Technology News: Tech Highlights: Sony ULT Field 1, Snapchat Safety, India 5G Surge, Pixel 9, iPhone 16, Z Fold 6, Telegram Security, Jio 5G, Online Safety, Smart Ring Guide

The latest ULT Field 1 speaker from Sony, at Rs 10,990, carries on the tradition of a very fine group of audio products. This rugged portable speaker comes with an IP67 rating and features 360-degree sound at only 650 grams. One of its standout features has to be the ULT mode, where it can enhance bass for a richer audio experience, although this can be turned off for more vocal-based music. It's perfect outdoors, thanks to the 12 hours of battery timing, while the companion app does require some improvement.

It has introduced new safety features for young users to protect them from the online world. Some of these features include enhanced blocking so that one is not bombarded with friend requests, easier location-sharing controls, and improved in-app warnings with alerts for messages from suspicious accounts or from high-risk areas. This becomes very important in terms of ensuring a harassment-free and scam-free environment. Evidence of these updates in many markets proves that Snapchat works hard to cultivate real friends and empowers teens to make smart choices.

According to a report by Ericsson, by the end of 2029, India is likely to have around 840 million 5G subscriptions, which would be 65% of the region's mobile subscription. Total mobile subscription is likely to go up to 1.3 billion. The 5G penetration stood at 10 percent with 119 million subscriptions at the end of 2023 and more than 90 percent population cover. At the global level, 5G subscriptions are projected to get as high as 5.6 billion by the end of 2029 and 60% of all mobile subscriptions. Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea, Reliance Jio are all part of the bidding process underway in India for the 5G spectrum auction.

The smartphone market is buzzing with upcoming launches in the second half of 2024. Google will unveil the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro on August 13, featuring a Tensor G4 processor and flat frame design. Apple's iPhone 16 and 16 Pro, expected in September, will introduce AI features with iOS 18 and Apple Intelligence. Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Z Fold 6, launching on July 10, promise thinner, lighter, and more durable designs. Motorola's Razr and Razr Ultra will soon join the global flip phone competition.

Recent revelations by the head of Telegram, Pavel Durov, have cast a shadow over the security and operational transparency of the platform. It has come to light that Telegram runs with only about 60 engineers, including core developers, although it does not highlight what those roles entail. Questions exist as to how Telegram can maintain such a large user base and security protocols in comparison with very secure alternatives like WhatsApp and Signal.

Reliance Jio is getting ready to launch new unlimited 5G data plans from July 3, 2024, starting at 2GB/day. This forms part of Jio True 5G, which will allow for operational coverage in excess of 85% for 5G across India. Tariffs for JioBharat and JioPhone remain the same and emphasize continuity for the current user base. Coupled with these, Reliance Jio launched AI-based services: JioTranslate to bridge the gap between languages and JioSafe for absolutely safe communication; both will be free for the first year. After the introductory period gets over, JioSafe will be priced at Rs 199 a month and JioTranslate at Rs 99 a month.

Announced by Snapchat, new safety features for teens are focused on blocking improvements, location sharing updates, and enhanced friending protections. Changes shall target an age group spanning from 13 to 17 years, so that users are better protected from online harm and more safely interacting only with friends. Nitanshi Goel, star of Netflix's "Laapataa Ladies," says she wants everyone to have backed support for their online safety so all can enjoy using social media.

Getting the right first smart ring does not have to be complicated. Devices—although a bit unusual as fitness trackers—come mostly in round shapes, although in functionality and size they can be fundamentally different. With such a huge field of discretion at your disposal, picking the right smart ring might prove a challenge. Here's a guide that will help make things easier by letting you know what you should expect from a smart ring, including how their capabilities are limited so that you get just what's right for you.