Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2) AI Glasses Debut in India with 3K Video, Hindi AI, and UPI Payments

Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2) AI glasses will be available in India starting today, bringing sharper video capture, significantly improved battery life, upgraded Meta AI experiences, and refreshed styles that blend iconic design with everyday utility. The collection will be available nationwide at Ray-Ban India and leading optical and eyewear retailers, with prices starting at INR 39,900.

Next-Generation AI Glasses for Every Lifestyle

Building on the success of the first-generation Ray-Ban Meta glasses, Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2) delivers sharper 3K Ultra HD video capture, ultrawide HDR, and upgraded Meta AI experiences. With up to 8 hours of battery life, fast charging to 50% in 20 minutes, and a charging case providing an additional 48 hours of power, Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2) is designed to keep up from sunrise to sundown. New capture modes like hyperlapse and slow motion will roll out through software updates later, making storytelling even more creative and immersive.

New Styles, Colors, and Limited Editions

Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 arrives in the legendary Wayfarer, the modern Skyler, and the popular Headliner styles. This year’s lineup introduces seasonal colors such as Shiny Cosmic Blue, Shiny Mystic Violet, and Shiny Asteroid Grey.

Smarter, More Helpful Meta AI

Meta AI becomes more useful across everyday scenarios. Users can say “Hey Meta” to get instant answers, recommendations, or creative prompts. Conversation Focus enhances voices in loud settings and Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2) now supports full Hindi interaction, allowing users to speak naturally to Meta AI for tasks like asking questions, capturing photos and videos, controlling media, and responding to messages.

Meta AI Now Has Celebrity AI Voice

Recently, Meta AI introduced Celebrity AI Voice, enabling users to interact with the assistant in natural spoken conversation. People can now interact with Deepika Padukone’s AI voice. She joined Meta AI’s global lineup of voices for the assistant, including many other recognizable celebrity voices to choose from.

Testing UPI-Lite payments

Soon, you’ll be able to experience a new feature that allows you to make secure UPI QR-code payments directly from your Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2) glasses. Simply look at a QR code while wearing your glasses and say, “Hey Meta, scan and pay” to complete a UPI Lite payment – no need to reach for your phone. Payments will be processed through your WhatsApp-linked bank account, making everyday transactions quicker and more seamless than ever.

TecSox Launches AURA Projector at ₹6,999 — A Smart, Ultra-Portable HD Cinema Experience

TecSox, one of India’s fastest-growing consumer tech innovators, today announced the launch of the AURA Projector, a beautifully designed, ultra-portable smart projector priced at an incredible ₹6,999. Engineered for modern Indian homes, AURA delivers a seamless blend of style, intelligence, and high-performance visuals bringing true HD entertainment to any space, from living rooms and bedrooms to rooftops and weekend getaways.

With a native HD resolution (1280×720) and 4K decoding support, TecSox AURA transforms everyday viewing into a vibrant, immersive experience. Its 300 ANSI Lumens brightness is calibrated for warm Indian evenings, offering bright, clear visuals even with lights on, and cinematic depth when the lights are dimmed. The projector comes equipped with a long-lasting 30,000-hour lamp life, ensuring years of uninterrupted entertainment.

Running on Android 12.0 AOSP, AURA gives users instant access to popular OTT platforms including Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar, and YouTube, making it a complete streaming hub in itself. With Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6 (2.4G/5G) and Bluetooth 5.1, AURA guarantees stable connectivity, quick pairing, and smooth streaming across devices.

Where AURA truly stands out is in its intelligent, user-friendly performance. The projector features Auto Obstacle Avoidance, Auto Screen Alignment, and instant autofocus ensuring perfect setup in seconds, without any manual adjusting or calibration. Whether placed on a table, mounted to a wall, or pointed at the ceiling, AURA optimizes itself automatically.

AURA also boasts seamless compatibility with both Android and iOS devices, allowing effortless wireless mirroring for videos, presentations, photos, or gaming. Its compact size and freestyle mounting bracket provide unmatched portability, enabling users to set up a theater experience anywhere movie nights in the bedroom, cricket screenings with friends, or family entertainment on the go.

