WhatsApp to Introduce Bill Payment Feature in India

WhatsApp is set to launch a bill payment feature for users in India, which will extend its financial services beyond UPI-based peer-to-peer transactions. This new functionality, identified in a beta version of the Android application, aims to let users pay for electricity, water, prepaid mobile charges, rent, and other bills directly through the messaging platform.

Discovery of the New Feature

This feature was uncovered through a detailed APK teardown of the WhatsApp beta for Android, specifically version 2.25.3.15, by Android Authority. Although the feature is currently under development, a placeholder activity has already been integrated into the beta version, signalling that Meta is moving forward with its implementation. The exact timeline for its launch, however, remains uncertain.

Expansion of WhatsApp Pay in India

In 2020, WhatsApp introduced its UPI payment service in India, but initially restricted it to a small user base due to regulatory limitations. Yet, in early 2024, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) lifted the cap on UPI onboarding for WhatsApp Pay, allowing it to cater to all users across the nation. This expansion places WhatsApp in direct competition with established payment platforms such as Google Pay, PhonePe, and Paytm.

WhatsApp’s Fintech Aspirations

The introduction of the bill payment feature is perceived as another significant stride in WhatsApp’s wider financial technology ambitions. Presently, WhatsApp Pay facilitates UPI payments for transferring funds to both contacts and businesses; however, incorporating bill payments will enhance its functionality as a digital wallet alternative.

Challenges Ahead

Despite being in the initial phases of development, WhatsApp may encounter regulatory hurdles and logistical issues when launching this feature to the entire user base. Initially, beta testers in India are likely to gain early access, followed by a broader implementation.

Integration with WhatsApp Business

Additionally, the new bill payment feature could connect with WhatsApp’s Business platform, enabling businesses to receive payments directly from customers within their chat interactions.

OnePlus Buds Pro 3 Review: Exceptional True Wireless Earbuds

The OnePlus Buds Pro 3 has been designed to enhance the true wireless earbud experience, featuring dual drivers, adaptive ANC, spatial audio, and a unique posture tracking capability. Given the stiff competition from brands like Samsung, Sony, and Apple, it is essential to evaluate what sets these earbuds apart.

Design & Comfort: A Stylish Upgrade

OnePlus has transitioned from the traditional horizontal case to a more modern vertical design, complete with a faux leather texture. While this plastic material does not convey the premium feel one might expect, the case itself is robust, and the hinge operates smoothly. The earbuds boast polished stems, pressure-sensitive controls, and an IP55 rating, ensuring they are both fashionable and resilient.

Regarding comfort, the earbuds offer a fair fit, although they appear slightly bulky. The default ear tips may not provide an optimal hold, necessitating frequent adjustments during use.

Sound Quality: Rich Details, but Sharp Treble

Equipped with an 11mm woofer and a 6mm tweeter alongside a dual DAC system, the Buds Pro 3 aims to deliver high-resolution audio. The out-of-the-box tuning leans towards a pronounced V-shape, delivering robust bass coupled with sharply defined highs. This dynamic sound profile can be quite thrilling; however, it may lead to listening fatigue over extended periods.

OnePlus collaborated with Dynaudio for the tuning process; however, early firmware updates downgraded the best preset, resulting in an unexpected boost in the mid-range frequencies. Fortunately, users have the option to adjust the six-band EQ via the app for a more balanced audio experience.

While the support for LHDC 5.0 is commendable, the absence of LDAC or Bluetooth LE Audio restricts the high-quality audio capabilities on devices other than OnePlus.

ANC & Features: Impressive for the Price

The active noise cancellation performance is akin to flagship models, effectively reducing ambient sounds like voices and background noises. It performs well against wind interference, although subtle sounds like keyboard clicks remain audible. Transparency mode is functional, although it could enhance voice amplification more effectively.

The HeyMelody app facilitates adjustments to ANC, EQ settings, and spatial audio features. Additionally, multi-device pairing is seamless. While the neck posture tracking feature is unique, it may come across as more show than substance.

Battery Life: Solid, but Not Exceptional

The battery performance stands at approximately 5 hours with ANC activated (almost 9 hours without), which is satisfactory. The charging case provides multiple recharges, and fast charging capabilities allow for quick top-ups.

