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New Telegram Update Brings Star Messages, Chromecast Support on Android, and More

News

10 March 2025

New Telegram Update Brings Star Messages, Chromecast Support on Android, and More

A new Telegram update is now being rolled out to all users, bringing Star Messages and Chromecast support. This update also introduces an info page for new chats to prevent scams, the option to gift Premium with Stars, and Verification Platform 2.0, helping startups save on user verification, and more.

Star Messages in Telegram

If you receive a high volume of messages, you can now set a fee for incoming messages from users outside your contacts. This ensures that only those who truly value your time can reach you — giving you full control over your inbox while allowing you to earn Stars for your attention.

With this feature, you can:

Filter out unwanted messages and avoid inbox overload.
Ensure that every message you receive is meaningful — strangers can only contact you if they’re willing to send Stars.
Monetize your popularity while safeguarding your privacy and peace of mind.
Stay open to new conversations while protecting your account from spam and message floods.

This setting can also be applied to group chats and channel discussions to keep interactions focused and free from spam, helping group owners monetize their community and earn Stars from meaningful conversations.

Furthermore, Star Messages come with customizable settings you can allow certain users or members of specific groups to message you for free. And if you ever need to make an exception after a message is sent, you can instantly refund the Stars with a single tap.

Contact Confirmation to Prevent Scams

The new Telegram update also brings Contact Conformation, where when someone outside your contacts messages you for the first time on Telegram, you’ll see a detailed info page that helps you spot scams, avoid impersonators, and verify who you’re talking to — before you even reply.

This page gives you essential insights about the sender, including:

Their country (based on their phone number).
Any shared groups you have in common.
When they joined Telegram — so you can spot fresh accounts.
When they last updated their username or profile picture — a handy way to detect sudden identity changes.
Clear indicators showing whether the user is an official account, has third-party verification, or is just a regular user.

Chromecast Support on Android and More

With the new Telegram update, Android users can now cast videos straight to their Chromecast devices. To try the new feature, open a video, tap the Settings icon, and select Chromecast.

Then, you can now use your Telegram Stars to share Premium perks with others. Use your balance to gift Premium to friends — all without spending extra money. Users and groups that earn Telegram Stars through Star Messages can withdraw these Stars via Fragment, converting Stars into valuable rewards. These rewards can be instantly used to purchase Telegram Ads, collectibles on the TON blockchain and more.

Next, group owners who receive Stars from Star Messages can now view and manage their group’s Star balance directly from the group’s profile, making it easier to track and utilize earned Stars.

The new Telegram update also brings Platform Verification 2.0. Telegram’s Verification Platform was already 9x cheaper than other services, and now it’s 20% more cost-effective. The update lets developers set a max delivery time — if a code isn’t delivered within the window, it’s automatically refunded. It’s completely free to test — letting startups cut unnecessary costs.

Vivo Y300i 5G Launched with a 6500mAh Battery

News

Abhishek Malhotra

10 March 2025

Vivo Y300i 5G Launched with a 6500mAh Battery

Vivo Y300i 5G has been announced in China with a 6.68-inch HD+ LCD screen and 120Hz refresh rate. Further, the device is backed up by a huge 6500mAh battery under the hood and runs on Android 15-based OriginOS 15 out of the box. Here are all the details of the device you’d like to know about.

Vivo Y300i 5G: Price

The vivo Y300i is priced at CNY 1499 (approx Rs 18,001) for the 8GB + 256GB model, CNY 1599 (approx Rs 19,200) for the 12GB + 256GB model and CNY 1,799 for the 12GB+512GB model (approx Rs 21,600).

Vivo Y300i 5G: Specifications

The Vivo Y300i 5G sports a 6.68-inch LCD Display with an HD+ Resolution of 1608 x 720 pixels ans 120Hz refresh rate and 1000 nits of brightness. The Y300i 5G is powered by the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 Processor paired with up to 12GB of LPDDR4x RAM and up to 512GB of UFS 2.2 storage.

The device has a single rear camera setup, including a 50MP f/1.8 primary sensor with PDAF. On the front, it gets a 50MP f/2.2 selfie sensor. The handset is backed by a 6500mAh battery with 44W fast wired charging support.

