Category: TechPulse

TechPulse

Goa’s First Friday Explores How Location Tech Shapes Our World

Tanisha Cardozo

What do Tesla, Google Maps, and Swiggy have in common? The answer lies in geospatial technology. This was the question that set the stage for the 16th edition of First Friday, a monthly meetup by Goa’s Creative Community, held at FiiRE in Margao. Organised by the Creative Community of Goa in collaboration with the Association of Designers of India – Goa Chapter and supported by the Startup & IT Promotion Cell, Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications, Government of Goa, the session drew creative professionals, entrepreneurs, and innovators into a conversation about the hidden force that powers our everyday world: location.

Architect and entrepreneur Vikrant Karandikar led the session, tracing the journey of geospatial technology from its military origins to its present-day ubiquity in apps and tools that shape modern life. He explained how GPS, healthcare diagnostics, and delivery services all rely on location data to function seamlessly. More than just physical maps, location has become a core driver of decision-making and innovation. Businesses like Airbnb and CouchSurfing have leveraged it to scale, while platforms such as Swiggy and Google Maps thrive on real-time, crowd-sourced updates from their users.

Karandikar also drew examples from urban mobility, pointing to Tesla’s autonomous systems and the ACES model—Autonomous, Connected, Electric, Shared—that is transforming the way we think of transport in cities. On the conservation front, he cited drones monitoring rhino habitats in Karnataka and 3D mapping tools preserving India’s cultural heritage. Even sports are being revolutionised, with smart bats equipped with gyroscopes to analyse swing dynamics and offer instant feedback.

Through vivid examples, he showed how location-aware strategies have been shaping industries for decades, recalling how consumer goods companies once adapted packaging sizes to local markets based on purchasing power. Today, location intelligence goes even deeper, from flood warning systems to GIS-driven architectural design.

The session was not just about technology but also about Goa’s place in this emerging landscape. Addressing the gathering, Shri DS Prashant, CEO of Startup and IT Promotion Cell, reminded the audience that Goa is evolving beyond its reputation as a beach destination into a hub for creativity and premium tech innovation. “Goa is where talent comes together to build products, because it nourishes creativity and offers ample space and freedom one needs to innovate,” he said, urging the community to work towards making Goa India’s Creative Capital.

By the end of the evening, the audience was left with a deeper appreciation for the unseen role of geospatial data in everyday life. From the delivery on your doorstep to the car you choose to ride, from protecting wildlife to responding to natural disasters, location remains the quiet constant behind innovation. First Friday once again lived up to its reputation as a hub where design, technology, and creativity meet to spark new ideas and possibilities for the future.

TechPulse

iOS 26 Rolls Out Today: Here’s What’s New with Apple’s Biggest Update Since iOS 7

Tanisha Cardozo

Apple officially begins rolling out the iOS 26 update today, September 15, across compatible devices. Touted as the biggest design revamp since iOS 7, the update brings sweeping changes with the all-new Liquid Glass UI, redesigned app experiences, and smarter Apple Intelligence features for select models.

The update is available for iPhone 11 and later, meaning users with devices launched in 2019 or beyond will receive the new version. However, not all features will be universal. Apple’s new intelligence layer — featuring Visual Intelligence, call screening, Live Translation, and intelligent summarisation — is limited to iPhone 15 Pro and later due to the hardware requirements.

With Liquid Glass UI, Apple brings a translucent, glass-like aesthetic across the OS. Expect refreshed app icons, a modernised Control Centre, and redesigned interfaces for first-party apps. The Lock Screen also receives a 3D visual boost with spatial image wallpapers and added customisation.

First-party apps like Messages, Camera, and Photos have been overhauled — offering new background themes, intuitive layouts, and better content organisation. The Camera app sees UI tweaks for quicker access to modes, while the Photos app now curates memories more seamlessly.

Before installing iOS 26, Apple strongly recommends users back up their devices to iCloud or Google Cloud to safeguard against any installation issues or data loss. This is especially important given the scale of the UI overhaul and new features, which could lead to initial bugs or compatibility hiccups.

If you’re wondering about compatibility, Apple confirmed during WWDC 2025 that only iPhone 11 and newer models would support iOS 26. Devices like iPhone X, XR, and earlier will not receive this update.

As users begin to experience the refreshed interface and smarter features, iOS 26 signals a major shift not just in how iPhones look — but how intelligently they function. Whether you’re most excited about the visual upgrades or the AI-driven tools, this update sets the tone for Apple’s next era of mobile innovation.

Make sure your device is charged, backed up, and ready to experience the future — because iOS 26 is here.

TechPulse

Last Chance to Register: Goa Startup Accelerator Program Applications Close September 10

Tanisha Cardozo

With just days remaining for the application deadline, Goan startups are urged to seize the opportunity to register for the Goa Startup Accelerator Program, an initiative led by the Startup and IT Promotion Cell, Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications (DITE&C). The program, which was launched in July 2025, will close its application window on September 10, 2025.

The accelerator program is being conducted under the leadership of Hon’ble Minister Shri Rohan Khaunte, and driven by the vision of empowering local innovation through structured support. The initiative aims to scale up 30 MVP-stage startups that are either registered or actively building in Goa. Selection will be done through a competitive process involving open applications and nominations by an expert committee comprising incubators, industry leaders, and ecosystem stakeholders.

Designed to nurture startups with real market potential, the Goa Startup Accelerator offers selected participants access to business and technical mentorship, investment opportunities, real-time requirement mapping, one-on-one clinics, workshops, and a concluding demo day where startups can pitch to investors and industry leaders.

