prakhar@affmantra.com

A new wave of social media apps provide hope in a doomscrolling world 

Zehra Naqvi recalls the magical days of the early social internet.   She grew up in the One  Direction and Marvel fandoms in the early 2010s. This was back when people posted photos of lattes using the Valencia filter on Instagram, and Twitter was still Twitter, a place where people came together to exchange jokes and cultural analysis.   But now Instagram is full…

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OxygenOS 16 brings Google Gemini integration

OnePlus India has announced the integration of Google’s Gemini models into its upcoming operating system, OxygenOS 16. This move will bring a range of generative AI capabilities to future OnePlus devices. The integration will power new on-device AI features. In a social media post accompanying the announcement, OnePlus described the new capabilities as “Your planner,…

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Spotify partners with record labels to create ‘artist-first’ AI music products

Spotify on Thursday announced a series of deals with major record labels to develop new AI products designed ensure fair compensation and center artists and songwriters in the experience. In partnership with Sony, Universal, Warner, and Merlin, the streamer said it would develop “responsible AI” products that respect copyright, but also allow the artists to…

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WhatsApp for Android reportedly testing a feature that lets users reserve usernames

WhatsApp is reportedly testing a new feature that allows users to reserve usernames ahead of the official rollout of its much-anticipated username system. The feature, seen in the latest WhatsApp Beta for Android version 2.25.28.12, marks another step towards the app’s plan to let users connect via usernames rather than just phone numbers. According to…

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vivo celebrates ‘Joy of Homecoming’ this Diwali

vivo has unveiled its new Diwali campaign, ‘Joy of Homecoming’, in collaboration with FCB India, continuing its signature celebration of togetherness and family bonds. The campaign film beautifully captures the “in-between moments” that make Diwali special – from cleaning and decorating to cooking together. It highlights how these shared rituals create anticipation and strengthen connections,…

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