Connectivity options on the device includes Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth v5.2, GPS, and a USB-C port. It further runs on FunTouch OS 15 based on Android 15, packs stereo speakers, and also has water resistance. There’s also a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for biometric authentication.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: My 30-Day Experience

News

Sandeep Budki

8 March 2025

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: My 30-Day Experience

I’ve been using the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra as my daily driver for the past month after switching from the S24 Ultra, which I used on and off last year. At first, I didn’t think there were any significant changes, but after spending real time with it, I have a clearer picture and slightly more personalized view than the review of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra that I did a few weeks back. Let me walk you through my experience.

Design and Display

Right off the bat, the display is what keeps me hooked to Samsung S Series. It’s still a massive 6.9-inch AMOLED panel, but it feels even better this time. Samsung’s anti-glare finish might not sound like much, but in daily use, it really makes a difference—it’s easier on the eyes and reduces reflections. Whether indoors or under direct sunlight, the screen remains highly visible without aggressive glare.

Even though the phone is big, it feels more manageable. The bezels are slimmer, giving you more screen without making the phone any bigger. The flat edges and rounded corners took some getting used to, but now they feel natural. The S Pen slot is more seamless, and the phone is lighter than the S24 Ultra. But be warned—the titanium back is still slippery without a case. And yes, the signature quad-camera bump still makes the phone wobble when placed on a flat surface. If you’re someone who prefers a grippy phone, a case is a must.

Durability and Build: Any Scratches?

Samsung is using Gorilla Glass Armor 2, and I have to say, it’s holding up well. My phone has spent a month in all sorts of places when it is not in use—my jeans pocket with keys and coins, travel bag, cluttered desk, and Kitchen slab car dashboard —and so far, no scratches. That’s impressive because, on previous devices, micro-scratches would show up within a few weeks. If you don’t like using screen protectors, this glass upgrade might be beneficial.

Performance and Battery Life

Let’s talk about speed—this phone flies. The new Processor keeps things snappy, whether you’re scrolling, switching apps, or gaming. It feels just as fast as the S24 Ultra, with no lag or stutters. Apps load instantly, animations feel fluid, and multitasking remains seamless, even when using split-screen mode.

Battery life? It’s… fine. There’s no real upgrade here. My typical day starts at 6 AM and ends around 11 PM, and by bedtime, I’m usually at 20% with over four hours of screen time. If you’re a power user, you’ll likely have to charge it by evening. Wireless charging speeds remain unchanged, and I still wish Samsung offered faster wired charging like some competitors.

AI Features: Useful or Just Hype?

Samsung has pushed AI hard with this phone, but does it make a difference? Well, it depends.

Features like ‘Now Brief’ try to learn your habits and show you relevant info, but honestly, I haven’t found much use for it. AI Select, which replaces Smart Select, is basically Google’s Circle to Search with a few extras, like letting you edit images with generative AI. It’s neat, but nothing game-changing.

One thing I did like is the Audio Eraser. It helps isolate voices in videos, which can be handy, but it’s not a must-have if you are not in videos. Personally, I found the feature quite useful, as I have not used an external mic in almost all the videos that I shot using S25 Ultra in indoor conditions. Samsung is clearly borrowing ideas from Google and Pixel devices, and while they work, they don’t feel like big selling points.

Samsung has also added cross-app AI capabilities, like letting you long-press the power button to activate Gemini, but honestly, it doesn’t feel like a huge leap. If you heavily rely on AI tools, you might enjoy the integration, but it’s not something that will drastically change your daily usage. Having said that, I think Samsung is trying to get consumers ready for a future where AI might play a big role.

Cameras: What’s Changed?

If you were expecting a massive camera upgrade, you might be disappointed. The 200MP primary camera is the same as last year, with the same 50MP and 10MP telephoto lenses (5x and 3x optical zoom). The only real upgrade? A 50MP ultrawide camera instead of last year’s 12MP. That means sharper ultrawide shots, which is nice if you take a lot of landscape photos.

