Overview :Bitcoin trades near $64,150, up 1.05% through today's session. Ethereum holds above $1,890, gaining 0.35% over the past day. Hyperliquid leads weekly gainers, up more than 7% over seven days.Bitcoin traded near $64,150 today, holding steady after last week's dip below $63,000. Ethereum stayed firm above $1,890, keeping broader altcoin sentiment on a solid footing. Trading desks flagged consistent spot demand across both assets through the session.Fed rate expectations continue to shape crypto positioning heading into September. A White House meeting with major crypto executives added fresh attention to Washington policy. Traders now track legislative developments closely for the next clear directional signal.Bitcoin Price TodayBitcoin traded at $64,150.87, up 1.05% over the past 24 hours based on live CoinMarketCap data. Its market capitalization stood at $1.28 trillion. Trading volume over 24 hours reached $21.13 billion. Bitcoin has gained 0.38% over the past seven days, holding within a tight range.Here is today's Daily Quote from leading crypto market analysts on Bitcoin's near-term structure.Bitcoin Breaks Out of Its Recent RangePrateek Gupta, Head of Business at Mudrex, shared that Bitcoin broke out of its recent $63,000 range this week. September rate hike expectations fell near 30%, down sharply from late July levels. Weak retail sales and a softer labor market drove this shift.He further mentioned on-chain data points to renewed selling pressure building up. Santiment data shows investors returned 84% of coins withdrawn earlier this month. Gupta placed $61,000 as key support, with $65,000 as immediate resistance.Buyers Defend Key Zone as Oil Tensions PersistCoinSwitch's Markets Desk noted BTC climbed from $63,000 toward $64,300 as buyers stepped in early. Bitcoin later reclaimed the $63,500 to $64,000 zone through the session. Ongoing US-Iran tensions around the Strait of Hormuz kept oil prices elevated.He further added spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded near $390 million in net outflows last week. Attention now turns to delayed CLARITY Act talks and fresh regulatory discussions. Near term, $64,000 stands as key support, with $64,500 as resistance.Rebound Reflects Short Covering, Not a Trend ReversalRiya Sehgal, Research Analyst at Delta Exchange, said crypto markets recovered but the move looks like a rebound. Bitcoin rose from the low $63,000 region toward $64,500 within a session. Derivatives volume more than doubled, with liquidations exceeding $200 million.She further explained open interest rose only slightly during the move higher. This suggests short covering drove part of the rebound rather than fresh leverage. Sehgal flagged $64,500 to $65,200 as the key resistance zone ahead.Also Read: How Do Bitcoin ETFs Work? A Complete Beginner’s GuideFed Hold Odds Near 90% Support Risk AppetiteVikram Subburaj, CEO of Giottus, shared that Bitcoin traded close to $64,170, up near 1.9%. A Reuters poll showed 90% of economists expect the Fed to hold rates in September. Markets now await fresh meeting minutes for further policy signals.He further noted that preliminary Bitcoin ETF inflows reached $137.3 million in a single session. Subburaj advised investors to avoid chasing short-term rallies through staggered buying. Low leverage and disciplined position sizing remain preferable until demand confirms a breakout.Crypto Prices Today: Top 10 Coins at a GlanceThe broader market holds a steady, range-bound tone today. Here is how the top 10 coins by market capitalization stand, based on live CoinMarketCap data.Biggest Gainers: XRP, BNB, DOGEXRP led today's top 10 gainers, up 0.66% over the past 24 hours. BNB followed with a 0.50% advance on steady spot buying. Dogecoin also posted a firm 0.47% rise through the session.Biggest Losers: NoneEvery coin in today's top 10 traded flat to higher over the past 24 hours. Stablecoins USDT and USDC held their peg near parity. No major decliners appeared among today's largest cryptocurrencies.Crypto News Today: Top Headlines Impacting PricesFed rate expectations and White House crypto talks stand as today's biggest catalysts. Legislative gridlock and shifting ETF flows add further weight to sentiment.Ethereum Staking Ratio Reaches a Record High Ethereum's staking ratio climbed to an all-time high near 34.4%, locking over 40 million ETH in proof-of-stake consensus. This signals long-term holder conviction despite choppy short-term price action this month.Some analysts flagged liquidity questions tied to such a large locked supply. Reduced circulating supply could still support prices if demand strengthens through the remainder of the year.CLARITY Act Odds Collapse Ahead of White House MeetingGalaxy Research cut the odds of the CLARITY Act passing this year to just 10%, down sharply from 75% in May. Senators return in September facing limited floor time and unresolved political disputes across the chamber.President Trump is expected to meet crypto executives from Coinbase, Ripple, Gemini and Robinhood this week. The summit collides with fading legislative momentum, leaving Bitcoin stuck between political optimism and stalled Senate math.Bitcoin ETF Outflows Mark Worst Week in Two MonthsUS spot Bitcoin ETFs shed roughly $389.7 million during the week of August 10, their heaviest weekly redemption since late June. The outflows erased most of the prior week's $853.5 million inflow gain.BlackRock's IBIT fund still carries the largest share of institutional capital among issuers. Ether funds saw milder selling by comparison, suggesting spot demand continues absorbing broader institutional caution steadily.SEC Delays Vote on New Crypto Issuance RulesThe SEC unexpectedly canceled its scheduled vote on crypto startup exemption rules, citing scheduling constraints. The delay leaves capital-raising clarity in limbo for smaller digital asset issuers and platforms.Analysts note the SEC and CFTC continue building policy through rulemaking rather than legislation. This approach offers faster relief but weaker permanence, since future administrations could reverse agency guidance quickly.Binance to Restrict Access for Sanctioned PlatformsBinance confirmed it will halt transaction processing for HTX and ten additional trading platforms starting August 23. The exchange cited new regulatory mandates and sanctions enforcement requirements across international jurisdictions.Platforms affected include several regional exchanges facing tightening compliance pressure this year. The move reflects a broader industry shift toward stricter sanctions screening among centralized trading venues globally.Fed Rate Hold Expectations Strengthen Into SeptemberA Reuters poll found 90% of economists expect the Federal Reserve to hold rates steady next month. Softer retail sales and labor data pushed rate hike odds down sharply this month.Markets now await the Fed's latest meeting minutes for additional policy direction. A dovish tone could extend support for Bitcoin and broader risk assets through coming sessions.Geopolitical Tensions Keep Oil Prices ElevatedOngoing US-Iran tensions around the Strait of Hormuz continue pushing oil prices higher this week. Elevated energy costs keep inflation risks in focus, complicating the broader monetary easing outlook.Traders are watching Treasury yields and equity markets closely for spillover effects. Continued uncertainty could cap Bitcoin's upside until clearer geopolitical signals emerge from ongoing negotiations.Zcash Leads a Broader Midcap Rally Zcash surged 4.32% over the past day, outperforming most large-cap tokens by a wide margin. Renewed interest in privacy-focused assets has driven the rally alongside broader altcoin strength.Monero also gained ground, rising 5.25% over the past week on similar demand. Analysts note privacy coins often rally when institutional and regulatory scrutiny across the sector intensifies.Also Read: Crypto News Today: Bitcoin Sees Outflows, Solana Treasury Grows, ETF AdvancesInvestor and Market OutlookBitcoin holds near $64,150 as traders weigh Fed rate bets against a fading CLARITY Act timeline. A close above $64,500 could open a path toward stronger resistance near $65,200. A slip below $63,500 risks exposing the $61,000 support region next.Ethereum's hold above $1,890 adds a constructive signal for broader altcoin sentiment this week. Stalled legislation and the White House crypto summit keep regulatory headlines in sharp focus. Fed commentary and ETF flow continuity remain the two catalysts traders are watching most closely.FAQsWhat is the Bitcoin price today? Bitcoin trades near $64,150.87, up 1.05% over the past 24 hours through today's session. Resistance builds near $64,500 and $65,200, while support sits near $63,500, based on levels shared across major trading desks and analyst commentary today.Why did Bitcoin move higher today? Steady spot demand and falling rate hike odds supported Bitcoin's hold above $64,000. Ethereum's steady footing above $1,890 also lifted broader sentiment. Traders remain cautious ahead of fresh Federal Reserve meeting minutes and Washington policy signals this week.What is the biggest crypto news today? The White House crypto summit and collapsing CLARITY Act odds stand as today's dominant headlines. ETF outflows, a delayed SEC vote, and Binance's exchange restrictions add further important context to today's broader market sentiment.Which coins are performing best today? XRP leads today's top 10 gainers near 0.66%, followed by BNB and Dogecoin. No coin among the top 10 posted a decline today, with stablecoins USDT and USDC holding steady near their peg.What should investors watch this week? Track Fed meeting minutes, Bitcoin ETF flow continuity, and the White House crypto summit outcome closely. CLARITY Act developments and Strait of Hormuz tensions could also influence near-term positioning across the broader market.

Gold traded lower on MCX on August 18 given profit-booking amid rising oil prices, which stoked fears of rate hikes by the US Federal Reserve and other major central banks globally. August gold futures fell 0.54% to Rs. 1,55,093, and September silver futures declined 1.06% to Rs. 2,35,531. Meanwhile, Brent crude futures rose 0.73% to $91.53 per barrel. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) edged higher by 0.89% to $85.25 per barrel.Domestic Gold Prices24K gold rose by Rs. 23 to Rs. 1,55,890 per 10 grams, while 22K gold also advanced by Rs. 20 to Rs. 1,42,900. By city, Mumbai and Kolkata mirrored prices at Rs. 1,55,890, while Delhi was at Rs. 1,56,040, and Chennai at Rs. 1,55,890.US Gold PricesUS gold prices rose as fears of a US interest rate hike next month eased, with investors awaiting minutes from the Federal Reserve's latest meeting for fresh clues on the monetary policy path. Spot gold ​was up 0.2% at $4,424.28 per ounce. US ​gold futures for December delivery edged 0.2% higher to $4,480.90.Spot silver rose 0.9% to $66.40 per ounce. Platinum inched 0.2% higher to $1,772.75, while palladium ​was down 0.3% at $1,330.05.Also Read: How Gold Can Strengthen Your Long-Term Financial Plan in 2026Key Levels to WatchGold is extending its ​gains "after last week's soft US economic data, which has raised hopes that the Fed will keep rates on hold this year," IG market analyst Tony Sycamore said."Additionally, gold appears to be regaining its safe-haven status as ​hawkish rhetoric from Iran helped gold brush off higher yields," ​Sycamore ⁠said.Internationally, gold has support at $4,440 and $4,400, while resistance is at $4,500 and $4,555 per troy ounce, and silver has support at $65 and $63.60, while resistance is at $67 and $68.80 per troy ounce. On MCX, gold has support at Rs. 1,55,000 and Rs. 1,54,100, and resistance is at Rs. 1,56,800 and Rs. 1,57,700, while silver has support at Rs. 2,36,000 and Rs. 2,33,300 and resistance is at Rs. 2,40,000 and Rs. 2,42,400.Join our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp

The Toncoin current price is trading around $1.35 as the network adapts to its rebrand from TON to Gram, remaining far below its 2024 peak of $8.29 despite its direct Telegram connection. Meanwhile, Pi coin news highlighted a new SolCex exchange addition and an event with 2.5 million active participants, though these steps have not pulled Pi out of its recent lows.In contrast, BlockDAG pulled in over $2 million within 24 hours during its presale, drawing buyers to its stage 1 price of $0.00002 against a projected $0.10 release price. This 5000x value gap is backed by an active, working network. Such huge momentum is why many view BlockDAG as the best crypto to buy today.BlockDAG Presale Raises $2M in 24 Hours with Active Ecosystem!Securing $2 million in 24 hours shows strong investor trust in BlockDAG's complete setup rather than simple price hype. Stage 1 is priced at $0.00002 compared to a $0.10 launch target, creating a 5000x potential difference while the live X1 Miner application pays daily rewards to current holders right now.This strong support powers the entire project network. BlockDAG features an active casino and gaming system using secure EVM smart contracts where mined coins find instant use, while the upcoming BlockDAGX platform prepares to deliver super-fast trading services.The team keeps zero tokens from the 150 billion total supply and plans $100 million in launch liquidity, showing strong balance that belongs on any best crypto to buy list today.With mining, gaming, and trading features running together under a $0.00002 initial price backed by real funds, BlockDAG stands out as the best crypto to buy today for anyone focused on actual network growth.Toncoin Price Adjusts After Rebranding to Gram Toncoin current price trades near $1.35 following the project's recent name change from TON to Gram, a transition that caused slight tracking differences across market platforms. The token sits well lower than its $8.29 record price from 2024, even with deep roots inside Telegram's massive chat app.Price floor support rests between $1.25 and $1.30, while price ceiling resistance sits near $1.60 to $1.75, meaning Toncoin's current price likely needs new growth drivers to push past these boundaries. Telegram sharing half its ad income in tokens remains the main utility driver for the project.Pi Coin News: Listing and Ecosystem Quest Boost Activity Major Pi coin news involves SolCex, a Solana centralized trading space, listing Pi on August 12 alongside Canton Network's CC and Ethereum Classic. This move gives Pi more trading access, yet the token remains near $0.089 while staying locked below its 20-day EMA trend line.Additionally, Pi coin news covered the Pi2Day 2026 Ecosystem Quest, where over 2.5 million members tested tools like SoloHost, Pi Sign-in, and PiVerify, resulting in 1.8 million completion rewards. While user activity remains strong, the release of 775 million upcoming tokens creates noticeable market supply pressure.Final ThoughtsThe Toncoin current price keeps balancing after its name change, and recent Pi coin news brought a fresh trading venue alongside high app usage that failed to boost token values. Both networks feature large communities, but neither is pulling in the fresh funding that signals true investor strength.BlockDAG achieved that goal by seeing $2M raised in 24 hours, presenting a 5000x stage 1 price gap while operating functional mining, gaming, and exchange tools. This steady mix of new capital and real utilities makes BlockDAG the best crypto to buy today.Presale: https://purchase.blockdag.networkWebsite: https://blockdag.networkTelegram: https://t.me/blockDAGnetworkOfficialDiscord: https://discord.gg/Q7BxghMVyu

Key Takeaways :Withings BodyScan 2 leads the category with 13-frequency BIA, six-zone analysis and more than 60 health biomarkers.Hand-and-foot sensors offer deeper analysis than basic foot-to-foot scales by enabling segmental body-composition measurements.Treat body-fat readings as trends, not absolute numbers, because BIA accuracy can vary significantly between individuals and conditions.Smart scales have moved far beyond simple weight checks. The latest models can estimate body fat, muscle mass, water, visceral fat, bone mass, metabolic age and several other health measures. Premium models now use hand and foot sensors, multiple BIA frequencies and segmental analysis to create a much deeper body profile. The key difference lies in how each scale collects its data. True full-body models measure signals through both the hands and feet, while basic smart scales rely on foot sensors and then estimate the rest of the body.1. Withings BodyScan 2Withings BodyScan 2 sits at the top of the 2026 category. The scale uses 13 frequencies up to 800 kHz and provides more than 60 biomarkers. Its six-zone body analysis covers the arms, legs and torso, while additional features cover ECG, vascular age, SpO₂, metabolic health and cardiovascular insights. Withings also gave the BodyScan 2 a CES 2026 Innovation Award. The US price stands at $599.95, while the European price sits at €499.95. This model suits buyers who want the widest set of health data from one home device.Buy Now2. Withings Body ScanThe older Withings Body Scan still ranks among the most advanced smart scales available. Its hand-to-foot system creates a full-body scan in about 90 seconds and divides fat and muscle data across five body zones. The scale also offers visceral fat, vascular age, nerve health and a six-lead ECG. The India price sits around Rs.48,500 on the Withings website. A lower sale price can make this model a strong alternative to the newer BodyScan 2, especially for users who care more about body composition than the latest feature set.Buy Now3. Hume Health Body PodHume Health Body Pod focuses strongly on body composition. Its hand and foot sensors use eight frequencies and provide more than 45 metrics. These include body fat, muscle mass, visceral fat, water, metabolic age and segmental muscle data. Hume also uses an eight-sensor system with 64 scans. The device has gained strong customer feedback, with more than 5,400 listed reviews at a 4.9 rating on one current marketplace result. The observed India price sits near Rs.19,741. This makes the Body Pod one of the most attractive choices for detailed body-composition data at a lower cost than Withings.Buy Now4. RENPHO MorphoScan NovaRENPHO MorphoScan Nova offers more than 50 body metrics through an eight-electrode system. The scale can show fat and muscle data by body part and also reports visceral fat, BMR and body age. The RENPHO app can sync data with Apple Health, Google Fit and Fitbit. The current observed price sits near Rs.59,263 on one marketplace, although prices can vary sharply by seller. Nova makes sense for fitness users who want a very large set of body measurements and strong app support.Buy Now5. InBody Dial H30InBody brings a different strength to this category. The Dial H30 uses an eight-point tactile electrode system and direct segmental multi-frequency BIA. That setup separates data across individual body segments rather than relying only on a foot-to-foot estimate. The scale focuses heavily on body composition, muscle, fat, visceral fat, body water and BMR. A current observed India price sits near Rs.42,305. The H30 stands out for fitness users who care more about changes in muscle and fat than lifestyle extras such as ECG features.Buy Now6. Oxiline Scale MD ProOxiline Scale MD Pro delivers eight-electrode hand-and-foot BIA at a much lower price than several premium rivals. It reports 31 measurements, including body fat, visceral fat, subcutaneous fat, muscle mass, skeletal muscle, protein, water, BMR, waist-to-hip ratio and body age. Oxiline currently lists the scale at $179, reduced from $399. That price gives the MD Pro a strong value position among true full-body models.Buy NowAlso Read - Why Smart Agencies Use SMM Panels to Scale Their Social Media Services7. RENPHO MorphoScanThe standard RENPHO MorphoScan also provides more than 50 metrics and uses eight electrodes with dual-frequency BIA. It offers a full-body report, plus data for fat, muscle, water, visceral fat and other body measures. An observed India price sits near Rs.18,162. The standard model can make more sense than the Nova when the lower price matters more than the extra premium features.Buy Now8. Jartoo 8-Electrode Smart Body Composition ScaleJartoo offers eight-electrode segmental BIA at a lower price point. The scale divides the body into five sections and reports 50 metrics, including fat, muscle, water, visceral fat, bone mass, protein, BMR and metabolic age. Current prices sit around $145 to $170. The main limitation comes from its shorter track record and smaller independent evidence base compared with brands such as Withings and InBody.Buy Now9. Xiaomi Body Composition Scale S400Xiaomi S400 uses dual-frequency BIA at 50 kHz and 250 kHz. It reports 25 indicators, including body fat percentage, fat mass, muscle, skeletal muscle, water, protein, bone mineral, visceral fat, BMR, body age and estimated waist-to-hip ratio. Xiaomi reports a DEXA comparison with a body-fat correlation of at least 0.93 in its test data. Still, the S400 uses a foot-based system, so it does not offer the same true segmental measurement method as hand-to-foot models.Buy Now10. Eufy Smart Scale P2 ProEufy Smart Scale P2 Pro targets the mainstream smart-scale market. It provides around 16 body metrics, including body fat, muscle, water, heart rate and BMI. The observed India price sits near Rs.4,756, which makes it far cheaper than premium full-body systems. Its main limitation comes from its foot-to-foot BIA approach, so its body-composition estimates cannot match the measurement structure of an eight-electrode hand-and-foot scale.Buy NowAlso Read - Best Smart Weighing Scales with Body Fat Monitor for Home Use in 2026Accuracy Still MattersSmart-scale body-fat figures should not serve as exact replacements for DEXA results. A 2026 systematic review found that BIA devices showed mean body-fat differences from about −3.5 to +4.4 percentage points against a four-compartment reference model. Individual limits of agreement also reached roughly 15 to 20 percentage points. These figures show why trends matter more than one isolated reading.The strongest use case comes from repeated measurements under similar conditions. A stable routine can reveal whether body fat moves down, muscle stays stable or water changes over time. For the deepest home analysis, the Withings BodyScan 2 leads the current field, while Hume Body Pod, InBody Dial H30, RENPHO MorphoScan Nova and Oxiline MD Pro offer strong alternatives at different price levels.FAQs1. What is the most advanced smart scale in 2026?The Withings BodyScan 2 stands out for its combination of multi-frequency BIA, six-zone analysis, 60+ biomarkers, ECG and cardiovascular features.2. Are full-body smart scales more accurate than regular smart scales?They can provide a more detailed body-composition profile because hand-and-foot sensors measure different body segments rather than relying solely on foot-to-foot estimates.3. Which smart scale is best for body composition?Withings BodyScan 2, Hume Body Pod, InBody Dial H30 and RENPHO MorphoScan Nova are strong choices for detailed body-composition tracking.4. Can smart scales replace DEXA scans?No. Smart scales use BIA estimates and should not be treated as a direct replacement for DEXA or other clinical body-composition assessments.5. What should I look for when buying an advanced smart scale?Prioritize measurement method, number of BIA frequencies, segmental analysis, consistency, app support, metric depth and long-term trend tracking rather than simply choosing the scale with the most measurements.Join our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp

Chief Economic Adviser V Anantha Nageswaran has proposed restoring E10 petrol for older vehicles while retaining E20 for newer models. He made the recommendation with Akash Poojari, a consultant with India’s Department of Economic Affairs.Their proposal addresses concerns about mileage, fuel-system parts and compatibility among owners of older vehicles. The authors also urged policymakers to review food, feed, land and water costs before raising ethanol blending above 20%.Older Vehicles May Need E10 PetrolIndia has about 75 million to 80 million older two-wheelers built to use E10 petrol. Many use carburettors and fuel-system parts that manufacturers did not make for higher ethanol blends.Carburettors cannot detect the extra oxygen linked to ethanol and adjust the fuel-air mixture automatically. Therefore, some older engines may run with less fuel than needed and reach higher temperatures.Older rubber seals may also degrade after contact with ethanol. Nageswaran and Poojari said workshops can replace these parts with ethanol-compatible components at a relatively low cost.Still, retrofitting millions of vehicles would require several years. The authors said E10 petrol could protect these vehicles while workshops complete the required upgrades.“Restoring a lower blend at the pumps, say, E10, alongside the option to buy E20, would calm most public concern,” they wrote.They added that offering both blends would reduce total ethanol use while protecting India’s existing vehicle fleet. Newer vehicles compatible with E20 could keep using the higher blend.Food and Water Enter the E20 DebateIndia reached its 20% ethanol-blending target earlier than originally planned. The programme aims to reduce crude oil imports, save foreign currency and support domestic ethanol producers.India produces ethanol from sugarcane, maize, rice and other grains. As fuel demand increases, distilleries compete with food, animal feed and other industries for these crops.The authors focused on maize, which now provides about half of India’s ethanol. Grains together supply nearly 67% of the country’s ethanol feedstock.Maize also serves as an important input for poultry and livestock feed. Higher purchases from distilleries could affect its price and availability for those industries.Farmers may also move land from soybean, groundnut and mustard production into maize. Fixed procurement prices for maize-based ethanol can make the crop more attractive than other options.Water use presents another concern. Sugarcane requires large amounts of water, while grain production also places pressure on land and irrigation supplies.“Once land and water are committed to fuel, and distilleries and cropping patterns are built around it, pulling back can be painful,” the authors wrote.They urged India to calculate these costs before considering E27 or E30 petrol. Higher blends would require more feedstock and increase competition between fuel, food and animal feed.Government and Industry Defend E20The Indian government has defended E20 petrol, citing tests by domestic research agencies and automobile companies. Officials say those studies found no evidence of widespread engine damage.Nageswaran also rejected claims that E20 cuts fuel efficiency by 30%. He placed the likely energy-related reduction at about 6% to 7%.The All India Distillers’ Association opposed any broad policy reversal. Vice President Kushal Mittal said scientific testing and objective data should guide India’s fuel policy.“India should focus on resolving genuine technical and operational concerns rather than going back to a lower blend,” Mittal said.The government also argues that E20 reduces dependence on imported fossil fuels and creates demand for domestic crops. It has resisted offering several petrol blends nationwide due to distribution and storage costs.Nageswaran and Poojari did not call for ending the E20 fuel policy. Their proposal keeps E20 for compatible vehicles while restoring E10 petrol for the older fleet.They also advised India to retain the current blending level while reviewing agricultural and water requirements. The government has not announced plans to increase ethanol blending beyond 20%.Also Read: India Fuel Exports: Centre Lowers Duties on Petrol, Diesel and ATF Effective June 1 Join our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp

Xiaomi confirmed the global launch date for the Redmi Note 17 series, with the new smartphone lineup scheduled to debut on August 27. The company also revealed several specifications of the range, including details about the new Redmi Note 17 Pro Max.The latest Redmi phones made its China debut in July, while the company already introduced some Note 17 variants in several international markets. For the upcoming global launch, the lineup is expected to include the Redmi Note 17, Redmi Note 17 Pro and the newly confirmed Redmi Note 17 Pro Max.Redmi Note 17 Pro Max Takes Centre StageThe Pro Max is shaping up to be the most feature-packed phone in the series. Redmi has confirmed a 6.83-inch CrystalRes AMOLED display with 1.5K resolution and a Snapdragon 6 Gen 5 chipset. The phone will support up to 24GB of RAM, including virtual memory expansion, while Redmi claims the devices can maintain smooth performance for up to 72 months.The biggest talking point, however, is the battery. Redmi Note 17 Pro Max will pack a 10,000mAh battery and support 100W fast charging. Redmi has confirmed that the charger will not be included in the retail box.Meet the REDMI Note 17 Series.Titan power, go max.Titan Quality that's built to last.See you on Aug 27th. pic.twitter.com/tA16hh0QNu— Xiaomi (@Xiaomi) August 17, 2026 Redmi Note 17 Series: Key SpecificationsTough Build and New DesignDurability is a major focus of the new lineup. The series will also feature photochromic technology, with the company highlighting a ‘Cloud Blush’ design element that can react to sunlight and change its appearance.Camera specifications have not been fully disclosed yet. However, Redmi confirmed AI-powered portrait enhancement, while previous reports have pointed to a 50-megapixel primary camera, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide camera and a 32-megapixel selfie camera on the Pro Max. These camera details should therefore be treated as reported rather than fully confirmed.Also Read: Redmi K200 Series Teased Online; Will The Company Change Naming Strategy?Launch Offers and What’s NextRedmi is also offering several benefits to buyers, including two months of YouTube Premium, three months of Spotify Premium and six months of Google One. Buyers will also receive one free screen replacement within 24 months and one free battery service within 36 months, subject to the applicable terms.With the global launch now confirmed for August 27, Redmi is expected to reveal pricing, availability and the complete specifications of each model closer to the event. An India launch has been reported for September, although the company has not yet officially confirmed the Indian date.Join our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp

Bitcoin exchange-traded funds have made it possible to gain exposure to Bitcoin without directly buying, storing or managing the cryptocurrency. Instead of holding private keys, investors can purchase ETF shares through a traditional brokerage account.The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved the listing and trading of spot Bitcoin exchange-traded products in January 2024, opening a regulated route for investors to access Bitcoin through stock exchanges. What is a Spot Bitcoin ETF?A spot Bitcoin ETF or ETP holds actual Bitcoin and issues shares representing an economic interest in those holdings.For example, BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF, or IBIT, is designed to track Bitcoin’s price using the CME CF Bitcoin Reference Rate. As of August 17, 2026, IBIT held around 747,000 BTC worth roughly $47.8 billion and had approximately $46.90 billion in net assets. Investors buy and sell IBIT shares on Nasdaq just as they would trade shares of a listed company.How Does a Bitcoin ETF Track Bitcoin?The ETF’s value is primarily determined by the Bitcoin it holds. Institutional firms known as authorized participants can create or redeem large blocks of ETF shares. This mechanism helps keep the ETF’s market price close to the value of its underlying Bitcoin holdings. Initially, US spot crypto ETPs operated using cash-based creations and redemptions. In July 2025, the SEC permitted in-kind creations and redemptions, allowing eligible participants to exchange crypto assets directly in the creation and redemption process. The SEC said this could reduce transaction costs and price slippage. Investors Do Not Own the Bitcoin DirectlyBuying a Bitcoin ETF is different from buying BTC on a crypto exchange. With direct ownership, investors control Bitcoin through a wallet and potentially their own private keys. With an ETF, the fund and its designated custodian handle the underlying assets, while investors own ETF shares.This removes the need to manage seed phrases or hardware wallets, but investors cannot withdraw the underlying Bitcoin to their personal wallet.Also Read: Abu Dhabi Funds Hold $764M in BlackRock Bitcoin ETF Through Q2Bitcoin ETFs Charge FeesETFs also come with recurring costs. IBIT, for example, currently carries a 0.25% sponsor fee. ETF shares can also trade slightly above or below their underlying net asset value. IBIT's 30-day median bid-ask spread was only 0.03% in late July 2026, showing relatively tight trading conditions, although spreads vary between products. What are the Risks?A Bitcoin ETF does not remove Bitcoin's volatility. Investors remain exposed to Bitcoin price declines, while additional risks include custody failures, tracking differences and ETF fees. SEC filings also warn that cybersecurity problems at custodians could affect Bitcoin ETP assets and share values. ConclusionBitcoin ETFs combine traditional brokerage infrastructure with Bitcoin price exposure. They simplify custody and trading for beginners, but they do not provide direct ownership.For investors, the choice comes down to priorities: an ETF offers convenience and regulated market access, while directly holding Bitcoin provides greater control over the asset itself.FAQs:1. What is a spot Bitcoin ETF?A spot Bitcoin ETF holds actual Bitcoin and issues exchange-traded shares linked to the value of those holdings. Investors can buy and sell the shares through a brokerage account without directly managing BTC.2. How does a Bitcoin ETF track the price of Bitcoin?The fund’s value is mainly driven by the Bitcoin it owns, while authorized participants create or redeem large blocks of shares. This mechanism helps keep the ETF’s market price close to its underlying net asset value.3. Do Bitcoin ETF investors actually own Bitcoin?No. ETF investors own shares in the fund rather than the underlying BTC itself. The fund and its custodian manage the Bitcoin, so investors cannot normally withdraw it to a personal crypto wallet.4. What fees do Bitcoin ETFs charge?Bitcoin ETFs generally charge an annual management or sponsor fee, which varies by fund. BlackRock’s IBIT, for example, carries a 0.25% sponsor fee, while investors may also face normal brokerage and trading costs.5. Are Bitcoin ETFs safer than buying Bitcoin directly?They remove risks associated with managing private keys and seed phrases, but they do not eliminate Bitcoin’s price volatility. Investors also face fund-specific risks such as custody issues, fees and tracking differences.

Samsung Electronics has partnered with Activision to support the release of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4. The agreement covers Samsung televisions, monitors, soundbars, Wi-Fi speakers and gaming services.The companies will integrate Samsung display technology into the game and offer early access opportunities. Samsung will also present the title during Gamescom 2026 in Cologne, Germany.Samsung Call of Duty Partnership ExpandsSamsung becomes the official television, monitor, soundbar and Wi-Fi speaker partner for Modern Warfare 4. The agreement connects the game with Samsung’s display, audio and gaming products.Hun Lee, Executive Vice President at Samsung Electronics, discussed the company’s role in the partnership. “We are pleased to be the official TV, monitor, soundbar and Wi-Fi speaker partner,” said Lee.Samsung plans to use the partnership to reach players across televisions, gaming monitors and cloud gaming services. Activision will also use Samsung hardware to present the game before its official release.Cody Neal, Head of Partnerships at Activision, said Samsung technology complements the game’s design. “Samsung’s display and gaming technologies provide an exciting way to experience Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4,” said Neal.HDR10+ Gaming Supports Wider DisplaysCall of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 will support HDR10+ Gaming on compatible Samsung displays. The format adjusts color, brightness and contrast during gameplay.The technology aims to present visual details closer to the developers’ intended design. Players will need compatible Samsung hardware to access its full display features.Modern Warfare 4 will also support a 32:9 super ultrawide aspect ratio. This format gives Samsung Odyssey G9 users a wider view of the game environment.The expanded screen space can display more of each scene without using separate monitors. Samsung has not disclosed which other Odyssey models will support every available feature.Gaming Hub Streams Call of Duty NextSamsung Gaming Hub will stream Call of Duty: NEXT live on August 21 at 9 a.m. PST. Samsung will promote the broadcast through a banner on the service’s main screen.Gaming Hub combines cloud gaming platforms and gaming content within supported Samsung televisions. Its available services include Xbox Cloud Gaming and other supported streaming platforms.Additionally, Samsung will distribute selected Modern Warfare 4 Beta Early Access codes through its Promotion app. The early beta period will run from August 21 through August 25.The open beta will follow from August 28 through September 1. Users can check Samsung Gaming Hub for code availability, eligibility requirements and event information.Modern Warfare 4 Heads to GamescomSamsung will offer an early Modern Warfare 4 demonstration at Gamescom 2026. The event runs from August 26 through August 30 at Koelnmesse in Cologne.Visitors can play the game on premium Samsung Odyssey gaming monitors. Selected booth visitors will also receive Modern Warfare 4 Vault Edition Battle.net codes.Samsung’s Gamescom lineup includes the Odyssey G8, 9100 PRO SSD and Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra. The company will present gaming experiences across mobile, PC and console platforms.The Odyssey G8 offers 6K resolution at 165Hz and 3K resolution at 330Hz through Dual Mode. It also supports Nvidia G-SYNC Compatible and AMD FreeSync Premium technologies.Samsung will separately demonstrate Crimson Desert on the Odyssey G8 using HDR10+ Gaming. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra will support the company’s mobile gaming display.The company will host the #PlayGalaxy Cup World Finals on August 27 and August 28. Ten qualified teams will compete after regional tournaments across five global markets.Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 will receive its official release on October 23. Samsung and Activision have not disclosed financial terms for their partnership.Also Read: Long-Awaited Call of Duty: Black Ops and Black Ops 2 Heading to PS5, Treyarch Confirms Join our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp

The OnePlus 16 could bring a major display upgrade when the flagship arrives later in 2026. OnePlus reportedly worked with BOE on a custom X4 light-emitting material for the new screen. The upgrade could improve efficiency and durability while giving the phone slimmer bezels. Tipster Digital Chat Station shared the details on Weibo, pointing to a custom BOE X4 panel for the OnePlus 16. Internal testing reportedly shows the new display outperforming Samsung's M series material in almost all aspects. The phone could launch in China around October with an 185Hz display. Digital Chat Station claims the new display performs better than Samsung's M series ‘in almost all aspects.’ It also suggests that the X4 material uses less power than the X3 material. The new technology could also offer nearly twice the lifespan of the previous generation. Such gains could help control battery use during gaming and high refresh rate tasks.The OnePlus 16 display could also feature ultra-narrow bezels across all four sides. Reports point toward a flat LTPO panel with LIPO technology for a cleaner front design. The screen may measure around 6.78 inches and offer a 1.5K resolution.A higher refresh rate could further separate the OnePlus 16 from many flagship rivals. Current leaks point toward 185Hz, although other reports suggest different refresh rate modes. The display could therefore target smoother gaming and faster animations. The OnePlus 16 may also feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro chipset. A reported CNY 4,999 starting price could apply to an 8GB RAM and 256GB model. OnePlus has not officially confirmed these specifications yet.The OnePlus 15 arrived in China last October with a 6.78-inch QHD+ AMOLED screen. The upcoming model could shift the focus toward efficiency, durability and a more immersive display design.Also Read: OnePlus Freedom Sale 2026: Top Discounts on Smartphones, Tablets, and AccessoriesJoin our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp

Turn Any Room Into a Smart SpaceSmart LED light strips can transform ordinary rooms with colorful ambient lighting and connected controls. They can brighten a workspace, add atmosphere to a gaming setup or create a relaxing bedroom glow. Here are the key options and features to consider in 2026.Philips Hue LightstripPhilips Hue offers premium smart lighting with strong ecosystem integration. Its light strips support extensive color customization and app-based controls. Hue is particularly appealing to users already invested in the Philips Hue ecosystem. The biggest draw is reliability and broad smart-home compatibility.Govee LED Light StripsGovee focuses heavily on colorful effects and immersive lighting experiences. Many models offer app controls, music synchronization and gaming-focused features. The brand provides a wide range of options at different prices. It is a popular choice for creative room setups.NanoleafNanoleaf combines smart lighting with visually distinctive designs and colorful effects. Its products are aimed at users who want lighting to become part of their room's décor. App controls enable customization across different scenes. Nanoleaf is particularly suited to modern gaming and entertainment spaces.WiZ Smart LightingWiZ provides connected lighting designed for straightforward smart-home use. Users can control compatible lights through apps and supported smart-home platforms. Its ecosystem offers multiple lighting styles and colors. WiZ can be a practical option for users looking for accessible smart ambient lighting.Look Beyond the ColorsBrightness, color accuracy, connectivity and app quality matter when choosing an LED strip. Check whether the strip works with your preferred smart-home ecosystem before buying. Installation and power requirements are equally important. A good strip should deliver both atmosphere and dependable everyday performance.Choose Your Lighting StyleChoose premium ecosystem integration if you want seamless smart-home control. Pick feature-rich lighting if gaming and visual effects are your priority. Budget-focused buyers can look for simpler connected strips with essential controls. The best LED strip is ultimately the one that matches your room, devices and lifestyle.Join our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp

OverviewFour games hold confirmed September 2026 release dates on Xbox Game Pass: Moonlighter 2, SpeedRunners 2, Dune: Awakening, and Minecraft Dungeons II.Dune: Awakening adds a full single-player mode on Xbox, a shift from its multiplayer-only PC launch in 2025.Microsoft usually reveals its full monthly lineup across several waves, so more titles are likely before September ends.September is shaping up as a crucial month for Xbox Game Pass, though the full lineup hasn't come into focus yet. As of August 17, four games are confirmed: Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault on September 2, SpeedRunners 2: King of Speed on September 3, Dune: Awakening on September 22, and Minecraft Dungeons II on September 29. All four arrive day one, so subscribers get immediate access without a separate purchase. The real question is what Microsoft adds next. Game Pass announcements tend to land in multiple waves, and these four titles read as an early signal of where September is headed, not the finished picture.A small number of early reports listed Minecraft Dungeons II for September 28. Xbox Wire's official reveal settles the date at September 29.Four Games, Four Different Reasons to CareMoonlighter 2: The Endless Vault graduates out of Early Access into a full 1.0 release on September 2, the same day it makes its first appearance on Xbox hardware. It had already built an audience through PC Game Pass. The game keeps the original's core loop of dungeon exploring by day and shopkeeping by night, now rebuilt as a 3D action RPG instead of the first game's 2D hack-and-slash style. For subscribers, it offers a low-commitment way to try a formula with a loyal following, without paying full price to find out if it clicks.SpeedRunners 2: King of Speed was originally set for a July release before slipping to September 3. It is an eight-player competitive platformer built around grappling hooks, power-ups, and elimination-style racing through obstacle-heavy courses. Games built entirely around multiplayer often benefit from Game Pass in a specific way. It removes the friction of convincing a group of friends to all buy the same title at once, since everyone already has access.Dune: Awakening stands apart from the rest of the lineup, and not only because of its brand recognition. When it launched on PC in June 2025, its survival premise on Arrakis required players to join multiplayer servers, a requirement that limited the game's appeal for players looking for a solo experience. The September 22 Xbox release, confirmed by Funcom through Xbox Wire, changes that. It introduces a full single-player mode that covers the entire campaign at adjustable difficulty, with no other players required. That is not a minor patch note. It is a different product from what PC players got at launch, and it opens the game to an audience that skipped it the first time around.Minecraft Dungeons II rounds out the confirmed list, launching September 29 across Xbox Series X|S, PC, cloud, and Game Pass. Xbox Wire confirms day-one access along with Xbox Play Anywhere support, meaning a single purchase covers both console and PC. For subscribers, that translates into access to a $29.99 standard edition without paying separately, playable solo or with up to three friends in co-op.What the Four Titles Have in Common?Looked at together, the pattern is genre spread rather than genre repetition. A shop management roguelite, a competitive platformer, a survival epic, and a family-friendly dungeon crawler each pull in a different type of player. Release dates are spaced across the month instead of clustering at the start or end. All four sit under Game Pass Ultimate, while three also extend to PC Game Pass and cloud. Whether this reflects deliberate planning on Microsoft's part or simply how these releases happened to land is impossible to say from four titles alone. It is a pattern worth noting, not proof of a strategy.Also Read: Xbox Game Pass May 2026 Gets Strong Start With RPGs, Indies, and Racing HitsWhat to Watch Before September?Two things are worth tracking as the month approaches. The first is whether Microsoft adds first-party or major third-party titles in a later wave, which has been the pattern in past months. The second is whether any of the four confirmed dates or platforms shift before release, which happens occasionally even after an official announcement. The Game Pass "Coming Soon" page and Xbox Wire remain the most dependable sources for updates, especially since even reliable outlets disagreed briefly on Minecraft Dungeons II's exact date.Also Read: Xbox Game Pass vs PS Plus, Which Gaming Subscription is Better in 2026Final ThoughtSeptember's confirmed lineup already covers four distinct player types with two genuinely notable stories behind it: a shop-management roguelite finally reaching Xbox and a survival game adding a full single-player experience for players who skipped its original PC release. Whatever Microsoft adds next will decide whether September becomes a standout month, but the foundation already in place gives subscribers a real reason to pay attention.You May Also Like:Xbox Game Pass Adds Three Games, but One Stands OutXbox Game Pass Subscribers Have Until July 31 to Play These 7 GamesGTA 3 to GTA 6: How Much has Rockstar's World-Building Actually Evolved?FAQs1. How many games are confirmed for Xbox Game Pass in September 2026?Four games are confirmed so far for Xbox Game Pass in September 2026: Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault, SpeedRunners 2: King of Speed, Dune: Awakening, and Minecraft Dungeons 2.2. Which games are coming to Xbox Game Pass in September 2026?The confirmed September additions include Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault, SpeedRunners 2: King of Speed, Dune: Awakening, and Minecraft Dungeons 2.3. When does Dune: Awakening arrive on Xbox Game Pass?Dune: Awakening is scheduled to arrive on Xbox Game Pass on September 22, 2026, with availability across Xbox Series X|S, PC, and cloud.4. Is Minecraft Dungeons 2 coming to Game Pass?Yes. Minecraft Dungeons 2 is confirmed for Xbox Game Pass on September 29, 2026, with Xbox Series X|S, PC, and cloud availability listed in the source material.5. Will more games be added to Xbox Game Pass in September 2026?The September 2026 lineup is not necessarily complete. More games may be announced, so subscribers should check official Xbox Game Pass announcements for the latest additions and changes.Join our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp

Bitcoin’s futures market faces rising liquidity risk as open interest reaches $48 billion while 24-hour futures volume stands at $25 billion, according to Coinglass. The imbalance could amplify price swings if leveraged positions unwind quickly. Bitcoin trades near $63,500 after recovering from Friday’s roughly $62,500 low.$48B Open Interest Widens Futures Liquidity GapThe gap between futures open interest and daily volume is now the widest since September last year. By comparison, futures volume exceeded open interest by two to three times during 2019 and 2020.Open interest tracks outstanding futures positions as traders enter and leave contracts. Volume instead measures how many contracts change hands during a period, making it a gauge of market activity and available liquidity. The current structure leaves more outstanding risk relative to daily trading activity. What happens if a large share of leveraged positions needs to exit at the same time?Glassnode said the danger is mechanical because liquidations can meet too little resting flow. The firm also said traders had added substantial risk, with most positioning concentrated on the long side.Thin Bids Raise Downside Liquidation RiskThe downside risk has increased as demand weakens and fewer buy orders remain below the market. Glassnode said the band of resting bids had thinned by roughly one-third since early July.That matters if Bitcoin retests the June low near $58,000. Fewer buyers at lower levels could leave the market with less support during a renewed sell-off. At the same time, futures liquidations could add pressure if leveraged positions lose margin. The imbalance between $25 billion in futures volume and $12.55 billion in spot volume could further magnify price moves.Bitcoin’s latest rebound has not erased its decline from last week’s $65,400 area. Meanwhile, Ethereum traded near $1,900.64, XRP near $1.00, and Solana around $75.47.Also Read: Crypto Is Dead’ Chatter Surges as Bitcoin Holds Near $63,000 Support LevelETF Outflows Add Pressure to Weak Spot DemandInstitutional flows also turned negative during the week. Spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded about $390 million in combined net outflows between Aug. 10 and Aug. 14. Fidelity’s FBTC accounted for roughly $153 million of those withdrawals. Spot Ethereum ETFs also posted a smaller weekly net outflow of $2.26 million.Elsewhere, BNB traded near $605.63 and gained 0.6% over seven days. TRON held near $0.332, while Dogecoin rose 0.6% to about $0.070.For now, Bitcoin remains near $63,500 and is up about 1% since midnight UTC. The market remains calm despite the widening gap between leveraged positioning and available trading volume.ConclusionBitcoin futures carry $48 billion in open interest against only $25 billion in daily volume, while spot activity remains lower at $12.55 billion. Thinner resting bids and ETF outflows add to the liquidity pressure. Market participants will therefore watch whether leveraged positions remain stable if Bitcoin approaches lower support levels.Join our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp

The Technologies Making AI CheaperTraining AI gets the headlines, but inference happens every time a model generates an answer. As AI usage explodes, companies are searching for faster and cheaper ways to run models. These technologies are reshaping AI inference.GPUs & AI AcceleratorsModern GPUs and dedicated AI accelerators are optimized for the massive parallel computations required by AI models. They can process inference workloads much faster than conventional CPUs. New accelerator architectures also improve performance per watt. This helps reduce the cost of serving AI at scale.QuantizationQuantization reduces the numerical precision used by AI models. Smaller representations can reduce memory requirements and accelerate inference. Techniques such as INT8 and lower-precision formats can deliver major efficiency gains. The challenge is maintaining model accuracy while reducing computational demands.Model DistillationKnowledge distillation transfers capabilities from a larger model into a smaller one. The resulting model can require significantly fewer computing resources. Smaller models can also respond faster in production environments. This makes distillation particularly useful for cost-sensitive AI applications.Sparse ComputingSparse computing avoids performing calculations for parameters that contribute little to a particular task. This can dramatically reduce the amount of computation required during inference. Specialized hardware and software can take advantage of this sparsity. The result can be faster processing with lower energy consumption.Edge AIRunning AI directly on smartphones, PCs, vehicles and other edge devices can reduce reliance on cloud servers. Local inference can also improve response times and privacy. Advances in mobile AI chips are making increasingly capable models possible on-device. This creates a more distributed AI computing ecosystem.Smarter Software, Bigger SavingsInference engines, caching, batching, and optimized model-serving frameworks can dramatically improve AI efficiency. They help hardware process more requests while reducing unnecessary computation. When combined with smaller models and specialized accelerators, these technologies can reduce inference costs. The future of AI depends on efficiency as much as intelligence.Join our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp

For crypto investors, a smartphone can hold access to assets worth far more than the device itself. Mobile wallets therefore depend heavily on operating-system security, hardware-backed key storage, biometrics and the user’s ability to avoid phishing or malicious applications.The common belief is that iPhones are automatically safer than Android devices. In reality, the gap is more complicated.iPhones Use a Dedicated Secure EnclaveModern iPhones include Apple’s Secure Enclave, a hardware-isolated security subsystem separated from the main processor.According to Apple, the Secure Enclave uses its own secure boot process, protected memory, random-number generator and cryptographic engines. Sensitive keys can remain isolated even if the main operating-system kernel is compromised.Apple’s Keychain also encrypts sensitive information using AES-256-GCM, with protection tied to the Secure Enclave. This provides wallet developers with secure infrastructure for storing credentials and cryptographic material.iPhone Data Protection is automatically enabled when users configure a passcode. Apple also deliberately slows repeated passcode attempts to make brute-force attacks harder.Android Offers Comparable Hardware SecurityAndroid also supports hardware-backed cryptographic key storage through Android Keystore. Keys can be stored inside a Trusted Execution Environment, while higher-security Android devices can use StrongBox, which places keys inside dedicated tamper-resistant hardware. Android prevents other applications from accessing keys created by another app.Android Verified Boot adds another layer by cryptographically checking the operating system, kernel and important partitions before they execute. It also includes rollback protection designed to prevent attackers from installing older vulnerable software.The biggest difference is consistency. Apple controls both iPhone hardware and iOS, while Android security implementations vary between manufacturers, models and price categories.A premium Android phone with StrongBox and long-term security updates may therefore provide stronger wallet protection than a cheap Android device that lacks equivalent hardware or receives infrequent updates.Hardware Security Cannot Stop Every Crypto TheftNeither platform can protect users from every wallet attack. If someone enters a seed phrase into a phishing site, approves a malicious smart-contract transaction or gives recovery credentials to a scammer, Secure Enclave or StrongBox cannot reverse that action.Likewise, storing a recovery phrase as an unencrypted screenshot or note can undermine otherwise strong device security.Large crypto holdings therefore remain better suited to hardware wallets or properly secured cold-storage systems rather than everyday mobile wallets.Also Read: Apple iPhone 18 May Get 12GB RAM Upgrade for Advanced AI FeaturesWhich is Safe for Crypto?iPhones have an advantage in security consistency because Apple tightly controls the hardware, software and update ecosystem.Android should not be considered inherently insecure, however. Modern flagship Android devices can provide hardware-backed keys, StrongBox protection and Verified Boot comparable in principle to many protections available on iPhones.For crypto users, device security matters but wallet design, software updates, seed-phrase protection and transaction discipline ultimately matter just as much as whether the phone runs iOS or Android.FAQs:1. Are iPhones safer than Android phones for crypto wallets?iPhones generally offer more consistent security because Apple controls both the hardware and operating system. However, high-end Android devices with StrongBox and long-term security updates can provide similarly strong protection.2. What is Apple’s Secure Enclave?Secure Enclave is a hardware-isolated security subsystem used to protect sensitive information and cryptographic operations. It helps keep protected keys separated from the main operating system and application environment.3. What is Android StrongBox?StrongBox is Android’s hardware-backed security system for storing cryptographic keys in dedicated tamper-resistant hardware. Supported devices can use it to provide stronger isolation than software-only key storage.4. Can iPhone or Android security prevent crypto phishing?No. Hardware security cannot prevent a user from voluntarily entering a seed phrase on a fake website or approving a malicious transaction. Phishing and social engineering remain major risks regardless of the device used.5. Should large crypto holdings be stored on a smartphone?Mobile wallets are convenient for everyday transactions, but they may not be ideal for large long-term holdings. Hardware wallets or properly secured cold-storage solutions can provide stronger separation from internet-connected devices.

Ethereum price remains near $1,910, almost unchanged for a week and waiting on CPI data to help set its next direction. Mantle MNT crypto news has been more active, as MNT broke above a descending channel this week and cleared several EMA resistance levels, although it remains 85% below its all-time high. Neither chart is showing the type of momentum linked with a genuine most popular cryptocurrency.BlockDAG's leaderboard is showing that kind of activity now. $10,000 in BDAG is paid daily, reaching $200,000 each month, alongside $2 million raised through the presale in just 24 hours, at the Stage 1 price of $0.00002 versus a $0.10 launch reference. That mix of rewards and fresh funding is why BlockDAG (BDAG) could become the most popular cryptocurrency of this cycle.BlockDAG Leaderboard Rewards Start From Day OneOver the past 24 hours, $2 million entered BlockDAG's presale, while its leaderboard is already putting that activity into rewards: $10,000 in BDAG distributed daily, $200,000 monthly, with first place worth $100,000 each month and even 50th place receiving $300. This all comes with a Stage 1 price of $0.00002 against a $0.10 launch reference, creating a 50x gap that few projects show this early.Every tier is covered by that reward setup, starting with Crab holders below $1,000 and reaching Kraken-level whales with more than $10 million. It also operates beside X1 Miner, which is already live and lets phones generate passive income without a mining rig, electricity bill, or entry barrier beyond owning a phone and using the app.A zero team allocation across the 150 billion supply and a planned $100 million in launch liquidity add to a project seeking genuine most popular cryptocurrency status, rather than becoming a name people notice once before forgetting when the headline disappears.With real rewards, fresh capital, and a 5000x gap appearing together, BlockDAG has the kind of setup that could push it toward becoming the most popular cryptocurrency topic of this cycle, rather than another presale figure lost inside a spreadsheet.Ethereum Price Looks to Softer Inflation DataNear $1,910, Ethereum price has stayed almost flat over the last week and remains nearly 61% below its roughly $5,000 peak reached in 2025. Traders are watching the July CPI report for clues about the next move, with softer inflation viewed as the clearest route toward renewed expectations for Fed rate cuts.Longer-term support remains present through Ethereum's staking demand, ETF inflows, and layer-2 activity, even during quiet weeks like this. Standard Chartered has suggested a distant $40,000 ETH target based on these same factors, although such a level remains a long-range backdrop rather than an immediate price trigger.Mantle MNT News Points to a Technical BreakoutTechnical action is driving the biggest Mantle MNT crypto news this week: MNT moved out of a months-long descending channel and broke through several EMA resistance levels, while trading volume and futures open interest increased together, forming a clear bullish signal. MNT trades around $0.43 to $0.46, gaining about 7% over the week despite a minor daily decline.More than $2 billion remains secured on Mantle Network, which is also the world's largest ZK rollup by total value locked. Yet Mantle MNT crypto news needs to be viewed alongside MNT's position roughly 85% below its $2.86 all-time high, showing that a technical breakout cannot remove years of decline in a single move.Final SayMacro data remains the key wait for Ethereum price, while the strongest Mantle MNT crypto news this week is a technical breakout that still leaves MNT 85% below its record. Both are established technical projects, but neither currently rewards people simply for taking part, leaving charts to follow and future moves to hope for.BlockDAG is distributing real money now: $10,000 every day and $200,000 each month through its leaderboard, alongside $2 million raised in 24 hours and a 50x difference built into Stage 1 pricing. That combination of rewards and figures is why BlockDAG could become the most popular cryptocurrency of this cycle.Presale: https://purchase.blockdag.networkWebsite: https://blockdag.networkTelegram: https://t.me/blockDAGnetworkOfficialDiscord: https://discord.gg/Q7BxghMVyu

