News
Apple iOS 17 Beta Brings Bilingual Queries Support for Siri
Apple’s iOS 17 public beta release brings a host of exciting features, and one notable addition is the support for bilingual queries in Siri. This functionality is now available to Indian users across various platforms.
Bilingual Queries Support for Siri:
In iOS 17, Apple iPhone users gain the ability to engage with Siri using their native language, seamlessly blending English with a range of Indic regional languages including Hindi, Telugu, Punjabi, Kannada, and Marathi. This empowers users to ask questions and give commands more naturally, opening up a range of possibilities for seamless communication with Apple’s virtual assistant.
Other Noteworthy Improvements in iOS 17:
Apart from the bilingual queries support, iOS 17 introduces several other enhancements designed to enrich the user experience:
Transliteration Support for Indic Languages:
iOS 17 now offers transliteration support for Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam, enabling users to type in these languages using English characters. This expansion brings the total number of supported Indic languages to 10, further facilitating regional language usage.
Phone Number-Based Apple ID Sign-In:
In iOS 17, iPadOS 17, and macOS Sonoma, users can now sign into their Apple ID using their phone number instead of an email ID. This streamlines the authentication process and provides users with an alternative login method.
Punjabi Dictionary Integration:
Apple has integrated a pre-installed Punjabi dictionary across its platforms, enabling users to effortlessly retrieve definitions of words and phrases in Punjabi. This addition caters to the linguistic needs of Punjabi-speaking users.
Expanded Call History:
iOS 17 extends the call history section, enabling users to view up to 2,000 calls, including those made through Facetime and WhatsApp. This enhanced call tracking feature ensures that users can conveniently refer back to their recent communication activities.
Message Filtering on iPad:
With iOS 17, iPad users gain the ability to filter messages by known and unknown senders, enhancing their message management capabilities. This feature helps users prioritize and organize their conversations more efficiently.
iOS 26.3 update is shaping up to be one of the most important software releases for iPhone users in recent years, with Apple preparing meaningful upgrades that could impact hundreds of millions of devices worldwide. Currently available as a developer and public beta, the update highlights Apple’s growing focus on secure messaging, better cross-platform communication, and smarter system features.
iOS 26.3 Update Brings End-to-End Encrypted RCS Messaging
One of the biggest additions in iOS 26.3 is groundwork for end-to-end encryption (E2EE) in RCS messaging. According to reports from MacRumors, Apple is enabling support for RCS Universal Profile 3.0, a key requirement for encrypted messaging between iPhone and Android users.
“The iOS 26.3 update focuses heavily on improving messaging privacy and cross-platform compatibility.”
Until now, iMessage conversations between iPhones have been encrypted, but chats with Android devices lacked the same level of privacy. With iOS 26.3, messages and attachments exchanged via RCS could gain the same protection, preventing third parties from reading them. However, carriers will ultimately decide when this feature is activated, which means rollout timelines may vary.
iMessage-Style Features Coming to RCS
Beyond encryption, iOS 26.3 introduces several long-awaited messaging features for RCS chats. Users will be able to send in-line replies, edit sent messages, unsend messages, and finally use Tapback reactions like thumbs up or hearts without workarounds. These changes aim to make conversations between iPhone and Android feel far more seamless.
“With the iOS 26.3 update, Apple is addressing long-standing differences between iPhone and Android messaging.”
Apple has previously confirmed its commitment to improving RCS, and the latest beta suggests the wait may soon be over. The update is expected to support devices ranging from iPhone 11 to the upcoming iPhone 17.
More Updates Beyond Messaging
The iOS 26.3 public beta, released earlier this week, also refines the process of transferring data from iPhone to Android. Additionally, users will notice an updated wallpaper gallery and new region-specific features, particularly for EU users.
“Overall, the iOS 26.3 update positions Apple’s Messages app as a more secure and modern communication platform.”
There are also references to Gemini, following the collaboration announcement between Apple and Google, hinting at deeper AI integration in future iPhone experiences.