Samsung claims better zoom algorithms, but I didn’t see much difference in real use. 100x Space Zoom is still there, but if you’re zooming that far, you better have a steady hand. Low-light performance is slightly better, with improved noise reduction, but again, it’s nothing groundbreaking. They have continued the good work they did with S24 Ultra’s camera. I feel maintaining high standards is much more difficult than launching something that has not been tried and tested for the long run.

One area where Samsung has improved is video recording. The Pro Video mode has some enhanced stabilization and AI-powered editing tools. If you create content regularly, you might appreciate these changes. However, for the average user, the experience remains similar to last year.

S Pen: Do I Use It?

I always have to remind myself to pull out the S Pen. It’s great for jotting down notes, but beyond that, I don’t use it much. The experience hasn’t changed in years, so if you loved it before, you’ll still love it. If you didn’t use it before, that won’t change now. Samsung has added a few AI-powered handwriting-to-text refinements, but again, it’s more of a minor improvement.

So, Should You Upgrade?

If you have an S24 Ultra or even an S23 Ultra, I wouldn’t advise to rush for an upgrade. The improvements are nice, but they’re not game-changing. If you’re trading in your old phone and getting a great deal, go for it—but don’t expect a major leap.

Now, if you’re coming from a three-year-old S series phone or switching from another Android flagship, you won’t regret clicking that buy button. You’re getting solid hardware, smooth software, and a camera that will help you capture memories in stunning detail.

Another thing to keep in mind is Samsung’s extended software support. The company promisesseven years of OS updates, so if longevity matters to you, this phone is a great investment.

So, after a month with the Galaxy S25 Ultra, that’s my take. Samsung continues to deliver a premium flagship experience, even if the changes are incremental for users who have been using S24 Ultra.

Whirlpool 3D Cool 2025 Air Conditioner Range Launched in India

News

Abhishek Malhotra

7 March 2025

Whirlpool 3D Cool 2025 Air Conditioner Range Launched in India

Whirlpool of India, a subsidiary of Whirlpool Corporation, has launched its new Whirlpool 3D Cool 2025 Air Conditioner range, powered by 6th Sense Technology, for an “enhanced cooling experience at the press of a single button.” This technology intuitively senses and adapts to consumers’ needs, as per the company.

Whirlpool 3D Cool 2025 Air Conditioner Range: Price, Availability

The Air Conditioner Range 2025 is available on Whirlpool’s website at a capacity available from 1 ton to 2 ton in 3 star and 5 star energy rating respectively, starting at Rs 31,490.

Whirlpool 3D Cool 2025 Air Conditioner Range: Features

The unique 6th Sense Technology in the latest Whirlpool Air Conditioners coupled with 3D Cool Technology provides a personalised cooling experience to deliver optimal comfort levels with maximum energy efficiency. Powered by smart Sensors & advanced algorithms it intuitively senses changes in the environment & weather conditions to dynamically adjust temperature, humidity, airflow, and direction of air.

The new range of ACs feature customised 3D air modes like Focused Air Mode for quick and intense cooling, Diffused Air Mode for a gentle breeze that cools the room without harshness on the skin, and Sweep Air Mode for uniform cooling across the room with a 4-way swing. The ACs also have inverter compressor technology.

It is designed with unique 3D air vents that facilitate rapid removal of hot air from the room, resulting in quick and powerful cooling even in extreme temperatures as high as 55°C*. With Xpand technology, one can instantly convert the cooling capacity of the AC according to their changing cooling requirements. Users can convert the capacity of the AC in 5 different steps starting from as low as 47% which saves maximum energy to as high as 110%.

Budget Phones Compared: Vivo T4x 5G and Realme P3x 5G

News

Abhishek Malhotra

7 March 2025

Budget Phones Compared: Vivo T4x 5G and Realme P3x 5G

Vivo T4x 5G and Realme P3x 5G are two budget devices from the Chinese brands that are identically priced and claim to offer the best value for your money. But which one of them does it the best? Here we’ll compare the two devices and help you make a decision for your next purchase.

Display

Realme P3x 5G sports a 6.72-inch FHD+ LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate, 950 nits brightness, and 240Hz touch sampling rate.

The Vivo T4x 5G sports a 6.72-inch FHD+ IPS LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate, 1050 nits peak brightness, 393 PPI, and TUV Rheinland Low Blue Light certification.

