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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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Zepto Prepares for IPO with $250 Million Secondary Share Sale to Boost Domestic Investor Ownership

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Zepto Prepares for IPO with $250 Million Secondary Share Sale to Boost Domestic Investor Ownership

Zepto, the Bengaluru-based quick commerce startup, is preparing for its initial public offering (IPO) by facilitating a secondary share sale worth up to $250 million. This strategic move aims to increase Indian investor ownership from approximately 33% to nearly 50% before the anticipated public listing later this year or early next year.

Funding and Investor Details

The secondary sale will involve private equity firms, including Motilal Oswal Financial Services and Edelweiss Financial Services, allowing existing investors and employees to liquidate their shares. Although Zepto will not raise additional capital through this transaction, it is expected to execute the sale at a valuation of just over $5 billion, consistent with its last funding round in November 2024.

Objectives Behind the Sale

The primary goal of this secondary share sale is to enhance domestic ownership in Zepto, aligning with regulatory preferences and making the IPO more attractive to local institutional investors. Co-founders Aadit Palicha and Kaivalya Vohra currently hold about 20% of the company, and increasing Indian shareholder stakes is seen as a way to strengthen governance and influence over the company’s future direction.

Market Context

Zepto operates in India’s competitive grocery delivery market, facing challenges from established players like Amazon India, Swiggy, Zomato, and BigBasket. Founded in 2021 by Palicha and Vohra after they dropped out of Stanford University, Zepto has quickly gained traction in the quick commerce sector.

Conclusion

As Zepto approaches its IPO, this secondary share sale represents a crucial step in solidifying its position in the Indian market. By boosting domestic investor participation, Zepto aims to enhance its credibility and appeal as it prepares for a public listing amidst a wave of Indian startups entering the stock market.

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Regional OTT Platform STAGE Raises $12.5 Million to Expand Bhojpuri and Cultural Offerings

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Regional OTT platform STAGE has successfully raised $12.5 million in its Series B funding round, a move that highlights the increasing demand for regional content in India. The round was co-led by Goodwater Capital and Blume Ventures, with participation from Physis Capital and several angel investors.

The funding includes $10 million in primary capital and $2.5 million from secondary share sales, allowing early investors to partially exit. This capital will enable STAGE to enhance its content offerings, particularly in underserved languages like Bhojpuri, while strengthening its technological capabilities.

 

Since its launch in 2019, STAGE has quickly established itself as a leader in the regional OTT market, reporting an Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) of ₹180 crore (approximately $21.7 million) and over 4.4 million paying subscribers. The platform has achieved over 20 million app installs and experienced significant growth, with a 289% increase in revenue and a 286% rise in subscribers over the past year, driven by original series such as Videshi Bahu, Kaand 2010, and Bhawani.

 

CEO Vinay Singhal emphasized that this funding is not just financial support but a validation of India’s diverse regional cultures. He noted that dialects like Haryanvi and Bhojpuri should be celebrated rather than viewed as liabilities. With this new funding, STAGE plans to further invest in content creation and technology development to enrich its storytelling experience.

 

As the demand for regional language content continues to grow, STAGE’s strategic investments position it well to expand into more languages and cultural narratives, solidifying its place in the competitive OTT landscape alongside platforms like aha video and Chaupal.

 

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From Space to Earth: Sunita Williams’ Inspiring Journey and Homecoming Celebration

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Sunita Williams, the celebrated Indian-American astronaut, recently returned to Earth after an extended nine-month mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Initially scheduled for just eight days, her mission was prolonged due to technical issues with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft, which rendered it unsafe for their return.

On March 19, 2025, Williams and fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore safely splashed down off the Florida coast. 

 

Their homecoming was celebrated in Jhulasan village, Gujarat, where special prayers and rituals were held to honor her safe return. Family members expressed their joy and gratitude, emphasizing her strong ties to her ancestral home.

Upon her return, Williams received accolades from Indian officials, including a letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who expressed pride in her achievements and resilience. He highlighted the inspiration she provides to future generations of scientists.

 

While her return marks a moment of celebration, it also signals the start of new challenges. After spending 286 days in space, Williams will undergo a 45-day rehabilitation period to readjust to life on Earth and regain physical strength.

Sunita Williams’ journey serves as an inspiration not only for India but for aspiring scientists worldwide, showcasing the significant contributions of Indian-origin individuals in global space exploration.

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