The Google Drive app is now fully available for users of Arm-powered PCs, including those with Snapdragon X chipsets. This native version allows seamless integration with Windows File Explorer, enabling users to sync and store files online easily. Additionally, Google has updated its Quick Share app for Windows to support Arm, although it is still a non-native application.
Google's Pixel 9a has the best battery life of any Pixel available today, with over 30 hours of battery life and over 100 hours with Extreme Battery Saver.
Huawei has launched the Huawei Pura X smartphone in China, which is the first Huawei device to operate without Android, using HarmonyOS Next instead. The Pura X does not support Android applications and does not offer a choice between Android and HarmonyOS. The phone features a 3.5-inch outer OLED screen, a 6.3-inch foldable OLED screen, and a triple rear camera system with a 50MP main sensor. It is powered by the Kirin 9020 chip, supports up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, and has a 4720mAh battery with fast charging capabilities. The device is priced at CNY 7499 (approximately ₹89,000) and is unlikely to be available in India due to its lack of Android compatibility.
Players can expect new free games every week from the Epic Games Store on mobile, with the first titles being Super Meat Boy Forever and Eastern Exorcist available for free until March 27.
Google announced it is transitioning Android to a modern, unified rendering stack with Vulkan at its core, which offers higher performance and more efficient CPU and GPU usage for games. Pokemon TCG benefits from Vulkan's optimized graphics across a wide range of devices.
TSplus has released a major update to its Remote Support Android app, now available on the Google Play Store. This update enhances the app's features, which originally allowed users to remotely view and control devices in Full HD resolution at 24 frames per second, with functionalities including keyboard and mouse control, user chat, and device management. The update fully operationalizes the Sharer feature for seamless remote control of Android devices from various platforms. Enhancements include improved performance with upgraded screen encoder and decoder, new settings for optimizing app performance on older devices, shortcuts for quick actions, and improved debugging for easier issue reporting.
Qualcomm has partnered with Google to provide up to eight years of software updates for devices with Snapdragon 8 and 7 series chipsets. Devices like the OnePlus 13, Samsung Galaxy S25 series, Xiaomi 15, Honor Magic 7 Pro, and Asus ROG Phone 9 will receive this extended support. Google's Pixel 8 series will offer seven years of updates with its Tensor chipsets. The implementation of these updates is determined by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) like Samsung and OnePlus. Qualcomm aims to enhance user experiences and provide flexibility for OEMs, potentially allowing mid-range devices with 7-series chips to receive similar support as premium models. Older devices without the latest chipsets will not benefit from this initiative. Qualcomm will continue to work with OEMs to support legacy platforms.
Low penetration of personal computers in India is around 10 percent. Qualcomm anticipates a significant shift in consumer mindset with the upgrade to Windows 10, which will end support in October 2025. The company has partnered with manufacturers like Asus, Acer, Lenovo, HP, and Dell to introduce Snapdragon X platform-based PCs in India. Asus plans to launch its Snapdragon X-based Zenbook A14 and Vivobook 16 on March 10, priced at Rs 65,990 and Rs 99,990, respectively. Qualcomm held a 26 percent share of the Indian smartphone market in 2024, with its chipsets in one in three premium smartphones priced above Rs 25,000. The Snapdragon X platform is reported to deliver performance up to 163 percent faster than competitors while consuming 168 percent less power. Qualcomm has opened its first experience center in collaboration with Croma and plans to establish more stores to extend its reach into smaller towns across India.
