Episoder
-
Is Manus the AI that will finally think like us, or just another digital dream?" The world’s first general AI agent, created by a major disruptor, is forcing us to rethink what we expect from artificial intelligence. this AI agent isn’t just another tool; it’s a leap towards truly general AI. But with this kind of power, the question remains: are we ready for an AI that can think and adapt like a human? There’s excitement, but also skepticism about what this means for the future of AI and its role in our lives.
Starlink has entered the Indian market through partnerships with Airtel and Reliance Jio, and it’s shaking things up. Though satellite internet can connect remote areas, the real concern is whether it will be affordable for the masses. With a hefty upfront cost for the hardware, the big question is if it can really reach the people who need it most—those in rural, underserved regions.
Apple’s new iPhone 16E has people talking. Marketed as a budget option, it’s a tempting choice for those wanting to try out the iPhone experience without breaking the bank. But when you look at the price and what it offers—or doesn’t offer—it raises the question: does this really live up to the “budget” label, or is it just another compromise for the Apple fanbase? -
"Will AI fix everything, or just add another layer of complexity?" In todys episode takes a closer look at the Mobile World Congress event brining together innovators and tech leaders, setting the stage for new developments—like InMobi’s demo of Google's Gemini-powered generative AI. Naveen, InMobi’s CEO, showed off a lock screen feature where two selfies transform into a range of fashion avatars, linking directly to e-commerce sites for a seamless shopping experience. One of the wildest concepts? Lenovo’s triple-display laptop, designed for professionals who need multiple screens on the go. While it sounds like a dream for productivity, the hosts debate whether it’s practical or just another flashy gimmick that might make you the center of attention—whether you like it or not.
Next, the discussion shifts to OpenAI’s GPT-4.5 and how it stacks up against competitors like Claude 3.7, Gemini, and Grok. With talk of fewer hallucinations, improved reasoning, and even emotional intelligence, it seems like AI is getting smarter. But does it really live up to the hype? The hosts weigh in on its limitations, especially when compared to the latest AI benchmarks.
The episode wraps up with a real-world look at AI adoption in businesses, particularly concerns about data privacy, misinformation, and hallucination risks. The hosts explain how companies use retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) to reduce errors when training AI on internal data, but challenges persist. With AI still prone to making up information, industries like law remain cautious about full-scale adoption. The key takeaway? AI is evolving, but it's not yet reliable enough to replace human expertise entirely. -
Mangler du episoder?
-
In this episode of Mint Techcetra, host Kartik delves into the future of artificial intelligence with Dr. Amith Singhee, Director of IBM Research India and CTO of IBM India and South Asia. They discuss the rapid evolution of AI, including agentic workflows, open-source AI, and multimodal applications. Dr. Singhi shares his insights on IBM's innovative contributions, the India AI mission's recent developments, and how AI is set to transform enterprises and society by 2025. Tune in to learn about the exciting trends and advancements shaping the AI landscape.
-
In today's world, the personal touch of gifting, like handwritten notes, seems to have been lost over time, with technology now playing a major role in how we interact and share with others. In earlier generations, creating something personal for someone, whether a small gift or a card, involved more effort and creativity. Today, everything has become so tech-driven. However, we also discussed how AI companions can have a positive impact, offering emotional support. For instance, the younger generation is turning to AI voice assistants like Amazon Alexa to share their day or simply engage in conversation, offering them relief from stress and homesickness. These AI assistants don't replace human interaction, but they serve as an additional layer of support, making people feel heard and less alone. In some cases, they even help individuals build social skills, providing a safe space to practice communication without fear of judgment.
The Humane AI Pin has officially failed, and with it, the early hopes for AI hardware like the Rabbit R1. Initially hyped as groundbreaking, both devices struggled due to overpricing and underdelivering. The Humane AI Pin, priced at $700, couldn't live up to its promises, while the Rabbit R1's features are now becoming standard in smartphones. With the rapid evolution of AI smartphones, these extra devices seem unnecessary. Though these early innovations didn't succeed, there may still be potential for better AI hardware in the future. -
In this compelling episode of Mint Techcetra, host Deepti Ahuja, engages in an enlightening discussion with Michael Taylor, IT Director at Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One team. They delve into the pivotal role of technology in shaping the future of Formula One, highlighting strategies for precision, collaboration, and continuous innovation. From exploring the impact of data, machine learning, and AI on performance to discussing future technological advancements, this episode offers profound insights into the dynamic relationship between IT and motorsports. Michael also shares his experiences, challenges, and memorable moments with the team, including the remarkable adjustments made during the COVID-19 pandemic and the seamless integration of technology within the team's strategy and operations.
