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iOS 26 Public Beta Is Almost Here: What’s New, Which Devices Are Supported, and More
Technology, Tech Evolution, Trending

iOS 26 Public Beta Is Almost Here: What’s New, Which Devices Are Supported and More

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iOS 26 public beta could launch around July 23, per Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.  iOS 26 was unveiled earlier this year at WWDC and has since gone through multiple developer beta versions fairly quickly. General users will be able to experience the redesigned interface and added features prior to the official release, projected for September alongside the iPhone 17 lineup. Users keen on testing new features can enroll in the Apple Beta Software Program free of charge, but backing up the device beforehand seems prudent. iOS 26 Public Beta: Release Timeline and Compatible Devices Older devices are being phased out, with the iOS 26 release dropping support for phones like the iPhone XR and iPhone XS entirely. If you have an iPhone 11 or anything newer — including the 2nd or 3rd gen iPhone SE — you’ll be able to get the iOS 26 update soon. You’ll need an iPhone 15 Pro or a model from the current iPhone 16 lineup to try Apple Intelligence, Apple’s new suite of AI features. Users can sign up on Apple’s beta site and activate the beta version via phone settings, likely after the public beta launches this week. Keep this in mind since it’s still somewhat experimental, and bugs along with performance issues may lurk beneath the surface. Top New Features in iOS 26 With the debut of iOS 26, Apple introduces a striking Liquid Glass design that enhances the interface with refined animations, overhauled app icons, and a host of personalization tools. Apps like Camera and Safari now sport revamped layouts for enhanced user experience and markedly better overall usability. iOS has undergone its most significant visual revamp since iOS 7, now sporting a modern, sleek design with simplicity and elegance in equal measure. The Apple Intelligence upgrade rolls out built-in AI functionalities like instantaneous language translation and smarter on-screen suggestions, with ChatGPT integrated for more robust assistance. New fun features include Genmoji for creating custom emojis and Image Playground for generating AI images effortlessly. Users benefit from AI-powered shortcuts cleverly tailored to their typical device usage patterns and habits. Enhancements have been introduced in both the Phone and Messages applications. The Phone app now offers a unified view of recent calls and favorites, alongside a Call Screening feature for a smoother calling experience. Custom chat backgrounds can be set in Messages, and polls can now be created in group chats with typing indicators visible. iOS 26 introduces automatic filtering of unknown senders in Messages into a separate tab. The new Apple Games app makes game discovery faster, and CarPlay now includes useful upgrades like home screen widgets and a minimized call interface for better in-car navigation.

TVS to Enter ADV Segment with Apache RTX 300 Launch Next Month
Automobile, Trending, Two Wheeler Updates

TVS to Enter ADV Segment with Apache RTX 300 Launch Next Month

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TVS prepares to make its mark in the booming adventure touring segment with the expected launch of the Apache RTX 300 in August. In 2024, insider reports revealed that TVS was working on an adventure bike equipped with an all-new 300cc liquid-cooled motor. TVS officially revealed the engine recently as part of a new motorcycle lineup. The 2025 Expo saw a fleeting glimpse of the Apache RTX 300, which only amplified the buzz among enthusiasts around the world. Multiple spy shots have surfaced since then, offering glimpses into the bike’s design and various components at irregular intervals. The Apache RTX 300’s setup and proportions suggest a strong bias toward road touring rather than off-road escapades. Stylish 19-inch front wheels and 17-inch rear alloy wheels are shod with road-biased tyres, nicely complementing this particular setup. Suspension travel exceeds that of standard TVS street models somewhat, but hardcore off-roading would require more extensive travel, obviously. It promises to be a capable tourer, comfortably equipped with a tall windscreen, a roomy seat, and an upright riding posture.   TVS has equipped the Apache RTX 300 with its newly designed 299cc RTX D4 engine — a liquid-cooled powerplant developed entirely in-house. TVS replaces the older BMW-derived 312cc engine with this powerplant, thus establishing a firm foothold in India’s lucrative adventure bike market. Producing 35bhp and 28.5Nm of torque, the engine is paired with a six-speed transmission featuring an assist and slipper clutch for smoother gear shifts. It’s housed inside a trellis frame engineered recently, likely designed specifically for this model. The RTX 300 boasts a plethora of features including a full-colour TFT display, multiple riding modes, switchable ABS and a sophisticated traction control system. The TVS Apache RTX 300 will probably slot between the KTM 250 Adventure and the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 in terms of market placement, although somewhat awkwardly it seems.

