The collaboration marks a significant leap in smartphone durability and design. The newly developed Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2 combines advanced materials with a sleek, lightweight profile an essential feature for Samsung’s refined design ambitions.

“Galaxy S25 Edge will set a new standard for craftsmanship and performance,” said Kwangjin Bae, Executive Vice President and Head of the Mechanical R&D Team, Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics. “To support this breakthrough design, it was essential to develop a display material that was both exceptionally thin and reliably strong – a challenge that brought Corning and Samsung together.”

The new glass features microscopic crystals embedded in a glass matrix, enhancing crack resistance and durability without compromising optical clarity. Corning’s signature ion exchange process further strengthens the material, improving resistance to damage and helping the glass maintain its structural integrity over time.

Andrew Beck, Vice President and General Manager of Corning Gorilla Glass, highlighted the significance of the development. “With Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2, we’ve achieved a remarkable combination of thinness and strength, giving consumers the best of both worlds – exceptional durability in a modern, sleek and premium design.”

The Galaxy S25 Edge, which is expected to be officially unveiled in the coming months, represents a joint push by Samsung and Corning to deliver cutting-edge innovation and long-lasting performance in mobile devices.

The device carries an IP68 rating, providing resistance to water and dust, which makes it functional for daily wear and outdoor activities. The Alpha 2 Pro features an Always-On Display option and a metallic body design. It is available in three colour variants: Midnight Blue, Copper Gold, and Dark Chrome.

In terms of connectivity, the smartwatch integrates single-chip Bluetooth calling technology. It includes features such as incoming call alerts, recent call logs, and a built-in dial pad, allowing users to manage calls directly from the watch without accessing their smartphone.

Additional specifications include a 300mAh battery, providing a standby time of approximately 12 to 15 days, depending on usage patterns. The watch supports over 100 sports modes and offers more than 150 watch faces, enabling users to personalise their device as per their preferences.

itel has priced the Alpha 2 Pro at Rs. 2199, and it is available at offline retail stores across the country. The launch reflects the brand’s focus on expanding its range of accessible smart devices for consumers looking for connected technology at an affordable price point.

The Alpha 2 Pro has been positioned for individuals with active routines, combining basic health tracking, calling features, and durable build in a budget-friendly smartwatch category.

Better protection against unauthorized access

Google claims that by using this new API, apps will be much safer. According to their data, it can reduce unauthorized access by up to 80 per cent. That means apps will be more secure and less likely to be misused on devices that meet the latest standards.

How will it affect older android devices?

The Play Integrity API is built to work best with Android 13 and newer versions. For those still using Android 12 or earlier, this could mean trouble. Some apps might stop working properly or lose support altogether. In fact, from May 2025, using the updated API will become mandatory for all app developers.

Developers will also be able to monitor how their apps behave on different versions of Android — and may choose to stop supporting older ones for performance or security reasons.

What should you do?

If you’re using an older Android phone, it’s a good idea to:

• Check your current Android version in your phone’s settings.
• Consider upgrading your device if it runs Android 12 or earlier.
• Keep an eye on app updates — if some stop working, this might be the reason.

Millions of users could be affected

According to Google’s latest data, only about half of all Android users currently use Android 13 or a newer version. Roughly 200 million users are still using Android 12 or Android 12L. Google has stopped providing security patches for both these versions, which increases the risk of cyberattacks for users on older devices.

Older phones may need to be replaced

If you’re using a phone with Android 12 or an earlier version, you may be left with two options:

• Hope your smartphone manufacturer rolls out a new update — which is unlikely for older models and could be costly.
• Upgrade to a new phone that supports Android 13 or newer to continue receiving full app support and security protection.

With the update, users of the Galaxy A56 5G, Galaxy A36 5G, and Galaxy A26 5G will be able to launch Gemini, Google’s AI assistant, by pressing and holding the side button. This enhancement builds on Samsung’s recent addition of AI features under the “Awesome Intelligence” suite for the Galaxy A series.

The integration of Gemini offers users an alternative method to manage daily tasks through voice commands. By enabling access through the side button, users can perform a variety of actions more efficiently, such as checking schedules, finding restaurants, or receiving suggestions for gifts. The assistant also allows cross-app interactions — for instance, identifying a location on Google Maps and sending it via Samsung Messages — with support for Samsung apps, Google apps, and a few third-party services.