-
In this episode, Shouvik and Leslie dive into the much-talked-about topic the Union Budget and its big promises for India’s tech and AI industry. The government’s push for a semiconductor ecosystem and focus on foundational models get a nod, but the hosts are quick to warn against lofty goals of building everything from scratch. Drawing parallels to India’s earlier struggles in the mobile industry, where a lack of a component ecosystem held back progress, they stress the importance of learning from those mistakes. It’s not just about self-reliance but finding the sweet spot between local efforts and working with global leaders to truly drive innovation.
The second half shifts to Sam Altman’s visit to India, which they call a defining moment for OpenAI’s strategy. It started with Sam Altman dismissing India’s potential earlier this year, saying don’t even try foundational models. Now, cut to today, he’s hailing India as OpenAI’s second-largest market, Altman’s change in tone says a lot. The visit highlighted India’s rising role in global tech, with its R&D capabilities and startup energy making it hard to ignore. our hosts explore how OpenAI’s plans to localize operations, build teams, and tap into the Indian market show that global tech giants are now betting big on India’s ability to shape the future of technology. -
In the latest episode of Mint Techcetra, our hosts Leslie D'Monte and Shouvik Das run down all the biggest news from this week. We begin with the Samsung Galaxy S25, which is Samsung's second generation of its AI smartphone. Then, we move on to the technology being used in the Mahakumbh Mela, one of India’s biggest religious events, happening for the first time in 144 years. Finally, we discuss Donald J. Trump’s second tenure as the United States president and how his actions will impact the world of technology.
India’s Path to AI Leadership
India’s tech landscape, while evolving, requires substantial investment and public-private partnerships to achieve true AI independence. Drawing parallels with ISRO’s cost-effective innovations, India can leverage its rich linguistic diversity to develop localized AI models, reducing dependency on English-centric tools. In consumer tech, devices like the Samsung S25 exemplify India’s growing appetite for cutting-edge innovations, yet its current VC ecosystem and infrastructure need bolstering to support large-scale foundational AI projects. By fostering innovation through strategic funding and leveraging its unique data diversity, India can position itself as a formidable global AI player.
Technological Advancements in Events Like Kumbh Mela
The integration of advanced technology has significantly enhanced the management of large-scale events like the Kumbh Mela. Tools such as drones, 5G connectivity, chatbots, and online platforms have made navigation, safety, and crowd management seamless for millions of attendees. Initiatives like the IT Ministry’s Bhashini chatbot, offering support in 11 local languages, and Google Maps’ tailored services are key examples. These technologies provide a safer, more convenient experience, transforming what was once a daunting logistical challenge into a more manageable and enjoyable event.
$500B Stargate Plan to Help the US Trump China
The US has reaffirmed its technological dominance with policies like Donald Trump’s $500 billion AI initiative aimed at creating domestic data centers and AI innovations, starkly contrasting India’s $1.2 billion mission over five years. Meanwhile, China continues to innovate aggressively with tools like DeepSeek R1, challenging US-led AI models. Despite geopolitical tensions and restrictive US policies, India ranks fourth globally in AI readiness. However, its reliance on foreign foundational models emphasizes the need for domestic innovation to remain competitive and self-reliant in this rapidly evolving sector. -
In today’s episode of Mint Techcetra, our hosts Leslie D’Monte and Shouvik Das talk about the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025: In Las Vegas kicked off the year and shows It’s not just about humans vs. machines anymore; it’s about working together with exciting innovations, showcasing everything from AI-driven robotics to quirky gadgets. AI took center stage with NVIDIA's Cosmos AI model, promising smarter robotics like glasses that process images as you explore. Humanoid robots were another highlight, including one from Adverb designed for warehouses, sparking debates about whether wheeled robots would be more practical. Along with tech advancements, LG introduced the AeroCat Tower, an air purifier and cat perch combo, and Bird Buddy's "Wonder Petal" camera, which uses AI to identify wildlife during outdoor activities.
Nike’s Hyper Ice Recovery shoes also impressed, offering adjustable compression and heat to speed up recovery for athletes. LG further wowed the crowd with a portable TV that can be packed in a briefcase, perfect for travelers who want to avoid logging into hotel TVs. The only hiccup? You’ll have to check it in at the airport if you have batteries, but hey, at least you can watch TV on the go!
