Tech Wrap Jan 13: Gemini powered Siri, CMF Headphone Pro, NoiseFit Pro 6R
Gemini-powered Siri confirmed. Nothing CMF Headphone Pro launched. NoiseFit Pro 6R launched. BGMI 4.2 update to release on Jan 15. Google may be testing XR glasses companion app. WhatsApp update
BS Tech New Delhi After months of speculation and rumours, Apple and Google have finally confirmed that the latter’s Gemini will be powering Siri and future Apple Intelligence features. Apple will use Google’s Gemini as the underlying technology for its foundation models, which will power next-generation Siri, with the change scheduled to roll out to users later this year. Both companies issued a joint statement confirming this, where they said that after careful evaluation, Apple determined that Google’s AI technology provides the most capable foundation for Apple's foundation models.
CMF by Nothing has launched the CMF Headphone Pro in India, marking the brand’s entry into the over-ear headphones category. The CMF Headphone Pro comes with 40mm custom drivers and supports Hi-Res audio with LDAC. The headphones also feature hybrid adaptive ANC, offering noise cancellation of up to 40dB. The company claims up to 100 hours of playback on a single charge or up to 50 hours with ANC enabled.
Home-grown consumer technology company Noise has expanded its smartwatch portfolio with the launch of the NoiseFit Pro 6R. It is the first model in the Pro Series to feature a round dial. The smartwatch comes with a stainless steel body and a 1.46-inch AMOLED display that supports up to 1,000 nits of brightness along with an Always-On Display. It is available with metal, leather, and silicone strap options.
Krafton India is set to release a new update for BGMI on January 15 that will retire the ongoing winter theme. The publisher has posted a video on Instagram, revealing that the BGMI 4.2 update will bring a new Primewood Genesis-themed update, a tree of life, new vehicles, flora wings, and more.
Google is reportedly developing a companion app for smart glasses based on its Android XR platform. The app offers an early glimpse into how the experience may work. According to a report by 9To5 Google, a companion app designed specifically for Android XR glasses has appeared in recent Android Canary builds, hinting at how Google plans to handle setup, camera controls, display settings and AI-powered features on smart eyewear based on its platform.
WhatsApp is reportedly testing a feature that will allow users to see relevant sticker suggestions as they type emojis in chats on iPhones. According to a report by WABetaInfo, the feature was spotted in a recent iOS beta update, the feature aims to cut down the steps needed to send stickers by surfacing matching options directly in the chat bar. Instead of opening the sticker keyboard and browsing through multiple packs, users may be able to see a suitable sticker based on emoji, instantly.
Google’s Dark web report tool, which was designed to check if a user’s personal information was uploaded on the dark web, will be discontinued on January 15. The said feature will stop monitoring for new results after January 15, and the report, along with all related data that it finds, will be removed by February 16.
Samsung’s anticipated Galaxy S26 series may launch on February 26 with release expected from March 11 in select countries. According to a 9To5Google report, citing French community platform Dealabs, Samsung is planning to release the Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra on March 11, at least in France. Though the report noted that the release date is likely to vary based on regions, the US, other portions of Europe, and Korea are expected to follow the same release date as France. No official announcement has been made by Samsung in this regard though.
The CMF Headphone Pro are strong first over-ear headphones from CMF by Nothing. It focuses on things that matter in daily use such as comfort, long battery life, and easy-to-use physical controls. The sound is balanced and pleasant for long listening sessions, noise cancellation works well without feeling tiring, and features like Spatial Audio and Personal Sound add value without getting in the way. The battery life is a real highlight and makes charging something you rarely have to think about. These are not perfect, though. Noise cancellation isn’t the best in the segment. The bold design may also not be for everyone.
 "Tech Wrap Jan 13: Gemini powered Siri, CMF Headphone Pro, NoiseFit Pro 6R")
