Google Pay (GPay) has introduced its new “Pocket Money” feature to provide your kids with safer and more monitorable financial transactions. Built on the basis of a digital payments framework, the latest feature of Google Pay enables a primary user, typically a parent, to link their bank account and assign a secondary user, such as a child, who can make UPI payments within predefined limits. The "Pocket Money” feature eliminates the need for children to have their own bank accounts while still giving them access to India’s rapidly growing digital payments ecosystem through which they can make and accept payments hassle-free. How does “Pocket Money” work? This feature from GPay has been built on a payment-based platform called UPI Circle. With the help of this feature, a primary user (parent) can link their account to a secondary user (child/teen), who can make payments using the primary account. This allows the parent to keep a check on the transactions while also granting their children a sense of financial moral responsibility. Key features While the latest integration to Google Pay’s interface remains one of the first across all online payment applications, it offers the following features: Set spending limit: The primary account can set a monthly cap of up to around Rs 15,000 for the secondary account. Approval mode: The primary account holder will have to approve every payment initiated by the secondary account before making the transaction. Real-time tracking: Parents can see all transactions instantly on their application. Pause anytime: Access can be stopped whenever needed. What do you need to set up Pocket Money on UPI Circle? To be a primary user, you must have an active bank account on Google Pay. As per Google Pay, a user can add a maximum of 5 secondary users. However, to add a secondary user to your UPI circle, the user must ensure the following points: The secondary account’s GPay number should be saved in the contacts. The primary account must have the Google Pay app registered with their phone number linked to the bank account. The primary account should have a UPI ID or a UPI Circle QR. How to set up pocket money on UPI Circle To set up pocket money, follow the points mentioned below: On your mobile device, open the Google Pay app. Go to Profile and then click UPI Circle. Set up pocket money on UPI Circle. Search the secondary user’s name or phone number. Select their contact Scan the selected contact’s UPI Circle QR code. Set up approval settings. Viral ‘Google Pay Pocket Money’ scare debunked A viral social media claim warning users about a “Pocket Money” button in Google Pay that could wipe out bank balances is completely false and misleading. However, there is no such feature or threat associated with the application’s interface that can automatically drain money from a user’s account. These rumours being spread across WhatsApp and X appear to be baseless, circulated to create panic among users.
09 April,2026 06:39 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMusic streaming platform Spotify rolled out a new beta feature, ‘SongDNA’. The latest feature aims to give listeners a deeper and more detailed insight into the creative collaborations and influences behind the songs. The feature that will be available to Spotify Premium users globally is integrated into the app’s “Now Playing” section. As per Spotify, the feature allows users to explore details such as songwriters, producers, and collaborators, as well as samples, interpolations, and cover versions linked to a track. A deeper insight into your favourite songs Spotify, while issuing an official statement about the latest feature, said that ‘SongDNA’ is designed to map out the connections between artists and their work, offering an interactive way to trace how different songs, genres, and eras are interconnected. Furthermore, users can also navigate through these links to discover other artists and projects associated with a particular track. The rollout comes as streaming platforms increasingly focus on enhancing user engagement through discovery tools and contextual information. The feature, which is yet to be rolled out, has been built on the existing feature ‘About the Song’, which provides background on individual tracks, by expanding the experience into a broader network of creative relationships. Know the story behind the music Spotify’s Head of Songwriter and Publisher Partnerships, while asserting about this feature, said, “SongDNA is designed to make a song’s creative lineage more transparent so fans can easily explore the people and influences behind the music they love." “By bringing collaborators, samples, and covers together in one place, we’re making it easier for fans to discover new music and see how songs connect and come to life, while giving songwriters, producers, and rightsholders meaningful recognition for the role they play in creating them," she further added. The feature integrated into the music-streaming platform could help bring greater visibility to behind-the-scenes contributors such as songwriters producers, and engineers, whose roles often receive less public recognition. Spotify further asserted that ‘SongsDNA’ is being rolled out in phases on iOS and Android devices and is expected to be available to all premium users in the coming weeks.
