Apple has received a notice from India’s Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) following complaints about performance issues with iPhones after the rollout of its iOS 18 software update. The notice was issued after the Department of Consumer Affairs received grievances on the National Consumer Helpline, according to Union Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi.

“After receiving complaints on the National Consumer Helpline regarding performance issues in #iPhones following the iOS 18+ software update, the department, after examining these grievances, has issued a notice to #Apple through the CCPA, seeking a response on the matter,” Joshi said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

After receiving complaints on the National Consumer Helpline regarding performance issues in #iPhones following the iOS 18+ software update, the department, after examining these grievances, has issued a notice to #Apple through the CCPA, seeking a response on the matter.

— Pralhad Joshi (@JoshiPralhad) January 23, 2025

Alleged Issues with iOS 18 Update

The complaints come amid Apple’s expansion in one of its fastest-growing markets, where the company has been ramping up its retail presence and manufacturing operations. The performance concerns reportedly coincide with the introduction of a new artificial intelligence (AI) feature in iOS 18, which has faced scrutiny.

The AI-driven feature, designed to provide personalised news and entertainment updates, was disabled in a beta update last week after users reported false or misleading alerts, a phenomenon known as “AI hallucinations.” Apple acknowledged the issue and has temporarily removed the feature in the beta version of iOS 18.3. Apple is reportedly working on a fix, with the final release expected in the coming weeks.

Apple’s iOS 18.2 update introduced several features under its “Apple Intelligence” initiative, including Image Playground, custom emoji creation, and ChatGPT integration into Siri. However, these additions have been outweighed by the technical problems that have prompted government intervention.

Broader Consumer Concerns

In addition to the notice issued to Apple, the CCPA has also taken action against major cab aggregators Ola and Uber. These companies are under scrutiny for alleged differential pricing based on the type of mobile devices customers use.

The investigation centres on reports that Ola and Uber may charge different fares for the same ride based on whether customers are using iPhones or Android devices. This practice, known as differential pricing, has raised concerns about fairness and transparency. While the exact mechanism for this pricing model remains unclear, it has prompted the CCPA to seek explanations from both companies.

As a follow-up to the earlier observation of apparent #DifferentialPricing based on the different models of mobiles (#iPhones/ #Android) being used, Department of Consumer Affairs through the CCPA, has issued notices to major cab aggregators #Ola and #Uber, seeking their…

— Pralhad Joshi (@JoshiPralhad) January 23, 2025

“As a follow-up to the earlier observation of apparent #DifferentialPricing based on the different models of mobiles (#iPhones/ #Android) being used, Department of Consumer Affairs through the CCPA, has issued notices to major cab aggregators #Ola and #Uber, seeking their responses,” Joshi stated in another post on X.

The notices are part of a broader push by the Indian government to ensure consumer rights are protected in an increasingly tech-driven marketplace. Both Apple and the cab aggregators will be required to respond to the queries raised by the CCPA.

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Google had launched the Chat feature with Text and WhatsApp long ago, allowing business owners to add these options to their business profiles. Previously, this feature wasn’t available for business owners in the US market. However, it now appears to be rolling out in the US as well.

Additionally, this feature is also available for users in India. I personally checked the business profile of one of our companies and found an option to add either WhatsApp or SMS for potential customers to initiate a chat.

To access this feature, log into your business profile and click on Edit. Under the Contact section, you will see the Chat option. A dropdown menu will appear with two options: Text or WhatsApp. You will need to enter the phone number you wish to use for communication.

Although business owners in the US can now see this option, earlier documentation from Google(via) still does not mention its availability in the US market.

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Samsung, the South Korean tech maker, recently unveiled its latest Galaxy S25 series flagship devices with the Android 15 based One UI 7 custom skin onboard, however, as per recent updates, the official version for other previous Galaxy smartphone models are said to be delayed and will likely only be rolled out by the end of next month onwards. Amidst this, a new One UI 7 build has been uploaded on the brand’s official server for last year’s Galaxy S24 series models.

Here’s more about it.

New One UI 7 Build for Galaxy S24 Series Updated on Server – ‘BYA6’

As per what has been shared, from the ‘BYA4’ build, the brand’s official server has been updated with the ‘BYA6’ One UI 7 build for the Galaxy S24 series. Its build version is mentioned to be ‘S928NKSU4BYA6/ S928NOKR4BYA6/ S928NKSU4BYA6’.

Speaking more, it has already been revealed that there will be one more beta update (One UI 7 beta 4 update) for the Galaxy S24 series before the official version gets rolled out, and it will be announced or informed to users via the Samsung Members app.

