Google has launched the Google Startup Hub Hyderabad, a major step in strengthening India’s dynamic startup ecosystem. This new initiative aims to empower entrepreneurs, innovators, and developers by giving them access to Google’s global expertise, mentoring programs, and advanced cloud technology. The hub reflects Google’s mission to fuel India’s digital transformation and promote innovation through the Google for Startups program.

Located in the heart of one of India’s top tech cities, the Google Startup Hub in Hyderabad will host mentorship sessions, training workshops, and networking events designed for early-stage startups. Founders will receive Google Cloud credits, expert guidance in AI, product development, and business scaling, and opportunities to collaborate with Google’s global mentors and investors. This ecosystem aims to help Indian startups grow faster and compete globally.

With Hyderabad already home to tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon, the launch of the Google Startup Hub Hyderabad further cements the city’s position as a leading innovation and technology hub in India. Backed by a strong talent pool and robust infrastructure, this hub is set to become a growth engine for next-generation startups, driving innovation from India to global markets.

• Jio Platforms has launched JioPC, a cloud-based virtual desktop service that transforms any television connected to a Jio Set Top Box into a fully functional computer.
• Users simply connect a keyboard and mouse to access a desktop-like environment, complete with web browsing, productivity tools, and educational apps—all without needing a physical PC or extra hardware.
• The service is device-agnostic and works with all consumer PC brands, making advanced computing accessible and affordable for millions across India.

JioPC is designed to support a wide range of activities, from professional work to online learning and creative projects. By leveraging Jio’s robust cloud infrastructure, users can run even compute-intensive AI applications directly from their TV screens. The platform also ensures data security and reliability, as all files and settings are safely stored in the cloud, protecting users from data loss even if their device is reset or replaced.

With JioPC, Jio aims to democratize digital access and bring high-performance computing to Indian households at a fraction of the traditional cost. The service supports popular productivity suites like LibreOffice and Microsoft Office online, and Jio is offering a free trial to encourage users to experience the benefits firsthand. This innovative move is set to reshape how people in India work, learn, and connect in the digital age.

Meta has officially begun rolling out ads on WhatsApp, ending over a decade of an ad-free experience since its acquisition in 2014. The advertisements will appear only in the Updates tab, specifically within the Status feature, which lets users share photos, videos, and text updates that disappear after 24 hours—similar to Instagram Stories.

Where Ads Will Appear

• Ads will be visible exclusively in the Status section of the Updates tab, keeping personal and group chats ad-free.
• Businesses can use these ads to encourage users to interact via WhatsApp messaging.
• Meta is also introducing paid channel subscriptions and promoted channels within the Updates tab, allowing users to access premium content and discover new channels more easily.

Privacy and Targeting

Meta has emphasized that private messages, calls, and group chats will remain end-to-end encrypted and free from advertising. Ads will be personalized using limited, non-sensitive data such as location, language, followed channels, and ad interactions. Users can further manage ad preferences if they link WhatsApp to Meta’s Accounts Center.

User and Business Impact

The move marks a major shift for WhatsApp, which has long resisted advertising to preserve a clean messaging experience. While some users have criticized the change, Meta sees this as a significant opportunity to monetize WhatsApp’s 3 billion users and over 200 million businesses on the platform.

In summary, WhatsApp’s new ads will be confined to the Updates tab, ensuring personal messaging remains private and uninterrupted, while opening new monetization avenues for Meta and businesses.