Today in Tech: Reliance Jio unveils first satellite-based internet, Google Bard AI updates & more

With October inching closer to it's end, there's a lot of tech news to take into account. India's first satellite-based internet service is coming, and ofcourse, Reliance Jio is at the forefront of it. Not just that, Tata Group have acquired the Wistron plant, which means that Tata Electronics will produce new iPhones in India. We've also got some developments on Google's Bard AI, X's new subscription tiers and lots more, so stick around till the end of this edition of today in tech for all the hottest technology news.

Reliance Jio unveiled JioSpaceFiber, India's inaugural satellite-based giga-fibre service, designed to bring high-speed, cost-effective internet to previously unreachable areas. The revelation occurred during the India Mobile Congress 2023. In collaboration with SES, a Luxembourg-based satellite telecommunications network provider, Jio gains access to cutting-edge medium earth orbit (MEO) satellite technology.

This technology, exclusive to the SES MEO constellation, can deliver gigabit-level, fiber-like internet services from space. Furthermore, the satellite network will augment mobile backhaul capabilities, expanding the reach and scope of Jio True5G in remote regions. JioSpaceFiber has already linked four remote locations in India, including Gir (Gujarat), Korba (Chhattisgarh), Nabarangpur (Odisha), and ONGC-Jorhat (Assam

Google's AI chatbot Bard has been updated to provide real-time responses, allowing users to see answers as they are generated. The feature lets users switch between "Respond in real time" and "Respond when complete" options. A "Skip response" button appears if the response doesn't seem useful. Users can also choose between "casual" and "professional" responses. Additionally, Bard can integrate with Google apps and services, such as Workspace, Maps, YouTube, Flights, and Hotels, providing relevant information. This real-time functionality was introduced recently and isn't listed in Google's Bard Updates changelog. Microsoft's Bing Chat also offers real-time responses.

Apple's Shazam app has introduced a "Concerts" section in its iOS version, with an Android version coming soon. This feature offers users the ability to discover local upcoming concerts. It's accessible in My Music and gives personalized recommendations based on a user's Shazam history. Users can browse, search, and filter concerts by artist, date, and location, as well as explore trending events. Shazam also allows event saving, reminders, ticket viewing, and concert exclusives. These concert discovery features complement Apple's other music-related services like Maps and Apple Music, enhancing the user's ability to explore and engage with live music events.

Xiaomi has unveiled Xiaomi HyperOS, a new operating system for its ecosystem of personal devices, cars, and home products. This OS focuses on four key objectives: Low-level Refactoring, Cross-End Intelligent Connectivity, Proactive Intelligence, and End-to-End Security. Xiaomi HyperOS is pre-installed on devices like the Xiaomi 14 Series, Xiaomi Watch S3, and Xiaomi TV S Pro 85". It aims to unify IoT devices into a single system framework, offering peak device performance and seamless connectivity. The OS leverages Linux and Xiaomi's self-developed Xiaomi Vela system to optimize device performance and resource management. It also excels in real-time networking and proactive AI assistance while emphasizing security and open-source collaboration.

The upcoming iQOO 12 smartphone is rumored to have a 6.82-inch AMOLED display with 2K resolution and 144Hz refresh rate. The phone is also expected to be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, the latest from Qualcomm. In terms of memory, the iQOO 12 is rumored to come with up to 24GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. For cameras, the iQOO 12 is expected to have a triple rear camera setup with a 50MP main sensor, a 50MP ultrawide sensor, and a 64MP telephoto sensor with 3x zoom. The phone is also rumored to have a 32MP front-facing camera for selfies and video calls. It is expected to have a 5000mAh battery with 120W fast charging.

X, led by Elon Musk, has introduced two new subscription plans. The Premium Plus plan, priced at $16 per month, offers significant benefits for users' interactions, including no ads in "For You" or "Following" sections. There's also a new Basic plan at $3 per month that grants access to essential Premium features. While the Basic plan doesn't provide a Blue checkmark, it offers a modest boost to replies. These subscription plans are currently available on the web and will be rolled out to mobile users later. X's CEO, Linda Yaccarino, noted an average user spends more than 32 minutes daily on the platform, with 7.8 billion active minutes collectively each day. The platform is also investing in its creator community, paying over $20 million to creators so far.

Tata Electronics is set to become the first Indian company to produce new Apple iPhones in the country as a result of Wistron selling its India operations to Tata Group for $125 million. This development is a significant boost to the 'Make in India' initiative. Tata will take over the production of iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 12, and iPhone SE (second generation) currently assembled at Wistron's Karnataka factory. The transaction involves selling a 100% stake in Wistron InfoComm Manufacturing (India) Pvt. to Tata Electronics Pvt., following board approval, aligning with a strategic shift in the group's product strategy and global manufacturing layout.

Nokia 105 Classic was introduced in India on October 26, offering an inbuilt UPI app for transactions and wireless FM radio support. The phone is available in single-SIM and dual-SIM options and can be purchased with or without a charger. It comes in Blue and Charcoal color choices, with a price of Rs. 999. Nokia provides a one-year replacement guarantee for the device, emphasizing its durability and user-friendly design. This model complements the earlier Nokia 105 with inbuilt UPI 123PAY support and aims to perform well in tough environmental conditions.