Samsung says this new method of accessing Gemini is designed to make AI tools easier to use and more readily available during daily routines. Voice interaction simplifies common tasks like planning meals or coordinating meetups. A typical command might be: “Find French, pet-friendly restaurants with terrace seating nearby,” prompting a list of suggestions without requiring manual input.

Jay Kim, Executive Vice President and Head of the Customer Experience Office in Samsung’s Mobile eXperience division, emphasized that this update is part of a broader collaboration between Samsung and Google. The goal is to provide more seamless AI functionality to a wider range of smartphone users.

The update is expected to begin rolling out globally in early May for selected Galaxy A series devices. It will gradually expand availability depending on region and carrier compatibility.

The Galaxy S24 Ultra, originally priced at ₹1,29,999, is now available at ₹84,999. It includes features such as real-time translation through tools like Live Translate, Interpreter, and Chat Assist. The Samsung Keyboard supports real-time message translation in 13 languages, including Hindi. Users can access features like Note Assist for organizing notes with auto-formatting, spell-checking, translation, and summarization. Drawing Assist allows users to turn sketches into stylized images using AI. The device includes a 200MP camera supported by a ProVisual Engine and a Quad Tele System with 2x, 3x, 5x, and 10x optical-quality zoom, as well as 100x enhanced digital zoom. It uses the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and has a titanium frame.

The Galaxy S24, reduced from ₹74,999 to ₹44,999, has a 50MP triple camera setup and features AI-powered tools for image editing and call translation. Its Portrait Studio allows stylization of images using effects like 3D Cartoon and Sketch. The phone also includes Generative Edit for photo enhancement and resizing. It has a 6.2-inch display with a peak brightness of 2600 nits and a variable refresh rate between 1Hz and 120Hz.

The Galaxy S24 FE, originally ₹59,999, is now priced at ₹34,999. It offers a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, a 4700mAh battery, and runs on the Exynos 2400 chipset. It includes AI-based features for productivity and communication. The camera system features a 50MP main sensor, 8MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom, 12MP ultra-wide lens, and 10MP front camera. The ProVisual Engine enhances photo quality using AI algorithms.

These offers are available for a limited time, with all devices integrated with Galaxy AI and part of Samsung’s broader ecosystem.

Dr. Kasturirangan was more than a scientist; he was a dreamer with a strategy. A man who combined curiosity with conviction. His leadership shaped India’s space programme during a time of global flux, and he steered ISRO with clarity and calm through its most transformative decade.

From PSLV to GSLV: A Launchpad to Self-Reliance

Taking over as ISRO Chairman in 1994, Dr. Kasturirangan ushered in a new era of launch vehicle capability. It was under his stewardship that the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) matured into a reliable workhorse, placing India firmly among global space powers. He also led the development of the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV), which gave India the ability to place heavier satellites into orbit, reducing dependence on foreign launchers.

A Sky Full of Satellites: Earth, Weather, and Connectivity

Dr. Kasturirangan didn’t just aim for rockets—he aimed for results. Under his leadership, India launched some of its most advanced remote sensing satellites like IRS-1C and IRS-1D, which revolutionized agriculture, resource mapping, and disaster management. On the communication front, satellites like INSAT-2C and INSAT-3B enhanced India’s weather forecasting, telemedicine, and distance learning capabilities, extending the benefits of space to the remotest corners of the country.

Chandrayaan’s Unsung Architect

It was Dr. Kasturirangan who planted the seeds of Chandrayaan-1, India’s first lunar mission. While it was executed under later leadership, the blueprint bore his signature—a testament to his foresight. He recognized early on that India’s scientific aspirations must extend beyond Earth, and that space exploration was both a scientific necessity and a symbol of national capability.

The Private Sector’s Silent Ally

A silent reformer, Dr. Kasturirangan paved the way for public-private collaboration in the space sector. Today’s boom of startups like Skyroot Aerospace and Pixxel owes a part of its origin to the groundwork laid during his tenure. He understood that ISRO alone could not carry the weight of India’s space ambitions and pushed for greater inclusion of industry in research and manufacturing.

From Space to Classrooms: Architect of New India’s Education Vision

After retiring from ISRO, Dr. Kasturirangan didn’t rest. He turned his attention to education—most notably as Chairman of the Committee that drafted India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. His vision of blending scientific temperament with foundational learning is now shaping millions of young Indian minds. He believed that space technology and education were twin engines of a strong nation—and he served both with equal passion.

Honours That Reflect a Life of Service

For his unmatched service to the nation, Dr. Kasturirangan was honoured with:

• Padma Shri (1982)
• Padma Bhushan (1992)
• Padma Vibhushan (2000)

These awards reflect not just his brilliance, but his deep humility and lifelong dedication to national development.

