Vivo Rolls Out FunTouch OS 15 Update with New AI Features, Including Circle to Search and Live Text

Vivo is enhancing its FunTouch OS 15, which is based on Android 15, with a series of new AI-powered features aimed at improving productivity and communication. After its initial rollout in India last year, the company has introduced several smart tools, including the AI Live Text, Circle to Search, and AI Screen Translation. These features leverage artificial intelligence to make everyday tasks more efficient, from extracting text from images to real-time translation during phone calls. These updates are expected to significantly improve the user experience by providing advanced functionalities that simplify daily activities.

Among the standout features in this update is the AI Erase tool, which allows users to remove unwanted elements, such as distractions or people, from their photos with a simple tap or swipe. Another highlight is the AI Live Cutout feature, which can instantly separate a subject from its background, making it easier to create professional-looking images or videos. This tool enhances creative possibilities by automatically detecting and isolating the main subject, making the editing process quicker and more efficient.

The update also brings significant improvements to Vivo’s Recorder app, including the introduction of AI Transcript Assist. This feature converts voice recordings into accurate, concise text summaries, offering users a powerful tool for note-taking or reviewing important conversations. Additionally, the AI Screen Translation tool enables real-time translations of text without the need to switch between apps, providing a seamless experience for users who need instant language support.

One of the most exciting additions is the Circle to Search tool, which is similar to Google’s AI-powered feature. This tool allows users to circle text, images, or objects on their screen to initiate an instant, context-aware search without leaving the current app or activity. With the AI Live Text feature, users can extract text from any image, making it easy to copy information from pictures or screenshots. These updates are designed to make Vivo’s FunTouch OS 15 a more intuitive, efficient, and versatile system for users looking for advanced AI capabilities in their daily smartphone usage.

Poco F7 Launch Expected by End of May, New Timeline Revealed

The Poco F7 is expected to make its debut in global markets soon, with fresh reports suggesting the device could launch by the end of May. Leaked information about the upcoming handset, which is the successor to the Poco F6, has been circulating online, providing hints about its features and release schedule. Notably, the Poco F7 was spotted on the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) website, signaling an imminent release in India. In addition to the standard model, the Poco F7 Ultra and Poco F7 Pro were unveiled globally in March, further expanding the company’s F7 series lineup.

Tipster Yogesh Brar (@heyitsyogesh) recently shared details of the expected Poco F7 launch timeline via a post on X (formerly Twitter). According to the tipster, the standard Poco F7 may hit select global markets by the end of May. However, it remains unclear whether this timeline applies to the Indian market as well. It’s possible that the F7 could make its Indian debut at a later date, possibly alongside other variants in the F7 series, such as the Poco F7 Ultra.

The Poco F7, identified with the model number 25053PC47I, was also spotted on the BIS certification website, which strongly suggests that a launch in India is imminent. However, official details about the phone’s arrival in the country are yet to be confirmed by Poco. If the timeline holds true, the Poco F7 could launch alongside its Ultra variant in India. Poco India’s Country Head, Himanshu Tandon, recently teased the arrival of the Poco F7 Ultra, adding more weight to the expectation of a dual launch.

While the Poco F7 Ultra has been introduced in select regions, the Poco F7 Pro is not expected to be part of the Indian launch lineup, as per recent reports. With this in mind, it seems that the standard Poco F7 and the F7 Ultra will be the primary models available in India, marking another important step in Poco’s continued expansion in the Indian smartphone market.

Apple Finalizes Noida and Pune as New Store Locations in Push

Apple is making significant strides in expanding its retail presence in India, with reports confirming that the company has finalized locations for two new Apple Stores in the country. The tech giant is set to open its third store at the DLF Mall of India in Noida, marking its continued push into the Delhi-NCR region. Additionally, Pune’s Kopa Mall has been confirmed as the location for the fourth store. These new openings are part of Apple’s broader strategy to enhance its retail footprint across India, with plans for two more stores in Bengaluru and Mumbai, bringing the total to six stores.

This marks the second phase of Apple’s retail expansion in India, with the company targeting major cities to further solidify its presence. The Noida store would make it the second in the Delhi-NCR region, after the company’s successful launch of its Apple Saket store in Delhi’s Select Citywalk Mall. Meanwhile, the Pune location would serve as a key outlet in Maharashtra, offering more accessibility to Apple products and services in the region. These moves come as Apple continues to adapt to the growing demand for its products in India, where the company has seen increasing sales and brand loyalty.

Currently, Apple operates two official stores in India: one at the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) in Mumbai and the other in Delhi’s Select Citywalk Mall. The combined revenue from these stores in their first year exceeded Rs. 800 Crore, with the Apple Saket store alone accounting for a significant portion of the revenue despite its smaller size. This success has undoubtedly fueled the company’s confidence in further expanding its retail operations in India. If the new stores open as planned, the Noida and Pune locations will mark a significant milestone in Apple’s strategy to provide a more localized retail experience for its Indian customers.

In addition to the store openings, Apple is also looking to hire for numerous retail positions, with job listings posted on LinkedIn for over 20 roles related to retail operations. This expansion not only signals Apple’s commitment to growing its presence in India but also reflects the brand’s long-term investment in the country’s retail and consumer markets. As Apple continues to strengthen its retail network, it aims to offer a more personalized shopping experience and tap into India’s growing smartphone and tech market.