Technology Sector

OnePlus is gearing up to introduce the OnePlus 15 in India this week, strengthening its position in the premium smartphone segment. Market anticipation is high as the device is expected to feature next-generation processing, enhanced camera capabilities, and refined design upgrades. Analysts expect a competitive pricing strategy tailored for India, where value-driven premium phones hold significant market traction. Comparisons with the China launch indicate potential variations in configurations and price positioning.

Apple is reportedly preparing to significantly expand satellite-enabled capabilities across future iPhone models, marking a strategic leap in the company’s connectivity roadmap. Building on its existing emergency SOS satellite service, the tech giant is expected to incorporate more advanced space-based features to improve communication in remote regions, emergency coordination, and real-time data support. Industry sources indicate Apple is working with global satellite operators and investing in infrastructure designed to broaden coverage and enhance reliability.

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has introduced a redesigned Aadhaar mobile application for both Android and iOS users, featuring enhanced accessibility, user-friendly navigation, and improved security layers. The updated app aims to make it easier for citizens to store, access, and share their Aadhaar credentials digitally, without relying on physical copies.

Elon Musk, poised on the verge of becoming a trillion-dollar wealth holder, adopts a spending pattern that counters conventional billionaire excess. Rather than splurging on mansions or yachts, he emphasises minimalism while channeling his capital into transformative ventures. From living on a modest food budget during his student years, to divesting real estate and redirecting funds into ventures like SpaceX, Tesla, Inc. and his social-media platform X Corp, Musk’s choices reveal his prioritisation of mission-driven investment over conspicuous consumption.

India’s gaming community continues to expand rapidly, with mobile and tablet gaming dominating the market. As more users seek high-performance devices without premium-flagship pricing, tablets under Rs. 30,000 have emerged as a compelling choice for enthusiasts who want powerful graphics, smooth gameplay and multi-tasking efficiency. The 2025 lineup of budget gaming tablets offers robust processors, immersive displays and long-lasting batteries designed for extended play sessions.

Google has introduced a set of “India-first” features to enhance navigation, safety and travel planning for millions of users across the country. Designed specifically for India’s dynamic transportation landscape, the new tools focus on real-time traffic insights, improved public transit data, fuel and toll cost estimates and enhanced safety alerts. The rollout underscores the tech giant’s strategic emphasis on India as a priority market, blending AI-powered intelligence with localized user needs.

Apple is reportedly considering a significant shift in industrial design for its upcoming iPhone 18 Pro, with early leaks suggesting the device may feature a transparent rear panel—an aesthetic approach currently popularised by newer tech brands. If confirmed, the move would mark a departure from Apple’s typically minimalist, opaque glass and metal design language, signaling a willingness to embrace bolder visual experimentation. The speculation reflects broader changes in consumer preferences, as smartphone buyers increasingly value distinctive hardware design alongside performance.

India’s mid-range smartphone segment continues to evolve rapidly, with devices under Rs. 30,000 now offering flagship-grade performance, premium design, and advanced camera systems. As competition intensifies, consumers benefit from powerful chipsets, fast charging, high-refresh-rate AMOLED displays, and enhanced software optimization. Models such as the Poco X7 Pro 5G, Samsung Galaxy F56, Motorola Edge 60 Pro, and others are pushing boundaries with compelling specifications normally reserved for costlier devices.

Google has introduced a significant upgrade to its Maps platform in India, integrating its Gemini AI system to deliver more intuitive navigation and enhanced user safety features. The update marks a major step in improving real-time travel guidance, public transport planning, and on-road alerts across key Indian cities. With India’s rapidly growing mobility ecosystem and increasing dependence on mobile navigation, Google’s latest development aims to streamline commutes, reduce travel uncertainties, and support safer journeys for millions of users daily.

Premium audio brand Harman Kardon has introduced its Aura Studio 5 speaker in the Malaysian market, priced at RM1,599, adding another statement product to its luxury sound portfolio. Known for blending acoustic excellence with refined aesthetics, the new model continues the brand’s legacy of immersive, 360-degree audio performance. With its sculptural dome design, enhanced bass capabilities, and contemporary build, the Aura Studio 5 aims to strengthen the brand's appeal among music enthusiasts and design-conscious consumers.