A Legacy That Touches Earth and Sky

Today, every time we track a cyclone with satellite data, every time students in a remote village attend an online class, every time a rocket leaves Indian soil, we are walking in Dr. Kasturirangan’s footsteps. His legacy lives on in the skies above us, in the technologies around us, and in the dreams of a billion Indians who look to the stars with pride and purpose.

In an age of noise and haste, he was a man of depth and direction. His vision still orbits above us. And his absence, like space itself, leaves a void that only memory and inspiration can fill.

Dr. Kasturirangan. You showed India the way to the stars.

(The author, Girish Linganna, is an award-winning Science Writer and a Defence, Aerospace & Political Analyst based in Bengaluru. He is also Director of ADD Engineering Components, India, Pvt. Ltd, a subsidiary of ADD Engineering GmbH, Germany. Reach him at: girishlinganna@gmail.com)

With NPUs delivering up to 55 trillion operations per second (TOPS), the devices are built to enhance productivity, creativity, and collaboration for users across enterprises, startups, and everyday consumers.

The EliteBook and ProBook lines target business professionals, offering enterprise-grade security, real-time AI enhancements like noise cancellation and auto-framing, and adaptive performance. Meanwhile, the OmniBook series is designed for creators and everyday users, featuring advanced video calling, multitasking, and content creation support.

HP’s AI software suite includes HP AI Companion for offline AI assistance, Poly Camera Pro for enhanced virtual presence, and Poly Audio for smart sound tuning. The myHP platform personalizes performance and battery use based on the device’s environment.

With sustainable materials and HP Wolf Pro Security, these devices combine innovation, safety, and eco-conscious design. Prices range from ₹77,200 to ₹1,86,499 and are available via HP World stores and the HP Online store.

The camera features a 24.5MP full-frame BSI CMOS sensor and supports 4K video at 60p and Full HD at 120p, catering to cinematic storytelling needs. It also includes in-camera 12-bit N-RAW and 10-bit N-Log recording, providing creators with more dynamic range and flexibility in post-production—features typically reserved for high-end cinema cameras.

Sajjan Kumar, Managing Director of Nikon India, said, “With the Z5II, Nikon continues to empower creators with cutting-edge tools. This camera blends professional-grade performance with intuitive design, making it ideal for dynamic shooting environments—especially for videographers working in low light or fast-paced settings.”

The Z5II boasts a 3.5x faster autofocus system, now enhanced with -10EV low-light sensitivity, ensuring accurate focus even in near-darkness. The camera’s improved AF-A mode automatically switches to continuous autofocus when motion is detected, simplifying subject tracking for action and event photography.

Other highlights include a bright 3000 cd/m² EVF for clear visibility in bright sunlight, a vari-angle touchscreen for flexible shooting angles, and a robust 5-axis in-body stabilization system that offers up to 7.5 stops of vibration reduction.

Content creators will appreciate support for N-Log, HLG, and SDR recording modes, a dedicated Picture Control button, and AI-powered subject detection that can identify nine types of subjects—including people, pets, and vehicles. With high-speed continuous shooting up to 14 fps and 3D subject tracking, the Z5II is equally effective for sports, wildlife, and fast-paced video work.

Compatible with Nikon’s growing range of Z Mount lenses, the camera also features USB-C, HDMI, and wireless connectivity, making it suitable for both studio and handheld use.

The Nikon Z5II will be available across India from April 24, 2025, at ₹1,49,995 (body only). More information is available on the official Nikon India website.

Included with the phone are two interchangeable covers—one referencing the 1992 Totally Hair Barbie and another with a shooting heart graphic. It also comes with accessories such as phone charms, crystal stickers, and a beaded strap.

Specifications include a 2.8-inch internal screen and a 1.77-inch external screen. The phone supports dual SIM cards, offers up to nine hours of talk time, and includes expandable storage via microSD card up to 32GB. It also has a 0.3-megapixel camera and runs on the S30+ operating system.

The flip phone provides only basic mobile functions. It is being offered through a limited release and is expected to sell quickly based on prior demand.

This model is aimed at users seeking devices without advanced smartphone features. HMD is positioning it as part of a broader product offering focused on straightforward functionality.

The internet service market in India is already dominated by just two major players — Airtel and Jio — who together control 81% of the market. These two companies, known as Internet Service Providers (ISPs), which simply means companies that give people access to the internet, have been cautious and concerned about new competition that could affect their business and the money they’ve put into building their networks.