Norton V4 Tested by TVS Chief, EICMA Reveal Soon.
Automobile, Trending, Two Wheeler Updates

New Norton V4 Tested by TVS Boss Ahead of Big Reveal at EICMA 2025

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  Norton released fresh images of its forthcoming motorcycle with TVS top brass riding it, barely a week after sharing initial teaser visuals. Set for a November 4 debut at EICMA, the motorcycle enters the spotlight surrounded by media anticipation. Photos suggest the bike nears production readiness, though lacking final paint jobs and still glaringly bereft of bespoke graphics. TVS ownership has spawned a brand-new Norton motorcycle developed completely from scratch for presumably the first time recently. With a dramatically reworked front end, sleeker lighting setup and a sculpted new fairing, the latest Norton V4 marks a striking leap toward an edgier, more assertive design language. More info will probably surface pretty soon near unveiling time, though technical specs are still tightly sealed for the time being. Norton has evidently put substantial effort into equipping the bike with a plethora of cutting-edge tech and avant-garde innovations. TVS and Norton are collaborating on a slew of novel bikes slated for release sometime in the ensuing years, presumably with great fanfare. The initial focus is to reestablish Norton’s legacy vigorously in the sportbike category. High-end models will probably emerge afterward, following the V4’s unveiling. Norton motorcycles may not enter India immediately, focusing first on building a strong presence in global markets very deliberately.

iPhone 17 Air Launching in Sept with Sleek New Look.
Technology, Tech Evolution, Trending

iPhone 17 Air to Launch in September: Slimmer Design, Better Display, and All the Key Details So Far

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Apple’s next monumental launch looms imminently, and the spotlight shines brightly on the iPhone 17 Air, rumoured to be the tech giant’s thinnest handset ever made. Leaks are already generating buzz around this super-slim model, set for a September 2025 debut with bold redesigns and performance upgrades. The iPhone 17 Air could redefine Apple’s flagship lineup, echoing the sleek profile of the 2024 iPad Pro. iPhone 17 Air: Key Expectations Industry insiders and leaked dummy units hint the iPhone 17 Air might be surprisingly slim at just 5.5mm thick in some areas. A significant drop from the 8.25mm iPhone 16 Pro occurs here, and predictions from sources like Mark Gurman and analysts Ming-Chi Kuo align with it. Apple will probably use a lightweight titanium and aluminum blend for the body, keeping the weight around 145 grams, much like the iPhone 13 mini. The front is expected to flaunt a bright 6.6-inch OLED display with high efficiency and durability, possibly the same panel used currently in Pro models. Non-Pro iPhones might soon feature a 120Hz refresh rate for the first time, but likely won’t get ProMotion’s 1Hz adaptive refresh capability. Expect flagship-level performance from the iPhone 17 Air, as it’s likely to pack the same A19 chip and 12GB RAM found in the iPhone 17 Pro. The Air’s wafer-thin design somehow doesn’t sacrifice speedy performance or robust multitasking capabilities. Apple may ditch extra cameras for sleekness and scale back the camera setup rather dramatically to just one big 48MP rear sensor. The camera layout might morph into a sleek horizontal bar, matching the aesthetic of the iPhone 17 Pro rather radically overnight. A 24MP selfie camera should supplant the aging 12MP unit on the front, promising markedly better clarity for video calls and selfies. The iPhone 17 Air may pack a relatively puny 2,800mAh battery, significantly lower than Pro models sporting heftier power cells. Apple will reportedly roll out a new Adaptive Power Mode in iOS 26, extending daily usage significantly without battery life drastically dwindling. Apple has delivered solid battery performance with smaller capacities in past models like the iPhone 12 and subsequent iPhone 13 series phones. iPhone 17 Air Price (Rumoured) If leaks are accurate, the iPhone 17 Air might launch at $899 in the U.S. and could cost around ₹90,000 in India. This puts the Air pretty close to the iPhone 16 Plus’s current spot if the info is accurate. Rising component costs will likely spur a minor price hike across the iPhone 17 lineup due to various factors. Apple appears fairly confident that the sleek design and high-end internals of the Air will sufficiently justify the price bump. Expected Launch Timeline Apple will likely unveil the iPhone 17 series in September 2025, staying true to its annual launch pattern. The reveal will likely happen in the second week of September, with pre-orders starting soon after and retail availability shortly following. Final Thoughts Pro-grade internals and a focus on lightweight performance, alongside a groundbreaking design, make the iPhone 17 Air potentially one of the most exciting recent iPhone releases.

