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Google Play has revealed its annual Best of 2024 awards for India, celebrating the apps and games that defined the year. With five of the seven top apps developed by Indian creators, the awards underscore India’s rising prominence in the global tech ecosystem. Mobile gaming also continues to boom, as the country solidifies its position as the second-largest market for gaming downloads worldwide. In a blog post announcing the winners, Google also shed light on how India is the world's second largest market in terms of mobile gaming downloads. "On the gaming front, the Indian gaming scene continues to thrive, with India adding 23 million new gamers in FY24, reaching a total of 590 million. In fact, India now boasts the world's second-largest market for mobile gaming downloads, with average weekly playtime increasing by 30%." Leading Apps: India at the Forefront of AI Innovation The blog post revealed that this year’s top apps showcased India’s innovative spirit, particularly in harnessing AI to meet user needs. Alle - Your AI Fashion Stylist, developed by Hey Alle, emerged as the year’s Best App and also won the Best for Fun award. Leveraging AI, Alle provides personalised fashion advice tailored to users’ occasions, body types, and preferences, reflecting the growing trend of AI-powered app experiences in India. Prateek Agarwal, Co-Founder &amp; CEO, Alle, said in a statement, “We noticed that the recent developments in Gen AI, combined with evolving consumer preferences for visual inspirational content, will create a massive opportunity to reimagine &amp; rebuild how people discover and shop for fashion. This realization led us to start Alle...As a new startup, Google Play has been crucial in helping us reach our early users organically. The platform's detailed analytics and crash reporting have been invaluable - they've helped us quickly identify and fix issues, improving our app stability.” Other app winners included: • Headlyne: Daily News with AI (Best for Personal Growth), offering curated news tailored to individual preferences. • Sony LIV: Sports &amp; Entertainment (Best for Large Screens), delivering immersive content on tablets and other big-screen devices. • WhatsApp Messenger (Best Multi-device App), enabling seamless communication across devices. • Fold: Expense Tracker (Best Everyday Essential) and Rise: Habit List (Best Hidden Gem) also captured user interest with practical and engaging features. The blog post added that India’s dominance in the AI app space is significant, accounting for 21% of global AI mobile app downloads this year, with nearly 1,000 Indian apps and games incorporating AI. Games that thrilled millions India’s gaming industry continued its upward trajectory, adding 23 million gamers this year, taking the total to 590 million. With gaming preferences increasingly reflecting local culture, many award-winning titles integrated Indian storylines and visuals. Squad Busters, a fast-paced multiplayer game, won Best Game for its simple yet engaging design. Meanwhile, Indus Battle Royale Mobile by SuperGaming earned the Best Made in India title for the second year running. Roby John, Co-Founder and CEO of SuperGaming, said in a statement, "We are committed to making Indus a standout Battle Royale experience. Our team has spent over three years thoughtfully crafting its characters, environments, and gameplay features to represent Indian Art and Culture authentically. The community's enthusiasm validates our vision of Indian games thriving globally. Winning this award is an incredible honor, not just as a milestone but also a motivation to keep striving for excellence. Google Play’s expertise and responsiveness have empowered us to deliver world-class gaming, pushing the boundaries of Indian gaming. We’re more committed than ever to raising the bar and making Indian gaming shine on the global stage.” Other top games included: • BGMI (Battlegrounds Mobile India) (Best Ongoing), for its India-centric updates featuring cricket, festivals, and celebrity collaborations. • Bloom – A Puzzle Adventure (Best Indie), for its unique mechanics and creativity. • Clash of Clans (Best Multi-device Game) and Yes, Your Grace (Best Story) also stood out for their engaging gameplay.

Google Play announces best apps and games of 2024 in India: All you need to know

The Reserve Bank on Friday announced the launch of a mobile app to enable <keyword id="19972907" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="retail-investors" source="keywords">retail investors</keyword> to participate in government securities (<keyword id="21202837" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="G-Secs" source="keywords">G-Secs</keyword>) or <keyword id="20283766" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="government-bonds" source="keywords">government bonds</keyword> market. <keyword id="21202838" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="rbi-retail-direct-scheme" source="keywords">RBI Retail Direct Scheme</keyword>, launched in November 2021, gives access to individual investors to maintain gilt accounts with the <keyword id="19899808" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="RBI" source="keywords">RBI</keyword> and invest in government securities. The Scheme enables investors to buy securities in primary auctions as well as buy/sell securities through the <keyword id="382785" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Negotiated-Dealing-System" source="Orion">Negotiated Dealing System</keyword> - <keyword id="21202839" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Order-Matching-system" source="Orion">Order Matching system</keyword> (NDS-OM) platform. "To further improve ease of access, a mobile application of the Retail Direct portal is being developed. The app will enable investors to buy and sell instruments on the go, at their convenience. The app will be available for use shortly," RBI Governor <keyword id="19913110" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="shaktikanta-das" source="keywords">Shaktikanta Das</keyword> said, while announcing the first bi-monthly monetary policy for the current fiscal. The government is planning for gross market borrowing of Rs 14.13 lakh crore for 2024-25. Out of this Rs 7.5 lakh crore, or 53 per cent, is scheduled to be borrowed in the first half (H1). In a separate announcement, RBI permitted non-bank payment system operators to offer Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) wallets to encourage its wider use. Currently, CBDC pilots in the retail and wholesale segments are underway with more use-cases and more participating banks. "Continuing with this approach, it is proposed to make CBDC-Retail accessible to a broader segment of users in a sustained manner, by enabling non-bank payment system operators to offer CBDC wallets," he said. This is expected to enhance access and expand choices available to users apart from testing the resiliency of the CBDC platform to handle multi-channel transactions, he said, adding, necessary changes will be made to the system to facilitate this. In November 2022, the pilot of the wholesale CBDC, known as the Digital Rupee-Wholesale (e-W), was launched with the use case being limited to the settlement of secondary market transactions in government securities. In the following month, RBI rolled out a pilot in the retail version of the CBDC (e-R).

