Amid the ongoing cricket season, Oakley and Meta today announced a collaboration with cricket icon Virat Kohli as the face of Oakley Meta Performance AI glasses in India.

The partnership highlights how AI-powered wearables bring Athletic Intelligence to the game, supporting how athletes train, create and share moments.

As part of the collaboration, audiences will get a first-person view into Virat Kohli’s world — from training sessions and match preparation to behind-the-scenes moments with Oakley Meta Performances AI glasses which have hands-free AI to help you capture the perfect cricket shot, access personalized insights as you train and record content seamlessly in the flow of action.

Combined with hands-free capture and instant sharing, the glasses unlock a more intuitive and responsive way to document high-performance moments, both on and off the field. The collaboration showcases our vision of Athletic Intelligence and how technology can seamlessly integrate into an athlete’s routine to help them take their training and performance to the next level.

Sandhya Devanathan, Vice President India and South East Asia, Meta said, “Performance has always been a balance of instinct and awareness, and increasingly that is being shaped by data. With Oakley Meta performance AI glasses, we are exploring what Athletic Intelligence can look like in practice, where timely insights and lightweight assistance come together in a way that supports how athletes train and stay focused. Our collaboration with Virat Kohli reflects how technology can fit naturally into an athlete’s routine, helping them stay present while continuing to learn from every session and every personal record they work towards.”

“Sport is constantly evolving, and so is the way athletes understand and elevate their performance. At Oakley, we’ve always been focused on pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, and with Meta, we’re bringing a new dimension to that vision. Virat Kohli embodies the mindset we build for: focused, driven and always pushing limits. And that’s exactly where this product belongs” says Corey Hill, Head of Global Sports Marketing at Oakley.

Adding his perspective, Virat Kohli said, “I have always relied on instinct, but also on understanding my game better over time. What I find useful about Oakley Meta performance AI glasses is that they add small layers of insight without getting in the way. Whether it is staying focused during training or enhancing on-field awareness, it helps build consistency over time. Over time, that can make a difference when you are working towards your next personal record.”

Oakley Meta performance AI glasses combine performance with intelligence, enabling hands-free photo and video capture, live streaming and voice-enabled AI assistance. With Meta AI, users can access contextual information in real time, making interactions more intuitive and responsive, and enabling more seamless, in-the-moment experiences beyond traditional screens.

The campaign will roll out in phases, beginning with the announcement followed by a series of digital activations across platforms, spotlighting key moments including training footage, AI-led interactions and day-in-the-life content.

The Oakley Meta HSTN and Vanguard collections are priced starting at INR 41,800 and INR 52,300 respectively and are available at leading optical stores.

WhatsApp today announced that people in India can now complete prepaid mobile recharges directly within the app. Powered by PayU, the feature is rolling out in phases across Android and iOS and will be available to all users over the coming weeks.

The feature allows people to seamlessly recharge their own number or that of friends and family members in just a few simple steps. People across India with prepaid connections on Jio, Airtel, and Vi can choose from a range of available plans and complete their mobile recharges directly within WhatsApp, making the process easy, and convenient.

Ravi Garg, Director, Business Messaging, Meta India, said, “In India, WhatsApp is where people connect with friends and family — and increasingly, where they complete everyday essential tasks. By bringing recharges directly into WhatsApp, we are making it easier for people to stay connected without having to juggle between multiple apps. This is part of our continued effort to build a more unified experience on WhatsApp, where people can get more done in one place, in a way that is simple, reliable, and seamless.”

WhatsApp has also introduced a rupee (₹) icon on the home screen to make it simpler for people to discover and access the payments section within WhatsApp.

Apart from giving easy access to the recharges, the ₹ icon provides a clear and familiar entry point for people to use UPI on WhatsApp and provide access to all metro services offering WhatsApp based ticketing by clicking on the feature. People can also click the rupee icon within the 1:1 chat threads while messaging friends, family and others to easily send payments using UPI.

