New Delhi: The new rules governing online gaming are set to come into effect from October 1, Union Information and Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Thursday. “We have had multiple discussions with them (online gaming companies and stakeholders)… and after passing the law, once again, we engaged with them,” Vaishnaw said, adding that the government has also consulted banks and other stakeholders. He emphasised that the government’s approach remains “very consultative” and that another round of discussions with the industry will be held before implementation.  “We engaged with practically every stakeholder possible in this, and we have finalised the rules. The rules will be promulgated with effect from the first of October, and before that, we will have one more round of discussions with the industry. And in case we need more time, we will definitely consider a more consultative approach, which is our standard approach. Our government’s approach is very consultative on practically everything that we do,” the Union Minister added, speaking at the pre-event ceremony of AI Impact Summit 2026 organised by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. “In case we need some more time, we will definitely look at a more consultative approach. At present, the government is targeting October 1 for the rollout of the new legislation,” Minister Vaishnaw said.  Add Zee News as a Preferred Source On August 22, President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent to The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, which was passed by Parliament. The Bill was brought in to encourage e-sports and online social games while prohibiting harmful online money gaming services, advertisements, and financial transactions related to them. There will be no punishment for those playing online money games; it is only the service providers, advertisers, promoters, and those who financially support such games who will face the consequences, said sources earlier. Through this legislation, the government aims to promote e-sports and give them legal recognition. This bill will help provide legal support to e-sports. The Act imposes a nationwide prohibition on online games played for stakes. It criminalises offering or participating in such games, whether classified as games of skill or chance, with offences being cognisable and non-bailable. The Act seeks to prohibit “online money games” and the offering of bank services, advertisements, etc., related thereto.

New Delhi: Smartphone exports surpassed Rs 1 lakh crore in just the first five months of FY 2025-26 — a 55 per cent jump over the same period last year, and over 330 million mobile phones a year are being manufactured in India and on average, there are about a billion mobile phones in use, an official statement said on Thursday.  In Q2 2025, India overtook China to become the top smartphone exporter to the United States. “The overall picture is also bright — for instance, India’s mobile phone manufacturing sector has generated over 12 lakh jobs over the past decade, uplifting families and strengthening India’s socio-economic fabric,” according to the official statement. India’s smartphone market is evolving rapidly, with consumer preferences increasingly leaning toward 5G adoption and premium features. According to market research, 5G smartphone shipments surged to 82 per cent of total shipments last year, reflecting a remarkable 49 per cent YoY growth.  Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Mid-range devices priced between Rs 10,000–Rs 13,000 continue to see strong demand, expanding the base for high-performance yet affordable smartphones. At the same time, the premium segment (above Rs 25,000) witnessed robust growth, posting a 26 per cent YoY increase, as consumers embrace high-performance devices as lifestyle statements.  This dynamic demonstrates India’s market adaptability, with growth spanning across premium, mid-range, and value segments, catering to a diverse and increasingly tech-savvy consumer base. According to Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, India’s journey in electronics manufacturing has evolved through distinct phases: beginning with finished goods, progressing to sub-assemblies, and now entering the critical phase of deep component manufacturing.  The sector is steadily advancing into this third phase, which marks a significant leap in value addition, self-reliance, and ecosystem depth. Total production of electronics has increased from Rs 1.9 lakh crore in 2014-15 to Rs 11.3 lakh crore in 2024-25. Mobiles have been the crowning accomplishment of the electronics manufacturing sector boom. Production of mobile phones has soared from Rs 18,000 crore in 2014-15 to Rs 5.45 lakh crore in 2024-25, a 28-fold rise. India is the second-largest mobile phone manufacturer globally, with over 300 manufacturing facilities. Tamil Nadu has over 47 manufacturing units of electronics, supported under various schemes of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), as per the official statement.

