Category: Tech News

Karbonn Rebel Series Set for India Launch Soon

Karbonn is preparing to return to the smartphone market in India with the Rebel series. The lineup includes two models, the Karbonn Rebel Pro and the Karbonn Rebel. A dedicated microsite is now live in the country. It reveals key specifications, design details, features, and availability information for both handsets.

Both phones will run Android 16. The company claims the series will ship with zero bloatware. It has also confirmed that the Pro model will be available in four colour options. The standard model will come in three shades.

Availability and Colour Options

The microsite confirms that the Karbonn Rebel Pro and Karbonn Rebel will launch in India soon. It further suggests that both handsets will be available for purchase via Amazon. The Karbonn Rebel Pro will be offered in blue, burgundy, gold, and gray. In contrast, the standard Karbonn Rebel will go on sale in blue, gold, and silver.

Design Details

The Karbonn Rebel Pro sports a flat rear panel. It features a vertical rectangular camera module in the top-left corner. The phone also has a flat mid-frame. The power button and volume controls sit on the right side. Karbonn branding appears at the bottom of the rear panel, while a USB Type-C port is placed at the bottom.

Meanwhile, the standard Karbonn Rebel also features a flat rear panel. However, it sports a horizontal rectangular camera island. This island houses three camera cutouts in a triangular layout. The LED flash sits next to the camera lenses. The placement of the physical buttons matches the Pro model.

Key Specifications

The Karbonn Rebel Pro comes with a 6,000mAh battery. It supports 20W wired charging. The company will include the 20W charging adapter and a USB Type-C cable in the box. On the other hand, the Karbonn Rebel packs a 7,000mAh battery. It offers support for 18W wired fast charging.

The Pro model sports a 6.7-inch HD+ display. It reaches up to 720 nits peak brightness and supports up to a 120Hz refresh rate. The standard model features a 6.75-inch HD+ touchscreen. It offers up to 650 nits peak brightness. Both phones will ship with Android 16. The company promises a zero-bloatware software experience. It will also provide two years of security patches and two OS upgrades for the series.

Flipkart Big Bang Diwali Sale 2026 Brings Big Discounts on iPhones and More

Flipkart launched its Big Bang Diwali Sale 2026 on October 28. This marks the platform’s second major festive sale of the season. Shoppers can now grab discounts across a wide range of products.

The sale covers smartphones, laptops, true wireless stereo earbuds, smartwatches, washing machines, refrigerators, and other home appliances. On top of direct price cuts, Flipkart offers instant discounts on select credit and debit cards. Moreover, buyers can also benefit from exchange offers on eligible devices.

Apple iPhone models feature prominently in the deals. Flipkart has listed several models at reduced prices. These include the iPhone 17, iPhone 15, iPhone 18 Pro Max, iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone Air. In addition, the company provides a 10 percent instant discount on SBI debit and credit cards, as well as on SBI credit card EMI transactions.

Buyers can further reduce costs with an exchange bonus of up to Rs. 5,000. This amount comes on top of the value of the old handset. Flipkart also offers Apple’s iCloud+ subscription at Rs. 749 for 12 months, down from the regular price of Rs. 900.

The iPhone 17, which launched in September last year, is available at an effective price of Rs. 79,999. Its original retail price stands at Rs. 99,900. The total savings come from a direct price cut of Rs. 8,000, a credit card discount of Rs. 7,000, and an exchange bonus of Rs. 5,000. Similarly, the iPhone 15 drops to Rs. 59,999 from its selling price of Rs. 69,999. The reduction includes a Rs. 5,000 credit card discount and a Rs. 5,000 exchange bonus.

Here is a summary of the effective sale prices for the listed iPhone models. These prices already factor in credit card discounts and exchange bonuses, in addition to direct cuts.

Product	List Price	Sale Price
iPhone 17	Rs. 99,900	Rs. 79,999
iPhone 15	Rs. 69,999	Rs. 59,999
iPhone 18 Pro Max	Rs. 1,79,900	Rs. 1,73,900
iPhone 18 Pro	Rs. 1,64,900	Rs. 1,58,900
iPhone 17 Pro Max	Rs. 1,49,900	Rs. 1,42,900
iPhone 17 Pro	Rs. 1,34,900	Rs. 1,27,900
iPhone Air	Rs. 1,19,900	Rs. 99,900

The Flipkart Big Bang Diwali Sale 2026 gives shoppers a chance to upgrade devices at lower prices. Buyers should check the latest offers and bank discounts on the platform before making a purchase.

