Vodafone has introduced a new mobile plan that provides unlimited data and bundled calling services for a monthly fee of Rs. 179. This plan is exclusive to the Bihar and Jharkhand telecom circles and includes free outgoing calls while roaming within India. However, the data service is capped at 2G speeds, which limits access to high-speed 3G or 4G networks. Additionally, while the plan features ‘unlimited’ calling, it imposes restrictions of 250 minutes of calls per day and 1,000 minutes per week. Calls exceeding these limits will incur a fee of 30 paisa per minute. Furthermore, users are permitted to call a maximum of 300 distinct numbers, after which calls will also be charged at 30 paisa per minute.
Google Maps Go app now available for Android
The Google Maps Go application has been launched on the Play Store, targeting smartphones equipped with 1GB or less RAM, running on Android versions 4.1 and higher. Google Maps Go offers functionalities similar to the standard Google Maps app, such as location detection, directions, and traffic information for different modes of transport. The app supports users in 70 countries and is designed to occupy minimal storage space on devices. Google has indicated that lightweight versions of Gmail and Google Assistant are also in development.
Apple releases iOS 11.2.1 and tvOS 11.2.1
Apple has issued updates for iOS 11.2.1 and tvOS 11.2.1 for compatible devices. The concurrent release aims to restore the HomeKit sharing feature, which had been disabled due to a bug. The updates rectify vulnerabilities linked to the bug that affected remote access for users within the Home app.
X-Men franchise returns to Marvel
The Walt Disney Company is set to acquire the entertainment and sports divisions of 21st Century Fox in a deal evaluated at $52.4 billion. This acquisition also includes Fox’s debt totaling $13.7 billion. Through this transaction, iconic properties such as X-Men, Deadpool, Avatar, FX Networks, National Geographic, and The Simpsons will become part of the Disney portfolio. Disney will also gain a controlling share in the streaming service Hulu and additional assets like Star India alongside Hotstar.
OnePlus 5T Star Wars Limited Edition launched in India
In advance of the premiere of Star Wars: The Last Jedi, OnePlus has debuted the Star Wars Limited Edition of its 5T smartphone in India. Priced at Rs. 38,999, this model stands as the most expensive OnePlus device available in the country thus far, featuring a single configuration of 8GB RAM and 128GB storage. Design elements inspired by Star Wars include a white back panel adorned with the franchise logo, a red Alert slider, and a selection of preloaded wallpapers and customizations. Additionally, customers will receive a rugged case designed to resemble Kylo Ren’s helmet. The smartphone will be available for preorder on Amazon India and OnePlusStore.in starting at midnight IST on Friday and at OnePlus Experience Stores in Noida and Bengaluru. Hardware-wise, it mirrors the standard OnePlus 5T model.
Star Wars: The Last Jedi Review
Income Tax department considers taxing cryptocurrency transactions
The Income Tax department is exploring the potential to impose taxes on transactions involving unregulated digital currencies like Bitcoin. An IT department representative indicated that they are currently gathering data on Bitcoin exchanges, investors, and their investment sources in light of Bitcoin’s recent surge, which saw it surpass $17,000. At present, Bitcoin is valued at over $16,700, reflecting a striking increase from its January 2017 price of approximately $1,000.
Why Is Bitcoin Surging, and How Long Can This Continue?
Nokia 9 may incorporate dual camera system with diverse lenses
The Nokia Camera application, built on the Nokia 5 Android Oreo beta, suggests that the Nokia 9 flagship phone may feature a dual camera system comprising telephoto and wide-angle lenses, a shift from the RGB and monochrome lens setup used in the Nokia 8. Anticipation surrounds the launch of Nokia 9, expected on January 19 in China, with the Nokia Camera v8.0200.20 build indicating enhancements such as a telephoto lens capable of 2x zoom and a wide-angle lens option, along with shutter speed adjustments.
Microsoft enhances Bing, Cortana, Office 365, and Azure with AI features
Microsoft has rolled out new AI-driven functionalities across its Bing, Cortana, Office 365, and Azure services. Bing will leverage its AI-enhanced Intelligent Search capabilities to analyze and interpret online documents, enabling swifter responses validated via deep neural networks. Cortana will enhance email management by sorting messages and summarizing the most pertinent ones across various email clients. New AI features in Office 365 include Insights in Excel and Acronyms in Word. Additionally, on Windows 10, Microsoft has introduced Whiteboard and a revamped Photos app, while Azure will benefit from new tools such as the Bot Service and Cognitive Services Language Understanding.
Sony introduces SA-D40 and SA-D20 Bluetooth speaker systems in India
Sony has launched the SA-D40 and SA-D20 Bluetooth speaker systems for the Indian market. The SA-D40, priced at Rs. 7,990 (MRP Rs. 8,490), features a 4.1 channel configuration with an 80W output, whereas the SA-D20 retails for Rs. 6,990 (MRP Rs. 6,990) with a 2.1 channel configuration producing a 60W output. Both Bluetooth systems will be available for purchase starting December 13, capable of connecting to up to eight devices, and include AUX and USB port options.