“At PayU, we believe the best payment experience is one that is naturally embedded in the platforms where users already spend their time. WhatsApp is part of daily life for people across the country, and mobile recharges are a routine digital transaction. Bringing recharges to WhatsApp allows users to complete a task they perform regularly within an app they already have open—that’s what embedded payments should feel like. Our partnership with Meta reflects our commitment to making high-frequency transactions simpler, more accessible, and effortless,” said Hemang Dattani, Chief Business Officer, PayU Payments.

Steps to access and use the recharge feature

1. Tap on the ₹ icon
2. Select Mobile Prepaid Recharge
3. Select the number (self/ family or friends)
4. Confirm the operator
5. Select your plan based on your mobile operator
6. Select your payment mode (UPI, Debit Card, Credit Cards)
7. Confirm payment

This launch builds on how WhatsApp is already playing a role in people’s everyday lives in India, from conversations and business interactions to payments and essential services. Today, people are using WhatsApp to book metro tickets across cities, pay bills, and access a range of citizen services through government chatbots, all within a familiar chat interface.

With mobile recharges now integrated into the app, WhatsApp is extending this utility further, bringing another essential, high-frequency task into a single, seamless experience.

As hybrid work, flexible learning, and device-agnostic workspaces redefine how India works and studies, BenQ today announced the launch of its GW90TC Series Monitors in India.

Designed to simplify modern setups while enhancing everyday productivity, the new lineup includes GW2490TC and GW2790TC — Full HD, 144Hz USB-C monitors that combine high refresh performance, advanced ergonomics, and BenQ’s industry-leading eye-care technologies.

 With USB-C fast becoming the universal standard across laptops, tablets, and compact work devices, the GW90TC Series reflects a broader industry shift toward cleaner, more efficient, and future-ready work environments.

 Driving the Shift to Single-Cable Workspaces

The GW90TC monitors enable users to connect, display, and transfer data through a single USB-C cable using DisplayPort Alt Mode, significantly reducing cable clutter and improving desk efficiency. The series supports up to 20W power delivery, allowing compatible devices to stay charged while in use — a critical requirement for professionals, students, and creators working across locations.

 By simplifying connectivity without compromising performance, the GW90TC Series addresses the growing demand for plug-and-play workstations in hybrid and space-constrained environments.

 Everyday Performance, Elevated

Built around Full HD IPS panels, the GW90TC Series delivers consistent color, wide viewing angles, and smooth motion through a 144Hz refresh rate and 5ms response time. Whether navigating spreadsheets, multitasking across windows, or enjoying everyday entertainment, users benefit from fluid visuals and reduced motion blur. AMD FreeSync support further ensures seamless performance during dynamic content consumption.

 Designed for All-Day Visual Well-Being

Extended screen time has become the norm — and eye comfort is no longer optional. The GW90TC Series integrates BenQ’s proprietary Eye-Care technologies, including Flicker-Free, Low Blue Light, and Visual Optimizer, to help reduce eye strain and fatigue during prolonged use. These features deliver visual comfort without sacrificing clarity or color accuracy, supporting healthier viewing habits across work and learning scenarios.

 Ergonomics That Adapt to the User

Recognizing that productivity is deeply linked to physical comfort, the GW90TC Series offers comprehensive ergonomic adjustments — including height, tilt, swivel, and pivot — enabling users to personalize their setup for better posture, comfort, and long-term well-being.

 Leadership Perspective

“USB-C is no longer a premium add-on — it has become the foundation of how modern devices connect and work together,” said Rajeev Singh, Managing Director, BenQ India. “With the GW90TC Series, BenQ is responding to this shift by delivering monitors that simplify connectivity, enhance everyday performance, and prioritize eye comfort. Our goal is to empower professionals, students, and hybrid users across India with smarter, cleaner, and more future-ready workspaces.”

Pricing & Availability

The BenQ GW90TC Series monitors—GW2490TC and GW2790TC — are now available across BenQ’s authorized retail partners and leading e-commerce platforms in India, alongside lower-spec GW range variants including GW2490C and GW2790C, ensuring options across price points, with models priced at INR 9,589 (GW2490C), INR 12,750 (GW2490TC), INR 11,989 (GW2790C), and INR 14,990 (GW2790TC).

