Gadgets Weekly: Portronics Toad Ergo 3 vertical mouse and more

Technology companies BenQ, Portronics, Airtel and others launched desktop monitor, online fraud detection technology, smartphone, computer accessories, and more this week (May 12-18, 2025).

DH's Gadgets Weekly edition lists the latest personal technology products to keep you abreast of everything happening in consumer electronics.

Portronics Toad Ergo 3 Vertical Mouse

Portronics Toad Ergo 3 Vertical Mouse.

The Toad Ergo 3 supports tri-mode wireless connectivity. The owner can connect it via 2.4GHz wireless or pair it with two separate devices over Bluetooth 5.3. Switching between devices is quick, making it a good fit for people who juggle work between laptops and tablets.

The mouse also comes with a six-button layout, including forward and back buttons for easier navigation, and supports adjustable DPI settings up to 2400, so the user can fine-tune the cursor speed to match his/her needs. A subtle RGB lighting accent gives it a modern look without being distracting.

It’s powered by a built-in rechargeable battery with a USB-C port and includes a smart sleep mode to help conserve power when not in use. The Toad Ergo 3 works with both Windows and macOS systems and weighs just 148 grams, making it light enough to carry but solid enough for daily use. It costs Rs 1,149.

BenQ GW91 monitor

BenQ GW91 monitor.

The company is offering it in two sizes--23.4-inch (GW2491) and 27-inch (GW2791)-- with a full HD(1920x1080p) IPS display panel.

BenQ flaunts a bezel-less design and supports 100Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling, streaming, and multitasking.

It also boasts of TÜV Rheinland Certified for EyeSafe 2.0 standards and Low Blue Light Plus feature, which filters harmful blue light without sacrificing colour quality. Also, it comes with flicker-free technology. It reduces screen flicker at all brightness levels.

It comes with HDMI 1.4 ports and DisplayPort 1.2 for seamless device integration, a headphone jack, VESA mount compatibility (100x100mm) for flexible setup, ergonomic tilt adjustment (-5° to 20°) and a 5-way navigation key for quick OSD control.

The new BenQ GW2791 series price starts at Rs 9,898.

Airtel brings new AI-powered scam detection service

Airtel's AI-powered cyberthreat detection technology.

Airtel has implemented an AI-powered, multi-tiered intelligence platform designed to safeguard customers from the full spectrum of scams and fraud. It is bringing a state-of-the-art threat detection platform that will conduct domain filtering across all platforms and block the link across devices.

This safe service has been integrated with, and auto-enabled for, all Airtel mobile and broadband customers at no additional cost. When a customer tries to access a website flagged as malicious by Airtel’s advanced security system, the page load is blocked, and customers are redirected to a page explaining the reason for the block.

Nothing to collaborate with KEF

Nothing Inc-KEF collaboration announced.

Nothing, the London-based consumer technology company announced to collaborate with KEF, the renowned British audio pioneer, to work audio technology for its devices.

“KEF is one of the most respected names in audio, and we’re proud to partner with them as we take the next step in expanding Nothing’s audio journey. By combining KEF’s decades of expertise with our design-led approach to technology, we’re laying the groundwork for a new standard in everyday listening. Our products launching later this year mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter of our collaboration and the future of Nothing Audio,” said Andrew Freshwater, Head of Smart Products Marketing at Nothing.

BenQ W5850 and W4100i series TV projectors

BenQ W5850 and W4100i series TV projectors.

The new W5850 can support up to 200-inch screen size with ultra-precise colour, 2600 ANSI-lumen and contrast tuned for premium darkroom environments. With a digital four-way lens shift, 1.6x motorized zoom, and a powerful 2600-lumen blue core laser, the W5850 can project a massive 180-inch screen from just four meters away.

On the other hand, the W4100i supports 3200 AL of high brightness. It comes with four LED light sources and built-in Android TV. It optimses visual performance in real-time—adapting intelligently to content and ambient conditions with its AI Cinema Mode

Both models are equipped with BenQ’s CinematicColor (100% DCI-P3) and HDR-PRO technologies, which promises better colour precision, contrast detail, and HDR format compatibility (including HDR10+ and HLG). They also support Dolby Atmos pass-through, eARC, and 17.9ms low latency to enhance the holistic AV experience across genres—from high-octane action movies and gaming to nuanced cinematic storytelling.

BenQ W5850 projector is priced at Rs 7,00,000 and W4100i projector is priced at Rs 4,00,000.

Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First India 2025

FILE PHOTO: A man walks past a Google hashtag during an event in New Delhi, India, August 28, 2018. Picture taken August 28, 2018. REUTERS/Adnan Abidi/File Photo

Google has kicked off Startups Accelerator: AI First program in India.

This year, the company is inviting Seed to Series A funded startups building core AI products, applications, agentic solutions, multimodal use cases (including thinking models or reasoning), or foundational models.

Google will focus on helping startups to make good use of the latest Agentic AI and Multimodal AI technologies, which are poised to play a key role in the next wave of AI adoption.

The selected startups will get 1:1 guidance from mentors, industry experts, and Googlers across teams such as Google DeepMind, Health, Cloud, Android, Play, Ads, and Developer X.

They will also receive access to free Cloud TPUs, Cloud credits (for eligible startups), and the latest Google AI tools and models. Interested firms can apply on the official website (here) and the window for submitting the application will close on June 30, 2025.

Truecaller brings Message ID feature to India

Truecaller update brings Message IDs feature in India.

Message IDs feature uses advanced artificial intelligence and Large Language Models (LLMs), to can scan the SMS inbox on-device and instantly instantly identifies important business messages.

It can recognise bank alerts, OTPs, delivery updates, flight itineraries, and payment reminders. It can summarise key details, highlight what matters, and help the user take action quickly based on the importance of the message.

