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Android Pie: Everything You Need To Know About Google’s New Features

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Android 9 Pie, Android’s latest operating system, was just launched after premiering at the company’s developers conference in May! After months of speculation, Google finally revealed what the P in the name stands for and despite all the multiple names thrown around, the one that stuck was Pie! From the first glance, Android 9 Pie seems to be extremely promising. Here is taking a look at the features this new and updated version of the Android has to offer!

1. Machine Learning

Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence is the one bandwagon everyone is ready to jump on, including Google.  One of the key updates in the new operating software is the Adaptive Battery, which understands which apps you use the most and will help you optimise them accordingly. App Actions predicts which app you will use next, based on your usage.

2. Background upgrades 

One of the most popular controversies yet to be proven in the world of smartphones is how Facebook could be listening to your conversations through smartphone microphones. Despite not being proven, Android Pie is going to restrict access to mic, camera and all SensorManager Sensors from apps that are idle for a long time. This basically means that if the app switches to background mode, it will lose access to the phone’s microphone! Furthermore, if an external device is trying to gain access to your camera, an automatic error message gets generated, letting owners know their phone is being hacked in an instant.

3. Privacy a major factor 

In an attempt to increase the privacy settings of one’s phone, the new OS has taken privacy quite seriously. Google is creating a new permission’s category called Call Log, which requires developers to ask for explicit permission to access users’ call logs, rather than lumping it all into a single “Phone” permissions group. As an added safety measure, all Android phones are required to access links starting with HTTPS and not HTTP, making sure the network is safe and secure.

4. New interface 

So far, one of the major differences between Android and Apple was user interface. Up until now, Android had a three touch navigation button. However, with the new OS, the software is now giving way to a slicker one touch navigation system, seemingly inspired from the gesture features of Apple iPhone X. For instance, you can swipe up the button to see recent applications. The thumbnails of recent applications now appear larger with a full screen view. Smart Text Selection has also been improved and integrated within the “Overview” of recent applications. One of the other key features in the new upgrade include Quick Settings, a feature which lets you access only the apps you have used regularly.

5. Digital Well Being

Google’s new Digital Well Being software is the only software part of the new upgrade which will still be in beta phase during the launch. In case you missed Google’s OS launch back in May, this software deals with limiting the amount of time you spend on your app. While it may seem counterproductive for an OS developing system, the long term goals are beneficial. Once fully functional, one can go to the settings on your dashboard and look at how much time you have spent on your phone and what app is taking up most of your time. To limit usage of these apps, you can set timers and enable the “Do Not Disturb” feature, which instantly switches the app into lock mode.

Sticking to age old Google tradition, the new update is coming to the Pixel phone first. Non Google phones like Sony Mobile, Xiaomi, HMD Global, Oppo,  Vivo and One Plus, will receive the software upgrade towards the end of this year. Android One phones like Mi A2 and Mi A1 will also receive the update toward the latter half of this year!

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MPL to Lay Off 60% of India Workforce Following Online Gaming Ban

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MPL

Mobile Premier League (MPL), one of India’s top online gaming platforms, is set to lay off about 60% of its India workforce following the government’s ban on paid online games. The move, confirmed by MPL CEO Sai Srinivas through an internal email, will impact around 300 employees across multiple departments including marketing, finance, operations, engineering, and legal. This decision comes as a direct result of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, which restricts paid online games involving monetary stakes to address concerns over financial risks and addiction among young users.

India contributed nearly half of MPL’s revenues, estimated at around $100 million in the 2024-25 fiscal year. With the ban on paid gaming, MPL’s primary revenue source in India has been effectively cut off, prompting the company to shift focus towards free-to-play games and expand its presence in overseas markets such as the United States and Brazil. Despite the layoffs, MPL has pledged to support the affected employees through the transition period. CEO Sai Srinivas expressed regret over the downsizing but highlighted the company’s commitment to developing new business models for the Indian market amid the regulatory changes.

This development significantly disrupts the Indian online gaming industry, which was on track to grow into a $3.6 billion sector by 2029 before the introduction of the ban. While competitors like Dream11 have adapted by discontinuing paid games and avoiding layoffs, the ban has forced many gaming startups in India to rethink their operations. The government’s regulation targets all games involving real money stakes, including fantasy sports and popular card games like rummy and poker, reshaping the future landscape for the country’s gaming ecosystem and its workforce.

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NCLT Approves Amalgamaxtion of Info Edge Subsidiary Makesense with PB Fintech

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Info Edge - PB

The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) has granted approval for the amalgamation of Info Edge’s subsidiary, Makesense Technologies, with PB Fintech as of August 29, 2025, in a significant move for India’s fintech sector. This strategic merger aligns with Info Edge’s ongoing focus on streamlining its corporate structure and supports PB Fintech’s growth trajectory as the operator of leading platforms such as Policybazaar and Paisabazaar. The amalgamation, cleared by NCLT’s Chandigarh bench, took place without winding up either company, enabling a seamless blending of assets and expertise for greater operational efficiency.

In the specifics of this deal, Makesense Technologies—holding a 13.04% stake in PB Fintech as of June 2025—will see its shareholders allotted 59,750 equity shares and 60,030 compulsorily convertible preference shares from PB Fintech, with no change to Info Edge’s underlying economic interest. The consolidation is expected to cut compliance and administrative costs, simplify the equity structure, and enable both companies to focus on core business strengths without duplication of resources. This move is designed to strengthen PB Fintech’s position in India’s fast-evolving fintech and insurance market, while keeping Info Edge’s investment objectives intact.

The NCLT-approved merger highlights a broader trend of consolidation within India’s tech-driven industries, as major players seek to boost competitiveness and achieve sustainable growth through mergers and amalgamations. Stakeholders—including shareholders and employees—are set to benefit from the new, streamlined structure, increased transparency, and the promise of enhanced value creation going forward. The unification of Makesense Technologies and PB Fintech is expected to make a positive impact on the broader fintech ecosystem, reinforcing both companies’ leadership and innovation agendas.

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ShareChat Appoints Neha Markanda as CBO

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Sharechat

ShareChat, one of India’s premier social media platforms, has strengthened its leadership by appointing Neha Markanda as Chief Business Officer for both its flagship ShareChat platform and the popular short video app Moj. Markanda, previously Head of Industry, E-commerce at Google India, brings over 22 years of expertise across renowned companies like Meta, GSK Consumer Healthcare, PepsiCo, and ITC. At Google India, she led transformative strategies in e-commerce and health tech, ensuring market growth and technological innovation for global brands. Her proven track record uniquely positions her to drive ShareChat’s revenue strategy, business expansion, and partnerships with advertisers and regional stakeholders.

Markanda’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for ShareChat, which recently achieved profitability and has projected a robust ₹1,200 crore revenue run rate for the year. The platforms boast a combined monthly active user base of more than 325 million, making ShareChat and Moj essential tools for marketers seeking to increase engagement across India’s diverse regions. Markanda’s expertise is expected to further accelerate ShareChat’s business growth, opening doors for brand collaborations and hyper-targeted influencer campaigns, which can connect marketers to local audiences in a culturally relevant manner.

With advanced degrees from the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade and Lady Shri Ram College, Markanda’s leadership is set to reinforce ShareChat’s momentum as India’s go-to platform for marketers and creators looking for trusted, brand-safe environments. Her focus on vernacular content and building robust partnerships will complement ShareChat and Moj’s mission to empower regional creators and deliver authentic engagement. Industry experts have lauded this strategic move, anticipating that Markanda’s vision will help ShareChat and Moj maintain their edge in India’s social media landscape.

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