In the last few years, both Airtel and Jio have started working on bringing satellite internet to India. In 2020, the Bharti Group (which owns Airtel) invested heavily in a company called OneWeb to help make this possible. Later, in 2022, Reliance Jio partnered with another company called SES to do the same. Both companies have been working on getting government approval so they can start offering satellite internet services to people across the country.

About OneWeb and SES:

OneWeb is a satellite internet company based in the United Kingdom. It is partly owned by the Bharti Group from India, along with other international investors. OneWeb uses satellites in space to provide internet access, especially in rural or remote areas where regular internet lines can’t reach easily.

SES is a company from Luxembourg that operates a large number of satellites around the world. It provides internet and communication services to different countries, including India. By partnering with local companies like Jio, SES helps bring high-speed satellite internet to places where traditional networks are not available.

These deals came after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the United States, where he met with Elon Musk. Musk is the head of SpaceX, the company that owns Starlink, and also a key figure in the U.S. tech world. During this time, even U.S. President Donald Trump commented that Musk probably met Modi because he’s interested in doing business in India.

The timing and details of these deals have caught the attention of opposition parties in India. They claim that the agreements may have been made under pressure from the Indian government, possibly to keep the U.S. government happy.

People are right to worry about big companies and governments working too closely in ways that may not be fair. But that’s only one reason why Indians should be concerned about Starlink coming to India. There are other things to think about as well.

These deals might not do much to actually improve internet access for most people. At the same time, they could raise serious concerns about India’s control over important technology areas. This is especially true because SpaceX, the company behind Starlink, has strong ties with the U.S. government and intelligence agencies. Letting a foreign company like this operate in such a sensitive area could affect India’s independence in technology and security.

Questionable Agreements and Unreliable Internet Access

Starlink mainly provides internet directly to customers, who use Starlink’s own devices to connect to the internet through their network. In India, the service is expected to work in the same way.

As part of the deal, Jio will sell Starlink products through its stores. On the other hand, Airtel is less certain — the company said it might offer Starlink devices in its shops, but it’s still just thinking about it for now.

If someone buys Starlink equipment from an Airtel or Jio store and uses it, their internet connection will go directly through Starlink’s network. It won’t pass through Airtel’s or Jio’s systems at all. This setup is unusual because, normally, internet providers and satellite companies work more closely together and share parts of the network.

What is an ISP ?

An ISP, or Internet Service Provider, is a company that gives you access to the internet. In India, companies like Jio, Airtel, and BSNL are examples of ISPs. They usually provide internet through cables, mobile networks, or fiber connections. When satellite internet like Starlink is used, it connects directly to satellites in space, which is different from how traditional ISPs work.

In a more typical setup—like the partnerships between Jio and SES, or Airtel and OneWeb—the internet provider (ISP) gets internet capacity from a satellite company to support its existing ground-based network. In this kind of arrangement, the ISP still manages the connection that reaches the customer’s phone, computer, or other devices. Behind the scenes, the ISP decides whether to use its regular land-based network or the satellite service, depending on what’s available and what works best at the time.

This setup allows the ISP to stay in full control of the customer’s internet experience, while using satellite help only when needed—such as in remote areas where laying cables is difficult. It’s a way to extend coverage without giving up control over the network.

In their official announcements, both Airtel and Jio mentioned that they are still in the process of “evaluating” and “exploring” how Starlink could help expand their internet networks. Normally, Starlink doesn’t connect directly with ground-based networks, but in 2021, they did make an exception by partnering with a Japanese internet provider to do just that.

For now, it’s unclear if a similar setup will happen with Airtel or Jio. We’ll have to wait and see how things develop—whether Starlink will fully integrate with their networks or not. Until then, Airtel and Jio may end up mainly acting as sales and support channels for Starlink products, rather than being deeply involved in how the internet service itself works.

Satellite internet services like Starlink, which connect directly to users, usually come with high prices and some downsides.

One reason for the high cost is that Starlink and similar companies use low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. These satellites fly much closer to the Earth than traditional ones, which helps provide faster internet with less delay. However, to give stable and direct internet service to people all over the world, Starlink needs to launch and maintain thousands of these satellites in space. Building, sending, and managing such a large number of satellites is very expensive, which adds to the overall cost of the service.

