Author: Lingraj Sahu

Technology and telecom writer covering India’s telecom industry, 5G, smartphones, consumer technology, digital services, and emerging technology trends. At TelecomByte, he focuses on breaking industry developments, product launches, regulatory updates, and technology news, with an emphasis on factual reporting and source-based analysis.

Android 17 Pause Point is currently limited to Pixel 11 series phones, leaving older Pixel devices without Google’s new Digital Wellbeing tool. Android 17 Pause Point is currently turning out to be a more exclusive Digital Wellbeing feature than many Pixel users may have expected. Google’s official Pixel support documentation now states that Pause Point is available on the Pixel 11 series running Android 17 and later, while the feature has not appeared on older Pixel phones that have also received Android 17. The limitation is notable because Android 17 itself is available across a much wider range of supported…

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SpaceX-owned Starlink has reportedly reapplied for approval of its Gen 2 satellite constellation in India, including direct-to-device connectivity. SpaceX-owned Starlink has reportedly submitted a fresh application to India’s space regulator seeking approval for its second-generation (Gen 2) satellite constellation, marking another step in the company’s efforts to begin satellite communication services in the country. The reported application covers a Gen 2 constellation of nearly 30,000 low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites and includes direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity capabilities, according to The Economic Times. Reuters also reported the development but said it could not independently verify the details of the application. The reported…

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India’s revised FDI rules attract 29 proposals worth Rs 4,895.65 crore across IT, AI, communications, data centres and other sectors. India has received 29 foreign direct investment (FDI) proposals involving a proposed investment of Rs 4,895.65 crore since the government revised rules governing foreign investors with limited ownership links to countries sharing a land border with India. The proposals, reported up to August 20, 2026, cover sectors including information technology, artificial intelligence, information and communication, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, data centres and transport services. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry said investors and entities associated with the proposals are based in jurisdictions…

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WhatsApp is testing an AI-powered tool on Android that could expand photos into vertical 9:16 formats using Meta AI. WhatsApp appears to be testing a new AI-powered photo expansion feature on Android that could allow users to extend images beyond their original frame using Meta AI. The feature is reportedly being developed as part of WhatsApp’s ongoing expansion of AI-powered editing tools. The WhatsApp AI photo expansion feature could be particularly useful when sharing landscape or square photos in vertical formats such as WhatsApp Status. Instead of cropping important parts of an image, the tool could use generative AI to…

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Reliance Jio has reintroduced its Prime membership with a Rs 300 one-time fee, offering subscribers tariff protection and additional benefits through September 2027. Reliance Jio has relaunched its Jio Prime membership, giving subscribers access to a refreshed membership program priced at Rs 300. The program is designed to provide additional benefits to Jio customers while strengthening the operator’s relationship with its prepaid and postpaid subscriber base. The relaunch comes as India’s telecom sector continues to focus on improving average revenue per user (ARPU) and retaining high-value customers. Jio Prime Membership: Price and Key Benefits The new Jio Prime membership is…

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Krafton is preparing a lightweight BGMI experience for budget smartphones in India, expanding the battle royale franchise to users with entry-level and older devices. Krafton has confirmed plans for the BGMI Lite launch in India, with the lightweight battle royale game scheduled to arrive by late 2026. The upcoming title is expected to target budget and entry-level smartphones, potentially allowing more Indian gamers to access the Battlegrounds Mobile India experience without requiring high-end hardware. The announcement comes as Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) continues to expand its presence in the Indian gaming market, crossing the 260-million-download milestone. BGMI Lite Targets Budget…

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OnePlus has increased prices across the Nord 6, Nord CE 6, Nord CE 6 Lite, N6 and N6x smartphones, with the biggest hike reaching Rs 4,000. OnePlus has revised smartphone prices in India, with the OnePlus Nord 6 series price hike increasing prices by up to Rs. 4,000 across several Nord and N-series models. The revised pricing affects the OnePlus Nord 6 5G, Nord CE 6 5G, Nord CE 6 Lite 5G, OnePlus N6 5G and OnePlus N6x. The latest revision makes several OnePlus smartphones more expensive, while the entry-level N6x has moved above the Rs. 20,000 price segment. OnePlus…

