Google has introduced its Wallet app in India, allowing Android users to store digital information such as tickets, rewards cards, and digital car keys. The app aims to provide a seamless transition from physical to digital storage. Initially, 20 partners, including PVR Inox and Air India, have been onboarded, with more to be added later. Notably, Google Wallet will not be used for payments in India, with Google Pay remaining the primary payment platform. The Wallet app will focus on non-payment use cases, coexisting with Google Pay.

Japanese tech giants, DOCOMO, NTT, NEC, and Fujitsu have debuted a pioneering 6G wireless device, boasting mind-bending speeds of 100 Gbps, 500 times faster than 5G. This revolutionary leap taps into higher-frequency bands, promising unparalleled data transmission capabilities. While infrastructure setup remains a hurdle, the potential for transformative tech like mixed reality is immense. As the world anticipates widespread adoption, Japan's innovation heralds a new era of connectivity.

Sony introduces Reon Pocket 5, a cutting-edge wearable air conditioner designed to provide personalized climate control. Worn on the back of the neck, it offers five cooling and four warming levels, adaptable to various environments. Equipped with sensors for temperature, humidity, and motion, it ensures optimal comfort on-the-go. Controlled via the Reon Pocket App, it boasts a 17-hour battery life and pre-orders are open, starting shipping on May 15th. With a global expansion, it targets the UK market initially, priced at £139. Sony's innovation blends functionality with style, offering both business and casual air vent covers.

Ukraine's foreign ministry has unveiled Victoria, an AI-generated spokesperson. She will deliver official statements, saving time and resources for diplomats. Victoria's appearance and voice are modeled on singer Rosalie Nombre. Her name combines "victory" and the Ukrainian phrase for artificial intelligence. This innovative move aims to modernize the diplomatic service. Victoria will read statements written and verified by humans, ensuring accuracy and authenticity. This technological leap marks a first in the world of diplomacy.

Apple's smartphone shipments declined 10% in the first quarter of 2024, according to IDC data. Intensifying competition from Android makers, particularly Samsung, led to the drop. Samsung regained the top spot with a 20.8% market share, while Apple slipped to second with 17.3%. Xiaomi held the third position with 14.1% market share. Despite a strong performance in the previous quarter, Apple's sales declined, allowing Chinese brands like Huawei to gain ground. Global smartphone shipments still rose 7.8% to 289.4 million units in the quarter.

Apple is swiftly tackling a concerning problem where some iPhone alarms fail to sound, resulting in unexpected oversleeping for users. Social media platforms, including TikTok, became platforms for frustrated individuals to express their experiences. While Apple acknowledges the issue, details on its cause and resolution remain undisclosed. It's unclear how widespread the problem is or if specific iPhone models are affected. Potential interim solutions involve checking alarm settings and volume levels. Some attribute the issue to iPhone features designed to gauge user attention. Apple aims to resolve the issue promptly, but in the meantime, users may resort to traditional alarm clocks.            

Google users worldwide experienced disruptions as the search engine encountered a widespread outage. Downdetector reported over 300 users in the UK and 1,400 in the US encountering problems accessing Google services, particularly in New York, Denver, and Seattle. While some services like Gmail and YouTube remained functional, Google Search faced issues. Social media users shared frustrations, with some encountering error pages while attempting to use the search engine. The outage underscores the reliance on Google's services globally and highlights the impact of technical disruptions on users' daily activities.

India ramps up efforts to bolster semiconductor manufacturing, with the government preparing a substantial new package to complement the nearly exhausted Rs 76,000-crore incentives. The move aims to address the global chip shortage by accelerating investments in semiconductor production. The forthcoming package is anticipated to surpass previous initiatives, signaling a significant commitment to bolstering India's semiconductor industry. The announcement, expected after the formation of a new government, underscores India's determination to position itself as a key player in the global semiconductor market and reduce dependence on imports.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai are among 22 top executives appointed to a US advisory board aimed at guiding the government on safeguarding critical infrastructure from AI threats. Led by Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, the board will focus on developing practical solutions to prevent AI-related disruptions to national security and public safety. Other board members include Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, IBM CEO Arvind Krishna, and Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen, signaling a concerted effort to address AI risks through industry collaboration and expertise.

India Today Group's AI news anchor, Sana, clinches the 2024 Global Media Award for leading the newsroom's transformation with innovative AI technology. Introduced in 2023 as India's first AI anchor, Sana excels in multilingual communication and dynamic topic transitions. The award recognizes India Today Group's excellence in AI-led newsroom transformation and Sana's significant contribution to audience engagement and content differentiation. The prestigious award, presented by the International News Media Association, highlights the innovative use of AI in news media amid global disruption.