According to “The Diplomat”, Starlink currently operates over 7,000 satellites in space, which is a huge number compared to the 127 satellites launched by Indian organizations in total. Since each Starlink satellite has a lifespan of around five years, maintaining the system is very costly. Despite these expenses, SpaceX has shared plans to expand the network to 12,000 satellites, and possibly even grow it to 30,000 in the coming years.

This means that, unless there’s major financial support in form of subsidies , the high costs of satellite internet make it an unrealistic option for large-scale internet access in many developing countries. Even estimates from the U.S. government suggest that, over time, satellite internet will be more expensive than other ways of providing internet.

Having so many satellites in space also raises the risk of space junk and possible crashes. It can also seriously affect the work of astronomers by making it harder for them to observe the sky clearly.

Internet connectivity expert Steve Song pointed out that satellite services offering bulk internet to local providers and community networks—especially those using satellites in middle or geosynchronous orbits—need fewer satellites. This helps reduce environmental issues and creates more chances for local involvement and economic growth.

Indian Sovereignty Under US Surveillance Lens

Both the BJP-led central government and the opposition Congress party raised concerns about Starlink’s entry into India. They were worried about whether the company would stop internet services if the existing Indian government asked it to.

These arguments show a lack of concern for the human rights that internet access supports, and they also reveal a poor understanding of how Starlink closely watches user activity and its strong links with U.S. intelligence agencies.

U.S. intelligence agencies have a wide-reaching spying program that is legally supported by a law called the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). One part of this law, Section 702, gives them almost unlimited power to monitor the communications of people who are not U.S. citizens.

The main way U.S. intelligence collects this information is through “electronic communications service providers” — basically, American tech companies that offer online services to people all over the world.

In April 2024, the U.S. House of Representatives updated a law to include more companies under its spying rules. Now, any company that can access devices used to send or store messages may have to share data with U.S. intelligence. This means a lot more businesses could be asked to help with government surveillance.

This means that all internet data from Indians and other people outside the U.S. that goes through Starlink can easily be accessed by U.S. intelligence agencies.

Even if the content of what you do online is hidden through encryption, there’s still some information that can be seen. This includes things like which apps or websites you’re using and what time you accessed them. This kind of information is called metadata , and it can still give clues about your online activity, even if the exact messages or data are protected.

According to The Diplomat, Starlink may be getting more than just internet data. It’s not just a service that provides internet — it’s also a network of satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO). E. A. S. Sarma, a former government official, and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) have both pointed out that these satellites could also carry extra equipment like radars, infrared sensors, and cameras that can capture images.

Starlink has a related project under SpaceX called Starshield. It uses similar satellites but is specifically designed to work with the U.S. military and intelligence agencies. Its main goal is to support government and defense operations.

SpaceX has signed contracts worth billions of dollars with different U.S. government agencies, but many of the details are kept secret. According to a report by Reuters last year, Starshield — a part of SpaceX — made a deal with the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office to create and manage a network of spy satellites.

A spokesperson from the agency described it as the world’s most powerful and advanced system for gathering intelligence, watching activities, and collecting information from space.

It’s not clear if Starlink and Starshield operate completely separately, but from a technical point of view, it’s very likely that their satellite systems can be linked and work together. Starshield is expected to keep growing, especially with strong support from the U.S. government. However, there’s no good reason for India to support or allow the expansion of something that could be used in harmful ways.

Even if Starlink’s satellites don’t have equipment for spying, the U.S. has a history of using its power over American companies to pressure both its friends and its rivals.

After SpaceX got a contract from the U.S. Department of Defense to offer satellite services in Ukraine, Starlink was provided to the Ukrainian military at no cost and was later used to support their military operations.

Earlier this year, when the U.S. showed interest in gaining access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals, American officials reportedly warned that they might cut off Starlink services in Ukraine if their demands weren’t accepted. On the other hand, in Gaza—where Israel has been accused of committing serious violence against Palestinians—the U.S. said that Starlink could only be made available to people in Gaza if the Israeli government agreed to it.

This shows that SpaceX is closely tied to U.S. intelligence and foreign policy goals. Allowing it to enter India could quietly weaken the country’s independence in important areas. However, these risks haven’t been properly studied or understood yet.

That said, these concerns don’t change the fact that satellite-based internet has many benefits. It’s often expensive and difficult to lay fiber cables in remote or hilly areas. Since India has only made limited progress in bringing internet to rural regions, satellite internet can help boost connectivity and fill the gaps left by slow-moving government programs.

However, allowing a U.S. tech company that focuses on expensive, direct-to-consumer services and could open the door to foreign influence in India may not be the best way to improve internet access across the country.