Redmi K100 Debuts in China with Snapdragon 8 Elite Chipset and 10,000mAh Battery

Redmi launched the K100 in China on Tuesday. It arrives as the third model in the series. The handset joins the recently unveiled Redmi K100 Pro and Redmi K100 Pro Max. Sales start later this week.

The phone comes in three colour options and three RAM and storage configurations. It runs on a Snapdragon 8 series chipset built on a 3nm process. In addition, it features a dual rear camera system. Moreover, it packs a large 10,000mAh battery.

Price and Availability
The Redmi K100 starts at CNY 3,499 (roughly Rs. 50,000) for the base model with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. The variant with the same RAM and 512GB of storage costs CNY 4,099 (about Rs. 58,000). Meanwhile, the top model with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage is priced at CNY 4,499 (roughly Rs. 64,000).

Sales begin in China on October 31 through the Xiaomi online store. Pre-orders are already open. The phone is available in Black, Fluorescent Green, and Snow Rock White.

Specifications and Features
The dual-SIM handset runs Xiaomi’s HyperOS 4 based on Android 17. It sports a 6.83-inch 1.5K (1,280 x 2,772 pixels) AMOLED display that refreshes at up to 165Hz. The screen supports a 480Hz touch sampling rate and a 3,500Hz instantaneous touch sampling rate. It also offers a P3 wide colour gamut, up to 3,500 nits peak brightness, HDR10+, HDR Vivid, and Dolby Vision. Furthermore, Redmi claims IP66, IP68, IP69, and IP69K ratings for dust and water resistance.

Qualcomm’s octa-core Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset powers the device. It delivers a peak clock speed of 4.32GHz. A dedicated D2 AI gaming chip, built on TSMC’s 12nm process, is also present. The phone includes an Adreno GPU, up to 16GB of LPDDR5x RAM, and up to 512GB of UFS 4.1 storage. An in-display fingerprint scanner and face unlock provide security.

On the camera front, the dual rear system is led by a 50-megapixel (f/1.68) primary shooter. It uses a 1/1.55-inch Light Hunter 800 sensor with optical image stabilisation. An 8-megapixel (f/2.2) ultrawide camera with a 1/4-inch OV08F sensor sits alongside it. The front houses a 20-megapixel camera. The phone records videos at up to 8K/30 fps.

The 10,000mAh battery supports 100W wired fast charging and 27W reverse wired charging. Connectivity options include 5G, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, USB Type-C, GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, QZSS, and NavIC. Sensors include an accelerometer, ambient light sensor, e-compass, gyroscope, and IR blaster. The phone measures 162.91 x 77.93 x 8.65mm and weighs about 234.5g.

Vivo X500 Series Expected to Launch in India by End of November

Vivo launched the X500 series in China last month. The company has not yet confirmed details of its India debut. However, industry sources suggest the flagship lineup will arrive in the country by the end of next month.

The series includes the Vivo X500, Vivo X500 Pro, and Vivo X500 Pro Max. The Vivo X500 Pro Max is expected to lead the lineup. Additionally, it may feature advanced camera capabilities. Sources indicate the model could support 60fps autofocus tracking for snapshot photography. This feature allows the phone to track moving subjects while capturing photos. Moreover, the handset may offer 4K cinematic slow-motion recording at up to 960fps.

Like its predecessor, the flagship series is expected to emphasise camera performance. Meanwhile, the global launch of the Vivo X500 series is scheduled for October 28. The global lineup may include the Vivo X500 Pro and X500 Pro Max. However, the standard model is said to be unavailable in some markets.

