OpenAI Sora is a groundbreaking AI model that can create realistic and imaginative videos from text instructions. Sora boasts a profound comprehension of language, enabling it to accurately interpret prompts and create compelling characters that reflect vibrant emotions. However, Sora is not publicly available yet, and its access is restricted to researchers and professionals who are exploring responsible and beneficial uses of the model. If you are looking for some alternatives to Sora that are freely available or affordable, here are some options you can try:
Synthesia
Synthesia is a video creation tool that allows you to create personalized videos with real human actors. You can choose from a library of pre-recorded videos or upload your own video and script. Synthesia will then use AI to sync the actor’s lip movements and facial expressions to your script. You can also change the video’s language, voice, and background.
Kaiber
Kaiber is a video generation engine that enables you to create videos from your own images, videos, or text descriptions and serves as one of the apt alternatives to OpenAI’s Sora. You can write your description and choose your style, and Kaiber will even suggest some templates for you. You can then select the one you like, and Kaiber will create a video based on your selections and prompts. Users can create up to 4-minute videos in top-tier subscription models. There’s no free subscription model available.
Runway ML
Also a partner with popular photo editor Canva, Runway has been used by various creative professionals, including filmmakers, designers, VFX and CGI professionals, artists, coders, musicians, students, and educators. The Gen-2 model of Runway can create a multimodal AI system that can generate novel videos with text, images or video clips. You can create videos either by applying the composition and style of an image or text prompt to the structure of a source video (Video to Video) or using nothing but words (Text to Video). It offers a free tier with 125 credits and creates videos with words up to 16 seconds in length and 720p resolution. This can go up to 4KResolution with the paid tiers.
Veed.io
Veed.io is a web-based video editor that allows you to create videos from text, images, audio, or video files. You can use Veed.io to add subtitles, captions, stickers, filters, transitions, and more to your videos. You can also use Veed.io to generate videos from text using AI voices and animations. Veed.io is easy to use and has a free plan that lets you create up to 10 minutes of video per month.
Pika
Pika Labs is a web-based AI platform that generates images and videos using customizable models. You can use text prompts to generate videos or upload your own images and add effects. Pika Labs also allows you to train your own models with personal images and share them with others. Pika Labs lets you create 3-second clips (up to 15 seconds in paid plans) that are more like GIFs but can be quite creative and fun.
Samsung and Apple are known for their fierce rivalry in the smartphone market, but they may soon face off in a new arena: smart rings. Both tech giants are reportedly working on wearable devices that can be worn on the finger and offer various features such as health tracking, wireless payments, and device control. While Samsung’s Ring is close to release and officially announced, rumours are floating about the Apple Ring.
Samsung has already teased its Galaxy Ring at its Galaxy S24 series launch event in January 2024 and is expected to unveil it at its Unpacked event in July 2024. The Galaxy Ring is said to be an AI-powered wellness device that can measure ECG, blood flow, and other vital signs. It is also rumoured to support wireless payments and smart home control functions. The Galaxy Ring will be available in eight sizes and three different finishes.
On the other hand, Apple has been more secretive about its smart ring project, allegedly called the Apple Ring or maybe the iRing. As per the latest report from ETNews, Apple is speeding up the development of the Apple Ring by filing patents related to smart rings.
According to the patents, the Apple Ring could have a touch-enabled display, accelerometers, gyroscope, heart-rate monitor, and other sensors. It could also use short-range wireless communication to control smartphones, tablets, and other devices. In November 2023, a patent was submitted to the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for the electronic system used in the smart ring. “It seems likely that commercialisation is imminent,” a quote from an industry insider said in the translated ETNews report.
In contrast, Samsung’s patents filed for the Galaxy Ring also suggest some of its features. The Galaxy Ring will also work with other Samsung devices, such as the Galaxy S24 smartphones and the Galaxy XR glasses. Samsung has filed a patent that shows how the Galaxy Ring can be used to control the XR glasses with finger gestures, allowing for more precise and intuitive interaction in virtual and augmented reality applications.
Why Samsung May Dominate The Smart Ring Market?
While both Samsung and Apple have a loyal fan base and a strong reputation in the wearable market, Samsung may have an EDGE over Apple in the smart ring segment. Samsung has already shown a glimpse of its Galaxy Ring, while Apple has not confirmed or denied its existence. This also gives Samsung the first mover advantage it also had in the foldables segment, where it will get more consumer feedback based on which it can perfect its products by the time Apple releases its Smart Ring.
Samsung also has a history of launching innovative products like the Galaxy Fold before Apple. Samsung may be able to capture the early adopters and set the standard for the smart ring category.