Messages from such as banks, government agencies, real persons and other genuine sources will come with Green Message IDs. They feature a verified tick, confirming that the message is from a legitimate, verified business.

OnePlus teams up with e-sports teams in India to improve gaming experience in future OnePlus devices

OnePlus to collaborate with e-sports teams in India.

OnePlus earlier this week announced partnership with three popular esports teams—Gods Reign, K9, and Cincinnati Kids.

The company said that the collaboration aims to bring genuine on-ground insights into its product development process and ensure that OnePlus devices are tested and refined in the most demanding mobile gaming environments.

Whirlpool Lapis Grandé Range of refrigerators

Whirlpool Lapis Grandé Range of refrigerators.

It comes with scratch-resistant doors with an easy-to-clean glass-like finish.

It is touted to be India's fastest convertible refrigerator. It can convert freezer to fridge in just over 10 mins. It boasts of 10-in-1 convertible modes.

It boasts of Microblock technology, which can prevent up to 99 per cent bacterial growth. And, with 6th Sense Nutrilock Technology, it can keep up to 2x longer vitamin preservation in the food. It comes in two variants-- Cavestone and Jade Marble. It will be available in 327L and 308L capacities, with prices starting from Rs 40,500.

Samsung Galaxy S25 gets big discount

Samsung Galaxy S25 series.

Consumers upgrading to Galaxy S25 will get Rs 11,000 upgrade bonus, which reduces the price to Rs 63999 (for the 12GB RAM + 128GB storage). The MRP during the launch was Rs 74,999.

The special offer is available on Samsung.com, leading online platforms and retail stores across the country. Alternatively, consumers can avail Rs 10,000 bank cashback.

Consumers also have the choice of availing no-cost EMI for 9 months, along with Rs 8,000 bank cashback. Further sweetening the deal for NBFC (non-banking financial company) consumers, Galaxy S25 can be purchased with a 24-month no-cost EMI too.

Godrej's new AI side-by-Side refrigerator

Godrej AI Side by Side Refrigerator.

The new 600L large capacity refrigerator is powered by AI. It can automatically optimise cooling and energy consumption by sensing food load and usage like door openings, ensuring food stays fresher for longer.

Further, it boasts of intelligent modes like Eco mode for automatic temperature regulation, Holiday mode for energy conservation when you are away, and Super Freeze mode for quick cooling.

It also features a Smart Convertible zone with temperature ranging from -3°C to 5°C enabling it to be used as a freezer, chiller or pantry section.

With advanced inverter compressor to adjust its operations intelligently for greater efficiency, durability, and silent operation. It has a sleek digital touch panel on the door. It comes in two colour options—Opera Rose & Opera Black -- with prices starting at Rs 1,15,900.

Qubo's new smart door locks launched

Qubo smart door locks.

The Qubo Smart Door Lock Optima features four strong bolts for secure locking without the need for a smartphone connection, making it a simple and intuitive option.

The Qubo Smart Door Lock Nova & Select series comes with five heavy-duty stainless-steel bolts, including a deadbolt, ensuring maximum protection.

Qubo Smart Door Lock Select (2025 edition) comes in the price range of Rs 22,990 – Rs 24,990, Qubo Smart Door Lock Nova: Rs 25,990 - Rs 27,990, Qubo Smart Door Lock Essential (2025 edition): Rs 19,990 - Rs 20,990, Qubo Smart Door Lock Alpha: Rs 21,990 - Rs 22,990 and Qubo Smart Door Lock Optima is priced Rs 17,990.

Garmin announces new warranty policy for smart watches in India

Garmin watches.

Garmin has announced a two-year warranty policy for watches purchased in India, applicable to models launched after January 2024, including the Forerunner 165 Series, Fenix 8 Series, Enduro 3, Instinct 3 Series, and upcoming eligible models.

As part of this initiative, the company offers an exclusive limited-time exchange opportunity for affected customers, allowing them to receive 50 per cent off on the Venu Sq 2 or 25 per cent off on other Garmin watches, subject to availability, in exchange for any mis-sold watch, backed with a proper tax invoice. This limited-time offer will run from June 1 until June 30, 2025, as part of this one-time service initiative.

The company also requests prospective customers always purchase Garmin products at official store or authorised retail units only be it India or in abroad. If bought on any unauthorised sites, the device will carry just one-year warranty.

iTel A90 series

iTel A90 series.

It features a 6.6-inch HD+(720 x 1612p) display with 90Hz refresh rate and supports 480 nits typical brightness. It comes with triple slots (two nano SIMs and a microSD card), a 3.5mm audio jack, a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, and IP54 water-and-dust resistant rating.

It comes with 12nm class UNISOC T7100 with Mali G57 MP1 GPU, Android 14 (Go Edition), 4GB (8GB RAM expansion), 64GB / 128GB storage (expandable memory up to 2TB), 13MP main camera with LED flash on the back, a 5MP front camera and a 5,000mAh battery with 15W charger. It costs Rs 6,499.

Samsung expands 'Galaxy Empowered' programme to Bhutan

Samsung expands 'Galaxy Empowered' programme to Bhutan.

The South Korean multi-national company Samsung will host workshops for educators from remote communities.

It will be held at Samsung's Executive Business Centre in Gurugram. The programme introduces teachers to Galaxy devices and AI-driven educational tools, to improve their their digital literacy and teaching skillsets.

"In partnership with Bhutan's Ministry of Education and Skills Development, the initiative aims to foster innovation and inclusivity in classrooms, empowering educators to integrate technology effectively. This expansion underscores Samsung's commitment to transforming education across borders, providing educators with the tools and support needed to inspire future generations," the company said.