The new model combines the customisation with what Beats says is their strongest Active Noise Cancellation system yet, a new acoustic platform and up to 32 hours of battery life. It is made for users who want one pair of headphones for commuting, travel, work and workouts.

Beats 360 specifications and features

The Beats 360 use custom-designed dual-magnet dynamic drivers, a high dynamic range amplifier and Adaptive EQ. They support Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency mode and personalised Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking. There are nine microphones in total, including eight used for ANC and three for voice pickup.

The headphones use Bluetooth 5.3 and Beats' proprietary chips in each ear cup. They also have an accelerometer and gyroscope for head tracking, along with physical controls on the ear cups. Battery life is rated at up to 32 hours, including with ANC and personalised Spatial Audio enabled. A five-minute Fast Fuel charge provides up to one hour of playback.

The interchangeable cushions are the main novelty. The headphones come with colour-matched Performance Knit cushions, while separate kits let users switch to different colours or UltraPlush cushions. Performance Knit uses breathable fabric over memory foam and is positioned for active use, while UltraPlush uses engineered leather for longer listening sessions.

The Beats 360 are also IPX4-rated for sweat and water resistance, making them more practical for workouts than many conventional premium over-ear headphones. The design folds flat and comes with a woven ripstop case. Beats claims up to 1.75x more total noise cancellation than the Beats Studio Pro. Apple and Android users are both supported, with features such as one-touch pairing and automatic switching on Apple devices, and Fast Pair, Audio Switch and Find Hub on Android.

Price and availability

The Beats 360 costs Rs 42,900 in India and is available to order through Apple, with retail availability starting September 24th. It comes in Black, Cloud, Pink and Sky, with matching Performance Knit cushions. Additional cushion kits cost Rs 6,900 in India and are available in Performance Knit across six colours and UltraPlush in Black and Cloud.

Meanwhile, Beats has reduced the price of the Studio Pro to Rs 32,900, leaving a Rs 10,000 gap between the two models. For buyers, that makes the Studio Pro the more affordable Beats option, while the 360 is aimed at those who specifically want the newer acoustic system, longer ANC battery life, IPX4 protection and interchangeable cushions.

At Rs 42,900, the Beats 360 enters a crowded premium segment. Sony's WH-1000XM6 (review) is currently priced at Rs 39,990 in India, while Bose's QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) are listed at Rs 49,900. Sony's model puts considerable emphasis on advanced adaptive noise cancellation, while Bose continues to focus on comfort and immersive audio.

The Beats 360's differentiator is combining ANC and Spatial Audio with a customisable, sweat-resistant design and strong integration across Apple and Android. For buyers already invested in Apple's ecosystem, features such as automatic switching, Find My and personalised Spatial Audio add value. Android users aren't left out, although some Apple-specific features naturally don't carry across.

• OPPO's 2026 flagship lineup includes three phones.
• The Find X10 E is a new addition to the lineup.
• All three phones have been launched in China. 

[/highlights]

OPPO has taken the wraps off its latest flagship phones in China. The lineup includes OPPO Find X10 Pro Max, Find X10, and Find X10 E. We've already talked about the Find X10 Pro Max in detail, which is the most premium and expensive model in the lineup. The Find X10 is the standard model, while the Find X10 E is the toned-down version, aimed at giving users the flagship experience but at a more accessible price. All three phones have been launched in China, with the Find X10 Pro Max confirmed for a global release. 

OPPO Find X10, Find X10 E price, availability

The Find X10 starts at CNY 5,499 (approx. Rs 78,500) for the base variant with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage. The handset comes in Ice Blue, Clear Orange, and Light Titanium. The Find X10 E starts at CNY 4,999 (approx. Rs 71,400) for the base 12GB + 256GB variant. The smartphone is available in two colours: Ice Blue and Light Titanium. 

OPPO Find X10 specifications

The OPPO Find X10 features a 6.59-inch FHD+ (1272x2768 pixels) display with a 144Hz refresh rate and peak brightness of 2,000 nits. The smartphone is powered by the new MediaTek Dimensity 9600M chipset, built on a 3nm process. It houses a 200MP primary camera, a 50MP ultra-wide camera, and a 200MP periscope telephoto camera with up to 2.8x optical zoom and up to 120x digital zoom. There's a 50MP front camera for selfies and video calls. The primary and telephoto cameras have been upgraded compared to the Find X9's 50MP duo setup. 

The Find X10 packs an 8,000mAh battery with 80W charging and 50W wireless charging support. It's much bigger than the Find X9's 7,025mAh battery, and should result in multi-day usage comfortably. The smartphone also comes with IP66, IP68, and IP69 ratings for dust and water resistance. On the software front, the Find X10 runs ColorOS 17 based on Android 17 out of the box. 

OPPO Find X10 E specifications

The Find X10 E also comes with a 6.59-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 1,800 nits peak brightness. Powering the handset is the MediaTek Dimensity 9500s from the previous generation, but it still delivers flagship-level performance. It's a 50MP triple-camera setup with a 50MP main sensor, a 50MP ultra-wide lens, and a 50MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The Find X10 E has a 32MP front camera for selfies. 

Battery capacity is slightly toned down too, with 7,025mAh on the Find X10 E. It comes with 80W wired and 50W wireless charging support. Although a smaller capacity, it's still more than enough to last longer than a day. 

OPPO's Find X10 series is expected to compete with new flagships like the Vivo X500 series and the upcoming OnePlus 16.

When it comes to buying guidance, between the two, the Find X10 is for buyers who want the latest Android flagship experience with powerful cameras, fast performance, and a massive battery. The Find X10 E should deliver a similar experience but with a few limitations. It's more accessible, though, so the ultimate decision will depend on your budget. However, if you're using a Find X9 series phone, you might want to compare properly before planning to upgrade. 

• OnePlus 16 reportedly scores 5.38 million on AnTuTu V12 with the new Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6.
• It is reportedly the second-highest score on the platform.
• OnePlus 16 is expected to launch in China in October, with wider availability yet to be confirmed.

[/highlights]

Qualcomm unveiled its new Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 yesterday as its most powerful mobile chipset yet, and the first official benchmark result from a phone using it is already here. The upcoming OnePlus 16 has reportedly scored over 5.38 million points on AnTuTu V12, offering an early look at what the new 2nm flagship chip can deliver in a smartphone. This is one of the highest recorded scores on the benchmarking platform, probably behind only the Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max with the Xiaomi XRING O3 chipset.

The result comes as the next generation of Android flagships start arriving, with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 also set to power phones including the Xiaomi 18 Pro series, iQOO 16, Honor Magic 9 Pro Max, and others.