Also, according to what was revealed officially in a press release, Samsung plans to polish its One UI 7 custom skin with the feedback received via the beta program, and the official version is thus expected to be only made available from the end of February 2025, or in March 2025, if everything turns out right. To add, it will be first rolled out to the Galaxy S series flagship models, and later to the other series devices.

Stay tuned for more tech updates.

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Yesterday we shared that Google is rolling out a new update to Circle to Search for Android users when you circle something on your screen a bewitching piece of art, a trending image, or a unique object, you’ll get richer AI-powered insights. Other than this new feature the company has released interesting Gemini updates for Pixel 9 series and Gemini Advanced subscribers as well.

These features will roll out over the next few weeks, starting today

Pixel 9 series: AI assistant gets versatile

Gemini Live can now talk you through the images, files, and videos you see on Pixel and serves as your personal AI assistant.

• Images: Add an image to your conversation and Gemini Live can provide detailed information and suggestions, or help solve problems in real-time.
• Files: Share documents with Gemini Live, then have a discussion about them.
• Videos: Have a conversation about a YouTube video, including insights, explanations, and reasoning.

This update will be available on Pixel 9 series devices and come to Pixel 6 and later phones soon. It is also revealed that in the coming months, the Gemini app on Pixel will be among the first to get Project Astra capabilities like screen sharing and live video streaming.

Also with extensions, Gemini can help complete tasks across apps like YouTube, Google Maps, mail, and Spotify. And now users can ask Gemini to use multiple extensions in a single prompt.

Gemini Deep Research on Pixel

This new feature available for Gemini Advanced subscribers transforms your Pixel into a powerful research assistant. It helps you browse through hundreds of websites to generate a report with key findings, organized with links to original sources so you can learn even more.

Gemini Deep Research will start becoming available to Gemini Advanced subscribers on Pixel phones in the next few days. Pixel 9 Pro owners can enjoy Deep Research with the 12-month subscription to Gemini Advanced included with their purchase.

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Recently Samsung released a January 2025 update for the Galaxy S24 series in Canada while a second January 2025 update was rolled out for the Galaxy S24 Ultra and Galaxy Z Flip 6 in Korea. Well, the brand has now released January 2025 update for Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24 Ultra smartphones in India.

Galaxy S24 & Galaxy S24 Ultra- January 2025 Update

The update is based on One UI 6.1 and Android 14. It includes the January 2025 security patch level that improves the security of the device.

For Galaxy S24 the update arrives with firmware version S921BXXS5AYA1/S921BOXM5AYA1/S921BXXS5AYA1 and the size of the update is 297.88MB.

For Galaxy S24 Ultra the update arrives with firmware version S928BXXS4AYA1/S928BOXM4AYA1/S928BXXS4AYA1 and the size of the update is 460.23MB.

Yesterday Samsung officially unveiled its all-new Galaxy S25 series at the Galaxy Unpacked 2025 event. The devices in this series run on One UI 7. While recently Samsung has revealed that the One UI 7 official version will be released in Q1, 2025 and it will be first rolled out to the Galaxy S series (likely the Galaxy S24 series). Galaxy S24 series is yet to receive One UI 7 Beta 4 update as revealed by official beta moderators earlier.

Stay tuned with The Tech Outlook for more updates.

Via.

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Yes, the day has come, and now OnePlus has officially announced the rollout of the stable version of OxygenOS 15 for Nord CE 3 Lite users. However, it is disappointing that no AI features are being introduced to the Nord CE 3 Lite at this time. Hopefully, OnePlus will release a future update with those features.

Apart from this, the OxygenOS 15.0.0.400 update introduces luminous UI rendering, Live Alerts with improved interaction, and advanced window management, including Floating Window and Split View gestures. Connectivity improvements include OnePlus Share for iOS file transfer, while battery features such as charging limit aim to protect the device’s longevity. Privacy has been enhanced with a dedicated hidden apps folder, and unique touches, like an Easter egg in the Calculator app, reflect OnePlus’ playful “Never Settle” philosophy.

Currently, the firmware version CPH2467_15.0.0.400(EX01) is being rolled out exclusively in the Indian region. However, it is expected to be available in other regions soon. The size of the update is currently unknown, but if we recall, the closed beta was around 3.34GB, so the stable version might be of a similar size. During the closed beta, there were some issues with Live Alerts, such as notification thumbnails not aligning properly with the text. Thankfully, this issue has now been resolved.

Changelog

Luminous rendering effects

• Optimises the rounded corner design by standardising its specifications and extending the application of a continuous curvature.