Honeywell (NASDAQ: HON) today introduced its Hybrid Heating Solution, a flexible, automated way for industrial manufacturers to potentially lower operating costs and carbon emissions by integrating both traditional natural gas and electric energy sources for industrial process heating.

By automating heating controls, manufacturers can switch energy sources in real time from natural gas to electricity for industrial heating, optimizing energy costs and reducing reliance on a single fuel source.

Honeywell’s Hybrid Heating Solution is designed for seamless integration with manufacturers’ existing infrastructure and can deliver up to 30% electric heating capacity at any given time.

It can also provide predictive diagnostics and remote monitoring, making operations more visible and precise for manufacturers across industries including automotive, building materials, and food and beverage.

“Hybrid solutions offer a practical way for energy-intensive industrial manufacturers to not only alleviate strain off the grid, but also to help advance the energy transition at a global scale,” said John Villali, Senior Research Director at IDC Energy Insights.“As companies work to curb emissions and reliance on fossil fuels, their supply chains can play a critical role to help meet decarbonization goals by leveraging electrical power, including renewable sources.”

“Today’s manufacturing landscape is increasingly challenged by rising energy costs and the need to cut back on fossil fuel usage while increasing productivity” said Tim Lee, President of Honeywell Thermal Solutions. “By merging traditional and electrical energy, including renewables, Honeywell is addressing industry challenges by offering a flexible and realistic path to emissions reduction for companies that require energy-intensive heat in their manufacturing processes.”

In facilities where manufacturers have onsite wind, solar or battery energy storage to produce electricity, operators may be able to leverage those renewables to lower the carbon emissions of their heating operations, to the extent permitted by law.

Honeywell’s Hybrid Heating Solution is commercially available now and is in production across various manufacturing verticals following successful pilots. For more information, visit Honeywell.com.

Sampark Foundation has unveiled a significant expansion of its efforts to transform learning and improve educational outcomes in government schools across Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, and Chhattisgarh, through an investment of ₹25 crore.

The announcement comes as the Foundation completes 20 years of driving innovation and impact in public education.

As part of this expansion, the Foundation will support the creation of 20,000 additional smart schools across the eight states, aligned with the National Education Policy’s vision of digitally empowered classrooms.

Under this initiative, Sampark TV will be installed free of cost in government schools where smart televisions or smart boards already exist or are planned, alongside structured teacher training to enable effective classroom integration.

A parallel focus of this expansion is the deployment of an AI-based, real-time classroom monitoring and governance platform, planned to be rolled out across 80,000 government schools.

The platform will enable district, block, and school-level education officials to track teaching data, monitor classroom engagement, and predict learning outcomes, strengthening evidence-based decision-making and accountability within the public education system. This first-of-its-kind platform will be implemented at no cost across all covered schools.

Letters of intent have been formally shared with all eight state governments, marking the next phase of collaboration to scale technology-enabled, student-centric learning across public education systems.

Speaking on the announcement, Mr. Vineet Nayar, Founder and Chairman, Sampark Foundation, said, “Twenty years ago, Sampark Foundation began with a simple idea: every child deserves a learning experience that excites the mind and sparks curiosity, regardless of geography or circumstance. As we renew our efforts to deepen partnerships with state governments, we aim to create classrooms where curiosity thrives and learning outcomes improve meaningfully and sustainably.”

Dr. K. Rajeswara Rao, President, Sampark Foundation and former Special Secretary, NITI Aayog, added, “The future of public education lies in the intelligent use of data, technology, and governance. The AI-based monitoring platform will enable education leaders at every level to respond faster, plan better, and ensure accountability where it matters most – in the classroom. This initiative represents a significant step towards institutionalising data-driven decision-making in government school systems.”

In addition, the Foundation will host large state-level AI Education Conclaves in March 2026 across each of the eight states, focused on the theme “AI Revolution in Education,” bringing together policymakers, practitioners, and global experts to advance dialogue on the future of technology-enabled learning.

Committed to strengthening education delivery across India and fostering a love of learning in every child, Sampark Foundation works closely with state governments to ensure inclusive access to quality education.

