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Apple Plans Security Camera and AI App Updates for HomeView Smart Home Device

Apple launched the HomeView as its first smart home device with a dedicated Liquid Retina display. The HomeView is set to go on sale in India and other global markets later this month in four colour options. Positioned as a smart home device for multiple family members, it supports facial recognition. The company has already started lining up new features. According to a report, Apple is planning an update that will allow the HomeView to act as a home security camera. It may also receive new dedicated AI apps, in addition to the existing Siri AI app.

Security Camera Functionality

In a post on X, user pdfu (@itspdfu) shared that the HomeView will soon function as a home security camera within the HomeKit environment. The user spotted the capability in the HomeView Software 27.2 update. The update reportedly offers a better view of the functionality and privacy protections. The device is said to work with HomeKit Secure Video and will support activity detection, streaming, and recording.

Privacy and Access Controls

Security camera footage and recordings from the HomeView will only be available to the six registered family members. The smart home device is also said to display a green light and play a sound when a user views the camera stream or when recording starts. This approach mirrors the camera and microphone indicators already present on iPhone and iPad models. In addition, the HomeView will send an alert to other users when HomeKit Secure Video settings are changed. Users will be able to manage recording, detection, and streaming settings, including the option to turn off recordings.

Motion Detection Options

The Software 27.2 update could also let users choose when the HomeView detects motion for streaming and recording. Three options are expected: When Home, When Away, and When Asleep. Therefore, households can customise camera behaviour based on their routines.

Dedicated AI Apps

In another post, the same user revealed that Apple plans to launch dedicated AI apps for the HomeView, including Anthropic’s Claude and OpenAI’s ChatGPT. This would mark a significant update, as the HomeView does not have its own App Store. Like the original iPhone, users cannot download new apps independently. Initially, the device ships only with Apple’s Siri AI chatbot. As a result, these planned AI integrations would expand its capabilities without requiring a full app store.

Outlook

Apple has not officially confirmed the timeline for these features. However, the code references in the upcoming software update suggest the company is actively preparing enhanced security and AI functions for the HomeView. Further details are likely to emerge closer to the device’s wider availability.

Nothing Plans to Launch More Than Twice as Many Phones in 2027

Nothing has revealed its product roadmap for 2027. The company plans to launch more than twice the number of smartphones next year compared with 2026. It will also host the Nothing Co-Creation Program in Delhi soon to offer a sneak peek of the upcoming devices.

Nothing India Co-Founder and President Akis Evangelidis made the announcement on Friday in a post on X. He said the firm aims to release more than double the handsets in 2027. For reference, Nothing launched three phones this year: the Nothing Phone (4a), Phone (4a) Pro, and Phone (4b). As a result, the company is expected to unveil over six smartphones next year. However, the exact names and launch timeline remain under wraps.

The executive shared these plans as part of the Nothing Co-Creation Program announcement. The event will take place soon at Nothing India’s headquarters in Delhi. During the program, the company will offer an exclusive preview of the devices it plans to launch in 2027. Moreover, Nothing community members will be able to provide feedback on the soon-to-be-launched products. Limited spots are available, and members can apply through the Nothing Community website.

This announcement comes months after Nothing Chief Executive Officer and Founder Carl Pei said the company would not launch a flagship smartphone in 2026. Rising prices of components, including RAM and storage chips, drove the decision. Furthermore, Nothing’s India-headquartered sub-brand CMF also did not launch a single smartphone this year. Both brands skipped flagship and mid-range phone launches due to the ongoing RAM crisis, which has pushed up manufacturing costs globally.

Earlier this year, Nothing launched the Phone (4a) series in India, comprising the Nothing Phone (4a) and Phone (4a) Pro. Later, the company introduced the Nothing Phone (4b) as its most affordable offering. The handset was unveiled in India on July 7 and is currently listed on Flipkart at a starting price of Rs. 29,999 for the base 6GB + 128GB configuration. In addition, both Nothing and CMF launched new audio devices in the country in 2026.

The Co-Creation Program will give the community an early look at the expanded 2027 lineup. Community feedback is expected to shape the final products before their official release.

Ubisoft Adds New Game Plus to Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and Black Flag Resynced

Ubisoft has shared major updates on the Assassin’s Creed franchise. The company confirmed new content for existing games and provided development updates for future titles. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced are both getting a New Game Plus mode.

Valhalla Update

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, which launched in 2020, recently surpassed 40 million players. To celebrate, Ubisoft is releasing an update for the game six years after it launched. The update will bring the long-requested New Game Plus mode to the action-adventure title, the company announced in a blog post on its website.