As Dr. Raquel Renno explained, calling satellite internet the perfect solution for all connectivity problems can be risky. It may strengthen the control of big tech companies from richer countries, while holding back local innovation and reducing a country’s control over its own technology, according to The Diplomat.

Instead of improving ground-based internet or looking into more sustainable satellite options, recent developments suggest that India is placing too much blind trust in U.S. tech companies. This over-reliance could end up weakening the country’s own goals for national and technological growth.

(The author, Girish Linganna, is an award-winning Science Writer and a Defence, Aerospace & Political Analyst based in Bengaluru. He is also Director of ADD Engineering Components, India, Pvt. Ltd, a subsidiary of ADD Engineering GmbH, Germany. He can be reached at: girishlinganna@gmail.com)

Jio’s greenfield SA 5G network, built with advanced features such as carrier aggregation, is the backbone of this collaboration. According to Ookla, Jio currently holds the title of India’s fastest mobile network—a claim reinforced by the F29’s performance results.

At the core of this success is OPPO’s Hunter Antenna Architecture, which uses a symmetrical layout and industry-leading 200mm antenna coverage. This design ensures minimal signal drop, even during gaming or streaming, regardless of phone orientation.

The F29 Series also debuts 4×4 MIMO support across B40, B3, and B39 bands—making it a first in its segment—and integrates AI LinkBoost 2.0 to intelligently adjust network settings in real-time. A dedicated gaming WiFi antenna provides an uplink boost of up to 4dB for smoother, lag-free gameplay.

Under the hood, the F29 Pro is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300-Energy chip, while the F29 runs on Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen1. Both models offer high durability with IP69/IP68/IP66 ratings and OPPO’s 360° Damage-Proof Armour.

For power users, the F29 packs a 6,500mAh battery with 45W SUPERVOOC charging, while the Pro version comes with a 6,000mAh battery and 80W fast charging. Reverse charging and five-year battery health are standard across both.

Pricing & Availability:
The F29 Pro comes in Marble White and Granite Black, priced from Rs 27,999 to Rs 31,999. The F29 is available in Solid Purple and Glacier Blue, starting at Rs 23,999. Both are available on OPPO’s e-store, Flipkart, Amazon, JioMart, Reliance Digital, and offline retailers.

The Pixel 9a sports a refreshed design and features the brightest display ever seen on a Pixel A-series phone. It is available in three color variants — Iris, Porcelain, and Obsidian.

Photography gets a major boost with a new dual rear camera setup, which includes a 48MP main sensor and a 13MP ultrawide lens. Google claims the Pixel 9a offers the best battery life among all Pixel devices currently available.

The device also comes integrated with Google’s AI-powered Gemini, enabling smarter assistance across apps like Google Maps, Calendar, and YouTube. Gemini Live allows for seamless, real-time conversations, enhancing user interaction and productivity.

The Pixel 9a is now available for purchase through both online and offline retail channels. As part of a launch promotion, customers can avail a limited-time cashback of Rs 3,000 and opt for up to 24 months of no-cost EMI through select banking and financial partners including HDFC Bank, IDFC Bank, and Bajaj Finserv.

The OMEN MAX 16 incorporates OMEN AI for thermal management and system optimization. It supports a combined power of over 250W (75W CPU + 175W GPU) and uses a cooling system with dual fans, a vapor chamber covering 61% of the motherboard, and hybrid liquid metal thermal compound.

The device sports a 16-inch 2560×1600 IPS display with a 240Hz refresh rate, 500 nits brightness, 100% sRGB coverage, and variable refresh rate. Connectivity features include Ultra Low Latency Gen 3 and simultaneous pairing for up to three HyperX devices.

Users can customize settings like power, fan speed, and RGB lighting via the OMEN Gaming Hub. The laptop has a per-key RGB keyboard and an optional RGB light bar. Security features include a Full HD IR camera with Windows Hello and a physical privacy shutter.

HP has also introduced OMEN AI Beta, a software tool that automatically adjusts in-game settings based on user behavior, initially supporting Counter-Strike 2.

The OMEN MAX 16 is constructed with recycled materials and comes in sustainable packaging. It holds ENERGY STAR® certification and EPEAT® Gold registration.