RBI to soon launch app to enable retail investors to participate in govt bonds

Mumbai, <keyword id="19899810" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="reserve-bank-of-india" source="keywords">Reserve Bank of India</keyword> on Friday said NPCI has been asked to examine the possibility of it becoming a third party application provider for continued <keyword id="19900911" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="upi" source="keywords">UPI</keyword> operations of the Paytm app. The central bank has barred <keyword id="19907220" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="paytm-payments-bank" source="keywords">Paytm Payments Bank</keyword> from accepting further credits into its customer accounts and wallets after March 15, 2024. With an aim to ensure seamless digital payments by UPI customers using '@paytm' handle operated by the Paytm Payments Bank, <keyword id="19899808" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="rbi" source="keywords">RBI</keyword> said it has asked the <keyword id="19907219" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="national-payments-corporation-of-india" source="keywords">National Payments Corporation of India</keyword> (NPCI) to examine the request to become a Third-Party Application Provider (TPAP) for UPI channel for continued UPI operation of the Paytm app. The request has been made by One97 Communication Ltd (OCL), which owns the Paytm brand, RBI said in a statement. For seamless migration of '@paytm' handle to other banks, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said NPCI may facilitate certification of 4-5 banks as Payment Service Provider (PSP) Banks with demonstrated capabilities to process high volume UPI transactions.

Reserve Bank asks NPCI to help continue operations of Paytm app

New Delhi: Having marked a 20-year milestone in <keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="India" source="keywords">India</keyword>, global tech giant <keyword id="19902762" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Google" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Google" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Google">Google</keyword> is upbeat about its next innings here with Artificial Intelligence (<keyword id="19899640" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="AI" source="keywords">AI</keyword>) playing a big role in it, India MD <keyword id="23412065" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Roma-Datta-Chobey" source="keywords">Roma Datta Chobey</keyword> said on Thursday, adding that the company is aligning its vision and strategy fully to the country's growth and ambitions. In an interview to PTI, Chobey said Google believes that AI should be regulated but in a way that strikes a fine balance between user benefit -- which is "still at a nascent stage" -- and at the same time, fosters innovation. India is a very important market for Google, she said, underlining the company's deep commitment in areas spanning AI, payments, <keyword id="20055897" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Google-Pixel" source="keywords">Google Pixel</keyword> manufacturing and skilling amongst others. To a question on the concerns flagged by some Indian startups on alleged anti-competitive practices, Chobey said Google has been "deeply and closely" partnering and working with the startup ecosystem in the country, and that millions of apps are hosted on <keyword id="22336128" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Google-Playstore" source="keywords">Google Playstore</keyword>. "As Google, we've been deeply partnering with the startup ecosystem, and on Google Play, we host millions of apps...we also invest in training Android developers... "So I think we've been deeply and closely working with the startup ecosystem in India, and we remain committed and will continue to do so through India digitisation fund... We have startup accelerators, we have dedicated AI startup accelerators where startups are able to access our advanced technology, work closely with us, and that work is only increasing," she said. Google has completed 20-year milestone in India, and is looking forward to the next 20 years in which "AI is going to play a big role here", she observed. "When it comes to AI, we are focused on three pillars. The first one is how are we leveraging AI to help every individual in the country. The best way we, as Google, can do it is by using AI to democratise information as well as opportunity. "When we talk about skilling, etc, that talks to the opportunity bit. Secondly, we want to really play a significant role in developing the already-thriving AI ecosystem in India, by investing in infrastructure, by scaling the AI engine. And of course, we will do all of this very, very responsibly, sustainably and inclusively," she said. The third pillar in Google AI strategy is around building for the future, she said. "...to create a really thriving workforce that is primed to be successful in the AI-powered world. That space is evolving and evolving fast, and we want to keep pace with it. I also want to add here that we as part of Google India team feel so proud that there's so much work that's happening in India which is not just solving for India, it's solving (things) globally," Chobey said. Google on Thursday lined up a slew of AI-powered innovations, announced Indian language capabilities for Gemini Live, and unveiled new updates for Google Lens, Google Maps, as well as Google Pay at the tenth edition of 'Google for India' event in New Delhi. The Google top boss asserted that India is and will remain an important market for the company. "From Google's perspective, India has always been a very important market for us. We've always very uniquely solved for India, worked locally with partners, we spoke of 'India digitization fund'... We started Pixel (phone) manufacturing here... I spoke about GPay... So that continues. India for Google is a very important market, both from a user perspective, but also from the kind of research development that is happening," she said. Google, she said, is aligning its goals to India's growth and vision. "Today, we have over 10,000 Googlers, working out of India for India and other markets as well. And we have presence across 5 cities, so multiple offices here, that's really, really important... When it comes to India, I always say this - what is good for India, is good for Google... "So we are very finely integrating our objectives, our vision, to what is really good for India, and will continue to do so," she said, adding that India will remain a very important market for the company. Google is leveraging India to not just solve local challenges, but also global ones, Chobey added. The first Made-in-India Google Pixel 8 devices started rolling off production lines in August in India. "Watch out the space... we will talk about it more. But we're really, really happy and proud about the fact that we have started manufacturing Pixel 8 in India. Of course, we have now also have service centers in India. Google Pixel 9 is available on Flipkart, through Croma tie up...Reliance digital tie ups...and so on so forth. So we are really invested in this space," she said.

Looking ahead at our next 20 years in India, AI will play big role here: Google India MD

New Delhi, The corporate affairs ministry is probing various Chinese companies, especially those with links to loan apps, for alleged violations and some of the investigations are at an advanced stage, according to a senior official. In recent times, Indian authorities have been cracking down on entities that are operating loan apps illegally and the ministry has also been acting against companies and related individuals for hiding beneficial ownership. The senior official told PTI that enquiries by the ministry are going on against various Chinese companies, especially those linked to loan apps, and some of the enquiries are at an advanced stage. The ministry, which is implementing the companies law, is mainly looking at whether frauds have been committed at these companies and some of the cases are being probed by the <keyword id="20001098" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="serious-fraud-investigation-office" source="keywords">Serious Fraud Investigation Office</keyword> (SFIO), the official said. Further, the official said that the ministry receives complaints from the <keyword id="19899810" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="reserve-bank-of-india" source="keywords">Reserve Bank of India</keyword> (<keyword id="19899808" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="rbi" source="keywords">RBI</keyword>) and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), among other entities, following which enquiries are initiated against the companies concerned. While it is difficult sometimes to track the funding sources for some companies, the official said efforts are made to ascertain the beneficial ownership. In January, the Registrar of Companies (RoC), <keyword id="20064135" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="nct" source="keywords">NCT</keyword> (National Capital Territory) of Delhi, and Haryana slapped penalties totalling more than Rs 21 lakh on an Indian company and its related individuals as well as entities. The move was part of cracking the whip for hiding the beneficial ownership links to a Chinese group. On February 6, the finance ministry informed <keyword id="19895397" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="parliament" source="keywords">Parliament</keyword> that Google has suspended or removed more than 2,200 fraudulent loan apps from its Play Store between September 2022 and August 2023. The government is constantly engaged with the RBI and other regulators and stakeholders concerned to control fraudulent loan apps. RBI has issued regulatory guidelines on digital lending, which aim at firming up the regulatory framework for digital lending while enhancing customer protection and making the digital lending ecosystem safe and sound.