26 March,2026 10:27 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentApple has unveiled the AirPods Max 2, the upgraded version of its popular over-ear headphones, promising better Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), improved sound quality, and a suite of intelligent features powered by the new H2 chip. The AirPods Max 2 also bring innovations like Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Live Translation, Voice Isolation, and creative tools for musicians and podcasters, making them the most advanced AirPods Max yet. They will be available to order from March 25, 2026, with in-store availability starting early next month. Eric Treski, Apple’s director of Audio Product Marketing while highlighting the AirPods Max 2 said, “With the incredible performance of H2, AirPods Max are upgraded with up to 1.5x more effective ANC for the ultimate all-day listening experience.” Eric further asserted, “The sound quality is remarkably clean, rich, and acoustically detailed — and when combined with capabilities like Personalised Spatial Audio, AirPods Max 2 deliver a profoundly immersive experience.” Colours: Midnight, Starlight, Orange, Purple, Blue Price in India: Rs 67,900 Enhanced active noise cancellation and transparent sound Thanks to the H2 chip and new audio algorithms, ANC is up to 1.5x more effective than the previous generation, reducing noise from air planes, trains, or busy streets. Transparency mode also benefits from improved processing, letting users hear their surroundings more naturally without removing the headphones. High-fidelity audio for music, movies and games AirPods Max 2 feature a new high dynamic range amplifier for clean, detailed sound while retaining the signature AirPods Max audio profile. Spatial Audio is improved, offering more accurate instrument placement, consistent bass, and natural mids and highs. For professionals, AirPods Max 2 support 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio via the included USB-C cable. This allows musicians and content creators to record, mix, and experience Personalised Spatial Audio with head tracking, making them a versatile tool for Logic Pro and other music apps. Gaming also benefits from lower wireless audio latency, making the experience more immersive across iOS, macOS, and iPadOS. Smart features powered by H2 chip The H2 chip brings several intelligent features: Adaptive Audio: Automatically adjusts ANC and Transparency based on surroundings. Conversation Awareness: Lowers media volume and reduces background noise when speaking to someone nearby. Live Translation: Enables real-time communication across languages in person. Voice Isolation: Prioritises the user’s voice during calls while blocking ambient noise. Camera Remote: Press the Digital Crown to capture photos or start/stop video recording remotely. Studio-Quality Recording: Record high-quality audio for podcasts, interviews, or music. Loud Sound Reduction: Protects ears from high environmental noise while keeping audio clarity. Personalised Volume: Learns users’ preferences to optimise listening. Siri Interactions: Respond to Siri simply by nodding or shaking your head. Sustainability and Environment AirPods Max 2 align with Apple 2030, the company’s plan to achieve carbon neutrality across its entire footprint. Magnets: 100 percent recycled rare earth elements Ear cushions: 100 percent recycled polyester Circuit boards: 100 percent recycled gold plating and tin solder Packaging: 100 percent fiber-based and recyclable
17 March,2026 03:35 PM IST | Mumbai | Tarun VermaThe CEO of Google and its parent company Alphabet could earn up to $692 million over the next three years under a new compensation plan published Friday by the US Securities and Exchange Commission. The deal would make Sundar Pichai, who has been chief executive of Google since 2015 and of Alphabet since 2019, one of the highest paid CEOs in the world. Under the plan, Pichai's three-year salary of $6 million, or $2 million per year, would remain unchanged. The remainder of his compensation would be paid in the form of Alphabet stock, as well as shares in two subsidiaries -- the autonomous vehicle company Waymo and the drone delivery service Wing. The SEC filing suggested Pichai could receive about $130 million from Waymo and $45 million from Wing. The allocation will depend on the performance of the shares and, for Alphabet, on the amount of dividends paid. In the event of his dismissal, Pichai would forfeit all stock options that are not yet exercisable, according to the document. "Current and previous incentives in Mr Pichai's compensation have benefited Alphabet and its stockholders significantly," the company said in the filing. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
