New Delhi: Tech billionaire Elon Musk has significantly increased the prices of the Premium+ subscription service for his social media platform, X (formerly Twitter). The hike applies to both new and existing users in India and across global markets, effective December 21, 2024. Existing subscribers will be charged the revised rates starting with their next billing cycle. X Premium+ Plan Price Update In India Indian users of X Premium+ will now pay Rs 1,750 per month, up from Rs 1,300. The annual subscription cost has risen from Rs 13,600 to Rs 18,300, marking an increase of nearly 35 per cent. Meanwhile, the basic tier subscription remains unchanged at Rs 243 per month, while the Premium tier continues at Rs 650 per month. In the US, the monthly X Premium+ subscription price has increased from $16 to $22, with the annual cost jumping from $168 to $229. According to the company, Premium+ now offers an entirely ad-free experience for an uninterrupted browsing journey. Why Did Elon Musk Raise X Premium+ Subscription Prices? The Elon Musk-led platform cited three primary reasons for the price hike: -The ad-free browsing experience. -Support for content creators. -Introduction of new features. Adding further, X emphasized a shift in its revenue model, now rewarding content quality and engagement over ad views. Musk has made several changes to reduce reliance on advertisers, including scrapping the old verification system and introducing the blue badge exclusively for paying subscribers. This strategic pricing change aligns with Musk’s broader efforts to transform X into a user-focused platform while supporting creators and delivering enhanced user experiences.

MediaTek Dimensity 8400 For Premium Smartphones: Taiwanese fabless chipmaker MediaTek has announced the Dimensity 8400  for premium smartphones as the successor to last year’s Dimensity 8300 SoC in the Indian market. It is a premium smartphone chip offering the most powerful Gen-AI performance in its class. The chipset is built on the legacy of the flagship Dimensity 9400. Notably, the first smartphones powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8400 will be available in the market by the end of 2024.  The MediaTek Dimensity 8400 brings an All Big Core design to the premium smartphone market for the first time. The All Big Core CPU is paired with a powerful NPU to accelerate Gen-AI tasks, along with MediaTek’s new Dimensity Agentic AI Engine (DAE) that turns traditional AI applications into sophisticated agentic AI applications.   The Dimensity 8400 SoC has an eight-core Arm Cortex-A725 processor operating at up to 3.25GHz, promising 41% higher multi-core performance compared to Dimensity 8300. It promises 44% reduction in peak power use compared to its predecessor.  MediaTek Dimensity 8400 For Gamers Adding further, he Dimensity 8400 supports immersive gaming experiences with its Arm Mali-G720 GPU that offers 24 per cent higher peak performance and 42 per cent greater power efficiency than the Dimensity 8300. The Mali-G720 GPU works in tandem with MediaTek Frame Rate Converter (MFRC), which delivers smoother gameplay, and MediaTek Adaptive Gaming Technology (MAGT) 3.0, which optimizes game and app performance in real-time. MediaTek Dimensity 8400 Gen AI Features With MediaTek’s NPU 880, the Dimensity 8400 supports mainstream LLM/SLM/LMMs across the globe so users can enjoy the latest Gen-AI applications such as translation, rewriting, contextual replies, AI recording, and media generation.  It also integrates MediaTek’s DAE, which the company recently introduced in the flagship Dimensity 9400 SoC, enabling developers to create innovative agentic AI applications that anticipate user needs and adapt to their preferences. The built-in MediaTek Imagiq 1080 ISP leverages QPD remosaic technology to capture more light, focus faster and more accurately, and produce high-resolution images. The chip also supports HDR recording throughout the entire zoom range so users can take incredible videos. MediaTek Dimensity 8400 Specifications: The chipset features a powerful 5G-A modem that supports up to 3CC-CA (Carrier Aggregation) and delivers impressive data performance of up to 5.17Gbps, ensuring seamless connectivity and fast download speeds.  It also integrates advanced Network Observation System (NOS) technology, which enables precise 5G and Wi-Fi switching, significantly enhancing power efficiency and optimizing network connectivity for a smooth user experience.  The chipset further supports WQHD+ resolution with a refresh rate of up to 144Hz, providing ultra-smooth visuals for high-end gaming and multimedia. Additionally, it offers dual screen support, enabling an enhanced multitasking experience on compatible devices. 