The OMEN MAX 16 is currently available on HP’s online store and Amazon India, with a starting price of ₹3,09,999 for the Shadow Black model. OMEN AI Beta is available globally.

iPhone 17 Pro Max vs. iPhone 17: Price (Expected)

A global price hike in phones next model may happen due to due to economic factors and increased production costs. Know pricing in different countries

• India: 
  • iPhone 17: Rs 89,900 (base model) 
  • iPhone 17 Pro Max: Rs 1,64,900 
• USA: 
  • iPhone 17: $899 
  • iPhone 17 Pro Max: $2,300 
• Dubai: 
  • iPhone 17: AED 3,799 
  • iPhone 17 Pro Max: AED 5,399 

iPhone 17 Pro Max vs. iPhone 17: Design

Both models are expected to have Apple’s signature aluminium and glass construction but with notable other enhancements will be made like improvement in scratch resistance and reduced glare for a better viewing experience. It has rare camera design like vertical pill-shaped camera module.
iPhone 17 Pro Max may have a rectangular camera bar housing triple lenses.

The displays may feature slimmer edges for a more immersive experience.

iPhone 17 Pro Max vs. iPhone 17: Camera 

Camera improvements are expected to be a major highlight of the iPhone 17 series:

• iPhone 17: 
  • 48MP primary sensor. 
  • 12MP ultra-wide lens. 
• iPhone 17 Pro Max: 
  • Triple 48MP cameras, along with a Tetraprism telephoto lens capable of 5x optical zoom. 
  • A new 24MP front-facing camera will replace the 12MP sensor found in older models, enhancing selfies and video calls.

iPhone 17 Pro Max vs. iPhone 17: Specifications (Expected)

• Display: iPhone 17: 6.3-inch OLED, larger than the 6.1-inch screen on the iPhone 16.
  iPhone 17 Pro Max: 6.9-inch OLED, the same size as its predecessor. 
• Performance: iPhone 17: Powered by Apple’s latest A19 Bionic chip, offering performance growth. 
• iPhone 17 Pro Max: Features the more advanced A19 Pro chip, optimized for heavy multitasking and gaming.
• Battery Life: Expected enhancements for longer usage on a single charge.

iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone 17 Launch Date (Expected)

Apple is expected to release the iPhone 17 lineup, including the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and a new iPhone 17 Air, between September 11 and September 13, 2025, according to media reports.

On March 16, Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost mission successfully landed on the moon, kicking off a new chapter for private companies exploring space. This means businesses, not just governments, are now sending their own spacecraft to the lunar surface. It’s a big step forward, showing that private teams can tackle moon missions with simpler, more affordable technology. This could open the door to more space adventures in the future, making the moon more accessible for research and exploration.

Interlune, started by a former Blue Origin worker and an astronaut from the Apollo 17 mission, plans to send its first spacecraft to the moon in 2027. If everything works out, they hope to make more trips after that. Unlike some missions that focus only on science, Interlune has a unique goal: they want to collect helium-3, a rare substance on the moon that could be valuable for energy production back on Earth. Think of it like digging for a special kind of treasure that might power our future.

Helium-3 is a rare kind of helium, the gas we know for making balloons float. Unlike regular helium, helium-3 has a unique structure with just one neutron—a tiny particle in its core—and fewer parts overall. This makes it super special and hard to find on Earth, but scientists think there’s more of it locked in the moon’s soil. Why does it matter? Helium-3 could be a game-changer for creating clean energy. Imagine it as a super-efficient fuel for futuristic power plants, called nuclear fusion reactors, that produce lots of energy with barely any waste.

That single neutron also lets helium-3 get extremely cold without turning solid, which is perfect for high-tech stuff like quantum computers. These are like ultra-smart computers that can solve problems too tough for today’s machines. So, while we don’t use helium-3 much yet, it’s like a magic ingredient that could power our world and boost tomorrow’s technology in amazing ways.

Helium-4, the common type of helium we use for things like balloons, is easy to find on Earth. But its cousin, helium-3, which has just one neutron instead of two, is super rare here. Think of helium-3 like a hard-to-find gem—it’s not naturally lying around like helium-4. That’s why scientists are excited about looking for it on the moon, where it might be more common, trapped in the soil.

Helium-3 is super rare on Earth—way less common than the usual helium we see in balloons. It’s so hard to find that for every tiny bit of helium-3, there’s a million times more regular helium. That rarity makes it crazy valuable. Interlune says just one kilogram of helium-3 could cost about $20 million! Imagine a small bag of this stuff being worth more than a big house, all because it’s so special and could help power the future.