07 March,2026 08:04 PM IST | New York, United States | AFPSamsung on Thursday launched its flagship Galaxy S26 series. The Samsung flagship device is now available for pre-order in India, with prices starting at Rs 87,999 for the base model and going up to Rs 1,89,999 for the top-end Galaxy S26 Ultra variant. Samsung Galaxy S26 Lineup The S26 series from Samsung features the Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26+ and Galaxy S26 Ultra. Officials from Samsung said that the new series brings its most advanced “Agentic AI” mobile experience yet, designed to make everyday tasks simpler and more intuitive. With advanced AI integration on Samsung phones, it aims to reduce the effort needed to manage schedules, search for information, capture content and edit photos or videos. Samsung Galaxy S26 price in India The Galaxy S26 Ultra is priced at Rs 1,39,999 for the 12GB+256GB variant. The 12GB+512GB model is available at Rs 1,59,999. However, the 16GB+1TB version costs Rs 1,89,999. The Galaxy S26+ starts at Rs 1,19,999 for the 12GB+256GB variant and Rs 1,39,999 for the 12GB+512GB model. The Galaxy S26 comes at Rs 87,999 for the 12GB+256GB variant and Rs 1,07,999 for the 12GB+512GB version. Launch date of Samsung Galaxy S26 While the phone has been officially launched in India, the pre-orders for the Galaxy S26 have also begun on February 25 across leading online and offline retail stores. Consumers can also pre-order the devices through Samsung Live on the company’s official website. Design The Samsung Galaxy S26 series will be available in Cobalt Violet, White, Black and Sky Blue colour options, along with Samsung’s exclusive shades Pink Gold and Silver Shadow. The Galaxy S26 Ultra also introduces what Samsung claims is the industry’s first built-in Privacy Display on a mobile phone, designed to protect user data by limiting side-angle visibility, reported IANS. Performance Furthermore, the device also features a customised Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform for Galaxy processor, delivering improvements in CPU, GPU and NPU performance for smoother multitasking and stronger on-device AI capabilities. To manage heat during heavy usage, the Galaxy S26 Ultra comes with a redesigned vapour chamber and improved thermal materials, reported IANS. The flagship device from Samsung also supports Super-Fast Charging 3.0, which the company says can charge the battery up to 75 per cent in about 30 minutes. Camera On the camera front, the Galaxy S26 series focuses heavily on AI-powered photography and video. Whereas the Ultra variant offers wider camera apertures for better low-light shots, enhanced Nightography Video and improved Super Steady features for stable recording. (With inputs from IANS)
01 March,2026 08:37 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentElon Musk’s social media platform X Corp experienced a global outage on Monday evening, affecting users parts of the world including India, the United States of America, the United Kingdom, and other countries. Many users reported being unable to log in, while posts and updates failed to load on the platform. According to the outage tracking portal Down Detector, reports surged to over 25,000. Data showed that 53 per cent of X app users could not access their accounts, while 16 per cent of website users faced issues, the IANS reported. Netizens react Several netizens reacted to the outrage after witnessing that the social media platform was down. A user wrote, "Suddenly my X account has stopped working, tried refreshing it multiple time and also tried to logout and login again but it did not help." अचानक मेरा Twitter ( 𝕏) account काम करना बंद कर गयाबार बार रिफ्रेश करती रही पूरा एक घंटा बीता पर सही नहीं हुआId logout करके login करने की कोशिश भी की मगर नतीजा ......See more 👇 #XDown #XDown 😔 pic.twitter.com/oKDk880PRI — 𝕊𝕠𝕟𝕒 𝕎𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕖𝕣 𝕊𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕖𝕣🎙️ (@9__X0) February 16, 2026 Another user wrote, "X is down? only in app it seems." X is down?Only in app it seems#XDown — கவி தா🇮🇳 (@kavitha129) February 16, 2026 A user wrote, "X is still down in Maldives. How it is in india? only recieving notifications." X is still down in Maldives... How it is in india? Only recieving notification.. No TL no DM.. #XDown — वैराग्य (@rajeevktiwary) February 16, 2026 The cause of the outage remains unclear, and X has not issued a comment. This is the latest in a series of service disruptions for the platform. In November 2025, X suffered a global outage affecting India and other countries, along with other sites relying on Cloudflare’s internet infrastructure. Cloudflare confirmed they were aware of the issue and later fixed it. Even Down Detector, which depends on Cloudflare, experienced difficulties during that incident. Earlier in May 2025, X also experienced a worldwide outage, with 41 per cent of users unable to log in, the same number facing app issues, and 18 per cent reporting website problems. This recurring disruption highlights ongoing stability challenges for X’s social media services. (with IANS inputs)