Vivo V60 Leak Hints at August Launch and Major Software Overhaul
Technology, Tech Evolution, Trending

Vivo V60 Leak Hints at August Launch and Major Software Overhaul

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  Vivo recently debuted the Vivo X200 FE and is reportedly gearing up for the launch of a camera‑centric device possibly dubbed the Vivo V60. The Vivo V60 could debut as early as August 19, 2025, according to intel from tipster Abhishek Yadav on the social‑media platform X. He strongly hinted at a potentially game‑changing tweak that would set this Vivo model apart from earlier releases. As per Yadav, the source behind the launch timeline leak, Vivo is likely to ship the V60 with Origin OS running on Android 16.  If so, Vivo would bring Origin OS to the Indian market for the first time, as its phones have traditionally featured Funtouch OS overseas. Origin OS has so far been exclusive to Vivo devices in China, making this a noteworthy global shift. Expected Specifications of the Vivo V60 Initial leaks indicate that the Vivo V60 could arrive as an updated variant of the Vivo S30, offering impressive hardware specifications. It may arrive with a 6.67-inch AMOLED screen featuring a fluid 120Hz refresh rate, powered by the efficient Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 processor. Camera enthusiasts can expect a capable triple-camera setup, including a 50MP main sensor, a 50MP telephoto lens for zoom, and an 8MP ultrawide lens for wide-angle shots. The S30 also sports a 6,500 mAh battery and 19 W FlashCharge tech, which might carry over to the V60. These specs remain speculative and should be treated with caution until Vivo officially confirms them. Vivo V60: Likely Price Range While the Vivo X200 FE enters the market at a premium price tag exceeding ₹50,000, the upcoming Vivo V60 is anticipated to be more affordable, likely retailing near ₹40,000. Pricing for the Vivo V60 remains uncertain amid stiff competition and Vivo’s aggressive strategy in the sub‑₹35,000 segment. It is therefore anticipated to land somewhere around ₹35,000 – ₹40,000 to maintain clear differentiation across product lines.

Samsung Galaxy F36 5G Arrives Under ₹18,000 with Android 15 and Long-Term Updates
Technology, Tech Evolution, Trending

Samsung Galaxy F36 5G Arrives Under ₹18,000 with Android 15 and Long-Term Updates

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Samsung has launched the Galaxy F36 5G, a rather affordable smartphone under nineteen thousand rupees. Device availability begins July 29 via Flipkart and Samsung’s online store, rather quietly at first — perhaps only online. It comes in two configurations, with the 6GB RAM and 128GB storage variant priced surprisingly at ₹17,499, while the higher-end 8GB RAM and 256GB version costs ₹18,999. The Galaxy F36 5G boasts a rather large 6.7-inch Super AMOLED FHD+ display sporting an incredibly smooth 120Hz refresh rate, protected by Gorilla Glass Victus+. Samsung’s in-house Exynos 1380 chipset fuels it, and the Mali-G68 MP5 GPU kicks in pretty smoothly for gaming and daily use. The phone features a vapor chamber inside for enhanced heat dissipation during intensive gaming sessions and multitasking episodes. Storage capacity can be expanded further with the insertion of a microSD card into a discreet slot. The phone boasts a triple rear camera setup featuring a 50MP primary sensor with OIS and 4K video capture, alongside an 8MP ultra-wide lens and a 2MP macro camera. Users get a 13MP selfie camera on the front that supports 4K recording as well. Creative social media enthusiasts will likely revel in AI-powered utilities like Circle to Search and Object Eraser. The Galaxy F36 5G runs on Android 15-based One UI 7 and promises six years of OS updates and seven years of security patches, effectively making it quite future-proof. A 5000mAh battery backs it and supports fast 25W charging. The Galaxy F36 5G packs excellent value in the mid-range segment with a sleek leather-textured design and robust software support. Additional features include a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, USB Type-C port, and dual-band Wi-Fi. It will be available in three ravishing hues — Coral Red, Luxe Violet, and Onyx Black — offering style and high performance for smartphone users today.