However, Apple should not be underestimated, as it has proven its ability to create products that appeal to the mass market and offer a seamless user experience, such as the recent launch of the Apple Vision Pro. Apple may also have some unique features or design elements that differentiate its smart ring from Samsung’s. Apple may also leverage its ecosystem of devices and services to create a more integrated and personalised experience for its smart ring users.
Samsung and Apple are likely to be the main contenders in the smart ring market, but they may also face competition from other players such as Oura, Motiv, and Amazon. The success of the smart ring products will depend on factors such as price, battery life, functionality, compatibility, and user preference.
Samsung introduced Galaxy AI to the world last month on the Galaxy S24 series, which comprises a whole set of features powered by artificial intelligence, and one of those lies within the Samsung Keyboard, which can help you write texts with no errors and enhanced quality. Here’s a guide on how you can use the Galaxy AI Samsung Keyboard features in the Galaxy S24 series and other devices running on One UI 6.1, which support this feature.
What is Galaxy AI and the new Samsung Keyboard features?
Samsung’s Galaxy AI is basically a comprehensive mobile AI experience, which will leverage both on-device AI developed at Samsung and cloud-based AI enabled by the brand’s open collaborations with industry leaders such as Google, Microsoft, etc. “It will transform your everyday mobile experience with the peace of mind you count on from Galaxy security and privacy”, claims Samsung.
As for the keyboard features, these include quick translations in select apps and changing the tone and style of the text at the press of a button. While Chat translation is available only in select apps such as WhatsApp, Messages, and Instagram, the ability to check for grammatical mistakes and change the style and tone of the text can be used anywhere across the phone where text input is available.
Do note that you need to have a Samsung Keyboard set as your default keyboard to use these features.
Use Galaxy AI Features in Samsung Keyboard
Step 1
If you want to use the chat translation feature in, say, WhatsApp, open the App and go to a chat.
Step 2
Now, tap on the text input field to bring up the Samsung keyboard.
Step 3
Now, you’ll see a stars icon in the toolbar of the keyboard for Galaxy AI. Tap on it and then click on Chat Translation.
Now, select the language you want to translate in. Once again, tap on the text input field in WhatsApp.
Step 5
Now, you’ll see a box where it is mentioned: “Enter text to translate”. Here, you have to enter the text you want to translate, and it will automatically appear in the translated form in the text input field above.
Step 6
If you want to change the style or tone of the text, write the text you want to and then select it by tapping and holding on to it. Then, drag the text selection till the last word for which you want to change the style. Tap on the Stars again and click on Writing Style.
Step 7
Now, you’ll see all the counterparts of various styles of the original text, and you can tap on insert from here to change the original text. You can follow the same steps for grammatical and spelling mistakes, too.
Google Photos is the ultimate gallery App for Android devices. It has a large set of features and plays well between Android phones with enhanced interoperability. For instance, you can share photos, videos, and albums and highlight videos with any of your contacts, even if they don’t use the Google Photos app.
You can share directly with anyone with a Google Account if they’re in your contacts or by searching their email address or phone number. For everyone else, you can create a link to share. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to share photos from Google Photos, followed by a guide on how to create a shared album.
Step 1
Open the Google Photos app on your mobile device and sign in to your Google Account.
Step 2
Select a photo, album, or video by tapping and holding on to it.
Step 3
Tap the ‘Share’ icon. Now, if the other person also uses Google Photos and has a Google account, select the people to share the photo or video with under the “Send in Google Photos” section.
Step 4
To share, tap Send. This will create an ongoing conversation thread where you and the people you have shared with can add additional photos, videos, comments, and likes over time. On the other hand, if they aren’t available on Google Photos, tap on ‘Create Link’. Once the link is created, you can share it in various apps, and once the other person opens the link, they’ll be able to view the photos it contains.
While the above guide showed you how to share single or multiple photos from Google Photos, the guide below details the steps for creating a shared album. With shared albums, you can create albums for various occasions, such as someone’s birthday album or a wedding album, and other people can add photos to that album. The steps are as follows:
How to Create a Shared Album on Google Photos?
Step 1
Open Google Photos, sign in to your Google account and at the bottom, tap Photos.
Step 2
Select photos or videos for the album and then tap Add to.
Step 3
Tap Shared album.
Step 4
Now, enter an album title and tap on Share.
Step 5
Select who to share your album with within Google Photos or similar to guide above, you can create a link for this album and share it with people on other apps. When you share a link to your album, anyone with the link can view the photos and add to the album.
For the second half of February 2024, Xbox has refreshed it’s lineup of games that it’ll be making available to the Xbox Game Pass users. Games like Indivisible, Madden NFL 24, Space Engineers and more will be coming to the service alongside perks, DLC updates and more.