16 February,2026 09:28 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAomiFin believes that recent volatility in the U.S. stock market reflects a broader realignment of investor expectations in response to shifting macroeconomic conditions, monetary policy uncertainty, and evolving risk sentiment. After an extended period of strong performance, U.S. equities have experienced intermittent pullbacks, rapid sector rotations, and sharp intraday swings. Rather than viewing these developments as isolated disruptions, AomiFin interprets them as symptoms of a transitional market environment shaped by deeper fundamental forces. A primary driver of volatility is uncertainty surrounding monetary policy. Over recent quarters, the Federal Reserve adopted a proactive tightening stance to combat inflation. Although inflation has moderated from peak levels, it remains above pre-pandemic norms. Conflicting economic signals—some indicating persistent inflationary pressure and others pointing to slowing growth—have created ambiguity regarding the future path of interest rates. As a result, markets are continuously repricing risk assets in response to each new data release, generating alternating waves of optimism and caution. Simultaneously, growth expectations are being recalibrated. Economic data presents a mixed picture: employment and consumer spending remain relatively resilient, while manufacturing activity, business investment, and housing show signs of softness. This divergence complicates valuation models and investor positioning. Markets are struggling to reconcile strength in service-oriented sectors with weakness in capital-intensive industries, leading to frequent sector rotations and elevated price volatility. Investor sentiment has also shifted meaningfully. During the previous bull market, abundant liquidity and historically low interest rates fueled aggressive risk-taking, particularly in technology and growth equities. As liquidity conditions normalize and discount rates rise, valuations—especially in high-growth sectors—are being reassessed. AomiFin views this repricing as a necessary adjustment rather than a structural breakdown, though such transitions often produce heightened volatility. Global macroeconomic factors further contribute to market swings. Geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, inflation shocks, and financial stress in other major economies have introduced additional risk premia into U.S. assets. Even when domestic fundamentals appear stable, global uncertainties are increasingly being priced into U.S. equities, broadening the scope of market fluctuations. Market structure dynamics also amplify short-term volatility. Algorithmic trading, high-frequency strategies, and programmatic risk models can accelerate price movements during periods of shifting sentiment or reduced liquidity. While these technical factors do not necessarily indicate deteriorating fundamentals, they can intensify intraday swings and magnify market reactions to new information. From a valuation standpoint, AomiFin sees the market undergoing a structural adjustment. Traditional metrics such as price-to-earnings ratios and discounted cash flow models must now incorporate higher discount rates and more moderate growth assumptions. Sectors that previously benefited from ultra-low interest rates are particularly sensitive to this recalibration. Although this process can be abrupt, AomiFin considers it a natural phase in market evolution. Despite near-term turbulence, AomiFin maintains a cautiously constructive long-term outlook on U.S. equities. The United States continues to exhibit strong institutional frameworks, technological leadership, and resilient consumer demand—factors that support sustainable growth over time. However, clearer market direction will likely depend on future monetary policy decisions, corporate earnings trends, and global economic developments. In conclusion, AomiFin views current market volatility not as a precursor to systemic collapse, but as a reflection of an ongoing transition to a new economic regime characterized by higher interest rates, differentiated growth patterns, and shifting investor preferences. While short-term fluctuations may persist, disciplined risk management and a focus on fundamentals remain essential for navigating this evolving landscape.