However, helium-3 isn’t so rare in other parts of the solar system. The Sun, which acts like a massive natural fusion reactor, constantly sends out streams of solar wind—these are high-energy particles that include large amounts of helium-3.

Earth’s magnetic field acts like a protective shield, blocking most of the solar wind. But the Moon doesn’t have this kind of protection, so helium-3 from the solar wind keeps hitting and building up on its surface over time.

Over time, the helium-3 from the solar wind gets trapped in tiny bubbles (small pockets of gas) inside rocks found in the Moon’s upper soil layers, which are called regolith. Regolith is a loose, dusty layer of soil and broken rocks that covers the Moon’s surface, formed by billions of years of meteor impacts.

If a company were to collect these helium-3 gas pockets from the Moon, it could create a valuable new source of material for some of the world’s most advanced and costly technologies back on Earth—like clean energy and powerful computers.

According to PopularScience.com, a company called Interlune, based in Seattle and started in 2020, wants to show that the Moon has enough helium-3 to make large-scale mining there worth it. Their goal is to become the first to set up full lunar mining operations.

Interlune is backed by several private investors and also received a $375,000 grant from the U.S . Department of Energy in 2024. On March 11, during the annual Lunar and Planetary Science Conference (LPSC), the company’s chief scientist shared their latest progress on a project called Prospect Moon, which focuses on exploring helium-3 resources on the Moon.

The Prospect Moon mission, planned to launch no sooner than 2027, will use a lunar lander built by another company through NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program. In simple terms, this means Interlune isn’t making its own moon-landing spacecraft. Instead, it’s teaming up with NASA to hire a company that specializes in building landers to get their mission to the moon. It’s like renting a ride to deliver their equipment to the lunar surface!

For the mission, the team will load the lunar lander with a few special tools: a device to scoop up moon soil (called regolith), a machine to process helium-3, a tool to analyze what’s in the soil (like a high-tech scanner), and a camera that takes detailed pictures in different colors. These will be sent to a part of the moon they haven’t picked yet. It’s like packing a toolbox to dig, study, and photograph the moon’s surface to find that rare helium-3!

Even if the Prospect Moon mission goes perfectly, it doesn’t mean companies will immediately start mining the moon. It’s like finding a treasure map—success is a big step, but there’s still a lot to figure out before anyone digs for helium-3.

Nobody knows exactly how much helium-3 is in the moon’s soil, called regolith. The only samples we have are from the Apollo missions, and they only had tiny amounts of helium-3. But here’s the thing—some of that helium-3 might have escaped during the rough trip back to Earth, so the moon could still have enough to make mining worth it. It’s like checking a piggy bank: we found a few coins before, but there might be more hidden inside if we look closer.

There’s also the question of who owns the moon. Even though Apollo astronauts planted U.S. flags up there, no country officially controls it. If someone wants to start a big, long-term project like mining helium-3—which could make a lot of money—it’s likely to spark a huge global argument about who gets to claim parts of the moon. It’s like a giant playground with no clear rules, and everyone might start fighting over who gets to play where.

Mining on the moon could mess up its surface, just like mining on Earth can harm landscapes here. Digging for helium-3 might leave scars or change the moon’s look forever. But according to New Scientist, at least one person connected to Interlune doesn’t seem too worried about it. It’s like saying, “Sure, we might make a mess, but we don’t think it’s a big deal.”

“Since there’s no life on the moon, why bother protecting its environment?” said Clive Neal, a scientist advising Interlune without pay, in early March.

Still, Clive Neal admitted there are other things to think about before Interlune starts mining the moon. The moon means a lot to people all over the world—culturally and spiritually—so messing it up with mining before humans even have a permanent base there could upset many folks. It’s like scribbling on a beautiful painting that everyone loves, and some might say it’s not worth it if we’re not even living there yet.

“Different cultures have their own views about the moon, and changing its surface affects them too, so they should be included in the discussion,” Clive Neal said. It’s like making a big decision about a place everyone cares about—you need to listen to what others think before digging in.

No matter what challenges come up, big moon mining projects are still years away. That gives Interlune, world leaders, governments, and people who care about the environment plenty of time to start talking about how to do it right. It’s like planning a huge family trip—there’s time to figure out what everyone wants before heading out.

(The author, Girish Linganna, is an award-winning Science Writer and a Defence, Aerospace & Political Analyst based in Bengaluru. He is also Director of ADD Engineering Components, India, Pvt. Ltd, a subsidiary of ADD Engineering GmbH, Germany. You can reach him, at: girishlinganna@gmail.com)

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