While the two panels look identical, we’ll give the win to the Vivo T4x 5G solely because it has a peak brightness value on paper. While 100 nits won’t make for a drastic difference, it’s still better than Realme’s device.

Performance and Software

The Realme P3x 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6400 processor paired with up to 8GB RAM and 128GB of UFS 2.2 storage which is expandable up to 2TB via a dedicated slot. It comes with Android 15-based Realme UI 6.0.

The Vivo T4x 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Processor. It comes with up to 8GB LPDDR4x RAM and up to 256GB UFS 3.1 internal storage. The device runs on Android 15-based FunTouch OS 15.

Clearly, the Vivo T4x 5G is once again the better pick due to the better chipset, a higher storage option on offer, and faster storage as well. Software would be a subjective choice but in our experience, Realme UI is smoother and more stable than FunTouch OS. Both devices will get 2 years of OS updates and 3 years of security patches.

Battery and Cameras

The Realme is backed up by a 6000mAh battery with 45W fast wired charging and reverse wired charging support. The Vivo T4x 5G is backed up by a 6,500mAh battery with 44W Fast charging support.

Both Vivo T4x 5G and Realme P3x 5G are backed up by a huge battery but the former packs a superior cell in terms of size. While it charges slower than Realme’s device, we believe it’s the better choice since a longer battery life is more valuable than faster charging.

For optics, Realme’s device gets dual cameras at the back, including a 50MP f/1.8 primary sensor and a 2MP f/2.4 portrait sensor. On the front, there is an 8MP selfie shooter that has an 80-degree field of view and an f/2.0 aperture. The Vivo T4x 5G also features a dual camera setup on the back, with a 50MP f/1.8 primary camera and a 2MP f/2.4 bokeh sensor. There is an 8MP f/2.05 shooter on the front for selfies.

The Vivo T4x 5G and Realme P3x 5G sport the same sensor setup and in that case, it would depend on software optimisation to choose the one which shoots better photos. Because we haven’t tested the devices side-by-side, we can’t comment on which one of them offers a superior camera experience over the other.

Verdict

The Realme P3x 5G is priced at Rs 13,999 for the 6GB + 128GB model and the 8GB + 128GB model carries a price tag of Rs 14,999.

The Vivo T4x 5G is priced at Rs 13,999 for the 6GB + 128GB variant, Rs 14,999 for the 8GB + 128GB variant, and Rs 16,999 for the 8GB + 256GB variant.

The Vivo T4x 5G offers a much better value for the same price as Realme P3x 5G in most areas including display, battery, storage, RAM, and chipset. Realme’s device can only be considered if you have a preference for their Realme UI but if you don’t, Vivo T4x 5G will serve you well.

Flipkart Guaranteed Exchange Value Program Announced for Nothing Phone (3a) Series Buyers

News

The Mobile Indian Network

7 March 2025

Flipkart Guaranteed Exchange Value Program Announced for Nothing Phone (3a) Series Buyers

Nothing announced the sale of the Nothing Phone (3a) Series on Flipkart earlier this week, where the devices will begin selling from March 11, 2025. Ahead of the sale, Flipkart has announced that customers can avail the benefits of the Flipkart Guaranteed Exchange Value (GEV) program on day one of the sale by upgrading from eligible Android (2020+) and iOS (2018+) devices.

GEV ensures customers receive the best possible trade-in value for their existing smartphones while offering full exchange value without deductions based on device condition, said Flipkart. At the time of purchase, customers can log in to Flipkart to order their Nothing Phone (3a) series. Then follow the steps below:

Enter your delivery address or Pincode
Select ‘Buy with Exchange’ and confirm your device (from the list of models with “No questions asked”)
The assured exchange value is auto applied and you can place your order
Now you’ve successfully placed your order.

Flipkart notes that the offer is valid only on 11 March, Day 1 of the sale. At the time of doorstep delivery, there will be no additional evaluation or deductions. The diagnostics App will verify your device’s brand and model to ensure a smooth exchange. The exchange activity is facilitated at the customer’s doorstep by Flipkart’s delivery person who will run the diagnostics app.