Overview:Marketing myopia has evolved in the digital age, with companies increasingly mistaking products, technology, and data for genuine customer understanding.More customer data does not guarantee better decisions. Businesses can optimize clicks, engagement, and efficiency while missing the reasons customers disengage or leave.A customer-centric approach keeps decisions focused on customer outcomes through continuous feedback, full-journey analysis, reduced customer effort, and long-term value.A company can track every click a customer makes and still miss why that customer left. This is the paradox reshaping marketing today. Businesses now have access to more customer data and behavioral signals than ever, yet many still lose ground to rivals who understand the same need in a sharper way. Theodore Levitt named this failure as marketing myopia more than six decades ago. The digital age has changed how the mistake shows up, not solved it. Marketing myopia is the tendency to define a business around the products it sells rather than the customer needs it exists to satisfy. In the digital age, the problem extends beyond product thinking: companies also mistake data and engagement metrics for genuine customer understanding.What Marketing Myopia Really MeansLevitt introduced the idea in his 1960 Harvard Business Review essay, challenging the assumption that an industry's growth is assured whenever demand appears strong. He wrote that businesses fail when they define themselves by what they make rather than the problem they solve for customers.Railroads offer his clearest example: demand for transportation stayed strong, but other forms of travel captured that demand while railroads kept thinking of themselves as being in the railroad business, not the transportation business.Customers rarely buy a product for its own sake. They buy progress, convenience, safety, or a solution to a problem. A company turns myopic the moment it defines success by what it sells instead of the job the customer needs done. Needs stay stable more often than people expect. People have always wanted convenience, entertainment, and financial security. What shifts is how they find a solution.New Shape of an Old MistakeOld myopia looked like a company saying "we manufacture automobiles," while missing the travel need underneath. Digital-age myopia hides inside dashboards, AI tools, and engagement reports that look like customer insight but often measure something else entirely.A click tells a company what a customer did. It rarely explains why. Gartner’s research on customer experience maturity consistently highlights the same gap: collecting customer data is relatively easy, but turning those insights into decisions that improve the entire customer journey remains a challenge for many organizations.Teams often optimize their own narrow metric, whether call handling time or click-through, while no single team owns the customer's actual outcome. Companies feel closer to their customers than ever. Data volume creates that feeling. Real understanding is a separate achievement that data volume alone cannot guarantee.Why Do Digital Markets Expose Myopia Faster?Digital channels have cut the effort required to compare and switch providers, though the effect depends on the category. Switching a streaming subscription takes seconds; switching a bank or telecom provider still carries real friction. What has shifted across most categories is feedback speed: reviews, support tickets, and social posts surface unmet needs within hours, and platforms that reward certain content can quietly obscure real shifts in customer preference.A product that loses relevance sees engagement soften and switching become easier to justify. Retention weakens next, and paid acquisition grows harder to sustain. Marketing myopia stops being a customer experience issue at this point. It becomes a growth problem.Diagnosing Modern MyopiaMeasurement Myopia: Focuses on clicks and downloads as success metrics instead of measuring their impact on customer value.Technology Myopia: Adopts AI and automation because they are trending, without assessing whether they improve the customer experience.Market-Definition Myopia: Defines competition too narrowly, such as a food-delivery app competing only with other apps while overlooking alternatives like home cooking.Product Focus vs Customer FocusAlso Read: How Mobile Survey Apps like Attapoll are Changing Digital Market ResearchHow Companies Can Correct Modern Marketing Myopia Five habits keep companies aligned with real customer needs.Define the business around the customer outcome: Focus on the problem customers need to solve, not just the product category.Map the full customer journey: Look beyond the purchase to identify where the product falls short of the actual customer experience.Build continuous feedback loops: Use support conversations, churn patterns, and ongoing feedback instead of relying only on scheduled surveys.Use automation to reduce customer effort: Prioritize easier customer experiences while keeping human escalation available when needed.Measure long-term customer relevance: Track retention, referrals, and lifetime value alongside short-term revenue.A bank that launches an AI chatbot to cut call-center costs makes the difference clear. A myopic team measures containment: how many customers avoided a human agent. A customer-centric team measures resolution: whether the customer solved the problem with reasonable effort. If customers reporting fraud repeatedly fail through automation, the bank may celebrate a quieter call center while churn quietly rises. The technology earns its place when it reduces customer effort, not merely company cost.Customer expectations can shift faster than internal strategies. Companies that mistake activity for value may overlook weakening relevance despite healthy-looking metrics. Linking decisions to genuine customer needs helps strengthen loyalty, competitiveness, and sustainable growth.Why This MattersFinal ThoughtThe businesses that outlast this decade will not be the ones with the most dashboards. They will be the ones that treat customer understanding as a discipline separate from data collection. The lesson Levitt offered in 1960 still holds: the company that understands what customers are trying to accomplish and what they want will keep finding opportunities that a company focused only on what it sells will miss.Also Read: Best Decentralized Prediction Markets in 2026You May Also Like:Best AI Research Tools in 2026: Which One is Right for You?Best Job Portals for Data Science, Cybersecurity, and Cloud Computing CareersTop Tech Companies Hiring Freshers in India, the US in 2026FAQs1. What is marketing myopia?Marketing myopia is the tendency to define a business around its products rather than the customer needs and problems it exists to solve.2. How has marketing myopia changed in the digital age?It now appears through excessive focus on data, engagement metrics, AI, automation, and technology without connecting them to meaningful customer outcomes.3. Why does having more customer data not guarantee better customer understanding?Data shows what customers do, but it does not always explain why they act that way or what prevents them from achieving their desired outcome.4. What are the main types of modern marketing myopia?Three common forms are measurement myopia, technology myopia, and market-definition myopia, each focusing too narrowly on internal measures or categories.5. How can companies avoid marketing myopia?Companies can focus on customer outcomes, map the full customer journey, build continuous feedback loops, reduce customer effort, and measure long-term customer value.Join our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp

Meet Gemini 3.7 Flash: Google has launched Gemini 3.7 Flash with a focus on coding, reasoning and agentic capabilities. The new model is aimed at developers and users who want faster AI assistance for complex tasks.What's New?: Gemini 3.7 Flash is designed to handle increasingly complex workflows instead of simply responding to individual prompts.Sharper Coding Capabilities: The model is designed to help developers write, understand and improve software more effectively.Better at Finding Problems: Gemini 3.7 Flash is positioned to help identify coding issues and work through debugging tasks.Agentic Workflows: Agentic capabilities allow AI systems to plan and execute multiple actions instead of stopping after one response.Better Tool Calling: The model is designed to interact with tools as part of larger tasks, allowing it to move beyond generating text.More Structured Reasoning: Complex development tasks often require several steps. Gemini 3.7 Flash aims to improve planning and execution across those workflows.A New Tool for Developers: Developers can use the model for coding assistance, debugging, planning and other software-engineering workflows.Why It Matters: As AI models become more capable, the competition is shifting from basic code generation to autonomous software development workflows.Read More Stories Join our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp

Best Retell AI Alternatives, Ranked in 2026: 1. CloudTalk, 2. Vapi, 3. Bland AI, 4. Synthflow, 5. PolyAI & more. Ranked by who each one actually fits.Retell AI does the hard technical parts well, which is why most teams shopping for Retell AI alternatives are not complaining about voice quality. Latency sits around 600ms, the compliance posture covers HIPAA, SOC 2 Type II, and GDPR, and the platform pairs a drag-and-drop builder with the APIs an engineering team needs. The reasons people leave are different: the bill is assembled from parts, and the platform stops at the agent.Every call is priced as a stack. Voice infrastructure, text-to-speech, the language model, and telephony are all billed separately, which is why the published range runs from $0.07 to $0.31 per minute. Phone numbers, extra concurrency, and knowledge bases carry their own monthly line items. Then there is the scope question. A voice agent answers the call, but somebody still has to own the numbers, the routing, the CRM sync, the human handoff, and the reporting that ties it together.So the useful question is not which platform has the best voice. It is which platform matches the team that has to run it. The seven options below are grouped by exactly that.TL;DR: the best Retell AI alternatives at a glanceCloudTalk: best for AI that answers the first layer then hands off to real peopleVapi: best for developer teams assembling their own voice stack component by componentBland AI: best for high-volume programmable outbound campaigns in regulated industriesSynthflow: best for enterprise no-code rollouts with launch support includedPolyAI: best for large contact centers automating complex support journeysSmith.ai: best for firms that want AI answering with live human agents as backupGoodcall: best for micro-businesses answering simple, repetitive callsRetell AI alternatives compared: pricing, setup, and fit1. CloudTalk: best Retell AI alternative for AI that hands off to real peopleOverviewCloudTalk is the best Retell AI alternative for teams that want AI to answer the first layer of every call and then hand the conversation to a real person on the same system. That handoff is where most voice AI projects break. A standalone agent can capture intent and answer from a knowledge base, but the moment a caller needs a human it has to reach into a phone system it does not own: the queue, the business hours, the department, whoever is actually free right now.CloudTalk built the telephony layer first, across 160-plus countries, and runs two agents inside it. An AI receptionist covers the front desk, clearing routine questions and routing by what was actually said. A workflow-level agent owns a defined process end to end, pulling live CRM data in and writing the outcome back. Both are configured without code in the same builder that governs every other call, so an agent can sit in front of an existing routing tree or behind it as the after-hours fallback, then transfer with full context to a named human.Key featuresAI Receptionist that answers every inbound call, captures caller name and intent, and resolves FAQs from uploaded documentsA workflow-level AI voice agent that executes defined inbound and outbound processes end to end, with skills for extracting information, answering questions, transferring to a human, and firing webhooksTransfer to human with full conversation context passed to the receiving agentAutomatic language detection with multiple languages supported in the same agentUnlimited simultaneous calls with no concurrency ceiling to configure or buyShared AI analytics report covering voice agent calls and human calls in one viewIntegrationsCRM sync with HubSpot, Salesforce, Pipedrive, and ZohoOutbound campaigns triggered by API from HubSpot, Zapier, Make, or internal systemsWebhooks that push extracted call data into downstream systemsMore than 100 integrations across CRM, helpdesk, and productivity toolsUse casesAfter-hours and peak-hour inbound coverage so no call reaches voicemailMeeting and appointment booking straight into a calendar from an inbound callIntent-based routing that replaces nested IVR menusOutbound lead qualification, renewal chasing, and payment remindersTier 1 support deflection for order status, billing, and account questionsIndustriesEducation and course providersHealthcare clinics and dental practicesLegal and professional servicesFitness, gyms, and B2C service businessesRetail, ecommerce, and rentalsPricingAI voice agent bundles start at $99 per month for 200 minutes, with a free tier that includes 50 minutes to testAI Specialist starts at $349 per month for 1,000 minutes for workflow automation and outboundCustom pricing above 10,000 minutes per monthPhone system seats: Starter $25, Essential $29, Expert $49 per user per month on annual billingTopic-relevant plan: the $99 AI voice agent bundle covers most inbound call handling; AI Specialist from $349 covers outbound and system-level workflowsLimitations to weighWorkflow-level agent deployments are sales-led and take roughly one to two weeks to map APIs and design flows, so complex processes are not an instant buildTeams that want to swap language model, text-to-speech, and speech-to-text providers component by component get more control from a developer platformHigh-volume outbound programs move to custom quotes rather than a published per-minute rate2. Vapi: best Retell AI competitor for developer teams that want component controlOverviewVapi is the strongest Retell AI alternative for engineering teams that treat voice as infrastructure and want to choose every component themselves. Where Retell bundles a set of providers behind its own pricing, Vapi charges a flat platform fee and lets teams bring their own API keys for the language model, voice, and transcription layers, which removes the pass-through markup entirely.The trade-off is ownership. Vapi supplies orchestration, guardrails, and real-time monitoring, and the team supplies the architecture decisions and the operational responsibility that comes with them. Amazon Ring reports that all of its inbound volume now runs through Vapi, which is a reasonable signal of what the platform supports once an engineering team has built on it.Key featuresProvider choice across OpenAI, Anthropic, Gemini, Groq, and Perplexity for the language model layerVoice and transcription options including ElevenLabs, Deepgram, Cartesia, AssemblyAI, PlayHT, and AzureBring-your-own API keys so model costs are paid at source rather than marked upAI guardrails aimed at reducing hallucinations in live callsReal-time monitoring and conversation flow configurationSub-500ms average latency with a 99.9% uptime commitment on enterprise plansIntegrationsTelephony and contact center via Twilio, Telnyx, Genesys, Avaya, and Five9CRM and support via Salesforce, HubSpot, and ZendeskWorkflow and storage via Zapier, Google Calendar, Notion, Slack, AWS S3, and GCPFull API and SDK access for anything not covered nativelyUse casesCustom inbound support agents built to an existing product's logicLead qualification agents embedded in a proprietary sales stackAppointment scheduling tied to internal booking systemsVoice features shipped inside a SaaS product rather than beside itHigh-concurrency campaigns where line capacity is purchased per lineIndustriesAutomotive marketplacesHealthcare and insuranceStaffing and labor marketplacesConsumer technology and home securitySaaS and technology platformsPricingBuild plan: $0.05 per minute platform fee, plus $0.005 per message for SMS and chatModel costs billed at cost, or nothing if the team brings its own API keysConcurrency: 10 lines included, then $10 per line per monthAdd-ons: HIPAA at $2,000 per month, zero data retention at $1,000 per monthTopic-relevant plan: Build is the practical starting point, with the Scale annual contract for committed volumeLimitations to weighTotal cost per minute depends on provider choices, so budgeting requires modelling rather than reading a price listCompliance add-ons are priced separately and add meaningfully to a small deploymentThere is no phone system underneath it, so numbers, routing, and human handoff still need to be assembled3. Bland AI: best Retell AI alternative for outbound calling at volumeOverviewBland AI is the Retell AI alternative built for teams that run outbound calling as a program rather than a feature, particularly in regulated industries where the data path matters. Its answer to Retell's stacked pricing is a single bundled per-minute rate that already includes the language model, speech-to-text, and text-to-speech, with no token charges or model-provider pass-throughs to reconcile at the end of the month.The infrastructure story is the other half of the pitch. Bland self-hosts its stack so call data does not pass through third-party providers, and it publishes a 400ms latency figure against a 1,240ms industry average. More than 601 million calls have been resolved on the platform to date.Key featuresBundled per-minute pricing covering model, transcription, and speech synthesisSelf-hosted infrastructure with AES-256 encryption at rest and TLS 1.3 in transitMulti-channel deployment across voice, SMS, iMessage, and web chat with unified memorySupport for 40-plus languages and real-time translation in 23Custom voice cloning and pre-production agent testing across scenariosReal-time call monitoring and observabilityIntegrationsContact center via Genesys, Five9, NICE CXone, Talkdesk, and Amazon ConnectCRM and workflow via Salesforce, HubSpot, Slack, Notion, Zapier, Make, and PipedreamScheduling via Calendly and Cal.comTelephony via Twilio, SIP, Bland SMS, and custom APIsUse casesHigh-volume outbound qualification and lead follow-upIVR replacement on inbound linesAppointment scheduling and intakeIdentity verification and disclosure reading on regulated callsFull AI call center deployments with monitored concurrencyIndustriesHealthcare and health insuranceFinancial services and collectionsInsuranceLogisticsEnterprise contact center operationsPricingStart: $0.14 per minute with $0.05 per transfer minute, 10 concurrent calls, 100 calls per dayBuild: $0.12 per minute plus a $299 per month platform fee, 50 concurrent calls, 2,000 calls per dayScale: $0.11 per minute plus a $499 per month platform fee, 100 concurrent calls, 5,000 calls per dayEnterprise: custom, contracted to volume, with on-prem or VPC deployment availableTopic-relevant plan: Build or Scale, since the platform fee only pays for itself at campaign volumeLimitations to weighTelephony is billed separately through a carrier, so the bundled rate is not the final numberModels cannot be swapped, which is the direct cost of the bundled pricingTypical deployment runs around 30 days, so it is not a same-week launch4. Synthflow: best no-code Retell AI alternative for enterprise rolloutsOverviewSynthflow is the Retell AI alternative for organizations that want no-code agent building with an implementation team attached, not a self-serve tool a single operator sets up alone. Its visual flow designer, test center, and auto-QA loop are structured around a build, evaluate, launch, and learn cycle, which suits an ops team rolling agents out across departments and needing to prove behaviour before go-live.The positioning has moved decisively upmarket. Synthflow now publishes only an enterprise contract, scoped around call volume, concurrency, telephony setup, integrations, and launch support. Freshworks reports 65% of routine calls automated and a 75% reduction in wait time, and one BPO operator deployed 40-plus agents handling 600,000 monthly calls within 60 days.Key featuresVisual flow designer for defining call logic without codeMulti-agent architecture with subflows for specialized tasksTest center that runs simulated calls before production releaseReal-time auto-QA with data fine-tuning from past conversationsProprietary telephony network with sub-100ms latency claimsVoicemail detection and SMS follow-up includedIntegrationsCRM and sales via HubSpot, Salesforce, and GoHighLevelContact center and PBX via Cisco, Avaya, Genesys, and RingCentralScheduling and automation via Cal.com, Zapier, and Google CloudMore than 200 integrations in total, with region-based hosting in the US or EUUse casesRoutine call automation across large support queuesOutbound sales campaigns with lead-list automationAppointment booking and rescheduling at scaleAutomated data collection on inbound callsAgency and BPO deployments across multiple client accountsIndustriesBPO and outsourced call centersHealthcareFinancial servicesRetail and real estateSoftware and telecomPricingEnterprise contracts start at $30,000 annuallyFinal pricing is scoped around call volume, concurrency, telephony, integrations, security needs, and launch supportNo self-serve or starter tier is publishedCertifications included: SOC 2, HIPAA, PCI DSS, GDPR, and ISO 27001Topic-relevant plan: the enterprise contract is the only option, so budget accordinglyLimitations to weighThe absence of a self-serve tier rules it out for small teams and pilotsAnnual commitment starts high relative to usage-based competitorsDeployment timelines of 30 to 60 days are typical for larger rollouts5. PolyAI: best Retell AI alternative for enterprise contact centersOverviewPolyAI is the Retell AI alternative for enterprises replacing contact center journeys rather than answering individual calls, where governance and conversational depth outweigh time-to-launch. Its models are trained on more than a billion enterprise conversations, and SOC 2, HIPAA, GDPR, and PCI DSS governance is applied to every agent as standard rather than sold as an add-on.The build path splits by audience. Poly Agent Builder serves non-technical teams and the Agent Development Kit serves developers, both feeding the same runtime. Customer results skew toward revenue and headcount rather than deflection alone, including one retail brand that eliminated seasonal hiring and reported savings above $1 million, and a restaurant chain on track to add just over $7 million in incremental revenue.Key featuresProprietary models trained on more than a billion enterprise conversationsPoly Agent Builder for non-technical teams and an ADK for developersAgents that adapt and iterate in real time rather than through release cyclesMultilingual support extending to less-common languagesSOC 2, HIPAA, GDPR, and PCI DSS governance applied as standard99.9% uptime SLA with 24/7 support and continuous performance improvement includedIntegrationsContact center platform and telephony integration for enterprise estatesCRM and customer data platform connections for live account contextBooking, ordering, and payment systems for transactional journeysAPI-level integration through the Agent Development KitUse casesTier 1 and Tier 2 support resolution without a human agentReservation and booking journeys for hospitality and restaurantsBilling, claims, and account servicing callsSeasonal volume absorption without temporary hiringRevenue recovery on missed or abandoned inbound callsIndustriesFinancial services and insuranceHealthcareHotels, restaurants, and travelRetail and consumer servicesTelecom and utilitiesPricingPriced per minute of agent usage, quoted rather than publishedThe per-minute rate includes proactive performance improvements, maintenance, and 24/7 supportNo self-serve or free tierEnterprise agreements typically run annuallyTopic-relevant plan: a custom per-minute contract sized to contact center volumeLimitations to weighThe absence of public pricing makes early budgeting difficultEnterprise project scope means launch takes considerably longer than a self-serve toolIt is oriented to contact center journeys, so smaller inbound teams will overbuy6. Smith.ai: best Retell AI alternative when a human should take overOverviewSmith.ai is the Retell AI alternative for practices and service businesses that want AI to handle the first layer but refuse to let a real caller hit a dead end. Behind the AI receptionist sits a network of more than 500 North America-based agents available around the clock, and roughly a quarter of AI-first calls currently involve a human, which is the point rather than a failure rate.The company has been answering calls since 2015, has handled more than 25 million of them, and serves over 5,000 businesses, around 80% of them law firms. That focus shows in the integration list, which leans heavily toward legal practice management rather than developer tooling.Key featuresAI receptionist handling intake, qualification, scheduling, and CRM updatesMore than 500 North American live agents available 24/7 behind the AIContext-aware routing between AI and human on the same callSetup in minutes with live agent coverage from day oneNo after-hours surcharges on 24/7 coverageReported reception cost reduction of 87.5%, around $42,000 a yearIntegrationsLegal practice management via Clio, Filevine, Lawmatics, MyCase, and PracticePantherCRM via HubSpot and SalesforceField service via ServiceTitanCoverage of more than 7,000 business tools through integration platformsUse casesNew client intake and conflict-check questionsLead qualification before a partner or owner is involvedAppointment scheduling and confirmationOverflow and after-hours answeringEscalation to a live agent on high-value callsIndustriesLaw firms and legal servicesHome services including HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and roofingHealthcare and dental practicesIT services and managed service providersMarketing agencies, finance, staffing, and insurancePricingAI receptionist Free: $0 for 25 calls per month, then $3.00 per callAI receptionist Pro: $150 per month covering 75 to 300 calls depending on tier, at $2.00 to $1.67 per callAI receptionist Enterprise: $500 per month covering 300 to 1,000-plus callsHuman-first receptionist plans run from $300 per month for 30 calls up to $2,100 for 300Topic-relevant plan: AI receptionist Pro at $150 per month for most small practicesLimitations to weighPer-call pricing gets expensive quickly on high call volumes compared with per-minute platformsIt is an answering service rather than a platform, so there is no agent builder to customize deeplyCoverage and agent network are North America-centric7. Goodcall: best cheap Retell AI alternative for small businessesOverviewGoodcall is the cheapest credible Retell AI alternative for owner-operated businesses that need repetitive calls answered and nothing more complicated than that. It came out of Google in 2017 and prices by unique customers rather than minutes, so a plan covers unlimited talk time and the only variable is how many different people call.The scale numbers describe the segment well: more than 42,000 businesses, 50,000-plus agents launched, and over 60 million voice agent interactions. Setup is minutes, not sprints, and the agent can forward conditionally from an existing number or take a Goodcall number in one of 306 local area codes.Key featuresCustom AI phone agent launched in minutes with no engineering involvementUnlimited minutes and tokens on every paid tierAppointment automation with calendar and CRM syncLead capture distributed by SMS, email, Google Sheets, or CRMAnalytics on automation rate, call duration, caller intent, and outcomesConditional call forwarding from an existing number, or a new number in 306 local area codesIntegrationsGoogle Sheets for lead and call loggingCalendar systems for bookingZapier for wider workflow automationGoHighLevel and generic CRM connectionsUse casesAnswering hours, location, and pricing questionsBooking and rescheduling appointmentsCapturing leads outside business hoursEscalating to the owner on defined conditionsBasic call screening for solo operatorsIndustriesSalons, spas, and personal servicesHome services and tradesSchools and education providersSmall healthcare and wellness practicesSmall BPO and customer service teamsPricingStarter: $79 per agent per month, 100 unique customers, 1 logic flow, then $0.50 per extra customerGrowth: $129 per agent per month, 250 unique customers, 3 logic flowsScale: $249 per agent per month, 500 unique customers, 25 logic flowsAnnual billing takes 15% off, bringing Starter to $66 per monthTopic-relevant plan: Starter at $79 per month for most single-location businessesLimitations to weighUnique-customer caps make costs unpredictable for businesses with wide caller basesLogic flow limits on lower tiers restrict anything beyond simple branchingNo outbound campaign capability, so it only covers inbound call handlingWhere does Retell AI fall short for non-developer teams?Retell AI falls short in two specific places, and neither is voice quality. The first is cost predictability. Because the platform prices each component separately, the per-minute cost of a call is a function of which language model, which voice, and which telephony provider a team picked, plus per-minute add-ons of $0.005 for knowledge bases, denoising, and safety guardrails, and $0.01 for PII removal. Monthly line items stack on top: $2 per phone number, $8 per concurrency slot beyond the first 20, $8 per knowledge base beyond the first 10, and $10 per verified number.The second is scope. Retell AI builds and runs agents. It does not run the phone system those agents answer on. Numbers, routing rules, queue behaviour, warm transfers to named humans, and unified reporting across AI and human calls remain the customer's problem, usually solved with a second vendor. For a team with engineers, that is a design choice. For an ops or support lead, it is an integration project with no owner.Are open-source Retell AI alternatives worth the effort?Open-source Retell AI alternatives are worth it only when engineering time is cheaper than software. Frameworks such as LiveKit Agents, Pipecat, and Vocode remove the platform fee entirely and hand over full control of the pipeline, and at very high call volumes the arithmetic can favour them decisively.The costs move rather than disappear. Model providers, transcription, speech synthesis, hosting, and telephony are all billed directly, and the work of monitoring, failover, latency tuning, and compliance becomes an in-house responsibility. A rough test: if the roadmap does not already include a named engineer who owns voice infrastructure for the next year, a managed platform will be cheaper in total cost.How do you choose the right Retell AI alternative for your team?Match the platform to the constraint that is actually binding, not the feature list that looks most complete.Some calls will always need a person, and the handoff has to be clean. Choose a platform where the AI, the routing, and the human team run on the same system, so transfers carry context instead of restarting the call. CloudTalk fits here.There is an engineering team and a preference for owning the stack. Choose Vapi, and bring your own model keys to strip out pass-through cost.Outbound volume is the business case. Choose Bland AI for a bundled per-minute rate that survives a finance review.A large ops team needs agents rolled out across departments with support. Choose Synthflow, and budget for an annual enterprise contract.The contact center itself is being automated. Choose PolyAI, and expect an enterprise project rather than a launch.Some calls genuinely need a person and the brand cannot risk a dead end. Choose Smith.ai for live agent backup behind the AI.The requirement is answering simple calls at the lowest possible price. Choose Goodcall and keep the scope narrow.How do you migrate from Retell AI without dropping calls?Migrating from Retell AI to another AI voice agent platform is mostly a telephony exercise, and it works best in parallel rather than as a cutover. Existing numbers can usually be ported or forwarded, so the practical sequence is to build the new agent, point a single test number or a small percentage of traffic at it, and compare containment and transfer rates against the Retell agent still running in production.Prompts and knowledge bases move fastest, since both are content rather than code. Integrations take the longest, because CRM writes and mid-call actions have to be rebuilt against a different API surface. Realistic timelines run from a few hours for a simple inbound receptionist to several weeks for a workflow agent with authenticated system actions. Keep the old number forwarding until the new agent's transfer rate is stable for at least a full week of normal volume.Choosing your Retell AI alternative in 2026The best Retell AI alternative is defined by the gap being closed, not by a leaderboard. Developer platforms like Vapi and Bland AI beat Retell on cost structure and control while leaving the same assembly work in place. Enterprise platforms like Synthflow and PolyAI trade speed and price for governance and support. Smith.ai and Goodcall solve the answering problem at opposite ends of the budget.For teams whose real problem is the handoff, where the AI has to take the first layer and then put the right human on the line without the caller starting over, the argument for a telephony-native platform is the strongest one on this list. An agent that lives inside the call flow does not need to be integrated with the calling system, because it already is the calling system.FAQsWhich Retell AI alternative is best for small business call handling in 2026?For small business call handling, the best Retell AI alternatives are CloudTalk and Goodcall. CloudTalk suits small teams that also need real phone system features like routing, numbers, and human transfers, starting at $99 per month for 200 AI minutes. Goodcall suits single-location businesses that only need simple inbound answering, at $79 per agent per month with unlimited minutes.What is the cheapest Retell AI alternative?Goodcall is the cheapest Retell AI alternative with a fixed monthly price, at $79 per agent per month, or $66 on annual billing, with unlimited minutes inside a cap of 100 unique customers. Smith.ai is cheaper still for very low volumes, with a free tier covering 25 calls a month, and CloudTalk offers 50 free AI minutes to test before any commitment.Is there a no-code Retell AI alternative for non-technical teams?Yes. CloudTalk's AI Receptionist is configured by uploading company information and needs no code, Goodcall launches an agent in minutes, and Synthflow provides a visual flow designer for larger no-code rollouts. Retell AI does offer a drag-and-drop builder, but its component pricing and integration model still assume someone technical is accountable for the deployment.Can Retell AI alternatives keep my existing phone numbers?Most Retell AI alternatives support existing numbers through porting or conditional call forwarding. Goodcall forwards from a current number or supplies one across 306 local area codes, CloudTalk provides numbers in over 160 countries and routes AI and human calls through the same flows, and developer platforms like Vapi and Bland AI connect numbers through Twilio, Telnyx, or SIP.Which Retell AI alternative is best for enterprise contact centers?PolyAI is the strongest Retell AI alternative for enterprise contact centers, with proprietary models trained on more than a billion enterprise conversations and SOC 2, HIPAA, GDPR, and PCI DSS governance applied as standard. Synthflow is the alternative for enterprises that want no-code agent building with launch support, and Bland AI fits enterprises whose priority is outbound volume in regulated industries.How long does it take to switch from Retell AI to another platform?Switching from Retell AI takes anywhere from a few hours to several weeks depending on agent complexity. A simple inbound receptionist can be rebuilt and tested the same day on CloudTalk or Goodcall, while a workflow agent with CRM writes and authenticated actions typically needs one to two weeks on CloudTalk's AI Specialist tier or 30 days on Bland AI. Running both agents in parallel and forwarding a small share of traffic first avoids dropped calls during the change.