Already available on Xbox Game Pass since February 20, 2024 are Return to Grace (Cloud, Console, and PC) and Tales of Arise (Cloud, Console, and PC). The former one’s about a daring space archaeologist who has just unearthed the ancient resting place of a long lost A.I. god known as Grace. He has to go through various fractured A.I. personalities as he uncovers the mystery of why she was shut down all those years ago.
The second one is Bluey: The Videogame (Cloud, Console, and PC), coming on February 22 where you play a brand-new story set across 4 interactive adventures. For the first time ever, players get to explore iconic locations such as the Heeler House, Playgrounds, Creek and a bonus beach location.
Other titles coming to Xbox Game Pass in February 2024 include:
Maneater (Cloud, Console, and PC) – February 27
Madden NFL 24 (Cloud) EA Play – February 27
Indivisible (Cloud, Console, and PC) – February 28
Space Engineers (Cloud, Console, and PC) – February 29
Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun (Cloud, Console, and PC) – March 5
Aside from that, Xbox also reiterated that Diablo IV is coming to Xbox Game Pass on March 28 as Activision’s first title to arrive on the service post the latter’s buyout. Then, the Dune expansion pack in Microsoft Flight Simulator is available now along with a Calm Premium – 3-month trial offer, Apex Legends: Breakout Supercharge Pack, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla: Drakkar Edition Pack, Puzzle Quest 3: Green Knight’s Gear Bundle and PUBG: Battlegrounds – Exclusive Survivor Pack. On February 29, Madden NFL 22 (Console and PC) EA Play and Soul Hackers 2 (Cloud, Console, and PC) will leave the Game Pass service.
Paytm is one of the most popular digital wallets in India, offering a range of services such as UPI payments, bill payments, recharges, online shopping, and more. However, Paytm is not the only option for users who want to enjoy the convenience and security of a digital wallet. Moreover, with Paytm shutting down its Payments Bank on March 15, it will become a hassle for customers who use Paytm’s bank to transfer money to the Paytm wallet. If you have to leave out the convenience of seamless transactions between the Paytm wallet and Paytm Payments Bank, then there are other options you should consider, which may also not be as seamless but have better offers and discounts. This article will explore the top 5 alternatives to the Paytm wallet in 2024 based on their features, benefits, and popularity.
What is a Digital Wallet?
A digital wallet is a mobile application that enables you to keep your funds, carry out transactions, and monitor payment records all on your phone or tablet. You can store all of your financial information in a digital wallet, and some of these apps can even store your identification cards and driver’s licenses. In January 2023, digital payment transactions in India amounted to a staggering Rs 12.98 lakh crore.
In other words, Wallets are services that are made by and linked to financial services, such as Paytm, to store and keep money, similar to what a person would do with a physical wallet. You can link your bank accounts to these digital wallets, which can then be used to make online and offline payments at merchants. Moreover, wallets can also prevent your bank statements from becoming crowded with petty transactions.
Coming to the alternatives of Paytm Wallet, these include:
Amazon Pay
Amazon Pay is Amazon’s own digital wallet that is integrated with its e-commerce platform. This service by Amazon lets users make payments for online orders, utilities, recharges, and more using their Amazon account balance or linked cards. The service also offers exclusive deals, cashback, and discounts for Amazon customers. Amazon Pay is a convenient option for users who shop frequently on Amazon and want to enjoy the benefits of its loyalty program’s benefits.
PhonePe is currently the market leader among the UPI apps in India, with a 46 percent share as of December 2023. It is a versatile and secure App that offers UPI payments, wallet payments, and bill payments across various providers. PhonePe also allows users to invest directly in stocks, mutual funds, and digital gold within the app. PhonePe also offers a wallet feature similar to that of Paytm, which users can use to make payments.
Google Pay
Thanks to its UPI Lite functionality, Google Pay is again one of the best alternatives to the Paytm wallet. While you may not be able to store as much amount as other wallets as UPI Lite restricts you with a limit of Rs 2,000, it’s still a convenient option to pay at outlets as UPI Lite transactions don’t require a PIN.
UPI constitutes a majority portion of the online transactions in India, and UPI Lite is offered as an on-device wallet with no charges for money transfers and account closing. Further, you can make payments of up to Rs 500 without using a UPI PIN on the Google Pay app.
If you are a Samsung smartphone user, you get access to Samsung wallet. It is your one-stop app for essentials — keys, credit cards and boarding passes. All in one spot, all accessible with one swipe. While it may not allow you to store money, it does allow you to store all types of debit and credit cards, link your UPI and also link your DigiLocker account from where you can access your personal IDs such as Adhaar card, driver’s license and more. It also offers Tap-to-Pay functionality for credit and debit cards. This is a perfect alternative to Paytm wallet, except for the money storage functionality.