Through its flagship Sampark Smart Shala programme, the Foundation has reached over 1.8 crore children across more than 1.4 lakh government schools, trained over 8.5 lakh teachers, and established 40,000 smart classrooms that enhance teaching and learning experiences nationwide.

Over the past  two decades, what began as a vision has evolved into one of the world’s largest education movements, documented as a Harvard Case Study and recognised globally among leading large-scale education innovations.

Bengaluru-based  MiniPix, a mobile-first entertainment platform focused on short-form regional micro-dramas for Bharat audiences, has raised ₹2.4 crore in its maiden pre-seed funding round led by startup accelerator PedalStart.

The round also witnessed participation from Venture Catalysts and renowned investors, including Sandip Gupta and Rajdip Gupta (Founders, Route Mobile), through SanRaj Family Ventures Pvt. Ltd.

The capital raised through this round will be deployed to strengthen MiniPix’s product-market fit, scale high-quality regional content creation, and build a strong execution-focused team. The company aims to sharpen its platform capabilities while remaining deeply aligned with mobile-first consumption patterns and culturally rooted storytelling.

Founded in June 2025, MiniPix is building a premium entertainment platform centred on short, vertical micro-dramas designed specifically for audiences in Tier-2 and Tier-3 India.

Investors backing the company were drawn to the founders’ experience and a shared belief that micro-dramas represent the next evolution of digital entertainment, particularly for regional audiences whose viewing behaviour differs significantly from traditional OTT consumers.

This belief is increasingly reflected in broader industry trends. According to recent market study by Redseer Strategy Consultants, India’s interactive and short-form digital entertainment market is expected to witness rapid growth over the next few years, with micro-drama formats projected to grow at an estimated 50–70 per cent CAGR, driven by rising smartphone penetration, low data costs, and increasing preference for regional language content.

Despite operating in a highly competitive streaming ecosystem, MiniPix has demonstrated strong early traction. Within 6 months of product launch, the platform has crossed 100,000 app downloads, built a base of over 20,000+ paying subscribers, and recorded more than 3 million episode views, translating into upwards of 35,000 hours of content streamed.

This momentum has helped MiniPix reach an annual recurring revenue of ₹3 crore+, offering early validation of its content-led business model.

Brijesh Kashyap (Co-founder & CEO), Om Prakash Singh (Co-founder) and Sushil N. (Chief Technology Officer) of MiniPix, said, “Raising this round marks an important milestone in MiniPix’s journey. We’ve seen strong engagement from Bharat audiences when content speaks their language and reflects their lived context. This capital allows us to move beyond validation and start building scale in a measured way by investing in content quality, strengthening our platform, and assembling a team that can execute consistently. Our focus is on building a long-term premium entertainment brand that feels native to mobile consumption in India”.

Beyond capital, PedalStart, the lead investor, played an active role in supporting MiniPix throughout the fundraise. The accelerator worked closely with the founders on pitch refinement, narrative clarity, and investor discussions, while continuing to mentor the team on a regular basis.

Commenting on the investment, Manas Pal and Aditya Darolia, Co-Founders, PedalStart, said, “MiniPix stands out for its clarity of vision and early revenue traction in an emerging and moving category of digital entertainment. The founders understand regional audiences deeply and are building with intent rather than imitation. Their focus on micro-dramas, combined with disciplined execution, positions them well to create a differentiated entertainment platform. We are pleased to back MiniPix at this early stage and support the team as they scale”.

In the near future, MiniPix plans to introduce greater automation and data-led processes across its content and platform operations. The company is also selectively exploring the use of AI-led tools to identify areas where efficiency can be improved and content production optimized at scale, without compromising creative quality.

These efforts are aimed at building a sustainable and cost-effective content pipeline as the platform expands across languages and regions.

MiniPix’s core audience today comprises young, mobile-first users aged 22–45, primarily from Tier-2 and Tier-3 towns. The platform is currently focused on Bhojpuri micro-dramas, reflecting strong demand for culturally rooted narratives, and plans to expand into five additional regional languages over the next two years.

