Tech

Samsung has reportedly started pushing the May software update to its newest Galaxy A series devices, including the Galaxy A56, Galaxy A36, and Galaxy A26. A key highlight of this update is a new feature for the side or power button, which now allows users to quickly access Gemini. The press-and-hold shortcut functionality for Gemini was limited to the flagship Galaxy S series smartphones earlier. As Samsung had promised, this feature is now expanding to the more budget-friendly Galaxy A series with the May update.

As reported by Sammyfans, Samsung is rolling out a new software update for the Galaxy A56 and Galaxy A36 that enables Google Gemini access via the power button. This allows users to launch the AI assistant just by pressing and holding the side button. The AI feature powered by One UI 7 is reportedly reaching eligible handsets with the May 2025 security patch.

The Galaxy A26 is also said to be getting this software update. Users can reportedly customise the side button through Settings to match their preferences. They can either launch Gemini or stick with Bixby.

Additionally, the update is said to bring support for cross-app functionality. Apps such as Calendar, Notes, Reminder, and Clock now integrate seamlessly with Gemini. Users can now perform tasks in these apps by providing voice commands with Gemini.

Samsung Announced AI Side Button Feature for Galaxy A-Series

Samsung had promised recently that select Galaxy A series devices, including Galaxy A56, Galaxy A36, and Galaxy A26, would soon support AI assistant activation through the side button in early May. This update is part of Samsung’s goal of making AI experiences more accessible. It was earlier exclusive to Galaxy S series devices. During the Galaxy S25 series launch in January, the Gemini integration was announced as a standout feature.

The latest update is likely to arrive automatically for the eligible Galaxy A56, Galaxy A36, and Galaxy A26 units. Users can also manually check for the update by heading to Settings > Software update > Download and Install.

Asus is expected to launch its second generation handheld gaming console, the ROG Ally 2, in the coming weeks, and the design and specifications of the upcoming device have now surfaced online. A leaked listing on a US regulator’s website has revealed that the Asus ROG Ally 2 and the company’s Xbox-branded handheld (codenamed ‘Project Kennan’) will be equipped with 7-inch 120Hz displays, and AMD processors. Images of these handheld gaming consoles also suggest that they will feature a revamped outer design that resembles a gaming controller.

Asus ROG Ally 2 Could Arrive in Two Variants

A listing (via 91Mobiles) on Indonesia’s SDPPI certification website indicates that Asus is working on two models for the ROG Ally 2 and that the handheld gaming console will be available in a black (RC73X1) and white (RC73YA) models. These model numbers are also mentioned in listings on the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) website.

Images of the ROG Ally 2 were discovered in US FCC reports
Photo Credit: US FCC via VideoCardz

VideoCardz was able to source images of the Asus ROG Ally 2 from reports on Asus and MediaTek on the US FCC website. The black model bears a similar appearance to its white counterpart, but it has a dedicated Xbox button. The white variant also has a button in the same location, but it doesn’t have the same logo.

The role of the dedicated Xbox button on the black variant is currently unclear, but a recent report suggested that Microsoft was working on improving Windows handheld consoles with the ‘Xbox experience’. Most handheld gaming consoles run on Windows, which doesn’t offer an experience optimised for smaller displays, unlike Valve’s SteamOS.

The black variant of the ROG Ally 2 will reportedly be equipped with an octa-core AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme (36W) processor along with 64GB of LPDDR5x-8533 RAM. Meanwhile, the white variant is said to be equipped with a less powerful AMD Aeirth Plus (20W) processor, and there’s no word on the amount of RAM on this model.

Both models are equipped with a 7-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The leaked images give us a good look at screens on the black and white models but they’re turned off, so we have no idea about the software running on both consoles. Previous reports indicate that the Project Kennan device would “combine” the Windows and Xbox experiences.

Last month, Asus teased the arrival of a next-gen ROG Ally console with several hardware upgrades, but stopped short of revealing whether it was the Xbox branded device. At the time, the official Xbox account responded to the company’s post on X (formerly Twitter) with a meme, sparking speculation that the upcoming device would be an Xbox branded handheld.

It’s worth noting that Asus is expected to unveil new devices at Computex 2025 in Taipei, and the ROG Ally 2 (and the Project Kennan console) could make their debut alongside other upcoming devices. Microsoft could also make an announcement around the same time, so it’s worth keeping an eye out for news coming out of Computex, which begins on May 20.