Zeb-Axon 200 Speaker India Launch: Consumer electronic brand Zebronics has launched the Zeb-Axon 200 Bluetooth speaker in the Indian market. It features a portable powerhouse speaker designed to deliver unmatched sound performance and versatility. The newly-launched speaker comes with a pioneer tech chipset that allows users to seamlessly connect over 100 Z-Sync enabled speakers just at a push of a button. The speaker is powered by an advanced chipset which ensures synchronised and booming sound engulfs any space and creates a vibing experience. It is a portable gadget that comes with a sturdy handle to carry the music on-the-go.  Zeb-Axon 200 Bluetooth Speaker (Specifications) With a pulsating 180W RMS output that is delivered through 5-high performance drivers & dual passive radiators, the Zeb-Axon 200 is a powerhouse that delivers crystal clear sound and bombastic bass & along with the magic of RGB lights, partying anywhere is not a problem anymore. The Zeb-Axon 200 outshines in all formats be it indoor settings or outdoor adventures. It comes equipped with BT v5.3 for seamless connection and when needed can switch to AUX or USB for added versatility to enjoy uninterrupted music anywhere. The IPX6 rating ensures water resistance combined with its robust design with a fabric finish, making the Zeb-Axon 200 ideal for pool-side parties, beach outings etc.  The speaker includes easy-to-use buttons for power, volume, and modes of connection, all located on the top for quick access. The battery lasts up to 10 hours on default settings (50% volume with LED off) and charges quickly via a Type-C cable. Zeb-Axon 200 Bluetooth Speaker Modes The speaker also includes three EQ modes: Balance Mode for everyday listening, Sound Monster Mode for enhanced bass, and Vocal Enhance Mode for clearer vocals during calls, podcasts, or audiobooks.  Zeb-Axon 200 Bluetooth Speaker Price In India And Availability The Zebronics Zeb-Axon 200 speaker is now available at an introductory price of Rs. 9,999 on the e-commerce platform Amazon.in.

OnePlus Watch 3 India Launch: The Chinese electronics brand is gearing up to unveil the OnePlus Watch 3 smartwatch on January 7, 2024, alongside the OnePlus 13 and OnePlus 13R smartphones reportedly. While the company has yet to reveal detailed specifications, the smartwatch is expected to deliver significant upgrades over the current OnePlus Watch 2. A report by GSM Arena highlights that the OnePlus Watch 3 will feature a rotating crown, a hallmark of premium smartwatches known for its tactile and user-friendly interface. This addition is anticipated to improve navigation, offering users a more intuitive and responsive experience. The smartwatch may be offered in two colour options.  OnePlus Watch 3 Specifications (Expected) In addition to the rotating crown, the OnePlus Watch 3 is expected to feature a heart rate sensor and ECG functionality, although the latter will only be available in select regions. Internally, the OnePlus Watch 3 is expected to run on the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 SoC, delivering strong performance and energy efficiency. It will likely include 2GB of RAM and 32GB of storage, facilitating smooth app operation, notifications, and fitness tracking. The device is expected to run on Watch OS 5 and RTOS, ensuring a seamless and functional user experience. The smartwatch reportedly houses a battery capacity exceeding 500 mAh, promising substantial longevity for everyday use. Certain versions are anticipated to support LTE connectivity, enabling users to make calls, send messages, and stream music without needing a paired smartphone. Interestingly, a OnePlus Watch 3 model that received TENAA certification in June featured a 500 mAh battery and LTE support, though its design differed from the leaked render. Another variant, labelled OPWWE251 and recently certified by the FCC, is rumoured to include a larger 648 mAh battery, suggesting the possibility of multiple configurations. Health tracking remains a key focus for modern smartwatches, and the OnePlus Watch 3 is expected to deliver in this area. Alongside its heart rate sensor, the ECG functionality will allow users to monitor their heart health closely. However, regulatory requirements may limit the ECG feature to specific regions. The OnePlus Watch 3 represents a significant step forward in the company’s smartwatch lineup. With features such as advanced health tracking, LTE connectivity, and a rotating crown, it aims to compete with premium devices from brands like Apple and Samsung. While the OnePlus Watch 2 catered to budget-conscious buyers, the Watch 3 appears to target the high-end market, boasting upgraded specifications and features. 

