Apple, Samsung Gadget Launches; Rs 1 Crore Cricket Quiz; Aadhaar Update
Tech Innovations and Updates: A Extensive Weekly Roundup
Table of Contents
- Tech Innovations and Updates: A Extensive Weekly Roundup
- Apple refreshes iPad Air with M3 Chip
- MacBook Air with M4 Chip Unveiled
- Samsung Galaxy A56 and A36 Launched in India
- Aadhaar Authentication for Private apps
- Perplexity AI’s CEO Announces Contest for Champions Trophy Final
- Nothing phone 3(a) Series Launched in India
- Boat Rockerz 650 Pro Headphones Introduced
- Paytm Receives Show Cause Notice for Alleged FEMA Violations
- HCL Tech CEO on the IT Industry’s Business Model
- Ola Electric Announces Job Cuts
- Tech Innovations and Updates: Your Weekly Questions Answered
- Apple’s iPad Air Refresh with M3 Chip
- Apple’s MacBook air with M4 Chip
- Samsung Galaxy A56 and A36 Launch in India
- Aadhaar Authentication for Private Apps
- Perplexity AI’s Champions Trophy Contest
- Nothing Phone 3(a) Series Launch in India
- Boat Rockerz 650 Pro Headphones
- Paytm’s FEMA Violation notice
- HCL Tech CEO on the IT Industry’s Business Model
- Ola Electric’s Job Cuts
- Tech Product Comparison table
The tech world has been buzzing with activity, marked by meaningful gadget launches and strategic shifts. From Apple and Samsung unveiling new devices to policy changes impacting digital authentication, here’s a detailed look at the week’s top tech stories.
Apple refreshes iPad Air with M3 Chip
Apple has updated its iPad Air with the powerful M3 chip,enhancing performance considerably. The new iPad Air, available in 11- and 13-inch sizes, boasts nearly double the performance of the M1 model. The M3 chip features an 8-core CPU and 9-core GPU, delivering considerable speed and improved graphics capabilities.
The new iPad Air is optimized for Apple Intelligence, bringing advanced AI features to users. The starting prices remain competitive: Rs 59,900 for the 11-inch model and Rs 79,900 for the 13-inch version. An updated Magic Keyboard complements the new device.
MacBook Air with M4 Chip Unveiled
Apple also introduced the latest MacBook Air, now equipped with the M4 chip and available in a new sky blue color. The new macbook Air comes in 13-inch and 15-inch models and is twice as fast as the first-generation M-series MacBook Air from 2020.
Starting at Rs 99,900 for the 13-inch model and Rs 124,900 for the 15-inch model, these ultralight laptops feature a 10-core CPU and up to a 10-core GPU. The chip supports up to 32GB of unified memory and offers up to 18 hours of battery life.
Samsung Galaxy A56 and A36 Launched in India
Samsung has expanded its Galaxy A-series with the launch of the Galaxy A56 and Galaxy A36 smartphones in India. Both smartphones feature FHD+ displays and 5000mAh batteries. Thay run on the Android 15 operating system and come with an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance.
As a launch offer, customers purchasing the Galaxy A56 5G and Galaxy A36 5G will receive a free storage upgrade worth Rs 3000. This promotion allows customers to get the 12GB 256GB variant at the price of the 8GB 256GB variant, and the 8GB 256GB variant at the price of the 8GB 128GB variant at no extra cost.
Aadhaar Authentication for Private apps
The government is now allowing private mobile apps to integrate Aadhaar-enabled face authentication. This initiative aims to simplify user verification and enhance convenience when accessing private services.The integration is facilitated through the Aadhaar Good Governance portal, which provides a standardized authentication procedure.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) launched the Aadhaar Good Governance portal to streamline the approval process for Aadhaar authentication requests. This follows an amendment from January that reinstated private entities’ access to the unique ID verification system.
Perplexity AI’s CEO Announces Contest for Champions Trophy Final
Aravind Srinivas, CEO of Perplexity AI, announced a contest for cricket fans in India during the ICC Champions Trophy final on March 9. The competition offers a grand prize of rs 1 crore and a trip to San Francisco to meet the Perplexity team.
Participants can enter the contest by asking questions on Perplexity from March 8 at 11:30 AM IST until the end of the match. Only legal residents of India are eligible to participate.
Nothing phone 3(a) Series Launched in India
Nothing has launched the Phone 3(a) series, including the Phone 3(a) and Phone 3(a) Pro, as successors to the Phone 2(a) from last year. These new phones promise enhanced style, camera capabilities, and intelligence. the Nothing Phone 3(a) starts at Rs 22,999, while the Phone 3(a) Pro starts at Rs 27,999.