Corp affairs ministry probing Chinese cos linked to loan apps; investigations at advanced stages

New Delhi, Industry body IAMAI on Friday "advised" <keyword id="19902762" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="google" source="keywords">Google</keyword> not to delist any apps from Google <keyword id="20163860" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="play" source="keywords">Play</keyword>, after the tech titan sent out a clear warning that it will remove apps not complying with Play store billing policies. Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) confirmed that at least four of its members have received notices from Google. In a statement, IAMAI advised Google not to delist any apps from Google Play. "The affected members of IAMAI are of the view that a substantive hearing of the case is pending before the <keyword id="19900742" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="supreme-court-of-india" source="keywords">Supreme Court of India</keyword>, and Google should not take any coercive action during the pendency of the case," IAMAI said. Google on Friday said a clutch of companies, including well-established ones, continue to flout its billing norms, choosing not to pay Play store service fee applicable on sale of in-app digital goods, and warned that it will not hesitate to take necessary action to enforce policies, including removal of such non-compliant apps from Google Play. Amid a warcry over Google Play billing policy by some prominent Indian startups and the recent launch of <keyword id="20522402" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="indus-appstore" source="keywords">Indus Appstore</keyword>, the Made-in-India app market challenger, Google in a blogpost asserted that allowing a small group of developers to get differential treatment from the vast majority of developers who are paying their fair share creates an uneven playing field putting all other apps and games at a competitive disadvantage. "After giving these developers more than three years to prepare, including three weeks after the <keyword id="19895345" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="supreme-court" source="keywords">Supreme Court</keyword>'s order, we are taking necessary steps to ensure our policies are applied consistently across the ecosystem, as we do for any form of policy violation globally," Google said in its blogpost. It went on to say that enforcement of the policy, when necessary, can include removal of non-compliant apps from Google Play. Google, however, added that existing users will be able to continue to access the apps without interruption and that it continues "to offer our support to help developers get into compliance". Developers, Google said, are welcome to resubmit their apps to be listed on Play by opting for one of the three billing options as part of its payment policy. "Today, we have over 2,00,000 Indian developers using Google Play who adhere to our policies, helping us ensure we have a safe platform; however, for an extended period of time, 10 companies, including many well-established ones, have chosen to not pay for the immense value they receive on Google Play by securing interim protections from the court," Google had said.

