Category: TechPulse

TechPulse

Sony India unveils the all-new BRAVIA 8 II QD-OLED series redefining cinematic excellence at home

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Powered by an XR Processor™ with AI technology, BRAVIA 8 II delivers lifelike visuals and immersive sound for a cinematic experience
Experience true cinematic visuals with Studio Calibrated Mode, presenting content exactly as the creators envisioned
Enjoy perfect blacks, superior contrast and brilliant colours with the state-of-the-art QD-OLED screen XR Contrast Booster enhances brightness and colour depth, bringing every scene to life
Witness stunning colours with XR Triluminos Max and remarkable clarity with XR Clear Image technology.


Immerse yourself in a cinematic audio-visual experience with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos
Enjoy sound from the screen with Acoustic Surface Audio+
Access SONY PICTURES CORE and turn your living room into a cinematic hub with exclusive movies and content
BRAVIA 8 II delivers responsive gameplay with breathtaking visuals and ultra-smooth performance
Slim One Slate design and equipped with an elegant premium Eco Remote combining style and convenience
Designed with the environment and accessibility in mind

New Delhi, 17th June 2025: Sony India today announced the BRAVIA 8 II series, a revolutionary addition to its acclaimed line of televisions. This new series combines state-of-the-art QD-OLED technology with the advanced AI Processor XR to deliver unmatched picture quality and lifelike audio experiences. Designed to cater to the modern viewer, the BRAVIA 8 II series offers perfect blacks, precise shadow details and dynamic contrast, all while enhancing sound with Acoustic Surface Audio+ and Dolby Vision Atmos and various Studio Calibrated modes developed in collaboration with the leading streaming services.

Powered by an XR Processor™ with AI technology, BRAVIA 8 II delivers lifelike visuals and immersive sound for a cinematic experience
The new BRAVIA 8 II series will be available in 164 cm (65) and 139 cm (55) screen size.
Powered for precision. XR Processor in BRAVIA 8 II series features an AI scene recognition system that detects and analyses data with flawless accuracy, then optimises the picture for ultimate realism.

Experience true cinematic visuals with Studio Calibrated Mode, presenting content exactly as the creators envisioned
BRAVIA 8 II series is equipped with Studio Calibrated Mode that reproduce the image quality intended by film content creators in a home setting. In addition to the existing established Netflix Adaptive Calibrated Mode and Sony Pictures Core Calibrated Mode, Prime Video Calibrated Mode is a new mode designed to provide customers with even more ways to experience premium entertainment through the lens of the creator. With Prime Video Calibrated Mode, customers can enjoy optimum picture quality that is automatically calibrated across movies, series and for the first time, live sports. The BRAVIA 8 II series is IMAX enhanced and supports both Dolby Vision® and Dolby Atmos®, offering exceptional brightness, sharper contrast, richer colours, and immersive sound for a superior viewing experience on Prime Video, Netflix and other popular streaming platforms.

Enjoy perfect blacks, superior contrast and brilliant colours with the state-of-the-art QD-OLED screen
OLED technology in the BRAVIA 8 II series delivers unparalleled picture quality with perfect blacks, accurate shadow details, and superior contrast. Our QD-OLED screen individually and expertly controls 8 million self-illuminating pixels, turning each one on or off to dark and light for deeper blacks and more dazzling colours. The infinite contrast ratio enhances every scene with stunning realism, making every image more dynamic and lifelike, perfect for an elevated cinematic experience at home.

XR Contrast Booster enhances brightness and colour depth, bringing every scene to life
BRAVIA 8 II has a high luminance panel and temperature sensor which helps XR Contrast Booster 25 precisely controls light for brighter pure black pictures This technology results in deeper blacks and brighter whites, giving a dynamic contrast that brings scenes to life. The QD-OLED panel keeps colours consistent ensuring consistent picture quality from any seat in the room.

Witness stunning colours with XR Triluminos Max and remarkable clarity with XR Clear Image technology
XR Triluminos Max in the BRAVIA 8 II series reproduces over a billion colours, capturing subtle differences in saturation and hue that enable natural shades in every detail. This technology ensures that every hue and shade is rendered accurately, making images appear true to life. It uses a custom database of textures to intelligently upscale any content to near 4K quality, regardless of the source.