OnePlus 16 AnTuTu score

The upcoming OnePlus 16 has reportedly scored (via) 5,384,433 points on AnTuTu V12. The  result includes 1,458,283 points for CPU, 2,010,584 for GPU, 766,362 for memory and 1,149,204 for UX. The tested configuration reportedly has 16GB of LPDDR5x RAM and 1TB of UFS 4.1 storage, with the phone running Android 17-based ColorOS 17.

The Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 is built on a 2nm process and uses Qualcomm's Oryon CPU with two Prime cores reaching up to 5GHz and six Performance cores at up to 4GHz. Qualcomm also claims a 44 percent GPU performance improvement over the previous generation, while its new Adreno Neural Fusion system combines AI processing with features such as super resolution and frame generation for supported games.

That puts Qualcomm in a strong position for graphics-heavy workloads, although an AnTuTu score should not be treated as a direct measure of real-world performance. Apple's A20 Pro and MediaTek's Dimensity 9600 Pro will be the other major chips to watch at the high end, particularly once retail phones using all three platforms can be tested under the same conditions. We'll update you on the results once we get everything in-house.

The performance-focused hardware of the OnePlus 16 is expected to be accompanied by substantial changes elsewhere. The OnePlus 16 is tipped to feature a 9,000mAh battery, with 100W wired and 50W wireless charging. That would be a major increase over the OnePlus 15's 7,300mAh battery. The camera system is also reportedly moving from the  triple 50MP setup to a 200MP primary camera with a 1/1.4-inch sensor, alongside 50MP ultrawide and periscope telephoto cameras. The display is officially confirmed to support 165Hz, while leaks point to up to 185Hz in compatible games.

OnePlus has also confirmed three colours: Tomorrow's Starlight, Dark Forest and Mars Masterpiece. The first features an "Interstellar Light Effect" that uses rear lighting for calls, notifications, music, charging and games.

For buyers primarily interested in gaming, sustained performance and heavy multitasking, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 makes the OnePlus 16 worth watching. OnePlus is expected to launch the phone in China in October. Its wider availability remains unclear, so buyers outside China may need to wait for an official global launch announcement before considering it as an option.

• Qualcomm has unveiled the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 and Extreme Gen 6 chipsets.
• The Extreme Gen 6 reaches up to 5.0GHz and adds stronger on-device AI capabilities.
• Qualcomm's new flagship chip will power next-gen Android flagships like the OnePlus 16, iQOO 16, and more. 

[/highlights]

Qualcomm has officially unveiled its next-generation flagship mobile chipsets, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 and Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6, which will act as the backbone of the next wave of premium Android smartphones. These are the chips we are likely to see inside some of the biggest flagships of the coming year, including the expected Motorola Signature 27, OnePlus 16 and iQOO 16, making this an important launch for anyone following high-end Android phones.

The Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 targets flagship phones, while the 8 Elite Gen 6 pushes performance and AI capabilities further for the most powerful devices. Qualcomm is also putting much greater emphasis on agentic AI, gaming and on-device processing this time around. Here's what you need to know.

Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 vs 8 Elite Gen 6

The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 is Qualcomm's new flagship platform for premium Android phones, bringing faster performance, improved gaming and a bigger focus on on-device AI. It can reach speeds of up to 5.0GHz, while its new Hexagon NPU is designed to handle more AI processing directly on the phone, including understanding user context and adapting to how the device is used.

Sitting above it is the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6, which Qualcomm positions as its most powerful mobile platform this generation. It includes all the capabilities of the standard 8 Elite Gen 6, while adding faster AI processing, a larger shared memory pool and more advanced gaming features. One of the biggest additions is Adreno Neural Fusion, which uses AI to improve frame generation and image quality in games.

Both chipsets bring improvements to gaming, cameras and connectivity, but the difference is mainly about how far they can push those capabilities. The standard Gen 6 should cover the needs of most premium smartphone users, while the Extreme Gen 6 sets its sights at the highest-end flagships and users who want the absolute maximum performance Qualcomm can offer.

Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6: what's inside

Based on the official press material Qualcomm shared with us, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 features 2 Prime Cores and 6 Performance Cores. The Prime Cores can reach up to 5.0GHz, while the Performance Cores are rated at up to 4.0GHz. Qualcomm has not shared the finer breakdown of those six performance cores yet, so the complete CPU configuration is still not available.

An Android Authority report suggested a 2+3+3 CPU layout, with two Prime Cores clocked at up to 5.01GHz, three Performance Cores at around 4.03GHz and three efficiency-focused cores at around 3.74GHz. This remains unconfirmed, so we will have to wait for Qualcomm's final specification sheet to know whether this is the exact configuration used on retail devices.

Qualcomm's official material also highlights several changes to the AI hardware. The Extreme Gen 6 gets a new Sensing Hub with dual Micro NPUs, which the company says delivers up to 85 percent more performance and 20 percent better efficiency. It is designed to handle more contextual tasks, including understanding information from messages, emails and conversations.

[caption id="attachment_716194" align="aligncenter" width="572"] *over Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5[/caption]

The main Hexagon NPU also gets a new Element Accelerator, along with support for longer context windows of up to 32K. Qualcomm says the chipset can support AI models with up to 200 billion parameters, while its shared memory is 50 percent larger than before.

There is still more to learn about the chipset, particularly the exact CPU arrangement and some of the underlying hardware specifications. For now, Qualcomm's official material gives us a clearer picture of the direction of the Extreme Gen 6, with more of the focus shifting towards on-device AI alongside the usual performance improvements.

Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6: what will it compete with?

The Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 will compete directly with Apple's A20 Pro and MediaTek's Dimensity 9600 Pro, with all three sitting at the top end of the flagship smartphone market. Apple has traditionally held an advantage in CPU performance, while MediaTek tends to be more GPU-centric. Qualcomm appears to be addressing both areas with the Extreme Gen 6, particularly through its new Adreno GPU architecture, Neural Fusion technology and newer AI hardware.

The new GPU features could give Qualcomm an edge in areas such as frame generation, upscaling and ray tracing, although real-world testing will be needed to see how it compares with Apple's A20 Pro. MediaTek's Dimensity 9600 Pro is likely to remain a close Android rival, especially in graphics and gaming.

For users, the most immediate improvements should come in gaming, on-device AI and sustained performance, since everyday tasks are already speedy on current flagship phones.

• Motorola Signature 27 will be available globally later this year.
• It's the first smartphone announced with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 chipset.
• The handset also comes with audio from Bang & Olufsen.