IAMAI asks Google not to delist apps from Play store, says 4 members got notices

The <keyword id="19906063" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="ipl" source="keywords">IPL</keyword> mega auction 2024 kickstarted at 3 pm today at the Abady Al-Johar arena in Jeddha, Saudi Arabia. It will continue till tomorrow, and viewers can tune into Star Sports network on television and the JioCinema App. A total of 574 players were released by the respective franchise ahead of the mega auction. Of the 574 players, 366 are Indian, while 208 are overseas, including three from associate nations. The auction will see 318 Indian uncapped players and 12 uncapped overseas players in contention. There are 204 slots available, with 70 reserved for overseas players. The highest reserve price is set at Rs 2 crore, with 81 players opting for this bracket. The largest segment comprises players with a base price of Rs 30 lakh, totalling 320. The first set includes <keyword id="19904097" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="shreyas-iyer" source="keywords">Shreyas Iyer</keyword>, Rishabh Pant, and Arshdeep Singh, while the second features KL Rahul, <keyword id="20038368" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="yuzvendra-chahal" source="keywords">Yuzvendra Chahal</keyword>, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj. The overseas marquee players are Mitchell <keyword id="19928915" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="starc" source="keywords">Starc</keyword>, Jos Buttler, Liam Livingstone, David Miller, and Kagiso Rabada. Several teams will deploy Right-to-Match (RTM) cards during the auction. The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Rajasthan Royals (RR), having retained six players each--the maximum allowed--will not have any RTM cards. Punjab Kings (PBKS) hold four RTMs, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) three, and Delhi Capitals (DC) two. Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Gujarat Titans (GT), Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), and Mumbai Indians (MI) each have one RTM. RTM cards enable teams to buy back released players by matching the highest bid. In this auction, the team with the highest bid can increase their offer once more, after which the team holding the RTM card can match the final bid to secure the player. The IPL 2025 Mega Auction promises to deliver high-stakes action, with marquee players and strategic manoeuvres set to enthral cricket fans. A total of 12 marquee players, including Indian stars like Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul have created a lot of buzz within the cricket fraternity. A total of 574 players have been shortlisted from an initial pool of 1,574 names. These players will go under the hammer from November 24-25 in Jeddah. The list includes 208 overseas players, 12 uncapped overseas talents, and 318 uncapped Indian players, according to Wisden. Here is a look at all the marquee players who will be going under the hammer: Jos Buttler (England) Buttler is one of finest white-ball batters of this generation, with 11,929 runs, eight centuries and 83 fifties to his name in 427 T20s. A T20 World Cup-winning captain for England, Buttler made a name for himself in the IPL during his stint with Rajasthan Royals (RR) from 2018 to 2024. For RR since 2018, Buttler scored 3,055 runs at an average of 41.84 and a strike rate of 147.79, with 7 centuries and 18 fifties. His best score was 124. He is the team's third-highest run-getter of all time. The IPL 2022, in which RR finished as runners-up, was the zenith of Buttler's career, as he ended up on the top of run-scoring charts, with 863 runs in 17 matches at an average of 57.53 and a strike rate of over 149, with four centuries and four fifties. His best score was 116. In the last season, Buttler scored 359 runs in 11 matches at an average of 39.88, with two centuries. Buttler also represented Mumbai Indians (MI) from 2016-17, scoring 527 runs in 24 matches with one half-century. He won the title with them in 2017. Shreyas Iyer (<keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="india" source="keywords">India</keyword>) Iyer has played all formats for India, proving his mettle mostly in ODI cricket, where he averages 47 and has scored five centuries and 18 fifties in 57 ODIs. In 51 T20Is for India, Iyer has scored 1,104 runs at an average of 30.66 and a strike rate of over 136, with eight half-centuries and best score of 74*. During his time with Delhi Capitals (2015-21), he earned a reputation as a fierce young leader, taking DC to finals in 2021. After joining Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2022, Iyer went one step further and won the franchise its third IPL title, its first in 10 years, this year. Throughout the season, Iyer along with mentor Gautam Gambhir, led the team's aggressive, high-scoring brand of cricket from the front. In his IPL career, Iyer has scored 2,375 runs at an average of 31.67, with a strike rate of 123.96 and 16 half-centuries. His best score is 96. In his last season for KKR, he scored 351 runs in 15 matches at an average of 39.00 and a strike rate of over 146, making two fifties. Rishabh Pant (India) The swashbuckling wicketkeeper-batter is an all-format for India and a livewire on the field. Having proven himself as a man for big stages in Test cricket, Pant's T20 game is just as solid. Though he has scored 1,209 runs in 76 T20Is at an underwhelming average of 23.25, strike rate of almost 128 and just three fifties, his overall T20 numbers are way better, having made 5,022 runs in 202 matches at an average of 31.78, strike rate of over 145, with two centuries and 25 fifties. Pant has represented Delhi Capitals (DC) for his entire IPL career since 2016, scoring 3,284 runs in 110 matches at an average of 35.31, with a century and 18 fifties. He was appointed as the team's captain in 2021 and led them to playoffs in the same season. During this last season, which marked his return from competitive cricket after a serious road accident in 2022-end, Pant scored 446 runs in 13 matches at an average of 40.54 and a strike rate of 155.40, with three fifties and best score of 88*. He was the leading run-scorer for DC. Kagiso Rabada (South Africa) The South African pacer is among the best in the world, having taken 71 wickets in 65 T20Is. He is the part of the SA team which reached the T20 World Cup finals this year and took 13 wickets in nine matches. Rabada has played T20 leagues and competitions worldwide and taken 264 scalps in 211 matches. In the IPL, Rabada has represented Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings, having taken 117 wickets in 80 matches. With PBKS from 2022-2024, he took 41 wickets in 30 matches while with DC from 2017-2021, he took 76 wickets in 50 matches. In 11 matches last season for Punjab Kings, he took 11 wickets at an average of 33.81. Arshdeep Singh (India) A brilliant left-arm pacer for his swing and wicket-taking abilities, Arshdeep has represented India in 59 T20Is and has already taken 92 wickets at an average of 18.47, making him the most successful pacer for India in T20Is and their second-highest wicket-taker of all-time despite debuting only in 2022. The youngster was a crucial part of India's T20 WC winning squad this year and was the joint-highest wicket-taker in the tournament with 17 wickets in eight matches at an average of 12.47. Since 2019, the year of his IPL debut, Arshdeep has represented the Punjab Kings in 65 matches, taking 76 wickets at an average of 27.00 and best figures of 5/32. The season this year was his strongest-ever showing, taking 19 wickets in 14 matches at an average of 26.58. Mitchell Starc (Australia) A multi-time world champion with Australia across all formats, Starc is considered as one of the deadliest pacers of this era, having taken 681 wickets in 281 matches. In 65 T20Is for Australia, he has taken 79 wickets at an average of 23.81. in 142 T20Is played worldwide, he