Google started rolling out Android Tap to Share for Pixel 6 and newer devices on August 12, 2026. The Quick Share update lets compatible Android phones exchange contacts, photos, videos, links, and more by bringing devices together. Google designed the feature to make nearby sharing faster by reducing the need to select devices manually.The company announced the feature through its Android blog and said, “sharing between Android devices is even simpler, starting with Pixel.” The rollout currently targets Pixel devices running Android 17, while Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Fold8, and Flip8 support will arrive soon. Google plans wider Android support before the end of 2026.Tap to Share works through the existing Quick Share system and uses NFC to detect nearby compatible phones. Both devices need unlocked screens with the displays facing upward during the connection process. A glow animation appears when the phones recognize each other and activate the sharing process.Contact sharing works directly from the home screen, allowing both devices to exchange selected contact details. Photos, videos, locations, and other files require the Android Share Sheet before users bring the phones together. The process removes several steps from the usual Quick Share workflow.Google enables Tap to Share by default on supported devices, except devices with managed accounts. The option can also be disabled through Quick Share settings when needed. Pixel devices with Work profile apps cannot use the feature.The update gives Android a simpler alternative to traditional nearby sharing and moves Quick Share closer to Apple's AirDrop experience. Wider Android support could make the feature more useful across different phone brands later this year.Also Read: Google Gemini Lets Users Hide Visible AI WatermarksJoin our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp

Marvel’s Wolverine is set to release on September 15. While the hype is already at its peak, Insomniac Games has provided fans with some good news. The studio will bring physical discs of Marvel’s Wolverine at launch. The best part is that the company announced the boxes will come with discs, not download codes. A playable disc gives buyers a version of the game that is not dependent on immediate downloading. Thus, it is specifically useful for players with limited internet connections. The decision is important because more big games now need downloads before they can be played. Wolverine will take a different route. The physical copy will include the main game, and players can play it straight from the disc without needing a download. Players can still download updates after installing it. These updates can bring fixes and other improvements, but an internet connection will not be needed to start the main game.Physical Games Face a Digital FutureThe timing makes Insomniac’s decision even more interesting. Sony is moving toward a future where physical games could become less common. Sony has said it plans to stop producing physical game discs for PlayStation games from January 2028.Marvel’s Wolverine will arrive before that change. Its disc will also be useful for players who like owning their games. A physical copy can be kept, traded, or sold. It also gives players a way to install the main game without downloading the entire title.Also Read: Sony Sees No Business Risk in Going Disc-Free for PlayStationFor players with slow or limited internet, this could be a big advantage. They can put the disc into their PS5 and begin the installation without waiting for a large download.A Win for Physical Game FansMarvel’s Wolverine shows that physical games can still offer real value. The main game will be on the disc, while online access can be used later for updates.As more publishers move toward digital releases, Wolverine’s physical edition could be a welcome choice for players who still want a game they can actually own.Join our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp