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  • Meta One Subscription: AI, Customization, and Professional Tools for Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp

    Meta One Subscription: AI, Customization, and Professional Tools for Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp

    Meta One Subscription Overview

    Meta has introduced Meta One, a new subscription service that offers paid upgrades across Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, and Meta AI. The service is designed for users who want additional AI access, customization options, and professional tools, while the core versions of its apps remain free.

    AI Access and Creative Tools

    Meta One’s Core and Premium plans bundle existing app-specific features with increased access to Meta’s AI tools. Subscribers can generate and edit more images, create videos using Meta’s Muse models, and use AI-powered features like Restyle on Instagram. Everyday access to Meta AI remains free, but paid plans offer higher usage limits and more creative capabilities.

    App-Specific Features

    Instagram Plus includes custom fonts for Stories and DMs, Story-related notifications, and message previews. Facebook Plus adds customization options, additional Reels insights, and expanded reactions. WhatsApp Plus offers chat and media backup storage, as well as Focus Schedules to mute or hide conversations at set times. Single-app subscriptions are also available for users who prefer platform-specific features.

    Creator and Business Plans

    Meta One also includes creator and business plans with professional features such as enhanced profiles, follow buttons on Reels, automatic follow invitations, and access to Meta Business Agent. Higher tiers provide analytics, audience insights, team access, and additional business tools.

    Pricing and Availability

    Meta One Core starts at $7.99 per month, and Premium costs $19.99 per month, with regional variations. The company reports that its subscription offerings have already generated 15 million subscriptions and trials globally.

    Meta One does not make the apps paid; users can continue using the core services for free. The subscription is positioned as an optional upgrade for those wanting extra AI usage, customization, or professional capabilities.

  • FTSE 100 Opens Higher Ahead of Fed Decision as UK Inflation Rises; Brent Crude Slips

    FTSE 100 Opens Higher Ahead of Fed Decision as UK Inflation Rises; Brent Crude Slips

    The FTSE 100 opened 37.01 points higher at 10,695.14 on Wednesday, as investors awaited UK inflation data and the US Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision. Meanwhile, Brent crude futures fell 1.01% to USD 107.7 per barrel, and US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) declined 1.48% to USD 104.2 per barrel.

    Sterling was quoted at USD 1.3488 early Wednesday, slightly higher than USD 1.3485 at the London equities close on Tuesday. Against the euro, sterling rose to EUR 1.1682 from EUR 1.1681 a day prior.

    Gainers & Losers

    On the upside, Barratt Redrow climbed 7.56% to 297.30p. Persimmon advanced 3.37% to 1,135.50p, while Antofagasta gained 3.26% to 3,615p. Fresnillo rose 3.23% to 2,943p, Endeavour Mining added 2.77% to 4,564p, and NatWest Group increased 2.35% to 705.40p.

    On the downside, Unilever fell 1.45% to 4,574p. Admiral Group declined 0.87% to 3,854p, while Reckitt Benckiser Group dropped 0.79% to 5,026p. London Stock Exchange Group slipped 0.71% to 8,142p, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners lost 0.59% to 7,640p, and Next edged 0.48% lower to 14,620p.

    Babcock Maintains Full-Year Guidance

    Babcock International reaffirmed its full-year guidance, citing strong momentum across its marine, nuclear and land businesses. The company said trading during the first five months of fiscal 2027 remained in line with expectations.

    Analysts expect Babcock to post fiscal 2027 sales of GBP 5.49 billion and underlying operating profit of GBP 464 million, up from GBP 5.19 billion and GBP 293 million a year earlier.

    Barratt Redrow’s Pre-tax Profit Jumps

    Barratt Redrow surged as the company released its FY2026 full-year results, posting adjusted profit before tax of GBP 572.8 million, higher than the analyst consensus of approximately GBP 540 million.

    The company also announced a GBP 400 million capital return to shareholders, to be delivered through share buybacks.

    The profit beat was supported by total home completions rising 5% to 17,667 for the year, net cash at year-end reaching GBP 772 million, and the company achieving GBP 100 million in Redrow integration synergies while cutting administrative expenses to GBP 330 million.

    UK Inflation Rises

    UK consumer price inflation rose to 3.1% in August from 2.9% in July, in line with analysts’ forecasts, but remained above the Bank of England’s 2% target.

