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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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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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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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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Blinkit, has expanded its instant delivery services to include smartphones and feature phones. The announcement came through Blinkit CEO Albinder Dhindsa’s post on X, revealing partnerships with major phone manufacturers for this new service.

The 15-minute delivery service will initially be available in select areas of Delhi NCR, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. Customers can now order popular models including the Redmi 13 5G, Redmi 14C, iPhone 16, and Nokia 105 through the Blinkit app. To make purchases more accessible, the company is also offering no-cost EMI options on most devices.

Now get smartphones and feature phones delivered in just 10 minutes!

We’ve partnered with Xiaomi and Nokia to deliver their bestselling range in parts of Delhi NCR, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.

Redmi 13 5G, Redmi 14C, iPhone 16, and Nokia 105 are already available on the Blinkit app.… pic.twitter.com/MezOCBOmo6

— Albinder Dhindsa (@albinder) January 21, 2025

“Now get smartphones and feature phones delivered in just 15 minutes!” announced Dhindsa on X. The company plans to significantly expand its smartphone portfolio, with more brands and models to be added to the platform in the near future.

This expansion into smartphone delivery follows Blinkit’s recent venture into emergency services, where the company launched a 10-minute ambulance service in Gurugram. That initiative, which aims to provide crucial emergency medical transport, is also planned for expansion to other major cities.

The move represents Blinkit’s continued efforts to diversify its quick commerce offerings beyond groceries and essentials, now entering into high-value electronics with quick delivery promises.

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X formerly known as Twitter has evolved quite a lot in the recent few years with few changes made and various new enhancements on the platform to improve the user experience and keep them updated. Recently a new Grok tab was introduced on the homepage of X so that the users can use the AI chatbot in the app. Not only this few Grok-related features like post follow-up and post enhancer were also said to be introduced on the platform.

Well X seems to have more surprises for its users as a new dedicated video tab is now being rolled out for US users today on the platform.

you better not be making a dedicated video tab when I get home

me: pic.twitter.com/ZbmLBmSbDp

— X (@X) January 20, 2025

As seen in the above official post, a new tab is located between the dedicated Grok button and the notification panel on the homepage. US users can now enjoy watching videos on the platform as well. Various users on the X platform have shown their excitement related to this new addition in the comment section of the official post.

This all-new dedicated video tab will enhance the video experience on the platform and is expected to keep the users in the loop with the other trends and topics. Let’s wait and see when this new feature will be made available in other regions.

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Update 20/01/2025 at 00:20 IST, TikTok in a statement on X confirms they are bringing the services back in the United States. “STATEMENT FROM TIKTOK: In agreement with our service providers, TikTok is in the process of restoring service. We thank President Trump for providing the necessary clarity and assurance to our service providers that they will face no penalties providing TikTok to over 170 million Americans and allowing over 7 million small businesses to thrive. It’s a strong stand for the First Amendment and against arbitrary censorship. We will work with President Trump on a long-term solution that keeps TikTok in the United States.”

TikTok is definitely facing a challenging time, at least in the US market. The app was earlier given until January 19th, 2025, to sell its US operations. Now that the deadline has arrived, TikTok’s app and its website have been shut down in the US just before the ban could take effect.

In addition to TikTok, 10 more apps owned by its parent company, ByteDance, have been removed, including:

• TikTok Studio
• TikTok Shop Seller Center
• CapCut
• Lemon8
• Hypic
• Lark – Team Collaboration
• Lark – Rooms Display
• Lark Rooms Controller
• Gauth: AI Study Companion
• MARVEL SNAP

Previously, when TikTok ceased operations, a message was displayed:
“We regret that a U.S. law banning TikTok will take effect on January 19 and force us to make our services temporarily unavailable. We’re working to restore our service in the U.S. as soon as possible, and we appreciate your support. Please stay tuned.”

However, this was later updated to:
“A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S. Unfortunately, that means you can’t use TikTok for now. We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned.”

Tiktok has adjusted their closing message pic.twitter.com/FcnG3BfAcl

— Marques Brownlee (@MKBHD) January 19, 2025

This suggests that the newly elected President Trump may propose a solution.

For now, it remains a waiting game to see what happens next. While the app has been shut down, searches for “How to use TikTok after the ban in the US” have surged. This indicates that several influencers whose livelihood depended on TikTok are now seeking alternatives.