Technology, Tech Evolution, Trending

Zoho Unveils Zia LLM to Boost India’s AI Capabilities

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Zoho’s Zia LLM: Nations worldwide are rapidly adopting cutting-edge AI models such as ChatGPT and Gemini, but India remains stagnant, awaiting a domestically bred rival. Ending the long pause in domestic AI development, Zoho’s launch of Zia ushers in a new era of Indian innovation in artificial intelligence. The announcement was made at Zoholics India, the company’s annual user conference held in Bengaluru this year, quite enthusiastically and loudly downtown. Zoho revealed Zia LLM has been crafted specifically for enterprise applications, focusing heavily on stringent privacy measures and governance, besides rock-bottom cost efficiency. A bespoke strategy is likely helping Indian firms assimilate artificial intelligence deeply within operations very effectively nowadays. Mani Vembu, Zoho CEO, highlighted that model optimization for business-specific tasks significantly reduces inference costs for customers. He spotlighted Zoho’s bespoke method blending AI and human intuition via low-code tech, which they dub co-creation with the AI agent. Zia LLM comes in 1.3B, 2.6B, and 7B parameter configurations, suiting varied business needs quite well. It supports summarization functions and structured data extraction seamlessly, using NVIDIA’s AI platform for prompt-based coding endeavors. Zoho plans further expansion of AI models by the end of 2025 quite aggressively. Zoho’s model runs across data centers in India, the US, and Europe, prioritizing user privacy within its ecosystem. Zoho’s own model aims to furnish AI features cost-effectively, without external data sharing or leveraging third-party LLMs like ChatGPT or Llama. Zoho launched speech recognition models for English and Hindi with minimal computational usage in mind, alongside support for Indian languages. Benchmarks are outperformed by these models by a huge margin—up to 75%—as part of a larger plan for future expansion into numerous Indian languages. Zoho is working on a Reasoning Language Model (RLM), stealthily enhancing AI capabilities with somewhat obscure underlying technology. Zia Agent Studio and Marketplace was another huge announcement—being a low-code, prompt-based platform for crafting some pretty cool AI agents. Businesses can deploy over 700 built-in functions and 25 pre-configured agents as independent modules or as digital employees with role-based access controls. Agents customized for Indian enterprises exist, including ones for verifying PAN, Voter ID, and GSTIN documents thoroughly. Zia Agent Marketplace allows access quite readily, and Zoho plans on opening it up rather soon to external developers. The newly launched Model Context Protocol (MCP) server facilitates secure communication between third-party AI agents and Zoho’s internal applications. It presently supports over 15 applications and is available through early access now.

Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Coupé Set to Roar into India on August 12
Automobile, Car Updates, Trending

Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Coupé Set to Roar into India on August 12