[/highlights]

Motorola Signature 27 was unveiled today at the Snapdragon Summit as the second generation in the brand's premium lineup. The smartphone will be powered by the new Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 chipset, which also made its debut today. Motorola Signature 27 is touted as the most advanced smartphone ever created by the brand. The flagship phone is also the first from the brand to use the final two digits of the coming year, for an easier way to distinguish the lineup going forward.

Motorola Signature 27: what's new?

Motorola Signature 27 is powered by the new Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6, which is the more powerful Qualcomm chipset launched alongside the standard Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6. Motorola promises powerful on-device AI capabilities, enhanced camera experiences, responsive gaming, and faster download speeds on the new Signature 27. It's expected to compete with upcoming flagships like the OnePlus 16, which will also use the same chipset. 

The smartphone is also equipped with Motorola's ArcticMesh cooling system, which uses a new diamond-infused thermal gel, liquid metal, copper mesh, and a redesigned 3D vapor chamber for better heat dissipation during AI use, gaming, and video performance. It's also 40 percent larger than the previous generation. 

The Signature 27 uses a 50MP Sony LYTIA 910 main sensor and a 200MP periscope telephoto lens. The phone also features Motorola's Video Enhancement Engine powered by AI, designed to create a real-time intelligence layer that automatically adjusts colour
tones by analysing the scene before and during recording.

Google's Gemini is also deeply integrated into the Motorola Signature 27. Users can turn a prompt, photos, or existing footage into a polished video with Gemini Omni, or generate music and soundtracks using Lyria. The smartphone is also getting seven years of OS upgrades. It will most likely launch with Android 17 out of the box. 

Motorola Signature 27 is also the company's first phone to feature Audio by B&O. The branding is etched on the phone's rear panel. Speaking of which, the Signature 27's design is unique for Motorola, with the large camera plateau housing four sensors and an LED flash. In terms of design, the Signature features an aluminium silhouette with contoured edges and is said to be 'elegantly thin'. The camera panel also uses ceramic and brushed
aluminum. 

The smartphone will be available in Pantone Coal Smoke, which has a woven texture to enhance grip and for better durability. It also comes in Pantone Capulet Green, which has a brushed textile-inspired finish. This was only an introduction of the Motorola Signature 27. Its complete specifications, pricing, and availability details haven't been revealed. However, Motorola says it expects the Signature 27 to come to markets globally this year. 

Motorola Signature 27 is definitely the flagship to look out for. Powered by Qualcomm's new flagship chipset, strong cameras, and advanced on-device AI, the Signature 27 seems worth waiting for if you're in the market for an Android flagship.

• The OPPO Find X10 Pro Max ihas been launched in China along with the OPPO Find X10 and Find X10 Pro.
• All three cameras support 8K Log video, while 4K 120fps Dolby Vision works across focal lengths.
• The phone starts at CNY 6,799 (around Rs 97,200) in China, with global availability yet to be announced.

[/highlights]

OPPO has launched the OPPO Find X10 Pro Max in China as the first Pro Max model in the Find series and, more importantly, the world's first smartphone with three 200MP rear cameras. The phone is also among the first to feature MediaTek's new Dimensity 9600 Pro chipset, following the Vivo X500 Pro series.

The triple 200MP setup is the headline, but OPPO is also marketing the Find X10 Pro Max as a serious video camera, with 8K Log recording across all three lenses and 4K 120fps Dolby Vision at every focal length.

Specifications and features

The OPPO Find X10 Pro Max uses three 200MP Hasselblad-branded rear cameras. The 1/1.56-inch ultrawide has an f/2.2 aperture and 124-degree field of view, with OPPO claiming a 202 percent increase in light intake over the outgoing model. The main camera has an f/1.5 aperture and 17EV single-frame dynamic range, while the telephoto has the highest pixel count and largest aperture OPPO has used on a Pro Max telephoto, along with CIPA 7.5 stabilisation.

OPPO's second-generation Danxia colour reproduction lens works with its LUMO native light and shadow engine to maintain colour accuracy across different lighting conditions. The DeepPix sensor also increases full-well capacity by 60 percent, which is intended to retain more detail in high-contrast scenes.

For video, all three cameras support 8K Log recording, while 4K 120fps Dolby Vision works across focal lengths. Horizon stabilisation is also supported. OPPO has partnered with TILTA and Blackmagic Camera for Dolby Vision, O-Log2 and Open Gate recording.

The phone runs on the Dimensity 9600 Pro, MediaTek's 2nm flagship chipset, alongside ColorOS 17. OPPO's Tide Engine reduces the interval between 200MP photo captures to 0.7 seconds, while a new NPU developed with MediaTek powers AI features including Xiao Bu Space.

The Find X10 Pro Max also gets a 6.78-inch LTPO OLED display with a 1-nit minimum brightness, 3,600 nits peak brightness, 3,840Hz PWM dimming and 95 percent BT.2020 colour gamut coverage. A five-channel ambient light sensor adjusts brightness and colour based on surrounding lighting.

The design retains the squarish camera module from the previous generation, with a separate pill-shaped LED light module and Hasselblad-inspired details. The rear combines smooth metal with a woven texture and comes in Moon White, Warm Orange and Light Titanium. The phone has IP68, IP69 and IP66 ratings and a five-star SGS Switzerland drop and impact rating.

For camera-focused buyers, the triple 200MP setup gives OPPO a distinctive hardware proposition against flagships that typically reserve their highest-resolution sensor for the main camera. However, the practical advantage will depend on image processing and sensor performance.

Price and availability

The OPPO Find X10 Pro Max starts at CNY 6,799 (around Rs 97,000) for 12GB + 256GB. The 12GB + 512GB version costs CNY 7,499 (around Rs 1.07 lakh), the 16GB + 512GB variant costs CNY 7,999 (around Rs 1.14 lakh), and the 16GB + 1TB model is priced at CNY 8,999 (around Rs 1.29 lakh). OPPO hasn't announced global pricing or availability yet. For now, buyers outside China should wait for confirmation before treating the Find X10 Pro Max as an upcoming option in their market.

• Airtel has added Apple iCloud+, Apple TV and Apple Arcade to its Rs 999 and higher family postpaid plans.
• Airtel is currently the only Indian telecom operator officially bundling iCloud+ with its plans.
• Apple's iCloud+ plans start at Rs 75 per month in India, while Apple TV and Apple Arcade are now bundled with iCloud+ at no additional cost.

[/highlights]

Bharti Airtel has expanded the benefits of its Rs 999 and higher family postpaid plans by adding Apple's newly expanded iCloud+ subscription. Eligible customers will now get access to iCloud+, Apple TV and Apple Arcade, bringing cloud storage, entertainment and gaming into the same postpaid bundle.