Verdict: A Strong Contender with Minor Flaws

Priced at Rs 10,999, the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 delivers excellent ANC, a host of features, and commendable audio performance. Nonetheless, the pronounced treble, lack of LDAC support, and moderate comfort prevent them from achieving a flawless rating.

OnePlus has indeed achieved a robust feature set, although refinement in sound tuning is necessary. Nevertheless, they stand as a compelling choice in the premium wireless earbuds market.

Super Bowl 2025: Chiefs vs Eagles Showdown

The spotlight is on Super Bowl 2025 as the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles gear up for a crucial rematch following their thrilling encounter in the 2023 Super Bowl. This championship clash is set to unfold in New Orleans on February 9, promising an electrifying contest between two of the NFL’s powerhouse teams.

Historic Significance of Super Bowl 2025

This matchup carries immense historical weight, with the Chiefs on a quest to make history by becoming the first team to clinch three consecutive Super Bowl victories. Under the leadership of quarterback Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City captured consecutive titles by narrowly defeating the Eagles 38-35 in Super Bowl LVII and overcoming the San Francisco 49ers 25-22 in overtime last season.

This encounter marks the 10th Super Bowl rematch in NFL history and the fifth rematch in the last five years. Interestingly, in each of the previous four rematches that occurred within five years, the team that emerged victorious in the initial game went on to secure victory again, a trend that may favour the Chiefs this time.

Key Players to Watch

While the matchup features prominent players such as Mahomes and Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, the inclusion of fresh talent could influence the outcome. Notably, Eagles running back Saquon Barkley steps onto the field after an outstanding showing in the NFC title game, where he scored three touchdowns.

For the Chiefs, this will be their fifth Super Bowl appearance in six seasons, reinforcing their status as a dynasty under head coach Andy Reid. Securing a victory would grant them their fourth championship during this span, solidifying their place in contemporary NFL lore.

Important Details for Super Bowl 2025

Date: February 9, 2025

Venue: New Orleans

Matchup: Kansas City Chiefs vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Kickoff Time (India): 6:00 AM IST

Broadcast in India: Star Sports Network & Disney+ Hotstar

Halftime Show: Grammy-winning rapper Kendrick Lamar

Kelly Stonelake’s Lawsuit Against Meta: Allegations of Harassment and Discrimination

Kelly Stonelake, a previous director at Meta, has initiated legal action against the organisation, citing allegations of sexual harassment, discrimination, and retaliation. This lawsuit, referenced by TechCrunch, was lodged in the state of Washington. The document asserts that Stonelake faced gender-based harassment and discrimination over the course of her 15-year career at Meta, formerly known as Facebook. Stonelake contends that Meta neglected to act on her reports of sexual harassment and claims she was retaliated against after reporting a video game as both racist and unsuitable for minors. Additionally, she suggests that she was repeatedly bypassed for promotions in favour of her male peers.

Having been laid off in January 2024, Stonelake was on an extended medical leave due to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which she links to the discriminatory culture at Meta. Current medical treatment is ongoing, as outlined in the submission made to King County Superior Court. Meta has refrained from commenting on the lawsuit, citing the ongoing legal proceedings.

Details of the Harassment and Retaliation Claims

The lawsuit outlines specific instances of harassment and retaliation, beginning with an incident at a company gathering in 2009, where a colleague reportedly touched Stonelake inappropriately. Stonelake hesitated to report this incident, worried about the lack of response. In 2011, her manager allegedly attempted to pressure her into a sexual relationship, implying that this was essential for her career advancement. After declining, Stonelake alleges that she was consistently denied promotions, with no consequences imposed on her manager. Even after her transfer to Meta’s Seattle office in 2012 and subsequent promotion to director in 2017, the alleged discrimination persisted.

Confrontation During the 2020 Protests

During the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020, Stonelake confronted her manager for displaying a Blue Lives Matter symbol on his Facebook profile, viewing it as a response to the BLM movement. Although she reported his racially charged remarks to HR, she asserts that no action followed. Stonelake further claims to have been overlooked for promotions while her male counterparts progressed in their careers.