has taken 193 wickets at an average of 20.59 and best figures of 4/15. After two seasons with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) from 2014-15, Starc made his IPL return this year as the most expensive player ever, brought by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for Rs 24.75 crores. Though he delivered mixed returns during the league stage, the 'Big Match Starc' came into play during playoffs, delivering outstanding spells of 3/34 and 2/14 against <keyword id="19959099" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sunrisers-hyderabad" source="keywords">Sunrisers Hyderabad</keyword> (SRH) in the Qualifier 1 and final. He ended the season with 17 wickets in 14 matches at an average of 26.12 including a four-wicket haul. So far in his IPL career, Starc has taken 51 wickets in 41 matches. Yuzvendra Chahal (India) The Indian spin veteran is the chart-topping bowler, owning the most wickets by an Indian in T20is and by any bowler in the IPL. In the IPL, Chahal has taken 205 wickets in 160 matches at an average of 22.44, with best figures of 5/40. In 80 T20Is he has taken 96 wickets at an average of 25.09 with best figures of 6/25. Also in all of T20s, he has taken 354 wickets in 305 matches, the most by an Indian bowler. Chahal remains the leading wicket-taker for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), even after departing in 2021 following a tenure that began in 2014. In 113 matches for RCB, he took 139 wickets at an average of 22.03, with a best of 4/25. Since joining Rajasthan Royals (RR) in 2022, Chahal has helped the team reach the playoffs twice in three seasons. He is also the leading wicket-taker in IPL history, amassing 205 wickets in 160 matches at an average of 22.44, with a best of 5/44. He won the Purple Cap in 2022, his debut season with RR, securing 27 wickets in 17 matches at an average of 19.51, with best figures of 5/40. During the 2024 season, he took 18 wickets in 15 matches at an average of 30.33. Liam Livingstone (England) A T20 World Cup-winning all-rounder, Liam has scored 877 runs in 53 T20Is at an average of 27.40 and a strike rate of almost 152, with a century and two fifties. With his useful right-arm spin, he has taken 32 wickets at an average of over 23, with best figures of 3/17. He owns the record for fastest T20I ton by an England player, in just 42 balls. The batting all-rounder has played for Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) since his tournament debut in 2019, scoring 939 runs in 39 matches at a strike rate of 162.46 and six fifties. He has also taken 11 wickets. His best has come with Punjab, who signed him for Rs 11.5 crores ahead of the 2022 season, which proved to be his breakthrough, scoring 437 runs in 14 matches with four fifties and a strike rate of 182.08 and getting six wickets in 14 matches. In the last season, Livingstone scored 111 runs in seven matches at an average of 22.20, striking at over 142 and having the best score of 38*. David Miller (South Africa) An elite T20 finisher, Miller is considered as one of the modern white-ball greats for South Africa. In 128 matches for Proteas, he has made 2,473 runs at an average of 32.54, striking at almost 140, with two centuries and seven fifties. In the IPL, Miller is known for his stints with Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals and Gujarat Titans. His stint with Punjab from 2012-19 made him a valuable IPL commodity, as he enjoyed his peak years from 2013-15, reaching the finals in 2014. After a few years' of underwhelming performances and being benched, GT placed trust in his finishing abilities and he repaid the faith with a 481-run season in 16 matches with two fifties, playing a crucial role in the team's title win in his debut season. Miller is also known for his fine performances in knockout games. In 41 matches for GT, he has scored 950 runs at an average of 45.24, with three fifties in 38 innings and a strike rate of 145.26. In the last season, he scored 210 runs at an average of 35.00 and a strike rate of over 151, with a half-century. KL Rahul (India) A versatile batter for India across all formats. He can open, bat in middle-order, anchor and accelerate. A highly capable wicketkeeper-batter as well. He is India's fourth-highest run-getter in T20Is, scoring 2,265 runs in 72 matches at an average of 37.75, striking at almost 140 with two centuries and 22 fifties to his name. In 132 IPL matches since his debut in 2013, KL has played for Sunrisers Hyderabad, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants, even going on to captain the latter two teams. In 132 matches, he has scored 4,683 runs at an average of 45.47 and a strike rate of 134.61, with four centuries and 37 fifties. For LSG since 2022, he has scored 1,410 runs at an average of 41.47, with a strike rate of 130.68, two centuries and 10 fifties. He has never won an IPL title. In 14 matches last season, he scored 520 runs at an average of 37.14 and a strike rate of 136.12 and four half-centuries. His best score was 82 and he ended up as seventh-highest run-getter in the season. Mohammed Shami (India) The Indian pace veteran has represented India in all formats, having taken 448 wickets in 188 matches. His finest hour in an Indian jersey came during the 50-over World Cup at home last year, where he emerged as the leading-wicket-taker with 24 wickets in just seven matches and played a crucial role in India's runners-up finish. In IPL, Shami has played for Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders and Gujarat Titans. He has taken 127 wickets in 110 matches at an average of 26.86. Shami was the Purple Cap holder for most wickets in GT's 2023 runners-up season and has taken 48 wickets in 33 matches at an average of 21.04 for the team. This also remains his last IPL season as he missed the previous season due to an ankle injury. Mohammed Siraj (India) Siraj is a solid all-format pacer for India, having taken 165 wickets across 91 matches, with a lot of match-winning performances in overseas Tests. He is the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 winner with the team. In his IPL career, he has played for Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) from his debut in 2017, taking 93 wickets in 93 matches at an average of 30.34. Since 2018, he has been a vital part of RCB's pace attack, having taken 83 wickets in 87 matches at an average of 31.45 and best figures of 4/21. In the last season this year, he took 15 wickets in 14 matches at an average of 33.07, playing a crucial role in the team's inspirational playoffs qualification. (ANI) A total of 1,574 players will go under the hammer in the upcoming IPL 2025 mega auction in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on Sunday and Monday which includes 1,165 Indian players and 409 overseas players, all competing for a place in the world's premier T20 league. The comprehensive list of registered players features 320 capped players, 1,224 uncapped players, and 30 players from Associate Nations. Specifically, the breakdown includes 48 capped Indian players, 272 capped international players, 152 uncapped Indian players who previously played in IPL seasons, 3 uncapped international players with prior IPL experience, 965 uncapped Indian players, and 104 uncapped international players. Among the 409 overseas players, Australia leads with 76 registrations, followed by South Africa with 91, and England with 52. Other notable countries include New Zealand with 39, West Indies with 33, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka with 29 each, and the USA with 10 players. Players from Bangladesh (13), Ireland (9), Canada (4), Netherlands (12), Zimbabwe (8), Scotland (2), UAE (1), and Italy (1) have also registered. With each of the ten IPL franchises able to fill a maximum squad of 25 players, 204 slots will be available at the IPL 2025 player auction. The event promises to be highly competitive as teams build their rosters for the next three years.

