Technology News

Former Rockstar Games developer Mike York has warned that further delays to GTA 6 could seriously damage public interest. While Rockstar’s focus on polish is understandable, York believes repeated postponements risk turning excitement into apathy among fans who have already waited years.

Quick commerce fuels record Christmas sales for D2C brands

Sellers reported Christmas-period sales growth of about 100–150% year-on-year on quick commerce, even as a nationwide delivery worker strike briefly disrupted operations on December 25.

How a father rescued his kidnapped 15-year-old daughter by tracking her phone’s live location

A Texas father tracked his kidnapped 15-year-old daughter’s phone and rescued her within minutes, says Guardian report. A gripping reminder for Indian parents on the power of live location and parental controls.

Best Gaming PC setup with Nvidia RTX 50 series graphics that can handle 1440p gaming under Rs 1 lakh

Building a 1440p gaming PC under Rs 1,00,000 is now possible with Nvidia’s RTX 50-series GPUs, offering better efficiency and AI upscaling. Two setups are suggested: one maximizes tower performance, the other includes a high-refresh-rate monitor.

Google’s AI wrongly called musician Ashley MacIsaac a sex offender, got his concert cancelled

Google AI wrongly labelled Juno-winning musician Ashley MacIsaac a sex offender due to a surname mix-up, leading to a cancelled concert. The artist says the error was dangerous and law firms may take up his defamation case for free.

Can AI chatbots trigger psychosis? Top psychiatrists warn after dozens of disturbing cases

Top psychiatrists warn that long AI chatbot conversations may be linked to psychosis by reinforcing delusions, reports The Washington Post. Doctors push for research and urge real-world mental health support for vulnerable users.

US firms accelerate GCC expansion in India; centres rise 45%, 2026 outlook strong

Industry estimates point to a further 75-80% outlook in GCC additions as companies deepen their offshore capabilities in India.

Ubisoft’s Rainbow Six Siege outage: The game services are back online after a massive breach

Ubisoft has restored Rainbow Six Siege services after a major backend breach that disrupted gameplay worldwide, triggered server shutdowns, and forced a large-scale rollback of player data and transactions.

Indian-origin CEO says AI firm Giga is being blackmailed for $3 million in crypto using stolen company data

To back his claim, Varun also posted a screenshot of the threatening email. According to the tweet, the mail warns that if Giga does not pay up, the group will release data snippets after twisting them out of context, along with what it calls “defamatory allegations”

Apple AirPods might get some new colours: Here’s what we know so far

Apple’s wireless earbuds could finally move beyond their long-standing white-only look. Recently surfaced images of early AirPods prototypes in pink and yellow have reignited speculation that Apple may be reconsidering colour options for its most popular audio accessory.

You can now change your @gmail.com address and here’s how to do it

Changing your Gmail address can be confusing because Google treats your email address as your account identity. Unlike profile details, email usernames follow fixed rules. Here’s a clear guide explaining when changes are possible, how to do it, and what to keep in mind before proceeding.

iPhone 16 becomes India’s best-selling smartphone, overtaking budget rivals

According to data from Counterpoint Research cited in the report, Apple sold around 6.5 million iPhone 16 units in the first 11 months of 2025, comfortably ahead of Vivo’s Y29 5G, which shipped 4.7 million units during the same period.

Google’s 40 tips to make the most of AI across Search, Photos and Gemini

Google has shared a detailed list of 40 AI-focused tips outlining how users can get more value from its products across Search, Photos, Maps, Workspace and the Gemini app. Published as part of its year-end roundup, the guide reflects how AI has moved from experimental features to everyday tools across Google’s ecosystem.

ChatGPT sent 74 suicide alerts but mentioned hanging 243 times before teen’s death, lawsuit claims

ChatGPT is facing tough questions after a wrongful-death lawsuit claimed a teenager in distress received 74 suicide hotline alerts but also saw the chatbot mention hanging 243 times over months of conversation.

Apple iPhone 18 Pro: What to expect in 2026?

The iPhone 18 Pro is expected to arrive in 2026 with a smaller Dynamic Island, A20 Pro chip, variable aperture camera, improved battery life, a redesigned Camera Control button and Apple’s next-generation C2 modem.

iPhone 16e drops to Rs 46,990, iPhone 17 to Rs 78,900 after bank discount in Vijay Sales Apple Days Sale

iPhone 16E drops to Rs 46,990 and iPhone 17 series starts at Rs 78,900 after instant bank discounts in the Vijay Sales Apple Days Sale, running from December 28, 2025 to January 4, 2026.