Lava Blaze Duo 5G Price In India: Lava has rolled out the Lava Blaze Duo 5G smartphone in the Indian market. Now, the newly launched smartphone goes on sale in the country. It is available in Arctic White and Celestial Blue colour options. Notably, the Lava Blaze Duo 5G is the first in the segment to arrive with a secondary display on the back beside the camera module.  Lava Blaze Duo 5G Price In India The handset is priced at Rs 18,999 for the base model 6GB+128GB and the 8GB+128GB variant is available at Rs 20,499. Consumers can purchase the newly launched smartphone via Amazon. Lava Blaze Duo 5G Bank Offers After discounts and offers, consumers can buy the smartphone at Rs 16,999 for the 6GB+128GB variant and Rs 17,999 for the 8GB+128GB storage model. HDFC Bank debit and credit cardholders can also avail themselves of an instant discount of Rs. 2,000 between December 20 and December 22.  Lava Blaze Duo 5G Specifications: The handset sports a 6.67-inch Full-HD+ 3D curved AMOLED display with a resolution of 1,080×2,400 pixels, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a pixel density of 394ppi. It also boasts a 1.58-inch AMOLED screen on the rear panel with a resolution of 228×460 pixels and a pixel density of 336ppi.    The Lava Blaze Duo 5G is powered by a 6nm octa-core MediaTek Dimensity 7025 processor, the device is paired with up to 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM. It is equipped with a 5,000mAh battery supporting 33W fast charging.   For photography, the Lava Blaze Duo 5G offers a 64-megapixel primary rear camera and a 2-megapixel secondary sensor for depth capture, along with a 16-megapixel front-facing selfie camera.  The smartphone includes an in-display fingerprint scanner for secure authentication and carries an IP64 rating for dust and splash resistance. 

YouTube Clickbait Videos: YouTube is gearing up to implement stricter measures targeting misleading content created by Indian users. In the coming months, the video platform is likely to remove videos that feature misleading titles and thumbnails to attract viewers in the country.  As we all know that, the clickbait titles and thumbnails have long been a frustration for YouTube viewers. This move is a part of YouTube’s effort to ensure viewers have a trustworthy experience when they visit the platform, particularly for news and current events. Looking ahead, the company is expected to use AI tools to combat videos with misleading titles and thumbnails.    In a blog post, YouTube stated that. “This can leave viewers feeling tricked, frustrated, or even misled—particularly in moments when they come to YouTube in search for important or timely information”.  “A video title saying “the president resigned!” where the video doesn’t address the president’s resignation,” the company added in its post citing an example. This example would fall under the category of “egregious clickbait.”   What is ‘Egregious Clickbait’? Google defines egregious clickbait content as videos with titles or thumbnails that make promises or claims not fulfilled in the video itself, particularly when it comes to content related to breaking news or current events. The company noted that this gradual rollout is designed to provide creators with time to adjust to the new guidelines. Earlier, a popular video platform YouTube focused on removing videos that violate the new policy without issuing strikes against creators’ channels.  What YouTube Is Doing To Tackle ‘Egregious Clickbait’ Content? YouTube has announced plans to penalize content creators in India for sharing misleading content. However, the platform will provide creators with a grace period to adapt to the new guidelines. During this transition, content violating YouTube’s updated policy will be removed without triggering a strike. YouTube Strike Policy  YouTube enforces its first strike when a video violating its policies is published within a week. This strike restricts content creators from uploading or livestreaming videos, scheduling posts, and managing playlists. If a second strike occurs within 90 days of the first, creators face a two-week suspension from posting videos. A third strike within the same 90-day window can result in the permanent removal of the channel. 

