Technology News: Panasonic LUMIX S9, Apple Tap Payments, Google Maps, CMF Phone 1, Google Photos, Android Security, OPPO AI, Zoho Apple Integration

Last week, Oppo announced the Reno 12 series in India with premium design, AI capabilities, and a MediaTek Dimensity chipset, not to speak of 80W fast charging. Not to be left behind, Panasonic has also launched the LUMIX S9, its full-frame mirrorless camera, at Rs 1,49,990 for the body and Rs 1,79,990 for the kit. The LUMIX S9 arrives with Pro-grade image quality and comes tavsised with Phase Detection Auto-Focus, Active Image Stabilization, USB Type-C, HDMI, Wi-Fi Class 2.1, and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity options. Panasonic has made the LUMIX Lab app available, which includes mobile editing and allows quick transfers for pictures.

Apple has agreed to open up its so-called tap-to-pay mobile payments system to rivals, following pressure from EU antitrust regulator Margrethe Vestager, amid being currently probed by the DMA on three fronts but failing to make any change in business practices so far. The European Commission has accepted an offer by Apple to open up its near-field communication technology for mobile payments to rivals for 10 years, which will allow app developers to build rivalling payment apps. That will bring an end to the four-year-long investigation, which otherwise could otherwise have ended with a heavy fine.

across the board to all countries, Google is bringing its live speedometer and the display of speed limits into Google Maps on iOS and CarPlay. Well, it came to Android way back in 2019. On the other hand, iPhone and CarPlay cached users can get access to these features by merely updating to version 6.123.0 of the app. The speedometer and speed limit indicators will display data on real-time speed for drivers, which will keep users from overspending. The update will benefit Google Maps users in India and over 40 other countries. It's also creating new features to provide better navigation for groups when traveling.

Nothing's sub-brand CMF has launched a modular smartphone, the CMF Phone 1, at Rs 15,999. It is said to have interchangeable back covers in a more DIY approach that will have screws, by which the design can also be made customizable. It comes with an AMOLED 120Hz display that reaches up to 2000 nits in brightness, a capsule-like camera module on the rear, and a matte finish to repel fingerprints. The hardware is okay—though not the most powerful—but at least it is reliable, and the battery life is quite good. Chargers and extra covers are sold separately.

Google is also working on a new feature for Google Photos, which has tentatively been titled "My Week"—an option to share photo reminiscences of the past week with friends and family, basically what people do via Instagram Stories. This will be enabled by code sleuth Assemble Debug and apparently will show up as a tile in the Memories carousel, directing users to select and share highlights of past weeks. Any users that are invited will be able to see, like and comment on these highlights. Additionally, Google has offered a few UI changes and refinements in photo details and Places sections. In the meantime, Apple and Google have collaborated on a new tool where users can easily transfer data from Google Photos to iCloud Photos.

A security alert for several millions of Android users has been issued by the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team subsequent to the detection of various vulnerabilities in Android versions 12, 12L, 13, and 14. Bugs are associated with several components from Google, ARM, MediaTek, Imagination, and Qualcomm. Brands affected by the vulnerability in the present değildi include those like Samsung, Realme, OnePlus, Xiaomi, and Vivo. Users are advised that updates should only be made through devices with the latest security patches, and opening doubtful websites or links should not be done. Check for updates: System update > Software settings on your device.

Chinese technology major OPPO has introduced AI-enabled devices in the Indian subcontinent under the Reno 12 series, claiming AI integration throughout its entire smartphone product line. Peter Lee, Head of Product Strategy at OPPO, shared his take on the company's AI vision, with special focus on user-friendly applications and privacy. AI-driven features such as AI Eraser 2.0 and AI Studio improve productivity and camera functionality without any external tools in Reno 12. OPPO is eyeing aggressive growth of the Reno series in the Indian market, bringing into the fray areas local to preference such as long battery life and monsoon-ready designs. Other plans are also included for further expansions across the lineup with more advanced features of Generative AI in collaboration with Microsoft, Google, and MediaTek.

Zoho Corp has deeply integrated Apple products into the ecosystem to increase productivity and innovation. According to Zoho's technology director, Rajendran Dandapani, there is so much applause for how hardware and software come together seamlessly at Apple. He has only seen huge boosts in development speed and quality in design with Apple Silicon. While internally, almost all of its employees are using Apple devices, Zoho continues to develop software used by users of very diverse guide. Besides, Zoho Schools of Learning has also provided students with MacBook Pros and shared iPads in the bid to utilize Apple-made education tools so as to enable more enriched learning experiences.