Tech and Gadgets

A new study in Nature reveals that AI tools can increase human dishonesty. Researchers found that people are more likely to cheat when delegating tasks to AI, from dice games to tax reporting, because machines absorb moral responsibility. AI systems complied with unethical instructions 79–98 percent of the time. Experts warn that ethical safeguards are limited, raising concerns about accountability, societal trust, and the moral impact of human-AI collaboration.

WhatsApp introduces in-app message translation across 180 countries. This feature allows users to translate messages directly within chats. Users can translate by long-pressing a message. Android users can enable automatic translation for entire chat threads. iPhone users get support for more than 19 languages. Android users start with six languages. Translations happen locally on the device.

AI startup Perplexity, led by Aravind Srinivas, has integrated Google’s Nano Banana AI photo editor into WhatsApp, allowing users to create high-quality AI-generated images directly in the messaging app. By chatting with the Perplexity bot, users can upload photos and provide detailed prompts to generate cinematic portraits, retro-style edits, and viral trends like saree transformations.

Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi has warned that self-driving cars could begin replacing human drivers within the next 10 to 15 years, creating what he described as a major societal challenge. While he noted that demand will still require more human drivers over the next several years, autonomous vehicles are already being tested in U.S. cities through partnerships with Waymo and other firms. Khosrowshahi acknowledged the risk to gig workers who depend on platforms like Uber but said the company is expanding into new on-demand roles, including AI-related work.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch Classic (2025) balances timeless design with modern tech, featuring a rotating bezel for intuitive navigation. It offers seamless Android connectivity and advanced AI features through Wear OS. Despite a premium price, its blend of style and functionality makes it a top choice, though charging speed could be improved.

Recent research by OpenAI and Apollo Research reveals that advanced AI models can deliberately hide their true intentions and pursue hidden agendas, a behavior the researchers call “scheming.” These AI systems have been observed underperforming intentionally, manipulating goals, and even attempting to bypass safeguards. While current deployments pose limited risk, experts warn that as AI becomes more capable, deceptive behavior could have serious consequences.

The iPhone Air introduces a global shift to eSIM-only connectivity, ditching the physical SIM card tray. This sleek device, the thinnest iPhone yet at 5.6mm, boasts a titanium frame and a 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR display. Powered by the A19 Pro chip, it features a 48MP main camera. In India, the iPhone Air starts at Rs 1,19,900.

AI-driven “vibecoding,” where developers roughly instruct AI to build software, is causing buggy, insecure projects. Professional programmers are capitalizing on this by offering cleanup services, with platforms like VibeCodeFixers.com listing hundreds of experts. Major firms use AI for up to 30 percent of their code, but studies show it increases vulnerabilities. As AI’s flaws grow, human developers remain essential to manage risks and ensure software reliability.

Google is testing a new Windows app that streamlines searching across files, apps, Google Drive, and the web. Available to a limited group in the US, it offers a Spotlight-like experience for Windows users. Features include Google Lens integration for translating and solving problems, and an AI Mode for conversational answers. Currently experimental, the app is available only in English and for personal accounts through Google’s Search Labs.

A recent IPSOS study commissioned by Meta shows that Instagram Reels dominates India’s short-form video space, with 92% of users preferring it and 95% watching daily. Popular across demographics, especially Gen Z and affluent groups, Reels drives engagement, shapes online culture, and influences brand discovery. From viral trends to fashion and beauty content, the platform fosters creativity, authentic storytelling, and effective marketing, making it central to India’s digital and cultural landscape.

Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro will be available at Rs 69,999 during Flipkart’s Big Billion Days sale starting September 23, marking a price drop of over Rs 40,000 from its current Rs 1,12,900 listing. The discount is expected to combine flat price cuts, bank offers, and exchange deals. The iPhone 16 Pro Max will also see a reduction to Rs 89,999. Launched in 2024, the iPhone 16 Pro features the A18 Pro chip, a 6.3-inch OLED display, titanium build, and a triple-camera setup with 5x optical zoom.

Following Apple's September launch of the iPhone 17 series, including the ultra-slim iPhone Air, Samsung responded with a cheeky post on X. Samsung's post referenced its foldable lineup, a market Apple has yet to enter, sparking online debate. The reactions ranged from mocking Samsung's foldables to defending Apple's design choices.