Split Fiction, the genre-bending co-op adventure title from Hazelight Studios, has sold four million copies, the studio announced Wednesday. The confirmation came after publisher Electronic Arts said at its Q4 2025 earnings call that the game was nearing the sales milestone and was “highly successful” for the company, exceeding its expectations. Split Fiction launched in March and sold over a million copies in the first 48 hours.

Split Fiction a Hit for Hazelight, EA

“So many of you have picked up Split Fiction already, it’s amazing,” Hazelight said in a post on X Wednesday. “Seeing the fun you have with our game and the love you show for Mio, Zoe and each other warms our hearts here at Hazelight.”

With four million units sold, Split Fiction has likely been played by eight million players across platforms as the co-op title requires two players. Only one player, however, needs to purchase the game and the other can join for free using Friend’s Pass.

Split Fiction, which was published under the EA Originals label, has been a hit for Electronic Arts, as well. In its Q4 earnings call, EA said it finished FY 2025 strong, thanks to EA Sports FC and Split Fiction, which had a “hugely successful” launch in March.

“Q4 also saw a strong launch of a new IP in Split Fiction from Hazelight Studios. This incredible title overperformed our expectations, captured global attention, and to date has reached nearly 4 million units sold,” EA CEO Andrew Wilson said in his prepared remarks at the earnings call. “This success is proof that shared experiences paired with great stories and varied gameplay have the power to break through and capture the imaginations of people around the world.”

EA CFO Stuart Canfield also called Split Fiction a “breakout success” and said the game sold nearly double the company’s expectations.

Hazelight, meanwhile, has already started work on its next project, with studio director Josef Fares confirming in March that the next game was in very early stages of development.

Split Fiction launched on March 6 across PC, PS5 and Xbox Series S/X and received widespread critical acclaim. The co-op adventure title is one of the highest rated titles of 2025. The game crossed a million units sold in just 48 hours of launch.

Sony’s WH-1000XM6 headphones are likely to be unveiled soon. The Sony WH-1000XM5 successor is expected to launch at a higher price point than the existing model. Ahead of anything official, key features of the wireless headset have surfaced online. Previously, the headphones were spotted on the FCC certification site. They are likely to come with upgraded specifications and improved audio experience. Notably, the current Sony WH-1000XM5 were unveiled globally in May 2022 and later introduced in India in September, that same year.

Sony WH-1000XM6 Launch, Price, Features (Expected)

According to a Dealabs report, the Sony WH-1000XM6 are expected to launch in select global markets on May 15. In France and Germany, the headphones are tipped to be priced at EUR 449.99 (roughly Rs. 43,300), while in some European countries like Spain and Portugal, they could cost EUR 469.99 (roughly Rs. 45,200). Customers in the UK will likely have to shell out GBP 399.99 (roughly Rs. 45,200) for the purported headsets, whereas US buyers may have to spend $449.99 (roughly Rs. 38,100) on a pair.

Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones were launched at $399 (roughly Rs. 30,850) in the US, and priced at GBP 379 (roughly Rs. 35,800) in the UK. In India, the headphones were priced at Rs. 34,990.

The report added that the Sony WH-1000XM6 could offer up to 30 hours of battery life on a single charge. A 3-minute quick charge may allow up to an hour of playback. The headset is said to be equipped with a USB Type-C charging port. 

The Sony WH-1000XM6 will be equipped with a QN3 processor, according to the report, which is said to help adjust the active noise cancellation levels based on the environment. Alongside a transparent Ambient Sound Mode and a Talk Mode, the headphones may also offer some passive noise reduction. They are expected to support touch controls and wear detection features, as well as call noise reduction.

As per the leak, the Sony WH-1000XM6 will be equipped with omnidirectional inbuilt microphone. They are said to come with 30mm carbon fibre dome drivers and support Hi-Res Audio and LDAC audio codec alongside SBC, AAC, and LC3. They are likely to support a frequency range of 4Hz to 40KHz. They are expected to be compatible with Sony’s Sound Connect app and support 10-band EQ customisation.

Sony’s upcoming WH-1000XM6 headphones are expected to support Bluetooth 5.3 and multipoint connectivity. They are said to come with asymmetrical, adjustable, pressure-free headbands with foldable hinges alongside soft cushion earpads. The headphones are claimed to measure 25.69x20x7.83cm in size, and could weigh 254g. They will likely come in Black, Midnight Blue, and Platinum Silver colourways.