Explained: Financial Fraud Risk Indicator — how it helped prevent Rs 660 crore in digital frauds in six months

The Financial Fraud Risk Indicator is a government-backed system that flags risky mobile numbers and blocks suspicious transactions. Officials say it helped prevent Rs 660 crore in digital fraud losses in six months.

Government urges vehicle owners to update mobile number on Vahan and Sarathi portals: Here's how to do it

The government has asked vehicle owners and driving licence holders to update their mobile numbers on Vahan and Sarathi portals. Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide to complete the process online.

iPhone 18 camera may come with Samsung’s next-gen sensors 

Samsung is reportedly gearing up to manufacture advanced camera sensors for Apple’s upcoming iPhone 18 lineup at its Austin, Texas facility. If confirmed, the move would mark a major shift in Apple’s long-standing camera supply chain and introduce a new three-layer stacked sensor architecture to future iPhones.

Aadhaar–PAN linking deadline on December 31: Rs 1,000 penalty; what you must do now

If you rely on PAN for financial activities, delaying this process is a risk not worth taking. Completing the linking now avoids penalties, prevents service disruption and ensures uninterrupted access to refunds and lower tax deductions.

OpenAI is hiring a Head of Preparedness with a $555,000 salary; CEO Sam Altman explains the role and requirements

OpenAI has opened hiring for a Head of Preparedness role offering $555,000 in pay, as CEO Sam Altman underlines the need for strong evaluations and safeguards for frontier AI systems.

What’s new in iOS 26.3? Android transfers, smarter notifications and more

iOS 26.3 introduces easier transfers from iPhone to Android, notification forwarding to third-party wearables, and small visual updates, with a public release expected in late January.

How to personalise iOS 26’s Liquid Glass design on your iPhone

iOS 26 allows users to customise the new Liquid Glass design by choosing between Clear and Tinted styles and adjusting the Lock Screen clock’s glass effect, transparency, and size.

Rs 16 lakh gone in WhatsApp stock scam: How it happened and how to stay safe

As digital scams become more sophisticated, cases like this from Bhuj show that awareness and basic security hygiene remain the strongest defences against financial fraud.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra price drops to Rs 28,999 on Tata CliQ with this offer: Here’s how to get the deal

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is available at a reduced effective price of Rs 29,999 on Tata CliQ through bank offers, bringing down the cost significantly from its listed selling price.

CMF by Nothing starts rolling out Nothing OS 4.0 update for Phone 1 and Phone 2 Pro users in India

CMF by Nothing has begun the phased rollout of Nothing OS 4.0 in India, bringing interface refinements, extra dark mode, widget changes and multitasking improvements to Phone 1 and Phone 2 Pro users.

Year ender 2025: Top 6 gaming laptops with Nvidia RTX 50 series graphics cards launched this year

Here’s a look at the most notable RTX 50-series gaming laptops launched this year.

Wall Street is losing patience with ‘AI Layoffs’, Goldman Sachs warns, even as job cuts loom in 2026

A recent Goldman Sachs analysis shows that companies announcing layoffs are now seeing their share prices fall, rather than rise. On average, stocks dropped around 2 percent following layoff announcements

Apple is suing this leaker, but he just dropped new foldable iPhone details anyway

A tipster currently in a legal battle with Apple has leaked new details about the company’s first foldable iPhone. The leak includes the expected launch timeline, screen size, thickness, camera design, and early 3D renders shared through a YouTube video.

Jeff Bezos says he gave early Amazon investors a 70% chance of losing their money

Speaking at the DealBook Summit in conversation with Andrew Ross Sorkin, Bezos described the gruelling process of raising Amazon’s first round of funding in 1995. At the time, the internet itself was barely understood, let alone trusted as a platform for commerce.

Samsung’s TriFold survives durability test, breaks when folded the wrong way

Samsung has launched its first triple folding phone, the Galaxy Z TriFold, in South Korea. A new durability test video shows how well it survives scratches, pressure and accidental damage, and also what happens when it’s bent the wrong way. The phone proves it can handle a lot, but foldable screens and hinges still have their limits. A global release is expected in early 2026, and the world is watching closely to see if this futuristic phone is ready for everyday use.

Microsoft AI chief pushes back on AGI hype, says there is no race and no winner

Mustafa Suleyman, the former Google DeepMind co-founder who now leads Microsoft’s AI division, has spoken openly against the idea of AGI as a race that can be won.