Concerns Raised About Safety in Reality Labs

In 2022, Stonelake transitioned to Meta’s Reality Labs to lead marketing efforts for Horizon Worlds, a virtual reality social platform. Within this role, she raised alarms regarding safety and content moderation practices, specifically noting that Black avatars encountered racial slurs during internal evaluations. After bringing these issues to light, Stonelake alleges that she was sidelined from important meetings and denied another promotion in January 2023. Following this period, she needed to take emergency medical leave for PTSD and suicidal thoughts, subsequently being laid off amid company-wide job reductions.

In reflecting on her experiences at Meta, Stonelake conveyed her disillusionment, mentioning that she once had faith in Mark Zuckerberg’s vision for a connected society. She questioned the authenticity of positive interactions, such as Zuckerberg’s involvement in San Francisco Pride and his commencement address at Harvard. Stonelake remarked that as she rose through the ranks, she noticed a growing intolerance for dissent among senior male colleagues.

HDFC Ergo Cashback Controversy – India’s Fitness Initiative Under Fire

HDFC Ergo’s “India Gets Moving” campaign, introduced in partnership with Zopper, is facing criticism as numerous participants assert that their cashback claims have been denied unfairly. This campaign promised users a full cashback on the purchase of an Apple Watch if they achieved the specified step count, but has now become a cause of dissatisfaction for numerous customers.

The issue came to light when participants, who met their step count targets, reported that their cashback claims were disapproved. HDFC Ergo cited manipulation of step counts as a justification for the denials. Nevertheless, a number of participants maintain that they accurately logged their activities and adhered to all provided guidelines, prompting questions about the program’s legitimacy.

Details of the Fitness Campaign

Launched in November 2024, this fitness-oriented initiative encouraged individuals to embrace an active lifestyle with the incentive of receiving full cashback on an Apple Watch purchase. To be eligible, participants were required to:

• Walk 15,000 steps daily
• Track their activities using the Apple Watch
• Accumulate points over a set period
• Submit a claim upon the successful completion of the steps

This program was established to foster health and wellness while motivating users to stay engaged with their fitness aspirations.

Social Media Backlash

Many users have taken to social media platforms to voice their frustrations about claim rejections, which occurred despite fulfilling the required step count without receiving clear explanations.

HDFC Ergo’s Responses

In response, HDFC Ergo claimed to have identified “unusual and suspicious data” and alleged that some participants had engaged in manipulative practices by:

• Giving their Apple Watch to another person
• Utilising external devices to fabricate step counts

However, participants impacted by these decisions argue that they have followed all necessary protocols, used GPS tracking, and submitted extra health documentation, yet still faced claim denials.

Insurance Policy Cancellations and Wider Concerns

Further compounding issues, some users reported that HDFC Ergo revoked their insurance policies, raising serious doubts about the trustworthiness of the campaign.

HDFC Ergo’s Statement

HDFC Ergo released a statement to Moneycontrol, asserting, “In the case of certain individuals, we encountered unusual and suspicious data. Following a thorough investigation, it was determined that some participants had manipulated data, violating the programme’s terms. Consequently, we had to cancel the policies of specific individuals. However, claims for participants without data manipulation have been duly honored.”

Sharing Personal Experiences

One participant articulated his discontent with the HDFC Ergo campaign, stating, “On December 1, 2024, I purchased an Apple Watch, trusting in HDFC Ergo’s Stay Fit To Benefit initiative. Walking daily, earning points, and getting cashback seemed straightforward. However, it has turned out to be a meticulously orchestrated scam.”

Advice for Consumers

To avoid similar scenarios in future campaigns, consumers should consider the following recommendations:

• Read the fine print: Review the terms and conditions thoroughly before joining cashback or rewards programs.
• Research company reputation: Investigate prior promotional campaigns and customer feedback to analyse the dependability of a company.
• Document progress: Keep careful records of activities, including screenshots, GPS logs, and detailed step count history for potential disputes.
• Be cautious with significant purchases: Refrain from making expensive purchases based solely on cashback propositions, as terms might change unexpectedly.