Looking ahead, MiniPix has outlined a structured growth roadmap, targeting ₹6 crore in ARR by March 2026, with plans to scale to ₹35 crore in Year 1, ₹134 crore in Year 2, and ₹308 crore in Year 3, driven by deeper regional penetration, content expansion, and improved monetisation.

Nineteen-year-old Tushar Shaw from Bengaluru, pursuing second-year engineering student from Scaler School of Technology, has crafted not just a gadget but a gesture of social imagination.

His creation, Perceivia — intuitive glasses for the visually impaired — earned him a place among the national winners of Samsung Solve for Tomorrow 2025.

Samsung Solve for Tomorrow is the company’s flagship education programme that challenges young minds to identify real-world problems and develop solutions using technology.

This year the four winning teams from the themes AI for a Safer, Smarter, and Inclusive Bharat; Future of Health, Hygiene, and Well-being in India; Environmental Sustainability via Technology; and Social Change through Sport and Tech, received a grant of ₹1 crore incubation support at IIT Delhi.

Perceivia is designed to help visually impaired users perceive their surroundings through sound. Using an integrated suite of audio sensors, object-recognition cameras, and AI-based spatial analysis, the glasses detect and describe what lies ahead — from identifying objects and estimating distances to recognising human voices and faces.

The device alerts users through subtle vibrations or real-time voice feedback, creating a kind of “sensory map” of their environment.

“I grew up next door to a visually impaired neighbour,” Tushar recalls. “I saw firsthand how daily tasks like crossing a road, identifying people, or locating objects could become monumental challenges. I knew I had to create something that gave them a sense of independence.”

At the time, he admits, his ambition far outpaced his technical competence. “I had no background in computer vision or hardware design,” he says. “But Samsung Solve for Tomorrow gave me not just the resources, but also the confidence and mentorship to bridge that gap.”

“I used Gemini 2.0 Flash for screen description and built facial and object recognition features using datasets contributed by visually impaired volunteers,” he explains. “Their feedback helped me identify gaps in the prototype — what worked in theory often needed to be rethought in practice.”

The Samsung Solve for Tomorrow programme, which invited thousands of young innovators across India to develop solutions for the nation’s most pressing challenges, gave Tushar both the stage and the support system to bring his idea to life.

“We were taught how to understand markets, conduct research, and engage with potential partners. It was a crash course in how to turn an idea into an enterprise,” says Tushar.

Tushar’s project was selected by a distinguished jury comprising senior Samsung leadership and experts from academia, government, and industry.

His innovation emerged as a winner under the theme ‘AI for a Safer, Smarter, and Inclusive Bharat’, one of four focus areas in this year’s competition — alongside Future of Health and Hygiene, Environmental Sustainability through Technology, and Social Change through Sport and Tech.

For Tushar, the triumph marks both an end and a beginning. “Winning Samsung Solve for Tomorrow has opened doors I hadn’t even dared to knock on,” he smiles. “I want to collaborate with brands specialising in accessibility tech, refine the product’s design, and make it affordable for people across India.

I’m also continuing my studies — there’s still so much to learn before I can build something truly transformative.”

In the coming year, he plans to test Perceivia with a wider group of users, gather feedback from mobility trainers, and integrate features for indoor navigation.

His ultimate goal? To make the device as ubiquitous and indispensable as spectacles — not a luxury for the few, but a right for all.

ZOWIE, the dedicated esports performance brand by BenQ, is all set to elevate the competitive gaming scene at AMD GameOn 2025, one of the country’s premier showcases celebrating the vibrant worlds of gaming, innovation, and competitive esports.

The event, scheduled from 1^st to 2^nd November, at the Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre, will serve as a dynamic platform for partners to present their latest innovations, advanced hardware, and breakthrough technologies alongside AMD — inspiring gamers, creators, and the rapidly evolving gaming and VFX industry in India.

 At the ZOWIE Experience Booth, visitors will get an exclusive opportunity to test the latest ZOWIE XL2566X+ 400Hz esports monitors, the DW wireless mice series, and the complete range of ZOWIE mousepads—equipment trusted by top professional esports athletes around the world for its precision and reliability.

