Tech wrap: New Google Pixel phones, Reliance Retail investement & more

From Google Pixel launches to apps like Zomato and Swiggy getting notice for Play Store violations, this edition of tech wrap has news coming from all tech segments. We also witnessed Facebook merging Instagram and Messenger even more by giving cross texting facility, Huami launching a new ‘retro’ style smartwatch, Sonos suing Google for patent infringement and lot more.

Chromecast with Google TV, Nest Audio speaker launched: Price, specs and more

Google kicked off its September 30 by introducing Google TV service that can be called as the successor to the current-gen Android TV. It recommends all the user’s favourite shows at one place by extracting it from different subscription services. This has debuted with Chromecast with Google TV device. Here are the details.

Google Pixel 5, Pixel 4A 5G smartphones with Android 11 launched

The flagship Pixel 5 will be coming to the US at $699 price tag while the less powerful Pixel 4A 5G version will cost $499. Both of them won’t be coming to India as confirmed by Google already. Check out the specs and features.

Zomato, Swiggy get notice from Google for violating Play Store guidelines

The apps have been reportedly given a noticed by the search giant for violating the Play Store guidelines. This is regarding the gamification techniques that are used by both platforms. It has been mentioned that while Zomato has confirmed this and says that the notice is unfair, Swiggy has not yet issued any comment on this. However, the latter seems to have paused its gamification product inside the app.

Facebook takes a big step in merging Messenger with Instagram, lets users text each other from a single app

The firm has decided to let you send a text on Messenger from your Instagram DM, without a need to download the app. Also mentioned is that in future, one will be able to seamlessly connect with friends and family across Instagram and Messenger by using either app to send messages and join video calls.

India is searching for budget phones, especially with bigger battery: Flipkart report

The biggest share of demand for these affordable smartphones has come from Uttar Pradesh, followed by Bihar and West Bengal. Over 70% of total demand is from tier 2+ regions and beyond. Cities such as Gorakhpur, Raipur, Siwan, Deoria, Hisar, Medinipur and Azamgarh feature on this list.

Huami launches Amazfit Neo with ‘retro’ look at ₹2,499

Huami has just launched its new smartwatch with a pinch of a ‘retro’ style look called Amazfit Neo. Priced at ₹2,499 in India, this watch is touted for its light weight build, massive battery life and some other features like Always-On display, 5 ATM water-resistant design and some features like sleep quality monitoring and health assessment system.

International Podcast Day: India embraces the evolution of audio streaming space

On International Podcast Day, we take a look at this booming audio space in India, and the journey of Spotify and Anchor. Podcasts are becoming increasingly popular as you can see many influencers, media houses, and creators embracing the genre.

Sonos sues Google for infringing 5 more wireless audio patents across Nest, Chromecast products

Sonos had first filed a patent lawsuit against Google in January this year in a California federal court and with the International Trade Commission (ITC). The federal case was put on hold while the ITC was to decide on whether to block the Google products allegedly infringing on Sonos’ patents from the market.

iOS 14.2 beta 2 brings new emojis, and some minor changes

Apple has rolled out the second beta of iOS 14.2 that comes with the new library of emoji announced recently. iPhone users will soon get 58 new emoji with the iOS 14.2 update. The new beta version also comes with some minor changes as well.

Reliance Retail arm receives ₹3,675 crore from General Atlantic for 0.84% stake sale

The investment values Reliance Retail at a pre-value equity value of ₹4.285 lakh crore. General Atlantic will acquire 0.84% equity stake in RRVL on a fully diluted basis. Morgan Stanley acted as financial advisor to Reliance Retail and Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas and Davis Polk & Wardwell acted as legal counsels.

Google Meet users can host calls longer than 60 minutes for free until March 2021

Google in April this year had made Google Meet free for everyone. The company also made calls unlimited through September 30 (now extended). The unlimited calls are capped to 24 hours, though. Google had earlier hinted at doing away with the free calls.