New Game Plus allows players to replay a game with their progression, gear, and abilities carrying over from the previous playthrough. The update will also add new features and content to Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. These include an optional progression mode, new runes, achievements, a stash system, and new rewards. The rewards include a Master Assassin outfit inspired by Naoe’s look in Assassin’s Creed Shadows. The update also adds a new resource to upgrade Divine Gear and strengthen runes, plus Divine Gear quality for all items in the game.

Ubisoft will share full details of the update in the coming days. The New Game Plus update will roll out to Valhalla on November 5.

Black Flag Resynced Final Update

New Game Plus is also now available in Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced as part of the final major content update being rolled out to the game. The final update also adds a Nightmare difficulty mode, new rewards, finishers, trinkets, and additional customization options.

Updates on Future Titles

As part of the Assassin’s Creed fall update, Ubisoft also shed more light on the status of future projects. The company said it was making “steady progress” on Assassin’s Creed Codename Hexe, but more work remains on the game. Ubisoft promised an update on the game in 2027.

“We know the wait has been long, and we’re grateful for your patience and continued enthusiasm for the project,” the company said. Ubisoft also left a cryptic code in its post that could hide clues about Assassin’s Creed Hexe.

In July this year, a noted industry insider claimed that Assassin’s Creed Hexe would not launch until the second half of 2027 at the earliest. Ubisoft has not yet confirmed its plans for the release of the game.

In addition to Hexe, the French video game maker is also working on Codename Invictus, the multiplayer Assassin’s Creed project. Ubisoft confirmed that hundreds of players tested an early prototype of the game in a hands-on insider session a few months ago. The development team took feedback from the testers as well.

Invictus will feature PvP multiplayer, parkour, and map verticality. It will also allow users to play as different Assassin’s Creed characters that each come with distinct skills and playstyles.

“We’re proud of the work so far and very excited for the year ahead. Invictus is still in development, so information you come across online may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. We’ll keep testing new iterations and update you as soon as we have more to share,” Ubisoft said.

No Other Remakes in Active Development

Finally, Ubisoft also confirmed that no other remakes of older Assassin’s Creed games are in active development, contrary to rumours. The company said its teams were focused on the next chapter of Assassin’s Creed games, including unannounced projects with new settings and stories. However, Ubisoft added that it would continue to explore opportunities to remake older titles. A leak earlier this year had claimed that a remake of the first Assassin’s Creed was in the works at the company.

More reveals and announcements are planned for 2027 when the Assassin’s Creed franchise celebrates its 20th anniversary.

Infinix GT 50 Pro Now Available in India

Infinix has made the GT 50 Pro available for purchase in India. The brand launched the gaming-focused smartphone earlier this week. It features a 6.78-inch AMOLED screen with a 144Hz refresh rate. The MediaTek Dimensity 8400 Ultimate chipset powers the handset, paired with 12GB of RAM. Pressure-sensitive shoulder triggers and a HydroFlow Liquid Cooling system enhance gaming performance. The phone also packs a 6,500mAh battery with support for 45W wired fast charging.

The Infinix GT 50 Pro costs Rs. 69,999 in India for the sole variant with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. Customers can get up to a 10 percent instant discount on SBI Debit and Credit Card and Credit Card EMI transactions. This brings the effective price down to Rs. 64,999. As part of the launch offer, Infinix includes the GT 50 Pro Gaming Ecosystem worth Rs. 24,999 free with the phone. The box contains the GT NX Station, GT NX Controller, GT Cooling Fan cum Charger, and a GT 50 Pro MagSafe Cover Free Controller-5. The company also bundles a JioGames Pro Pass for 28 days for just Re. 1, compared with its regular price of Rs. 499. The handset comes in Black Abyss and Red Blaze colour options. Buyers can purchase it through Flipkart and the Infinix online store.

The dual-SIM Infinix GT 50 Pro runs Android 16-based XOS 16. Its 6.78-inch LTPS AMOLED display offers a 1.5K resolution of 1,208×2,644 pixels, a 144Hz refresh rate, and peak brightness of up to 4,500 nits. Corning Gorilla Glass 7i protects the screen, which also carries TÜV Low Blue Light certification. Under the hood, the Dimensity 8400 Ultimate chipset works with a Mali-G720 MC7 GPU, 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM, and up to 512GB of UFS 4.1 storage. The dual rear camera setup includes a 50-megapixel primary sensor with optical image stabilisation and an f/1.59 aperture, plus an 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera with an f/2.2 aperture. A 13-megapixel front camera handles selfies and video calls.