Visitors can participate in exciting 1v1 esports challenges, experience the unmatched motion clarity and responsiveness of ZOWIE’s professional-grade gear, and win exclusive ZOWIE merchandise during the event.

 “BenQ is proud to participate in AMD GameOn 2025, a premier event that exemplifies the vibrant growth and evolution of the esports ecosystem in India and beyond,” said Rajeev Singh, Managing Director of BenQ India and South Asia.

 “We believe esports is not just a competition but a powerful platform for community building, talent development, and innovation. Through ZOWIE, we are committed to delivering technology that empowers gamers at every level to achieve their best performance. Our presence at this event reinforces our dedication to nurturing esports as a mainstream sport with exciting opportunities globally.”

 Products at display

ZOWIE XL2566X+ Monitor

• 24.1-inch Fast TN panel with Full HD (1920×1080) resolution
• Ultra-fast 400Hz refresh rate with DyAc 2 technology for motion blur reduction
• Enhanced color vibrancy and clarity for better enemy visibility
• Ergonomic adjustments including height, tilt, swivel, and VESA mount
• Multiple ports including 3x HDMI 2.0 and 1x DisplayPort 1.4

 ZOWIE DW Wireless Gaming Mice

• Sport science-designed shapes for comfort, grip, and endurance
• Stable wireless connection with minimal latency
• Various models tailored for different hand sizes and playstyles
• Trusted by pro esports players for precision and reliability

 ZOWIE Gaming Mousepads

• Engineered for consistent stopping power and precise cursor control
• Balanced surface softness for optimal friction and responsiveness
• Designed to support pinpoint aiming accuracy in competitive gaming

Join ZOWIE at AMD GameOn 2025 and discover first-hand why the brand remains the choice of champions in competitive FPS gaming.

Nestlé Purina Petcare, one of the leading voices in pet nutrition, wrapped up the first ever thrilling Unleashed by Purina Pet Tech MeetUp in India, co-hosted by DSG Consumer Partners – in the Silicon Valley of India, Bengaluru.

 The Pet Tech MeetUp event was a bustling gathering, uniting 66 innovative startups with 35 enthusiastic investors. Among the key players in attendance were notable names like Supertails, Absolut Pets, and Smylo.

There were enriching panel discussions featuring global leaders in the pet care space, pet startups and investors. The event also had a section for pitch presentation where shortlisted startups presented their ideas to a panel, with eventually Absolut Pets emerging as the Winner and Smylo as the Runner-up.

In addition to the in-person pet tech meetups, Unleashed runs an annual accelerator for pet-tech startups. It aims to discover, support, and promote innovative startups that leverage technology to enrich the lives of pets and people who love them.

Mr. Manish Tiwary, Chairman and Managing Director, Nestlé India, said, “We remain committed to supporting initiatives that improve the quality of life for everyone – including our pets and pet parents. Unleashed by Purina is a step in this direction where disruptive technology meets the entrepreneurial spirit to unleash the power of nutrition for our furry friends. We are excited to continue this journey and create a lasting positive impact.”

Ms. Kim Bill, Head of Purina Accelerator Labs, said, “India’s pet food and pet care market is entering a transformative phase, and we see immense potential to help shape its future through innovation and purpose-led partnerships. At Purina Accelerator Labs, we’re committed to bringing global expertise and local insights together to deliver meaningful experiences for pets and their families.”

Mr. Hariharan Premkumar, Managing Director & Head of India – DSG Consumer Partners, said, “Petcare is one of the fastest-growing consumer categories in India, with a forecast CAGR of around 25% over the next 5 years. We are witnessing a new generation of pet parents who are informed, discerning, and seeking high-quality nutrition and care for their pets. It’s truly encouraging to see global leaders like Nestlé investing deeply in India’s petcare ecosystem and supporting innovation through platforms like Unleashed.

We at DSG Consumer Partners were delighted to co-host Unleashed with Nestlé Purina in Bengaluru. It reflects the growing collaboration between global incumbents and the Indian startup ecosystem – a partnership that can accelerate the development of a category still in its early innings.

The future of India’s pet care industry is incredibly promising, and together, we hope to help shape it into a world-class market that serves both pets and their parents better than ever before.”