Big Tech’s AI memory crunch turns brutal as Microsoft and Google face problems 

At the heart of the crisis is the explosive demand for high-bandwidth memory and advanced DRAM used in AI accelerators and data centre servers. Only three companies globally can produce these components at scale

WhatsApp announces Happy New Year 2026 stickers: How to download and send them on iPhone, Android, tablets and PCs

WhatsApp has introduced Happy New Year 2026 stickers, letting users download and send festive designs across Android, iPhone, tablets and PCs, with steps and syncing between mobile and desktop apps.

Google AI Pro vs AI Ultra: All the Gemini features you get, costs, and more

Free Gemini is now genuinely useful, AI Pro offers strong value for professionals and creators, and AI Ultra is effectively an all-you-can-use AI stack priced for those who plan to live inside Google’s AI ecosystem.

Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold fails durability test as triple hinges prove too fragile

The Galaxy Z TriFold failed a high-profile durability test after hinge damage and display failure under reverse bending, highlighting the structural risks of Samsung’s triple-fold design.

Work from home no longer the norm, says world's largest recruiter, with only these exceptions

Office attendance is becoming mandatory again for most corporate employees in 2025. Remote work is no longer a broad entitlement. It is a bargaining chip, reserved for those with scarce skills or exceptional value.

iPhone Air 2 may still launch in 2026 despite growing talk of a delay

A new leak claims the iPhone Air 2 could still launch in fall 2026, contradicting reports that Apple has delayed the device until 2027 following weak sales of the first model.

OpenAI continues exploring ads inside ChatGPT as user growth accelerates

OpenAI is reportedly testing internal ad formats that could one day appear inside ChatGPT responses. As ChatGPT edges closer to becoming a mainstream gateway to information, commerce and decision making, the pressure to balance growth, revenue and trust will only intensify.

Xiaomi 17 Ultra comes with new 1-inch 200MP Leica sensor and 6800mAh battery

Xiaomi 17 Ultra is expected to debut with a 1-inch 200MP Leica camera, Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip, AMOLED display, fast charging, and premium build, targeting flagship smartphone buyers.

Realme 16 Pro+ 5G expected price, key specifications leaked ahead of launch next month

Ahead of its launch on January 6, a fresh leak has shed some light on what the upcoming Realme 16 Pro+ 5G might cost. Moreover, the company has also revealed the expected camera and performance details of the smartphone.

Gemini vs ChatGPT: Google grabs AI market share from 5% to 18%, analysts call it a clear takeover

Google’s Gemini has rapidly gained AI market share, climbing from 5% to 18% in just one year, signaling a major shift in generative AI usage as ChatGPT loses dominance. A new phase in the AI race is unfolding, and users are exploring alternatives that are easier, faster, and built into everyday apps.

Rockstar once explored GTA set in Tokyo, Rio and Moscow but walked away from the idea

Former Rockstar technical director Obbe Vermeij has revealed that GTA games set in Tokyo, Rio and Moscow were once discussed, but the studio chose to stick with American settings to avoid risking the franchise’s global appeal and financial success.

Apple’s foldable iPhone could Be compact by design, not by compromise

Apple’s foldable iPhone may feature a smaller outer display by design, prioritising a 4:3 unfolded screen optimised for multitasking and an iPad-like experience over traditional phone use.

Apple Intelligence in China will face a 2,000-question test on what it must not answer

Apple Intelligence in China must pass a strict regulatory test involving 2,000 sensitive questions and refuse at least 95 percent of them, reflecting the country’s tight controls on AI-generated information.

Why Mark Zuckerberg gifted noise cancelling headphones to neighbours in Palo Alto

Mark Zuckerberg has been renovating and expanding his Palo Alto residential compound for nearly eight years, causing frustration among neighbors. To ease tensions, he gifted noise cancelling headphones, donuts, and sparkling wine. Here’s the story behind the peace offering and the growing debate over his multiple property projects.

The QR menu on your table looks harmless, but could it secretly steal your financial information

Scanning a restaurant menu QR code feels quick and harmless, but in 2025, fake QR scams are silently stealing personal and financial details, warns a report by the New York Post. Here’s what can go wrong when you scan, and how to spot tampered codes before it costs you money or privacy.

Google Pixel 8 gets photo sphere-inspired panorama mode with latest camera update

Google has added a Photo Sphere-inspired Panorama mode to the Pixel 8 series via a Pixel Camera update, offering guided capture, Night Sight support, and improved image stitching.

Year ender 2025: 5 best budget camera phones of the year

Smartphone cameras in 2025 have reached a point where strong photography is no longer limited to premium flagships. Several budget and mid-range phones now deliver reliable stills and video, making them suitable for everyday shooting, social media, and even light content creation. Here are five budget camera phones launched in 2025 that stand out for their imaging performance.