“We believe the things we live with should be as beautiful as the moments we share,” says Puneet Gulati, Founder & CEO, TecSox. “AURA is designed to belong: quietly elegant when it’s resting, breathtaking when it comes alive. True beauty doesn’t need to shout, and it certainly doesn’t need to cost a fortune.”

The launch of AURA reinforces TecSox’s vision of democratizing high-quality tech by offering products that deliver premium performance without the premium price tag. With its minimalist design, advanced connectivity, and smart functionality, AURA is set to redefine personal entertainment for Indian households.

Rotimatic Debuts in India, Bringing Its Flagship fully automatic AI-Enabled Roti Maker ‘Rotimatic NEXT’ to Indian Households

Rotimatic, the world’s first smart kitchen appliance powered by robotics and AI, which makes fresh rotis hands-free in 90-110 seconds, today announced its much-anticipated India debut with the launch of its next-generation model, Rotimatic NEXT. While the company is headquartered in Singapore, the manufacturing unit has shifted to the Bangalore-Mysore region to serve both global and the Indian markets.

Founded in 2008 by mechanical engineer Pranoti Nagarkar and software engineer Rishi Israni, Rotimatic has already redefined convenience in over 1 lakh homes across the US, Canada, Australia, the UK, the Middle East, and beyond, with over 250 million rotis made to date.

The India launch marks a strategic move driven by demand that Rotimatic is witnessing in the country, reinforcing their belief that India is a high-potential market for smart kitchen solutions. Marking its official India debut, Rotimatic NEXT will be available exclusively through a direct-to-consumer model via the company’s official website. This direct-to-consumer approach enables Rotimatic to deliver a seamless, personalized buying experience for Indian customers, complete with dedicated support, exclusive offers, and full control over product quality and delivery, without involving third-party intermediaries.

Commenting on the launch in India, Pranoti Nagarkar, Founder & CEO, Zimplistic (Rotimatic) stated, “Bringing Rotimatic back to India is deeply personal. In a country where the culture of eating hot, fresh rotis is woven into daily life, it is time Indian households experience the same world-class technology that has already transformed 1 lakh kitchens globally. With this launch, we’re not just offering convenience, we are celebrating Make in India excellence by delivering a proudly manufactured, quality product that simplifies cooking while preserving tradition.”

Rishi Israni, Co-Founder & CTO, Zimplistic (Rotimatic) said, “Roti making is still labour-intensive, time-consuming, and often left to one person in the household. We live in a world where AI is transforming everything, from cars to communication, yet the act of making rotis hasn’t changed in decades. Rotimatic is not just a gadget; it’s a rethink of kitchen time. With Rotimatic NEXT, we have taken all our learning and user feedback and pushed the boundaries to make it even more intelligent, reliable, and personalized.”

Rotimatic NEXT automates one of the most essential yet time-intensive tasks in Indian kitchens, making fresh rotis. Engineered over a decade of innovation and 37+ patents, this next-gen model brings faster performance, quieter operation, and smarter functionality to homes that value tradition and convenience. From measuring and kneading to flattening, puffing, and roasting, it delivers a perfectly cooked roti every 90 seconds after a brief warm-up. By making roti-making effortless and accessible to all, Rotimatic NEXT has the potential to redefine traditional kitchen roles, proving that Indians are ready to embrace premium appliances that honour care, culture, and everyday ease.

What sets Rotimatic NEXT apart is its built-in AI and IoT capabilities, enabling it to learn and evolve with regular over-the-air updates. Enhanced with Vision AI and next-gen Kneading Intelligence, it now produces thinner, softer, and more versatile multi-flour rotis, all controlled via an intuitive 3.5-inch LCD touchscreen or the connected mobile app.

Beyond rotis, the appliance can effortlessly prepare a variety of flatbreads including parathas, Bhakri, and puris, as well as tortillas, wraps, and pizza bases. It also supports healthier choices using multigrain flours such as almond, maize, jowar, and bajra; store-bought gluten-free or low-sugar variants; and high-fibre blends made from brown rice or sorghum flour. Its ingredient containers for flour, water, and oil are easy to refill, with one load yielding up to 15 fresh rotis.