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BSNL’s new Fiber Freedom broadband offering combines 200 Mbps connectivity, 5,000GB monthly data and 25+ OTT platforms at a promotional monthly price of Rs 1,111. Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has introduced a new Fiber Freedom broadband plan aimed at customers looking for high-speed connectivity and bundled entertainment services. The BSNL Fiber Freedom Plan launches at a promotional price of Rs 1,111 per month, offering speeds of up to 200 Mbps along with a large 5,000GB monthly data allowance. The plan also bundles access to more than 25 OTT platforms, making it one of BSNL’s more feature-rich Bharat Fiber offerings…

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The Google Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro share the same Tensor G6 platform and Android 17 experience, but the Pro model brings a brighter LTPO display, more advanced cameras and higher-end hardware. Choosing between Google’s standard and Pro flagship can be difficult when both phones share the same generation of processor and software. In this Google Pixel 11 vs Pixel 11 Pro comparison, we look at their India prices, displays, cameras, performance, battery, design and software support to determine which model offers better value. The Pixel 11 focuses on delivering flagship features at a lower price, while the Pixel…

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Reliance Industries and Rolls-Royce plan to develop an indigenous combat engine for India’s AMCA programme and explore a dedicated Aerospace Gas Turbine Complex. Reliance Industries and British aerospace major Rolls-Royce have announced a strategic intent to partner on the development of an indigenous combat engine for India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme. The announcement, made on August 14, 2026, brings together Rolls-Royce’s aerospace propulsion expertise and Reliance’s industrial, manufacturing and technology capabilities in India. The companies said they intend to explore capabilities covering the design, development, manufacturing and delivery of a sovereign combat engine for the AMCA programme. As…

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The new PartyPal lineup brings powerful audio, Karaoke ProTuner, RGB lighting, wireless microphones and multiple connectivity options for parties and karaoke sessions. Homegrown audio brand boAt has expanded its party speaker portfolio in India with the launch of the Boat PartyPal speaker series. The new lineup includes eight models designed for house parties, outdoor gatherings, karaoke sessions and other entertainment-focused use cases. The range includes the PartyPal 650, PartyPal 600 Plus, PartyPal 500, PartyPal 390 Plus and PartyPal 230, along with three offline-focused models called the PartyPal Boom, PartyPal Ultra and PartyPal Rumbl. The flagship PartyPal 650 delivers up to…

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Xiaomi’s latest software update introduces a redesigned glass-inspired interface, AI-powered features, performance improvements and a new generation of system customization. Xiaomi has started the Xiaomi HyperOS 4 rollout, bringing its next-generation software experience to supported devices. The update is based on Android 17 and introduces a redesigned interface, new customization options, AI-powered system features and performance improvements. The latest HyperOS version focuses heavily on visual refinement, with Xiaomi introducing a glass-inspired design language across system elements. The update also expands AI capabilities through Xiaomi’s MiMo large language model and introduces new tools designed to make everyday interactions more contextual and…

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Bank of America will invest up to Rs 18,268 crore ($1.92 billion) in Jio Credit, initially taking a 26.5% stake and potentially increasing it to 49.9% through warrants. Bank of America (BofA) has entered into a definitive agreement with Jio Financial Services to acquire up to a 49.9% stake in Jio Credit Limited, the lending subsidiary of Jio Financial Services. The transaction, which includes equity shares and warrants, represents an investment of up to Rs 18,268 crore ($1.92 billion). The deal creates a major joint venture between one of the world’s largest financial institutions and Jio Financial Services, combining Bank…

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Vodafone Idea has expanded its 5G network to Ujjain and nine other towns in Madhya Pradesh, taking its 5G footprint to 225 cities across India. Vodafone Idea (Vi) has expanded its 5G network across Madhya Pradesh, bringing high-speed connectivity to Ujjain and nine other towns in the state. The latest rollout strengthens Vi’s presence across important spiritual, heritage and commercial destinations, including Ujjain, Omkareshwar, Khajuraho and Maheshwar. With this expansion, Vi’s 5G services are now available across 225 cities and towns in India, as the operator continues to expand its network in selected markets. Vi 5G Expands to Ujjain and…

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BSNL has outlined a five-year network expansion proposal covering 2 lakh additional 4G sites, phased 5G deployment and a target of achieving operational breakeven by FY29. State-run telecom operator Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has proposed a massive Rs 77,000 crore investment plan over the next five years to expand and modernise its mobile network across India. The proposal, outlined in a Department of Telecommunications (DoT) submission to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology, includes the deployment of 2 lakh additional 4G sites, a phased 5G rollout and further investments in network and digital infrastructure. The plan…

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Bharti Airtel has revised its prepaid portfolio, discontinuing several popular daily-data recharge options as the operator streamlines its plans and pushes customers toward higher-value packs. Bharti Airtel has made another significant change to its prepaid recharge portfolio, with several existing daily-data plans being removed or revised. The latest Airtel daily data unlimited plans revision affects popular recharge options across different validity periods, including the Rs 299, Rs 579, Rs 619 and Rs 649 packs. The changes effectively reduce the number of lower-priced daily-data options available to prepaid subscribers. The development is part of Airtel’s broader effort to rationalise its prepaid…

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Vodafone Idea CEO Abhijit Kishore has highlighted 5G expansion, subscriber growth and network investment as key priorities for FY27, with Vi’s 5G services now live in more than 200 cities and equipment orders worth Rs 9,000 crore already placed. Vodafone Idea is entering a crucial execution phase after reporting improved operational performance in Q1 FY27. Vodafone Idea CEO Abhijit Kishore has highlighted subscriber additions, 5G expansion and network investment as some of the company’s key priorities as it works to strengthen its position in India’s highly competitive telecom market. The company’s Q1 FY27 performance marked an important operational milestone, with…

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BSNL and Vodafone Idea are exploring wider infrastructure sharing across 4G, 5G, fibre, cloud, edge infrastructure and enterprise services as Vi looks to accelerate network expansion and improve capital efficiency. The BSNL Vi infra sharing talks are gaining significance as Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Vodafone Idea Limited (Vi) explore wider infrastructure-sharing opportunities to improve network reach and reduce infrastructure deployment costs. The discussions could help Vodafone Idea accelerate its 4G and 5G network expansion by gaining access to suitable BSNL infrastructure. The potential collaboration comes at an important time for Vi, which is working to strengthen its network…

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Google Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL bring Tensor G6, HiLight, upgraded cameras, Android 17 and seven years of updates to India. Google has officially launched the Google Pixel 11 series in India, bringing its latest flagship smartphones with the new Tensor G6 processor, upgraded cameras, brighter displays and deeper Gemini AI integration. The lineup includes the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL, with prices starting at Rs. 89,999 in India. The Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL also introduce Google’s new HiLight feature, an LED-based contextual notification system built…

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Google’s latest smartwatch brings a 3,000-nit Actua 360 display, Gemini AI, 64GB storage, enhanced health features and up to 40 hours of battery life to India’s premium wearable segment. Google has launched the Pixel Watch 5 in India as its latest premium smartwatch, alongside the Pixel 11 smartphone lineup. The new wearable focuses on a brighter display, improved performance, longer battery life, Gemini-powered experiences and enhanced health and safety features. The Google Pixel Watch 5 launched in India starting at Rs. 42,999 for the 41mm model, while the larger 45mm variant costs Rs. 45,999. The smartwatch features a domed Actua…

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