Today’s technology news highlights major smartphone launches, AI breakthroughs, and new hardware innovations across the globe, with visual details of OnePlus 15 and Lava Agni 4 leading headlines. Coverage includes India’s bustling phone market, OpenAI’s freshest GPT-5.1 model, Google’s latest app features, and international pushes in AI chips and services.business-standard+5
Artificial intelligence continues to transform industries:
OpenAI has released GPT-5.1, offering personalities such as Efficient, Friendly, Cynic, Nerd, and adding new personas like Professional, Candid, and Quirky, expanding how people interact with AI models. The update allows users to set specific tones for conversations, and enhances intelligence and communication style significantly.economictimes.indiatimes+1
Baidu introduced new AI processors (M100 for inference, M300 for training/inference), with upgraded Ernie AI for text, image, and video tasks, countering chip restrictions and focusing on affordable, homegrown computing power.economictimes.indiatimes
Google rolled out an update for its Gemini Live voice assistant, improving speech interactions by refining tone, emotion, response speed, and offering tools to practice languages or generate creative ideas. The new “Images” tab in the Google app makes visual content easier to discover and organize.business-standard
AI tools are increasingly practical, especially in healthcare, where generative models speed up diagnostics and drug research, and in creative industries through real-time video editing and 3D scene generation.aiapps
India’s smartphone market is abuzz with new launches:
OnePlus 15: Features a 6.78-inch LTPO display (1.5K, 165Hz), Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, triple 50MP camera setup powered by in-house DetailMax Engine, Android 16-based OxygenOS 16, and a 32MP 4K selfie camera. It’s designed for power users and content creators, also offering premium display brightness (1800 nits) and 8K video recording.news18+2
Lava Agni 4: Appeals to budget-conscious users wanting premium feel, with a 6.78-inch FHD+ display (120Hz), MediaTek Dimensity 8350, and a massive 7,000mAh battery. Its triple-camera setup includes a 64MP night-capable main lens and AI-optimized software. Designed for long battery life and creative versatility.techgig+1
iQOO 15: Geared toward gamers, it sports a 6.85-inch AMOLED display (2K, 144Hz), Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, and advanced cooling for sustained, high-performance gaming sessions.techgig
Realme GT 8 Pro: Battles for the performance crown, while Lava’s Agni models aim to deliver big battery life and Indian innovation at an accessible price. Pricing ranges from approximately ₹25,000 (Lava Agni 4) to ₹60,000 (iQOO 15).techgig
| Phone | Display | Processor | Main Camera | Battery | Target Users |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OnePlus 15 | 6.78" 1.5K 165Hz | Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 | 3x 50MP | ~5000mAh | Power, creators |
| Lava Agni 4 | 6.78" FHD+ 120Hz | Dimensity 8350 | 64MP + AI | 7000mAh | Value, battery, India-made |
| iQOO 15 | 6.85" 2K 144Hz | Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 | 50MP+ | 5000mAh+ | Gamers |
| Realme GT 8 Pro | 6.82" QHD+ | Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 | 50MP+ | 5500mAh | Performance lovers |
Microsoft is expanding its cloud gaming service to India, letting gamers play across devices without a dedicated console.businesstoday
Valve (parent of Steam) has announced the new Steam Machine (hybrid console/PC), Steam Frame (wireless VR headset), and Steam Controller, all targeting a Spring 2026 release for next-generation gaming and entertainment experiences.business-standard
Sandisk has introduced a lineup of ultra-compact USB-C flash drives, including a “plug-and-stay” 1TB version, keeping storage portable and laptop-friendly.business-standard
Paytm’s new app uses AI for smarter navigation and rewards, while platforms like CRED blend premium fintech experiences with elevated design.businesstoday
WhatsApp has debuted enhanced Apple Watch integration, allowing seamless connectivity, while Google’s AI tool suite Gemini and NotebookLM reshape learning with curiosity-driven and creative insight.businesstoday
Swiggy’s Crew concierge app is scaling up, making travel and lifestyle assistance more personalized for Indian urbanites.businesstoday
OnePlus 15: Showcases a squared camera module, sleek design, and high-contrast display. Camera samples highlight improved night mode, detailed daylight performance, and better AI-powered image optimization.gsmarena+1
Lava Agni 4: Features a premium budget look, triple-lens array, and vivid FHD+ display. Camera modes include Night, Panorama, and Pro, with AI automatically tuning image quality for color and sharpness.filpz
The Indian smartphone market epitomizes fast-moving tech innovation, with both international and homegrown brands delivering high-spec and value-driven devices.techgig
Artificial intelligence is at a turning point, moving from experimental tools to must-have solutions in everything from healthcare and education to entertainment and productivity.theregister+2
Hardware makers like Valve and Sandisk push the boundaries of gaming and storage, while cloud and AI-driven experiences from Microsoft and Google redefine how users connect and explore the digital world.businesstoday+1