Samsung unveiled its 2025 range of smart TV lineup in India on Wednesday. The portfolio includes Neo QLED 8K, Neo QLED 4K, OLED, QLED smart TVs, and The Frame lineup. This will also be the first smart TV lineup from the South Korean tech giant that will be equipped with Vision AI technology. The suite of artificial intelligence (AI) features was first showcased at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025 in January, and now the company is bringing them to Indian consumers.

Samsung Smart TV Lineup: Price and Availability

Samsung’s Neo QLED 8K range price starts from Rs. 2,72,990, whereas the Neo QLED 4K series begins from Rs. 89,990. Additionally, the company’s OLED range starts from Rs. 1,54,990, and the price of the QLED smart TVs starts from Rs. 49,490. Finally, Samsung’s Frame TVs can be purchased starting at Rs. 63,990.

The company’s 2025 lineup of smart TVs will be available for pre-order from May 7 across Samsung’s website, e-commerce platforms, as well as retail stores. Notably, the tech giant is also offering a free soundbar priced up to Rs. 90,990, cashback of up to 20 percent, and zero down payment on EMI transactions to those who pre-order the device during the offer period. These offers end on May 28.

Samsung’s Smart TVs Get Vision AI Features

In a newsroom post, the tech giant announced that its entire smart TV lineup this year will arrive with Vision AI features. At CES 2025, Samsung said that the new technology will transform its smart TVs from a “one-directional device for passive consumption” to “interactive, intelligent partners” that can adapt to users’ needs.

There are several features in the Vision AI suite. Universal Gesture Control lets users control their smart TV using simple hand movements. This feature requires a connected Galaxy Watch to recognise the gestures. Another feature is Generative Wallpaper, which allows users to create custom 4K resolution wallpapers for the idle screen.

The South Korean tech giant has also integrated the AI system with the SmartThings ecosystem. It lets viewers use the screens as the central hub for several smart home features. Some of these include getting real-time summaries of the home’s status, recommended actions, safety alerts, and more.

Vision AI also comes with a Pet and Family Care Mode that can automatically detect unusual activities of pets or family members. In case it finds a pet dog or a baby in discomfort, it will both change smart home settings for added comfort and alert the user about the development. ​Samsung highlights that the Vision AI is built on three primary elements — AI Mode, AI Experience, and multi-device connectivity. AI Mode essentially optimises picture quality and sound to adapt to both content as well as ambient surroundings.

AI Experience is a personalisation feature which learns user preferences over time to improve content discovery and recommend movies and shows users are likely to prefer. Finally, with multi-device connectivity, users can connect their AI TVs with Samsung’s other ecosystem devices such as smartphones, tablets, and more. These devices can be used for content sharing, controlling the TV, and more.

Samsung 2025 Smart TVs: Specifications

Samsung’s flagship-tier Neo QLED 8K QN950F is available in 85, 75, and 65-inch sizes with up to a 240Hz refresh rate. The smart TV features an Infinity Air design, and it is equipped with the NQ8 AI Gen 3 processor with 768 AI neural networks for AI capabilities.

The smart TV comes with the 8K AI Upscaling Pro feature that enhances lower-resolution content to 8K quality. Samsung claims the feature preserves details and textures with accuracy. For audio, it supports Q-Symphony and Dolby Atmos.

Next, the Neo QLED 4K lineup is available in a wide range of sizes from 43-inch to 115-inch with up to 165Hz of refresh rate. It is powered by the NQ4 AI Gen 3 processor with 128 neural networks for AI workflows. Samsung’s QLED 4K smart TVs come with the Infinity Air design, and the displays are Pantone validated.

Coming to audio, these smart TVs feature a 60W 4.2.2 channel speaker system with Dolby Atmos and Q-Symphony.

Apart from these, the entire range of Samsung’s 2025 smart TVs will also come with its Cloud Gaming Service, Samsung Education Hub, Samsung TV Plus, and the TV Key service.

Phone brands today are prioritising ultra-thin designs as a key aesthetic choice. With competition heating up in the foldable smartphone market, Samsung seems to be aiming to bring its upcoming foldable with a slim form factor. A recent leak suggests that Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 could debut as the world’s thinnest foldable smartphone. It is said to measure 8.9mm in thickness in the folded state. However, Samsung’s push for a slimmer design may come at a cost; the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is tipped to retain the 4,400mAh battery as the Galaxy Z Fold 6.

