Tech Wrap Feb 9: Galaxy F70e 5G launched, Gemini in Chrome, Apple CarPlay

Samsung has launched the Galaxy F70e 5G in India, marking the primary smartphone below its newly launched Galaxy F70 collection. The system is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset and incorporates a 6.7-inch HD+ show with a 120Hz refresh price. The corporate mentioned the smartphone targets Gen Z customers, putting emphasis on digicam capabilities for day by day content material creation and sharing.

Google has confirmed that Gemini-powered options inside the Chrome browser are actually being rolled out to Chromebooks, starting with Chromebook Plus fashions. The corporate mentioned the rollout has began within the US, integrating AI instruments immediately into Chrome on ChromeOS after weeks of restricted availability. Beforehand, Gemini in Chrome was largely restricted to desktop platforms comparable to Home windows and macOS, leaving ChromeOS unsupported regardless of being Google’s personal working system.

Apple is reportedly planning to open up its CarPlay platform to third-party voice-controlled AI apps. In keeping with Bloomberg, the replace would enable drivers to make use of different AI chatbots inside CarPlay as an alternative of relying solely on Siri. To date, Apple has restricted voice interactions in CarPlay to Siri. The reported transfer would sign a shift in technique, enabling AI corporations comparable to OpenAI, Anthropic and Google to supply voice-enabled apps on the platform.

Sony has shared a teaser video for its upcoming wi-fi earbuds, confirming that it’s going to unveil its “subsequent technology of earbuds” on February 12. Whereas the product title was not revealed, a 9To5Google report urged the launch is more likely to introduce Sony’s subsequent flagship true wi-fi earbuds, anticipated to be the WF-1000XM6. The mannequin would succeed the WF-1000XM5, which was launched in 2023.

Qualcomm has introduced the profitable tape-out of a 2nm chip design, marking a major milestone in superior semiconductor improvement led from India. The corporate mentioned the design work was carried out throughout its engineering centres in Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad, highlighting India’s increasing function in world chip innovation as the federal government pushes semiconductor progress below the India Semiconductor Mission 2.0.

Google has reportedly confirmed plans to increase Android’s Fast Share interoperability with Apple’s AirDrop past the Pixel 10 collection to extra Android gadgets later this yr. In keeping with Android Authority, the corporate mentioned it’s collaborating with different smartphone manufacturers to convey the function throughout the broader Android ecosystem.

OpenAI is reportedly planning to enter the patron {hardware} section with the launch of AI-powered earbuds. In keeping with a Mint report, the corporate’s first system is anticipated to be comparatively easy somewhat than a totally impartial AI gadget. An announcement is claimed to be deliberate for later this yr, with shipments anticipated in early 2027. In the meantime, a extra superior smartphone-like AI system is reportedly going through delays as a result of part shortages and rising prices, main OpenAI to prioritise an easier product.

Telegram is reportedly rolling out a significant redesign for its Android app, introducing a visible type impressed by Apple’s Liquid Glass design language. In keeping with 9To5Google, the replace brings modifications to navigation, structure and total look, together with a brand new backside navigation bar, clear UI components and refreshed menus. The replace represents one in all Telegram’s largest interface overhauls on Android and is claimed to be arriving with model 12.4.0, which is at the moment being rolled out by way of the Play Retailer.

Xiaomi is reportedly getting ready to launch one in all its Xiaomi 17 collection smartphones in world markets within the coming weeks. A PhoneArena report mentioned the worldwide variant might function a battery that’s roughly 10 per cent smaller than the Chinese language model. The system can also be anticipated to launch in India alongside the worldwide rollout. The Xiaomi 17 collection debuted in China in September, and other than modifications to battery and storage choices, the worldwide mannequin is anticipated to retain many of the similar specs.

After refreshing AirTags in January, Apple is anticipated to have an lively February, with two main product launches probably throughout its iPhone and Mac lineups. The corporate could introduce the iPhone 17e as the subsequent replace to its inexpensive iPhone vary, whereas additionally getting ready to launch new high-end MacBook Professional fashions powered by the M5 Professional and M5 Max chips.

The Redmi Notice 15 Professional Plus sticks carefully to the core identification of the Notice collection, and that method works in its favour. The smartphone affords a cushty design, a vibrant and interesting show, dependable on a regular basis efficiency, and battery life that comfortably lasts a full day. Its new 200MP essential digicam marks a noticeable improve and performs confidently throughout most taking pictures eventualities.

India’s smartphone market noticed a structural shift in calendar yr 2025, pushed by surging demand for inexpensive 5G gadgets and sustained curiosity in premium fashions, whilst total shipments declined by 1 per cent year-on-year. This was famous by CyberMedia Analysis (CMR) India in its Cell Handset Market Evaluation for CY2025.

Current market volatility highlighted how shortly investor sentiment can shift. One second, markets had been bracing for a man-made intelligence bubble to burst, and the subsequent, AI-driven disruption was seen throughout industries. The latter view contributed to a $1 trillion market rout following the discharge of latest authorized and monetary instruments from AI agency Anthropic PBC. Whereas Anthropic’s open-source authorized plugin for Claude Cowork is much less succesful than choices from authorized AI specialists comparable to Harvey and Legora, many traders interpreted it as a cause to exit already-uncertain positions.

Reminiscence elements, which traditionally turned cheaper over time, are actually transferring in the other way. Costs of DRAM and NAND are rising sharply, provide is tightening, and the results are starting to floor throughout smartphones, PCs, televisions and even automobiles. The fast trigger is the worldwide push to construct AI infrastructure, which is diverting reminiscence provide away from client electronics and reshaping how producers allocate manufacturing capability.

Amazon.com Inc.’s cloud division, AWS, is strengthening its partnership with Franco-Italian chipmaker STMicroelectronics NV to safe key semiconductor applied sciences for its information centres. STMicro mentioned it’ll provide a variety of chips to AWS, together with elements designed for high-bandwidth connectivity and energy-efficient energy administration wanted for hyperscale information centre operations.