New Delhi: Responding to the recent Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms in India, ViewSonic has welcomed the changes, stating that they will benefit both consumers and businesses by simplifying the tax structure. While the company doesn’t plan to reduce product-based prices, it will pass on GST-related benefits to end-users, particularly those who don’t claim tax input credits. “We welcome the clarity the reforms bring. For end-users, especially in education, the lower tax burden improves affordability,” said Eric Wei, General Manager of ViewSonic Asia Pacific, in an interview. Eric Wei said India is becoming central to the company’s regional growth strategy, given the country’s large population, rapid digitisation, and policy push for digital infrastructure. Education And Hybrid Work Add Zee News as a Preferred Source The shift towards blended learning and remote work following the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated India’s adoption of digital tools. Wei noted that hybrid models are now the norm, not just in classrooms but also in corporate settings. “Even small children are used to learning with mobile devices now. This change has reached every household,” he said. He added that digital conferencing and virtual collaboration tools are now essential for businesses, reducing the need for physical meetings and supporting flexible working arrangements. India A Key Market Amid rising geopolitical tensions and supply chain reconfigurations, Wei emphasised India’s growing importance in global operations. “After challenges in the US and China, India has emerged as a critical player,” he said. While ViewSonic has manufacturing units outside of China, the company is exploring ways to expand local assembly in India to reduce tariffs and improve access. “India is now the largest or second-largest population globally, with strong digital ambitions. We’re looking at long-term engagement here,” he added. “In the past, global supply chains were overly dependent on specific regions. Now, India is emerging as a key market and a potential manufacturing base,” Wei observed. ViewSonic is exploring local production and partnerships to reduce costs and improve delivery timelines, moves aligned with India’s “Make in India” initiative. Commitment To Sustainability And Energy Efficiency Responding to questions on environmental responsibility, Wei said ViewSonic has already aligned its products with international environmental standards well before local regulations came into force. “We’ve moved from older lamp-based display technologies to LED, which consume less power and are safer for the environment,” he explained. The company is also working towards improving waste management and product lifecycle management in line with its global green commitments. Supply Chain Resilience As geopolitical tensions reshape the tech industry, particularly in relation to China, ViewSonic says it has taken steps to diversify its supply chain and reduce exposure to singular markets. The company is now sourcing and manufacturing across different regions, with India considered a long-term base for both market presence and operational expansion. Looking Ahead India’s push for digitalisation, local manufacturing, and renewable energy is reshaping the consumer technology landscape. ViewSonic, while cautious in its approach, sees this as a long-term opportunity rather than a short-term push.

New Delhi/Seoul: Samsung has said it aims to bring the Galaxy AI experience to over 400 million devices worldwide by the end of this year. Samsung launched the world’s first AI phone – the Galaxy S24 series – in 2024, paving the way for AI innovation. From that point on, Samsung has expanded its mobile AI ecosystem by advancing multimodal intelligence and integrating AI across wearables, tablets, PCs and beyond. According to the company, Galaxy devices are seeing unprecedented demand, with more than 70 per cent of Galaxy S25 users actively using Galaxy AI and the recent launch of the Galaxy Z series bringing Galaxy AI to even more users with the inclusion of Samsung’s most enhanced features through One UI 8. Galaxy AI has been widely adopted by users over the last two years, with Samsung delivering powerful, creative and productive features to users around the globe through its One UI enhancements, and by the end of this year, Samsung aims to bring the Galaxy AI experience to over 400 million devices worldwide. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Some of the most used Galaxy AI features include Photo Assist and Audio Eraser, with the Photo Assist usage nearly doubling among Galaxy S25 users, compared to Galaxy S24. Photo Assist offers various AI features to help you edit photos in the Gallery app, while the Audio eraser feature lets you adjust or remove distracting background sounds from your videos. In partnership with Google, Samsung has also implemented beloved features such as Gemini Live and Circle to Search, with more than half of Galaxy S25 users using Circle to Search daily. Meanwhile, Samsung Group said on Thursday it plans to employ 60,000 new employees over the next five years to foster future growth engines and create opportunities for young people. It will especially focus on hiring new workers in the semiconductor, biotechnology and artificial intelligence sectors, reports Yonhap news agency. Nineteen affiliates, including Samsung Electronics Co., Samsung C&T Corp. and Samsung Biologics Co., are currently in the process of hiring workers, it added. Samsung Group has maintained a group-wide open recruitment programme for entry-level workers since 1957. The group added that it will continue to run separate internship programs to give young job seekers experience, while formally hiring verified candidates.