Immerse yourself in a cinematic audio-visual experience with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos
The BRAVIA 8 II series supports advanced audio and visual technologies such as Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. Dolby Vision provides vibrant visuals with exceptional contrast, while Dolby Atmos delivers immersive spatial sound with in-depth and clearer audio technology, making you feel like part of the action.

Enjoy sound from the screen with Acoustic Surface Audio+
Acoustic Surface Audio+ is a technology used in Sony BRAVIA 8 II, that turns the entire screen into a speaker. It uses actuators behind the screen to create vibrations, which in turn generate sound. This ensures sound is perfectly aligned with the picture, creating a truly immersive viewing experience, further enhanced by cinematic bass from subwoofers.

Access SONY PICTURES CORE and turn your living room into a cinematic hub with exclusive movies and content
The BRAVIA 8 II Series features Sony Pictures Core, a unique platform that provides access to a vast library of Sony Pictures movies. The platform also includes 4K HDR and IMAX enhanced movies, offering an elevated movie-watching experience with superior picture and sound quality. For 24 months, receive 10 FREE credits to stream movies in 4K Blu-ray quality with IMAX Enhanced visuals to elevate your home entertainment experience and bringing the magic of the big screen to your living room.

BRAVIA 8 II delivers responsive gameplay with breathtaking visuals and ultra-smooth performance
The BRAVIA 8 II series is optimized for gaming and is Perfect for PlayStation 5. It features Auto HDR Tone Mapping, which automatically adjusts HDR settings for the best picture quality. With 4K/120fps, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), the television gives you smooth and clear movement for responsive gameplay. BRAVIA automatically switches into Game Mode with PS5 to minimize lag and maximize responsiveness. With Game Menu elevate your gaming experience by providing seamless access to game status, settings, and assist functions all in one place. Gamers can tailor their settings to their preferences, such as turning on or off VRR or Motion Blur Reduction with quick access.
Slim One Slate design and equipped with an elegant premium Eco Remote combining style and convenience

The Slim One Slate design seamlessly integrates the screen and bezel into a single, unified slate, maximizing your viewing experience. Its flush, one-piece back highlights the TV’s sleek lines and slim profile, making it perfect for wall mounting and blending effortlessly with your walls. The warm, smudge-resistant texture harmonizes with your interior décor.

Designed with the environment and accessibility in mind
Sony’s Road to Zero plan targets zero environmental impact by 2050 across its operations and product life cycles. Contributing to this vision, BRAVIA TVs combine premium design and top-tier picture and sound quality with eco-conscious innovations. The Eco Dashboard 2 enables easy management of energy settings and power consumption tracking. BRAVIA also incorporates recycled materials, including Sony’s SORPLAS, in components like speaker boxes and bezels. Additionally, voice commands and accessibility shortcuts ensure seamless operation for all users, enhancing convenience and inclusivity.

Price and Availability:

Model
Best Buy (in INR)
Availability Date
K-65XR80M2
3,41,990/-
17-06-2025
K-55XR80M2
2,46,990/-
17-06-2025

This series will be available across Sony retail stores (Sony Center and Sony Exclusive), http://www.ShopatSC.com portal, major electronic stores and other e-commerce portals.

TechPulse

WhatsApp Set to Introduce Ads and Subscription Plans: Major Shift Coming to the Messaging App

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Silicon Valley | June 2025 — In a move that signals a major shift in its long-standing monetization model, Meta-owned WhatsApp has announced plans to introduce advertisements and premium subscription features in the coming months. The changes are expected to roll out gradually, impacting both individual users and businesses using the platform.

This strategic decision marks the most significant evolution in WhatsApp’s business approach since its acquisition by Meta (formerly Facebook) in 2014.

What’s Changing?

WhatsApp, which has long prided itself on being ad-free and user-centric, will now begin to test and deploy:

  • 📢 In-app advertisements: Expected to appear in the Status section and possibly within Channels, allowing brands to promote content without interrupting private chats.
  • 💼 Subscription plans: Aimed at business users, offering advanced tools, analytics, and enhanced reach on the WhatsApp Business platform.
  • 🔒 Core messaging will remain ad-free, according to initial statements, ensuring that personal and group chats stay private and uninterrupted.

Meta’s Monetization Strategy

The move aligns with Meta’s broader push to monetize its suite of apps amid slowing ad revenue from its core platforms. While Facebook and Instagram already run robust ad ecosystems, WhatsApp has remained mostly untapped in terms of revenue generation.

