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Good afternoon!
Here’s your quick roundup of today’s biggest developments across smartphones, startups, hiring, crypto security, and AI-powered healthcare.
Google has launched the Pixel 11 Pro Fold in India with the Tensor G6 chip, 16GB RAM and a triple-camera setup. IIT Madras-linked deep-tech startup Quarkitech has raisedRs.2 crore in pre-seed funding. India’s fresher hiring outlook has improved, with e-commerce, technology startups and retail leading demand. Meanwhile, Bitcoin and crypto companies are asking AI labs for earlier access to advanced cybersecurity models. Google is also developing an AI-powered wearable feature designed to detect signs of insulin resistance without a dedicated glucose sensor.
Google launches Pixel 11 Pro Fold with Tensor G6 and 16GB RAM.
Quarkitech raises Rs. 2 crore in pre-seed funding.
Fresher hiring intent rises to 75% in India.
Bitcoin firms seek early access to powerful AI security models.
Google develops AI-based insulin resistance tracking for wearables.
Google has launched the Pixel 11 Pro Fold as its latest foldable smartphone, featuring an 8-inch inner display and a 6.5-inch outer screen. The device is powered by the Tensor G6 processor, paired with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage. It carries a 48MP main camera, 10.5MP ultrawide camera, and 10.8MP telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom. The foldable packs a 4,750mAh battery and supports 30W wired charging and 25W Qi2.2 wireless charging. It also includes Gemini-powered AI features, IP68 protection, and Google's HiLight feature. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold is priced at Rs. 1,86,999 in India. Pre-orders began on August 12, while sales start on August 20.
Tamil Nadu-based deep-tech startup Quarkitech has raised Rs.2 crore in pre-seed funding as it works on next-generation simulation technology. The startup is associated with IIT Madras and is developing proprietary quantum-classical algorithms for applications across finance, mission-critical sectors and deep science. Quarkitech Research and Development is registered at IIT Madras Research Park in Chennai.
India’s fresher hiring outlook has improved for the second half of 2026, with 75% of surveyed employers planning to hire freshers, up from 73% in the previous six months. E-commerce and technology startups, along with retail, recorded the highest hiring intent at 93% each. Manufacturing followed at 89%, while FMCG stood at 86%. IT hiring intent, however, declined to 76% from 81%. AI application developers, junior semiconductor design engineers and data centre operations associates are among the roles seeing demand. Bengaluru leads major cities with 89% hiring intent, followed by Mumbai at 75% and Chennai at 71%.
More than three dozen Bitcoin and crypto companies are urging major AI labs to provide security researchers with early access to their most capable cyber-focused models. Companies including Coinbase, Block, BitGo, Blockstream and ARK Invest argue that safety filters on public AI models can prevent legitimate researchers from identifying vulnerabilities before attackers exploit them. The group wants early model access, computing resources, secure environments for private code analysis and direct communication channels with AI lab security teams. The demand comes after vulnerabilities affecting BTCPay Server and Lightning nodes highlighted the growing role of AI in both cyberattacks and defence.
Google is working on a wearable feature that could track signs of insulin resistance without requiring a dedicated glucose sensor. The system combines AI with data from sensors such as heart rate, skin temperature, accelerometer, and barometer to identify patterns linked to how the body responds while metabolising food. If the system detects significant changes, the Google Health app could alert users to consult a doctor. The feature is expected to debut with the Pixel Watch 5 and represents Google’s broader push to use AI for deeper health insights through wearable devices.