The move comes after Apple recently expanded iCloud+ in India to include Apple TV and Apple Arcade at no additional cost. Airtel is now using that expanded bundle as another incentive for customers on its higher-value family plans.

Airtel Rs 999 family plan

Airtel's Rs 999 family postpaid plan covers three members and includes unlimited data with Fastlane technology, spam protection and entertainment subscriptions. The addition of iCloud+ gives customers a way to store, sync and back up photos, files, passwords and other information across Apple devices.

Apple TV provides access to Apple's original series, films and documentaries, including Ted Lasso, Severance, The Studio and CODA. Apple Arcade offers more than 200 games without ads or in-app purchases, with titles including Hello Kitty Island Adventure, Sneaky Sasquatch and NBA 2K26 Arcade Edition.

iCloud+ starts at Rs 75 per month for 50GB in India and can be shared with up to five family members through Family Sharing. For households already using multiple Apple devices, the storage and backup component could therefore be more useful than the entertainment additions.

Airtel is currently the only Indian telecom operator to officially bundle Apple's iCloud+ with its plans. Reliance Jio and Vodafone Idea (Vi) do not offer an iCloud+ bundle, instead focusing their premium plans on their own cloud and entertainment partnerships. Jio, for instance, promotes its JioAICloud service alongside OTT benefits such as Netflix, Amazon Prime and JioStar. Vi's premium prepaid and postpaid offerings include multi-OTT access through its Vi Movies & TV platform. That gives Airtel a more direct proposition for Apple users, particularly families that already rely on iCloud for device backups and syncing.

For Airtel customers already considering the Rs 999 family plan, the expanded Apple bundle adds value without requiring another subscription. However, users should still compare the total postpaid cost with their actual need for family connectivity and Apple services. Someone who only wants 50GB of iCloud storage can get iCloud+ separately for Rs 75 a month, making the Airtel upgrade more relevant when the family plan's other benefits are useful too.

• Vivo X500 Ultra is reportedly planned for March or April 2027, although Vivo hasn't publicly announced the launch yet.
• The Ultra is speculated to bring a more advanced camera setup than the Vivo X500 Pro Max.
• The X500, X500 Pro and X500 Pro Max have appeared in European energy-registry listings, suggesting Vivo could be preparing a wider global rollout.

[/highlights]

Vivo may have one more flagship waiting in the wings. Just a day after launching the X500, X500 Pro and X500 Pro Max in China, the company has reportedly confirmed that a Vivo X500 Ultra is still in development and could launch in March or April 2027.

According to Weibo tipsters Smart Pikachu and Digital Chat Station, a Vivo executive indicated that the X500 Ultra will arrive in that window. A screenshot shared by Smart Pikachu appears to show the executive confirming the launch timing, although Vivo hasn't independently confirmed the claims. Android Authority also contacted Vivo for confirmation but had not received a response.

The report is significant because the Vivo X500 Pro Max was assumed to have filled the role previously occupied by Vivo's top-of-the-line Ultra models. The latest information suggests Vivo is instead keeping the Ultra as a separate tier.

Vivo X500 Ultra launch confirmed

This is the first time in a few months that we're hearing of the Vivo X500 Ultra, and also the first instance we heard of a 'Pro Max' in the flagship X series. The newly launched Vivo X500 Pro Max is already a serious camera flagship. It has a 50MP Sony LYTIA L910 main camera with a 1/1.28-inch sensor, 3-degree OIS and up to 17EV dynamic range, paired with a 200MP 1/1.4-inch periscope telephoto with 3.5x optical zoom and CIPA 7.0 stabilisation. It also supports a 400mm Zeiss telephoto extender. The phone runs on the Dimensity 9600 Pro and packs an 8,000mAh battery. That leaves the X500 Ultra with a fairly high bar to clear. Vivo could use the Ultra to focus more on imaging hardware, besides simply adding a faster chipset or larger battery.

What could make the Vivo X500 Ultra different?

The previous Vivo X300 Ultra (review) already shows how Vivo has separated the Ultra from its other flagships. It has a 200MP 1-inch-type Sony LYTIA 901 main camera, 200MP telephoto, 50MP ultrawide and Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 with Vivo's VS1+ imaging chip. In India, the 16GB + 512GB model is priced at Rs 1,59,999, opening a new segment for Vivo.

Vivo could push that formula further with the X500 Ultra. An earlier leak in July suggested the company was testing 200MP periscope sensors in 1/1.12-inch, 1/1.3-inch and 1/1.4-inch sizes, while a 35 mm main-camera setup has also been under consideration. Vivo's recent Ultra phones have also supported dedicated camera accessories. The X200 Ultra offered a 200mm add-on lens, while the X300 Ultra introduced a 400mm telephoto extender. A similarly ambitious accessory could help distinguish the X500 Ultra from the Pro Max, particularly for long-range photography, though the X500 Pro and Pro Max also have their dedicated photography accessories this year.

For buyers considering the X500 Pro Max, the possible Ultra is mainly relevant if photography is the priority and there is no urgency to upgrade. The Pro Max already brings a large 200MP telephoto and 400mm accessory support, while the Ultra is still months away and its camera hardware remains unconfirmed. If Vivo follows the X300 Ultra playbook, the X500 Ultra could instead be positioned as a more specialised photography flagship, with bigger sensors, more advanced imaging hardware and dedicated camera accessories justifying its place above the Pro Max.

Display and picture quality

Both models use a Premium QLED direct-lit 4K UHD panel with 500 nits of typical brightness and 94% DCI-P3 colour gamut. HDR support covers Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG. The two models differ in panel finish. The 100-inch uses an anti-glare matte panel suited to bright rooms, while the 85-inch uses a glossy panel for punchier contrast in controlled lighting. Picture processing is handled by Vu's proprietary 144Hz Iconium 4K AI Processor with AI Picture, Intelligent Scene Recognition, and AI Upscaling. The system runs on 3GB RAM and 32GB storage.

Motion and gaming

Both models offer a 120Hz native refresh rate with 240Hz High-Speed Refresh, 144Hz VRR, MEMC, ALLM, and a dedicated Game Mode with Game Dashboard including crosshair controls. Vu notes that high-refresh 4K, VRR, and ALLM remain rare features on home projectors, a legitimate competitive differentiation for sports and gaming use cases.

