Global technology giant Apple held their annual product keynote in the Steve Jobs Theatre at the new Apple Park Campus in Cupertino, Calif, yesterday. The event was started with an homage to the Apple founder and icon Steve Jobs using an old voice recorded message from the founder.
Chief Executive Officer, Tim Cook then took the stage to begin the event at the company’s new head office. Speaking about the tribute he said, “It’s taken some time, but we can now reflect on him with joy, rather than sadness.” The head office was designed by Jobs before his demise six years ago. Cook also spoke about Apple’s efforts in helping Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Harvey victims in Florida and Texas respectively. The new headquarters Apple Park was built using sustainable materials and will be the first campus to use 100% renewable energy with a solar paneled roof to generate power.
The special event was the launchpad for multiple new products the company has been designing including their rebranded retail stores, now called the Apple Town Houses. The Apple Town Houses will also hold a new program called ‘Today At Apple’ where people can come together to learn different art forms such as coding, designing and photography. The new Watch Series 3 was also launched, which for the first time will allow users access to Apple Music to stream its 40 million songs, podcasts or Beats 1 radio shows. Priced at $399, the new upgraded watch comes with built in cellular connectivity that can be used to make phone calls as well. The Apple watch will be available in stores from 22 September.
The Apple TV was also unveiled at the event and offers a 4K resolution to the users along with standard HDR. Apple’s latest streaming device will be partnering with Netflix and Amazon to offer their programming in super high resolution. The high end TV will also be available from 22 September and will be more tightly integrated with Apple Music in its new iteration.
The real stars of the event were the three new iPhone models. The first iPhone that created ripples in the smartphone industry had up to 16 GB storage space, 1400 mAh battery, 3.5 inch screen and a 2.0 MP camera. The newly launched devices, according to Tim Cook, are far more intelligent, far more capable and far more personal than ever before. The three new models are named iPhone 8,iPhone 8 Plus and the iPhone X, which is pronounced as iPhone ‘ten.’ Along with the color, the camera and software of the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus have been upgraded while iPhone X packs a whole new arena of features.
The future of the smartphone is here.
The iPhone 8 and 8 Plus will be priced at $699 and $799 for the 64 GB versions respectively, while the iPhone X will cost a whopping $999. Both the iPhone 8’s will be available from 22 September where as the iPhone X will begin shipping from 3 November.
Jio BlackRock Broking Private Limited, a joint venture between Jio Financial Services and BlackRock Inc., has received final approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to commence operations as a brokerage firm. The regulatory nod, granted via a certificate of registration issued on June 25, 2025, allows the company to function as both a stockbroker and a clearing member in India’s financial markets. This milestone follows a series of regulatory clearances for the Jio BlackRock ecosystem, including approvals for mutual fund and investment advisory businesses, underscoring the joint venture’s ambition to build a comprehensive, digital-first financial services platform.
As a wholly owned subsidiary of Jio BlackRock Investment Advisers, the broking arm aims to deliver affordable, transparent, and technology-driven execution services to Indian investors. The company’s leadership has emphasized that the new platform will empower self-directed investors with seamless execution capabilities, complementing its broader strategy to democratize access to investment solutions in India. The approval is expected to further strengthen Jio BlackRock’s position in the rapidly expanding financial services sector, offering a full suite of products from mutual funds and advisory to brokerage, all accessible through user-friendly digital channels.
The market responded positively to the news, with Jio Financial Services shares rising over 4 percent following the announcement. Industry analysts view this regulatory milestone as a significant step in Jio BlackRock’s efforts to transform India’s investment landscape, moving the country closer to becoming a nation of investors rather than just savers.
CoRover has launched BharatGPT Mini, India’s first offline multilingual AI model, at VivaTech 2025 in Paris, with the event officiated by Union Minister Jitin Prasada. This innovative Small Language Model (SLM), featuring around 534 million parameters, is specifically designed for edge devices and low-compute environments, enabling robust AI capabilities without the need for cloud connectivity. Its ability to function entirely offline and support 14 Indic languages makes it a powerful tool for digital inclusion, particularly in rural and remote regions where internet access is limited.
BharatGPT Mini’s architecture is optimized for deployment across various sectors, including healthcare, education, banking, and governance, allowing citizens to interact with essential services in their native languages. The model can be integrated into small businesses, government offices, and other organizations through the CoRover Builder platform, which offers a no-code solution for deploying AI assistants across web, telephony, and IoT systems. By processing data locally and encrypting it on-device, BharatGPT Mini ensures strong privacy and data sovereignty, aligning with India’s strategic goal of developing indigenous AI solutions.
The launch has garnered strong support from both the Indian government and industry leaders, who see BharatGPT Mini as a catalyst for democratizing access to digital services. CoRover anticipates significant growth in the adoption of Small Language Models, with early feedback indicating a substantial increase in project demand. As CoRover looks to expand its expertise globally, BharatGPT Mini stands out as a scalable, multilingual, and privacy-centric solution, setting a new standard for inclusive and sovereign AI innovation in India’s diverse landscape.
Kerala-based startup E-Quark Molecule Innovations Pvt Ltd, headquartered in Thrissur, has introduced an innovative device called Keratin that combines a mobile phone holder with a built-in charger. This unique gadget is designed to offer users a convenient solution to hold and charge their smartphones simultaneously, addressing the common challenge of managing power supply while using mobile devices.
The device enhances user experience by integrating two essential functions into one compact design. It securely holds the phone while providing efficient charging, making it perfect for use on desks, bedside tables, or other personal spaces where easy access and power are needed. This innovation aligns with the growing trend of multifunctional mobile accessories that prioritize both convenience and practicality.
E-Quark Molecule Innovations is a key player in Kerala’s dynamic startup ecosystem, which has been rapidly expanding in tech-driven areas such as electric vehicle charging infrastructure. With the launch of this mobile holder-charger, the company is establishing itself as a leader in user-centric mobile accessories, further cementing Kerala’s position as a hub for cutting-edge technology development.