 "Tech Wrap Sept 4: Samsung Galaxy S25 FE, Pixel drop, Instagram on iPad")
On September 4, Samsung introduced the Galaxy S25 FE (Fan Edition), an entry-level addition to its Galaxy S lineup. The device is powered by the Exynos 2400 chipset and brings several key upgrades, including a 12MP front camera, a 4900mAh battery, a larger vapour chamber for enhanced cooling, and an Armor Aluminium frame. Running on Android 16-based One UI 8, the Galaxy S25 FE supports Galaxy AI features such as Generative Edit, Instant Slow-mo, Audio Eraser, and more.
Google has started rolling out Android 16 QPR1 for eligible Pixel smartphones, featuring a Material 3 Expressive redesign, LE Audio Auracast support, a Weather app for Pixel watches, and performance improvements. The update will gradually reach Pixel 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 series devices over the course of the month. The Android 16 QPR1 update introduces several enhancements for Pixel users.
Meta has launched a dedicated Instagram app for iPads to optimise the experience for larger screens. The new app includes a refreshed layout, a new landing page, a Following tab for a personalised feed, and additional improvements. Previously, iPad users had to use the iPhone version scaled up for the tablet, rather than a version designed specifically for iPads.
Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Tab S11 series on September 4, which includes the 14.6-inch Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra and the 11-inch Galaxy Tab S11. At 5.1mm, the Ultra model is Samsung’s thinnest tablet to date, while the standard Tab S11 measures 5.5mm in thickness. Both tablets are powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9400 Plus chipset.
Indian smartphone maker Lava has introduced the Yuva Smart 2, a new addition to its budget-friendly Yuva Smart series. Running on Android 15 Go and powered by the UNISOC SC9863A processor, the device sports a 6.75-inch HD+ display and a 5000mAh battery. Lava positions the Yuva Smart 2 as an entry-level smartphone for first-time users.
Sony has expanded its audio range in India with the first-ever C-type wired earphones, the IER-EX15C. The earphones come with a 5mm driver and a high-compliance diaphragm, delivering rich bass and clear vocals while remaining lightweight and comfortable. The USB-C connectivity ensures compatibility with modern smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other devices featuring a C-type port.
WhatsApp’s latest iOS 25.23.82 update brings a redesigned calling experience for iPhone users. WABetaInfo reports that the update introduces a unified call menu, replacing separate voice and video call buttons with a single option. The change aims to simplify initiating and managing calls, particularly for business and group interactions.
Alongside the Galaxy S25 FE smartphone and Galaxy Tab S11 series, Samsung launched the Galaxy Buds 3 FE on September 4. The earbuds follow the stem-style design of the Buds 3 series and feature active noise cancellation (ANC) and Samsung’s Crystal Clear Call technology. They also integrate AI functionalities, including real-time translation via Galaxy AI when connected to compatible Galaxy devices.
YouTube is reportedly enforcing its Premium Family plan policy more strictly by pausing access for users sharing accounts outside their registered household. CNET reports that some subscribers have received warnings that their Premium benefits could be suspended for fourteen days due to family plan violations.
Google has revived Androidify with an AI-powered update that allows users to transform their selfies into customised Android bots. As noted on the Google blog, the platform or website can generate bots from selfies or text prompts and even add accessories using Gemini 2.5 Flash. The original app was retired in 2020, and a basic version was released last year. This update coincides with the Android 16 QPR1 release and the September 2025 Pixel Drop.
IO Interactive, the Danish game developer, showcased 007 First Light at Sony’s State of Play on September 3. The broadcast offered a detailed look at the gameplay and announced the release date. The game will launch on PC, PS5, Xbox Series S/X, and Nintendo Switch 2 on March 27, 2026, and is now available for pre-order.
Apple Inc. is reportedly developing its own AI-powered web search tool for next year, intensifying competition with OpenAI and Perplexity AI Inc. Internally called World Knowledge Answers, the system will integrate with Siri, with potential expansion to Safari and Spotlight, allowing users to search directly from the iPhone home screen.
Krafton, the South Korean publisher of PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds Mobile, announced the release of PUBG Mobile 4.0. The official Instagram account shared teasers, revealing that the rollout will start on September 4. The update introduces a new themed mode, themed maps, refreshed events, new weapons, and graphical improvements. The Spooky Soiree mode, featuring the Wraithmoor Mansion area across maps, is the highlight of this update.
Microsoft is reportedly testing a clipboard sync feature in Windows 11 via its Phone Link app, allowing Android devices to access content copied on a PC. The feature adds an “Access PC’s clipboard” toggle and works with keyboards like Gboard and Samsung Keyboard, enabling seamless copy-paste functionality between devices.
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Aura Edition Gen 13 strikes an impressive balance between portability and performance, while staying true to the iconic ThinkPad design language. Its ultra-lightweight build, coupled with the convenience of a physical SIM slot, makes it one of the most travel-friendly business laptops you can buy. Add to that the solid typing experience and dependable battery life.
Samsung has launched the Galaxy S25 FE smartphone alongside the flagship Galaxy Tab S11 series tablets and Buds 3 FE at its Galaxy Event. The devices bring notable upgrades over their predecessors and ship with the new Android 16-based One UI 8. While One UI 8 brings creative tools such as Generative Edit and Instant Slow-mo to the Galaxy S25 FE, the Galaxy Tab S11 series gets productivity-focused features including Drawing Assist, Writing Assist and an upgraded Samsung DeX interface. The S Pen has also been redesigned for better control.
This Diwali, air conditioners, dishwashers and television sets could see sharper demand as the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council has moved these items from the 28 per cent bracket to 18 per cent, effective September 22, just weeks before the festive season peaks in October.
Artificial intelligence is moving fast. And in China, it could soon start paying off in a big way. Analysts at UBS believe that Chinese companies may begin making money from AI-powered ‘agents’ as early as next year, according to a report by South China Morning Post.
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