Audio

The 100-inch carries a 108W 2.1-channel VuFX system with two speakers and a dedicated subwoofer. The 85-inch uses a 65W 2.2-channel VuFX system with two speakers and two woofers. Both support Dolby Atmos. The standout audio feature is AI-powered room acoustic mapping. The TV plays a test tone, the Bluetooth remote's built-in microphone captures how sound travels through the room, and the Iconium processor calibrates speaker output accordingly. Vu says the process takes minutes and requires no specialist visit.

Smart platform and connectivity

Google TV handles the smart platform. Two Bluetooth voice remotes with far-field microphones support hands-free voice search, alongside dedicated hotkeys for Cricket, Cinema, Picture, Sound, and Wi-Fi. Apple AirPlay, Chromecast, and Apple HomeKit are supported.

Connectivity covers four HDMI ports, two USB ports, dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet, optical audio out, and ARC and eARC. A three-sided bezel-less design in silver-grey with single-wire installation and tabletop or wall-mount options keeps setup simple. Vu is offering delivery and installation within two hours.

The projector argument

Vu's core proposition is that buyers considering a large-format home theatre setup should consider the Ultra Large as a simpler, all-in-one alternative to a projector, external screen, and separate sound system. The TV works in any lighting condition, requires no screen alignment or calibration beyond the initial room acoustic mapping, and avoids the ongoing maintenance associated with projector lamps. Whether this argument resonates will depend on individual buyer priorities. Projector enthusiasts who value specific image characteristics may not be swayed, but buyers who want large-screen scale with television-level simplicity are the clear target.

Direct price comparisons with competing 100-inch TVs from LG, Samsung, or Hisense are difficult to confirm precisely without current pricing data. However, based on publicly available information from earlier in this conversation, Hisense's 100-inch Micro RGB evo launched in India at Rs 12,99,990, making the Vu Ultra Large's Rs 2,50,000 price for 100 inches significantly more accessible. The trade-off is that Vu's QLED direct-lit panel does not offer the local dimming precision of Mini LED or Micro RGB evo technology. Buyers for whom absolute picture quality is the priority should weigh that difference carefully. For buyers for whom screen size and value are the primary considerations, the Ultra Large makes a strong case.

• OPPO Reno 16c has received its first price hike after its debut in July.
• The A6 series sits in the budget segment under Rs 30,000 and Rs 20,000. 
• OPPO has increased prices by up to Rs 7,000. 

[/highlights]

OPPO has increased the prices of four of its smartphones in India. Starting with the Reno 16c, this phone now starts at Rs 49,999. OPPO's A6 series has also seen a price hike across the lineup, from the A6 and A6x to the budget A6c 4G smartphone. Price hikes continue to hit the smartphone market as brands grapple with rising memory costs due to huge demand. 

OPPO Reno 16c price hike

The Reno 16c launched in India this July alongside the Reno 16. The smartphone was priced at Rs 46,999 for the base variant with 8GB RAM and 128 storage, which now costs Rs 49,999. The other two variants are more expensive too, with the 12GB + 256GB variant touching Rs 59,999. At this new price, the Reno 16c is still a good buy for its compact and stylish design, 3.5x telephoto lens, and large 7,000mAh battery. Performance might be a bit underwhelming, as alternatives have faster chipsets and better optimisation. 

OPPO A6 5G, A6x 5G price hike

The OPPO A6 is seeing another price hike in India. It now starts at Rs 29,999 for the base variant with 4GB RAM and 128GB storage. With the OPPO A6, you get a 7,000mAh battery, MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset, and a 120Hz display. While these specs make for a decent package, the base model offers only 4GB of RAM, which might be limiting when it comes to performance, especially if you're using AI features. So you might want to consider alternatives before making any buying decision.

As for the A6x 5G, it's a budget phone under Rs 20,000. The 4GB + 64GB base model is priced at Rs 19,999, after a Rs 1,000 price hike. The A6x launched at Rs 12,499 when it debuted in India last December. It's a basic budget phone with a 120Hz display, Dimensity 6300 SoC, a 6,500mAh battery, and a 13MP rear camera. 

OPPO A6c 4G price hike 

The budget OPPO A6c 4G smartphone has also seen a price hike in India. What used to cost Rs 16,999 for the base 4GB + 64GB variant is now available at Rs 17,999. It comes in another 4GB + 128GB variant, which is priced at Rs 19,999. Although a 4G smartphone, the OPPO A6c stands out for its 7,000mAh battery, which makes it a good choice for those who rely on multi-day usage. 

• Apple recently raised the price of iPhone 17 from Rs 82,900 to Rs 99,900 in India.
• The Flipkart Big Billion Days Sale 2026 kicks off on October 9th.
• The Samsung Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S25 FE could also fetch some discounts.

[/highlights]

Just last week, Flipkart officially announced the start date for this year's Big Billion Days Sale and revealed the bank offers and discounts included in the event. Now, a new microsite is live on the e-commerce platform under the 'Mobiles' section, teasing the iPhone 17's discounted selling price. With Apple raising prices on older iPhones, the sale could give interested buyers a chance to grab last year's still-capable base iPhone at an attractive price if they couldn't do so earlier.

iPhone 17 deal teased for Flipkart Big Billion Days Sales 2026

If you head over to Flipkart's 'Mobile' section and select the Big Billion Days Sale 2026 header, you'll notice the iPhone 17's banner that mentions "From Rs 7x,xxx*", indicating that the smartphone will sell for under Rs 80,000 with all the price cuts and bank discounts included. We can't determine the final selling price yet since we don't know what the asterisks in the teaser mean. The sale begins on October 9th, while Flipkart Black and VIP members will get access 24 hours early.

While the iPhone 17 is currently listed for Rs 98,900 on Flipkart, Apple officially hiked the smartphone price from Rs 82,900 to Rs 99,900 right after launching the iPhone 18 Pro series and iPhone Duo on September 9th. With the upcoming sale, buyers can hopefully get some relief by avoiding paying the hiked price and still get a good deal on the iPhone 17, given the current market situation.

The smartphone features dual 48MP rear cameras, while an 18MP front camera handles selfies and group shots. Given our experience with the iPhone 17 (review), it captures excellent photos in both daylight and low-light conditions by default in 24MP, with the 48MP mode adding more detail to the images. However, lens flare can be an issue, especially with streetlights or reflections. It gets a 6.3-inch OLED panel with 120Hz ProMotion for smooth scrolling and transitions, while the A19 processor continues to deliver strong, efficient performance even today. If a telephoto lens isn't your priority, the iPhone 17 is worth considering in the sale for heavy multitasking, content creation, and gaming.