As for the eligible models under the Flipkart Guaranteed Exchange Value program, the offer applies to OnePlus, Samsung, Apple, and Nothing smartphone device exchanges. Android models launched in or after 2021 and Apple models launched in or after 2019 will be accepted.

The Phone (3a) starts at Rs 24,999 and the Phone (3a) Pro starts at Rs 29,999. Users can avail of a bank discount worth Rs 2,000 with select bank cards on all variants of both devices.

Realme P3 Ultra 5G India Launch Teased: What to Expect?

News

Abhishek Malhotra

7 March 2025

Realme P3 Ultra 5G India Launch Teased: What to Expect?

Realme P3 Ultra 5G India launch has been teased by the Chinese smartphone player in the country. This would be the first Ultra branded device from the brand and would be the third model in the P3-series family, which consists of the existing Realme P3x 5G and the Realme P3 Pro 5G. Here’s everything to expect from the device.

Realme P3 Ultra 5G India launch teasers contain of a couple of posters where one of the, shows the right spine of the device which has an orange power button along with a volume rocker. One can also notice the camera bump and the two camera rings. Realme is associating the device with the slogan “Slay, the Ultra Way,” highlighting its focus on three major aspects which include camera, design, and performance.

According to rumours online, the device will be powered by the new MediaTek Dimensity 8350 chipset which would make it mid-ranger. The device would be competing with the likes of the Nothing Phone (3a) series, and could also go head-to-head with the upcoming iQOO Neo 10R 5G. A device bearing model number RMX5030, believed to be the P3 Ultra 5G, has already surfaced in a Geekbench listing revealing the mentioned chipset, 12GB of RAM, and Android 15.

The device doesn’t have a launch date for now but it is likely that it will arrive later this month. We expect the device to be priced somewhere around Rs 30,000 but an official confirmation from the brand is still awaited.

Realme’s latest launch in the P3 series is the P3x 5G. The Realme P3x 5G is priced at Rs 13,999 for the 6GB + 128GB model and the 8GB + 128GB model carries a price tag of Rs 14,999. Realme P3x 5G sports a 6.72-inch FHD+ LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate, 180Hz touch sampling rate, and 240Hz touch sampling rate. The device comes with an IP68 + IP69 rating for water and dust resistance. It is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6400 processor paired with up to 8GB RAM and 128GB of UFS 2.2 storage which is expandable up to 2TB via a dedicated slot.

Google Pixel 9a India Launch Date Tipped

News

Abhishek Malhotra

7 March 2025

Google Pixel 9a India Launch Date Tipped

The Google Pixel 9a India launch date has been tipped. The upcoming A-series Pixel device from Google has been leaked multiple times before and renders for the device have left little to imagine as to what it is set to offer. Here’s everything you’d want to know about the upcoming launch from Google in India.

As per tipster Yogesh Brar, the Google Pixel 9a India launch date has been set for March 20, which is a day after the device would be revealed by Google globally. The March 19 date for the Pixel 9a global launch has also been tipped once before. The new leak essentially confirms that the device is merely two weeks away from launch. Brar also mentions, “Another year of exorbitant pricing…,” which suggests that Pixel 9a could be overpriced in India compared to the specs it will offer.

Pixel 9a shades — Image Credits: Sudhanshu Ambhore

The Pixel 8a was launched in India for Rs 52,999 and that was our major complaint with the device when we reviewed it. While the device itself performed well, it was the pricing that put us off and made the Pixel 8a look weaker in front of the competition. We hope Google fixes this with the Pixel 9a but as of now, it seems Google may adopt the same poor pricing strategy as last year.

Pixel 9a renders have already been shared by multiple sources in the past, and as per those, the 9a will come in Peony, Iris, Obsidian and Porcelain colours. According to the leaked renders, the front bezel looks as thick as last year’s model, even though it is uniform on all sides. The camera bar is kind of gone and has been replaced with a smaller pill that’s embedded into the back panel of the device.

According to rumours, the Pixel 9a sports a 6.2-inch full-HD+ OLED display with a Resolution of 1080 x 2424 pixels, and a 120Hz Refresh Rate. Further, the display gets a 20:9 aspect ratio, up to 2700 nits peak brightness, Gorilla Glass 3 protection, and 430 ppi of pixel density.