Samsung Wallet has 3 ways to use it. Swipe the screen up or tap the icon to open the app. You can also easily open the Samsung Wallet by double-tapping the side key. It also supports Samsung Pass, which can save all your passwords. Simply verify yourself with your biometric data, and you’re logged in to your apps and services.
JioMoney
JioMoney is a digital wallet that lets you use your smartphone to make smart, simple and secure digital payments on the go. You can shop, pay, send money and more with JioMoney in MyJio and other apps and platforms. JioMoney also offers cashback, coupons, and vouchers for various online and offline stores.
Bonus: Bank-specific Wallets
While the above-mentioned wallets are general ones that support all banks, some wallets are offered by the banks themselves. If you are more comfortable using wallets offered by your specific bank, these include:
HDFC PayZapp
HDFC Bank’s PayZapp is an online payment app that doubles as a digital wallet and a virtual card. You can use PayZapp to pay for online and offline services like paying bills, sending money, shopping online, etc., without using your bank account or cards. Both, HDFC Bank and non-HDFC Bank customers can access the PayZapp app. The PayZapp transaction limits are Rs 10,000 per month for non-KYC Accounts and Rs 2,00,00 monthly for KYC-compliant customers.
Pockets by ICICI
It’s a VISA-powered e-wallet by ICICI Bank that customers of any bank can use to recharge their mobile, send money, shop anywhere, pay bills and much more. Pockets wallet also comes with a physical shopping card, which can be used to shop on any website or retail store. With Pockets bank e-wallet, you can transfer money to bank accounts and mobile numbers. It also offers unique deals from various brands as a part of its promotional program.
Airtel Money Wallet
The Airtel Payments Bank is one of India’s first digital banks approved by RBI. It also offers a Wallet service, which is one of the perfect alternatives to Paytm wallet as it essentially offers the same service. Airtel Money, Airtel’s digital wallet – allows customers to recharge, pay bills, shop online and do much more.
Minimum KYC wallets can be opened with details such as customer name, date of birth, pin code, mobile number and any type of POI. With this wallet, customers can easily engage in credit/debit transactions. It comes with a limit of Rs 9,000 and is quite handy for fast-track payments such as recharges, utility bills and more. It is accessible to non-Airtel network users as well.
March 2024 picks up where February left off, with a wave of new smartphones ready to hit the market. While some launches, like the Nothing Phone (2a), are confirmed, others are still swirling in rumours awaiting official announcements. To help you plan your next upgrade, here’s a curated list of smartphones expected to launch in March 2024.
Nothing Phone (2a) (India, Global Launch)
Nothing Phone (2a) will be coming to sit in between the Phone (1) and the Phone (2). The device is rumoured to sport an OLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, a feature commonly found in mid-range phones in India. With a screen size of around 6.7 inches under the hood, the Phone 2a might be equipped with a MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Ultra SoC, paired with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. Operating on the latest Android 14 OS, the Phone is expected to feature a dual-camera system, with both lenses boasting a 50-megapixel resolution.
Launch Date (Confirmed)
Nothing India has already confirmed the launch date of the Phone 2a, which is now set for March 5 at 5PM IST.
Expected Price
Nothing has yet been revealed regarding the official pricing details for its Phone (2a). However, it is expected to be more affordable than its predecessor, the Phone (2). The original Nothing Phone (2) was launched in India with a starting price of Rs 44,999. The Phone (2a) is expected to be priced under Rs 40,000, ideally even below Rs 35,000, considering the current lower price of the Phone (2) at Rs 36,999.
Xiaomi 14 (India Launch)
The Xiaomi 14 gets a 6.3-inch C8 display with a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, a 1.5K resolution, 12-bit colours, 460 ppi and supports Dolby Vision HDR format. Furthermore, thanks to LTPO technology, it achieves a variable Refresh Rate ranging from 1 to 120Hz.
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Processor powers it, paired with up to 16GB of LPDDR5x RAM and up to 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage. The Xiaomi 14 equips a triple rear camera system, including a Leica Summilux 50MP Hunter 900 main sensor with OIS, a 50MP ultra-wide lens, and a 50MP OIS-enabled telephoto unit. There’s a 32MP selfie snapper on the front.
The Xiaomi 14 is equipped with Dolby Atmos dual stereo speakers and a 4-mic array capturing sound in 360 degrees while recording a video. As for the battery, the device has a 4,610mAh battery with 90W wired charging and 50W wireless charging support.