In an interview with NBC, Trump hinted that he may grant a 90-day extension to allow TikTok to find a suitable buyer. From Mr. Beast (a famous YouTuber) to Kevin O’Leary, many have expressed interest in acquiring TikTok’s US operations.

It’s worth noting that TikTok, along with several other Chinese apps, has already been banned in India, including the popular game PUBG. Interestingly, PUBG has re-entered the Indian market under a new name and ownership as “BGMI“ (Battlegrounds Mobile India).

While hopes are high following Trump’s remarks about TikTok, the app’s future in the US remains uncertain.

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Apple Store app, the tech giant’s dedicated shopping application, has made its way to India, offering customers a more personalized approach to purchasing Apple products and services. The app, now available for download on the App Store, promises to revolutionize how Indian consumers interact with Apple’s ecosystem through tailored recommendations and enhanced shopping features.

“At Apple, our customer is at the centre of everything we do, and we are thrilled to introduce the Apple Store app to reach even more users in India, further deepening our connections,” said Karen Rasmussen, Apple’s head of Retail Online. “With the Apple Store app, customers will discover a new and seamless way to shop for all our incredible products, receive personalised support, and really experience the best of Apple.”

Apple Store App launches in India

• The app provides a personalized shopping experience through multiple dedicated tabs, allowing Indian customers to browse and purchase Apple’s entire product lineup while receiving tailored recommendations that enhance their shopping journey.
• The Products tab serves as a comprehensive destination where customers can explore Apple’s latest devices, accessories, and services, while also learning about programs like Apple Trade In and available financing options for their purchases.
• The For You section delivers a customized experience by presenting timely recommendations and organizing saved items for quick access, making it easier for customers to keep track of products they’re interested in.
• The Go Further tab connects customers with Apple Specialists for online Personal Setup sessions and offers instructional videos. Users can also sign up for complimentary Today at Apple sessions at local retail stores to maximize their device usage.
• Product customization features allow customers to personalize their devices, including upgrading Mac specifications and free engraving services for AirPods, iPad, Apple Pencil Pro, Apple Pencil (2nd generation), and AirTag in eight different languages.
• The app will soon introduce a digital gift message scheduling feature, adding another layer of personalization to the shopping experience.
• Convenient delivery and pickup options are available through the app, ensuring customers can receive their purchases through their preferred method of fulfillment.

The launch follows Apple’s retail expansion in India, which began with flagship store openings in Delhi and Mumbai in April 2023. The company has announced plans for additional retail locations in Bengaluru, Pune, and other areas across Delhi-NCR and Mumbai.

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Earlier if a user needs to use AI features inside mail, Docs, Sheets, Meet, and the rest of the Workspace suite, they need to pay an extra $20 per user per month for the Gemini Business Plan. Yesterday Google officially announced via a blog post that AI features will now be available to all the Workspace customers at no extra charge.

AI capabilities that will be rolled out to Google Workspace Business customers today and to Enterprise customers later this month include-

• AI assistance in the mail, Docs, Sheets, Meet, Chat, Vids, and more
• Chat with Gemini Advanced
• Unlock the power of NotebookLM Plus

But there is a catch, Google will not be charging for these AI features but has slightly increased the prices of its Workspace plans. For example, earlier the Standard Business plan was priced at $12 while for the Gemini Business add-on, they needed to pay $20, an amount totaling $32 per user per month. Now users will have to pay $14 ($2 extra) for the Workspace Business standard plan including AI features.

New Pricing For Workspace Plans (Global)

Flexible Plan (Monthly Payment)

• Business Starter- $8.40 USD per user
• Business Standard- $16.80 USD per user
• Business Plus- $26.40 USD per user

Annual/Fixed-Term Plan (Monthly Payment)

• Business starter- $7 USD per user
• Business standard- $14 USD per user
• Business Plus- $22 USD per user

The new pricing takes effect from tomorrow for new customers, monthly subscription pricing will be updated starting 17^th March 2025 or at renewal date with an Annual/Fixed term plan whichever is later. Very small business customers are not subject to pricing changes at this time.

Workspace Plans- Indian pricing

• Business starter- Rs 160.65 INR per user/month
• Business standard- Rs 864 INR per user/month
• Business Plus- Rs 1700 INR per user/month

In India, the AI feature is standard across all the plans.

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