DPDP Act and Parental Consent: The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act in India introduces strict rules on parental consent for children under 18 accessing online platforms. Parents must verify their identity before granting access to services, raising concerns about the security of personal data. With kids increasingly using the internet for education and entertainment, defining an age gating system is complex. The policy aims to protect children but also presents challenges in balancing privacy and accessibility.
Another major aspect of the DPDP Act is the government’s right to access data for national security purposes, which could potentially lead to surveillance and stifle free speech. While national security is a valid concern, allowing the government to access civilian data without consent could set a dangerous precedent. The consultation process must address these fears to ensure privacy rights are safeguarded while also addressing security concerns. Balancing both is crucial as the law continues to evolve. -
In the latest epsiode of Mint Techcetra our hosts Shouvik Das and Leslie D'Monte talks about CES 2025, where tech world is buzzing with exciting innovations, but are they really groundbreaking or just early generation attempts? From Samsung’s omnipresent screens to Hyundai’s futuristic full-windshield holographic displays, the Consumer Electronics Show is showcasing tech that’s pushing the limits of what we expect from devices. One of our very own, Leslie D’Monte, had an insightful chat with Kinsey Fabrizio, the President of the Consumer Technology Association, who shared her perspective on the trends shaping the future. As much as companies strive to stay at the forefront of innovation, some wonder whether these advancements are simply incremental improvements or the next big thing. From PlayStation's cutting-edge experiences to BMW’s panoramic concepts, CES is clearly filled with bold promises, yet the question remains: are these really revolutionary ideas, or just hype?
But it’s not all about tech inside your car or home—there’s more to innovation this year. The conversation shifts to ISRO’s Spadex docking experiment, a milestone for India’s space exploration. What does it take to create a docking module capable of connecting spacecraft in orbit? We unravel the complexities of this experiment and discuss its importance for upcoming missions like Chandrayaan 3, Gaganyaan, and even the possibility of a future Indian Space Station.
Join us as we ponder the balance between futuristic concepts at events like CES and the tangible advancements happening in space. Is this the year tech crosses over from hype to meaningful impact? Tune in to find out!
Let me know if you’d like any further refinements! -
What changed in tech this year? From the rise of Gen AI to the game-changing speed of quick commerce, 2024 was packed with rapid shifts in the tech world. Innovations that came out of nowhere quickly became part of our daily lives—redefining the way we shop, work, and manage our health. We dive into how AI-powered tools have become everyday essentials, the rise of 10-minute deliveries, and how health tech is now in the hands of millions. Plus, we take a closer look at how telecom woes continue, and why 5G adoption is still evolving.
Join hosts Leslie D'Monte and Shouvik Das as they explore the key tech trends that shaped 2024 and set the stage for an even bigger 2025. Tune in to find out what stood out this year and what’s ahead for tech. -
Happy holidays! Before we disappear into family time and binge-watching our favorite shows, we’ve got one more episode for you this year. we're celebrating the season with a special "Tech-mas" wrap-up, where we talk about the startup ideas we wish could become a reality this Christmas like chatGPT-powereds humanoid Santa Claus robots. We also chat about the Hologram lady and her unique love story, offering a little bit of everything from tech innovation to heartwarming stories. Plus, we highlight some of the coolest gadgets for gifting, including 3D pens, smart devices, and more! Whether you're looking for the perfect gift or just want some entrepreneurial inspiration, this episode is packed with exciting insights and creative ideas to end the year on a high note.
Tune in for the best startup ideas, Cool gadget picks, and more that could make your Christmas shopping and planning way more exciting. -
In this episode of Mint Techcetera, host Deepti Ahuja explores groundbreaking innovations in the commercial vehicle sector with Venky Srinivasan, Head of Data and Analytics at Ford Pro. Discover how Ford Business Solutions India is transforming fleet management, optimizing vehicle performance, and enhancing safety using AI and advanced data analytics. Learn about specific projects, the role of data in solving key fleet management issues, and how FPS India contributes to Ford's global technology advancements. Join this insightful conversation on the future of mobility and technology in the automotive industry.
