In a groundbreaking announcement, Microsoft has revealed plans to launch a dedicated app for Android devices that will enable users to purchase and play Xbox games directly. This strategic move marks a significant expansion of the Xbox ecosystem, offering gamers a more seamless and accessible experience on their mobile devices.

The new app will serve as a centralized hub for Xbox games on Android, providing a convenient platform for browsing, purchasing, and playing a wide range of titles. Users can expect a familiar interface that mirrors the Xbox console experience, making navigating and finding their favourite games easy.

One key advantage of the new app is the ability to purchase games directly from Microsoft. This eliminates the need for third-party app stores, streamlining the process and ensuring a more secure and reliable experience. Additionally, Microsoft may offer exclusive deals and promotions through its app, providing gamers with additional incentives to purchase games directly.

While the exact details of the app's features and capabilities are still under wraps, it is expected to offer robust functionalities. These may include cloud gaming support, allowing users to stream games from Microsoft's servers, and social features that enable players to connect with friends and compete in multiplayer games.

Microsoft's introduction of a dedicated Android app is a strategic move to tap into the vast and growing mobile gaming market. By offering a convenient and accessible platform for Xbox games, Microsoft aims to attract a wider audience and increase the overall adoption of its gaming ecosystem.

This announcement follows Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard, a major player in the gaming industry. The combination of Microsoft's Xbox platform and Activision Blizzard's extensive catalogue of popular games is expected to create a powerful force in the gaming market.

The launch of the new Android app is a significant milestone for Microsoft and represents a major step forward in its mobile gaming strategy. By providing a seamless and convenient way for users to purchase and play Xbox games on their Android devices, Microsoft is poised to revolutionize the mobile gaming landscape.

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.

Also Read: Must-Have Mobile Accessories for Samsung Smartphones

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.

Read More: Best AI Smartphones in 2025 That Offers Virtual Assistants to Intelligent Cameras

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.