Google Gemini’s AI feature, Nano Banana, has sparked another viral photo trend. After the buzz around vintage saree aesthetics and Garba-inspired transformations, users are now turning to the tool to create striking Durga Puja-themed portraits. Social media is buzzing with AI-generated images of people reimagined in festive attire — think traditional sarees, bold jewellery, and goddess-like backdrops. It’s a creative, tech-powered celebration of culture. The process is quick and easy using the Gemini app. Here’s how you can join the trend: Add Zee News as a Preferred Source How to Create Your Own AI-Generated Durga Puja Look: Step 1: Download the Gemini app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store Step 2: Sign in with your Google account Step 3: Upload a photo of yourself Step 4: Type in a creative prompt (or choose one of the popular prompts below) Step 5: Tap send and let Gemini do the magic. Once ready, download and share your festive portrait! Popular Prompt Ideas: Prompt 1: Create a 4K HD realistic Durga Puja portrait. Woman wearing a red and white saree with traditional jewellery and festive makeup. Background should have diyas and a temple-style backdrop with soft golden lighting. Add subtle film grain for a cinematic effect. Prompt 2: Create a retro vintage grainy but bright image of the reference picture draped in a perfect off-white saree with a red border and small red prints. It must feel like a 90s movie with straight, wavy hair and a windy environment. Background should include a Durga Maa statue in a pandal with high-contrast lighting to give a mysterious, artistic vibe. Preserve the facial features exactly as in the uploaded photo. Prompt 3: Create a 4K HD portrait of a woman in traditional saree during Durga Puja. She is wearing intricate gold jewellery, a red bindi, and holding a decorated flower plate. Background should show a blurred Durga Maa statue lit with lights and diyas. Prompt 4: Generate a cinematic Durga Puja look. Woman in a red-and-gold saree, with styled hair and festive makeup. Background should include a Durga Puja pandal lit with warm glowing lights. Add soft film grain and light blur for a realistic effect. Prompt 5: Create a 4K HD portrait capturing the spirit of Durga Puja. Woman in a red and white saree with gold borders, wearing minimal yet elegant jewellery. Background filled with Durga Puja decorations, but with a retro-textured, plain finish and subtle film grain for a cinematic vibe. Whether you’re celebrating from afar or just want a festive AI transformation, this trend is the perfect way to add a dash of digital tradition to your feed.

Bengaluru: India has emerged as the leader in artificial intelligence (AI) adoption across the Asia Pacific region, with more than half of metro adults actively using generative AI this year, a new report said on Tuesday. The data compiled by Forrester highlights that 56 per cent of Indians living in cities are using generative AI tools in 2025, up from 44 per cent in 2024, making India the frontrunner in the region. The report shows that Indian consumers are not only quick to adopt AI but also have the highest levels of AI knowledge globally. Around 63 per cent of Indian adults say they understand AI well, compared to just 18 per cent in Australia and 26 per cent in Singapore. Only 5 per cent of Indians said they did not understand AI, the lowest percentage worldwide. Among different age groups, millennials stand out as the most knowledgeable, with nearly 69 per cent showing strong AI understanding. However, the research also reveals a trust paradox. While 45 per cent of Indians see AI as a serious threat to society, 66 per cent of those who are knowledgeable about AI also trust the information it provides. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source This reflects how greater awareness of AI brings both caution and confidence. For example, 64 per cent of Indian consumers trust AI-powered language translation services, much higher than in Australia (27 per cent) or Singapore (38 per cent). When it comes to managing AI risks, Indians place the most confidence in long-established companies and big tech firms, with 58 per cent trusting these players. Highly regulated institutions such as banks also enjoy significant trust. This trust level is much higher than in Australia and Singapore, where private companies typically inspire less confidence. “India’s AI landscape presents a remarkable combination of high adoption, sophisticated understanding, and pragmatic scepticism,” said Vasupradha Srinivasan, principal analyst at Forrester.“Indian consumers are discerning users who understand both AI’s potential and its risks. This creates an environment where transparency, security, and credibility become competitive strengths for enterprises,” Srinivasan added.

