Google gives Jio customers free access to Gemini 2.5 Pro — 18 months of pro AI and 2TB storage Google has struck a major partnership with Reliance Intelligence to offer Gemini 2.5 Pro to eligible Jio Unlimited 5G subscribers at no extra cost for 18 months. The initial rollout targets Jio customers aged 18–25 and will later expand to all qualifying plan holders via the MyJio app. The bundle includes access to Gemini 2.5 Pro, expanded generation limits for the Nano Banana and Veo 3.1 image/video tools, enhanced NotebookLM access and 2TB of Google cloud storage — a package valued at roughly 35,100 rupees (~$396) per user. This move underscores India’s importance as a strategic market for AI services. Key points Who’s eligible: Initially Jio Unlimited 5G subscribers aged 18–25;…

Timix adds Apple Home control — switch HomeKit devices from iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch and Mac Timix, an app available for iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch and Mac, has introduced direct control for devices integrated into Apple Home. That means you can now use Timix to toggle lights, run scenes and operate other HomeKit devices from the Timix interface instead of switching apps. The developer has rolled out a number of improvements and feature expansions since our last mention; the Apple Home integration is the most notable addition. Timix aims to simplify common tasks by letting users control smart‑home gear alongside timers, reminders or other Timix functions. Key features of the update Direct Apple Home / HomeKit control from Timix on iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch and Mac. Ability to switch lights,…

Bose QuietComfort (non‑Ultra) headphones on sale: $199 (45% off) Best Buy’s early Black Friday event has knocked the Bose QuietComfort (non‑Ultra) headphones down to $199 — a 45% discount that matches their record low from Prime Day. Amazon has matched the price, making this a good window to pick up comfortable, ANC‑focused cans at a strong value. These QuietComfort headphones offer top‑tier comfort, active noise cancellation with Quiet and Aware modes, wind reduction features and around 24 hours of battery life. They also support quick charging (about 2.5 hours of listening from a 15‑minute charge). Why this deal is worth considering Price: $199 matches a historic low — solid value for Bose ANC and comfort. Performance: Very good ANC and comfortable fit; audio quality is excellent for the price though…

Monarch Money: 50% off annual plans for new users (code MONARCHVIP) Monarch Money is running a promotion that gives new users 50% off an annual subscription when signing up through the web and using the code MONARCHVIP at checkout. The typical yearly price is about $100, so the discount saves roughly $50 for the first year. The offer is only valid for new customers and cannot be combined with other promotions. Monarch is a feature-rich budgeting app with deep customization: it tracks net worth, imports transactions across accounts (including Apple Card and Apple Cash), detects recurring expenses, and provides detailed month‑in‑review reports. It’s more powerful and granular than many entry-level trackers, though it may require a bit more setup time. Key details Discount: 50% off annual plans with code MONARCHVIP.…

NASA's X-59 completes first flight — a step toward quieter supersonic travel NASA and Lockheed Martin’s X-59 Quiet Supersonic Technology (QueSST) aircraft completed its first flight in California, marking a major milestone in efforts to revive supersonic passenger travel without the disruptive sonic boom. The test flight moved the jet from US Air Force Plant 42 in Palmdale to NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards and performed "exactly as planned," according to Lockheed Martin. The X-59 is engineered to cruise faster than Mach 1 while dramatically reducing the loud sonic boom to a softer "thump" or near silence for observers on the ground. Its unusual design — an extremely pointed nose and an engine mounted atop the fuselage — helps reshape the aircraft’s sonic signature. Key facts First flight:…

Thief VR: Legacy of Shadow arrives Dec 4 — a VR revival of the classic stealth series The long-awaited VR return of Thief is official: Thief VR: Legacy of Shadow will launch on December 4. The game is a VR exclusive and will be available on Meta Quest, PS VR and SteamVR. Preorders are live at $27, with a $30 list price on Steam and Meta. Set roughly between the original Thief trilogy and the 2014 installment, you play as Magpie, a nimble thief who uncovers a legendary eye artifact tied to the city’s past. The city is under the thumb of Baron Ulysses Northcrest, creating a perfect backdrop for stealth, exploration and heists. Platforms, price and availability Release date: December 4. Platforms: Meta Quest (Quest Store), PlayStation VR (PS…

Dyson’s early Black Friday sale slashes prices on V8, V11 and 360 Vis Nav Dyson has kicked off an early Black Friday sale with notable discounts across its lineup. Highlights include the Dyson V8 Absolute at $300 (about $290 off), the V11 Extra for $400 (approx. $260 off) and the 360 Vis Nav robot vacuum for $500 (about $500 off). These deals bring premium cordless and robotic cleaning closer to mainstream budgets. The V8 Absolute remains a solid cordless option for many homes: it covers multiple floor types, reaches tight spots, offers around 40 minutes of battery life and includes a HEPA filter. The V11 Extra improves on suction and extends runtime to roughly 60 minutes, making it a better fit for larger homes or heavier cleaning sessions. Why these…

Canva integrates Affinity: Affinity apps to become permanently free on Canva’s new design platform Canva’s new owners have confirmed that the Affinity creative apps will be folded into Canva’s design platform and made permanently free. Alongside the integration announcement, Canva has released a new version of the Affinity apps as part of the transition. The move means Affinity’s photo, vector and layout tools will now sit inside a broader Canva ecosystem and be available to users at no cost. Canva says the apps will remain available in their updated form and that the change is part of a larger strategy to expand its design offerings. What’s changing Permanent free access: Affinity apps will be available for free going forward as part of Canva’s platform. Updated releases: Canva has published a…

WhatsApp introduces passkeys for encrypted backups — easier, biometric restores WhatsApp is rolling out passkeys for encrypted chat backups, making it simpler to secure and restore your saved messages, photos and voice notes. Passkeys let you use device biometrics (Face ID, fingerprint) or — on some devices — your screen‑lock code to access backups instead of a separate password or recovery key. The feature builds on WhatsApp’s end‑to‑end encrypted backup support, which launched in 2021, but aims to remove friction by eliminating the need to remember or store an extra encryption key. WhatsApp says the rollout begins today and will reach users globally over the coming weeks. How passkeys work Authentication: Use built‑in biometrics or compatible device screen‑lock codes to unlock encrypted backups during restores. No extra password: Passkeys remove…

Pinterest launches Pinterest Assistant — AI-powered, personalized visual search Pinterest is rolling out Pinterest Assistant, a new AI-powered feature that helps users discover clothes, furniture and other inspiration based on their saved Pins and boards. Designed for open-ended, discovery-style queries, the Assistant analyzes your activity and similar tastes across the platform to surface visuals tailored to you. The main interaction method is voice: tap the mic icon in the Pinterest app, speak a broad request (for example, “pillows that match my living room decor”), and the Assistant will use that audio prompt plus your saved content to find suitable results. Pinterest emphasizes the multimodal approach — combining voice and visual signals — to make browsing feel closer to real-world shopping. How Pinterest Assistant works Personalized results: The Assistant looks at…