Zelda Fans, Something Big May Be Coming! - A reported ESRB listing clue has sparked fresh speculation about a possible Ocarina of Time release for Nintendo Switch 2.Ocarina of Time - The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remains one of the most celebrated games in the franchise.An Unexpected Rating Clue - A reported ESRB-related discovery has fueled speculation about a Switch 2 version.Why Switch 2 Matters - Nintendo's newer hardware could give a classic Zelda adventure a technical refresh.Great Fairy Redesign Rumours - The biggest talking point is speculation that the Great Fairy character could receive a visual redesign.Perfect Timing for Zelda - The speculation arrives as Nintendo fans look ahead to The Legend of Zelda's 40th anniversary.What Could Nintendo Be Planning? Fans are debating whether the rumored project could be a port, remaster, or another enhanced release.Zelda Fans Want More - A Switch 2 version could attract both longtime Zelda players and a new generation.Don't Call It Official Yet! The reported clues have sparked excitement, but Nintendo has not officially confirmed the rumored release.Read More StoriesJoin our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp

Banking’s technology problem is often described as a race toward intelligence. More automation. More AI. Faster decisions. Smarter workflows. But many of the industry’s weakest points remain surprisingly familiar. Capgemini found that financial institutions still face significant inefficiencies in core business functions, with customer onboarding and KYC — Know Your Customer — among the most inefficient processes; for banking, the report also flags cross-border payments and compliance management among the top pain points.To understand why modernization in banking so often becomes difficult at the point of execution, we turn to Jayanth M. Prasanna, a global quality engineering lead whose work has helped financial institutions modernize some of their most sensitive operational systems without compromising stability, compliance, or day-to-day continuity. Across the modernization of customer verification (KYC) and anti-money-laundering systems (AML systems), sanctions-screening infrastructure, SWIFT-related change programs, and cross-border deal workflows, his work has made it possible for organizations to replace outdated architecture, reduce reliance on manual processes, strengthen release confidence, and bring greater consistency to systems where errors can carry regulatory and operational consequences.Jayanth, many programs still stall once they move from strategy into real operations. In your experience, what modernization programs move from strategy into real operations, what part do institutions most often underestimate?Many institutions still approach modernization as if it were mainly a feature question. They ask how to make systems faster, more intelligent, or more efficient. Those are valid goals. But in banking, the deeper issue is whether the system remains dependable when the conditions are less than ideal.A workflow may perform well in a controlled environment and still create serious problems in production. In regulated operations, the real pressure comes from incomplete data, overlapping rules, exception handling, audit expectations, and timing. That is why I think banks often underestimate the difference between a system that is technically upgraded and one that is truly ready to be trusted. Modernization becomes meaningful only when it strengthens control, not when it simply adds capability.You raised user interface automation coverage in a major banking modernization program and led the migration of a mission-critical compliance platform to Angular. What kinds of dependency or logic problems usually become visible only once the migration is underway?The first thing that becomes visible is how much business logic is embedded in the platform beyond what the front end seems to show. A compliance system may look like a workflow with forms, validations, and analyst actions, but underneath that there are years of accumulated decisions. Rules around onboarding, due diligence, escalation, exception handling, and downstream integrations are often more interconnected than the business initially realizes.Once migration starts, those connections become very difficult to ignore. A change that looks straightforward from a technical perspective can affect how a customer record is validated, how an analyst handles an incomplete case, or how a compliance decision is documented and defended later. That is why these programs have to be approached as workflow migrations, not just technology upgrades. The issue is usually not whether a page renders correctly in the new stack. The issue is whether the logic, control path, and case behavior still hold together once real users and real data start moving through the system.Leading the implementation and validation of SWIFT messaging and payment platforms at a commercial bank, you reduced transaction errors, improved system reliability, and supported mandatory annual SWIFT upgrades. Once a bank has technically established the connection, where do international payment processes most often begin to break down in practice?Usually, after the message leaves the point of connection and starts moving through the wider process. A bank can confirm that a SWIFT interface is up, that a message format is supported, and that the annual upgrade was completed. That does not automatically mean the payment process is stable.The real failure points are usually downstream. Routing logic may behave inconsistently in certain scenarios. Data can lose quality as it moves between systems. Exceptions may not be surfaced early enough for teams to act before a delay becomes material. Reconciliation may become more difficult if message handling is technically valid but operationally fragile. In international payments, that is where readiness is tested. Not at the point where the connection succeeds, but at the point where the institution has to keep data accuracy, exception handling, and traceability intact all the way through the transaction lifecycle.Financial firms are trying to scale AI while still struggling with fragmented workflows, weak data quality, and control discipline. In a banking environment, what usually prevents an advanced tool from scaling once it meets those conditions?The biggest barrier is that AI depends on process quality more than many institutions expect. If the underlying workflow is inconsistent, if the ownership of key decisions is fragmented, or if the data path is unreliable, then the tool inherits those weaknesses very quickly.In banking, that creates a particular problem because advanced systems are often introduced into environments where exception handling, auditability, and accountability already matter a great deal. If the institution cannot clearly explain how a decision was reached, where the source data came from, or how a case moved through review, then scaling intelligence becomes difficult. The technology may appear promising in a controlled setting, but once it enters a live regulated process, the lack of structured inputs and governed execution becomes a limiting factor. In that sense, AI does not remove process weakness. It exposes it faster.As Quality Engineering Lead for the New York operations of a major international commercial bank, you enabled uninterrupted OFAC-compliant screening, full audit traceability, and continuity across high-risk U.S. banking operations. How did you make that transition work when the bank moved from a legacy sanctions platform to Firco Trust?The first step was to treat the project not as a simple platform replacement, but as a controlled transition inside a highly regulated environment. I led the replacement of an obsolete sanctions platform with Firco Trust, and that meant the priority was not only getting the new system live. It was making sure screening integrity, traceability, and business continuity were preserved throughout the change.That required close attention to the workflows that could not break. We validated customer and PEP screening in detail, made sure legacy data was migrated accurately and securely into Firco Trust, and tested the new case-management capabilities for both functionality and operational reliability. I also directed user acceptance testing across environments so stakeholders had enough evidence to approve release decisions with confidence. Just as important, we kept the process tightly coordinated across product, engineering, and business teams. Defects had to be resolved quickly, release risk had to be assessed continuously, and audit traceability had to remain intact from the old environment to the new one. That is what made it possible to modernize a high-risk sanctions workflow without losing control of the screening process while the transition was still underway.More recently, you gave the business greater traceability, clearer governance, and a more reliable way to manage complex cross-border workflows by replacing fragmented Excel-and-email approval chains with a more centralized process. What does a business gain once manual approval chains are pulled into a structured system?First of all, it’s visibility. Not visibility in a reporting sense, but visibility into the process itself. Once approvals move out of spreadsheets and email threads and into a structured system, the business can see who acted, what was approved, which version is current, where a delay entered the workflow, and how the decision path can be traced later.That matters because manual approval chains often feel manageable right up until the process becomes multi team, multi region, or audit sensitive. Then the weakness is no longer just an inconvenience. It becomes uncertainty. Teams start spending time reconstructing decisions instead of advancing the work. A structured workflow changes that. It gives the business a reliable approval lineage, clearer accountability, and a better understanding of where the process is slowing down. Before it improves scale, it improves visibility. And in complex financial workflows, that is usually the condition that makes scale possible.Your approach has centered on identifying risk early and deciding whether a platform is genuinely ready for production. Before a major release in a regulated banking system, what evidence do you need to see before you are comfortable saying the platform can be trusted in production?In practical terms, it means asking difficult questions before release instead of after an incident. Which business flows carry the most risk? Which dependencies are likely to fail first? What evidence is needed before the team can say the platform is ready? What happens if the data is incomplete, the rule logic conflicts, or the exception volume rises?That changes the role of quality engineering. It stops being a final checkpoint and becomes part of risk control. The goal is not simply to document defects. It is to understand whether the institution has enough evidence to rely on the system in production.In highly regulated environments, that difference matters. The cost of uncertainty is higher.You have led global teams of up to 27 professionals and supported release decisions across regions. When timelines tighten and stakeholders want to move forward, how does a strong quality organization help leadership make a realistic release decision instead of an optimistic one?A serious quality organization creates clarity. It helps leadership understand what is known, what is uncertain, what is acceptable, and what creates real risk. A weaker organization may produce a lot of reporting, but still leave the business unsure about readiness.That difference becomes especially visible near major releases. When timelines tighten, can the team identify the issues that actually matter? Can it explain dependencies clearly? Can it help the business make a realistic decision, not just an optimistic one?If it can, then quality is serving the institution. If it cannot, then a lot of activity may be happening without much real control.Looking ahead, what will distinguish the banks that scale safely from the ones that keep introducing new instability?The institutions that scale safely will be the ones that build discipline into the operating model before they build more complexity on top of it. They will understand their data paths, reduce unnecessary workflow fragmentation, make release evidence reusable, and treat observability as part of the system rather than as an afterthought.They will also be more honest about dependencies. In banking, many failures do not come from a lack of ambition. They come from trying to layer new capability onto processes that are still difficult to see, govern, or explain. The banks that move forward successfully will not just adopt better tools. They will make their workflows clearer, their controls more measurable, and their production decisions more evidence based. That is what allows innovation to scale without creating a new layer of hidden risk underneath it.