    The Office for National Statistics recorded a 0.5% monthly rise in prices, compared with 0.3% a year earlier. CPIH, which includes owner-occupier housing costs, accelerated to 3.3% from 3.1%.

    Petrol prices rose 9.1p during August to an average of 161.3p a litre, their highest since November 2022, while diesel climbed 14.2p to 181.8p.

    Core CPI was unchanged at 2.6%, while services inflation remained at 3.4%.

    Global Market View

    In the US, Wall Street closed lower on Tuesday as rising oil prices and government bond yields weighed on equities. The S&P 500 fell 0.4%, the Dow Jones declined 0.6% and the Nasdaq dropped 0.8%.

    In Asia on Wednesday, Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 gained 0.69% to 63,923, while China’s Shanghai Composite rose 0.71%. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng advanced 0.20%, and South Korea’s Kospi edged up by 1.37%. In India, both the Nifty 50 and the Sensex rose by 0.55% and 0.53%, respectively.

    Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Always do your own research before making any financial decisions.

  • HBO Adds Rafe Spall, Molly Hewitt-Richards, Jasper Ambrose to Harry Potter Season 2 Cast

    HBO Adds Rafe Spall, Molly Hewitt-Richards, Jasper Ambrose to Harry Potter Season 2 Cast

    HBO announced three new cast members for Harry Potter Season 2 on Tuesday, September 15. Rafe Spall will play Arthur Weasley, Molly Hewitt-Richards takes on Moaning Myrtle, and Jasper Ambrose has been cast as Colin Creevey. The news came through Variety, and it confirms Season 2 will adapt Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, the second book in the series.

    Filming is already underway at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden in the UK, even though Season 1 has not aired yet. HBO wants the next chapter of the reboot moving forward early, so production and casting can stay ahead of the December premiere schedule.

    Who’s Playing Who & What Fans Should Know

    Spall steps into the role Mark Williams played in the original films. Arthur Weasley is the warm-hearted patriarch of the Weasley family and father to Harry’s best friend Ron. There’s a neat family link here too: Spall’s father, Timothy Spall, played Peter Pettigrew in the movie franchise, making Rafe one of several actors on the show with direct ties to the earlier films.

    Hewitt-Richards will play Moaning Myrtle, the dramatic ghost who haunts a second-floor girls’ bathroom at Hogwarts. Ambrose takes on Colin Creevey, the camera-obsessed first-year student who idolises Harry.

    Season 2 Cast Is Nearly Complete

    These three additions round out most of the major characters from the second book. Recent castings already include Kit Harington as the vain professor Gilderoy Lockhart, Bonnie Hill as Ginny Weasley, Lenny Rush as the house-elf Dobby, and Billy Barratt as a young Tom Riddle. Katherine Parkinson plays Molly Weasley, while Alastair Stout, Ruari Spooner, and the Harland twins fill out the rest of the Weasley siblings.

    Season 1, based on Philosopher’s Stone, is set to premiere on HBO and HBO Max on December 25. With most of the Chamber of Secrets cast now locked in, attention is likely to turn toward Season 3 casting news next, including who might play Sirius Black.

  • RuneScape Dragonwilds Hits 1.5 Million Sales in Early Access Ahead of Console and Game Pass Debut

    RuneScape Dragonwilds Hits 1.5 Million Sales in Early Access Ahead of Console and Game Pass Debut

    RuneScape Dragonwilds, the survival spin-off from Jagex, has sold over 1.5 million copies during its 18-month early-access period on Steam. The full PC version launched on September 15, 2026, and the game is set to arrive on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S on October 28, 2026.

    Console players will be able to access Dragonwilds on day one through Xbox Game Pass (Premium, Ultimate, and PC Game Pass tiers) and PlayStation Plus (Extra and Premium tiers). This broad availability is expected to drive even more players into the survival-crafting world of Ashenfall.

    Dragonwilds blends classic RuneScape lore with survival mechanics. Players gather resources, build bases, craft weapons, and fight enemies while managing hunger, thirst, and health. The game supports solo play or online co-op with up to four players.

    The 1.5 million early-access sales give the console launch strong momentum. Jagex is betting that the survival genre — popularized by titles like Minecraft and Valheim — will attract both longtime RuneScape fans and newcomers who may have found the MMO format intimidating.