Connectivity options cover Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, and a USB Type-C port. The 6,500mAh battery supports 45W wired fast charging and 30W wireless charging. It also enables 10W reverse wired charging and 5W reverse wireless charging. The phone measures 162.44 x 77.23 x 8.15mm and weighs 198g. Therefore, the Infinix GT 50 Pro targets gamers with strong hardware, cooling features, and launch offers that lower the effective price.

Huawei Pura 90 Plus Launches in China with Kirin 9025 Chipset

Huawei has launched the Pura 90 Plus in China. The new smartphone arrives with the company’s Kirin 9025 chipset and a high-end camera system. It also features a large LTPO OLED display and a substantial battery with fast charging support.

Pricing and Availability

The Huawei Pura 90 Plus starts at CNY 5,499 (roughly Rs. 73,500) for the variant with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. The 12GB RAM and 512GB storage model costs CNY 5,999 (roughly Rs. 80,500). The top configuration with 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage is priced at CNY 6,999 (roughly Rs. 94,000).

Huawei offers the phone in Dawn Gold, Obsidian Black, Snow White, and Sunset Purple colours. Sales in China begin on October 31.

Display and Design

The phone runs HarmonyOS 7 and sports a 6.8-inch LTPO OLED display with a full-HD+ resolution of 2,848 x 1,276 pixels. The panel supports an adaptive refresh rate that ranges from 1Hz to 120Hz. It also includes 1,440Hz PWM dimming and a 300Hz touch sampling rate. Second-generation Kunlun Glass protects the screen.

Performance and Camera

The Huawei Pura 90 Plus is powered by the in-house Kirin 9025 chipset. It pairs with up to 16GB of RAM and up to 1TB of onboard storage.

On the rear, the phone carries a quad-camera setup. The main sensor is a 50-megapixel unit with a 1-inch-type size, optical image stabilisation, and a variable aperture from f/1.6 to f/4.0. Additional rear cameras include a 48-megapixel telephoto lens with OIS and up to 4x optical zoom, a 40-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera, and a 1.5-megapixel Red Maple multispectral sensor. A 13-megapixel front camera handles selfies and video calls.

Battery, Connectivity, and Protection

The device packs a 5,700mAh battery. It supports 100W wired fast charging and 80W wireless charging.

Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, NFC, USB Type-C, and satellite messaging support in China. The phone carries IP68 and IP69 ratings for dust and water resistance. Onboard sensors include an ambient light sensor, infrared sensor, side fingerprint sensor, gyroscope, compass, barometer, and proximity sensor, among others.

Overall, the Huawei Pura 90 Plus combines a large high-refresh-rate display, a versatile camera system with a large primary sensor, and strong charging speeds. It will go on sale in China starting October 31.

iQOO Pad Pro 8.8 Launches in China with Compact Design and Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5

iQOO launched the Pad Pro 8.8 in China on Wednesday. The compact tablet aims to deliver flagship performance in a smaller form factor. It sports an 8.8-inch AMOLED screen with a 165Hz refresh rate. The device is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, paired with up to 16GB of RAM. Moreover, it packs a 9,020mAh battery with 66W charging support.

Price and Availability
The iQOO Pad Pro 8.8 starts at CNY 4,399 (roughly Rs. 63,000) for the base variant with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. The 16GB RAM and 256GB storage model costs CNY 4,799 (roughly Rs. 68,500). Meanwhile, the 12GB RAM and 512GB storage variant is priced at CNY 5,099 (roughly Rs. 72,800). The top-end model with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage costs CNY 5,499 (roughly Rs. 78,500). The tablet is offered in three colour options.

Features and Specifications
The tablet features an 8.8-inch AMOLED screen with a 16:10 aspect ratio and a resolution of 2,304 x 1,440 pixels. The display supports a refresh rate of up to 165Hz, HDR, and 1.07 billion colours. It measures 197.36 x 126.25 x 5.74mm and weighs 298g.

Furthermore, the iQOO Pad Pro 8.8 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, which is built on a 3nm process. It is paired with up to 16GB of LPDDR5x Ultra RAM and up to 512GB of UFS 4.1 onboard storage.

On the camera front, the tablet comes with a 13-megapixel rear camera that supports video recording at up to 4K resolution. An 8-megapixel front camera handles selfies and video calls. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, USB 3.2 Gen 2, OTG support, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. It runs OriginOS 7 HD.

The 9,020mAh battery supports 66W charging.

Infinix GT 50 Pro Launched in India with Dimensity 8400 Ultimate and Gaming Accessories

Infinix has launched the GT 50 Pro in India as a gaming-focused smartphone. The handset runs on a MediaTek Dimensity 8400 Ultimate chipset. It features an AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate and packs a 6,500mAh battery. Additionally, the phone includes pressure-sensitive shoulder triggers and the company’s HydroFlow Liquid Cooling system. It is also compatible with dedicated gaming accessories, including a controller, a gaming dock, and a magnetic cooling accessory.