The handset further has a customised high-vibration X-axis linear motor, USB-C 3.2 port, NFC, Bluetooth v5.4, 5G, Wi-Fi 7, an IR blaster, and Xiaomi’s latest HyperOS 1.0 based on Android 14. Finally, it is also IP68 rated.
Launch Date (Confirmed)
The Xiaomi 14 is confirmed to launch in India on March 7, while its global launch will take place on February 25 at the MWC 2024.
Expected Price
The Xiaomi 13 Pro debuted in India with a price tag of Rs 79,999, and considering that price, the Xiaomi 14 could also be positioned in a similar price bracket. However, it will have to compete with the aggressively priced iQOO 12 which performed like an all-rounder in our review.
Regarding the China pricing, the Xiaomi 14 starts at CNY 3,999 (approx Rs 45,500) for the base 8GB + 256GB variant. The 12GB + 256GB and 16GB + 512GB are priced at CNY 4,299 (approx Rs 48,900) and CNY 4,599 (approx Rs 52,300) respectively. The top-end 16GB + 1TB carries a price tag of CNY 4,999 (approx Rs 56,800).
Realme 12 5G series (India Launch)
Realme launched the Realme 12 Pro 5G series earlier in January this year, and it’s time for the Realme 12 5G series now, according to leaks. The series will consist of the Realme 12 5G and the Realme 12+ 5G. Some of the key specs of the Plus model include a Dimensity 7050 Chipset under the hood, a flat frame, a Sony LYT-600 OIS portrait camera, 12GB RAM and 256GB of storage. Specifications for the vanilla model are yet to be uncovered.
Launch Date (Expected)
The Realme 12 5G series will launch in India on March 6 at 12 PM as per leaks. However, there’s no official confirmation regarding the same yet.
Expected Price
There’s no word on the pricing of the Realme 12 5G series either. However, it should be priced below Rs 25,000, considering the Pro models begin at Rs 26,000 in the country.
Vivo V30 series (India Launch)
We already know what the Vivo V30 would sport as it launched in international markets. Its features include a 6.78-inch AMOLED Display with a 1.5K 2800×1260 Pixels resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, punch-hole cutout, 20:9 aspect ratio, 2800 nits peak brightness, 89.9% screen-to-body ratio, and 100% DCI-P3 colour gamut. The Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chip powers the V30.
The Vivo handset gets up to 12GB RAM and 512GB storage. It is equipped with a 5000mAh battery that supports 80W charging. For security, the device features an under-display fingerprint scanner. The device runs on Android 14-based FunTouch OS 14.
The smartphone has a 50-megapixel selfie camera with dual soft-LED flash units. The rear camera setup consists of an OIS-assisted 50-megapixel f/1.8 primary camera and a 50-megapixel f/2.2 ultra-wide lens. The device offers dual SIM, 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, GPS, NFC, and a USB-C port. There are also stereo speakers on the device, and it is IP54-rated as well.
The V30 Pro will also get a 6.78-inch 1.5K Resolution display with a 120Hz refresh, which we assume will be the same panel as the V30. Cameras should get a 50MP IMX920 primary sensor with OIS, a 50MP Samsung JN1 ultra-wide angle sensor, and a 12MP IMX663 telephoto sensor with 2x Optical Zoom at the rear.
The front will have another 50MP selfie sensor. The V30 Pro could be backed by a 5000mAh battery with 80W fast charging, and the handset could be IP54 rated as well. It should run on FunTouchOS 14 based on Android 14.
Launch Date (Confirmed)
The Vivo V30 series smartphones will launch in India on March 7, 2024 as officially confirmed by the brand.
Expected Price
While there have been no official confirmation or any leaks regarding the price range of the V30 series smartphones so far, we feel Vivo could price them above Rs 30,000, considering the brand’s past trend. This is purely an assumption based on Vivo’s previous launches.
Samsung Galaxy A35 (India Launch)
Tipster Evan Blass shared the design for the Galaxy A35 on X where one can notice that it sports a design similar to its predecessor, except for the newer frame with the key island and the front notch being a punch-hole instead of the U-shaped one in Galaxy A34.
As for the specs, it should get a 6.6-inch 120Hz FHD+ resolution display along with the Exynos 1380 processor under the hood. Its features may include a 5,000mAh battery and 25W fast charging, stereo speakers, IP67 rating, 8GB RAM, 128GB/256GB storage, and a microSD card slot. It could have a 50MP primary sensor at the back with an 8MP ultra-wide angle sensor and a 2MP macro sensor.