Other smartphone deals teased for Flipkart BBD Sale

Apart from the iPhone 17, the Samsung Galaxy S25 is teased to sell for under Rs 60,000 down from the usual price of Rs 79,999, while the Galaxy S25 FE could be available for under Rs 50,000 during the Flipkart sale.

Both of these smartphones could turn out to be a decent buy for anyone looking for a flagship smartphone experience with inclusion of bright Super AMOLED panels, flexible cameras, IP68 ratings, wireless charging, and, of course, mature, polished software in the form of One UI 8.5, which is filled with AI features to the brim. 

• MediaTek has launched its Dimensity CX C10 Max chipset for Googlebooks.
• The 3nm chip brings an 11-core GPU and dedicated NPU for AI tasks.
• The MediaTek-powered device could be Lenovo's rumoured Googlebook tablet.

[/highlights]

Googlebook is getting another hardware partner, with MediaTek confirming that its new Dimensity CX C10 Max chip will power an upcoming Lenovo device running Googlebook OS. The processor joins Intel and Qualcomm as another platform for Google's new laptop ecosystem. Here's what you need to know. 

MediaTek brings its new chipset to Googlebook

According to 9to5 Google's report, the MediaTek-powered device will not be the already announced 15-inch Lenovo Googlebook, which uses an Intel processor. Instead, the chip is expected to appear in a rumoured Lenovo tablet running Googlebook OS.

The Dimensity CX C10 Max is the first chip from MediaTek's new CX range for computers. It uses a 3nm manufacturing process and an eight-core CPU, alongside an 11-core GPU and a dedicated NPU for AI workloads. To put it simply, the NPU handles AI tasks separately from the main processor, allowing features such as Gemini to run more efficiently.

MediaTek says the chip can deliver up to 55 TOPS of AI performance, a measure of how many trillion AI operations the NPU can perform each second. The company is also focusing heavily on efficiency, claiming that the chip can support thin, light and fanless devices while still offering all-day battery life. MediaTek's Dimensity series chipsets have already shown these capabilities in flagship smartphones, so there's a decent credibility to this claim. 

For regular users, that means a quieter machine, longer battery life and enough processing capabilities for multitasking and AI-assisted features without the need of a powerful cooling system. The C10 Max also supports LPDDR5X memory, UFS 4.0 storage and Wi-Fi 7, although the final configuration will depend on Lenovo's device. 

MediaTek gives Googlebook more room to grow

The addition of MediaTek gives Googlebook another hardware option at a time when the platform has just set its foot in the market. The first Googlebooks from Acer, ASUS and Lenovo use Intel processors, while Dell and HP have adopted Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite. MediaTek is now bringing its own ARM-based platform to the ecosystem with a focus on AI and power efficiency.

More hardware options are definitely something to look forward to as Googlebook expands into different configurations and more affordable variants. The key challenge, however, remains the same one we have seen since Google first announced the platform. Google needs to show that Googlebook OS and Gemini can offer enough actual utility to justify moving away from the much more established Windows, Linux and macOS ecosystems.

The MediaTek-powered Lenovo device could be a good reference point in answering that question. It isn't simply another premium laptop, so it can instead showcase whether Googlebook can scale into tablets and other hybrid devices while keeping the same AI-first experience.

• The Xiaomi 18 Pro and Pro Max launch in China on September 23rd.
• Xiaomi 18 Pro and Pro Max will feature Leica dual 200MP cameras, including a 200MP periscope telephoto.
• The series introduces Super Pixel Display 2.0, a hardware-level privacy display that can reduce side-angle brightness to around 1 percent.

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Vivo kicked off the flagship season yesterday with the launch of the X500 series and OPPO is following today with the debut of the Find X10 phones. In the same week, Xiaomi also unveils its headliners and in a bid to differentiate, the company is putting cameras and display privacy at the centre of its next flagship generation. The Xiaomi 18 Pro and Xiaomi 18 Pro Max are set to launch in China on September 23rd, with the company confirming a Leica dual 200MP camera system and a hardware-level privacy display ahead of the launch.

Xiaomi 18 Pro, Pro Max cameras detailed

The camera setup on the Xiaomi 18 Pro phones pairs a 200MP main camera using a large 1/1.28-inch sensor with a 200MP periscope telephoto featuring a 1/1.56-inch sensor. The telephoto has an f/2.4 aperture, a native 75 mm focal length, 3.2x optical zoom and up to 12.8x lossless zoom. Its floating dual-lens focusing system can focus as close as 12cm, allowing the telephoto to also be used for macro photography.

Xiaomi says the telephoto's light intake has increased by 280 percent on the Xiaomi 18 Pro compared with its predecessor, while the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max gets an 83 percent increase. The combination of a large sensor and 200MP resolution gives Xiaomi's new phones a particularly high-resolution setup for both standard and zoom photography.

For comparison, Samsung's Galaxy S26 Ultra uses a 200MP main camera alongside a 50MP telephoto. Xiaomi is putting the same 200MP resolution on both of its key cameras, although that alone doesn't determine image quality. Processing, stabilisation and sensor performance will still play a role in how the cameras perform in real-world use.

The Xiaomi 18 Pro series will also feature a secondary rear display, although Xiaomi hasn't yet revealed the full set of functions it will offer but its speculated to be tied to AI generation.

Xiaomi 18 Pro privacy display

The other major feature is Super Pixel Display 2.0, which brings hardware-level privacy protection to the phones. Samsung introduced this with the Galaxy S26 Ultra, which featured a built-in Privacy Display designed to restrict what can be seen from an angle. Xiaomi's implementation uses two sets of pixels, including dedicated privacy pixels with physical baffles that restrict their beam angle. When privacy mode is activated, the standard pixels switch off and the privacy pixels remain active. Xiaomi says brightness can fall to around 1 percent when viewed beyond 60 degrees, making the screen difficult for people beside the user to see.

Users can activate the feature through Quick Settings, a customisable AI key or Xiao AI voice controls. It can also be configured for individual apps, pages and locations. The front camera can reportedly detect someone looking over the user's shoulder and automatically warn the user or darken the sides of the display.

The technology is now spreading beyond Samsung. Huawei has also introduced a hardware-based privacy display on the Mate XT 2 foldable, showing that display privacy is emerging as another area of contention.

Specifications and availability

The Xiaomi 18 Pro and Pro Max will pack 7,000mAh and 8,500mAh batteries, respectively, with support for 100W wired and 50W wireless charging. Their displays use Xiaomi's new Super Pixel Display 2.0 with M11 light-emitting material, while the bezels have been reduced to 0.99mm, compared with 1.18mm on the previous generation. The panel can reach up to 4,000 nits and supports BT.2020 colour gamut coverage.