Indian markets opened lower on Friday amid mixed global cues. Nifty 50 opened 33.95 points or 0.14% lower from its previous close of 24,361.90, while Bank Nifty declined 45.5 points or 0.08%. Sensex started 176.53 points lower at 77,903.4.Midcap and Smallcap both ended with modest gains, outperforming the benchmarks. The Indian rupee opened higher at Rs. 95.36 per dollar on Friday versus the previous close of Rs. 95.44.Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) bought net shares worth Rs. 4,353.09 in Indian equities on August 13, while foreign institutional investors (FIIs) turned net sellers, offloading equities worth Rs. 510.69.Sensex OutlookTechnically, the Sensex formed a small bearish candle, which indicates indecisiveness among traders.“We believe that the market has completed one leg of correction and is currently trading near an important support zone of the 20-day SMA. If it succeeds in trading above this level, it could bounce back to 78,500-78,700. On the flip side, if the index falls below 77,700, selling pressure is likely to accelerate. Below this level, it could slip to 77,400-77,200,” said Shrikant Chouhan, Head Equity Research, Kotak Securities.Nifty 50 OutlookThe Nifty 50 formed a small red candle on the daily chart with a short lower wick, while the long wicks from the last two sessions kinda suggest that fresh buy interest is showing up near the close.Nagaraj Shetti, Senior Technical Research Analyst at HDFC Securities, said, “The Nifty is holding above the crucial 24,300 support level, though the index has struggled to stick with gains. The broader trend looks mixed, with a slightly weak bias, and the 24,200-24,300 band is still the important support pocket. If the price keeps gravitating in this range, it could spark a bounce from lower levels. Meanwhile, 24,500 continues to act as the near-term resistance level.” Also Read: S&P 500 Hits Record High as Tech Stocks Rally and Oil Prices RetreatBank Nifty OutlookBank Nifty formed a small-bodied bearish candle on the daily chart and closed within the previous day’s trading range, reflecting indecision. The RSI is moving sideways, while the ADX remains flat, indicating a lack of strong directional momentum and volatility."Going ahead, the immediate resistance for Bank Nifty is placed in the 57,900-58,000 zone. Any sustainable move above this zone could result in Bank Nifty extending its pullback towards 58,400, followed by 58,800 in the short term. On the downside, the immediate support for Bank Nifty is placed in the 57,200-57,100 zone," said Sudeep Shah, Head of Technical and Derivatives Research at SBI Securities. 

Key Takeaways - AttaPoll gives research firms access to more than 2 million monthly active users across 70+ countries.Mobile surveys can deliver faster consumer feedback while rewards encourage participation.AI, respondent matching and mobile data can make future market research faster and more targeted.Digital market research has moved far beyond desktop questionnaires and email forms. Mobile survey apps now give research firms a direct route to millions of people through devices that remain close to consumers throughout the day. AttaPoll offers a clear example of this shift. The platform reports more than 2 million monthly active users across more than 70 countries. A January 2026 company profile also reported more than 40 million cumulative Android and iOS downloads and more than $40 million in rewards paid to users. Cint, a major research technology company, reported that AttaPoll had crossed $20 million in annual revenue.The wider research sector also shows strong scale. ESOMAR estimated the global insights industry at $142 billion in 2023, with 8% year-on-year growth. Such figures show the size of the market that mobile research platforms can serve.Smartphones Have Become Research ToolsThe smartphone has changed how people interact with brands, services and research studies. Kantar reports that more than 80% of survey participants complete surveys on mobile devices in many markets. The figure shows that mobile access now forms a central part of survey research rather than a secondary option. Kantar also recommends survey designs made for small screens, with short questions and simple layouts.SurveyMonkey's 2025 benchmark data offer another useful view. Mobile SDK surveys recorded a 34.37% response rate, while web-link surveys recorded 29.95%. SMS surveys reached 18.54%. These figures vary across research types and audiences, so they do not offer a perfect comparison. Still, they show strong potential for mobile-first research channels.AttaPoll Shows How the Model WorksAttaPoll connects consumers with market research opportunities through a mobile app. Users receive surveys that match their profile and can choose the frequency and length of studies. The platform also offers rewards after survey completion. Its current app listing describes a system that links users with market research companies and provides payment for completed surveys.This model creates a simple exchange. Research companies need consumer opinions. AttaPoll offers access to a large pool of respondents. Users receive rewards for their time. Brands then receive responses that can support product, advertising, pricing and customer research.The scale also matters. Cint reported more than 2 million monthly active AttaPoll users across more than 70 countries. A large respondent pool can help research firms find specific groups without the same level of manual recruitment that older research models often require.Faster Access to Consumer OpinionsTraditional research can take time to recruit participants, distribute questionnaires and collect enough responses. Mobile platforms can shorten that process. A researcher can reach an existing respondent pool and send relevant studies through an app.This model supports quick concept tests, brand checks, advertising research, product feedback and short consumer polls. It also supports repeated research. A brand can ask consumers about the same product at different stages rather than rely on one large study.The result creates a shift from occasional research toward regular consumer feedback. Mobile apps can make market research feel closer to a continuous information service than a one-time project.Also Read - Which AI Skills are Employers Looking for in 2027?Rewards Create a Stronger Participation ModelMoney and other rewards play a major role in mobile survey platforms. AttaPoll reports more than $40 million in rewards paid to users. That figure shows the financial scale of paid participation within its ecosystem.Rewards give consumers a direct reason to spend time on a survey. This approach also makes research more accessible to people who may not respond to unpaid questionnaires. Yet rewards can create a quality challenge. Some respondents may focus more on fast completion than careful answers.Research firms therefore need strong checks for rushed responses, repeated participation and unusual response patterns. A reward can attract attention, but good research still depends on thoughtful answers.Mobile Research Also Brings New RisksThe mobile model does not guarantee better data. Survey fatigue can reduce attention when users receive too many studies. Kantar recommends shorter surveys and warns against excessive survey frequency.Privacy also deserves close attention. AttaPoll's Google Play data-safety disclosure says the app may share personal information, app activity and app performance information. The listing also states that the app may collect location and personal information, while offering encryption during data transfer and a data-deletion request option.Such practices make trust a major part of digital research. Consumers need clear information about data use, while research firms need strong safeguards around sensitive responses.India Offers Strong Mobile PotentialIndia provides an important market for mobile research. A recent government survey reported that 85.5% of Indian households had at least one smartphone. The same survey reported 99.5% UPI use among surveyed youth.These figures create favorable conditions for app-based rewards and digital research. AttaPoll also has a dedicated India listing on Google Play, with more than 10 million downloads and roughly 360,000 reviews shown on the current storefront.Also Read - Why is Elon Musk Spending $16.8 Billion on AI ChipsThe Next Stage: AI, Mobile PanelsArtificial intelligence may add another major layer to this market. AI tools can help research teams create questionnaires, classify open responses, detect unusual patterns and summarize large datasets. Mobile respondent pools can then provide fresh human responses at scale.Research on AI-generated personas shows a more cautious picture. A 2026 study found that AI personas can match human response patterns for some stable questions but struggle with subjective and highly varied topics. Human respondents therefore remain important for research that needs genuine consumer experience and personal judgment.Mobile survey apps such as AttaPoll do not simply place old surveys onto smartphones. They create a faster connection between brands, research firms and consumers. With millions of users, large reward flows and broad geographic reach, this model gives digital market research a more immediate and continuous form. The next phase will likely combine mobile access, better respondent matching, stronger privacy controls and AI-assisted research tools. The core value will remain simple: fast access to real consumer opinions at a scale that traditional research models cannot always match.FAQs1. What is AttaPoll?AttaPoll is a mobile survey platform that connects consumers with paid market research surveys.2. How is AttaPoll changing market research?It gives research firms mobile access to a large pool of respondents and supports faster survey distribution.3. Why do mobile surveys matter for brands?Mobile surveys can help brands collect consumer opinions quickly across different markets and demographic groups.4. What are the main risks of mobile survey research?Key concerns include survey fatigue, sample bias, rushed responses, respondent quality and data privacy.5. Will AI replace human survey respondents?AI can improve survey creation and analysis, but human respondents remain important for genuine opinions, experiences and subjective judgments.Join our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp

Key Takeaways - Acer’s multifunction stand combines laptop support, USB connectivity, RGB lighting, and extra desk organisation in one product.Portronics Bubble 3.0 offers wireless connectivity, a full-size layout, multimedia keys, and support for multiple operating systems.Plexda’s adjustable footrest provides six height levels, massage features, and added support for a more comfortable desk setup.A comfortable home office does not need a long list of expensive equipment. A few well-chosen gadgets can make a desk more organized, improve comfort, add useful connections, and make long work sessions easier. The Amazon Great Freedom Sale 2026 brings attention to several affordable options that can fit different home office needs. Among the useful picks are an Acer multifunction laptop stand, a SWAPKART USB desk lamp, a Plexda adjustable footrest, a Portronics wireless keyboard, and an RTS universal travel adapter.Acer Ergo Multifunction Monitor, Laptop StandThe Acer Ergo Multifunction Monitor & Laptop Stand is a practical choice for a desk that needs better organisation. It has an aluminium build, RGB lighting, a four-port USB hub, a mobile phone and tablet holder, and space for a keyboard. The stand measures 20.5 x 55 x 7 cm and weighs 1.05 kg.The four USB ports make it easier to connect accessories such as a keyboard, mouse, phone, or other USB devices. The raised platform also creates extra space beneath the laptop or monitor. RGB lighting adds a modern look to the desk without the need for a separate light. Priced at Rs. 1,699, compared with an earlier price of Rs. 1,899, this stand combines several useful desk features in one product.Buy NowSWAPKART Portable USB LED Desk LightThe SWAPKART Portable Flexible Adjustable Eye Protection USB LED Desk Light provides a simple solution for a desk that requires additional light. The lamp can be connected via USB, which means that it can be powered by a laptop, computer, or power bank. The flexible neck allows the light to be directed toward a laptop, keyboard, or any other part of the workstation. The lamp weighs just 50 grams and features a metal body along with a metal lampshade. The built-in touch switch is easy to operate, while the compact size makes the lamp convenient to place on a small desk. At only Rs. 299, with an added cost of delivery of Rs. 40, the lamp is one of the cheaper additions to your home office setup. The portable lamp can also be used outside the main workstation desk.Buy NowAlso Read - MacBook Neo USB-C Twist: macOS Warns Users About Wrong PortPlexda Adjustable Foot RestA footrest can add an extra level of comfort to a home office, particularly when the chair and desk do not match the preferred sitting height. The Plexda Adjustable Foot Rest offers six height positions, from 3.5 inches to 7.5 inches. It has massage bumps and rollers across the surface, along with a structure designed to support the feet under a desk.The footrest measures 40 x 30 x 18 cm and weighs about 1.1 kg. Its detachable design makes it easier to move or store when required. The adjustable height allows the foot position to change based on the desk and chair setup. The textured surface also adds a massage feature for the feet. This makes the Plexda model a useful choice for a workspace where comfort matters as much as desk accessories.Buy NowPortronics Bubble 3.0 Wireless KeyboardThe Portronics Bubble 3.0 Wireless Keyboard can provide you with a tidy desk while retaining the same layout as a full-size keyboard. The keyboard supports Bluetooth and a 2.4 GHz USB receiver, allowing for two ways to connect. It also comes equipped with a number pad, multimedia hotkeys, dual height adjustment, and a rechargeable battery.It has dimensions of 39 x 17.5 x 3 cm and has a weight of 813 grams. With Bluetooth 5.3 support, it can connect to any compatible device. The USB receiver provides the user with another way to connect. The keyboard is compatible with the operating systems of Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. It has a USB-C port, and it can last for almost five days on a single charge. The price of Rs.999 offers the user a full-size keyboard with a wireless feature.Buy NowRTS Universal Travel AdapterFor traveling professionals, the RTS Universal Travel Adapter is a clever piece of technology that you can add to your toolkit. The adapter can be used worldwide and comes with USB ports that provide a current of 2.1A for recharging other devices. The multi-style outlets reduce the hassle of carrying many adapters to connect to different sockets.The size of the adapter is 3 x 6 x 3 inches and weighs about 10 grams. You can buy this travel adapter for INR 579 and it can be a useful companion if you are working remotely or frequently traveling for work. It has a compact body and can be easily carried in a laptop bag or briefcase.Buy NowAlso Read - How to Connect and Add a USB Printer Port in Windows 11Which Gadget Makes the Most Sense?Each product solves a different home office problem. The Acer stand focuses on desk organisation and connectivity, while the SWAPKART lamp adds affordable task lighting. The Plexda footrest puts more attention on sitting comfort, and the Portronics Bubble 3.0 provides a wireless full-size keyboard setup. The RTS adapter suits a mobile work routine where access to different power sockets can become a concern.Together, these five gadgets cover several important parts of a home office without requiring a major investment. The best choice depends on the area that needs the most improvement, whether that means more desk space, better light, greater comfort, easier typing, or a more flexible power setup.FAQs1. Which gadget is best for desk organisation?The Acer Ergo Multifunction Monitor & Laptop Stand is the strongest choice for desk organisation, with a raised platform, USB hub, device holder, and keyboard space.2. Which product offers the lowest price?The SWAPKART Portable Flexible Adjustable Eye Protection USB LED Desk Light is priced at Rs.299, with a delivery charge of Rs.40.3. Does the Portronics Bubble 3.0 support Bluetooth?Yes. The Portronics Bubble 3.0 supports Bluetooth 5.3 as well as a 2.4 GHz USB receiver.4. How many height positions does the Plexda footrest have?The Plexda Adjustable Foot Rest has six height positions, ranging from 3.5 inches to 7.5 inches.5. What is the RTS Universal Travel Adapter useful for?The RTS Universal Travel Adapter supports worldwide compatibility and provides USB ports with a 2.1A output, making it useful for work setups across different locations.Join our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp

Key Takeaways - Azure leads the story: Azure growth reached 43%, with annual revenue above $100 billion.AI adoption has scale: Microsoft 365 Copilot now has more than 30 million paid seats.Costs remain the key risk: Huge AI capital spending must deliver strong revenue and cash returns.Microsoft has given investors a stronger reason to believe in its AI plan in 2026. The company no longer relies on future AI hopes alone. Azure, Microsoft’s cloud platform, now delivers very fast growth, while Copilot adds a new source of paid AI revenue. The June quarter showed this shift with $90.0 billion in revenue, up 18% from a year earlier. Operating income reached $40.6 billion, up 18%, while net income rose 31% to $35.8 billion.The biggest number came from Azure. Azure revenue rose 43% from a year earlier, faster than the 40% rate from the March quarter. Annual Azure revenue also crossed $100 billion for the first time. Microsoft Cloud revenue reached $59.3 billion, up 27%. These figures show that AI demand now supports one of Microsoft’s largest business engines rather than a small new product line.Azure Sits at the Center of the AI BetAzure gives Microsoft a major advantage in the AI race. Businesses need cloud compute, data storage, security, software tools, and AI services before they can use advanced AI at scale. Azure provides these capabilities through one platform. This model gives Microsoft several ways to earn from the same AI demand. A company may buy Azure compute for an AI model, use Microsoft security tools to protect its data, add Microsoft 365 Copilot for staff, and use GitHub Copilot for software work. Each service can add more revenue without the need for a separate customer relationship.The latest results also show strong future demand. Microsoft reported commercial remaining performance obligations of $678 billion, up 84% from a year earlier. This figure represents contracted revenue that Microsoft has yet to record as sales. The March quarter ended with $627 billion, so the June quarter added about $51 billion to that total.Copilot Adds Direct AI RevenueMicrosoft also has a clear path to earn from AI software. Microsoft 365 Copilot now has more than 30 million paid seats, up from 20 million in the March quarter. The jump gives investors stronger proof that businesses will pay for AI tools inside familiar Microsoft products.Earlier in fiscal 2026, Microsoft said its AI business had reached a $37 billion annual revenue run rate, with growth of 123% from a year earlier. Microsoft 365 Commercial cloud revenue also grew 19% in the March quarter, with revenue per user gaining from Microsoft 365 E5 and Copilot.This creates an important link between Azure and Copilot. Azure supplies the compute, while Copilot creates a software product that can earn recurring revenue from each paid seat.Also Read - How to Get Microsoft 365 Personal With Copilot Free for One YearHuge AI Costs Still Create a RiskMicrosoft has not reached this point with a small budget. Capital expenditure reached about $41 billion in the June quarter, more than 70% above the prior year. Microsoft also expects more than $50 billion of capital expenditure in the September quarter. Earlier guidance called for about $190 billion of calendar-2026 capital expenditure, with roughly $25 billion tied to higher component prices.The scale creates a major test for Microsoft. AI hardware, data centers, power systems, and network equipment cost billions. Microsoft must turn that capital into Azure sales and higher AI use. The company says customer demand still exceeds available capacity, which gives a strong reason for continued investment.Cash Flow Gives Investors More ConfidenceHigh capital expenditure has not stopped Microsoft from producing large amounts of cash. Free cash flow reached $19.6 billion in the June quarter, above the $13.44 billion analyst estimate, although the figure fell 23% from the prior year. Microsoft still produced strong cash flow while it built more AI capacity.That balance matters for the stock. Microsoft can fund a huge AI infrastructure plan without relying on weak finances or heavy outside funding. The company also retains major software businesses across Microsoft 365, Dynamics, LinkedIn, Windows, security, and other products.Why Investors Turned More BullishThe market reaction after the June results showed how much Azure matters. Microsoft shares rose more than 8% in after-hours trading after the report. The company also gave a strong fiscal first-quarter 2027 revenue forecast of $90.4 billion. Microsoft expects Azure growth of about 45% in constant currency for that quarter.The stock still carries valuation risk. Around early August, MSFT traded near $493, with a market value near $3.7 trillion and a price-to-earnings ratio near 29 times. The share price also remained below its earlier 2026 peak, so investors still worry about the cost of the AI buildout and the time required for returns.Also Read - Microsoft Brings Xbox 360 Games to PC; What’s In For YouThe Main Question for MSFTMicrosoft’s 2026 story now rests on one clear test: can Azure and AI revenue grow fast enough to justify the enormous capital outlay?So far, the numbers support the bullish case. Azure grew 43%, annual Azure revenue passed $100 billion, Microsoft Cloud reached $59.3 billion, Copilot passed 30 million paid seats, and commercial commitments reached $678 billion. At the same time, Microsoft kept strong profits and positive free cash flow.That combination makes Microsoft one of the clearest large-company bets on enterprise AI. The risk remains high capital costs, but the latest results show real customer demand, real AI revenue, and a large cloud backlog. In 2026, those figures give investors a much stronger reason to bet on Microsoft’s AI and Azure strategy.FAQs1. Why does Azure matter so much to Microsoft’s AI strategy?Azure provides cloud compute, data storage, security, and AI services that businesses need to build and use AI applications at scale.2. How fast did Azure grow in the latest quarter?Azure revenue grew 43% year over year in Microsoft’s June 2026 quarter.3. How large is Microsoft’s AI business?Microsoft said its AI business reached a $37 billion annual revenue run rate earlier in fiscal 2026, with 123% year-over-year growth.4. How many paid Copilot seats does Microsoft have?Microsoft 365 Copilot surpassed 30 million paid seats by the June 2026 quarter.5. What remains the biggest risk for Microsoft stock?Microsoft’s huge AI infrastructure spending remains the main concern. Investors need strong Azure growth, AI revenue, and cash generation to justify that capital outlay.