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Mercedes-Benz will bolster its high-performance lineup in India soon with the debut of the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Coupé on August 12, 2025. The CLE 53 Coupé made its global debut quite recently in December 2023 and now stands as the spiritual successor of the C-Class and E-Class coupés, somehow consolidating Mercedes’ two-door models into a single luxury grand tourer. Mercedes-Benz India plans eight fresh model introductions by 2025, and this launch constitutes a significant part of those new releases. The CLE 53 Coupé boasts sleek yet ferociously aggressive styling, utterly redolent of AMG’s hallowed performance pedigree. The CLE 53’s aerodynamic design features include sculpted bumpers and functional fender vents, paired with a performance-inspired rear diffuser and quad exhaust tips integrated beneath the signature Panamericana grille. The sporty look gets further amplified by LED headlights sporting distinctive DRLs and two-piece LED taillamps wrapped in piano black trim. With its steeply raked windshield and streamlined roofline, the coupé presents a sleeker profile than the CLE Cabriolet already available in the Indian market. It rides on standard 19-inch AMG alloy wheels, and 20-inch options are available as well. The CLE 53 boasts an AMG-tuned 3.0-litre inline-six twin-turbocharged engine (M256) under the hood, supported fairly extensively by a 48V mild-hybrid system. Delivering 446 bhp and 560 Nm of torque, this powertrain has an overboost function kicking in an extra 40 Nm for 12 seconds, thereby taking total torque up to 600 Nm. Power delivery is boosted by an integrated starter generator, which provides an extra 22.6 bhp and 205 Nm. The resulting 0–100 kmph sprint time clocks in at 4.2 seconds, with an electronically limited top speed of 250 kmph. The engine pairs with a 9-speed AMG Speedshift automatic transmission and the 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system, while AMG Dynamic Select offers various drive modes like Slippery, Comfort, Sport, and Individual, with paddle-shift use in manual “M” mode. Inside, the CLE 53 Coupé combines the modern, tech-rich layout of the C-Class with premium AMG-specific upgrades for a more opulent and performance-focused cabin. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster sits alongside an 11.9-inch MBUX infotainment screen positioned rather unusually in portrait orientation. AMG Performance seats and a flat-bottom steering wheel are outfitted inside, alongside wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Burmester sound system with 64-color ambient lighting and wireless charging available. Over-the-air software updates and AMG-themed visuals round out an immersive driving environment, with sport-focused controls and carbon-fiber-style trims inside. Carrying a premium price tag of over ₹1.5 crore (ex-showroom), the CLE 53 Coupé becomes the first AMG variant in the CLE series for India, complementing the CLE 300 Cabriolet. It will slug it out with the BMW M2 and Audi RS5 Sportback in the luxury performance segment, directly alongside other high-octane rivals. Arriving almost a year later than the cabriolet version, Mercedes-Benz India’s CLE 53 Coupé refreshes its performance offerings under a pretty robust product roadmap.

BMW Rolls Out Second-Gen 2 Series Gran Coupé in India at ₹46.90 Lakh
Automobile, Car Updates, Trending

BMW Rolls Out Second-Gen 2 Series Gran Coupé in India at ₹46.90 Lakh

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BMW India unveiled the second-gen 2 Series Gran Coupé priced at Rs 46.90 lakh ex-showroom, marking a fresh benchmark in the premium compact sedan segment quite boldly. BMW Group Plant Chennai churns out the new model locally in two petrol variants: 218i M Sport and 218i M Sport Pro, priced at Rs 46.90 lakh and Rs 48.90 lakh respectively. BMW’s new 2 Series Gran Coupé boasts a shark-nose front-end design, having grown substantially longer, measuring 4,546mm and taller at 1,445mm in height. Adding to its striking presence, the front grille comes with “Iconic Glow” illumination, flanked by Adaptive LED headlights equipped with cornering functionality and stylish blue highlights. Both variants come standard with the M Sport package, sporting bold styling details like huge air intakes and high-gloss black trims throughout. The coupe-inspired profile is further elevated by frameless doors and the iconic Hofmeister kink, both contributing to its bold and streamlined aesthetics. Inside the cabin, the car features illuminated Aluminium Hexacube trims and sport seats upholstered in perforated Veganza leatherette, offered in Mocha or Oyster shades. The BMW Curved Widescreen Display incorporates a 10.24-inch digital instrument cluster alongside a 10.7-inch infotainment display powered by BMW Operating System 9. The cabin of the M Sport Pro variant offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, BMW Digital Key Plus with Comfort Access, and a premium 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system known for its rich sound and immersive bass, all complemented by subtle ambient lighting. Both versions sport a 1.5-litre BMW TwinPower Turbo petrol engine under the hood, producing 156 bhp and 230 Nm of torque, paired with a 7-speed Steptronic Sport dual-clutch transmission. The car accelerates rapidly from 0-100 kmph in just 8.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 230 kmph pretty quickly afterwards. A fresh Sport BOOST feature kicks in rapidly, delivering an extra burst of acceleration for rather dynamic driving experiences suddenly. The suspension has been meticulously fine-tuned for ride comfort and razor-sharp handling, aided by BMW Performance Control for bolstered agility. Safety features abound on the 2 Series Gran Coupé, boasting an extensive suite of driver assistance tech quite comprehensively. Driving Assistant functions like Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert are included, along with Lane Change Warning systems nowadays. Standard features also include Parking Assistant Plus, offering a 360-degree surround view and a Reversing Assistant recalling the last 50 meters driven back very slowly. Vehicle exterior colour options include Alpine White and Black Sapphire Metallic, alongside Brooklyn Grey and Portimao Blue, with two interior design themes available. BMW offers Service Inclusive packages kicking off at Rs 47,300 for merely 3 years or 40,000 km, and an extended warranty costing Rs 39,100. BMW Smart Finance brings ownership within reach through EMI plans starting at Rs 35,000 monthly, alongside an assured buyback value adding flexibility.