-
ChatGPT has turned 2 this year, and it's becoming the face of AI for many people. Since its launch, ChatGPT has changed the way we communicate with machines. It's no longer just about answering questions or performing tasks—it's about understanding, context, and helping us navigate through complex challenges. The conversation sheds light on how ChatGPT has advanced in just two years, including how it’s built trust and captured the imagination of people, especially in India, where it’s becoming a tool for learning, business, and innovation. From writing essays to drafting business proposals, ChatGPT has become an integral part of many people's daily routines.
Bitcoin has also touched $100,000. This development has generated a lot of buzz, especially among investors, crypto enthusiasts, and the financial community. In this episode, we discuss how this price surge is reshaping perceptions of Bitcoin’s potential. Is it really on its way to mainstream acceptance, or is this just another bubble? The conversation explores the impact of Bitcoin's rise on India, considering how investors and tech startups in the country might seize the opportunities this surge presents. The fluctuating nature of Bitcoin also brings questions about financial security and the future of cryptocurrencies.
In the tech industry, the ousting of Intel's CEO is another topic that's raised eyebrows. The conversation look into what this sudden exit means for Intel's future, especially in the context of fierce competition in the semiconductor market. Intel has been struggling to keep up with rivals like AMD and NVIDIA, and this leadership change is seen as a response to the increasing pressure. How will Intel find its way and what does it mean for the Indian market, which heavily depends on Intel’s chips for everything from smartphones to computers? The discussion touches on how leadership changes can impact not just the company, but the entire tech ecosystem, particularly in emerging markets like India. -
Have you ever heard of a robot that "kidnapped" other robots? In a surprising twist, a tiny robot named Erbai “kidnapped” 12 larger robots from a robotics company’s showroom in Shanghai, China. he exploited security loopholes in the larger robots’ operating systems, enabling it to take control of the others. In today's episode, our hosts Leslie D'Monte and Shouvik Das dive into the details behind this incident, exploring what it means for AI autonomy and safety in industrial settings. We even draw parallels to sci-fi classics like I, Robot, reflecting on how these stories mirror our real-world concerns about intelligent machines.
But that's just the beginning! We also take a nostalgic trip down memory lane, recalling past AI mishaps like Microsoft's infamous Tay and Amazon's quirky warehouse robots. It's a blend of the amusing and the disconcerting as we delve into the implications of AI in our daily lives.
Next, we tackle the hot topic of media's role in today's tech-driven world. With Elon Musk claiming that traditional media is becoming obsolete, we discuss the balance between mainstream media and social media. Is there still a place for credible journalism in the age of tweets and trends? We believe so, and we think the truth lies somewhere in the middle.
And for all the tech enthusiasts out there, you won't want to miss our take on HMD's latest innovation—a modular smartphone with smart covers that let you customize your device like never before. Is this the future of smartphones or just another gimmick?
Tune in for an insightful episode! -
In today’s episode of Mint Techcetra, hosts Leslie D’Monte and Shouvik Das take us through an exciting exploration of the latest in space tourism and India’s smartphone market. The episode begins with a look at Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic, two major players in commercial space travel, backed by Jeff Bezos and Richard Branson respectively. Both are working towards making space more accessible to the masses by offering trips into lower orbit and the outer stratosphere. With missions like NS 28 from Blue Origin, space travel is slowly becoming a reality for more people. Given the chance, would you want to be part of this new frontier?
The conversation then shifts to Gopi Thotakura, the first Indian space tourist, who recently took a short recreational trip into space. This opens the door to a bigger discussion on how space travel, once a distant dream, is becoming more achievable. The hosts also discuss ISRO's growing ambitions, from creating a space station to advancing India’s role in lunar exploration. The hope is that, with time, space travel will become more affordable, potentially opening up these journeys to a wider audience.
Next, they turn their attention to India's smartphone market, where OnePlus has seen a significant decline in shipments and brand value. With a 46% drop in shipments and a 41% loss in value, OnePlus’ move to target the mass market with cheaper devices has hurt its premium image. Meanwhile, brands like Apple and Samsung have continued to dominate. The hosts discuss how consumers are now more focused on factors like security, battery life, and trust when choosing their devices, especially in light of privacy concerns around Chinese brands.
From space to smartphones, this episode sheds light on how these industries are changing fast and how those changes are affecting us all. -
Would you trust your life to a robot surgeon? Robotic arms, trained through imitation learning using surgery videos, are revolutionizing healthcare. These steady-handed machines—nothing like the transformers we once imagined—are already assisting in surgeries. While no human can process thousands of data points at once, these constantly learning robots might just improve how surgeries are performed.