A Meta spokesperson said:

“As WhatsApp continues to grow globally, we’re exploring new ways to support businesses and enhance user experiences. These monetization features are designed to be optional, transparent, and privacy-conscious.”

Business Users to See the Biggest Impact

The WhatsApp Business platform, used by over 200 million businesses worldwide, will see enhanced offerings under new paid tiers. These may include:

  • Advanced automation tools
  • Expanded multi-device support
  • Verified business badges
  • Custom promotional features

This could position WhatsApp more directly against platforms like Telegram Premium and Apple Business Chat.

Reactions Mixed Among Users

While some welcome the expanded business tools and free service sustainability, many users have expressed concern over the potential erosion of WhatsApp’s ad-free promise and the creeping commercialization of a previously simple platform.

Privacy advocates are also watching closely, given WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption model. Meta has reassured users that no ads will appear inside private chats, and user data will not be shared for ad targeting purposes without consent.

What to Expect Next

  • 📅 Rollout Timeline: Ads and subscriptions will be introduced in phases starting later in 2025.
  • 🌍 Initial Rollout Regions: Business-heavy markets like India, Brazil, and parts of Europe may see the first features.
  • 🤝 User Control: Users will have control over ad preferences and subscription upgrades.

As the world’s most-used messaging app with over 2.5 billion users, WhatsApp’s pivot to monetization is a defining moment not just for Meta, but for the future of digital communication.

Stay tuned for updates as new features are rolled out in beta testing.

TechPulse

BSNL Launches India’s Most Affordable 30-Day Plan at Just ₹199

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In a move set to shake up the telecom market, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has introduced an ultra-affordable 30-day prepaid recharge plan priced at just ₹199. The plan is already turning heads for what it offers at such a low cost, making it one of the most budget-friendly options for users across India.

What’s Included in the ₹199 BSNL Plan?

BSNL’s ₹199 recharge pack is designed with the needs of regular smartphone users in mind. It offers a balanced combination of data, calls, and SMS benefits:

  • 📶 1.5 GB high-speed data per day
    That’s a total of 45 GB for 30 days — perfect for daily browsing, social media, or even light streaming.
  • 📩 100 SMS per day
    Stay connected without worrying about text message limits.
  • 📞 Truly Unlimited Voice Calling
    Talk freely to anyone across India — BSNL to BSNL or BSNL to other networks — without any FUP restrictions.
  • 📅 Valid for a Full 30 Days
    Unlike some plans that count validity in terms of 28 days, BSNL is keeping it clear and consumer-friendly with a full 30-day cycle.

Why This Plan Stands Out

BSNL’s ₹199 plan is not just affordable — it’s a bold answer to the pricing competition from private telecom operators. In a market where short-term recharge plans often cost more for less, this offering caters especially to:

  • Students and budget-conscious users
  • Rural users with BSNL coverage
  • Secondary SIM users needing a reliable backup
  • Light-to-moderate data consumers

What makes it even more appealing is the 30-day validity, which ensures consistent billing cycles without confusing date overlaps.

How to Recharge

Users can avail the plan through:

  • BSNL official website
  • MyBSNL app (available on iOS & Android)
  • Retail recharge outlets & UPI-based apps (PhonePe, Paytm, Google Pay, etc.)

BSNL’s Push for Growth

While BSNL is still working toward full-scale 4G rollout across India, its focus remains clear: to offer value-driven mobile services for all, especially in semi-urban and rural areas where it holds strong network presence.

This ₹199 plan reflects BSNL’s mission to provide affordable digital connectivity to every Indian, reinforcing its role as a government-backed telecom giant committed to digital inclusion

BSNL’s ₹199 recharge plan isn’t just a great deal — it’s a statement in today’s competitive telecom space. For those seeking a cost-effective, no-nonsense plan with solid benefits, this could be the perfect fit.

Would you switch to BSNL for this plan? Let us know in the comments or on social media!

TechPulse

Startup Ecosystem in Action as the Goa Open Innovation Challenge Enters Selection Week

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Altinho, June 2, 2025: Innovation in Goa is accelerating as the Goa Open Innovation Challenge 2025 enters its Selection Week—marking a significant milestone in the state’s mission to turn bold ideas into practical solutions by providing pilot opportunities and implementation of selected solutions.