A powerful 1600–1800W heating system cooks the rotis at temperatures of up to 265°C, while maintaining an operating noise level of under 60 decibels. Weighing around 19 kg, Rotimatic NEXT is designed for effortless use and easy cleaning. Built-in safety features like auto shutoff when the door opens ensure worry-free operation in any kitchen.

Price & Availability

With its sleek design, smart features, and versatility, Rotimatic NEXT is more than just a roti maker; it’s a game-changing kitchen companion. Priced originally at INR 1,65,999/-, Rotimatic NEXT will be available at the launch price of INR 1,24,999 for a limited period. It is now available for purchase across India through the official website: https://in.rotimatic.com

InMobi Expands into Lucknow, Sets Up Base to Drive Deep-Tech Innovation for Global Markets

InMobi, a global leader in AI-powered technology, today announced the launch of a new technology centre in Lucknow, bringing the city into its global innovation network.

As one of the first global deep-tech companies to tap into Lucknow’s growing tech talent pool, the move represents a significant step in InMobi’s mission to decentralize innovation, unlock high-potential talent beyond India’s metropolitan cities, and strengthen India’s global leadership in AI and deep-tech.

The Lucknow tech centre will play a critical role in advancing innovations in cutting-edge technologies including Generative AI, Machine Learning Operations (MLOps), automation, and the development of large-scale AI infrastructure.

InMobi plans to recruit around 500 deep-tech engineers, product specialists, and data science professionals for this centre over the coming years. This investment is expected to generate over 3,000 direct and indirect job opportunities in the region — giving a major boost to state’s economy. This initiative also aligns with the Uttar Pradesh Government’s vision of making the state a $1 trillion economy by 2029.

“At InMobi, we’ve always believed that great talent isn’t confined to geography, it’s driven by mindset, ambition, and opportunity,” said Mohit Saxena, co-founder and Group CTO, InMobi and Glance. “Over the past two decades, we’ve built world-class engineering teams out of Bangalore and San Francisco, two of the most respected tech hubs globally. Now, we’re adding Lucknow to this league. It marks the beginning of a long-term movement to build a vibrant deep-tech ecosystem beyond the traditional metros. By investing in local talent, collaborating with academia, and building cutting-edge products for global markets from the heart of Uttar Pradesh, we are reshaping the innovation map of Bharat— and this is just the beginning,” Saxena added.

Lucknow is home to some of India’s finest engineering talent, with close proximity to several premier institutions such as IIT Kanpur, IIIT Lucknow, IIM Lucknow and MNNIT Allahabad. This positions the city a strategic hub for nurturing future-ready tech capabilities. InMobi plans to collaborate with local universities and academic institutes provide hands-on product training and launch internship and upskilling programs tailored to real-world industry demands – effectively bridging the gap between academia and innovation.

“Our presence in Lucknow is a testament to our belief that talent exists everywhere — and it’s our responsibility to nurture it,” said Shefali Rai, Chief Human Resources Officer at InMobi and Glance. “Our goal is to create a workplace where people don’t have to leave their hometowns to build cutting-edge global products. By bringing InMobi’s high-performance culture, inclusive ethos, and deep-tech opportunities to emerging talent hubs, we’re enabling careers that are rooted locally but built for the world.”

InMobi’s new Lucknow office is part of the company’s broader innovation strategy and builds on its $200 million commitment to AI made earlier this year, which includes the launch of Glance AI, a revolutionary AI commerce platform that is transforming how the world shops. By decentralizing its R&D footprint, the company aims to accelerate innovation, foster inclusive talent development, and develop sustainable tech ecosystem, beyond traditional urban centers.

Google-backed Glance and Samsung Partner to Launch New AI Shopping Experience for Samsung Users in the US

Glance, the consumer technology company backed by Google, launches an integrated lock screen version of Glance AI, an AI commerce platform designed specifically for Samsung users in the US. The strategic partnership will allow Samsung users exclusive access to Glance's AI shopping and styling experiences and content discovery.