13 February,2026 04:31 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentOn International Safer Internet Day, India has emerged as the highest-ranked country in Snapchat’s fourth Digital Well-Being Index (DWBI). The index which tracked the online and psychological well-being of teenagers and young adults across six countries. The findings of the Index on International Safer Internet Day surveyed more than 9,000 Gen-Z respondents aged between 13 to 24 years in India, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany and France. Among all the six countries, India scored 69 out of 100 on the index, placing it ahead of the US (67), UK (64), Australia (63), Germany (61) and France (60). The score marks a two-point increase from India’s 2025 reading, making it the highest recorded by any country since the study began. Researchers further concluded that the core reason behind India’s performance is largely because of the strong family and community support systems, often described as a “parental shield”. This helped Gen Z and the young users cope with online risks despite high levels of digital exposure. While expressing his views on India’s standout performance at DWBI, Snapchat’s Head of Public Policy, Uthara Ganesh, emphasised, “India’s performance in the Digital Well-Being Index underscores the vital role parents and carers play in shaping healthier online experiences.” Hailing parental support as the core reason, Ganesh further added, “Even as Indian Gen Z remains highly connected, this parental support builds confidence and resilience, highlighting the importance of strengthening these conversations and support systems further. At Snap, we continue to bolster these safeguards through research, ecosystem collaboration, and tools like Family Center, designed to support parents while respecting teen privacy.” Around 69 per cent of Indian parents check their children’s online activity regularly The DWBI also found out that nearly 69 per cent of Indian parents regularly check in on their children’s online activities, compared to 57 per cent in the US and 46 per cent in Germany. At the same time, 62 per cent of Indian parents said they trust their children to navigate the internet responsibly, a figure that has risen slightly from last year. Indians continue to face online risks However, despite being ranked as the highest in ‘Digital Well-Being Index’ overall, the report further noted that Indian users continue to face significant online risks. Exposure to personal risk was reported by 79 per cent of respondents, while 66 per cent cited misinformation as a major concern, both higher than in 2024. On the contrary, a combined 76 per cent of Indian youth who took part in the Index fell into the ‘Thriving’ or ‘Flourishing’ categories of digital well-being. This further indicated largely positive or very positive online experiences.
11 February,2026 12:04 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTo strengthen its presence in the mid-range smartphone segment, Samsung on Thursday announced it will launch the Galaxy A07 5G in India in the first week of February. Once launched, the Galaxy A07 5G will join Samsung’s popular A Series lineup. Designed specifically for Indian consumers, the smartphone highlights key features such as a dual rear camera setup, a powerful processor, and a large, vibrant display, making it a complete package for the mid-range segment. Camera Samsung has set a new benchmark for smartphone cameras with its recent launches. Following this trend, the Galaxy A07 5G features Samsung’s Iconic Track Camera Deco design, equipped with a high-resolution dual-camera setup, including a 50MP autofocus primary camera and a 2MP depth sensor. The rear camera of A07 features an F1.8 aperture, supported by the depth camera that allows users to capture in-depth portrait shots with a natural bokeh effect. On the front, the Galaxy A07 5G features an 8MP camera, designed to deliver clear selfies and video content with minimal noise. Display For immersive content and a smooth user experience, the Galaxy A07 5G comes with a 6.7-inch HD+ display featuring a 120Hz refresh rate. The high-quality screen ensures fluid scrolling and seamless transitions while watching videos or browsing social media. Samsung has also integrated High Brightness Mode (HBM) up to 800 nits, offering clear visibility even under direct sunlight. Battery Another highlight of the Galaxy A07 is its long-lasting battery. The device is powered by a 6,000mAh battery, 20 per cent larger than its predecessor, and supports 25W fast charging, making it ideal for use on the go. Samsung has also emphasised the phone’s optimised power management, designed to ensure consistent and uninterrupted performance throughout the day. Samsung Galaxy A07 launch date According to Samsung, further details on the Galaxy A07 5G launch date, pricing, and exclusive offers will be announced soon.