The Infinix GT 50 Pro is priced at Rs. 69,999 for the 12GB RAM and 256GB storage variant. It comes in Black Abyss and Red Blaze colours. Buyers can purchase it through Flipkart and the company’s official online store.

As part of the launch offer, Infinix is providing the GT 50 Pro Gaming Ecosystem free of cost. The bundle is valued at Rs. 24,999. It includes the GT NX Station, GT NX Controller, GT Cooling Fan cum Charger, and a GT 50 Pro MagSafe Cover Free Controller-5. Moreover, buyers can claim an instant bank discount of Rs. 5,000 on eligible major bank cards. No-cost EMI options start at Rs. 3,611 per month for up to 18 months on selected cards. Customers can also earn up to 6,999 Infinix Reward Points. The offer further includes a JioGames Pro Pass for Rs. 1, which gives access to more than 1,000 games.

The dual-SIM Infinix GT 50 Pro runs Android 16-based XOS 16. It sports a 6.78-inch LTPS AMOLED display with a 1.5K resolution of 1,208×2,644 pixels and a refresh rate of up to 144Hz. The screen reaches a peak brightness of 4,500 nits and offers an instant touch sampling rate of 2,800Hz. Corning Gorilla Glass 7i protects the panel, which also carries TÜV Low Blue Light certification.

The phone is powered by the 4nm MediaTek Dimensity 8400 Ultimate chipset paired with a Mali-G720 MC7 GPU. It offers 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM and up to 512GB of UFS 4.1 storage. The device also features the company’s HydroFlow Liquid Cooling Architecture. Furthermore, it includes Open-Cut Pressure-Sense GT Triggers. These shoulder buttons support 10 pressure levels and can be mapped to in-game actions or system functions such as app access and media control.

For cameras, the Infinix GT 50 Pro carries a dual rear setup. It includes a 50-megapixel primary sensor with optical image stabilisation and an f/1.59 aperture, along with an 8-megapixel ultra-wide camera with an f/2.2 aperture. A 13-megapixel front camera handles selfies and video calls. Other features include an in-display fingerprint sensor, an X-axis linear motor, and an infrared blaster. The handset carries an IP64 rating for dust and water resistance. Connectivity options cover Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, and a USB Type-C port.

The 6,500mAh battery supports 45W wired fast charging and 30W wireless charging. It also enables 10W reverse wired charging and 5W reverse wireless charging. The phone works with the GT MagCharge Cooler 2.0, which supports wireless bypass charging. It measures 162.44×77.23×8.15mm and weighs 198 grams.

Infinix has also launched the bundled gaming accessories in India. The GT NX Controller provides physical controls for mobile gaming in a handheld-style setup. The GT NX Station allows users to connect the phone to an external display for a larger-screen experience. The magnetic cooler is designed to manage temperatures during intensive gameplay.

Redmi K100 Spotted on Geekbench Ahead of Tomorrow’s China Launch

Redmi will unveil the K100 in China on Tuesday. The launch sits only one day away. Leading up to the event, the Xiaomi sub-brand has shared several details about the new series. The lineup will include the Redmi K100 Pro and Redmi K100 Pro Max. However, the exact chipset for the standard model stayed unconfirmed until now.

A listing on Geekbench has appeared. The entry carries the model number M786BC. Tipster Abhishek Yadav identifies it as the upcoming Redmi K100. The phone runs on Qualcomm’s octa-core SM8750 chipset, known as the Snapdragon 8 Elite. Therefore, the device sits in the high-performance segment.

Benchmark Details and Expected Specs

The chipset uses six efficiency cores at 3.53 GHz and two performance cores that reach up to 4.32 GHz. The listing shows 14.76 GB of RAM, which Redmi may market as 16 GB. The handset appears to ship with Android 17 and Xiaomi’s HyperOS 4. It also includes an Adreno 830 GPU. In Geekbench tests, the device scored 2,705 in single-core and 9,885 in multi-core. These numbers give an early look at its speed. Still, the company has not confirmed the details.

Pre-Order Status and Design

Redmi has opened pre-orders for the K100 in China through its online store. Earlier teasers pointed to a Fluorescent Green option. The company has now confirmed a second shade called Snow Rock White. In addition, the phone will feature a flat 6.83-inch display with up to a 165 Hz refresh rate. It is claimed to support native 165 fps gaming on more than 40 titles. A dual rear camera system led by a 50-megapixel sensor is also expected.