Google Gemini Takes Top Spot In Apple Store: The Gemini Nano Banana AI model has quickly gone viral, generating over 200 million images and 3D models online. From the vintage Nano Banana AI Saree trend to retro-inspired creations, users are transforming real-life photos into 3D figurines using simple text prompts. Also known as Gemini 2.5 Flash Image, the Nano Banana model has sparked a social media buzz with its ability to turn ordinary photos into artistic creations, vintage AI sarees, retro portraits, or highly detailed 3D figures. Google Gemini Gains Top Spot In Apple App Store The Google Gemini Nano Banana trend has grown so popular that the Gemini AI chatbot app has reached the number one spot on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store in India, overtaking OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Google Gemini’s Nano Banana: How Many Photos Can You Generate Per Day? Users can create or edit up to 100 images per day for free using their preferred prompts. With a Gemini AI Pro or Ultra subscription, this limit increases to 1,000 images. Since its launch last month, Google reports that over 500 million photos have been transformed using Nano Banana, and the Gemini app gained more than 23 million new users between August 26 and September 9. To bring these 3D figurines to life, users need a video generator. Most tools, like Google’s Veo 3 or OpenAI’s Sora, are locked behind paywalls. Fortunately, alternatives such as Grok and Kling AI still allow users to animate their images for free. (Also Read: Google Gemini Nano Banana AI Saree Trend: Are Your Photos At Risk? IPS Officer Raises Concern; How Can You Keep Your Photos Safe) How To Turn Nano Banana 3D Figurines Into Videos For Free Via Grok AI Step 1: Open Grok AI — launch the Grok app on your phone or open the Grok chatbot on X (formerly Twitter). Step 2: Go to the Imagine section and tap the gallery icon at the bottom. Step 3: Upload the photo you want to turn into a video. Step 4: Tap “Make Video” to start the animation process. Step 5: Wait a few seconds — Grok will generate the video and a short sound clip. Step 6: Save the video to your phone or ask Grok to redo it if you want changes.

Apple iOS 26 Features: Apple has rolled out its latest mobile software, iOS 26, featuring the revolutionary Liquid Glass design language that transforms the device with translucent, glass-like elements across the interface. The new update also introduces AI-powered features, including enhanced Siri integration with ChatGPT. Alongside this flagship release, the American tech giant has made iOS 18.7 available for users who are not yet ready or able to make the jump. Why Does Apple Release iOS 18.7 As An Alternative To iOS 26? For users not yet prepared to install the redesigned iOS 26, Apple provides iOS 18.7 as a stable alternative that delivers essential security patches without introducing new features or interface changes. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source However, the Cupertino-based tech giant hasn’t disclosed the exact security fixes included. By offering both updates simultaneously, Apple allows users to decide whether to adopt the latest features immediately or prioritize the stability of their current system. This dual-release strategy typically lasts for about two months, after which Apple encourages all users to transition to the latest major OS for continued support and security. Apple iOS 26: Compatible iPhone Models It supports the latest iPhone 17 series, including the iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air. The entire iPhone 16 lineup is also compatible, covering the 16e, 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max. Support continues for the iPhone 15 series—15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, and 15 Pro Max—as well as the iPhone 14 models, including the 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, and 14 Pro Max. Older generations are not left out either, with compatibility extending to the iPhone 13 series (13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max) and the iPhone 12 series (12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max). Even the iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max are supported, along with the iPhone SE starting from the 2nd generation and later. Apple iOS 26 Features The new iOS 26 update brings a fresh Liquid Glass design, dynamic lock screens, and updated app icons for a modern look. Communication is easier with features like Live Translation in Messages, FaceTime Live Captions, Phone Call Translation, and AirPods Live Translation. Messaging and calling get upgrades too, with Call Screening, Chat Backgrounds, Group Typing Indicators, and the ability to create Genmojis. Productivity is improved with smarter Shortcuts, while Apple Music AutoMix makes listening more fun. Maps now offers Preferred Routes, and the Wallet app has been enhanced to make payments smoother. How To Download And Install Apple iOS 26 or 18.7 Update Step 1: Open Settings, tap General, then go to Software Update. Step 2: If your iPhone is eligible, you’ll see options for iOS 26 and iOS 18.7. Step 3: Tap the version you want to install. Step 4: Tap Download and Install to start the download. Step 5: After the download finishes, choose Install Now, Schedule, or Remind Me Later — tap Install Now to update immediately.