Glance AI is a new AI Commerce platform that delivers inspirational, Generative AI-led commerce and content discovery. Launched earlier this month, Glance AI is disrupting how consumers shop today, allowing them to instantly visualize themselves in AI-curated stylized looks and purchase their favorites with a tap. Built on Google Gemini's intelligence and Imagen's state-of-the-art image generation capabilities, Glance AI is unveiling its new custom lock screen experience designed for Samsung users through this new partnership.

"Glance AI is driven by a core human truth: we want to become the best version of ourselves. What stands between that aspiration and reality is the awareness of what is possible or access to platforms that enable this," said Naveen Tewari, Founder and CEO, Glance & InMobi. "Glance AI helps consumers discover and visualize what's possible, starting with an outfit that makes them look and feel great, and own it with just a tap on the platform. Samsung's commitment to enable Glance AI across its devices in the US ensures consumers enjoy an experience where inspirational commerce and content converge."

Available as an app and a lockscreen experience, Glance AI is a fully opt-in experience. It trains itself on a single selfie or an image from the image gallery to generate hyper-real images of consumers in outfits best suited for them. Consumers can then make real-time purchase decisions in just a tap; recommendations and order fulfilment are driven by Glance AI's extensive partnership with more than 400 leading brands in the US and beyond. The app further allows users to place the feature directly on their lock screen for easy access and the ability to save each look as either their lockscreen wallpaper or download to share across their network.

Glance AI also leverages trending content, local events, and social media moments to make recommendations fresh, relevant, and engaging. High-speed inferencing helps deliver options such as flash sales and trend-driven commerce, making every shopping experience unique and effortless. By utilizing Samsung's extensive reach alongside the power of AI, Glance aims to redefine user interaction with smartphones, making every moment spent on the device richer and more efficient.

"At Samsung Galaxy Store, we're proud to be more than just an app marketplace – we're a destination for innovation, discovery, and meaningful experiences tailored for Galaxy users," said Jason Shim, Sr. Director and Head of Samsung Galaxy Store USA. "Glance AI is a perfect example of the kind of high-quality and unique content we strive to deliver. By using AI to personalize content and shopping directly on the lock screen, it brings a smarter, more dynamic experience that reflects the forward-thinking spirit of the Galaxy Store."

This collaboration paves the way for a mobile ecosystem that enables users to discover new styles and trends, transforming the smartphone into a dynamic center of styling and commerce.

What Is Embedded Finance?

Embedded finance is transforming how consumers and businesses interact with financial services, making them more accessible, convenient, and integrated into everyday activities.

Embedded finance is a rapidly growing trend where financial services are integrated into non-financial platforms and applications. This allows users to access financial services seamlessly within the tools and services they already use.

Major e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, and Myntra have integrated digital payment solutions, enabling users to make secure and convenient transactions directly from their smartphones. These firms also offer options like EMI (Equated Monthly Installment) cards and Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services, making it easier for customers to manage their finances.

Companies like Ola and Uber have embedded financial services within their apps, allowing users to pay for rides, split fares, and even access micro-loans for vehicle maintenance or personal emergencies.

Within Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS), companies like Stripe and Plaid offer APIs that enable non-financial businesses to integrate banking services into their platforms. For example, a retail app might offer a "Buy Now, Pay Later" option at checkout.

In a real world example of embedded finance in retail, Walmart offers a seamless shopping experience with its online store, mobile app, and physical stores, allowing customers to switch between channels effortlessly. In an another, Starbucks uses its mobile app to integrate loyalty rewards, payments, and order-ahead services, creating a cohesive customer experience.

One aspect of Embedded Finance is White-Label Neobanking where businesses can launch their own branded financial products without building the infrastructure from scratch. This is often done through partnerships with licensed banks and technology providers.

Embedded finance platforms can facilitate real-time transactions, reducing delays associated with traditional banking. For instance, DailyPay allows workers to access their earned wages instantly through their employer's app.

Digital Wallets and Mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Wallet integrate payment services directly into users' smartphones, making transactions more convenient and secure.