IPL 2025: What can you expect from the mega auction at Jeddah in Saudi Arabia?

<ul><li>The <keyword id="22511807" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Google-Pixel-9-Pro-XL" source="Orion">Google Pixel 9 Pro XL</keyword> is the latest flagship offering from Google.</li><li>The device is priced starting at ₹1,24,999 and is available in two variants.</li><li>Here’s my review of the Pixel 9 Pro XL that will help you decide if you should buy the device.</li></ul>Google launched the Pixel 9 series, consisting of the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro and the Pixel 9 Pro XL, the company’s flagship smartphones a few months ago. This time around, Google launched three devices unlike last year Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro smartphones. The Pixel 9 Pro XL is the successor of the Pixel 8 Pro, offering a similar size and features. This year’s Pixel 9 Pro offers flagship hardware while offering a smaller display and battery. With the three devices, Google is offering a similar line-up to Samsung and Apple. I have been using the Pixel 9 Pro XL for a few weeks now, and here’s my detailed review of the latest smartphone from Google. <h2><keyword id="22405856" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Google-Pixel-9-Pro-XL-price" source="Orion">Google Pixel 9 Pro XL price</keyword> and availability</h2>The Pixel 8 Pro has been priced at ₹1,06,999 for the 128GB variant and ₹1,13,999 for the 256GB variant. It comes in Blue, Beige and Obsidian colour options and is available from Flipkart. <h2>In the box</h2><ul><li>Pixel 9 Pro XL smartphone</li><li>USB Type-C cable</li><li>SIM ejector tool</li><li>Documentation</li></ul><h2>Pixel 9 Pro XL specifications</h2> <table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#000000;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Particulars </td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#000000;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Specifications </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Display </td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">6.8-inch Quad HD+ LTPO OLED </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Refresh rate </td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">120Hz </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Protection </td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Chipset </td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Google Tensor G4 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Variants </td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">16GB + 256GB and 16GB + 512GB </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Rear camera </td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">50MP + 48MP + 48MP </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Selfie camera </td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">42MP </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Battery </td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">5,060mAh </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Charging </td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">37W </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Wireless charging </td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">23W </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Fingerprint sensor </td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">In-display fingerprint sensor </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Weight </td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">221 grams </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Water resistance </td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">IP68 </td></tr></tbody></table> <h2>Pixel 9 Pro XL pros and cons</h2><h3>Pros</h3><ul><li>Software and performance </li><li>Camera </li></ul><h3>Cons</h3><ul><li>Price </li></ul><h2>Design and display</h2>Google has overhauled the design of the Pixel 9 Pro XL, making major changes to the design when compared to the Pixel 8 Pro. The search giant has opted for a flat display, flat sides and a revamped camera module. <div type="image" title="Back 2" msid="115487059" hostid="261" sizebytes="64462" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Pixel 9 Pro XL rear design&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> The device comes in Hazel, Porcelain, Rose Quartz, and Obsidian colour options. I tested the Rose Quartz colour variant of the device. <div type="image" title="right side" msid="115487089" hostid="261" sizebytes="52702" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Rounded corners on the Pixel 9 Pro XL&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> The device comes with flat sides, with rounded corners for its aluminium frame, that give it a premium feel while holding. At first look, you may get an iPhone-like look, with people even mistaking it for an iPhone during my usage, but this clears up immediately after looking at the pill-shaped camera module. The aluminium frame comes with a glossy finish and is slightly slippery. The aluminium frame also attracts dust fingerprint smudges easily. For these reasons, it might be a good idea to use the device with a case. <div type="image" title="Camera" msid="115487108" hostid="261" sizebytes="28950" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;The pill-shaped camera module&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> It comes with a large pill-shaped camera module that houses the triple camera setup, a temperature sensor and the LED flash. Apart from the camera module, the device comes with Google’s logo at the back. <div type="image" title="Right" msid="115487125" hostid="261" sizebytes="62716" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Power button and volume rockers on the right&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> The power button and the volume rockers are placed on the right side. Unlike a lot of other devices, the Pixel 9 Pro XL continues to place the power button on top and the volume rockers below it. <div type="image" title="Bottom" msid="115487162" hostid="261" sizebytes="47264" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Ports at the bottom&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> At the bottom, you get the speaker grille, a USB Type-C port, a microphone and the SIM tray. <div type="image" title="IMG20240818172922" msid="115487276" hostid="261" sizebytes="46502" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Pixel 9 Pro XL top&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> At the top, you get the mmWave antenna cover and a microphone. <div type="image" title="Ch" msid="115487285" hostid="261" sizebytes="30756" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Made in China text on the Pixel 9 Pro XL&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> On the left, apart from antenna lines, the device comes with “Made in China” written for some reason. Coming to the display, the Pixel 9 Pro XL comes equipped with a large 6.8-inch Quad HD+ LTPO OLED display with a 1-120Hz refresh rate, up to 3,000 nits brightness and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection. <div type="image" title="Display" msid="115487313" hostid="261" sizebytes="72596" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Pixel 9 Pro XL display&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> The device sports a good display, which offers accurate colours and offers good visibility, even in direct sunlight. The display is excellent, with the high refresh rate offering a good experience while gaming and watching content. <h2>Software and performance</h2>The Pixel 9 Pro XL runs on Android 14 out of the box and is promised to get seven years of Android updates and security patches. The software is the highlight of the Pixel lineup and the Pixel 9 Pro XL is no different. The device offers an Android experience as imagined by Google, the operating system maker. As expected, the device comes loaded with AI features in the form of Gemini. To enable users to make the most out of the AI features, Google is offering a one-year premium subscription to Pixel 9 Pro XL users, giving them access to Gemini Advanced, 2TB of Google Drive storage and more. The device comes pre-installed with Pixel Studio, a new GenAI image generation app from Google, allowing users to generate images easily on the go. You also get access to Gemini Live, a live-chat version of Gemini, which allows for voice-enabled interactions. In what might excite most photography enthusiasts like myself, the device also comes with a more powerful Magic Editor, giving access to a ton of new tools. Talking about AI and photography, the new Add Me feature is excellent, especially for those who often end up being the ones to take group pictures and regret not being in them. The new Add Me feature allows you to take a group picture and then hand your phone to your friend and then join the group for another picture, then using AI to blend them into one image to make the perfect group picture. I used this feature during one of my trips and found it to be quite useful. Once you get the hang of it and remember to stand in the correct place, it works quite well. The Pixel 9 Pro XL is powered by the Google Tensor G4 chipset built on Samsung’s 4nm process. It comes with 16GB of RAM and offers up to 512GB of internal storage. If you are hoping for a drastic performance improvement compared to the predecessor, you might be disappointed. It offers an incremental improvement in performance but can easily handle everything that you throw at it. One area the chipset and the device has improved a lot over the Pixel 8 Pro is thermal management and proper connectivity. These were some of my biggest issues with the last-gen devices and Google has made a significant improvement in this aspect. The Pixel 9 Pro XL is powered by a 5,060mAh battery with 37W wired and 23W wireless charging support. The device offers a day’s battery life with normal usage. <h2>Camera</h2>The camera is the strongest selling point of Pixel smartphones, and unsurprisingly, the Pixel 9 Pro XL excels in this regard. <div type="image" title="Rear cam" msid="115487382" hostid="261" sizebytes="53002" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Pixel 9 Pro XL rear camera&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> Coming to the camera department, the Pixel 9 Pro XL features a triple camera setup at the back, consisting of a 50MP primary camera with Samsung GN2 sensor with OIS, a 48MP ultra-wide-angle camera with Sony IMX858 sensor and a 48MP 5X telephoto camera with Sony IMX858 sensor with up to 30x digital zoom. <div type="image" title="PXL_20240818_123753737" msid="115487547" hostid="261" sizebytes="186394" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Image captured while moving&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> The smartphone supports zero shutter lag, which means it captures photos at the same moment you tap on the shutter button. This is very handy when trying to capture moving subjects, especially kids and pets. <div type="image" title="PXL_20240818_124521580" msid="115487564" hostid="261" sizebytes="84032" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Image captured in natural lighting&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> The smartphone’s daylight camera performance was excellent, with accurate colour reproduction, dynamic range, and well-defined details. The portrait mode is excellent in both daylight and indoor conditions. <div type="image" title="n" msid="115487621" hostid="261" sizebytes="147076" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Image captured using night mode&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> The Pixel 9 Pro XL also performs excellently in low-light and night conditions, capturing well-detailed, colour-accurate photos despite the challenging lighting conditions. The images turned out to be sharp and clear, with adequate details and minimal noise. On the front, the Pixel 9 Pro XL features a 42MP selfie camera. The front camera can easily capture good selfies in normal lighting and low light conditions. <h2>Verdict</h2>The Pixel 9 Pro XL is the best device in the current Pixel lineup and one of the best Android smartphones out there. The device offers an excellent user experience, a premium design and good cameras. It offers good performance and ample storage, ticking off a lot of the boxes. At the same time, the Pixel 9 Pro XL commands a premium price and while enthusiasts may like the stock Android experience, the lack of customisation may not be everyone’s cup of tea. If you are looking for a stock Android experience with powerful hardware and are willing to pay a premium, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is an excellent option. Disclaimer: The content on this website is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as a purchasing guide or recommendation. We advise readers to do additional research, including hands-on usage of the device at a retail outlet, before making a decision. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-6-review/articleshow/112497472.cms">Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 review – the complete package</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/oneplus-12-review/articleshow/108723955.cms">OnePlus 12 review: A feature-packed device with promising battery back-up</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/asus-rog-zephyrus-g16-review/articleshow/115054981.cms">Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 gaming laptop review – With a big AI boost</a>