Tipster Ice Universe on X wrote that Samsung’s next flagship devices will continue to prioritise a slim and lightweight design. The tipster states that Galaxy Z Fold 7 will be the world’s thinnest foldable smartphone at launch, measuring just 3.9mm when unfolded and 8.9mm when folded.

For comparison, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 is 12.2mm thick when folded, and 5.6mm when unfolded. Oppo’s Find N5, which is claimed to be “the world’s thinnest foldable” phone, measures 8.93mm in foldable state and 4.21mm when unfolded.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7’s Thinner Design May Come at a Cost

Samsung’s focus on thinness may come with a compromise on the battery capacity of the foldable. The tipster claims that the Galaxy Z Fold 7 will feature a 4,400mAh battery, same as last year’s Galaxy Z Fold 6. However, the brand is said to introduce new battery and charging technologies for the device.

The leaks suggest that the Galaxy Z Flip 7 will carry a 4,300mAh battery. This would be an upgrade compared to the Galaxy Z Flip 6’s 4,000mAh battery. Further, the tipster claims that the base model of the Galaxy S26 will maintain a sleek, thin profile. For reference, Samsung’s current Galaxy S25 is 7.2mm thick.

Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7 are expected to be unveiled in July. The former is tipped to run on a Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy SoC with 12GB of RAM. The Galaxy Z Flip 7, on the other hand, is said to run on Samsung’s Exynos 2500 chipset. They are likely to maintain 25W wired charging speed.

Asthram is a Tamil crime thriller film which has been directed by Aravand Rajagopal. After hitting the box office in March, the movie is now set to hit digital screens soon. The film stars Shaam, Videsh Anand, and Nira, supported by the other star cast. Asthram follows a detective who investigates a series of suicides where victims are found stabbing themselves. This thriller has ultimate twists and turns, and is a treat for the viewers. 

When and Where to Watch Asthram

Asthram premieres on May 09, 2025, only on Aha Tamil. Subscribe now to watch this crime thriller. However, it is important to note that the movie will be currently available in Tamil language only.

Official Trailer and Plot of Asthram

Asthram follows a detective named Akilan, who, on his medical leave, investigates a series of suicides. However, what’s unusual is the pattern of these suicides, where each has stab wounds. As soon as he investigates, he starts drawing connections between a chess player and some ancient rituals. Later, he starts uncovering some disturbing facts behind the killing, with a relation to something sinister. Does the truth prevail?

Cast and Crew of Asthram

Asthram features the talented star cast, including Videsh Anand, Shaam, Nira, Ranjith DSM, and Jeeva Ravi. The movie has been directed by Aravanad Rajagopal, whereas Jegan MS is the writer. The face behind cinematography is Kalyan, while K.S. Sundaramurthy is the music composer. Asthram has been produced by M. Dhanashanmugamani. 

Reception of Asthram 

Asthram was released in March 2025 in the theatres, where it received immense love from the audience and critics. The IMDb rating of Asthram is 8.9/10. 

Electronic Arts (EA) forecast fiscal 2026 bookings above Wall Street expectations on Tuesday, as the videogame publisher bets on the strong performance of its sports titles and the launch of a new “Battlefield” game.

EA’s shares surged more than six percent in extended trading as the launch of Battlefield this fiscal fills the gap left by Take-Two Interactive’s delay of the long-awaited “Grand Theft Auto VI” out of its fiscal 2026.

EA’s positive outlook also signals the gaming industry’s optimism around sales resilience in the face of a broader pullback in consumer spending amid macroeconomic volatility stemming from US tariffs.

“As we look to the future, we’re confident in our ability to execute across a deep pipeline – beginning this summer with the highly anticipated reveal of Battlefield,” said EA CEO Andrew Wilson.

Analysts have said the delay in GTA VI reduces competition and could drive higher sales for other videogame publishers.

Sales for the new GTA title are expected to break records and bring in billions of dollars within weeks owing to its massive popularity, potentially putting pressure on games launching during its release window.

“It is always good to avoid GTA… Battlefield gives people something to look forward to and to play until GTA comes out,” said Wedbush Securities analyst Michael Pachter.

For EA, gamers have also chosen to stick with proven titles from its sports portfolio such as soccer franchise FC and Madden NFL.