Live Alerts

• Adds a new Live Alerts design that is focused on the visualisation of information, offering better information display efficiency. Live Alerts is also positioned in the centre, creating a more balanced display.
• Optimises the way you interact with Live Alerts capsules – just tap a capsule and see it expand into a card. You can quickly switch between multiple live activities simply by swiping left or right on the capsules in the status bar, making it more efficient to view information.

Floating Window and Split View

• Introduces new Floating Window gestures: pulling down a notification banner to bring up a floating window, pulling down a floating window for full screen display, swiping up to close a floating window and swiping to a side to hide a floating window.
• Introduces resizable Split View windows. Simply drag the divider to resize the window not fully displayed for a larger display area. You can also achieve this by tapping the window.

Notifications & Quick Settings

• Adds the Split mode for the notification drawer and Quick Settings. Swipe down from the upper-left to open the notification drawer, swipe down from the upper-right for Quick Settings and swipe left or right to switch between them.
• Redesigns Quick Settings with an optimised layout that offers more appealing and consistent visuals and more refined and rich animations.

OnePlus Share

• The new file transfer capability with iOS devices, easily connecting and sharing files through OnePlus Share.

Battery & charging

• Introduces Charging limit to stop charging at 80% to extend battery lifespan and slow down degradation.
• Introduces battery protection reminder to turn on Charging limit when your device is connected to a charger for too long

More

• Introduces exclusive OxygenOS Always-On Displays and Lock screen clock styles.
• Introduces the new Home screen clock widget that can be resized to your preference.
• Plants a 1+ easter egg in Calculator to be displayed when punching in 1+= as a show of OnePlus’ Never Settle philosophy.
• Optimises your multitasking experience by navigating you to the last used app once you enter the recent tasks view, making app switching more convenient.
• Optimises the Drawer mode by retaining the Home screen app layout when you enter Drawer mode for the first time.

Privacy protection

• Introduces a new Home screen entry for hidden apps. You can tap the Hidden apps folder on the Home screen and verify your privacy password to see the apps.

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Android users are getting a new update to Circle to Search, Google’s innovative screen search feature. The latest updates make finding and interacting with information faster and smarter.

Now, when you circle something on your screen—a bewitching piece of art, a trending image, or a unique object—you’ll get richer AI-powered insights. The new AI Overviews provide quick snapshots with web links for more in-depth search.

The update also introduces smarter interaction. Circle to Search can now instantly identify numbers, email addresses, and URLs, letting users take quick action with just a tap.

Since its launch last year, the feature has streamlined how Android users gather information without jumping between apps.

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Earlier, at the beginning of January 2025, OnePlus rolled out OxygenOS 15.0.0.501 for the OnePlus 12, which introduced the BeaconLink app. Now, this same BeaconLink app is being brought to OnePlus 12R users through the OxygenOS 15.0.0.500 update. Currently, this update is limited to India, but it is expected to be expanded to other regions soon.

Other additions in this update include the Touch to Share feature, which supports iOS devices, and the January 2025 security patch. It’s worth noting that this is the second update for the OnePlus 12R this month. The first update, rolled out earlier this month, brought several AI features but did not include the January 2025 security patch. This new update now addresses that by adding the security patch.

If you’re in India, look for the firmware version CPH2585_15.0.0.500 for this update. There have been no reports of any issues with this new update so far.

Changelog

Interconnection

• Adds a Touch to share feature that supports iOS devices. You can share photos and files with a touch.
• Adds BeaconLink, an app that allows you to call nearby people even if you don’t have an internet connection or mobile signal.

System

• Improves system stability.
• Integrates the January 2025 Android security patch to enhance system security.

How to access BeaconLink?

• Navigate to Settings
  Go to Settings > Mobile network > BeaconLink.
• Set Up Your Display Name and Preferences
  Enter your display name and adjust your calling preferences.
• Enable Required Features
  Ensure that Bluetooth, Quick Connect, and Interconnect Security Services are turned on.
• Grant Necessary Permissions
  The feature requires the following permissions:
  • Phone
  • Notifications
  • Contacts
  • Bluetooth access

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Last year in October, Honor officially unveiled its MagicOS 9.0 custom skin in China while in November 2024 the company started the rollout of the public beta version of MagicOS 9.0 for Honor devices in China. The smartphone brand has now officially announced that Honor 100/90/80 series devices have started to upgrade to the official version of MagicOS 9.0 in China.

There are a total 9 models that will receive this upgrade- Honor 100 Pro, Honor 100, Honor 90 Pro, Honor 90, Honor 90 GT, Honor 80 Pro Straight screen edition, Honor 80 Pro, Honor 80 GT, and Honor 80. The users of these devices can head to Settings> System and Updates> Software update> Top right corner> Upgrade to try out a new version.