The broader crypto market has spent the past week trapped in a tight, choppy holding pattern. Bitcoin remains stuck between $63,000 and $65,000, total market cap sits around $2.26 trillion,  roughly 49% below the late-2025 all-time highs,  and the Fear and Greed Index is sitting firmly in "Fear" territory. Yet underneath that anxious surface, on-chain data shows whales steadily accumulating through the summer decline, the kind of quiet positioning that historically precedes the next major run. Zcash price is consolidating ahead of a potential breakout. Monero price just climbed 11% off its July lows. And BlockDAG is offering a different kind of accumulation entirely,  a structured, staged presale still at its cheapest entry point. Here's how all three compare.Zcash Price: Consolidating Near $55-$60 as Privacy Demand BuildsThe Zcash price is navigating a volatile range between $48 and $62, with short-term models suggesting consolidation around $55 to $60 by end of August if key resistance breaks cleanly. Zcash's core value proposition remains its zk-SNARK architecture, delivering absolute transaction anonymity through zero-knowledge proofs. Demand remains strong in regions with strict privacy needs, though broader DeFi adoption is still limited,  the community is actively pushing for greater interoperability to close that gap.Longer-term forecasts diverge sharply. Conservative 2026 estimates sit near $63, while bullish models project a push past $115 by year-end if the interoperability push gains traction. The Zcash price thesis remains fundamentally sound, but the near-term path depends heavily on that resistance level actually breaking.Monero Targets $375 as Quantum-Resistant Development ContinuesThe Monero price trades around $354, having climbed 11% off its July lows while defending its base through a broader market chop. Momentum indicators are turning positive, with analysts targeting $365 resistance in the short term and a high likelihood of reaching $375 by end of August.What's driving renewed confidence is a combination of scarcity and forward-looking development. Circulating supply remains extremely stable at 18.58 million XMR, creating a strong scarcity dynamic. The network is also proactively developing quantum-resistant ring signatures, ensuring its cryptographic privacy holds up against future computational threats. Average long-term projections for late 2026 and 2027 point toward the $400 to $470 range.BlockDAG (BDAG): Why Accumulating Now Makes Structural SenseThe BlockDAG presale offers something meme-driven momentum plays and even established privacy coins can't fully replicate,  a defined, structural path to return built into the pricing itself, rather than dependent on sentiment or a resistance level breaking. Stage 1 opens at $0.002, the first of 25 stages climbing steadily toward a $0.05 final price, with a $0.10 launch reference beyond that. At Stage 1 pricing, a $1,000 purchase secures 500,000 BDAG,  a stake worth $50,000 if BDAG reaches its $0.10 target, a clean 50x on the original investment. That multiple is built into the presale's own structure, not dependent on a catalyst arriving or a chart pattern confirming.What separates BlockDAG from a pure pricing bet is that its value is backed by infrastructure already live and running. The BlockDAG blockchain is operational today, processing real network activity through a hybrid Proof-of-Work and Directed Acyclic Graph architecture,  Bitcoin-style security combined with DAG-based parallel transaction processing. That structure supports 7,000 transactions per second with roughly 2-second confirmation times, secured by GhostDAG consensus and fully compatible with the Ethereum Virtual Machine. Mining hardware is actively being delivered to participants worldwide, bringing real miners online as deliveries continue.The ecosystem only widens from there. The BlockDAGX exchange is on its way to add trading, liquidity, and price discovery once BDAG lists, while a Super App in development aims to unify wallets, mining, trading, swaps, spending, payments, and rewards into a single experience. On top of that, $100 million in planned launch liquidity,  funded through presale proceeds and company funds,  is lined up to support deeper trading from day one. Accumulating at Stage 1 means buying before any of that ecosystem expansion has been priced in.Best Crypto To Watch in Q3The Zcash price offers genuine upside if privacy demand accelerates and resistance breaks, but the near-term outcome depends on catalysts that haven't fully materialized yet. The Monero price offers a cleaner momentum story backed by real scarcity and forward-looking quantum-resistant development, with $375 a realistic near-term target. Both are compelling holds for investors already positioned in privacy assets.BlockDAG offers something structurally different,  a presale price that mathematically will never be lower than it is right now, backed by a live network, real mining hardware distribution, and an expanding ecosystem still ahead of it. In a market defined by fear on the surface and quiet whale accumulation underneath, BlockDAG's Stage 1 is the accumulation opportunity built directly into its pricing structure,  no resistance level required.Presale: https://purchase.blockdag.networkWebsite: https://blockdag.networkTelegram: https://t.me/blockDAGnetworkOfficialDiscord: https://discord.gg/Q7BxghMVyu

Taxpayers expecting an income tax refund for Assessment Year 2026–27 may face different processing times. A delay does not automatically point to an incorrect return.The Income Tax Department starts refund processing only after taxpayers verify their returns. Its guidance says, “Usually, it takes 4-5 weeks” for the credit to reach a taxpayer’s account.Pending Verification Can Hold Up RefundsFiling an income tax return does not complete the process. Taxpayers must e-verify it or send a signed ITR-V to the Centralised Processing Centre.The verification deadline is 30 days from the filing date. An unverified return becomes invalid, so the department cannot begin refund processing.Taxpayers can verify returns using Aadhaar OTP, net banking, a digital signature, or an electronic verification code. They should check the portal for a ‘Successfully e-Verified’ status.An inoperative PAN can also stop the refund. The department cannot issue a refund while the PAN remains inoperative under Aadhaar-linking rules.Tax and Bank Details Can Cause DelaysThe department compares ITR entries with Form 26AS, the Annual Information Statement and tax deducted at source records. Differences can lead to added checks.A mismatch may involve salary, bank interest, capital gains, deductions or tax credits. Incorrect TDS reporting by an employer, bank or other deductor can also hold up processing.Taxpayers should compare their return with Form 26AS and AIS. If a deductor reported wrong TDS details, the deductor may need to correct its statement.Bank information also affects an income tax refund. The account number and IFSC must be correct, while the account must stay active.The department requires taxpayers to validate and nominate a bank account for refund credit. The PAN should also link to the selected account.Validation can fail over a name mismatch, incorrect account number, invalid IFSC, closed account or missing PAN linkage. Taxpayers can review the reason under ‘My Bank Account.’Some returns enter added verification after automated checks. Large refund claims, complex transactions or inconsistencies may require more review before processing ends.An outstanding tax demand from an earlier assessment year may change the refund. The department can adjust all or part of the amount after following the required process.How Taxpayers Can Track a Delayed RefundTaxpayers can check their income tax refund status on the official e-filing portal. They should log in and open ‘e-File,’ then choose ‘Income Tax Returns.’Next, they can select ‘View Filed Returns’ and the relevant assessment year. ‘View Details’ displays the return’s life cycle, processing stage and refund status.The portal may list the refund as issued, partly adjusted, fully adjusted or failed. It also displays pending actions linked to the filed return. They should review each status carefully before taking action.Taxpayers should check their registered email and portal account for an intimation, notice or request. Any required response should match the communication received.If a processed refund fails, taxpayers can submit a refund reissue request through the portal. They should first validate and nominate an eligible bank account.A taxpayer who finds an error may check the available revised-return or rectification route. The correct option depends on the processing stage and error type.Taxpayers can also use the portal’s grievance service for unresolved processing issues. Accurate records, completed verification and valid banking details help prevent avoidable delays.Also Read: Government's AI Tax Assistant Explained: How Kar Saathi Simplifies ITR Filing Join our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp

Galaxy Z Fold 8: Think Bigger!: Samsung's expansive foldable screen opens up new possibilities for work, entertainment, multitasking, and creativity.Multitasking: The wide display gives you more room to use multiple apps simultaneously.Bigger Gaming Experience: The large screen gives compatible games more visual space and an immersive experience.Video Streaming: Unfold the device to enjoy movies and shows on a much larger display.Read More Comfortably: The wide screen makes articles, e-books, documents, and long-form content easier to view.Productivity: Use the larger display for emails, documents, spreadsheets, and other productivity tasks.Video Calls: The expansive display can make video meetings easier to follow while keeping more information visible.Photo Editing: The additional screen space provides more room for editing tools and image previews.AI & Smart Features: The larger canvas can make AI tools, note-taking, and content workflows more convenient.Read More Stories Join our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp

Google introduced a new set of software and camera features with its Pixel 11 series. The new lineup, unveiled at the Made by Google 2026 event, includes the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and Pixel 11 Pro Fold. The phones are scheduled to go on sale globally from August 20.Alongside hardware improvements, Google added several features designed around photography, voice input, translation, accessibility, and multitasking. The company is also expanding Gemini's role across different apps on the phone.Gemini Gets More ProactiveOne of the biggest changes is the way Gemini works across the Pixel 11 series. Instead of functioning mainly as a standalone assistant, it can now surface information while users are already inside other applications.For example, if a conversation mentions an upcoming trip, Pixel 11 can display relevant flight and booking information. It can also suggest actions such as adding an event to Google Calendar, saving a location in Maps, or storing travel details in Google Wallet.According to Google, these capabilities can work across more than 40 apps, although availability may vary by application and region.Rambler Cleans Up Voice InputPixel 11 also introduced Rambler, a new voice-input feature aimed at making speech-to-text more natural. Rather than requiring users to speak in perfectly structured sentences, Rambler can handle filler words, pauses, run-on thoughts, and corrections made during speech. It then produces a cleaner version of the message.The feature could be particularly useful when users want to dictate longer messages without repeatedly correcting the text manually.Magic Capture Targets Difficult ShotsFor photography, Magic Capture is one of the headline additions. The feature is designed to help users capture fast-moving moments without having to decide beforehand whether to take a photo or record a video.It analyzes around 400 frames and selects an appropriate moment to produce a 12-megapixel image. It can also apply adjustments such as cropping and reducing blur. Users can record video through the same feature without switching between camera modes.Google also introduced Camera Looks. It will allow users to choose a preferred visual style before taking a photograph. Options include Natural, Shadows, and Vanilla, along with additional styles such as Classic, Editorial, and Velvet.Also Read: Google Pixel 11 Price Hike: Rs. 14,000 More for AI UpgradeTranslation and Accessibility ImprovementsThe Pixel 11's Live Translate feature is expanded beyond conversations. It can translate videos, podcasts, voice messages, and other audio content in real time. Its processing is controlled on the device through Google's Tensor G6 platform.Accessibility also received an upgrade through Sign-to-text functionality in Gboard. Developed using Google's Sign Language-to-Text technology, the feature will allow users to sign naturally while the phone converts the input into text.Other additions include floating app windows through Bubble, camera-based Circle to Search improvements and new creator tools such as teleprompter support, social-media framing guides and video project organisation.With these additions, Google is positioning the Pixel 11 series as more than a hardware upgrade, with software playing a central role in the new smartphone experience.Join our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp

Kaspa price usd is still parked near $0.0255, unable to hold gains from its own Toccata upgrade after the sell-the-news crowd took over in early July. Avalanche crypto is not faring any better, down nearly 7% over the past week and dealing with a treasury-firm liquidity scare after its lender raised minimum requirements 35-fold. Neither of these charts looks like the best crypto to buy right now, no matter how you slice it.BlockDAG's opportunity, on the other hand, is shrinking by design. Every stage that closes pushes the price higher, and stage 1's $0.002 sits against a $0.10 launch reference, a 50x spread that only exists for as long as this specific window stays open. Once it closes, the entry that made everything else look expensive by comparison closes with it.BlockDAG Presale: Every Stage That Passes Closes the WindowStage 1 will not last forever, that is the entire point of a 25-stage presale. Right now it is priced at $0.002, and the launch reference sits at $0.10, a 50x spread that shrinks with every stage that closes. The window buyers are looking at today will not exist tomorrow, and it will not wait around for anyone who hesitates.What is on the other side of that window is not empty either. The Super App is under active development, designed to bring mobile mining through the X1 Miner, staking, and card spending together once it ships, giving stage 1 buyers a real ecosystem to hold through, not just a countdown clock ticking toward launch day.BlockDAGX is preparing to launch as a full exchange, there is zero team allocation across the 150 billion supply, and BlockDAG is targeting $100 million in launch liquidity to support real trading depth. Add it up and this becomes a genuine case for the best crypto to buy right now, not just the cheapest one on the list.Kaspa and Avalanche are not going anywhere, but their charts are not shrinking a window either, they are just charts reacting to whatever news lands next. BlockDAG's stage 1 is a closing door with real infrastructure waiting on the other side, and that combination is exactly why it deserves serious consideration as the best crypto to buy right now.Kaspa Price USD Stuck Below Its Own BreakoutKaspa price usd is sitting near $0.0255 today, still digesting the sell-the-news crash that followed its Toccata hard fork on June 30. KAS rallied more than 20% into that upgrade, then shed nearly 8% within ten hours of it actually landing, and the August 5 block reward cut has done little to change the trend since.Kaspa's proof-of-work DAG architecture remains genuinely interesting, and it is philosophically closer to BlockDAG's own design than most other coins on this list, but kaspa price usd has spent months failing to convert real upgrades into a sustained breakout. Market cap sits near $750 million, thin enough that a single bad week can undo months of slow progress.Avalanche Crypto Deals With a Treasury ScareAvalanche crypto is trading near $6.30, down close to 7% over the past week and 95% below its all-time high of $144.96. The bigger story is not the chart, it is AVAX One, Avalanche's treasury firm, whose lender just raised its minimum liquidity requirement 35-fold to $3.5 million following a covenant default triggered by a CEO departure in July.That leaves roughly 14 million AVAX, worth about $88 million, no longer counting toward the firm's obligations, a corporate-level headache rather than a network problem, but one that Avalanche crypto holders have to weigh regardless. Real adoption news is still landing, including Kenya moving 30 million academic credentials on-chain and Hyundai testing the network for stablecoin transfers.The Bottom Line: One Window Is Closing, One Isn'tKaspa price usd is still shaking off a sell-the-news crash from June, and Avalanche crypto is dealing with a treasury-firm liquidity scare that has nothing to do with the network itself. Both are real projects with real technology, but neither one is opening a window, they are just charts waiting for the next headline to move them.BlockDAG's window is the whole story: stage 1 priced at $0.002 against a $0.10 launch reference, no team allocation, $100 million in planned liquidity, and an ecosystem under active development, all of it closing a little more with every stage that passes. That is exactly why BlockDAG could be the best crypto to buy right now, while the window is still open.Presale: https://purchase.blockdag.networkWebsite: https://blockdag.networkTelegram: https://t.me/blockDAGnetworkOfficialDiscord: https://discord.gg/Q7BxghMVyu