Digital wallets like Paytm and PhonePe offer embedded financial services, including bill payments, money transfers, and access to credit facilities, all within the wallet app.

Besides, it also entails Embedded Insurance where in companies can offer insurance products directly within their platforms. For example, a travel booking site might provide travel insurance options during the booking process.

Further, Embedded Lending also falls under the embdedd finance realm where non-financial companies can offer loans and financing options to their customers. For instance, a car dealership might provide auto loans directly through its website.

These examples illustrate how embedded finance is making financial services more accessible, convenient, and integrated into everyday activities.

Benefits of Embedded Finance

• Enhanced Customer Experience: By integrating financial services into their platforms, businesses can offer a seamless and convenient experience for their customers.
• Increased Revenue Streams: Businesses can generate additional revenue by offering financial products and services directly to their customers.
• Financial Inclusion: Embedded finance can help reach underserved populations by providing access to financial services through familiar platforms.

Embedded finance is revolutionizing the way financial services are accessed and delivered, making them more accessible, convenient, and integrated into everyday activities.

Kids Consumer-Tech Firm Cub McPaws Raises Pre-Series A Funding from Global Investors

Cub McPaws, the kids consumer-tech company has raised its Pre-Series A round from a syndicate of investors from US, Japan, Dubai and India. The company has raised a total of USD 800K from institutional investors and top angel investors.

Launched in December 2018 by ex-Pepperfry colleagues Abhay Bhat and Kinnar Shah, Cub McPaws is a kids consumer-tech company for Generation Alpha - kids born after 2010. The company uses its patented augmented reality technology to create an unparalleled engagement with its merchandise. The company has recorded a strong 50% MoM growth even during the COVID times.

The Pre-series A round was led by a Dubai based global family office. A syndicate of top angel investors from Japan also invested in this round. It includes Mr. Takayuki Sugiura, CEO of Circus Capital, Mr. Daisuke Takagi, Executive Director at UBS, Ms. Motoko Tanabe, Founder of HMF Corporation, Mr. Toshiro Wakimaru, ex-COO of MedPeer Inc, and Mr. Taichi Nakamura, CEO of Venex Ltd.

Existing investors including institutional investors like Samyakth Capital re-invested in this round. The company is backed by renowned investors such as Venture Catalysts, Mr. Ambareesh Murty, CEO Pepperfry, Mr. Robin Joffe, MD at Frost and Sullivan, and Mr. Anuj Golecha, co-founder Venture Catalysts.

"Cub McPaws is already a phenomenon among kids and parents across India. The new investment will help us scale our technology offering and create a complete range of products. We will explore international markets where our products have generated significant interest . We are in discussion with an ex-Facebook, Uber senior executive to head our technology team”, said Abhay Bhat, founder at Cub McPaws.

"We are already in discussions with Global Venture Capital funds for our Series A investment round. The current investment enables us to fuel growth over next few months and allows us to create a world class customer experience. Further, this will add benefits of scale, thereby increasing our gross margins significantly. Receiving this investment during such difficult times also shows the strength of our business model. "Kinnar Shah added.

“The unique and disruptive approach of Cub McPaws and its potential to easily expand globally make it an interesting investment opportunity. The team at Cub McPaws has built a fundamentally strong business and have demonstrated growth even during the tough times. The integrated technology offering, including the patented AR technology, gives it an edge over other consumer companies as it can give disproportionate growth to the brand” said Mr. Sugiura on behalf of investors.

"The confidence of existing investors reinvesting in this round stems from two important factors - the robust growth of the brand during the challenging COVID time and a loyal consumer base it has created in a short time span. Cub McPaws has thus solved the two key challenges faced by consumer brands and is ready to scale up from here", said Dr. Apoorv Ranjan Sharma of Co-Founder & President Venture Catalysts

Venture Catalysts is India’s first integrated incubator. It invests $250K – $1.5 Million in early stage startups that have potential to create enduring value for over a long period of time. Venture Catalysts brings a lethal combination of Capital, Mentoring and Business Network to help investee companies to succeed. Their innovation provides value to startups through its extensive angel network, funding, community, services and co-working facility.