The phone is powered by Google’s Tensor G4 SoC, along with 8GB of LPDDR5x RAM. You will get up to 128GB or 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage. It runs on Android 15 and will get 7 years of Android OS upgrades, security updates, and regular Feature Drops.

Pixel 9a comes with a dual rear camera setup, consisting of a 48MP f/1.7 Samsung GN8 sensor paired with a 13MP f/2.2 IMX712 ultra-wide angle sensor. On the front, there is a 13MP f/2.2 Sony IMX712 sensor as well. It should pack a 5100mAh battery with 23W fast wired charging and Qi-certified fast wireless charging at up to 7.5W speeds.

Truke Buds Aura and Buds Elite Launched in India: Know Details

News

The Mobile Indian Network

7 March 2025

Truke Buds Aura and Buds Elite Launched in India: Know Details

Truke Buds Aura and Buds Elite earbuds have been announced in India as the latest budget TWS earbuds from the brand. The two come backed by a 12-month warranty and sport low Latency for an immersive experience for gamers. Here’s everything to know about the two new audio products from Truke.

Truke Buds Aura: Price, Features

The Truke Buds Aura carry a launch price tag of Rs 899 and are available in black and blue.

The Buds Aura features 13mm titanium drivers for high-quality sound. With a total playtime of up to 70 hours, it’s ideal for extended listening sessions. Fast charging provides 10 hours of playback with just a 10-minute charge.

Gamers will appreciate the Ultra-Low 40ms Latency, ensuring seamless audio synchronization for an immersive, lag-free experience. The case of the buds pack a 400mAh battery and they support Bluetooth v5.4 and one-step pairing.

Truke Buds Elite: Price, Features

The Truke Buds Elite have a launch price tag of Rs 899 and are available in black and white.

The Buds Elite is equipped with 10mm drivers and a dedicated Gaming Mode, delivering Ultra-Low 40ms Latency for smooth, lag-free gameplay. It features a Dual Mic with PureVoice ENC technology, ensuring crystal-clear calls even in noisy environments.

With IPX5 water resistance, it withstands sweat and splashes, making it ideal for workouts and outdoor activities. It gets a 300mAh battery in the case, supports Bluetooth v5.4, as well as one-step pairing.

Same as the Buds Aura, the Buds Elite can offer up to 70 hours of playtime when paired with the charging case.

Acer Smartphones Launching in India on March 25

News

Abhishek Malhotra

6 March 2025

Acer Smartphones Launching in India on March 25

Acer smartphones India launch has been set for later this month on the 25th. While Acer hasn’t detailed the devices’ specifications or design, the devices are expected to be budget offerings. It was announced last year that Indkal Technologies, in a partnership with Acer Incorporated, will launch Acer-branded smartphones in India that will be locally designed, manufactured, and distributed.

The teaser for launch of Acer smartphones in India went live on Amazon, confirming that the devices will be sold through the e-commerce platform. The promotional image showcases an astronaut drifting in space against a dark backdrop, encircled by a glowing ring. “The Next Horizon” is boldly displayed alongside the Acer logo. The teaser also confirms the launch date, which is March 25.

At last year’s announcement, the company stated that Acer smartphones would be priced between Rs 15,000 and Rs 50,000, with the goal of launching premium-quality products for Indian consumers. These smartphones would feature strong specifications, advanced hardware, and the latest software technologies. While the details of the devices haven’t been disclosed through any teasers, Asus India listed two devices on its website earlier in January.

The Acerone Liquid S162E4 and Acerone Liquid S272E4 smartphones were listed on the official Acer India website under the Acerpure branding. These budget-friendly 4G phones were speculated to feature a MediaTek Helio P35 SoC, an HD+ display, and a 5000mAh battery. However, it remains unclear whether the company will launch these specific models.

Acer smartphones will have to face tough competition from established players in the market, such as the likes of iQOO, Nothing, Vivo, Samsung, and more. These brands have already captured a significant share in the market and it would be interesting to witness how Acer plans to make a place for itself in the crowded smartphone market in India.

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