    “Dragonwilds shows that Jagex is willing to take RuneScape beyond its traditional format,” the report notes. The console release, coupled with subscription services like Game Pass and PlayStation Plus, could significantly expand the game’s audience.

    With the PC version now fully released and a console launch just weeks away, all eyes are on whether Dragonwilds can replicate its early success on a larger stage.

  • XPG Debuts First Gaming Monitors with RIFT and APERTURE Series

    XPG Debuts First Gaming Monitors with RIFT and APERTURE Series

    ADATA’s gaming brand XPG has officially entered the monitor market with the launch of its first gaming displays, the RIFT and APERTURE series. The lineup includes four models, from a high-end 34-inch ultrawide to a budget-friendly 23.8-inch screen, though pricing and availability have yet to be announced.

    XPG, known for its memory, SSDs, and PC components, announced the new monitors in Taipei. The company states that this expansion builds a more complete gaming ecosystem under its “Game To The Xtreme” brand identity.

    Four Models for Different Gaming Needs

    The flagship RIFT R34WXC is a 34-inch curved ultrawide monitor with a 21:9 aspect ratio and UWQHD resolution (3440 x 1440). It offers a 200Hz refresh rate, 1500R curvature, 1ms response time, and Adaptive Sync support. The panel delivers 350 nits brightness, a 4000:1 contrast ratio, and 93 percent DCI-P3 color coverage for immersive gameplay.

    The smaller RIFT R24F4 features a 23.8-inch IPS panel at 1920 x 1080 resolution, with a 144Hz refresh rate and 99 percent sRGB coverage, making it ideal for budget-conscious gamers.

    On the APERTURE side, the A27Q1 offers a 27-inch screen with 1440p resolution and a 210Hz refresh rate, balancing sharpness and speed. The APERTURE A27F4 is another 27-inch option built for fast-paced gaming, though its full specifications have not been released.

    Pricing and Availability Still Unknown

    XPG has not announced pricing, release dates, or regional availability for the new monitors. Details on port selection, HDMI and DisplayPort versions, stand adjustability, and warranty coverage are also unconfirmed. All four models come standard with Adaptive Sync support and a 1ms response time.

    Buyers will need to wait for full pricing and independent reviews before making a purchase decision.

  • iPhone 17 Pro Max Effective Price Drops to Rs. 74,990 at Croma with Exchange Deals

    iPhone 17 Pro Max Effective Price Drops to Rs. 74,990 at Croma with Exchange Deals

    Croma has introduced a promotional offer that brings the effective price of the 256GB iPhone 17 Pro Max down to Rs. 74,990. This price is achieved when customers combine eligible exchange benefits, an exchange bonus, and select bank offers. The final amount depends on the value of the device being traded in and the specific promotional conditions.

    It is important to note that the headline price does not represent a flat discount on the phone’s selling price. Buyers must meet the conditions attached to the exchange and payment offers, so the final cost can vary.

    How the Rs. 74,990 Price Is Calculated

    Croma lists the iPhone 17 Pro Max 256GB at an effective Rs. 74,990 under its current promotion. The 512GB model is available at an effective Rs. 94,990. The discount combines the value of an eligible old smartphone with Croma’s exchange benefits and selected bank cashback.

    Croma is offering an exchange bonus of up to Rs. 12,000. Customers can also receive up to Rs. 53,000 as exchange value for an iPhone 15 Pro Max, depending on the handset’s model and condition. Select credit-card transactions can provide an additional Rs. 4,000 in bank cashback.

    Additional Benefits for Buyers

    The offer includes more than just an exchange discount. Croma is also providing a free Hyphen case combo worth Rs. 3,499 with eligible purchases. Buyers can further claim a flat 10% discount on AppleCare+ under the promotional terms.

    The deal is available through Croma’s retail network and its online platforms, subject to applicable terms and product availability.

    Things to Check Before Exchanging Your Phone

    The biggest point to consider is the exchange valuation. Croma’s terms require the old phone to be in working condition, with an intact display and no specified forms of physical damage. The device details entered during the transaction must also match the handset handed over for verification.

    For buyers with a high-value eligible phone, the combined benefits can significantly reduce the effective cost of the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Those without a suitable device for exchange, however, will not get the headline Rs. 74,990 price. Croma’s offer should be evaluated based on the actual exchange value and cashback available to each customer, rather than the advertised effective price alone.