Boat Rockerz 650 Pro Headphones Introduced
Boat has expanded its Rockerz series with the launch of the Rockerz 650 Pro headphones. these headphones feature an 80-hour battery life, touch controls, and Dolby Audio support. they also include AI-ENx technology for clear calls and a design that ensures pleasant extended wear. This launch follows the recent introduction of the Rockerz 551 ANC Pro.
Paytm Receives Show Cause Notice for Alleged FEMA Violations
One 97 Communications (OCL), the operator of the Paytm Digital Payments app, has been issued a show cause notice by the Directorate of enforcement (ED) for alleged foreign exchange rule breaches totaling Rs 611 crore across the company and two of its subsidiaries.
OCL disclosed that the notice, dated February 27, pertains to supposed violations of specific provisions under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (Fema). The ED pinpointed non-compliance involving Rs 245 crore at OCL, Rs 345 crore at Little Internet, and Rs 20.9 crore at Nearbuy India, stemming from certain investment transactions within these entities.
HCL Tech CEO on the IT Industry’s Business Model
C Vijayakumar, CEO of HCL Technologies, stated that the customary three-decade-old business model of India’s IT industry is becoming obsolete due to the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). Speaking at Nasscom’s annual Technology and leadership Forum in Mumbai on February 24, 2025, vijayakumar emphasized the need for companies to adopt a “paranoid” mindset to remain relevant and foster growth.
Vijayakumar highlighted that the industry has experienced a linear scaling of revenues and personnel over the past 30 years, a model now ripe for disruption. He revealed that HCL has been challenging teams to achieve double the revenue with half the workforce, leveraging AI-driven automation to enhance productivity.
Ola Electric Announces Job Cuts
Ola Electric has announced plans to lay off over 1,000 employees as part of its efforts to address mounting financial losses. This decision marks the second round of layoffs in less then five months, following the company’s previous reduction of around 500 employees in November 2024.
This weekly tech roundup provides a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in the technology sector, from new product launches to strategic industry shifts.
Tech Innovations and Updates: Your Weekly Questions Answered
The tech landscape is ever-evolving. This week’s roundup addresses your burning questions about the latest gadgets, policy changes, and industry shifts.
Apple’s iPad Air Refresh with M3 Chip
Q: How much faster is the new iPad Air with the M3 chip compared to previous models?
A: The new iPad Air, equipped with the M3 chip, boasts nearly double the performance of the M1 model. The M3 chip features an 8-core CPU and a 9-core GPU,delivering significantly faster processing speeds and improved graphics capabilities making it faster when multitasking and running demanding apps.
[Source: Apple Press Release]
Q: What are the key features of “Apple Intelligence” on the new iPad Air?
A: The new iPad air is optimized for Apple Intelligence, bringing advanced AI features to users such as:
Enhanced Siri Capabilities: More natural language understanding and contextual awareness.
Intelligent Image Processing: Advanced photo and video editing with AI assistance.
Predictive Text: Improved suggestions and text completion for faster typing.
[Source: Apple Official Website]
Q: How much does the new iPad Air cost?
A: The new iPad Air starts at Rs 59,900 for the 11-inch model and Rs 79,900 for the 13-inch version.
Apple’s MacBook air with M4 Chip
Q: How much faster is the M4 MacBook Air compared to previous models?
A: The new MacBook Air with the M4 chip is twice as fast as the first-generation M-series MacBook Air from 2020. Its enhanced processing power is a meaningful upgrade for users seeking better performance in an ultralight laptop.
[Source: TechRadar Review]
Q: What are the key features of the M4 chip in the new MacBook Air?
A: The M4 chip in the new MacBook air features:
A 10-core CPU for faster overall performance.
up to a 10-core GPU for improved graphics processing.
Support for up to 32GB of unified memory.
Up to 18 hours of battery life
Q: what is the starting price of the new MacBook Air with the M4 chip?
A: The 13-inch model starts at Rs 99,900, and the 15-inch model starts at Rs 124,900.
Samsung Galaxy A56 and A36 Launch in India
Q: what are the key features of the Samsung Galaxy A56 and A36?
A: Both smartphones feature:
FHD+ displays.
5000mAh batteries.
Android 15 operating system.
IP67 rating for water and dust resistance.
Q: What is the launch offer for the Samsung Galaxy A56 and A36?
