Tech update of the day: Riot’s League ladder, ChatGPT goes shopping AI, vivo’s battery beast and Amazfit’s budget flex

-> Legends Ascend ignites South Asia’s League scene with INR 10L prize pool

Riot Games and Aftermath Ventures bring global stakes to regional talent

Riot Games is leveling up South Asia’s esports game with Legends Ascend, an online League of Legends tournament kicking off April 27. Open to teams across India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and beyond, the four-month event features three qualifiers, a league stage, and playoffs—with a ₹10,00,000 prize pool and a shot at the LCP Wildcard Playoffs. Broadcasts start May 4 on FragNation’s YouTube channel. It’s South Asia’s big moment on the global stage, giving amateur squads the chance to go pro and prove their mettle. Game on.

-> vivo T4 flexes giant battery and sleek style in new India launch

Power-packed and pocketable, the T4 raises the bar for midrange Android phones

vivo just shook up the midrange market with the India debut of its new T4 smartphone. Sporting a mammoth 7,300mAh battery, the phone promises marathon endurance with lightning-fast 90W charging. At its core is the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chip, paired with up to 12GB RAM and a slick 6.77-inch 120Hz AMOLED display that hits a retina-searing 5,000 nits peak brightness.

Other highlights? A 50MP main camera, Android 15 with Funtouch OS, and IP65 ruggedness. Prices start at Rs 21,999, with sales kicking off April 29.

-> ChatGPT set to become your next shopping assistant with Shopify integration

OpenAI is gearing up to add Shopify to ChatGPT, turning the chatbot into a shopping companion. Spotted in its code: product prices, ratings, and a “shopify_checkout_url,” hinting at a seamless in-chat buying experience. No more jumping tabs—just ask, shop, done. The move signals OpenAI’s shift from plugins to native partnerships, with the feature likely dropping soon. While some cheer the convenience, others mock the pivot—“from AGI to AI cart pusher.” Meanwhile, Shopify is doubling down on AI, pushing employees to embrace automation. One thing’s clear: ChatGPT might soon know your shopping habits better than you.

-> Amazfit goes bold with Active 2 launch under Rs 10K in India

Stylish design meets serious smarts as Amazfit targets Gen Z fitness warriors

Amazfit has fired up India’s smartwatch scene with the launch of its new Active 2, bringing premium features to the under-Rs 10,000 bracket. Debuted at CES 2025 and crowned a “Top Tech of CES” winner, this sleek wearable flaunts a 1.32-inch AMOLED screen, voice control via Zepp Flow, offline maps, and 160+ sports modes. Backed by Olympic medalist Gabby Thomas and tennis star Jasmine Paolini, it promises elite-level performance tracking. Available now on Amazon and leading retail stores, the Active 2’s standard version kicks off at an introductory Rs 9,999.

Apr 23, 2025 13:48 IST
Sennheiser HD 505 lands in India with sound so real it gives you goosebumps

Sennheiser has unleashed the HD 505 in India, and it's a total ear-opener. Priced at ₹27,990, this Copper Edition beauty brings audiophile-level clarity, punchy bass, and a stage-like soundscape—perfect for both music lovers and gamers. With premium comfort, modular design, and zero gimmicks (no batteries or pairing needed), it’s plug-and-play bliss. Crafted in Ireland with a 120-ohm transducer and angled drivers, the HD 505 doesn’t just play sound—it paints it. Available now on Sennheiser’s site and Amazon, this isn’t just a headphone launch—it’s your next audio obsession.