MagicOS 9.0: Features

some of the AI productivity and personalized features associated with the custom skin, the AI YOYO Agent personalized assistant to assist users in day-to-day tasks, AI Honor Anydoor circle to search feature, AI Smart Capsules for one-glance real-time information, AI Notes to generate video or conference minutes, AI Documents to assist in efficient reading and writing, AI Translate for accurate translation, AI Magic Photo Editor, AI Search for personalized Q&A search, AI Intelligent Body Ecosystem – smart sports coach, and the AI Intuitive Interactive Animation Engine are offered to users.

AI Full-Stack Vulkan Graphics Engine reduces power consumption by 11% and increases rendering speed by 40%. The AI Predictive Scheduling Engine offers the best average frame rate of 119.9 FPS and 0% jitter rate. On the security side, the AI Face Swap Detection allows users to find fake videos with one click identification. With the AI Multi-Network Integration, messages and calls from both the work phone and personal phone can be intelligently transferred to the smartwatch. AI Cross Device Security Collaboration and AI Car/Home Space Ecological Sharing are further cross-device or inter-connectivity features.

Speaking of some of the customization and personalization features, AI Honor Digital Human can be customized as per user interest, the AI Magic Lock Screen with many lock screen styles is present, and AI Desktop offers multiple options to customize the device theme. Recently the brand has also upgraded the content of this custom skin with features like motion sickness relief display, Yagu portrait photography, telephoto photography effect optimization, Nezha watermak, magic lock screen, face recognition in parallel space, optimized display of status bar icons and control center Bluetooth connection optimization.

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Truecaller has announced its new update for iPhone users globally. This update adds real-time caller ID and automatic spam call blocking on iOS 18.2. These features, along with other enhancements and the introduction of a Premium Family subscription plan, are being rolled out globally for paying subscribers.

The update is expected to significantly boost Truecaller’s subscription revenues, with the company aiming to surpass 1 billion SEK in recurring revenues in the coming years. Currently, iOS users account for approximately 7% (30 million) of Truecaller’s total 435 million monthly active users (MAUs). Among Truecaller’s 2.6 million paying subscribers, around 750,000 are iOS users, contributing to over 40% of the company’s premium revenue.

Previously, Truecaller’s caller ID functionality on iOS was limited to a small local database on users’ devices. The latest update integrates Truecaller’s global database and AI capabilities to identify as many calls as possible. Apple’s new Live Caller ID Lookup framework, designed for apps like Truecaller, enables live caller ID with privacy-preserving homomorphic encryption. Truecaller is the first company to deploy this technology at scale for caller identification.

Another key addition is automatic spam call blocking, a long-requested feature among iOS users. Truecaller Premium subscribers can now benefit from these features globally at the same pricing as the Android offering. Free users on iOS will continue to have access to ad-supported manual number search and verified business caller ID.

The update also introduces a Premium Family subscription plan, allowing users to share Premium benefits, such as Truecaller AI Assistant, with up to four additional people. In India, the family plan includes fraud insurance, extending protection against fraud to four more family members.

Truecaller’s premium tier on iOS starts at $9.99 a month, per individual, or $74.99/year. The company also offers its family plan on iOS starting at $14.99/month or $99.99/year and the top-end Gold subscription at $249 a year.

Fredrik Kjell, COO of Truecaller, highlighted the potential of the new features: “With this we further accelerate the growth potential of our fast-growing and steady subscription revenues and our ambition to surpass 1 bn SEK in recurring revenues in the coming years. All iOS-users will be offered a free trial of our new improved service but then it will just be available for paying subscribers. With this launch we see a substantial opportunity to further increase the conversion rate on iOS which already today is more than five times higher on iOS compared to Android.”

Truecaller’s CEO, Rishit Jhunjhunwala, also expressed excitement about the update: “We are proud that we, now 15 years after Truecaller’s inception, are able to offer iOS-users the same world-class leading Caller-ID and spam blocking experience as we have developed on Android. With this launch we increase our addressable market substantially, to other segments of users and to other geographies with a higher iOS-penetration.”

To enable Truecaller on iOS 18.2, users need to:

1. Ensure they are using Truecaller for iPhone version 14.0 or later.
2. Go to iPhone Settings > Apps > Phone > Call Blocking & Identification.
3. Enable all Truecaller switches and reopen the Truecaller app.

The new features, including automatic spam blocking and real-time caller ID, are being rolled out starting today and will be available worldwide within the coming days.

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