  • Amazon Launches Alexa+ in India with Hindi and Hinglish Support: What It Means for Users

    Amazon Launches Alexa+ in India with Hindi and Hinglish Support: What It Means for Users

    Amazon has officially launched Alexa+ in India, offering free Early Access to a limited number of users. The new AI-powered assistant is available on eligible Echo speakers, smart displays, Fire TV devices, and the Alexa app, with browser access planned. Alexa+ understands English, Hindi, and Hinglish, and Amazon intends to add more Indian languages over time.

    Prime members will continue to receive Alexa+ at no extra charge after the Early Access period ends. For other users, a paid plan costing Rs. 2,000 per month will be required. Teena Sidana, Country Manager for Alexa at Amazon India, stated, “Indian households are multi-generational, multilingual, and beautifully complex. Alexa+ was designed for that complexity.” She added, “India is home to one of the most diverse set of customers in world, and we’re excited for them to experience how much smarter, personalized, and more intuitive Alexa+ has become.”

    Key Features of Alexa+ in India

    Alexa+ is built for natural, flowing conversations. Users no longer need to say “Alexa” before every command. The assistant seamlessly switches between English and Hindi within the same interaction. It also recognizes common Indian phrases and terms like “dhai baje” and “ek paav”.

    Core capabilities include:

    • Smart home device control (compatible with Atomberg, Qubo, Dreame, Wipro, and more)
    • Shopping lists and Amazon order tracking
    • Product comparisons
    • Integration with Spotify, Apple Music, JioSaavn, Prime Video, and Netflix
    • Upcoming integrations with Swiggy, EazyDiner, and MakeMyTrip

    Language Support: A Game-Changer for Indian Users

    Language is a major differentiator for Alexa+ in India. The assistant understands mixed Hindi and English (Hinglish) and is designed to handle the multilingual, multi-generational nature of Indian households. Amazon plans to expand support to additional Indian languages in future updates.

    Pricing and Availability

    During Early Access, a limited number of users can try Alexa+ for free on eligible devices. Prime members will retain free access after the trial. Non-Prime users will need to subscribe at Rs. 2,000 per month. The wider rollout is scheduled to begin later.

  • SS Retail IPO Day 1: Subscription at 30%, GMP Points to 30% Listing Premium

    SS Retail IPO Day 1: Subscription at 30%, GMP Points to 30% Listing Premium

    SS Retail IPO Subscription Status on Day 1

    SS Retail’s initial public offering got off to a steady start on Wednesday, September 16, with the issue subscribed 30% by 11:00 am on the first day of bidding, according to NSE data. The multi-brand mobile and electronics retailer is looking to raise approximately Rs. 500 crore through the public offer, which remains open until September 18.

    Bids were received for 26,84,080 shares against 87,93,884 shares on offer. Meanwhile, the grey market premium (GMP) hovered near 30% above the upper end of the IPO price band, signaling strong investor interest ahead of listing.

    Retail Investors Lead Early Bidding

    Retail investors showed stronger interest during the opening session. The retail portion was subscribed 52% by 11:00 am, while the non-institutional investor category saw 26% subscription.

    The IPO has reserved 35% of the offer for retail investors, 50% for qualified institutional buyers, and the remaining portion for non-institutional investors. Bidding closes on Friday, September 18.

    Price Band and Lot Size

    The company has fixed the IPO price band at Rs. 403 to Rs. 424 per share. Investors can bid for a minimum lot of 35 shares. At the upper end of the price band, one lot would require an investment of Rs. 14,840.

    GMP Stays Near 30%

    According to InvestorGain, SS Retail shares were trading at a grey market premium of around Rs. 128, representing a premium of roughly 30% over the upper IPO price of Rs. 424.

    Grey market prices are unofficial and can change before listing; they do not guarantee the opening price on the exchanges. The company’s shares are scheduled to list on the NSE and BSE on September 23, subject to completion of the allotment process.

    The company raised Rs. 146.4 crore from anchor investors on September 15, allotting 34.52 lakh shares to 14 institutional investors at Rs. 424 per share.