According to reports, the Vivo X500 Pro may cost EUR 1,399 (roughly Rs. 1.49 lakh) for the 12GB RAM and 256GB storage configuration in Europe. It is expected in Moonlight Black and Sunny White colour options. The Vivo X500 Pro Max is tipped to cost EUR 1,799 (roughly Rs. 1.92 lakh) for the 12GB RAM and 512GB storage variant. It may be available in Moonlight Black and Starry Gray. Furthermore, a bundled camera kit could be offered for EUR 1,999 (roughly Rs. 2.13 lakh).

Vivo is also said to plan a launch incentive. Customers who register their interest in advance can save EUR 120 (roughly Rs. 12,800) at launch. The rumour mill further suggests that Vivo could expand the X500 lineup next year with the addition of a Vivo X500 Ultra model.

Amazon Great Indian Festival Reloaded Sale Cuts Power Bank Prices

Phone batteries now last longer and often run for up to two days on one charge. However, power banks still serve as useful accessories. Long commutes, travel, gaming sessions, and heavy mobile data use can drain a phone quickly. Therefore, many users keep an extra power source nearby.

Amazon Great Indian Festival Reloaded Sale offers a good chance to buy power banks at lower prices. Shoppers can choose models from brands such as URBN, Portronics, Xiaomi, Ambrane, and boAt. Options span different budgets. Moreover, several models support fast charging, larger capacities, and wireless charging.

Discounts Reach Up to 65 Percent

The sale reduces prices on mobile accessories, including power banks, by up to 65 percent. Notable deals include the URBN 20,000mAh 35W Turbo Power Bank at Rs. 1,499. The Xiaomi Power Bank 4i 20,000mAh model drops to Rs. 1,899. These cuts make high-capacity options more affordable.

Prime members receive an extra Rs. 250 cashback. They can also save up to an additional 10 percent. In addition, Axis Bank and ICICI Bank credit card users get up to 10 percent off on purchases and EMI transactions. However, this bank discount is capped at Rs. 11,250. Customers may also find exchange offers and no-cost EMI plans. Availability depends on the product and buyer eligibility.

Top Power Bank Deals

The table below lists effective sale prices. These figures already include available discounts and cashback.

Product	List Price	Effective Sale Price
URBN 20000mAh 35W Turbo Power Bank	Rs. 3,999	Rs. 1,499
Portronics Luxcell B 10K 10000mAh 22.5W Power Bank	Rs. 1,799	Rs. 699
Xiaomi Power Bank 4i 20000mAh 33W	Rs. 3,999	Rs. 1,899
Ambrane Stylo N20 20000mAh 22.5W Power Bank	Rs. 2,799	Rs. 1,299
boAt EnergyShroom PB331 10000mAh Magnetic Wireless Power Bank	Rs. 4,490	Rs. 1,299
Portronics 65W Ignis 65 20000mAh Power Bank	Rs. 3,999	Rs. 1,999
Ambrane MagSafe Wireless 10000mAh Power Bank	Rs. 2,999	Rs. 1,499
Xiaomi 10000mAh 45W Wireless Power Bank	Rs. 7,999	Rs. 3,699

These offers help buyers pick a reliable power bank without spending full price. Therefore, interested shoppers should review current deals and bank benefits before the sale ends.

OnePlus Confirms Ace 7 and Ace 7 Pro Launch in China on October 29

OnePlus has officially confirmed that the OnePlus Ace 7 and OnePlus Ace 7 Pro will launch in China on October 29 at 7:00 PM local time. Pre-orders for both smartphones have been available through the company’s official online store since October 16. The new Ace series is expected to bring several upgrades over the previous generation, including high-refresh-rate displays, large batteries and improved thermal management. Both models will feature an integrated active cooling fan, marking a first for OnePlus and aiming to maintain performance during extended gaming sessions.

Processor and Cooling Features

The standard OnePlus Ace 7 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 V processor. The Ace 7 Pro uses the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, paired with 16GB of RAM and Android 17. Both models feature OnePlus’ Dual-Path Glacier Air Cooling System. This technology combines a built-in fan with separate airflow channels that cool the processor and rear panel independently. It is also designed to direct hot air away from the user’s hands during intensive use.

Display and Battery

Both smartphones are expected to feature a 6.78-inch flat LTPS OLED panel with 1.5K resolution and a 185Hz refresh rate. They will also pack batteries with a capacity of around 9,000mAh, supported by high-wattage wired fast charging. These specifications target users who prioritise smooth performance and long usage times.