Launch Date (Expected)
Samsung is set to make an announcement on March 11, 2024 regarding new Galaxy A-series devices which may include the Galaxy A35.
Expected Price
The price for the Galaxy A35 may be set at around Rs 30,000. As usual, an official confirmation is awaited.
Samsung Galaxy A55 (India Launch)
The Samsung Galaxy A55 could also have a design similar to that of the Galaxy A35. Under the hood, most of its specs could also match, except for the more powerful Exynos 1480 chipset and a 12MP ultra-wid angle sensor. Aside from that, the device could be made available in trendy colours, similar to its predecessor.
Launch Date (Expected)
Alongside the A35, the Galaxy A55 could also launch on March 11, 2024.
Expected Price
The price for the Galaxy A35 may be set at around Rs 40,000 as per predictions based on past pricing trends of the brand.
Poco X6 Neo (India Launch)
The Poco X6 Neo model surfaced on the BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) certification platform, bearing model number “2312FRAFDI”. This appears similar to the model number of Redmi Note 13R Pro, a smartphone already launched in China.
Considering that the Poco X6 Neo will be a Redmi Note 13R Pro rebranded, you can expect identical specifications in both devices. As the latter has already launched in China, it gives us an idea of what we can expect from the Poco X6 Neo.
The Redmi Note 13R Pro features a 6.67-inch full-HD+ AMOLED Display with 1080×2400 pixels resolution. Further, there is a 120Hz refresh rate, a peak brightness of 1,000 nits, instantaneous touch sampling rate of up to 2160Hz, 1920Hz PWM dimming, and a hole-punch at the front.
The phone packs a MediaTek Dimensity 6080 SoC under the hood. It is coupled with up to 12GB LPDDR4X RAM and 256GB UFS 2.2 internal storage. In addition, the device comes with a dual rear camera setup. This includes a 108-megapixel primary sensor, along with a 2-megapixel depth shooter. For the front, there is a 16-megapixel selfie camera.
The device runs on Android 13 with the MIUI 14 skin on top. A 5,000mAh battery with support for 33W fast charging backs it. The connectivity options include 5G, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth v5.3, GPS/ A-GPS, infrared (IR) blaster, USB Type-C, and a 3.5mm Headphone jack. Further, there is also a side-mounted fingerprint sensor. The device has stereo speakers.
Launch Date (Expected)
A 91Mobiles report, citing tipster Yogesh Brar, claimed that the Poco X6 Neo will launch in India by March 2024 and will likely be the company’s last X-series model to launch in the first half of 2024.
Expected Price
The device may carry a price tag below Rs 20,000 according to the specifications of the smartphone we currently have.
OnePlus Nord CE 5/Lite (India Launch)
Two OnePlus smartphones could also be coming to India in March 2024. Leaks say that OnePlus Nord CE 5 will be equipped with the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset while the brand may ship the Nord CE 5 Lite with the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 processor. Aside from this, there’s not much information available about the upcoming OnePlus Nord devices.
Launch Date (Expected)
There’s no concrete launch date available for both of the smartphones as of now, except that they’ll be breaking cover in March 2024 in India.
Expected Price
Considering the Nord devices constitute the mid-range and budget segment of the brand, it is expected that OnePlus could price the Nord CE 5 below Rs 30,000 while the CE 5 Lite may have a price tag below Rs 25,000 or maybe even Rs 20,000.
iQOO Z9 5G (India Launch)
As per leaks, iQOO Z9 5G will have an AMOLED Display with an FHD+ resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a 300Hz touch sampling rate. The size of the display is rumoured to be above 6 inches.
Under the hood, the Z9 5G will get the Dimensity 7200 chipset, as also spotted on Geekbench recently. The exact battery size of the device is not known yet. However, what’s known is that it will sport 44W fast charging. For optics, users will get an OIS-assisted Sony IMX882 50-megapixel primary camera and an auxiliary lens whose details are yet to be revealed.
Launch Date (Confirmed)
The device will debut in India on March 12.
Expected Price
The Z9 5G is expected to be priced at around Rs 25,000 or maybe even less, considering the leaked specifications as well as the past trends of the brand with regards to aggressive pricing.
Meta and the Misinformation Combat Alliance (MCA) announced plans on Monday to introduce a dedicated fact-checking helpline on WhatsApp. The initiative aims to counter the spread of deepfakes and AI-generated misinformation.
The helpline will launch next month as a chatbot, enabling the public to identify media created using artificial intelligence. Users will have the opportunity to connect with credible and verified information sources. Supported languages include English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu.
The collaboration, supported by the MCA and its network of independent fact-checkers and research organizations, allows users to flag deepfakes by sending them to a dedicated WhatsApp chatbot. Messages will then be forwarded to fact-checkers and digital labs for verification.