The Redmi K100 launch is set for October 27 at 7 pm local time in China, which equals 4:30 pm IST. Shoppers can already place pre-orders while final specifications remain pending official confirmation. Therefore, more details should surface during tomorrow’s event.

iQOO Confirms Neo12 Launch in China on October 28

Smartphone manufacturer iQOO has confirmed that the iQOO Neo12 will launch in China on October 28. Pre-orders are now underway. The company positions the device as a performance-oriented flagship in the upper mid-range segment. It combines a powerful processor, a high-refresh-rate display, a large battery and dedicated cooling technology.

Ahead of the launch, iQOO has released several teasers that highlight the phone’s gaming capabilities and thermal management system. The brand has also revealed the colour options and key design elements before the official unveiling.

Design and Colour Options

The iQOO Neo12 will come in three colour variants: Fierce Edge, Shadow Black and Frost Blade Blue. The Fierce Edge edition features a distinctive textured pattern on the back panel. All three variants include a polished metal frame designed to deliver a solid build and comfortable grip. One standout feature is the square-shaped rear camera module. It includes a visible active cooling fan positioned in the bottom-right corner. This built-in cooling mechanism is intended to control temperatures and maintain consistent performance during demanding activities, particularly extended gaming sessions.

Processor and Gaming Features

The smartphone will be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset. It is paired with iQOO’s dedicated Q3 gaming co-processor. This hardware combination is designed to support demanding applications and gaming workloads. For thermal management, the device will feature an advanced Ice-Dome cooling system alongside its physical internal fan. The combination aims to improve heat dissipation and help the phone sustain high performance during intensive use.

Display and Battery Specifications

The iQOO Neo12 will feature a 2K AMOLED display with a refresh rate of up to 185Hz. These specifications target users who prioritise smooth visuals and responsive gaming. The smartphone will also pack a substantial 9,000mAh battery. This large capacity is expected to support extended usage, including long gaming sessions and other power-intensive activities.

With its powerful chipset, specialised cooling hardware, high-refresh-rate display and large battery, the iQOO Neo12 is set to be a performance-focused addition to the brand’s lineup. The device will make its official debut in China on October 28, and pre-orders are already open.

Apple Launches First Folding Phone, iPhone Duo, as Demand Outstrips Supply

Apple begins selling its first folding phone, the iPhone Duo, on Friday. The company is betting that the device can expand the small foldables market in the same way the original iPhone transformed smartphones. Pre-orders opened last Friday, and estimated delivery dates quickly slipped to late January within minutes. Apple described the customer response as “nothing short of extraordinary.”

Early Test for New CEO

The launch serves as an early test for Apple’s new CEO, John Ternus. The former hardware chief unveiled the iPhone Duo barely a week after taking charge in September. The device also carries major implications for a niche category where rivals such as Samsung Electronics and Huawei Technologies have sold premium foldables for years.

Mixed Early Reviews

Early reviews have praised the $1,999 Duo’s premium design and its sturdy, barely visible hinge. Reviewers noted that the minimal crease marks a major improvement over earlier foldables. However, they also highlighted camera compromises, including the absence of a telephoto lens. Third-party apps still need further optimisation for the new display size. In its folded state, the Duo is less convenient for the quick daily tasks most users perform on standard iPhones. Several prominent reviewers have therefore advised many Apple customers against buying it.

Longtime Apple commentator John Gruber wrote that the Duo feels like “an extraordinarily polished prototype – not a finished product that I’d want to buy and carry.” Tech reviewer Marques Brownlee said it is probably not suitable for regular users focused on texting, social media, and browsing. He added that it can be “a really fun phone” for those who can afford the $2,000 price and are willing to adapt to the learning curve and the lack of facial identification.

Limited Availability

Limited supplies may disappoint fans lining up outside stores. Apple told Reuters that walk-in availability will vary by country. Stocks remain limited in the US, Australia, Canada, Mexico, and much of Britain and Europe. In China, France, Hong Kong, India, and Japan, units will be available only for customers who ordered online. In Macau, where walk-in sales are allowed, fans began lining up hours in advance.

Broader Market Impact

Market research firm IDC expects Apple to capture 44 percent of foldable value in 2026 on 31 percent of units. By 2027, the company is projected to lead the category in both value and units shipped. Francisco Jeronimo, vice president at IDC, said foldables have existed for years but adoption has stayed limited compared with conventional smartphones. He noted that Apple’s entry could bring the format to a much broader audience. After spending a week with the Duo, Jeronimo added that Apple has made a convincing case for the form factor. The next test, he said, will be turning early excitement into sustained availability, wider adoption, and a lasting new chapter for the smartphone market.