This Week in Tech: From GTA VI Delays to Android 16’s Revolution

April–May 2025 Recap

1. GTA VI Launch Postponed to May 26, 2026

Fans eagerly awaiting Grand Theft Auto VI got disappointing news: Rockstar Games has officially delayed the release from 2025 to May 26, 2026. This marks the third announced launch window in as many years. While the extra development time promises a more polished open world, those holding off on older titles may need to find other ways to pass the time until Vice City’s return.

2. Apple Doubles Down on “Make in India”

Apple’s global supply chain continues to shift away from China:

Two new plants are coming online to boost local iPhone assembly.
Tata Electronics in Hyderabad will add production lines for legacy iPhone models.
Foxconn’s ₹2.6 billion Tamil Nadu mega-factory is gearing up to build the upcoming iPhone 16 lineup—and create 500 new jobs.

This expansion underscores India’s growing importance as an electronics hub—and sets the stage for even deeper manufacturing ties.

3. Asus Unveils Premium “Scar” Laptop Series

Asus refreshed its gaming-focused lineup with four high-end models:

ROG Strix Scar 16 & 18
Strix G16
Zephyrus G14 & G16

All start well above ₹100,000, packing the latest Intel Core HX CPUs, NVIDIA RTX 40-series GPUs, and 240 Hz+ displays—appealing to pro gamers and creators alike.

4. OnePlus Nord C5: Dimensity 8350 & 7,100 mAh Battery

The mid-range OnePlus Nord C5 has just cleared BIS certification, hinting at an imminent launch. Key specs:

MediaTek Dimensity 8350 (1.4–1.5 million AnTuTu)
7,100 mAh battery + 80 W fast-charging

Expect a price around ₹20,000 and a focus on endurance and performance in its segment.

5. Android 16: A UI & Interaction Overhaul

Google’s next big OS drop, Android 16, is slated to reshape the look and feel of every phone it touches. Highlights include:

Physics-based animations (e.g. elastic “squeeze” effects when pressing the power button)
Redesigned Quick Settings tiles and animated volume slider
Interactive lock-screen clock and notification behaviors

These UX tweaks aim to make every swipe, tap, and scroll feel more dynamic and alive.

6. iQOO Neo 10 Global Variant on Geekbench

iQOO has quietly launched the Neo 10’s global edition on Geekbench, revealing:

Dimensity 8s (Zen 4) chipset
Single-core: 293 pts; Multi-core: 6,836 pts
12 GB RAM

This mid-ranger promises flagship-adjacent performance at a competitive price point—watch for a summer launch.

7. Samsung’s “Modular Lens” Patent

Samsung has been granted a patent for a modular smartphone concept—allowing users to swap in different camera lenses (wide-angle, telephoto, macro) like interchangeable optics on a mirrorless camera. While still speculative, it shows Samsung exploring new ways to differentiate its Galaxy lineup.

8. Nothing F 3 Rolling Out in July

Nothing CEO Carl Pei confirmed the F 3 will hit U.S. shelves first, with an India launch slated for July. Expect an AMOLED panel, high refresh rate, and the signature “Essential Button” for quick controls—bringing the minimalist design ethos to a wider audience.

9. Deal Alert: Join “Track & Tech” on Telegram

Looking for the best bargains? Subscribe to our Track & Tech Telegram channel for 20–25 daily deals—from smartphones like POCO M7 Pro (₹11,999) to tablets and wearables. Check the video description for the join link.

10. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Ultra-Flagship Success

Despite a staggered release, the Galaxy S25 Ultra has out-sold both the S25 and S25 Plus combined, moving 5.08 million units versus 4.08 million for its siblings. Clearly, consumers in 2025 still have a hunger for top-tier hardware—and a willingness to pay for it.

Rapid Fire Updates

Apple Store Expansion: Four new outlets coming to Pune, Noida, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.
Galaxy Z Flip 7 Rumors: Likely outfitted with Exynos in one variant, Snapdragon in another—price expectations around $1,100.
WhatsApp Web Calls: Soon you’ll be able to make audio & video calls directly from your desktop browser.

What’s Next?

Subscribe and stay tuned—our deep dive on Android 16’s new features drops next week, along with hands-on reviews of the OnePlus Nord C5 and iQOO Neo 10. Keep tracking, and keep safe!

Realm Tech News

Tuesday, May 6, 2025