Dell Launches Six New Laptops in India, Including Alienware 16X Aurora
Technology, Tech Evolution, Trending

Dell Launches Six New Laptops in India, Including Alienware 16X Aurora

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Dell has launched six new laptop models in India, combining productivity-focused specs and gaming-centric features rather quietly this year. Among the new releases are three Dell Plus laptops—14 Plus, 14 2-in-1 Plus, and 16 Plus—paired with cutting-edge Alienware machines, including the standout Alienware 16X Aurora. The additions cater to various users, ranging from professionals working daily with software applications to hardcore gamers. The Dell Plus series runs on AMD’s latest Ryzen AI 300 Series processors, offering robust performance for heavy users. Dell 14 Plus and Dell 16 Plus laptops sport FHD+ displays with a 16:10 aspect ratio, delivering up to 300 nits brightness with Dolby Vision. They feature stereo speakers made by Realtek that boast Dolby Atmos and offer up to 20 or 22 hours of battery life. Dell 14 2-in-1 Plus stands out in the series, featuring a 360-degree hinge allowing versatile use as a laptop or even as a tent. Dell Active Pen enables seamless note-taking and drawing with considerable aplomb on this responsive surface. The model boasts a 14-inch FHD+ touchscreen and enhanced audio features, providing battery life up to 19 hours. Equipped with FHD+ webcams, AI-based noise suppression, and next-gen Wi-Fi 7, Dell Plus series models ensure a seamless online experience. Fast charging is supported via Express Charge, which can power the battery up to 80% in just sixty minutes. The laptops are constructed from eco-friendly materials such as recycled aluminium and rugged steel, having successfully passed stringent military-grade durability tests. The refreshed Alienware range introduces the versatile 16X Aurora, the refined 16 Area-51, and the commanding 18 Area-51. These models, engineered for high-end gaming, boast Intel Core Ultra HX processors and Nvidia GeForce RTX 50 series GPUs underneath sleek exteriors. Alienware 16X Aurora has a 16-inch WQXGA display sporting a 240Hz refresh rate with Nvidia G-Sync support, designed with portability in mind. Heavy gaming sessions benefit from consistent performance ensured by the Cryo-Chamber cooling system that boosts airflow and quiets operation remarkably well. Pricing starts at ₹76,940 for Dell 14 Plus, ₹87,670 for Dell 14 2-in-1 Plus, and ₹76,400 for Dell 16 Plus. Alienware 16X Aurora starts at ₹1,76,990, while Alienware 16 Area-51 and 18 Area-51 are priced from ₹3,09,990 and ₹3,14,990 respectively. All models can be bought online via Dell.com and at various retail outlets and Dell Exclusive Stores across India.

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