What to Expect Next
While iOS 26.3 looks promising, it remains a beta. Some features may still change or be delayed before the final release. With carrier involvement required for encrypted RCS, the exact timeline remains uncertain, but the direction is clear: Apple is pushing iPhone messaging toward a more secure and unified future.
Also Read: Google Fast Pair Vulnerability: 17 Bluetooth Audio Devices Exposed to Dangerous Risk
Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2 is now rolling out, and it marks a significant step forward in Google’s ongoing effort to refine the Android experience on Pixel smartphones. The update arrives shortly after the previous beta, showing Google’s aggressive pace in polishing the upcoming Quarterly Platform Release. It is available in two build versions: CP11.251209.007 for the Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 series, and CP11.251209.007.A1 for all other supported Pixel models.
Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2 focuses on performance, stability, and usability
Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2 brings a wide range of under-the-hood improvements aimed at fixing some of the most common issues faced by Pixel users in recent builds. According to Google, this release addresses multiple stability, performance, and usability issues, making daily usage smoother and more reliable.
Users who have been dealing with random app crashes, system freezes, or lag should notice a clear improvement after installing this update. Battery performance has also been optimized, with fixes targeting excessive battery drain and inconsistent charging behavior. These changes are expected to be especially noticeable during extended screen-on time and overnight standby.
Connectivity has received a strong boost as well. Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2 improves Wi-Fi reliability and speed while also enhancing call stability, reducing dropped calls and network-related interruptions. Alongside these changes, Google has refined parts of the user interface, resulting in smoother animations and more consistent system behavior.
Google has shared a detailed changelog for this beta, and some of the most notable improvements were highlighted directly by the company on Reddit, giving early testers a clear idea of what to expect.
How to try Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2 on your Pixel
If you are interested in testing Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2, you can enroll your compatible Pixel device in the Android Beta Program. Before installing, it is strongly recommended to back up all important data, as beta software can still contain unresolved bugs.
Overall, Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2 feels like a mature and meaningful update, bringing Pixel devices closer to a stable and polished Android 16 release.
Also Read: Gemini Personal Intelligence: 10 Things to Know About Google’s New AI
How Roblox Age Check for Chat Works in India
Roblox age check for chat has officially become mandatory in India, marking a significant shift in how online gaming platforms manage user safety and age-appropriate communication. Starting January 14, 2026, users must complete an age verification process before accessing chat features on Roblox, making it the first major gaming platform to enforce age checks for users of all ages
The new system relies on facial age estimation, completed directly within the Roblox app using a device camera. The process takes only a few seconds and is designed with privacy in mind. Images and videos captured during verification are securely processed by Roblox’s partner Persona and deleted immediately after the age assessment is complete. Users aged 13 and above also have the option to verify their age using a government-issued ID.
How Roblox Age Verification Works
Once the age check is completed, users are placed into one of six age groups: under 9, 9–12, 13–15, 16–17, 18–20, and 21+. Chat access is automatically adjusted based on these groups. By default, users can communicate only with others in nearby age ranges, reducing the risk of inappropriate interactions between minors and adults. For children under nine, chat remains disabled unless a parent grants consent.
Why Roblox Age Check for Chat Is Important for Safety
This update is part of Roblox’s broader safety strategy aimed at creating a more secure and age-appropriate environment. The company has already rolled out similar measures in countries like Australia, New Zealand, and the Netherlands, with millions of users worldwide completing age checks so far. Roblox also continuously monitors behavior signals and may request repeat verification if inconsistencies are detected.
Parental Controls and User Support
Parents and caregivers gain additional control through Roblox’s parental tools, which allow them to review age-check status, update account details, and manage communication settings. Users who believe their age was incorrectly estimated can appeal through customer support or re-verify using alternative methods.
With this move, Roblox sets a new standard for online gaming safety, balancing user privacy with responsible communication controls.
Also Read: Google Wallet Transaction History Update Delivers 3 Powerful Upgrades on Android