Your Weekly Tech Update: From Instagram’s AI to a 13-Billion-Year-Old Signal
The tech world never stands still. This past week has seen a flurry of activity, from major software updates and new device launches to a scientific discovery that literally rewrites our understanding of the universe’s past. Here’s a quick rundown of the most interesting news you might have missed.
Social Media: More Control and More Influence
Social media giant Instagram has started rolling out a new feature that gives users unprecedented control over their profiles. Users can now customize the layout of their profile grids, allowing for a more curated and personal aesthetic. This update also includes new controls for content broadcasting, which could help users and creators better manage how their posts reach their audience.
Meanwhile, a new study from Meta highlights just how powerful social media has become in shaping consumer behavior, especially in India. The research reveals that over 80% of purchasing decisions in the region are directly influenced by videos on social platforms. This trend, driven by budget-conscious consumers seeking advice from influencers, underscores the growing role of short-form video in the e-commerce landscape.
New Innovations in Software and AI
Google has been working to resolve a series of service issues that have been disrupting popular apps like Gmail, Chat, and Calendar. The company has now announced that these problems are resolved, restoring seamless access for millions of users and ensuring smoother integration with third-party services like Spotify and Discord.
On a more forward-looking note, a new AI-powered web browser called “Dia” is now in beta testing. Developed by The Browsing Company, this new browser promises an integrated AI experience that is reportedly ten times faster than existing tools like ChatGPT. This could fundamentally change how we browse the internet, making AI a core part of everything from research to content creation.
Apple users, meanwhile, have a major Siri update to look forward to. While it has been a long time coming, Apple has confirmed that a significant AI-focused overhaul of its voice assistant is planned for early 2026. This update is expected to make Siri much more capable and intuitive, closing the gap with its competitors.
Smartphone News: Launches and Benchmarks
The smartphone market continues to heat up with several new and upcoming devices. Samsung is preparing to unveil its Galaxy Z Fold 7, which is rumored to be the thinnest and lightest foldable phone it has ever produced. The device is also expected to feature major AI enhancements and camera improvements, building on the company’s leadership in the foldable segment.
In the budget-friendly space, OnePlus has appeared on Geekbench with two new models, the N5 and N CE5. The latter is powered by a MediaTek 8350 chipset and will run Android 15, with an anticipated launch in India around July 8.
Meanwhile, homegrown brand Lava India is targeting students and budget shoppers with its new Storm Play and Storm Lite smartphones. Both devices come with Android 15 out of the box and are equipped with a large 5000 mAh battery. Lava is also promising a full Android version update and two years of security updates, which is a great value proposition for the price. Another budget-friendly option, the IQ Z1Z10 Lite, is set to launch in India on June 18.
A Glimpse into the Past: A 13-Billion-Year-Old Signal
Finally, in a monumental scientific breakthrough, astronomers in Chile using a high-altitude telescope have detected a microwave signal that is 13 billion years old. This incredible discovery provides a direct look back to the early days of the universe, offering valuable new data that could shed light on the Big Bang and the formation of the very first galaxies.
From the latest in social media to the origins of the cosmos, this week’s news shows just how quickly technology and our understanding of the world are advancing.
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