Several major developments in technology made headlines this week. Apple Exciting Diwali offers were introduced, giving consumers the opportunity to purchase their favorite devices at discounted rates just in time for the festive season. Amid growing cyber threats, Airtel issued an important warning to users regarding security concerns and urged them to exercise caution. Meanwhile, Dyson surprised many by cutting jobs at its Singapore headquarters, just months after assuring employees that such measures would have no impact on the sector. Here’s a look at the top tech stories of the week.
Apple announces Diwali offer: Free Beats earbuds with iPhone 15 and more
Apple reveals its Diwali offers on iPhones, MacBooks, AirPods and other devices. As announced by Apple, buyers can avail instant cashback of up to Rs 10,000 during the offer period. Apart from this, the company is offering free Beats Solo Buds with the purchase of Apple iPhone 15. This limited period festive offer is available till December 31, 2024. Click to know all the Diwali offers of Apple Here.
CEO Gopal Vittal ‘warns’ Airtel’s over 300 million customers
Bharti Airtel has unveiled plans to integrate artificial intelligence into its network to tackle the growing problem of spam calls and messages. AI technology will analyze calls and messages in real time, and inform users about potential spam risks. Airtel CEO Gopal Vittal highlighted that the system will identify spammers using multiple indicators and is expected to process over 1.5 billion messages and 2.5 billion calls daily. Although the system will not automatically block calls, it will give users the information they need to decide whether to accept or reject the call. Vittal acknowledged the possibility of occasional “false positives”, where legitimate calls may be marked as spam. However, he also pointed out that the AI solution cannot address spam calls made through over-the-top (OTT) apps like WhatsApp or Telegram, which remains a challenge for the company. Click Here To read the full letter.
Dyson job cuts Employees at headquarters ‘in shock’, company issues statement
Dyson has announced job cuts at its Singapore headquarters, with affected employees notified via email without having to attend in-person meetings. According to a CNA report, during these meetings, HR representatives informed them that their positions were being eliminated due to redundancies. The layoffs, described by staff as a “surprise”, came just three months after Dyson assured staff that its global headquarters would not be affected by a previous restructuring, which had led to around 1,000 job cuts in the UK. Click Here To read the full story.
Sony launches new Bravia TV range in India
Sony India recently expanded its home entertainment lineup with the launch of its new Bravia TV range at an event. Promoted under the tagline “Cinema is Coming Home”, the company aims to enhance the home movie watching experience by blending advanced technology with a more immersive cinematic experience. The program also featured the introduction of a popular filmmaker, further emphasizing the cinematic focus. The new lineup includes the Bravia 9, 8, 7 and 3 Series TVs, though Sony did not reveal pricing or availability details for the range. Click Here To read the full story.
Apple CEO Tim Cook sold 220,000 shares
Apple CEO Tim Cook has sold a large portion of his Apple stock, according to a filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The sale, valued at more than $50 million, comes after Apple’s stock hit a new all-time high. Cook sold 223,986 shares at an average price of about $227 per share. This brings his total compensation for 2024, including base salary and performance bonus, to more than $70 million.
Apple executives, including Cook, receive company stock as part of their compensation. These stock grants typically vest over time, with a portion available for sale each year. Cook’s recent sales represent a portion of his vested stock options. Click Here To read the full story.
WhatsApp launches two features for video calls
WhatsApp has launched two features for video calling on the app. It is rolling out filters and backgrounds for video calls, allowing users to change their background or add filters during video calls “for a more personal touch.” “Conversations on WhatsApp should always be fun and expressive, and today, we’re introducing filters and backgrounds to make your video calls even more engaging,” the company said. These effects will be available to everyone in the coming weeks. Click Here To read the full story.
Swiggy Instamart launches 24/7 free delivery service in these cities
Swiggy Instamart becomes the first instant-commerce platform in Delhi-NCR to offer 24/7 free delivery, just in time for the festive season. This service ensures instant delivery of thousands of products within 10-15 minutes in Delhi, Gurgaon and Noida. Customers in these areas can now order groceries, festive gifts, electronics, toys and gifts anytime without additional delivery charges. The initiative aims to meet the increasing demand for essential commodities during late nights, especially for last-minute festive preparations. Click Here To read the full story.
Amazon India Head Manish Tiwari left the company
Amazon India’s former country head Manish Tewari resigned earlier this year after an eight-and-a-half-year stint with the e-commerce giant. His last day was 30 September, his responsibilities have now been handed over to Sameer Kumar with effect from 1 October. Before departing, Tiwari shared a heartfelt farewell message on LinkedIn reflecting on his time at Amazon. He recalled working late nights during the Amazon Great Indian Festival, which involved “countless cups of coffee”, highlighting the team’s dedication and effort. Click Here To read the letter.
honor pad x8s Nadal Kids Edition Android tablet launched
Honor Pad X8s Nadal Kids Edition has been officially launched in India. Chinese smartphone maker Hoot has expanded its product range with the launch of a tablet specially designed for kids. The tablet has a durable, shockproof design and includes a silicone case for added protection. It also has an Eye Comfort mode that reduces blue light exposure, making it safe for children’s eyes. Priced at Rs 13,999, the Honor Pad X8s Nadal Kids Edition is available at a limited time offer of Rs 10,999. Click Here To read the story.
DreamEye Technology launches flagship X40 Ultra robot vacuum and mop in India
Dreame Technology, known for its smart home cleaning devices, has launched its latest flagship product Dreame X40 Ultra in India. This advanced robot vacuum and mop is equipped with powerful cleaning technologies and smart features, aiming to provide superior cleaning performance with minimum effort. DreamEye Technology emphasizes that the X40 Ultra is designed for a hands-free experience, reducing the need for human intervention. dream x40 ultra Available on Amazon at a launch price of Rs 1,29,999, the price has been reduced to Rs 99,999 with a special Diwali promotional offer. Click Here To read the full story.
