If you tuned into Apple’s Worldwide Developer’s Conference for major game changing software updates, then the new features might be a tad bit disappointing. With that being said, the features introduced for the new iOS updates are a class act. Here are all the updates announced at the WWDC 2018 Conference!
1. Screen Time
Similar to Google and Android phones, Apple is working at increasing the balance between gadgets and life. The new Screen Time feature details about how much time is spent on the screen and individual devices. The new feature breaks down how much time is spent on individual apps, including games and texting apps! Screen Time will provide you with a weekly summary of how you use your phone. Furthermore, you can set time limits on each individual and once the time is up, a time’s up” message will display when the counter runs out. Apple is also introducing a parental control feature, giving parents the ability to reduce their kid’s screen time.
2. Memoji: Custom Emojis
The new Animoji features were first introduced to the Apple X. Starting with the iOS, Animoji will be able to detect your expression when you stick your tongue out at the camera. Apple terms the new emoji update feature as Memoji. With the new updates, users will not only be able to personalize the emoticons, they will also be able to change the face colour and customise as per requirement. The new updates are a cross between Bitmoji and Nintendo’s Mil characters.
3. Group Facetime
Taking Apple’s coveted Facetime feature a notch higher, iOS 12 has introduced an update called group Facetime sessions. According to the new update, almost 32 people will be able to Facetime at the same time. When multiple people are on a call, their video windows will get larger when they’re speaking and shrink when they’re not. For conversations where your face feels a little boring, you’ll be able to use Animoji and Memoji characters during calls.
4. Improved Augmented Reality Experience
The new iOS software promises improved augmented reality experiences. The Apple team is introducing a new file format called USDZ, a feature similar to the software being used by Adobe, Autodesk, and Sketchfab.
5. Measure APP
The Measure APP is Apple’s coolest new feature. As the name suggests, the app lets you accurately measure surfaces around you. Place the frame around the object needed measuring and the app accurately gives you the measurements you are after.
6. Pictures
The Photos App in iOS 12 will automatically offer search suggestions. With the “For You” tab, the new update offers suggestions based on earlier filters used. Furthermore, friends with pictures from similar events and places will be prompted to share their images as well.
7. Shortcuts App
The new Shortcuts App comes as a blessing in disguise for i Phone users. The app lets you string together multiple actions which can be prompted by a customised Siri request.
8. iBooks Become Apple Books
Apple is rebranding its ebook app from iBooks to Apple Books. Along with the name change comes a refreshed design that focuses on discoverability. A new Book Store tab “makes it easy to explore new titles and browse the top charts, curated collections, and special offers,” according to Apple.
The new features promise an improvement in the performance as opposed to improving the apps already available. The new iOS software is expected to roll out in November this year!
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.
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.
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.