Camera Specifications

The OnePlus Ace 7 Pro is tipped to feature a 200MP primary camera with optical image stabilisation (OIS), alongside a 50MP periscope telephoto camera. The telephoto unit is expected to use Samsung’s ISOCELL JN5 sensor and support 3.5x optical zoom. The standard OnePlus Ace 7 is also expected to include a 200MP main camera. Unlike the Pro model, the standard version is not expected to include a dedicated periscope telephoto camera.

Design and Colour Options

Both smartphones will feature a raised, square-shaped metal camera module positioned in the upper-left corner of the rear panel. The standard OnePlus Ace 7 is expected to come in Tempered, Midnight Black and Glossy White. Meanwhile, the OnePlus Ace 7 Pro will reportedly be offered in Windbreaker, Midnight Black and Lightning White.

The Ace series is primarily targeted at the Chinese market. However, industry analysts speculate that the OnePlus Ace 7 Pro could eventually reach international markets under a different name. The company has confirmed the October 29 launch date in China, with further details expected around the official unveiling.

WhatsApp Adds Shortcut to Share Instagram Reels Directly in Chats

WhatsApp is making it easier for users to share Instagram Reels in chats. The messaging app is introducing a new Reels shortcut in the attachment menu. Instead of searching through the media picker, users can tap the button, browse their recent activity, and send a video. The feature is currently rolling out to some Android beta testers.

How the New Shortcut Works

According to WABetaInfo, WhatsApp is testing the feature in Android beta version 2.26.42.9, available through the Google Play Store. The Reels button opens a user’s Instagram activity. From there, people can browse recently watched, saved, or liked videos. They can then select a Reel and share it directly in a WhatsApp chat.

Account Linking Requirement

Users must link their WhatsApp account to Accounts Centre before the shortcut appears. Those who prefer to keep WhatsApp separate from Instagram and Facebook can continue using the apps independently. However, they will not see the Reels button in the attachment menu.

Simpler Sharing Process

WhatsApp already lets users share Instagram stories, posts, and Reels through the media picker. Yet users previously had to open the picker and navigate to the right section. The new shortcut gives Reels a dedicated button. As a result, people can browse their Instagram activity and share a video with fewer steps.

Current Availability

The feature appeared in WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.26.42.9. WhatsApp is rolling it out gradually to some beta testers, so the button may not appear for everyone who installs the update. The company has not yet announced when it plans to release the shortcut to all users.

OpenAI Makes Decisions API Generally Available for Developers

OpenAI has moved its Decisions API from public beta to general availability. The specialised interface helps developers build AI agents and apps that answer recurring questions and make small decisions. It accepts images, text, and structured JSON inputs from developers. The API runs on OpenAI’s GPT-6 Luna model. It now includes native GPT-Live integration as well. Since the beta release, the company has also added prompt caching for reused context in select markets.

OpenAI announced the general availability in a blog post on Thursday. The Decisions API is now open to developers in select global markets. Users can access it through the Decisions Playground. The service costs $0.10 (roughly Rs. 10) per million input tokens. Cached input costs $0.01 (about Rs. 1) per million tokens. It is available to eligible customers who use Zero Data Retention.

Developers can use the GPT-6 Luna-powered API to handle small and recurring decisions inside their agents and apps. These include categorising information, arranging data, routing requests, and selecting the next action. OpenAI claims the API delivers near real-time decisions using images, text, and structured inputs. It does so up to 10 times faster than the GPT-6 Luna model through the Responses API.

Developers can pass native JSON inputs and include images in question instructions. They can also submit up to 400 questions per request. This limit has increased from 200 questions per request during the public beta. Along with the higher limit, OpenAI has added native GPT-Live integration, prompt caching for reused context, and inference residency in the US and EU.

A developer supplies the questions, a set of relevant answers, and the surrounding context. The Decisions API then selects the most appropriate answer based on that context. As a result, it returns an actionable result to the app or AI agent. With the native GPT-Live integration, the API helps apps, voice agents, and customer support agents decide whether to ask clarifying questions, redirect requests, or escalate an issue.