New Delhi: ChatGPT maker OpenAI has announced that the AI chatbot is now available on WhatsApp. Users can actually talk to ChatGPT via phone call or message ChatGPT via WhatsApp at 1-800-ChatGPT without needing an account “1-800-ChatGPT is an experimental new launch to enable wider access to ChatGPT.  You can now talk to ChatGPT via phone call or message ChatGPT via WhatsApp at 1-800-ChatGPT without needing an account,” said OpenAI. ChatGPT On WhatsApp: What is the subscription fee? ChatGPT, however, will never be the one to initiate a call or start a chat with you on WhatsApp. You can start a conversation by calling 1-800-CHATGPT (1-800-242-8478) with a US or Canada number or messaging 1-800-242-8478 on WhatsApp from supported countries. Standard carrier fees may apply. You can also start a conversation in WhatsApp by clicking this link or scanning QR code. ChatGPT On WhatsApp: What is the usage limits You can talk to 1-800-ChatGPT for 15 minutes per month for free, with a daily limit on WhatsApp messages. OpenAI said it may adjust usage limits based on capacity if needed. OpenAI will provide a notice as you approach the limit and inform you when the limit has been reached.  “You can continue chatting with ChatGPT by downloading the ChatGPT app at chatgpt.com/download or going to chatgpt.com,” OpenAI said. ChatGPT On WhatsApp: What capabilities are not supported by 1-800-ChatGPT? WhatsApp messaging currently supports text conversations only. Features that require logging into a ChatGPT account, such as ChatGPT search, chatting with images, and personalization features like custom instructions and memory, are not currently available, said OpenAI.  Furthermore, you can not add ChatGPT to group chats. ChatGPT On WhatsApp:  How To Access? To access ChatGPT search, upload images or files, or use personalization features, sign up or log into a ChatGPT account on our iOS or Android app or at chatgpt.com.  

World’s Richest Man: Tesla CEO Elon Musk has scripted history and become the world’s richest man with a net worth of $500 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. This historic milestone underscores Musk’s influence across various sectors, including electric vehicles, space exploration, artificial intelligence, and social media. Earlier, Elon Musk’s net worth had reached $400 billion on Dec 11 reportedly, making him the first to surpass that milestone.  Elon Musk serves as the CEO of Tesla, the world’s leading electric vehicle and solar battery manufacturer. He also leads SpaceX, a rocket company partnered with NASA for space station resupply missions and owns X, the social media platform previously known as Twitter. Beyond these, Musk oversees ventures such as Neuralink, xAI, and The Boring Company.  Adding further, Elon Musk, who has expressed plans to retire on Mars, became a member of Warren Buffett’s Giving Pledge in April 2012.  World’s Richest Man: Tesla Tesla, a global pioneer in electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy, serves as Elon Musk’s primary source of wealth. With a 13% ownership stake, Tesla represents Musk’s largest financial asset reportedly. In July 2020, Tesla emerged as the world’s most valuable carmaker, propelling Musk to become the richest person globally by January 2021. Later that year, in October, Musk announced Tesla’s headquarters relocation from Palo Alto, California, to Austin, Texas. World’s Richest Man: SpaceX Elon Musk’s private aerospace company, SpaceX, is a vital contributor to his wealth and visionary pursuits. He holds a 42 per cent stake in the company through a trust, maintaining dominant control over its operations reportedly. By December 2024, SpaceX reached a valuation of $350 billion, establishing itself as a cornerstone of Musk’s financial portfolio. World’s Richest Man: X (formerly Twitter) In 2022, Musk acquired Twitter for $44 billion and rebranded it as X in April 2023. He retains a 79 per cent ownership stake in X Corp. However, as of Fidelity’s October 2024 filing, its valuation has dropped by 72 per cent, as per reports.