The two phones will use different versions of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6, with the Pro getting the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 and the Pro Max receiving the higher-tier version.

Xiaomi has confirmed the China launch for September 23rd, but pricing and global availability remain unannounced. There is also no word on an India launch. The Xiaomi 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max were not launched in India, so buyers here should wait for Xiaomi to confirm its plans rather than assume the new Pro models will arrive. For those considering a flagship camera phone, the dual 200MP cameras and built-in privacy display are the two features worth watching when the full specifications and pricing are revealed.

• boAt CREST AI brings several AI features to boAt TWS.
• It provides voice communication features through different apps and translations.
• CREST AI is available in select boAt TWS. 

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boAt has announced 'CREST AI', an AI platform built with Google Gemini. With this launch, the Indian audio brand is positioning its latest earbuds as more than conventional listening devices, introducing what it calls ‘Intelligent Ears', which are earbuds designed to listen, understand, converse, and assist users through voice. CREST AI is available in select boAt TWS from the Airdopes and Nirvana series. 

What is boAt CREST AI?

boAt says that the idea behind CREST AI is to make AI accessible without requiring users to reach for their smartphones or interact with a screen. Instead, users can access AI-powered features directly through compatible boAt earbuds using voice commands. At the centre of the platform are three features: Crest Ask, G-Assist, and Crest Translate.

Crest Ask allows users to interact with AI through their earbuds. Users can ask questions, explore topics, learn new information, and continue conversations with follow-up questions without having to type queries on their smartphones.

G-Assist takes this a step further by connecting AI with everyday productivity services. It integrates with Google Gmail, Google Tasks and Google Calendar, allowing users to perform tasks through voice. For example, users can ask the assistant to summarise their day, check their schedule, or reply to an email without opening their phones.

The third feature, Crest Translate, enables real-time two-way translation across more than 25 languages. This is aimed at helping people communicate when they speak different languages, with the translation taking place through the earbuds.

The first product to showcase the new platform is the boAt Airdopes Prime 800 D. Along with CREST AI, the earbuds feature Dolby Audio and 11mm dynamic drivers tuned to boAt's Signature Sound. The Airdopes Prime 800 D offers up to 45 hours of total playback and supports Multipoint Connectivity. It also comes with four microphones and boAt's AI-ENx technology for voice and call-related applications.

CREST AI is also available on the boAt Airdopes Prime 701 ANC and boAt Nirvana Ion ANC, giving users multiple options to access the company's new AI platform. boAt says more CREST AI-powered products will be introduced as it expands the technology across its upcoming audio devices.

AI features are increasingly becoming part of the true wireless earbuds segment. However, they've generally been tied to a smartphone or a specific voice assistant. While boAt's AI features do sound quite useful, we'll have to see how they actually work in real-time, especially with getting tasks done through specific apps or translating languages. 

If you are primarily looking for music, calls, and everyday wireless audio, there are already plenty of options in boAt's lineup and the wider TWS market. However, if you want to experiment with voice-based AI, CREST AI makes the new boAt earbuds more interesting.

• OnePlus N6 Lite is priced at Rs 16,999.
• It's the most affordable OnePlus phone yet.
• The smartphone's highlight is its 7,000mAh battery. 

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OnePlus N6 Lite has launched in India as the latest smartphone from the brand's budget N series. It's the third phone in the lineup, joining the OnePlus N6 and N6x. It's also the most affordable OnePlus smartphone yet, priced at Rs 16,999. With the N6 Lite, OnePlus has expanded its presence further in the budget segment. 

OnePlus N6 Lite price in India 

OnePlus N6 Lite is priced at Rs 16,999 for the sole configuration with 4GB RAM and 64GB storage. The smartphone is now on sale via Amazon India, OnePlus.in, the OnePlus Store App, OnePlus Experience Stores, and select retail outlets across India. The N6 Lite is available in Midnight Hype and Neo Green.

OnePlus N6 Lite specifications

OnePlus N6 Lite's highlight is its 7,000mAh battery, which the company claims can deliver up to three days of usage on a single charge. It's also said to deliver up to 26.8 hours of video playback, 29.9 hours of Google Maps navigation, and 49.7 hours of phone calls on a single charge. At this price point, most phones offer 5,000mAh to 6,000mAh batteries, so the N6 Lite could have an advantage here.

The battery is rated to retain more than 80 percent of its health even after six years. It comes with 15W wired charging and reverse charging, allowing users to charge other compatible devices.

The OnePlus N6 Lite features a 6.75-inch HD+ (1570×720 pixels) LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate and peak brightness up to 900 nits. The display also features Aqua Touch, which helps maintain touch responsiveness when the screen has water, moisture, or oil on its surface. It weighs 215g and measures 8.95mm in thickness. It also carries an IP64 rating for dust and water resistance and MIL-STD-810H military-grade durability certification. OnePlus is additionally promising 36-Month Fluency Protection, aimed at maintaining the phone's performance across display quality, durability, and everyday usage over three years.

For photography, the N6 Lite houses a 13MP primary rear camera and a 5MP selfie camera. The main camera is capable of taking images at 50MP through the High-Res mode. The smartphone is powered by the UNISOC T7250 processor, which should be able to handle everyday tasks. The smartphone also comes with up to 8GB of virtual RAM, along with expandable storage of up to 2TB via a microSD card. You get AI-powered features such as AI Clear Face and AI Eraser, along with Google Gemini and a 3.5mm headphone jack with the N6 Lite. 

OnePlus N6 Lite could appeal to buyers who want a budget phone with a large battery, durable build, and AI features at a budget price. The smartphone is designed for basic usage and reliable battery life. If you're looking for a performance-centric phone or better cameras, you might want to consider alternatives or increase your budget. 

• Vivo V80 is officially confirmed to launch in India on October 6
• The company has confirmed 4K Cinematic Video, a 7,200mAh battery, and OriginOS 7 out of the box
• The phone will feature a redesigned camera plateau

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Vivo has announced the India launch date for the Vivo V80, the successor to last year's Vivo V70. The company has confirmed the phone will debut on October 6, 2026, and it will be the first V-series phone to ship with the latest OriginOS 7 software. The V80 is very much a camera-centric phone, as expected, with features like 4K Cinematic Video and AI Diwali Portrait 2.0, among others.

Vivo V80 details confirmed so far

Vivo's latest announcement leans heavily on the phone's content-creation capabilities. The company says the V80 will support 4K Cinematic Video and 4K 60fps video capture, built around the idea of turning everyday moments and festive celebrations into shareable content. Alongside this, Vivo has confirmed over 30 AI-powered creative features, including something it's calling AI Diwali Portrait 2.0, timed conveniently ahead of the festive season.