Meta and MCA outlined a four-pillar approach focusing on detection, prevention, reporting, and awareness to combat the escalating spread of deepfakes. This initiative aims to equip citizens with reliable information to counter misinformation effectively.
While Meta concentrates on developing the chatbot, MCA is establishing a central ‘deepfake analysis unit’ to manage incoming messages. Meta has partnered with 11 independent fact-checking organizations to identify and debunk misinformation on its platform.
Shivnath Thukral, Director of Public Policy India at Meta, emphasized the need for industry-wide cooperation to combat AI-generated misinformation. He stated that the WhatsApp helpline aligns with Meta’s commitment to combat the deceptive use of AI.
Bharat Gupta, President of the Misinformation Combat Alliance, highlighted the significance of the Deepfakes Analysis Unit (DAU) in curbing AI-enabled disinformation. He emphasized collaboration among various stakeholders, including fact-checkers and research labs, supported by Meta.
Amid concerns over the weaponization of technology for creating doctored content, the government has urged social media platforms to address the issue of ‘deepfake’ content strictly. Non-compliance with regulations could lead to legal consequences.
Introducing a dedicated fact-checking helpline on WhatsApp signifies a collaborative effort by Meta and the Misinformation Combat Alliance to combat the proliferation of deepfakes and AI-generated misinformation. With industry partnerships and support from independent fact-checkers, the initiative aims to empower users with reliable information and contribute to a healthier information ecosystem.
iQOO will be launching the Neo 9 Pro in India on February 22 and now, a new smartphone under the Z-series has been leaked that will soon likely be coming to the country as well. Here’s every new detail that has been leaked about the iQOO Z9 5G, giving us our first look at the Indian variant of the handset.
iQOO Z9 5G: Design
Update 21/02/2024: The brand has official teased the handset via an Amazon microsite which confirms that the leaked design was indeed correct.
Z9 5G sports a design similar to some of iQOO’s former smartphones with two cameras at the top left, housed inside a square module with a strip of LED flash. It can be seen in the mint colour with a brushed pattern in the live shots shared by tech YouTuber and social media influencer CallMeShazzam. The right spine of the handset features buttons such as the volume rocker and the power button.
iQOO Z9 5G: Specifications
According to the leak, the iQOO Z9 5G will have an AMOLED Display with an FHD+ resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a 300Hz touch sampling rate. The size of the display is rumoured to be above 6 inches.
Under the hood, the Z9 5G will get the Dimensity 7200 chipset, as also spotted on Geekbench recently and confirmed by the Amazon microsite we talked about above. The exact battery size of the device is not known yet. However, what’s known is that it will sport 44W fast charging. For optics, users will get an OIS-assisted Sony IMX882 50-megapixel primary camera and an auxiliary lens whose details are yet to be revealed.
iQOO Z9 5G: Leaked Price Range, Launch Timeline
The Z9 5G is expected to be priced at around Rs 25,000 or maybe even less, considering the leaked specifications as well as the past trends of the brand with regards to aggressive pricing. Further, the device could debut sometime in March. However, an exact date hasn’t been revealed yet.
Paytm Fastag, which is an electronic toll collection system, will no longer be available for users in India. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued guidelines that require Paytm Payments Bank (PPBL) to stop issuing Fastags. The deadline for this process has been extended from February 29 to March 15, 2024. This means that users of Paytm Fastag will have to switch to a different bank or provider before the deadline. However, finding a suitable alternative can be a daunting task, as there are many factors to consider such as convenience, acceptance, fees, and benefits. To help you out, we have compiled a list of the top 5 alternatives of Paytm Fastag in 2024.
What is Fastag?
Before we talk about alternatives to Paytm Fastag, let us first understand what is Fastag? It is a device that employs Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to enable automatic toll collection at toll plazas in India. It is a prepaid rechargeable tag affixed to the windshield of a vehicle, allowing for cashless payments of toll fees as the vehicle passes through toll booths.
Here’s how Fastag works:
Prepaid Account: Users need to link their Fastag to a prepaid account, which can be topped up through various channels such as online banking, mobile wallets, or designated toll plazas.
RFID Technology: The Fastag is equipped with an RFID chip that communicates with the toll plaza’s infrastructure as the vehicle approaches the toll booth.
Automatic Deduction: When a vehicle with a Fastag passes through a toll plaza, the RFID reader at the plaza detects the Fastag and deducts the applicable toll amount from the linked prepaid account.
Real-Time Notifications: Users receive instant notifications via SMS or email for toll transactions, providing transparency and account balance updates.
