e retail

Business, not heritage, behind decision

Vivo has launched its flagship X300 Ultra and X300 FE smartphones in India, both featuring ZEISS-tuned cameras and running Android 16. The X300 Ultra starts at Rs 1,59,999, while the X300 FE is priced from Rs 79,999. Both devices promise extensive OS and security updates.

Nintendo is adopting a digital-first pricing strategy for its upcoming Star Fox remake in America, offering the download for $49.99 and the physical version for $59.99. This pricing model, already seen with other Switch 2 titles, reflects a broader shift in how the company positions digital purchases across various regions and platforms.

Just Corseca has launched the JC Wall Art Wireless Speaker and JC Sounddrum TWS earbuds in India, blending design with audio functionality. The wall-mounted speaker, priced at Rs 2,999, doubles as home décor, while the Rs 799 earbuds offer enhanced connectivity for the entry-level market. Both aim to integrate seamlessly into users' lives.

BenQ has launched its new Mobiuz monitor in India, featuring a 27-inch QHD QD-OLED panel with a 500Hz refresh rate. This display is designed for gamers and creators, offering exceptional motion clarity and color accuracy. Priced at Rs 84,998, it aims to provide both performance and artistic visual experiences.

Apple has surpassed expectations with a robust second quarter, reporting $111.2 billion in revenue, a 17% year-on-year surge. Strong iPhone sales and consistent services growth fueled this success, with India emerging as a significant contributor. CEO Tim Cook highlighted record-breaking iPhone and services performance, underscoring a powerful product lineup.

India's temple towns are experiencing a real estate boom, driven by increased religious tourism and government infrastructure investment. Developers are now blending spirituality, wellness, and second-home living, creating new development paradigms rooted in cultural identity and long-term human movement.

UAE motorists will face higher fuel costs in May 2026 as petrol prices see another significant increase. This marks the third consecutive monthly hike, driven by global oil market instability and geopolitical tensions. The latest revisions mean higher expenses for daily commutes and businesses reliant on transportation.

Lenovo's Idea Tab Pro Gen 2 has arrived in India, targeting students and professionals with its 13-inch 3.5K display and powerful Snapdragon 8s Gen 4. Priced at Rs 39,999, it boasts AI tools, a bundled stylus, and a 10,200mAh battery. This capable Android tablet offers a compelling blend of features for its price point.

Apple's Mac Mini is experiencing a surge in demand, driven by on-device AI applications, leading to depleted stock and a booming resale market. Buyers are paying significantly inflated prices on eBay for the compact, power-efficient machines, as global memory component shortages impact new production. This AI hardware frenzy is also evident in China's second-hand MacBook market.

Amazon faces serious allegations in California. New court filings reveal the e-commerce giant allegedly pressured major brands like Levi's and Hanes. The company reportedly asked these brands to raise prices on rival websites. This action aimed to prevent lower prices elsewhere and maintain Amazon's market position.

boAt has launched its first truly wireless soundbar, the Aavante Prime X, featuring Dolby Atmos and a 700W RMS output. This immersive audio system includes detachable satellite speakers and a wireless subwoofer, designed to bring stadium-like sound to homes. Available at an introductory price, it aims to redefine home entertainment.

Apple posted its best March quarter ever in Q2 FY2026—$111.2 billion in revenue, up 17% year over year, with iPhone sales jumping 22% to $57 billion and Services hitting an all-time high of $31 billion. Every product category and every geographic region grew. The catch: memory costs are rising fast, Mac supply can't keep up with demand, and Tim Cook is handing the CEO role to John Ternus on September 1.

JBL celebrates its 80th anniversary by launching the new Bar MK2 Series in India, bringing cinema-grade Dolby Atmos and DTS:X sound to homes. The series features detachable surround speakers for effortless, immersive audio experiences. The lineup includes models ranging from the premium Bar 1300MK2 to the compact Bar 500MK2, all designed for precise and elegant wireless sound.

In March, SIP inflows saw a record high of around INR32,000 crore even though the markets were down 10%. But fund managers say if retail investors don’t see returns for another 18 months, most of them will start pulling back.

Gold price prediction today: Any upside in gold prices is likely to be capped by gains in crude oil prices, says Praveen Singh, Head Currencies and Commodities, Mirae Asset ShareKhan.

Formula Legends has received a new Formula E: Electric Evolution expansion, making it even more authentic by offering newer race tracks such as Berlin, Shanghai, Miami, London and others. All teams, drivers and sponsors, along with features like Attack Mode, double-headers and battery management, are also part of the new expansion.

A sophisticated refund scam has cost Amazon $4 million in stolen goods like graphics cards and laptops. A group named RBK allegedly exploited customer support by claiming packages never arrived, even using fake police reports. Amazon uncovered the scheme through an undercover investigator, leading to a lawsuit against named individuals and unknown accomplices.

Bengaluru-based Simple Energy has launched the Simple Ultra, India's longest-range electric scooter with a claimed 400 km IDC range. Priced at Rs 2.35 lakh, the scooter boasts a 6.5 kWh battery, a top speed of 115 kmph, and a 0-40 kmph acceleration of 2.77 seconds.

BenQ has launched its flagship MA270S 5K monitor in India, specifically designed for Mac users. This new display aims to enhance color consistency, clarity, and workflow integration for creative professionals. Priced at Rs. 94,998, it offers seamless integration with macOS and supports Thunderbolt 4 connectivity.

Vivo has launched the T5 Pro in India, boasting a massive 9,020 mAh battery and a 1.5K AMOLED display. Powered by a Snapdragon 7s Gen chipset, it offers up to 12GB RAM and 50MP main camera. With IP68/IP69 ratings and 90W fast charging, it's built for demanding users. Available from April 21, 2026, starting at Rs 29,999.

Emkay Global initiated coverage of Avenue Supermart with a sell rating, citing its high valuation. Morgan Stanley resumed coverage of UPL with an equal weight rating, seeing potential in global crop chemical volume revival. HSBC initiated coverage of Acme Solar with a buy rating, highlighting its rapid growth and long-term earnings visibility.

UK financial regulators are urgently discussing Anthropic's Claude Mythos AI with banks and cybersecurity watchdogs. The model's advanced ability to find system vulnerabilities has sparked concerns, mirroring similar discussions in the US. Leading institutions will be briefed on potential cybersecurity risks, as the AI has already identified thousands of critical flaws.