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL review – the best Android experience

<ul><li>Samsung has launched the Galaxy Watch Ultra smartwatch in India.</li><li>The GTR 4 is priced at ₹59,999 and comes in three colour options.</li><li>Here’s my review of the <keyword id="22363626" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Samsung-Galaxy-Watch-Ultra" source="Orion">Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra</keyword> that will help you decide whether you should buy the smartwatch or not.</li></ul> Samsung recently launched the Galaxy Watch Ultra, the company’s premium rugged smartwatch, alongside the<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-6-galaxy-z-flip-6-galaxy-ring-and-more-launched/articleshow/111637913.cms"> Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6</a> smartphones. The Galaxy Watch Ultra is the company’s most premium smartwatch offering. The Galaxy Watch Ultra is aimed at users looking for a highly rugged and durable smartwatch, especially those who partake in extreme sports. I have been using the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra smartwatch for a few weeks now, and here is my detailed review of the smartwatch that will help you decide whether you should buy the smartwatch. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="112497472" title="Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 review – the complete package" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> <h2><keyword id="23248225" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Samsung-Galaxy-Watch-Ultra-price" source="Orion">Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra price</keyword> and availability</h2>The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra comes in a single 47mm variant and is priced at ₹59,999. The watch comes in Titanium Gray, Titanium White and Titanium Silver colour options. <h2>In the box</h2><ul><li>Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra </li><li>Charger </li><li>Documentation </li></ul><h2>Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra pros and cons</h2>Pros <ul><li>Durable design</li><li>Health tracking features</li></ul>Cons <ul><li>Some health features are limited to Samsung phones </li></ul><h2>Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra design and display</h2>The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra comes in three colour options – Titanium Gray, Titanium White and Titanium Silver. I tested the Titanium Silver colour variant, which I think is the best among the three options. <div type="image" title="PXL_20240825_105244230" msid="113520433" hostid="261" sizebytes="65724" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra strap&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> The Titanium Silver colour variant comes with a Dark Grey strap. You can easily replace the strap on the Galaxy Watch Ultra thanks to the dynamic lug, allowing you to get different straps. This also means that you cannot use your older straps with the watch. The Galaxy Watch Ultra is the largest among the smartwatches sold by the company at 47mm. Considering the display and the battery size, the watch is on the heavier side at 60.5 grams. Despite being packed with features and offering a durable design, the Galaxy Watch Ultra at 12.1mm is thinner than the Apple Watch Ultra. <div type="image" title="Design" msid="113520482" hostid="261" sizebytes="63856" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra design&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> The Galaxy Watch Ultra has a circular face and is placed in a squarish design with rounded corners. While I was a bit sceptical of the design during the launch, it looks quite good when you actually wear it. It sits well on the hand and makes a separate place for itself in a market filled with circular smartwatches for Android devices. The smartwatch comes with a highly durable case built using Titanium Grade 4 that gives it a premium look and feel. It comes with a matte finish, preventing fingerprint smudges and dust build-up. <div type="image" title="b" msid="113520505" hostid="261" sizebytes="66228" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra design&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> In line with its rugged characteristics, the smartwatch comes with 10ATM water resistance and an IP68 water and dust rating. Additionally, it comes with MIL-STD-810G certification, making it extremely durable. Samsung has claimed that the watch can survive temperatures ranging between -20 degrees Celsius and 55 degrees Celsius. <div type="image" title="Sensors" msid="113520955" hostid="261" sizebytes="39826" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Sensors at the back&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> The back of the watch which is packed with sensors such as the BioActive sensor is made using ceramic and sapphire glass. <div type="image" title="Buttons" msid="113521002" hostid="261" sizebytes="33052" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Buttons on the Galaxy Watch Ultra&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> The Galaxy Watch Ultra features a home button, a back button and a new customisable quick action button. The quick action button is quite handy and can be set to perform various actions such as opening the exercise menu, opening the stopwatch, torch and more. <div type="image" title="Speaker" msid="113521024" hostid="261" sizebytes="29576" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Speaker on the left side&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> The watch comes with speakers on the right side and a microphone on the left side between the buttons. <div type="image" title="Display" msid="113520455" hostid="261" sizebytes="50078" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra display&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> The Galaxy Watch Ultra features a 1.5-inch Super AMOLED always-on-display. It comes with Sapphire glass protection and offers a peak brightness of 3000 nits, ensuring excellent outdoor visibility. The watch is durable and I did not notice a single scratch during my usage. <h2>Software and app</h2>The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra runs on WearOS with One UI 6 Watch on top. This is basically WearOS with Samsung’s tweaks on top. The watch can be connected and managed using the Galaxy Wearable app, which is easy to use. To track your health and activities, you need to download the Samsung Health app. Like any WearOS or Samsung watch, the interface on the Galaxy Watch Ultra is smooth and easy to use. You can install applications from the Play Store and use them on the watch. You get a ton of watch faces and customisation options to choose from. If you aren’t happy with these, you also have the option to download more from the Play Store. The Galaxy Watch Ultra comes with its own watch face, offering a red-coloured night mode. Like most gadgets these days, the watch also comes with AI baked in, allowing you to quickly reply to messages and more. One issue that I faced with the watch is that for some important features such as taking an electrocardiogram (ECG) or getting a blood pressure report, you will need to connect to a Samsung smartphone. These features are not available on other Android smartphones. <h2>Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra features and performance</h2>The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is powered by the Exynos W1000 chipset, equipped with a 5-core CPU, which is claimed to offer nearly four times better performance than its predecessor, along with 30% improved power efficiency. The chipset is paired with 2GB RAM and 32GB of internal storage. The Galaxy Watch Ultra comes with a new Siren feature, allowing you to hold down the Action Button to enable a loud siren, which can come in handy during emergencies. Samsung has packed the device with features and offers a ton of health tracking sensors. It comes with a new Samsung BioActive Sensor, which includes an optical bio-signal sensor, electrical heart signal and bioelectrical impedance analysis sensor. The watch also comes with an optical heart rate sensor, a temperature sensor, a light sensor, a geomagnetic sensor and more. For positioning, the Galaxy Watch Ultra comes with L1+LG dual-frequency GPS, offering improved accuracy. The watch accurately offers activity and fitness tracking, making it a great option for those looking for accurate activity tracking in a smartwatch. The watch was also accurately able to track my sleep patterns, along with blood oxygen during sleep, skin temperature, heart rate and respiratory rate. If you track your sleep regularly for seven days, it starts offering more insights about your sleep patterns and also offers recommendations. Another area where Samsung has deployed AI is to determine your energy score. It uses aspects such as sleep time and activity to help you determine your energy levels for the day. It also offers suggestions if any particular thing needs your attention. One of the key health metrics that the watch offers is ECG and BP tracking. The watch offers alerts for abnormally high or low heart rates and can detect irregular heart rhythms that can indicate atrial fibrillation. The Galaxy Watch Ultra is powered by a 590mAh battery, which is claimed to offer up to 100 hours of battery life with workout detection in power-saving mode. With AOD and regular HR tracking enabled, I managed to squeeze out nearly three days of battery life from the device, which is quite good. Samsung has offered a wireless magnetic charger with the watch and it does not work with regular wireless chargers. It takes nearly 2 hours to charge, so you need to plan accordingly. <h2>Verdict</h2>The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is a feature-packed watch and is the only such option in the market. While watches from Garmin are packed with health tracking features, they lack the OS that Samsung offers and are not as fun to use. The Galaxy Watch Ultra ticks all the right boxes, including a vibrant display, durable design, excellent health and activity tracking and a decent battery life. If you don’t mind the Samsung-exclusive health tracking features and the slow charging speeds, the Galaxy Watch Ultra is an amazing choice. Disclaimer: The content on this website is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as a purchasing guide or recommendation. We advise readers to do additional research, including hands-on usage of the device at a retail outlet, before making a decision. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/alienware-aw3225qf-32-inch-qd-oled-gaming-monitor-review-for-the-perfect-gaming-experience/articleshow/113404175.cms">Alienware AW3225QF 32-inch QD-OLED gaming monitor review – for the perfect gaming experience</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-6-review/articleshow/112497472.cms">Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 review – the complete package</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/dell-latitude-9450-review/articleshow/112447785.cms">Dell Latitude 9450 2-in-1 review – a premium business laptop with a compact design</a>