Convenience and Efficiency: Fastag offers convenience by eliminating the need for cash transactions at toll plazas, reducing waiting times, and streamlining the toll collection process for both commuters and toll operators.
Do you need to deactivate Paytm Fastag?
Well, this is one of the most important things you should do before considering the alternatives of Paytm Fastag. Fastag was introduced by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to promote digital payments, reduce traffic congestion at toll plazas, and enhance overall efficiency in toll collection across the country. It has become mandatory for all vehicles in India to have a Fastag for seamless passage through toll booths on national highways.
The ‘One Vehicle, One FASTag’ regulation necessitates deactivating your Paytm FASTag account. This rule stipulates that each vehicle can only have one FASTag associated with it. Consequently, users are required to close their Paytm Payments Bank Limited (PPBL) accounts to obtain a refund and subsequently acquire a new FASTag from a different bank.
To deactivate your Paytm FASTag account, follow these steps:
Open the Paytm App and navigate to the Profile section.
Select ‘Help & Support’ from the menu options.
Choose ‘Banking Services & Payments’ and then click on FASTag.
Select “Chat with us” to initiate a request for deactivation.
Alternatively, you can deactivate your Paytm FASTag account via the FASTag Paytm Portal. Log in to your account, provide your FASTag number and registered mobile number, and complete the verification process. Then, under “Help & Support,” choose “I Want to Close My FASTag Profile” to proceed with deactivation.
Next, let’s talk about the best alternatives of Paytm Fastag
Canara Bank Fastag
Canara Bank Fastag is an electronic toll collection system offered by one of India’s largest public sector banks. You can apply for a Canara Bank Fast Tag online or offline by visiting the Canara Bank website or any of its branches or point-of-sale locations. You can also buy a Canara Bank Fastag from Amazon or Flipkart and link it to your Canara Bank account.
Canara Bank Fastag comes with a one-time fee of Rs 100 and a refundable security deposit of Rs 200. The minimum recharge amount is Rs 100, and the maximum is Rs.1,00,000. You can recharge your Fast Tag using the Canara Bank website, mobile app, net banking, credit card, debit card, UPI, or NEFT/RTGS.
HDFC Bank Fastag
HDFC Bank is one of the leading banks in India that offers Fastag services. You can apply for a Fastag online or offline by visiting the HDFC Bank website or any of its branches or point of sale locations. You can also buy a Fastag from Amazon or Flipkart and link it to your HDFC Bank account.
Once you issue the HDFC Bank FASTag, use it like any other prepaid card. The amount loaded in the wallet is linked to your FASTag number. Users need to display the tag number on the vehicle’s windshield screen. Using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, every time the car crosses a toll booth, the system captures the tag number and deducts appropriate toll charges from your FASTag wallet.
HDFC Bank Fastag comes with a one-time fee of Rs 100 and a refundable security deposit of Rs 100. The minimum recharge amount is Rs 100, and the maximum is Rs 1,00,000. You can recharge your Fast Tag using the HDFC Bank website, mobile app, net banking, credit card, debit card, UPI, or NEFT/RTGS.
SBI Bank Fastag
SBI Fastag is another popular option for users in India, as the largest public sector bank in the country issues it. You can apply for a SBI Fast Tag online or offline.
SBI Fastag comes with a one-time fee of Rs 100 and a refundable security deposit of Rs 200. The minimum recharge amount is Rs 100, and the maximum is Rs 1,00,000. You can recharge your Fastag using the SBI website and other online payment modes.
Airtel Payments Bank Fastag is a convenient and affordable option for users who have an Airtel Payments Bank account or wallet. You need to have active Airtel Payments Bank Savings Account or Wallet to apply for Fastag. Moreover, Airtel Thanks Gold and Platinum customers can get a cashback of Rs 150 on the purchase of the Airtel Payments Bank Fastag.
Airtel Payments Bank Fastag comes with a one-time fee of Rs 100 and a refundable security deposit of Rs 200. The minimum recharge amount is Rs 150, and the maximum is Rs 1,00,000. You can load money into your linked Airtel Payments Bank account/wallet using internet banking/ credit card/ debit card, UPI from Airtel Thanks app or from internet banking. Post successful loading into your account, Minimum balance will be blocked for fastag.
IDFC First Bank Fastag
IDFC First Bank Fastag is an electronic toll collection system that lets you pay for tolls, fuel, and parking automatically. It is a simple, reloadable tag that is linked to your IDFC First Bank account or credit card. You can apply for it online or offline, and recharge it using various payment methods. As usual, it has a one-time joining fee of Rs 100 with a minimum balance of Rs 200 and Rs 0 security deposit.