Choosing a new smartphone can be overwhelming, especially when we are talking about Apple. The brand continues its tradition of unveiling a new line of smartphones every September, each with a different look and new features. This time, however, Apple has elevated the game, with even its base model featuring a top-notch, almost bezel-less, anti-reflective display and a base storage of 256 GB. So, how can you spot the right model that suits your lifestyle? Here’s a simple guide to help you find the model in the new iPhone 17 family that’s just for you. The first thing you need to keep in mind is not the specs or design but how the device fits into your daily life. Are you a photography enthusiast or do you make a lot of high-end videos? Are you looking for a lag-free gaming experience or do you focus solely on the design? Or is it all about a solid build and battery life? You need to think about your priorities and then make a decision to pick the right iPhone. Let’s Look at Performance and Camera as Your #1 Priority: Add Zee News as a Preferred Source For people who are looking for a solid phone that offers the pinnacle of performance along with a professional-grade camera, then opting for either the iPhone 17 Pro or iPhone 17 Pro Max makes a lot of sense. Let’s understand why these phones make sense. Both phones come with the most advanced camera system, where you now have three 48-megapixel rear cameras with an 8x optical quality zoom. And whosoever has used iPhones in the past knows that Apple never disappoints with consistent camera results. That’s not all; Apple has introduced the A19 Pro, its most powerful chip, which powers these devices. It is further supported by a vapor chamber cooling system to ensure you get top-tier performance even during the most demanding tasks. Do note that the key difference between the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max lies in their size. The Apple iPhone 17 Pro has a 6.3-inch display, while the bigger variant, the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max, comes with a larger 6.9-inch screen and superior battery life, making it the ideal choice for users who spend their day on their phones. Apple iPhone 17 Pro starts at INR 134,900 Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max starts at INR 149,900 Let’s Look at Design as Your #1 Priority: If your priorities lean more towards the design quotient than raw power or a great camera, then go for the Apple iPhone Air. It offers a totally new design element by Apple that is sleek and stunning at the same time. It’s the thinnest iPhone by Apple, featuring a 6.5-inch display and the same A19 Pro chip that you can find in the Pro models. The iPhone Air is just 5.6mm thick, and yet it’s quite durable, with a ceramic shield on both the front and back. This means that despite being really thin and lightweight, it’s more scratch-resistant. But you need to look for Pro models if the camera is your thing, as the iPhone Air comes with only one 48-megapixel rear camera and one selfie camera. Apple iPhone Air starts at INR 119,900 Let’s Look at All-Round, Everyday Tasks as Your #1 Priority:   Here, the Apple iPhone 17 is a solid choice, which comes with a 6.3-inch display and the new A19 chip. It comes with a dual 48-megapixel dual-fusion camera system, which should be more than enough to take good quality photos and videos on a consistent basis. Plus, you can charge the iPhone 17 from 0% to 50% in 20 minutes with a 40W power adapter. It looks exactly the same as the iPhone 16, but the display, camera features, and solid battery life make it an easy recommendation for someone who just needs a solid device for day-to-day tasks. Apple iPhone 17 starts at INR 82,900 Anything Else? All new models, regardless of your choice, come with new features like Center Stage and Dual Capture. Center Stage, in the front camera, adjusts to keep everyone in the frame during calls or selfies, and Dual Capture lets you capture the scene from the rear camera setup with your reactions at the same time. Plus, you now have a 120Hz refresh rate across all new models. As mentioned above, no matter which new iPhone you opt for, it should be purely based on what you really want out of it. It should not be based on social pressure or to show off to others. Plus, the new iPhones are genuinely good. Always remember your personal priorities like battery life, a great camera, or a well-rounded phone for daily tasks, as that would give you the confidence to choose the right iPhone that can genuinely empower you to create, connect, and explore in a way that’s uniquely you.  (Disclaimer: The author, Himank Tripathi, is an expert in the field of consumer tech, auto and lifestyle. All views expressed in this article are his own.)