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra review – premium watch with a rugged design

<ul><li><keyword id="19894961" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="apple" source="keywords">Apple</keyword> today launched the <keyword id="13667472" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="iphone-16" source="Orion">iPhone 16</keyword> and <keyword id="19068155" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="iphone-16-plus" source="Orion">iPhone 16 Plus</keyword> globally.</li><li>The price of the iPhone 16 starts at ₹79,900 and the iPhone 16 Plus starts at ₹89,900.</li><li>Here’s everything you need to know about the latest iPhones from Apple.</li></ul>Apple today launched the new iPhone 16 series at its Glowtime event from the Steve Jobs Theater at Apple Park. The company launched the vanilla iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus at the event, alongside the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/iphone-16-pro-iphone-16-pro-max-india-price-specifications/articleshow/113204340.cms">iPhone 16 Pro and the iPhone 16 Pro Max</a>. <keyword id="19954680" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="tim-cook" source="keywords">Tim Cook</keyword> dubbed the new devices as the “first devices developed from the ground up for Apple Intelligence". Apple has made several changes to the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, including design changes, a new chipset, a new camera control and more. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="113204340" title="iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max with bigger displays, A18 Pro chipset launched starting at ₹1,19,900" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> <h2>iPhone 16 and <keyword id="21267260" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="iphone-16-plus-price" source="Orion">iPhone 16 Plus price</keyword> and availability</h2>The Apple iPhone 16 is priced at ₹79,900 for the 128GB variant, ₹89,900 for the 256GB variant and ₹1,09,900 for the 512GB variant. The iPhone 16 Plus is priced at ₹89,900 for the 128GB variant, ₹99,900 for the 256GB variant and ₹1,19,900 for the 512GB variant. <div type="image" title="iphone-16-finish-select-202409-6-1inch_GEO_EMEA" msid="113204460" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;iPhone 16 colour options&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> The devices come in five colour options – Ultramarine, Teal, Pink, White and Black. The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus will be available for pre-orders starting from September 13 and will go on sale from September 20. <h2>iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus specifications</h2>While the iPhone 16 features a 6.1-inch display, the iPhone 16 Plus comes with a 6.7-inch display. The display on both devices offers a peak brightness of 2000 nits. Apple has once again placed the camera vertically, similar to what the company used for the iPhone 12. The device retains a squared-off design with glass at the back. The smartphones now come with the customisable action button, which was earlier limited to the Pro models. The device also comes with a new camera control, which is covered by a sapphire crystal. Users will click it to launch the camera app, click and hold to record a video, slide their fingers back and forth to control the cameras and more. The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are equipped with the company’s A18 chipset based on a 3nm process. It comes with a 16-core neural engine, which is claimed to be up to two times faster for machine learning than its predecessor. It comes with a six core CPU, including four efficiency cores and two performance cores. Apple has claimed that the chipset on the iPhone 16 is 30% faster than the A16 Bionic chipset on the iPhone 15. It is claimed to deliver the same performance as its predecessor with 30% less power. The GPU performance is up to 40% faster than the iPhone 15’s GPU and is claimed to offer similar performance with 35% less power. The new chipset brings support for AAA games such as Resident Evil Biohazard and Assassin's Creed Mirage. It also brings support for the new Honor of Kings World. The chipset comes with hardware-accelerated ray tracing. The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus come with a host of new Apple Intelligence features. The new camera control feature will allow users to use the new “Visual Intelligence”. The device also comes with Emergency SOS and Find My Via Satellite in 17 countries. At the moment, this feature is not available in India. The Apple iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are equipped with a new 48MP primary camera with f/1.6 aperture and a 12MP ultra-wide-angle camera with autofocus and f/2.2 aperture. The primary camera uses a quad-pixel sensor that combines every four pixels into one large quad pixel. The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus offer a larger battery, which is claimed to offer a bigger battery life. The devices now support 25W Magsafe charging. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/iphone-16-pro-iphone-16-pro-max-india-price-specifications/articleshow/113204340.cms">iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max with bigger displays, A18 Pro chipset launched starting at ₹1,19,900</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/apple-watch-series-10-and-airpods-4-launched-specifications-price-availability-and-more/articleshow/113203853.cms">Apple Watch Series 10 and AirPods 4 launched: Specifications, price, availability and more</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/webstories/kross-ipo-price-band-to-risk-factors-all-you-need-to-know/slidelist/113186439.cms">Kross IPO – Price band to risk factors, all you need to know</a>

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