Speaking about the program, Shri Kabir Shirgaonkar, Director of DITE&C, highlighted the relevance of such initiatives in today’s innovation landscape. He said, “Goan startups today are not just addressing real-world problems but also generating employment opportunities in the State. Through our Goa Startup Accelerator Program, we aim to support promising startups, facilitating access to investment and industry expertise. After a rigorous selection process, top 30 startups will be chosen to participate in the program. We invite high-potential startups to apply and join us in shaping the future of Goa’s startup landscape.”

As the program’s final application deadline approaches, MVP-stage startups from Goa are encouraged to apply immediately and join a program designed to fuel rapid and sustainable growth in the local startup ecosystem.

To apply, visit the official website and complete the application form before September 10, 2025.

TechPulse

Crocs Launches Phone Cases Inspired by Iconic Clogs in Bold Collaboration with SLBS

Tanisha Cardozo

Crocs, one of the most divisive and instantly recognisable shoes in fashion, is once again at the centre of conversation—this time not for your feet, but for your phone. The cult-favourite footwear brand has teamed up with Seoul-based label SLBS to launch a collection of phone cases that are quite literally shaped like classic Crocs clogs. The collaboration brings Crocs’ signature quirky design sensibility to the tech world, and the response has been, unsurprisingly, mixed.

The cases mimic the iconic look of the Croc, including the textured rubber finish and the signature perforated holes. What sets them apart from other novelty cases, however, is the inclusion of actual Jibbitz holes—yes, you can now personalise your phone case in the same playful, kitschy way you’d decorate your Crocs. It’s a cheeky, conversation-starting twist on what is usually a purely functional tech accessory. This launch fits squarely within Crocs’ branding as a company that thrives on bending traditional fashion rules and transforming simple items into cult-status products.

While fashion insiders have already spotted high-fashion versions of Crocs—bedazzled, platformed, and even heeled—on recent runways like Simone Rocha’s SS24 show, this launch pushes the brand further into lifestyle territory. With the rise of tech accessories as fashion statements in themselves, the Crocs phone case is a natural, if unexpected, extension of the brand.

Currently, the cases are only available for Samsung Galaxy phones, though iPhone versions are reportedly on the way. You can purchase the full range of colours directly from the SLBS website, though international shipping charges may apply. For UK buyers, the bone-coloured Galaxy S25 Crocs Case is also available via Selfridges for £59. A more budget-friendly version for the Galaxy S24 is available through the Samsung Store on Amazon for £26.41.

And if you’re planning to deck out your new case, both Crocs and Schuh are offering a wide range of Jibbitz charms, available in individual pieces or multi-packs, starting at just £5. These allow fans to truly make the case their own, in line with Crocs’ longstanding message of self-expression and comfort.

As with anything Crocs releases, the phone cases have already split public opinion. Some fans are smitten, calling the design fun, bold, and original, while others have labelled it ‘hideous’—a familiar narrative for a brand that has never sought universal approval. But if recent fashion trends and TikTok-fuelled revivals are anything to go by, Crocs is more relevant than ever.

Whether you’re a long-time fan, a tech accessory collector, or simply in the mood to bring some humour into your everyday carry, the Crocs x SLBS phone case is the kind of product that demands attention. Love it or hate it, one thing’s certain: Crocs aren’t just back—they’re everywhere.

TechPulse

Goa AI Mission 2027 Gains Strategic Support from Sarvam AI

Tanisha Cardozo

The Government of Goa’s ambition to lead in ethical, responsible, and innovation-led AI adoption has received a major boost as Sarvam AI, India’s first sovereign AI startup, extended its support for the Goa AI Mission 2027. The Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C) hosted a virtual session with Sarvam AI, marking a significant step toward building an AI ecosystem rooted in cultural relevance, local language access, and inclusive design.

Sarvam AI, recently selected under the IndiaAI Mission, is building a full-stack generative AI platform tailored for India. During the session, Sarvam AI showcased key products including Sarvam Samvaad (a conversational AI), Sarvam Arya (an enterprise reasoning engine), and Vistaar (a serverless deployment platform)—all built to support Indian languages and contexts.

The discussion was led by DITE&C Director Shri Kabir Shirgaonkar and Joint Director Dr. Milind Sakhardande, along with SeMT leads Ms. Sharda Katare and Shri Amit Bandekar. Sarvam AI was represented by its Founder Mr. Shubham Arora, along with Guru Prabhaker, Director – Sales, and Prerna Bhandari, Public Sector Lead. The focus was on three pillars: policy collaboration, co-development of citizen-centric AI services, and the establishment of an AI Centre of Excellence in Goa.

A key outcome of the session was the shared interest in building a Konkani Large Language Model (LLM). This language model would contribute significantly to the digital preservation of Goa’s linguistic and cultural heritage while enabling AI-powered services for local communities in their native tongue.

Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology, Electronics & Communications, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, stated, “As the government is working towards creating Centres of Excellence in AI, the goal is to make Goa a hub for applied research, experimentation and industry collaboration. Through the AI Mission 2027, we are laying the groundwork in policy, infrastructure, research, and skills to lead in ethical and responsible AI adoption.”

Shri Kabir Shirgaonkar, Director of DITE&C, added, “Collaborating with industry leaders like Sarvam AI strengthens Goa’s vision of building an AI ecosystem that is not only innovative and sovereign but also deeply rooted in our local languages and cultural context. A key part of this mission is the development of a Konkani Large Language Model, which will help digitally preserve and promote Goa’s rich linguistic and cultural heritage. Their approach ensures that technology benefits every community across the state.”

Goa AI Mission 2027 is already mapping out skill development programs, research infrastructure, and AI governance frameworks. Partnerships like this signal a move from planning to implementation—ensuring that the benefits of AI are not just futuristic, but real, contextual, and accessible to every Goan.