30 January,2026 05:52 PM IST | Mumbai | Tarun VermaApple on Monday, January 26, unveiled the new AirTag, a powerful accessory that helps users keep track of and find the items that matter most with Apple’s Find My app. Apple’s latest AirTag now comes with an expanded finding range and a louder speaker to make sure tracking now becomes even more simplified. Since the introduction of the Apple AirTag in 2021, users have shared stories of being reunited with lost luggage, keys, bicycles, bags, and more. The latest AirTag has been designed exclusively for tracking objects while also offering industry-leading protections against unwanted tracking. Enhanced Findability The new AirTag now comes with enhanced range and findability. Integrated with Apple’s second-generation Ultra Wideband chip, Apple has now integrated the same chip in the AirTag as in the iPhone 17 lineup which makes the new AirTag easier to locate than ever before. Thanks to the enhanced technological integration, the user will now be able to track their lost items from up to 50 percent farther away than the previous generation AirTag. Enhanced privacy Amid the data piracy concerns, Apple, with their new AirTag, has gone a level above any other brand. The new AirTag doesn’t physically store location data or history on the device. Also, it has integrated features that ensure end-to-end encryption of all the communication with the Find My network. Compatibility As far as compatibility, the new AirTag requires a compatible iPhone with iOS 26 or later or an iPad with iPadOS 26 or later. Apple, while launching the latest generation AirTag, highlighted that the user must have an Apple account and be signed into their iCloud account to use the device. They also added that certain features of AirTag require ‘Find My’ to be enabled in iCloud settings. Price The best thing about the latest AirTag is that it is available for the same price as its predecessor. Priced at Rs 3,790 for a single AirTag and Rs 12,900 for a four-pack, this is a gadget that could be your way to live a more hassle-free life. Whereas, the Apple-designed AirTag FineWoven Key Ring is available at Rs 3,900. The ring comes in fox orange, midnight purple, navy, moss, and black. The AirTag now also comes with free personalized engraving, which means that you can engrave your initials or anything on the AirTag to make it more personalized.
27 January,2026 10:18 PM IST | Mumbai | Tarun VermaAs debates around screen time and digital well-being intensify in Indian households, Snapchat has announced new updates to its Family Center feature for India. The new feature launched by the social media giant aims at giving parents clearer visibility into how teenagers use the platform. The changes made by the social media platform are designed to provide more contextual information to families, without removing privacy controls for young users. Snapchat’s latest updates introduce three key additions: Insights into time spent on the app More detailed information on new friend connections New safety and educational resources for parents. Under the new upgrade, parents can now view the average daily time their kid has spent on the social media app over the past week. Breakdown of screentime The data provided by the usage data is further broken down by features, such as chatting and snapping with friends, using the camera, exploring Snap Map, or viewing content on 'Spotlight' and 'Stories'. Snapchat in an official statement said, “The intent is to help families discuss online habits using concrete information rather than assumptions.” Updated Family Center configuration The latest update of Snapchat comes with an advanced ‘Family Center’ feature that has been designed to reflect the dynamics of real-world relationships by providing visibility into what teens are doing and allowing parents to adjust key settings, without showing the content of their private conversations. It has also expanded visibility around new contacts. While parents could already see their teen’s friend list and recent additions, they will now also be able to view contextual details about new connections. This feature will also show whether the person shares mutual friends, appears in the teen’s contacts, or belongs to shared communities. Snapchat introduces new safety features Additionally, Snapchat has also introduced new safety and educational resources, including a step-by-step explainer video to help parents understand how to use Family Center tools and settings more effectively. Snapchat’s Head of Public Policy Uthara Ganesh said, “The updates are intended to support more informed conversations between parents and teens, while maintaining a balance between safety and privacy.” He further added that the latest rollout by Snapchat reflects a broader push by digital platforms to address growing concerns around adolescent screen time, online safety, and mental well-being. Moreover, this update can be a great asset to parents in terms of monitoring their children’s activity.
24 January,2026 04:28 PM IST | Mumbai | Tarun VermaADVERTISEMENT
-1772892935379_d.png "Sundar Pichai. Pic/X")