On the hardware side, Vivo has officially confirmed a 7,200mAh battery, a jump from the V70's 6,500mAh cell. The company has also confirmed the V80 will ship with OriginOS 7 out of the box, making it the first V-series phone to launch on Vivo's latest software.

Vivo V80 specifications still rumoured

Vivo hasn't officially revealed the chip, RAM, display, or camera specs yet, but leaks and certifications have surfaced ahead of the official reveal. A Geekbench listing tied to model number V2648 (matching an earlier BIS certification) points to a Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 SoC, the same chipset used in the V70, alongside at least 8GB of RAM. The benchmark scores from that listing (1070 single-core, 3552 multi-core) are close to the V70's numbers, suggesting this generation's performance jump will be modest. However, it's best to take this with a pinch of salt until Vivo confirms the chipset.

On design, Vivo's official teasers show a large camera plateau with two vertically stacked camera rings and a smaller tertiary sensor, a notable shift away from the squircle-shaped module on the V70, and one that looks closer to Apple's recent Pro iPhones. The phone has been teased in orange and sky blue colourways, with Zeiss branding also visible.

Pricing hasn't been confirmed either, though rumours suggest the V80 could launch above Rs 55,000, where the V70 currently sits following recent price hikes. Current V70 users might want to see the complete feature set and pricing before considering an upgrade.

Ramineni also discusses the critical boundary between AI automation and human judgement, the company's strict data privacy standards, and its strategic focus on India. As Fireflies.ai's second-largest market by users, India is actively driving the company's roadmap, prompting support for 11 regional languages and the development of a localised, lower-cost pricing tier.

1. Fireflies built its brand on transcription and summarisation. What specific architectural or technical shifts were required to move Fireflies from a passive meeting observer to an active 'AI Teammate' capable of executing multi-step tasks across external tools?

We started Fireflies in the pre-LLM era, four years before the technology even existed, so the first real shift was getting transcription accurate enough to build anything on top of. The next shift was LLMs. We got early access to the OpenAI APIs almost a year before most people did. That's what took us from "here's what was said" to actually understanding it, summarising it, identifying action items, and following context.

Fireflies already have the context across your meetings, your inbox, and the apps you work in, and it uses that to actually do the work: drafting the email, updating the CRM, creating the report. That's the part that goes beyond understanding; it goes into those tools and gets it done. You don't need a dozen separate tools for each of those tasks. You need one AI teammate that already has the context to execute them.

2. You are planning to roll out multiple new capabilities over the next year. How will Fireflies break out of the virtual meetings to become an everyday execution layer across broader enterprise workflows?

We already have. Fireflies started as an AI Notetaker because meetings were the easiest place to capture what's going on. That's not the only place anymore, it's in the inbox, in Slack, CRM, and across 100+ tools you use.

Work doesn't happen in one place. It's a meeting, then an email, then a Slack thread, then a CRM update, and most software only sees one piece of that, especially across a team: a deal moving through sales, a candidate moving through recruiting, a ticket moving through different owners. Enterprise workflows usually break at the handoff, not inside anyone meeting.

That's the next phase we're already in, rolling out products built on the same idea: gather the context so you're never re-explaining yourself, then actually do the work and take the action for you.

3. Voice Agents have already logged 40,000+ conversations globally. What is the most complex, end-to-end workflow a Voice Agent is currently handling post-call without human intervention?

The two top use cases are screening calls and sales discovery calls. For recruiting: you set up the Voice Agent once. Fireflies run the calls, ask the questions, and follow up based on the candidate's answers. Right after the call, it prepares a clean summary and a scorecard and pushes the notes into your ATS. Nobody has to write anything up or enter it manually. Our own recruiting team has saved more than 800 hours doing exactly this.

For sales: Fireflies runs the discovery call, qualifies the lead, and structures what it learned into a clean sales-qualification summary. The moment the call ends, that goes straight into the CRM as ready-to-use notes. No rep has to sit down and type it.

4. As AI takes on more operational tasks generated during live conversations, what work should businesses confidently delegate to AI, and where must humans permanently remain in control?

Delegate anything high-volume and low-ambiguity – screening, qualification, follow-through, drafting, notes, routing. If the job is "capture this and get it where it needs to go", AI should already be doing that, not eventually.

Where I draw the line is judgement calls that actually affect a person, hiring decisions, anything financial, anything where the right answer depends on context a model genuinely can't see. AI should get you to the decision faster with better information in hand. It shouldn't be the one making it.

5. India is your second-largest market. How are local enterprise demands driving your engineering roadmap, particularly regarding regional language support and India-specific pricing structures?

India has always been an important market for us, our second largest by users, and we've tripled paid teams there over the past two years. When a market shows up that clearly, we build for it. We already support 11 Indian languages, Hindi, Punjabi, Gujarati, Bengali, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Assamese, Marathi, and Sindhi, as part of our broader 100+ language coverage, and that list grows every time we see real demand for the next one.

We're also building a regional plan specifically for India, a lower-cost tier for a market that's price-sensitive but growing fast. More to share on that soon. Beyond that, there's no separate "India roadmap". We listen to every customer everywhere, and India just generates a lot of that signal because it's such a large share of our base.

6. "How do you plan to leverage India's AI talent pool to fuel Fireflies' next growth phase, and what specific technical or product roles are you prioritizing as you expand the local team?"

Fireflies is a fully remote company, with 120+ people working from wherever they are around the world. We hire for talent, not geography. That said, we've historically seen a lot of excellent people come out of India, across engineering, product, and non-engineering roles alike. India has an exceptional technology and AI talent pool, and we expect the team here to keep growing as Fireflies expands. 

7. Granting AI agents deep contextual access across connected workplace systems naturally increases security risks. How does Fireflies balance proactive autonomy with granular data privacy and enterprise governance?

The more context Fireflies have, the more useful it becomes, but that only works if businesses trust how that context gets handled. Fireflies don't train AI models on customer data. Customers keep control of their information, and admins control who can access it and how. We also hold ourselves to SOC 2 Type II, GDPR, and HIPAA standards.

But trust isn't just a certification. It's also about what you let an AI actually do. Reading something, drafting something, and taking an action are three different levels of authority, and they deserve three different permission levels, not one blanket "yes." The goal isn't to give AI as much autonomy as possible. It's to give it exactly enough to take the busywork off your plate, while you stay in control of the decisions that actually matter.