This general availability expands the tools developers can use to embed fast, structured decision-making into AI-powered products.

Microsoft Launches Standalone Xbox Cloud Gaming Hours Without Game Pass

Microsoft is introducing a standalone option for Xbox Cloud Gaming. Users can now buy cloud playtime hours without a Game Pass membership. The company is offering three separate plans that provide 10, 25, and 50 hours of streaming.

Cloud playtime is currently available to Xbox insiders. It will roll out more widely in November. During the preview period, insiders can purchase cloud playtime packs. They can then stream select games they already own. Supported devices include Xbox consoles, PCs, handhelds, and smart TVs.

Cloud Playtime Packs and Pricing

Xbox has released three cloud playtime packs. The 10-hour pack costs $3.99. The 25-hour pack costs $7.99. The 50-hour pack costs $11.99. These are introductory launch prices. Prices may rise when the packs become available to all users next month or later.

The packs offer game streaming without ads. Microsoft also promises shorter wait times and high-quality streaming. As a result, the new option provides an alternative to both Game Pass and the existing ad-supported cloud gaming tier.

Earlier Changes to Cloud Gaming

In July, Xbox launched a free ad-supported standalone tier. This tier lets users stream select games from their library without a Game Pass subscription. Ads play before each session begins.

Microsoft has made further changes in recent months. In September, the company announced monthly limits on cloud gaming hours for Game Pass members. These limits take effect in November. Game Pass Ultimate members will receive 15 hours per month. Premium subscribers will get 10 hours. Essential subscribers will receive 5 hours. Previously, Game Pass members enjoyed unlimited cloud gaming access. Microsoft cited rising costs of providing cloud services as the reason for the change.

The new cloud playtime packs arrive alongside these limits. They give users a way to stream owned games without relying on a Game Pass subscription.

OpenAI Introduces Locked Chats for ChatGPT Privacy

OpenAI announced a new privacy feature for ChatGPT on Wednesday. Called Locked Chats, it lets users protect select conversations from being viewed by others who may have access to their devices. The San Francisco-based AI company said Locked Chats moves conversations out of the regular chat history and search results. These conversations move into a protected section that requires authentication for access. Users can secure conversations with a four-digit PIN. On supported devices, they can also use biometric authentication.

How Locked Chats Work
On a support page, OpenAI explained that Locked Chats remain saved in the user’s account. However, they stay hidden from regular chat history, pinned chats, and standard conversation search. Users can find such conversations under Projects > Locked chats. To gain access, they need to enter the four-digit account PIN on the web and desktop. Meanwhile, eligible Android and iOS devices also support Face ID, Touch ID, or other forms of biometric authentication.

New messages sent in locked chats will not update the memory used in regular conversations, according to OpenAI. Locking a chat, however, does not remove information ChatGPT remembered before the conversation was locked. Such conversations can also use relevant information from regular Memory if the feature is enabled. Moreover, OpenAI said that instead of end-to-end encryption, Locked Chats aims to bolster privacy with an additional layer. The feature does not change OpenAI’s chat retention policies or the user’s existing setting for whether conversations can be used to improve its models.

How to Lock a Chat
Users can lock a conversation by following these steps. First, open ChatGPT and find the conversation they want to protect. Next, select the three-dot menu next to the chat. Then, select Lock chat and confirm the choice. Finally, create a four-digit account PIN if prompted, or enter an existing PIN. The conversation will move to Projects > Locked chats and disappear from regular chat history and search. To open it later, users can navigate to Locked chats and authenticate with their PIN or a supported device authentication method. The company has warned that resetting a forgotten account PIN will permanently delete all locked chats and content protected only by the previous PIN.

Availability and Limitations
ChatGPT’s Locked Chats feature is rolling out gradually across Free, Go, Plus, Pro, Business, Enterprise, and Edu plans. It is also available through the ChatGPT apps for macOS and Windows desktop platforms. As per OpenAI, some conversation types cannot be locked. These include temporary chats, archived chats, group chats, and chats created from shared links. Further, Locked Chats in Enterprise and Edu workspaces are subject to applicable organisational policies and compliance requirements. Therefore, the feature adds a practical privacy option while maintaining existing account rules.