TechPulse

Croma’s ‘Back to Campus’ Sale Brings Top Tech Deals for Students Across India


National, July 5, 2025: As the new academic season approaches, Croma, India’s leading omni-channel electronics retailer from the Tata Group, has announced the launch of its ‘Back to Campus’ sale—designed to empower students, educators, and tech enthusiasts with the best-in-class deals across laptops, tablets, and accessories.

At the heart of this campaign lies a mission to make advanced technology accessible at student-friendly prices, with exclusive EMI offers, cashback, and curated bundles tailored to various regions and academic needs.

🎒 Featured Offers:

  • MacBook Air M2: Starting at ₹46,390* with exchange bonus & up to ₹10,000 cashback
  • Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 5G: Just ₹3,849/month—perfect for multitasking and learning on the go
  • AI-Powered Windows Laptops: Starting ₹55,990*, bundled with Microsoft Office worth ₹6,899, 0% EMI for up to 24 months, and cashback of up to ₹10,000
  • Ryzen 3 Laptops: Starting ₹28,990* with wireless mouse + antivirus included

📍 Regional Highlights:

  • Metro Cities: AI-PCs at ₹54,990*, bundled with keyboard-mouse combo, antivirus & Noise Victor Watch
  • Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore: Ryzen 5 laptops at ₹39,990*, with wireless mouse and cashback
  • Delhi NCR, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat (Region 2), Hyderabad Metro: Intel i5 laptops from ₹47,990*
  • Tier 2 & 3 Cities Nationwide: Gaming laptops from ₹52,990* with gaming accessories & security suite
  • Gujarat (Region 1): Ryzen 5 laptops at ₹39,990*, with exchange + student add-ons

This extensive campaign ensures that whether you’re a coder, designer, student journalist, or aspiring gamer, there’s something tailored for your path. With over 560 stores in 200+ cities, Croma’s presence guarantees access to high-value bundles—even in remote regions.

💡 Tech for Every Learner

The Back to Campus sale isn’t just about price drops. It’s an initiative to equip India’s next generation with the tools to succeed—be it digital classrooms, AI labs, or creative studios. The offers are also available online via www.croma.com and on the Tata Neu app, delivering a seamless, omnichannel shopping experience.

“With education evolving rapidly, Croma’s focus is to provide students with reliable tech that fuels learning, collaboration, and creativity,” said a Croma spokesperson.


🔖 About Croma:

Croma, a brand by Infiniti Retail Ltd., is a trusted name in consumer electronics with 560+ stores and a deep presence across metros and tier 2/3 cities. As part of the Tata ecosystem, Croma continues to bridge technology and accessibility for millions of Indians.

TechPulse

Goa Appoints Department of IT as Nodal Agency to Fast-Track Telecom Infrastructure


Altinho, July 2025: To accelerate the expansion of digital infrastructure in Goa, the Government has designated the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C) as the State Designated Department (SDD) for implementing the Telecommunications (Right of Way) Rules, 2024.

This move aims to simplify and speed up the approval process for setting up telecom infrastructure such as mobile towers, underground cables, and other digital connectivity systems. It reflects the government’s continued commitment to improving Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) and enabling faster, single-window clearances.

  • DITE&C will serve as the nodal agency for all RoW permissions and No Objection Certificates (NOCs) related to government land, under a centralized eServices portal developed by the Department of Telecommunication, Government of India.
  • All other state departments are required to appoint Nodal Officers to ensure smooth coordination with the SDD.
  • Land usage charges and application fees for government and municipal land, including street furniture, will be collected by DITE&C appropriately transferred to the Treasury.
  • Local bodies, corporations, and municipalities land usage charges and application fees will be collected by DITE&C appropriately transferred to respective land-owning bodies.
  • Compensation for the use of public property for telecom infrastructure will be assessed and paid either once or annually, based on rates decided by the public authority.

This decision is expected to significantly improve Goa’s digital infrastructure, minimize approval delays, and support broader access to better mobile and internet services throughout the state.

TechPulse

Snapchat Crosses 250 Million Monthly Active Users in India


Snapchat, the popular multimedia messaging app known for its disappearing messages, AR filters, and Snap Map, has officially crossed 250 million monthly active users in India, marking a significant milestone in its global growth story.

India, now one of Snapchat’s largest and fastest-growing markets, has seen a remarkable surge in user engagement—especially among Gen Z users and digital-first creators. The platform’s focus on camera-first features, localised content, and regional language support has resonated strongly with India’s mobile-savvy youth.