On the connectivity front, the debate between 4G and 5G continues. While 5G promises faster speeds and lower latency, 4G remains critical, especially in areas with limited infrastructure. Many users still find 4G sufficient for their needs, and projections suggest that even in 2030, India will still have around 410 million 4G users. At the same time, enterprises are increasingly adopting 5G for high-tech operations like IoT devices, digital twins, and AI applications. For industries like manufacturing and healthcare, 5G is essential to connect shop floors to boardrooms seamlessly.
In the U.S., Donald Trump’s return as the 47th president could reshape the tech industry. With 50% of revenues for major tech companies coming from the U.S., AI advancements and automation are set to disrupt traditional business models. Even Bitcoin, once dismissed by Trump as a scam, faces uncertainty under his administration.
From robotic surgeries to the future of connectivity and governance, the rapid evolution of technology is transforming every aspect of life—are we ready? -
In the latest episode of Mint Techcetra, our hosts Leslie D'Monte and Shouvik Das delve into the recent introduction of ChatGPT search by OpenAI, which challenges Google's long-standing dominance in the search engine market. They reflect on how the conventional method of searching for information—typing queries and sifting through links—might evolve into a more conversational interface, allowing users to simply ask questions and receive direct answers. This shift raises questions about the future of traditional search engines and the potential for significant transformations in how we access and organize online information.
As the conversation progresses, they highlight the broader implications of AI integration across various sectors, including the automotive industry. The discussion anticipates the arrival of AI-driven cars in India, powered by advanced Qualcomm chips, which promise to enhance the driving experience through software updates and real-time data processing. The hosts express excitement about features that could optimize routes, monitor vehicle performance, and even alert drivers to potential hazards. However, they also caution against losing the human ability to think critically and navigate challenges independently, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balance between leveraging technology and preserving our cognitive skills.
In addition to technological advancements, the episode touches upon the socio-economic ramifications of these changes, particularly in the context of the upcoming U.S. presidential elections. -
In the latest episode of Mint Techcetra, hosts Shouvik Das and Leslie D'Monte delve into the risks associated with our increasingly digital lives. They discuss how one careless click or overshare can compromise personal information, leading to severe consequences like identity theft or loss of access to vital accounts. The threat of digital arrest looms as proprietary databases and locked information can entrap us. Understanding our rights and responsibilities in this landscape is crucial, as ignorance can lead to unintended legal consequences. By being proactive about digital security and making informed choices, we can navigate these complexities with confidence and find our way out of potential pitfalls.
As our digital footprints expand, securing our information becomes even more vital. The hosts then shift their focus to cryptocurrency, highlighting the opportunities it presents while addressing the challenges many face with exchanges like WazirX. The conversation emphasizes the need for awareness about the platforms we use and the importance of thoughtful trading to safeguard our investments.
The episode further explores the concept of a potential digital dark age, where future generations might struggle to access or understand information stored in proprietary formats. Drawing parallels to the ancient Maya civilization, whose history remains accessible through stone tablets, they raise critical questions about how our digital artifacts will be interpreted and preserved in the future. As we move toward a more digital world, creating accessible formats is essential to ensure our digital heritage is not lost. -
In this episode, our host, Leslie meets the "Godfather of AI," Yann LeCun, to discuss AI's rapid adoption in India and the challenges that lie ahead. LeCun explains that AI is evolving into a common infrastructure, much like how Linux powers the internet, but India still faces significant obstacles. He emphasizes the need for AI to learn from real-world interactions, moving beyond the current limits of large language models. LeCun expresses optimism about AI’s future, predicting human-level intelligence could be achievable soon, provided the right foundational work is done.
Shifting the focus to the geopolitical landscape, the discussion turns to the relationship between India and China. Our hosts Shouvik Das and Leslie D'Monte highlight China’s position as a tech powerhouse, emphasizing that if India wants to strengthen its component manufacturing capabilities, collaboration with China is key. The "China plus one" strategy has its limitations, as much of the tech industry’s IP, designs, and component ecosystems are built around Chinese standards. To truly make a mark in component manufacturing, India will likely need China’s support. Interestingly, China doesn’t seem opposed to closer ties; it views India not only as an important export market but also as a strategic location to sell its services globally, an encouraging start for potential collaboration.
Tune in for an insightful episode! - Se mer