Large cryptocurrency trades create a problem that retail investors rarely face: market impact. Buying or selling millions of dollars of Bitcoin directly through an exchange order book can move prices, create slippage and reveal a trader’s intentions.To reduce these problems, institutions, hedge funds, family offices and high-net-worth investors often use over-the-counter, or OTC, trading desks.What is Crypto OTC Trading?OTC trading allows two counterparties to execute a large crypto transaction away from a public central limit order book.Instead of placing a large market order, an investor requests a quote from an OTC desk or multiple liquidity providers. The buyer receives a fixed price for a specified quantity and can accept or reject it.Kraken Institutional, for example, currently offers OTC execution for orders starting at $50,000 in eligible jurisdictions and says clients can receive a single price for the entire order. Trades can generally be settled within 24 hours through a Kraken account, bank or external crypto wallet.Why Institutions Avoid Large Exchange OrdersSuppose an institution wants to purchase $20 million of BTC. The amount available at the best quoted exchange price may represent only a fraction of that order.As the investor consumes different levels of the order book, the average purchase price rises. This difference between the expected and actual execution price is known as slippage.OTC desks reduce this problem by sourcing liquidity from market makers and other counterparties before offering an executable price.Coinbase Prime's request for quote system, for example, runs a short competitive auction among liquidity providers. The winning provider offers an all-inclusive fixed price, and accepted trades execute away from the public order book.Institutions Use More Than Traditional OTC DesksLarge investors also use algorithmic execution when they do not need an immediate block trade.Coinbase Prime supports strategies including TWAP orders, which divide an order across time, and iceberg orders, which display only part of a larger position. Its smart-order router can also access multiple trading venues to search for liquidity and reduce market impact.The scale of institutional infrastructure is significant. Coinbase Prime currently supports more than 275 tradable assets, while its platform states that roughly 12% of global crypto market capitalization is under its custody infrastructure.Also Read: AI-Powered Crypto Trading: Opportunities and RisksSettlement and Counterparty Risk MatterGetting a good execution price is only one part of an OTC transaction. Institutions must also determine how fiat and crypto will be transferred after the trade.This introduces settlement and counterparty risk, particularly when dealing directly with another party. Institutional platforms increasingly combine execution with regulated custody, financing and automated settlement to reduce this fragmentation. Coinbase Prime Custody, for example, allows eligible clients to trade while assets remain within a qualified custodian.Final ThoughtsCrypto OTC trading allows large investors to execute substantial positions with greater price certainty, discretion and reduced market impact.For institutions, however, the best execution is not simply the lowest quoted price. Liquidity depth, counterparty quality, custody, settlement arrangements and compliance controls are equally important when millions of dollars of digital assets are changing hands.FAQs:1. What is crypto OTC trading?Crypto OTC trading allows large buyers and sellers to execute transactions away from public exchange order books. This helps reduce slippage, market impact and information leakage.2. Why do institutions use OTC desks instead of exchanges?Large exchange orders can move prices and worsen execution. OTC desks source liquidity from multiple counterparties and often provide one fixed price for the entire trade.3. What is the minimum size for a crypto OTC trade?Minimums vary by provider. Kraken Institutional, for example, offers OTC execution starting around $50,000 in eligible jurisdictions, while larger desks often serve multimillion-dollar transactions.4. How do TWAP and iceberg orders help large investors?TWAP splits an order over time, while iceberg orders hide most of the total position from the public market. Both can reduce price impact compared with one large market order.5. What are the main risks in crypto OTC trading?Key risks include counterparty default, settlement failure, liquidity shortages and custody issues. Institutions therefore focus on execution quality, regulated custody and strong compliance controls.

Honor has launched the Robot Phone in China, combining an Android flagship with a motorized gimbal camera. The device targets vloggers and mobile filmmakers who need stable video without carrying separate camera equipment.The Robot Phone starts at 9,999 yuan, or about $1,480. Honor has not announced plans to sell the device outside China.Honor Robot Phone Uses a Motorized CameraThe phone carries a 200-megapixel main camera on a compact gimbal arm. A sliding glass cover protects the camera when users store it inside the rear camera unit.Users must move the cover before activating the gimbal through Honor’s camera application. The motorized system then raises the camera and allows nearly 360 degrees of movement. Users can also control its direction through an on-screen joystick.Honor developed a custom micro-motor after finding that available components were too large. The company reduced the gimbal’s volume by 65% compared with traditional designs. Its titanium-alloy motor weighs 2.6 grams.Honor describes the device as a ‘new species of smartphone.’ Still, the Robot Phone follows a standard flagship design when the gimbal stays folded.Camera System Targets Mobile Video CreatorsThe gimbal supports several recording modes, including FPV, spin shots, subject tracking and enhanced stabilization. It can identify people and objects while recording. Moreover, its tracking feature works during supported video calls.Users can record in portrait or landscape orientation. They can also change the gimbal’s speed, adjust joystick sensitivity and activate focus peaking. The camera application includes settings for video resolution, frame rate and aspect ratio.Honor has partnered with cinema camera maker Arri on its video tools. The Robot Phone supports Arri Looks, Cinema Mode and the LogC3 format. These options give mobile filmmakers more control over colors and video processing.The gimbal also supports panoramic group selfies. It captures images from several directions before combining them into one wide photograph. Meanwhile, the main camera can rotate toward the user for higher-resolution selfies.Flagship Hardware Supports the Gimbal SystemQualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor powers the robot phone. Buyers can choose between 12GB and 16GB of RAM. Storage options include 512GB and 1TB.The device features a 6.31-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. It also carries a 7,060mAh silicon-carbon battery. Honor includes 120-watt wired charging and 50-watt wireless charging.Alongside the gimbal camera, Honor added a 200-megapixel periscope telephoto camera and a 50-megapixel ultrawide lens. A separate 50-megapixel front camera handles standard selfies and palm gestures.The phone measures 9.59mm thick and weighs 248 grams. Honor offers silver and gray versions. A protective case and magnetic stand come inside the box.Durability and Availability Limit Its ReachThe Robot Phone carries an IP54 rating when the gimbal camera is fully stored. This rating provides limited protection against dust and water splashes. It does not apply when users deploy the camera.Honor says the gimbal underwent repeated deployment and retraction testing. A software protection feature also detects unusual resistance and accidental handling. The company has not published a rated number of operating cycles.The device includes Honor’s Yoyo AI assistant in China. Its interface gives the camera animated eyes and allows it to make expressive movements. Users can also issue voice commands, such as asking the camera to rotate for a set period.For now, Honor will only sell the robot phone in China. Its 9,999-yuan price places it above many flagship phones and some separate gimbal cameras. Honor has not confirmed an international release date.Join our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp

Your OTT Weekend Watchlist Is Here!: This Independence Day weekend brings a packed OTT lineup spanning action, romance, thrillers, reality shows, and drama. From Cocktail 2 to Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata, here are the new titles to add to your watchlist.Reacher Season 4 (Prime Video): Jack Reacher returns for another action-packed chapter, this time moving from New York to Philadelphia. A chance encounter pulls him into a dangerous conspiracy reaching the highest levels of power.Women in Blue Season 2 (Apple TV): Bárbara Mori returns as María in the second season of the Spanish-language crime drama. A student's mysterious death leads the police into an investigation connected to Mexico's dark historical past.The Traitors Season 2 (Prime Video): Hosted by Karan Johar, the reality competition returns with a new celebrity lineup. Traitors and Innocents battle through deception, strategy, and trust for a life-changing prize.Aakhri Sawaal (Lionsgate Play): Namashi Chakraborty's Vicky Hegde challenges his mentor, played by Sanjay Dutt, after his thesis is rejected. What starts as an academic dispute soon becomes a nationally televised clash involving politics, media and personal motives.Aroopi (Lionsgate Play): Two thieves accidentally unleash a Yakshini trapped inside a doll. When a murder brings Niranjan back to his ancestral home, he must confront an ancient curse before it destroys those around him.Cocktail 2 (Netflix) : Shahid Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna and Kriti Sanon lead this romantic sequel. Kunal and Diya's relationship takes an unexpected turn when a holiday in Sicily brings them face-to-face with Diya's free-spirited friend Ally.Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata (ZEE5): Set during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, the film follows the staff of Cama & Albless Hospital as they protect patients and fight to save lives amid the chaos. Kangana Ranaut, Girija Oak and Smita Tambe feature in the ensemble cast.What Will You Watch First?: Want adrenaline? Choose Reacher Season 4. Looking for romance? Cocktail 2 has you covered. Prefer reality, horror or intense drama? The Traitors Season 2, Aroopi and Aakhri Sawaal bring very different flavours to your weekend watchlist.Read More StoriesJoin our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp

HP has dropped the price of its OMEN Transcend 32 monitor to $649.99 at Best Buy in the US. The deal started August 13 and cuts $650 from the regular $1,300 price. The Best Buy deal gives the monitor a 50% discount and marks its lowest tracked price. HP sells the same monitor for $780, making Best Buy about $130 cheaper.The HP OMEN Transcend 32 comes with a 31.5-inch QD-OLED screen and 4K resolution. It supports a 240Hz refresh rate and a 0.03ms response time for fast gaming. G-SYNC support can also help reduce screen tearing during quick movements.HP describes the display as “the portal between playing and creating.” The line shows how HP designed the monitor for both gaming and creative work.The 4K OLED gaming monitor also covers 99% of the Display P3 color range for better color quality. HDR support helps produce deeper blacks and stronger contrast in supported games and videos. These features also make the screen useful for photo and video editing.The 240Hz gaming monitor includes USB-C with up to 140W Power Delivery for compatible laptops. OMEN Gear Switch lets users move between connected devices more easily. The stand supports height, tilt, and pivot adjustments for different desk setups.The current QD-OLED monitor price also beats a previous $759.99 deal seen at Newegg. The $649.99 offer therefore gives buyers an even bigger saving on the same model. The deal currently applies to Best Buy in the US, not India.Also Read: Dell Back-to-School Sale 2026: Save Up to $900 on Laptops, PCs, MonitorsJoin our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp

OverviewReliance Digital's D.I.S.C.O. sale runs until August 16, 2026, with prices checked directly on RelianceDigital.in on August 13.boAt earbuds carry the steepest cuts, led by the Airdopes 458 at 82 % off MRP, while power banks and chargers range between 50 and 77 % off.A 5% UPI discount and a Rs.10,000 spend offer add further savings on eligible products, subject to checkout terms.Not every steep discount is a good deal, but a few inside Reliance Digital's D.I.S.C.O. sale genuinely are. Select boAt accessories are marked down by more than 80%, while earbuds, chargers, power banks, and wearables start near Rs.400. The sale runs through August 16, 2026, with UPI and multi-product offers layered on top. Prices were checked on RelianceDigital.in on August 13, though availability and final pricing can still shift before the sale ends.Deals TableThe table below lists the products with the clearest discounts across the sale, checked against MRP on August 13.These figures reflect the gap between MRP and the current sale price. They are not a comparison against other retailers or past pricing history.Earbuds Under Rs.1,100 Carry the Deepest CutsThe steepest markdowns sit inside boAt's audio lineup. The Airdopes 458 TWS earbuds list at Rs.899 against an MRP of Rs.4,990, an 82 % cut. The Rockerz 235V2 neckband sits at Rs.599 against Rs.2,990, an 80 % cut. Listed specifications include THX Spatial Bionic Sound and IPX5 water resistance on the Airdopes 458, features worth confirming against boAt's own spec sheet before treating them as final.Buyers who prefer a neckband over loose earbuds might look at the Rockerz 238 Pro, priced at Rs.899 against an MRP of Rs.1,990. It lists 20 hours of playback and a fast-charging mode called Beast Mode, a 55 % reduction from MRP.None of these clearance models includes active noise cancellation. Shoppers who need ANC will find options elsewhere in the catalogue, covered later in this piece. For anyone shopping on price alone, this is the strongest section of the sale, since the gap between listed MRP and shelf price is widest here.Power Banks Split Into Three Price TiersBudget power banks cost Rs.399. The EVM Enjoy 10000 mAh drops 74 % from its Rs.1,549 MRP. The Reconnect 10000 mAh drops 60 % from Rs.990. Both list a 10W output cap, so neither supports fast charging. Each suits emergency top-ups rather than daily use.Mid-range options land between Rs.1,399 and Rs.1,799. The Ambrane AeroSync 10000 mAh comes with MagSafe support, listing 22.5W wired output alongside 15W wireless charging, priced at Rs.1,399 against an MRP of Rs.3,499. The boAt EnergyShroom 20000 mAh sits at Rs.1,799, a 60 % cut from Rs.4,499, with 22.5W two-way charging.Higher-capacity shoppers can look at the Xiaomi 4i 20000 mAh, priced at Rs.1,999 against Rs.3,999. It lists 33W output and support for three connected devices at once, a useful combination for households sharing one power bank. Among the three tiers, this is the pick worth the extra spend, provided the household actually needs 20,000 mAh of backup.Chargers Under Rs.800Samsung's 25W GaN Type-C adapter sells for Rs.739 in black, a 57 % cut from its Rs.1,699 MRP. A white variant costs slightly more, at Rs.799. GaN chargers generally run cooler than standard silicon models, a difference tied to the underlying semiconductor rather than marketing language. The smaller footprint also makes them easier to carry alongside a laptop charger, a small but real convenience for frequent travellers. The adapter's listed compatibility covers USB-C PD devices, including recent Samsung and iPhone models, though pairing it with the exact phone in hand is worth a quick check first.The boAt PD 20W Type-C charger costs Rs.449 against an MRP of Rs.1,990, a 77 % reduction. It lists compatibility with iPhone 11 and later models alongside Android devices. It carries a single port, so households charging two phones together may prefer the Samsung unit instead.Also Read: Still Playing the Same Mobile Games? Try These Free Android Hits InsteadWhat Sale Does Not Cover?Discounts of this size sit mostly within boAt's older audio range. Buyers looking for ANC will find the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro, listed with up to 49 dB noise cancellation, priced at Rs.2,899 in the regular catalogue rather than the clearance section. The boAt Airdopes 170 ANC, offering 35 dB cancellation and 75 hours of playback, sits in the same category. Premium headphones from Sony, Bose, and Sennheiser stay largely untouched this round. Deeper cuts on those brands have tended to appear around Diwali and Republic Day instead.Matching the Deal to the BuyerDifferent shoppers will find value in different corners of this sale. The table below breaks down which product suits which need.Checking listed specifications against the manufacturer's page before paying remains a sensible habit, discount season or not.Also Read: 10 Genius iPhone Accessories You Didn’t Know You Needed in 2026Final ThoughtSale events like D.I.S.C.O. tend to repeat on a predictable calendar, which rewards tracking price movement instead of reacting to one markdown. MRP marks a brand's starting reference point, not what a product actually sold for last month. Comparing a sale price against other retailers or against its own price months earlier shows whether a deal is genuinely rare or just a familiar low return.You May Also Like:OnePlus Freedom Sale 2026: Top Discounts on Smartphones, Tablets, and AccessoriesLaptop Accessories Deals 2026: Best Affordable Gadgets on AmazonCFMOTO UForce 1000 Accessories Polaris Accessories SxS AccessoriesFAQsHow often does Reliance Digital offer discounts on mobile accessories?Reliance Digital runs major sales during periods such as Independence Day, Diwali, Republic Day and end-of-season clearance events, along with smaller promotions throughout the year.Are Reliance Digital’s mobile accessory discounts really up to 80% offDiscounts of up to 80% can apply to selected products, particularly older models and lesser-known brands. Compare the sale price with current market prices before buying.Which mobile accessories usually get the biggest discounts at Reliance Digital?Earbuds, TWS headphones, power banks and phone cases often receive significant discounts, while premium accessories generally see more moderate price cuts.How can I check whether a Reliance Digital accessory deal is worth buying?Compare the final selling price with prices on other retailers, and check specifications, compatibility, brand reputation and warranty instead of relying only on the advertised discount.Can Jio subscribers or RelianceOne members get additional benefits on accessories?Eligible customers may receive member offers, loyalty benefits or promotional pricing. Check the applicable terms and your available points or offers before purchasing.Join our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp

The US Treasury Department sanctioned Iranian crypto exchanges Shelbit and Aban Tether, expanding its ‘Economic Fury’ campaign against financial networks linked to Iran. The Office of Foreign Assets Control said the platforms moved large cryptocurrency volumes, helped evade sanctions, and supported the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The Treasury also sanctioned Shelbit operator Siavash Kayvanpour and companies tied to him in Georgia, Poland, and the United Arab Emirates.Treasury Targets Shelbit and its OperatorTreasury said IRGC-linked wallets sent more than $1 million in cryptocurrency to Shelbit and received over $2 million from the exchange. It also said Kayvanpour-controlled wallets transferred more than $2 million to Nobitex, Iran’s largest crypto exchange, which Washington sanctioned in June.Treasury further accused Shelbit of serving more than 2,000 gambling websites connected to a network that laundered tens of millions of dollars. Reuters previously reported that Shelbit processed at least $4 billion over two years through transactions involving Iranian gambling operations, Iran’s central bank and IRGC-linked entities.According to that investigation, at least $676 million moved from Shelbit-linked wallets to Binance. Binance disputed parts of the findings and said Shelbit held no account on its platform. It added that it investigated, froze, and reported accounts linked to Shelbit users.Regulators Trace Shelbit Beyond IranShelbit had already drawn regulatory action in Dubai. The Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority fined the operation in January 2025 for unlicensed activity. The regulator later issued another enforcement action in July and ordered Shelbit to stop operating without authorization.The Treasury also sanctioned Georgia-based SHPS Shelbit under a 2001 executive order used to counter terrorist financing. Georgia’s National Bank said SHPS Shelbit never applied to register as a virtual-asset service provider. It also said authorities canceled the company’s corporate registration.The National Bank did not announce an investigation into how the company used its Georgian registration in the alleged IRGC-linked network. The designation followed separate British and European Union sanctions against Georgia-registered crypto platforms accused of facilitating Russian sanctions evasion.Also Read: US Sanctions UK Crypto Exchanges Over Iran IRGC Fund FlowsAban Tether Widens the Crypto Enforcement NetOFAC separately sanctioned Aban Tether. Treasury said the exchange processed millions of dollars involving Nobitex and other sanctioned Iranian platforms, including Wallex, Bitpin and Ramzinex.The latest measures extend US scrutiny from individual wallets to exchanges and cross-border crypto routes. Public blockchain records can also help investigators map transfers among wallets, exchanges and intermediaries across several jurisdictions.How far can sanctions enforcement reach when crypto transactions cross several jurisdictions and connect with larger global exchanges? For international crypto companies, Treasury’s action increases pressure to identify sanctioned entities, linked wallets and counterparties connected to restricted financial networks.ConclusionThe US Treasury sanctions widened enforcement against Iran-linked cryptocurrency infrastructure by targeting Shelbit, Aban Tether, Kayvanpour and related businesses. Treasury connected the networks to millions of dollars in alleged IRGC-linked transfers, gambling activity and sanctioned exchanges, while regulators had already taken action against Shelbit outside the United States.Join our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp

A Young Tech Enthusiast: Sam Altman developed an early interest in computers and technology, which later shaped his decision to study computer science at Stanford University.Stanford Years: At Stanford, Altman worked on technology projects and met people who introduced him to the growing startup world and its possibilitiesThe Idea Behind Loopt: A project that began after classes gradually became Loopt, a mobile service designed to help people share their locations.Dropping Out To Build: At 19, Altman left Stanford to focus fully on Loopt, choosing entrepreneurship over completing his computer science degree.Joining Y Combinator: Loopt entered Y Combinator’s first-ever batch in 2005, giving Altman early access to funding, advice, and a powerful startup network.Building Loopt: Altman spent seven years building Loopt, raising significant venture funding while developing its location-based social networking service for mobile users.Loopt’s Big Moment: Loopt gained attention for its location-sharing technology, including a presentation at Apple’s developer conference attended by Steve Jobs.The Startup Exit: In 2012, Green Dot acquired Loopt for $43.4 million, ending Altman’s first major startup chapter after seven years.From Founder To Investor: After Loopt, Altman invested in startups and joined Y Combinator, beginning the next stage of his entrepreneurial career.Read More StoriesJoin our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp

Cryptography has become a core cybersecurity skill as encryption now protects cloud systems, payments, messaging, digital identities and blockchain networks. In 2026, professionals can choose between academic courses focused on cryptographic theory and career-oriented certifications built around practical implementation.The best option depends on whether the goal is research, software security, cybersecurity operations or specialist encryption work.1. Stanford Cryptography IStanford University’s Cryptography I, taught by Professor Dan Boneh on Coursera, remains one of the strongest academic introductions to modern cryptography.More than 541,000 learners have enrolled, and the course carries a 4.8 rating based on over 4,400 reviews. It contains seven modules and 13 assessments covering stream ciphers, AES, message authentication, authenticated encryption, Diffie-Hellman, RSA and public-key systems.This course is best suited to developers, security engineers and students who want to understand why cryptographic systems are secure rather than simply how to configure them.2. IBM Encryption and Cryptography EssentialsIBM’s Encryption and Cryptography Essentials course is a shorter option for professionals who want practical fundamentals.According to Coursera, the course can typically be completed within one to four weeks and covers encryption, PKI, key management, AES, authentication, blockchain and cryptographic protocols.It is better suited to learners who want a faster introduction before moving into more mathematically demanding material.3. University of Maryland CryptographyThe University of Maryland offers a broader cryptography course covering encryption, authentication, key management and secure communication systems.Coursera lists the program as taking roughly one to three months and shows a learner rating of about 4.6, based on more than 1,300 reviews.For learners interested in both theory and network-security applications, it provides a useful middle ground.4. UC San Diego Number Theory and CryptographyCryptography depends heavily on mathematics, making UC San Diego’s Number Theory and Cryptography useful for learners who want stronger foundations.The beginner-level course takes approximately one to four weeks and incorporates Python alongside arithmetic, algorithms, encryption and cryptographic protocols.It is particularly useful before studying advanced public-key cryptography.5. EC-Council Certified Encryption SpecialistFor professionals seeking a dedicated certification, the EC-Council Certified Encryption Specialist, or ECES, offers a more structured credential.ECES includes 20 hours of training covering AES, RSA, hashes, cryptanalysis, VPNs, steganography and quantum cryptography. The certification exam contains 50 questions, lasts two hours and requires a 70% passing score.Official on-demand packages currently start at around $1,399 and include training, courseware, an exam voucher and six months of labs.Also Read: Top Must-Read Cryptography Books for 2026Which Cryptography Course is Best?Stanford Cryptography I remains the strongest choice for deep theoretical understanding, while IBM and UC San Diego provide more approachable starting points. ECES is better suited to professionals who specifically want an encryption-focused credential.For cybersecurity careers, certificates can strengthen a résumé, but practical ability matters more. Learners should be able to explain encryption, hashing, digital signatures, key management and common implementation failures, not simply list a certification.FAQs:1. What is the best cryptography course for beginners?IBM’s Encryption and Cryptography Essentials and UC San Diego’s Number Theory and Cryptography are good starting points. Both provide accessible introductions before learners move into more advanced material.2. Is Stanford Cryptography I suitable for professionals?Yes. Stanford Cryptography I is especially useful for developers and security engineers who want to understand the theory behind encryption, authentication, RSA and modern cryptographic systems.3. What is the ECES certification?The EC-Council Certified Encryption Specialist focuses on practical encryption concepts such as AES, RSA, hashing, cryptanalysis, VPNs and steganography. It includes a dedicated certification exam.4. Do cryptography courses require strong mathematics?Some advanced courses rely heavily on number theory and mathematical reasoning, while beginner programs focus more on concepts and implementation. Strong math skills become increasingly useful for public-key and research-level cryptography.5. Are cryptography certificates useful for cybersecurity careers?They can strengthen a résumé and demonstrate structured learning, but practical knowledge remains more important. Employers generally value the ability to understand encryption, key management and real-world implementation risks.

Google has introduced the Pixel Watch 5 with advanced artificial intelligence and health tools. The smartwatch starts at $399, marking a $50 increase from the previous model. The Pixel Watch 5 adds offline Gemini actions, proactive suggestions, improved GPS tracking, and new monthly health reports. Google will open general sales on August 20.Pixel Watch 5 Expands Gemini FeaturesGemini can now complete basic actions without an internet connection. Users can start timers, open applications, or begin workouts through voice commands. Google says on-device processing lowers delays, although early demonstrations found some offline actions slower.The improved Raise to Talk feature lets users access Gemini by lifting their wrists. It can retrieve dinner reservations from Gmail or start a workout without additional screen taps.Gemini also offers proactive suggestions based on messages and personal schedules. For example, a message about dinner plans can prompt the watch to check Google Calendar. Users can then respond through a one-tap action.Meanwhile, the At a Glance feature places live information on the watch face. It can display boarding passes, commute stops, workout details, Uber arrival times, and active timers. Double-pinch gestures allow users to confirm certain actions with one hand.Google Adds New Health Monitoring ToolsPixel Watch 5 introduces breathing emergency detection through its Health Guardian system. It uses the PPG sensor, accelerometer, barometer and on-device AI to identify persistent oxygen drops.If the wearer becomes unresponsive, the watch can contact emergency services and share its location. Google plans to launch the feature in Europe first. Availability in other markets will depend on regional requirements.Health Guardian will also provide monthly reports covering blood pressure, sleep breathing quality, and insulin resistance trends. Users must wear the device for one month before receiving the first report. These reports track patterns and do not replace a medical diagnosis.Google says the watch delivers ‘2x greater accuracy’ for GPS route tracking than earlier generations. It uses Google Maps building models, satellite paths, and live atmospheric data. Google also claims it outperforms the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Garmin Fenix 8 Pro. Independent reviews will need to test those comparisons.The watch adds 15% more accurate sleep-stage detection, according to Google. Smart Wake monitors movement and heart rate before an alarm. It then selects a lighter sleep period within the final 30 minutes.Pricing Rises as Hardware Gets FasterThe Pixel Watch 5 uses Qualcomm’s Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 Accelerated processor and a dual-chip design. Google reports 50% more RAM, a 12% CPU increase, and 20% faster overall performance.Battery life reaches 30 hours for the 41mm model and 40 hours for the 45mm version. Both models support fast charging. The domed Actua 360 display reaches a peak brightness of 3,000 nits.New options include Fog, Canyon, and Olive bands with a Pyrite housing. Google also added new watch faces, complication styles, and generative designs. The 41mm Pixel Watch 5 costs $399, while the 45mm version starts at $429. Preorders opened on August 12, with retail sales starting August 20. A 45mm Stephen Curry Special Edition costs $579. It includes a sweat-wicking performance loop band and will reach stores on September 3.The Pixel Watch 5 brings smarter AI, improved health tracking, better GPS, and faster performance. With offline Gemini and new safety features, it offers a strong upgrade despite its higher starting price.Also Read: Wear OS 7 Rollout Brings Gemini AI, Live Updates, & Smarter Features to Pixel Watches Join our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp