Tech wrap: WhatsApp on NCB-Deepika Padukone case, Apple iOS 14.0.1 rollout & more

Today’s tech wrap was mostly about product launches in India in addition to Apple rolling out a new software for its iPhone. We also saw WhatsApp making headlines in the country because of Bollywood actress, Deepika Padukone and the NCB case on drug probe. Check it out.

WhatsApp defends user privacy as NCB summons Deepika Padukone, Shraddha Kapoor in drug probe

NCB has summoned actors Deepika Padukone, Shraddha Kapoor for questioning in a drug probe based on leaked WhatsApp chats, prompting WhatsApp to defend its protected messages and end-to-end encryption.  Defending user privacy and the messaging platform’s protected messages, WhatsApp has maintained that its messages are protected and no third-party can access them. This statement from WhatsApp comes amidst speculations about how the NCB managed to get their hands on old WhatsApp messages.

Apple iOS 14.0.1 rolls out along with watchOS 7.0.1 and others: Here’s everything that is new

A few days after releasing its iOS 14 to all the eligible iPhones, Apple has now released iOS 14.0.1. The update brings some fixes for the home screen widget, default app settings and more. Besides this, the firm has also released iPadOS 14.0.1, watchOS 7.0.1, macOS Catalina 10.15.7, and tvOS 14.0.1. You can update your iPhone to iOS 14.0.1 by navigating though the Settings app, General and Software Updates. Same can be done for the Apple Watch and other devices.

Vodafone wins crucial victory in  ₹20,000 cr tax arbitration case against Indian govt

Vodafone won a crucial victory in a years-long tax dispute with the Indian government, a development that could potentially save the UK wireless carrier almost Rs 20,000 cr ($3 billion almost). An international arbitration tribunal ruled that India’s efforts to claim Rs 20,000 crores ($2.7 billion) in past taxes were in breach of fair treatment under the bilateral investment protection pact between the south Asian nation and the Netherlands.

Casio India launches new G-Shock watches and one of them is Dragon BallZ limited edition

Watch brand Casio India has updated its ever-so-popular line of G-Shock watch in India with the GM-110 and a limited-edition Dragon BallZ (GA-110JDB-1A4). The second one here seems more interesting as its aims to bring back the 90s anime feel with its distinctive design. The GM-110 has a metallic look in gold. While the regular version costs Rs 15, 495, the Dragon BallZ variant cost Rs 12,995.

Garmin’s new solar-powered smartwatches launched in India, prices start from Rs 42,090

After launching the fenix 6X Pro Solar last year with the company’s patented solar charging technology, Garmin India has expanded their portfolio in the country with two more solar-powered smartwatches - the Instinct Solar and the fenix 6 Pro Solar. The fenix 6 Pro Solar (Black with Slate Gray Band) is priced at Rs 89,999 and the Cobalt Blue Whitestone Band version is priced at  ₹99,990. The Instinct Solar in Graphite, Tidal Blue, Orchid, Sunburst and Flame Red cost Rs 42,490 and the two camo versions (Graphite Camo and Lichen Camo) cost Rs 47,490.

Amazon launches Echo, Echo Dot, Echo Dot with Clock in India: Check out price, specs here

At the event that was held virtually this year owing to the pandemic, Amazon introduced its new lineup of Echo smart speakers which includes Echo, Echo Dot, Echo Dot with Clock, Echo Dot Kids Edition and Echo Show 10. Amazon is launching three of these new Echo smart speakers in India.

The Amazon Echo smart speaker costs Rs 9,999 and it will be available for purchase later this year in Black, White and Blue colour variants. The Amazon Echo Dot with Clock costs Rs 5,499 and it will be available in White and Blue colour variants later this year. The Echo Dot smart speaker costs Rs 4,499 and it is available for pre-orders in Black, White and Blue colour variants.