What’s New Today: Nothing Phone 3a Models to Debut with Qualcomm Chips
Fast-Track Insights: Chennai Startup Secures $8M for Local Chip Innovation Drive
Here’s a quick rundown of the biggest tech headlines making waves today. From the Nothing Phone 3a Models to AAI Opens 2024 Recruitment, let’s dive into the top tech stories of the day.
British tech brand Nothing is set to expand its smartphone lineup in 2025 with four models: the flagship Nothing Phone 3, Nothing Phone 3a, Phone 3a Plus, and CMF Phone 2. According to Android Authority, the Phone 3a and 3a Plus will feature Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chips, replacing MediaTek processors, while the CMF Phone 2 will retain MediaTek. The Phone 3a series could introduce telephoto cameras, with the 3a Plus offering periscopic zoom. Additionally, eSIM support may be included in the Phone 3a models, allowing dual physical SIMs or one physical SIM with an eSIM, while CMF Phone 2 sticks to physical SIMs.
Chennai-based Mindgrove Technologies has raised $8 million in a Series A funding round co-led by Rocketship.vc and Speciale Invest, with participation from Mela Ventures, Peak XV Partners, Whiteboard Capital, and angel investors. The funds will support the commercial production of its Secure IoT microcontroller SoC, team expansion, and enhanced engineering capabilities. Mindgrove’s flagship 28 nm chip for smart devices is set for mid-2025 sales, and its Vision SoC, supported by India’s DLI scheme, targets edge computing and vision applications. Incubated by IIT-Madras, the startup plans to grow from 40 to 100 employees, focusing on engineering and sales roles.
The Airport Authority of India (AAI) Recruitment 2024 invites applications for 24 Graduate/Diploma Apprentices under the Apprentices Act, 1961. Eligible candidates must hold a 4-year engineering degree, a 3-year diploma, or a general stream degree recognized by AICTE, GOI. Selected Graduate Apprentices receive a stipend of ₹15,000/month, while Diploma Apprentices earn ₹12,000/month. Candidates are selected based on a merit list, interviews, and document verification, including a medical fitness certificate. The 1-year training will be at Safdarjung Airport, New Delhi. Applications must be submitted via the BOAT web portal or email with all required documents before the deadline.
Russian businesses are increasingly using cryptocurrencies like bitcoin for international payments, following legislative changes allowing such transactions to circumvent Western sanctions. Finance Minister Anton Siluanov confirmed these payments are operational and expected to grow. The move aligns with broader global trends, as blockchain technology transforms cross-border payments by offering speed, transparency, and cost efficiency. Stablecoins play a vital role, bypassing traditional banking networks and enabling near-instant settlements. Industry leaders like Mastercard and the Solana Foundation highlight blockchain’s potential to revolutionize cross-border transactions, providing a scalable, low-cost solution. Experts see this as a critical use case for cryptocurrencies in global trade.
With over 6.6 billion smartphone users worldwide, almost 83% of the global population, the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on mobile devices has been massive. Since its introduction, AI has elevated smartphones to a new level of personalization, efficiency, and functionality. As AI technology continues to advance, smartphones are becoming intelligent tools that use machine learning, natural language processing, and neural networks to help us in everyday life with unprecedented ease and convenience.