The company on Tuesday said monetization for FC was up double digits after a January update. The soccer franchise had underperformed earlier this year.

EA forecast fiscal 2026 bookings to be in the range of $7.60 billion (roughly Rs. 64,366 crore) to $8 billion (roughly Rs. 67,734 crore), compared with estimates of $7.62 billion (roughly Rs. 64,517 crore), according to data compiled by LSEG.

It reported fourth-quarter bookings of $1.80 billion (roughly Rs. 15,241 crore), beating estimates of $1.56 billion (roughly Rs. 13,209 crore), aided by strong sales of its multiplayer action-adventure game Split Fiction which became one of the best-selling games in March.

© Thomson Reuters 2025

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

Haier C95 and C90 OLED TVs have been launched in India. The new lineup, powered by Google TV, comes with OLED screens with a 4K resolution. It is offered in multiple display sizes options, sporting bezel-less builds. As per the company, the Haier C95 and C90 OLED TVs are equipped with support for HDR10+ and Dolby Vision IQ for picture quality enhancement. These visual technologies are complemented by audio powered by Harman Kardon.

Haier C95, C90 OLED TVs Price in India

Haier C90 OLED TV price in India starts at Rs. 1,29,990 for the 55-inch variant. It is also available in 65-inch and 77-inch display size options. Meanwhile, the Haier C95 OLED TV is priced at Rs. 1,56,990 for the 55-inch model and the company also has another model with a 65-inch screen.

Both OLED TVs are available for purchase via the Haier India website, electronics stores, e-commerce platforms, and offline retail channels across the country.

Haier C95, C90 OLED TVs Specifications

Haier C95 OLED TV comes with either a 55-inch or a 65-inch 4K display which supports a 144Hz refresh rate. For gamers, it is equipped with Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) for a more responsive experience. The TV has a Harman Kardon 2.1 channel system with Dolby Atmos support which is claimed to create a 3D soundscape.

Meanwhile the Haier C90 OLED TV, offered in 55-inch, 65-inch, and 77-inch screen sizes, also supports 4K resolution and has a 120 Hz refresh rate. While the majority of the models in the company’s latest TV lineup features a 50W sound system, the 77-inch Haier C90 OLED TV gets an upgraded 65W setup.

Both of the TVs are equipped with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of onboard storage. They have Dolby Vision IQ and HDR 10+ for delivering optimised brightness and contrast. Meanwhile, AMD FreeSync Premium, coupled with Motion Estimation and Motion Compensation (MEMC), is claimed to reduce screen tearing and stuttering during gameplay.

Connectivity options on the Haier C95 and C90 OLED TVs include Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2. Users can leverage HAICAST and Chromecast features to cast content from their mobile device to the TV without an internet connection. Another feature on the TVs is Bluetooth Sound Cast. As per the company, it lets you sync the TV with your mobile’s audio, which is then delivered via the TV speakers. The entire lineup is bundled with a solar-powered remote with a USB Type-C port for charging.

OpenAI has told investors it will share a smaller fraction of revenue with major backer Microsoft as it moves ahead with its restructuring, The Information reported on Tuesday.

The ChatGPT-maker has dialed back a significant restructuring plan, with its nonprofit parent retaining control in a move that is likely to limit CEO Sam Altman’s power over the firm.

In financial projections shared with investors, OpenAI said the percentage of revenue shared with Microsoft would drop by at least half by the end of this decade, the report said.

In an existing deal, OpenAI has agreed to share 20 percent of its revenue with Microsoft through 2030, the Information reported.

OpenAI told some potential and current investors that it would only share 10 percent of revenues with commercial partners including Microsoft by 2030, the report said, citing private documents, adding that Microsoft wants access to OpenAI’s technology beyond 2030.

In January, Microsoft changed some key terms of a deal with OpenAI after its joint venture with Oracle and Japan’s SoftBank Group to build up to $500 billion (roughly Rs. 42,31,976 crore) of new artificial intelligence data centers in the United States.

Microsoft has said it has “revenue sharing agreements that flow both ways” with OpenAI, with the key elements of the partnership remaining in place for the duration of the contract through 2030.

“We continue to work closely with Microsoft, and look forward to finalising the details of this recapitalisation in the near future,” an OpenAI spokesperson told The Information.

Microsoft declined to comment on the report, while OpenAI did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment outside regular business hours.

© Thomson Reuters 2025

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)