Snapchat’s growth in India has been bolstered by:

  • AR Lenses and Filters tailored to Indian festivals and trends
  • Snap Originals featuring Indian creators and influencers
  • Strategic partnerships with local content creators and music labels
  • Continued investment in regional language accessibility and creator monetization

“India continues to be a key market for us,” said a Snap Inc. spokesperson. “We’re excited to see the creativity and engagement coming from Indian users who are shaping global culture in real-time.”

This 250-million-user milestone reaffirms Snapchat’s position not just as a communication tool, but as a creative playground and storytelling platform deeply embedded in India’s digital ecosystem.

As the country’s young population continues to drive digital trends, Snapchat’s growth trajectory shows no signs of slowing.

TechPulse

Google Highlights Gemini-Powered AI Search Tool with Animated Doodle


Mountain View, California — July 3, 2025 : Google has taken an unusual step by using its iconic homepage Doodle space to promote its newest AI-powered search feature, known as “AI Mode.” Powered by the tech giant’s advanced Gemini language model, this interactive search assistant is now front-and-center—literally—on the Google homepage.

Instead of celebrating a historical figure, festival, or global event, today’s animated Doodle showcases Google’s next-gen search evolution. Users are greeted by a glowing search bar with shimmering gradients and a call to “Try AI Mode,” designed to draw attention to the capabilities of Gemini—a chatbot-like experience that blends traditional web results with AI-generated insights.

A Strategic Push for AI Adoption

This marks a strategic moment for Google. While the company is known for subtle product rollouts, this prominent Doodle indicates the urgency with which it wants to onboard users into its AI-first search experience.

“AI Mode” gives users access to summarized answers, step-by-step solutions, and contextual recommendations—all generated by Gemini. The tool can interpret complex questions, offer concise explanations, and suggest follow-up actions, mimicking the natural conversation style of chatbots like ChatGPT.

Google has already been quietly integrating Gemini across Gmail, Docs, and Workspace, but bringing it to the homepage via a Doodle signals its mainstream push.

What is Gemini?

Gemini is Google’s family of large language models developed by DeepMind and launched in late 2023. The model has since evolved to power tools across Android devices, Pixel smartphones, and Google’s enterprise offerings. “AI Mode” is its most consumer-facing iteration yet.

Why It Matters

Historically, Google Doodles are reserved for commemorative events—be it the Olympics, birthdays of cultural icons, or international awareness days. Using that space for product promotion is virtually unheard of, underscoring the significance Google places on AI’s role in its future.

This also comes amid growing competition from Microsoft’s Copilot (powered by OpenAI) and other emerging AI search experiences. Google’s bold front-page promotion serves as a public statement: AI is not just a side feature—it’s the future of search.

TechPulse

Apple Begins Prototyping Foldable iPhone Ahead of Anticipated 2026 Launch


Cupertino, California – July 2025
In what could be one of its boldest hardware shifts to date, Apple Inc. has reportedly begun prototyping a foldable iPhone, aiming for a 2026 release, according to sources familiar with the company’s product roadmap.

The news marks a significant development in Apple’s mobile device strategy, as the company explores next-generation form factors to compete with established foldable offerings from Samsung, Huawei, and Motorola. While rivals have already launched multiple foldable phones, Apple has so far held back—prioritizing design maturity and durability before entering the space.

🔍 What We Know So Far:

  • The prototype phase is currently focused on a clamshell-style design similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip.
  • Apple is reportedly working with display suppliers in Asia, including LG Display and Samsung Display, for early iterations.
  • Key challenges include developing a durable hinge, minimizing screen creasing, and maintaining Apple’s high standards for thinness and battery life.

Insiders claim that the foldable iPhone could debut alongside the iPhone 18 lineup in late 2026, although timelines may shift depending on technical hurdles and supply chain factors.

Apple’s foldable iPhone is expected to integrate iOS optimizations for dual-mode use (flat and folded), and possibly include Apple Pencil support, a first for iPhones.

📈 Why It Matters:

Apple’s entry into the foldable market could redefine the segment, bringing mainstream credibility and developer support that competitors have struggled to attract. Analysts predict the foldable market could exceed $50 billion by 2027, making Apple’s timing strategic.

Tech fans, investors, and Apple loyalists will be watching closely in the months ahead for further leaks, patents, and design hints.