Led by the Startup & IT Promotion Cell (SITPC) under the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C), Government of Goa, the Challenge has emerged as a unique platform blending real governance challenges with entrepreneurial problem-solving.

With over 550 applications from across India—including early-stage startups and student innovators—the initiative has attracted wide attention for its focus on deployable, tech-driven solutions across key public sectors such as Tourism, Waste Management, Agriculture, Public Services, NABARD, ITE&C and Industry.

The shortlisting process has been a collaborative effort between government departments and Technology Business Incubators, reflecting Goa’s commitment to co-creating public sector solutions with the agility of the startup ecosystem.

Day One of the virtual pitch sessions witnessed presentations from shortlisted startups to a high-powered Selection Committee, including senior officials Dr. Milind Sakhardande, Joint Director, DITE&C, Shri Nijanand Vasta, Deputy Director, DITE&C, Shri D. S. Prashant, CEO, SITPC along with Representatives from Implementing Departments, Goa Technology Association (GTA), Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), and Technology Business Incubator from Goa.

“This isn’t just about ideas—it’s about execution,” said Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for Department of ITE&C. “We are creating a platform where innovation and governance converge. By bringing startups, students, departments, and incubators together, we’re unlocking solutions that are ready to pilot and scale—in Goa.”

“Through this Challenge, we are not just supporting innovation—we are creating access,” added Shri Kabir Shirgaonkar, Director, Department of ITE&C, “Startups get a chance to solve real problems, and departments get agile, tech-based solutions. This is how we make governance future-ready.”

The Selection Week, running from June 2 to June 6, will see pitch rounds where each shortlisted startup presents to the committee, followed by a Q&A session.

Proposals are being evaluated on innovation, feasibility, scalability, and pilot-readiness within the Goan context.

Beyond being a startup challenge, the Goa Open Innovation Challenge 2025 represents a paradigm shift in public sector engagement—where government no longer works in isolation, but as a catalyst for innovation.
By enabling collaboration between public departments and emerging entrepreneurs, Goa is not only solving for local needs—it is shaping a new model of impact-led innovation, reinforcing its vision of becoming India’s Creative Capital.

TechPulse

UAE Revolutionizes AI Access: ChatGPT Plus Now Free for All Residents

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The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has made history by becoming the first country in the world to offer free access to ChatGPT Plus, the premium version of OpenAI’s popular AI chatbot, to its entire population. This groundbreaking initiative is part of a major strategic partnership between OpenAI and the UAE government, marking a significant milestone in the country’s AI ambitions.

The collaboration between OpenAI and the UAE government goes beyond just providing access to ChatGPT Plus. It also involves the development of a large-scale AI infrastructure project in Abu Dhabi called Stargate UAE, which aims to establish the UAE as a central hub for artificial intelligence in the region. This ambitious project will host a one-gigawatt AI supercomputing cluster, with an initial 200 megawatts expected to be operational by next year.

The Stargate UAE project is part of OpenAI’s broader “OpenAI for Countries” program, designed to help nations build AI systems tailored to their local languages, governance structures, and societal needs. The partnership prioritizes data privacy, responsible AI use, and alignment with national policies, ensuring that the benefits of AI are harnessed while minimizing potential risks. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has described the UAE project as a “bold vision,” one that aims to bring AI benefits to more parts of the world.

The partnership involves several major global tech companies, including Oracle, Nvidia, Cisco, SoftBank, Microsoft, and G42, a UAE-based AI firm backed by Microsoft. This collaboration will transform the UAE into a key player in the global AI landscape, driving innovation and growth in the sector. The UAE’s commitment to matching its domestic AI investments with equivalent investments in the United States will further accelerate progress, with combined spending potentially reaching up to $20 billion.

With every resident in the UAE now having access to ChatGPT Plus at no cost, millions of people will benefit from OpenAI’s most advanced tools for tasks such as writing, studying, coding, and planning. This move sets a precedent for other countries to follow, and OpenAI’s Chief Strategy Officer, Jason Kwon, is expected to visit countries across the Asia-Pacific region to explore similar partnerships.

The UAE’s bold move has sparked interest in the global AI community, with many wondering if other countries will follow suit. As India rapidly advances its own AI ambitions, all eyes are now on whether it could follow in the UAE’s footsteps. Will this strategic partnership between OpenAI and the UAE government inspire a new wave of AI innovation and accessibility worldwide? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – the future of AI is bright, and the UAE is leading the way.