A: Customers receive a free storage upgrade worth Rs 3000. This promotion allows customers to get the 12GB 256GB variant at the price of the 8GB 256GB variant,and the 8GB 256GB variant at the price of the 8GB 128GB variant at no extra cost.
Aadhaar Authentication for Private Apps
Q: What are the benefits of allowing private apps to integrate Aadhaar-enabled face authentication?
A: Integrating Aadhaar-enabled face authentication aims to:
Simplify user verification.
Enhance convenience when accessing private services.
Provide a standardized authentication procedure through the Aadhaar Good Governance portal.
[Source: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)]
Q: What is the Aadhaar Good Governance portal?
A: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) launched the Aadhaar Good Governance portal to streamline the approval process for Aadhaar authentication requests, reinstating private entities’ access to the unique ID verification system.
Perplexity AI’s Champions Trophy Contest
Q: What is the prize for Perplexity AI’s Champions Trophy contest?
A: The grand prize is Rs 1 crore and a trip to San Francisco to meet the Perplexity team.
Q: Who is eligible to participate in the Perplexity AI Champions Trophy contest?
A: Legal residents of India are eligible to participate.
Q: What is the procedure to partake in the Perplexity AI contest?
A: Participants can enter the contest by asking questions on Perplexity from March 8 at 11:30 AM IST until the end of the match.
Nothing Phone 3(a) Series Launch in India
Q: What are the names that consist the series of Nothing Phone 3?
A: The Nothing phone 3(a) series includes the Phone 3(a) and Phone 3(a) Pro.
Q: What is the starting price of Nothing Phone 3(a) series?
A: The Nothing Phone 3(a) starts at Rs 22,999, while the Phone 3(a) Pro starts at Rs 27,999.
Boat Rockerz 650 Pro Headphones
Q: What is the battery life of the Boat Rockerz 650 pro headphones?
A: These headphones feature an 80-hour battery life.
Q: What are the notable features of the Boat Rockerz 650 Pro headphones?
A: The headphones feature:
Touch controls
Dolby Audio support.
AI-ENx technology for clear calls
A design that ensures pleasant extended wear.
Paytm’s FEMA Violation notice
Q: What is the amount of the alleged FEMA violations by Paytm?
A: The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) issued a show cause notice for alleged foreign exchange rule breaches totaling Rs 611 crore.
Q: Which entities are involved in the alleged FEMA violations?
A: OCL (Paytm)
Little Internet
* Nearbuy India
Q: What is FEMA?
A: FEMA is a law to consolidate and amend the law relating to foreign exchange with the objective of facilitating external trade and payments and for promoting the orderly growth and maintenance of foreign exchange market in India.
HCL Tech CEO on the IT Industry’s Business Model
Q: What is the key message from the HCL Tech CEO regarding the IT industry’s business model?
A: C Vijayakumar emphasized that the conventional three-decade-old business model of India’s IT industry is becoming obsolete due to the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). He stressed the need for companies to adopt a “paranoid” mindset to remain relevant and foster growth.
Q: What changes has HCL Tech implemented to adapt to the changing business landscape?
A: HCL has been challenging teams to achieve double the revenue with half the workforce, leveraging AI-driven automation to enhance productivity.
Ola Electric’s Job Cuts
Q: How many employees will be laid off by Ola Electric?
A: Ola electric plans to lay off over 1,000 employees.
Q: Why is Ola Electric implementing job cuts?
A: The job cuts are part of Ola Electric’s efforts to address mounting financial losses.
Tech Product Comparison table
| Feature | iPad Air (M3) | MacBook Air (M4) | Samsung Galaxy A56/A36 | Boat Rockerz 650 Pro Headphones |
| ——————- | ——————————————- | ————————————————- | ————————————————————- | ——————————- |
| Processor | M3 Chip (8-core CPU, 9-core GPU) | M4 Chip (10-core CPU, Up to 10-core GPU) | | |
| display | 11-inch and 13-inch sizes | 13-inch and 15-inch models | FHD+ displays | |
| Battery Life | | Up to 18 hours | 5000mAh batteries | 80 hours |
| Operating System | iPad OS | macOS | Android 15 | |
| Special Features | Optimized for Apple Intelligence | New sky blue color | IP67 rating for water and dust resistance, Free storage upgrade | Touch controls, Dolby Audio |
| Starting Price (Rs) | 59,900 (11-inch), 79,900 (13-inch) | 99,900 (13-inch), 124,900 (15-inch) | | |