    Use of IPO Proceeds

    The SS Retail IPO comprises a fresh issue of about Rs. 360.75 crore and an offer for sale of Rs. 140 crore. The company plans to allocate Rs. 241.3 crore from the fresh issue proceeds for incremental working capital requirements and around Rs. 12.4 crore to establish new stores during FY27 and FY28. The remaining funds will be used for general corporate purposes.

    SS Retail plans to add 120 stores in each of FY27 and FY28. As of July 31, 2026, the retailer operated 536 stores across Maharashtra, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Goa and Gujarat, up from 503 stores as of March 31.

    Brokerage Views Mixed

    Brokerages are divided on the issue. Swastika Investmart assigned a ‘neutral’ view, citing the IPO valuation of around 46.5 times FY26 earnings and the company’s higher exposure to lower-margin mobile hardware.

    SBI Securities, however, recommended investors ‘subscribe’ at the cut-off price, citing revenue growth, store expansion, improving store economics and return ratios.

    SS Retail reported consolidated revenue of Rs. 2,351 crore and profit of Rs. 59.2 crore for FY26. Its revenue, adjusted EBITDA and profit after tax recorded compound annual growth rates of 39.6%, 49.1% and 49.2%, respectively, between FY24 and FY26. The store network expanded from 236 stores in FY24 to 503 stores in FY26. Anand Rathi Advisors and Emkay Global Financial Services are managing the IPO.

  • Apple Adds 2019 21.5-Inch iMac to Vintage Products List, Signaling Tighter Repair Support

    Apple Adds 2019 21.5-Inch iMac to Vintage Products List, Signaling Tighter Repair Support

    Apple has officially added the 2019 21.5-inch iMac with Retina 4K display to its global vintage products list, signaling that official repair support will now depend on the availability of replacement parts.

    The move places the final 21.5-inch Intel-powered iMac in a new phase of Apple’s hardware support cycle. Under Apple’s policy, products are considered vintage when more than five but fewer than seven years have passed since they were last sold. Once a product passes the seven-year mark, Apple may reclassify it as obsolete.

    The 2019 model was the last 21.5-inch iMac to feature an Intel processor. Apple replaced the smaller desktop with the 24-inch M1 iMac in 2021, marking a major transition to Apple’s own silicon across its all-in-one lineup.

    Apple Stores and authorized service providers can still repair vintage products, but service is limited by component availability. Apple notes that hardware support and parts availability may continue beyond five years in some cases, but customers should not assume that every part will remain available indefinitely.

    For current owners, the vintage designation is not an immediate shutdown notice. The computer will continue to operate normally, but access to official repairs may become more difficult as compatible parts become harder to source. The change also highlights Apple’s broader move away from Intel, with the current iMac lineup now running entirely on Apple silicon.

  • Former DeepMind Researcher Resigns, Warns That Advanced AI Could Threaten Humanity

    Former DeepMind Researcher Resigns, Warns That Advanced AI Could Threaten Humanity

    A former Google DeepMind researcher has resigned, issuing a stark warning about the existential risks posed by advanced artificial intelligence. Bilal Chughtai, who focused on AGI safety and alignment at the company, left his position in July 2026. He recently detailed his concerns on social media platform X, stating that his tenure at DeepMind left him increasingly uneasy about the trajectory of AI development. Chughtai is calling for AI companies to decelerate their development pace, enhance safety protocols, and collaborate rather than compete in the rush to build more powerful systems.

    Chughtai’s warning is part of a growing chorus of concern from within the AI community. His statements echo those of Jacob Coxon, a former Anthropic researcher who also resigned recently. Coxon indicated that some individuals building AI genuinely believe it could cause severe harm within the next ten years. Following that, Anthropic scientist Evan Hubinger publicly agreed, estimating the probability of AI causing human extinction within a decade at more than ten percent. These warnings underscore a core issue known as “alignment”—the challenge of ensuring that AI systems consistently follow human goals and remain under human control. Many researchers feel that the methods to guarantee this safety are not advancing as rapidly as the technology itself.

    The debate has drawn in industry leaders with differing perspectives. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei advocates for slowing down the pace of AI development. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has spoken about the necessity for greater safety cooperation. Conversely, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg believes that AI companies already have sufficient incentive to manage safety on their own. The central question remains: how fast should AI advance, and can safety measures keep pace? Chughtai’s resignation adds another powerful voice to an intensifying debate about the risks of powerful AI.