Google's next annual developer conference is just a few weeks away, and the company is expected to unveil its next Pixel A series of smartphones at the event. The phone's specifications and design have been doing rounds on the internet, and now the phone's price has been leaked. The smartphone is said to come in a black colour option whereas, on the front, it could sport a curved display and noticeable bezels. Here are all the details we know so far.

Google Pixel 8a price leaked

In the latest development, the upcoming Pixel 8a's price has been tipped online, suggesting it could cost pricier than its predecessor Pixel 7a. As reported by PassionateGeekz, the Pixel 8a has been spotted listed by a retailer in Canada with a price tag of CAD 708.99 (roughly Rs 42,830) for the 128GB storage configuration, and CAD 792.99 (roughly Rs 47,900) for the 256GB variant. However, the name of the Canadian retailer that listed both variants of the Pixel 8a has not been revealed. Other reports suggest that the Pixel 8a could cost between Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000 more than its predecessor in India. To recall, the Pixel 7a was launched in May 2023, priced at Rs 43,999 for the sole 8GB+128GB RAM and storage configuration.

Meanwhile, the design and colour options have also been leaked, showcasing a hole-punch display and rounded corners. The handset is said to come in black, which could be a rumoured Obsidian variant. The screen can also be seen with noticeable bezels at the bottom.

It has also been leaked that the Pixel 8a can have a matte plastic finish, unlike the Pixel 7a's glossy finish. It could sport the same Pixel camera visor on the rear, housing two sensors and a circular LED flash. The back panel will also have a Google logo.

Google launched the Pixel 7a last year in May 2023. The brand is expected to follow a similar launch schedule for the upcoming Pixel 8a at its annual developer conference. This year's Google I/O is slated to start on May 14, 2024.

Previously, the Pixel 8a was tipped to feature a 6.1-inch display with a 90Hz refresh rate. It was also said to run on Google's Tensor G3 SoC alongside 8GB of RAM. It will reportedly be backed by a 5,000mAh battery supporting 27W wired fast charging. It could measure 152.1 x 72.6 x 8.9mm.

Samsung Galaxy S25 series is expected to be unveiled on 22nd January. Samsung is set to hold its Galaxy Unpacked event on the day. The lineup will likely include the base Galaxy S25, the Galaxy S25+ and the Galaxy S25 Ultra variants. Over the past few weeks, several leaked details about the upcoming handsets have surfaced online. The phones are expected to get Qualcomm's latest octa-core Snapdragon 8 Elite chipsets.

Now, a tipster has suggested the possible India sale date for the smartphones and their colour and storage options.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Series Sale Date in India Tipped

According to the tipster, the Samsung Galaxy S25 series deliveries will begin in India around February 3, with sales starting by February 9. Interested can pre-book the next-gen Galaxy S25 series phone on the company's official website in India and Flipkart.

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Samsung Galaxy S25 Series: Color and Storage Options (Expected)

The highly anticipated Samsung Galaxy S25 series is expected to launch in the first half of 2025, and leaks have surfaced regarding its potential color and storage options.

For the Galaxy S25 Ultra, rumours suggest a range of sophisticated colors, including Titanium Blue and Icy Blue, alongside other vibrant shades. The Galaxy S25 and S25+ models may offer a similar color palette with variations in finish.

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In terms of storage, the series is likely to cater to diverse user needs with various options. The base models may offer 128GB and 256GB configurations, while higher-end models could feature 512GB and even 1TB storage options.

It is important to note that these details are based on leaks and rumours. Official specifications and availability will be announced by Samsung closer to the launch date.

Meta-owned instant messaging platform - WhatsApp has introduced a bunch of new features and updates to enhance the user experience and make the conversation more fun. In the latest update, the messaging app has added new camera effects, selfie stickers, the option to share sticker packs, and faster reactions. Users will get 30 backgrounds, filters and effects options to choose from during the chat. Meta has announced the updates in its latest blog post. Read out all details here.

Taking to its blog post Meta said, “We continuously strive to enhance the fun and usability of WhatsApp, and we’re thrilled to start the new year with fresh features and design improvements to enrich your experience.” Here are all the features that users will get as a part of the latest WhatsApp update.

Also Read: Best AI Smartphones in 2025 That Offers Virtual Assistants to Intelligent Cameras
WhatsApp latest update: New features

1. Camera effects: At present, users can select from 30 backgrounds, filters, and effects while capturing and sharing a video or image in their messages to enhance the visuals.

2. Selfie stickers: One can now also convert selfies into stickers. To begin, press the create sticker icon and you’ll find the camera option to capture a selfie and make your sticker. This option is currently available on Android and will be released on iOS shortly.

3. Share a sticker collection: Have you found a sticker pack that you think a friend would enjoy? You can now share them straight in your conversations.

4. Faster responses: You can now double-tap a message to react and easily browse your frequently used reactions.

Also Read: Best Smartphones Under 15,000 in 2024 That Are Worth Your Money
In addition to these, the WhatsApp has also been recently spotted developing a new feature for its Web version that will enable users to conduct a web search on shared images. The features, known as Search on Web, will reportedly allow users to perform a reverse image search through Google rapidly, all within the messaging platform. This functionality is likely to reduce the dissemination of false information and safeguarding users from being deceived by online frauds. Notably, the company started the testing this feature on WhatsApp for Android in November, last year.

India Post Phishing Scam Targets iPhone Users: What You Need to Know

Cybercriminals are targeting iPhone users in India with a phishing campaign disguised as official India Post communications. The scam, identified by FortiGuard Labs, tricks victims into sharing sensitive personal and financial information under the pretense of delivering a package. This large-scale operation is linked to the China-based threat group Smishing Triad, which has conducted similar attacks worldwide.

How the Scam Operates

The attack begins with fraudulent iMessages sent to Apple ID accounts, claiming that a package is awaiting delivery at an India Post warehouse. Victims are directed to a fake India Post website where they are asked to provide personal details and credit card information for a supposed redelivery fee.

Investigations reveal that over 470 phishing domains impersonating India Post have been registered since January 2024, with nearly 300 of these domains tied to a Chinese registrar. The scam uses these fake domains to mirror the real India Post website, making it harder for users to differentiate between authentic and fraudulent communications.

This campaign, part of a growing trend in "smishing" attacks, highlights the scammers' focus on exploiting trusted brands like India Post to deceive users. The attackers also use urgency tactics, such as claiming victims must act within 24 hours, to lower vigilance and prompt hasty actions.

Protecting Yourself Against Smishing

iPhone users are advised to remain cautious when receiving unexpected messages or notifications, especially those requesting personal or financial information. To safeguard yourself:

• Avoid clicking on links in suspicious messages, even if they seem urgent or authentic.
• Manually visit official websites by typing the URL instead of using shared links.
• Enable multi-factor authentication on your Apple ID and other accounts to add an extra layer of security.
• Regularly update your devices and security software to defend against vulnerabilities.
• If you suspect a message is fraudulent, report it to the appropriate authorities and delete it immediately.

By staying vigilant and following these practices, users can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to such phishing scams.