WhatsApp introduces Layouts and Music Stickers to make status updates more creative

WhatsApp has rolled out a major update to its Status feature, introducing Layouts, Music Stickers, interactive Add Yours prompts, and customizable Photo Stickers. These new tools aim to help users share moments more creatively and interactively with friends and family.

New Delhi:

To make Status updates more expressive and engaging, WhatsApp has introduced a range of new features, including music stickers, interactive tools and layout collages. These additions aim towards turning simple updates into dynamic stories, making the Status section much more than just a temporary photo or text post.

New Layout feature for collages

One of the most exciting features is the Layout tool, which allows users to share multiple photos (up to six) in a single Status update. Instead of posting one photo per slide, users can now arrange a collage, giving a fuller picture of their day or a special event like a trip or wedding. The built-in editing tools also allow creative positioning of images for storytelling purposes.

Add music to match your mood

With the More with Music update, users can now enhance their Status with music in two ways:

1. Music-only posts that focus entirely on a selected song.
2. Music stickers, which overlay the audio on a photo or video for added mood and style.

This new feature gives your Status posts a more Instagram-like vibe, offering the perfect soundtrack to your memories.

Make your own Stickers from photos

Another cool feature is Photo Stickers. Users can turn any photo into a sticker, adjusting the size, shape, and placement to better fit their Status update. This brings a level of personalisation and fun that was previously missing in the Status section.

Interactive “Add Yours” Sticker arrives

To boost engagement, WhatsApp is also introducing the Add Yours sticker. This sticker lets users post a prompt or theme, inviting friends to share their own responses. For example, a Status with "Show your weekend vibes" could spark a chain of creative replies among your contacts, each appearing as a separate Status post. This is a direct nod to the popular Instagram Stories feature and adds a collaborative twist to WhatsApp’s experience.

More control on the way

In addition to these creative features, WhatsApp is working on a new privacy-focused update that will allow users to better manage their presence on the app. While details are limited, the tool is expected to help users who want to temporarily step away from the platform without deleting their account.

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Rollout timeline

WhatsApp says the features will gradually roll out to all users over the coming months. So if you don’t see them right away, keep an eye out for updates via your app store.

With the introduction of music, layouts, photo stickers, and interactive prompts, WhatsApp’s Status feature is evolving from a passive story-sharing tool to a vibrant and creative space for self-expression. Whether you're a casual user or someone who loves to engage creatively, this update is sure to make Status updates more fun and meaningful.

 

Google set to launch Pixel themes in Android 16 Beta — Here’s what to expect

Google is working on a "Pixel themes" feature that was spotted in the Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 update. The feature hints at a new app called "Pixel Customization Packs," suggesting a future of bundled themes for Pixel devices.

New Delhi: Google is making it easier to customise your phone with the upcoming “Pixel themes” feature. Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 includes this new feature which will show a separate “Themes” tab inside the wallpaper app on the Pixel. It hopes to introduce a separate “Pixel Customisation Packs” app, indicating that Google wants to provide a better way for Pixel users to change their phone’s appearance.

While these Pixel themes are just beginning, they are likely to offer a wide range of customisation options together. This works the same way that OPPO and Xiaomi already allow users to switch wallpapers, app icons, sounds and even their user interface. It is still uncertain if Google will choose set themes or encourage people to make their own.

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New features spotted in beta release

The new version of the ‘Wallpaper & Style’ app in Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 comes with a new look and adds a clock size slider and support for Magic Portrait wallpapers to the lock screen. In the background, new strings hint at a “Themes” entry, encouraging users to “Discover Pixel themes”.

A “Themes” button and chip were spotted in the app during testing, but they don’t currently function. The system logs say that these elements are associated with the unlaunched “Pixel Customisation Packs” app. This may not bring full theming support, but what we’ve seen is quite promising.

Will Google go all in?

Currently, Google’s customisation options are limited to presets, rather than making full theme stores available. Pixel themes may simply be kept as they are or evolve into a major theming platform in the future. Google’s beta release of these new customisation tools suggests a desire to give Pixel users more personalisation choices.

Google’s early steps with theme packs signal that it wants Pixel users to enjoy more UI customisation. If executed well, it could give Pixels a new touch of character that users have been hoping for.

 

Google teases early Pixel 10 launch, invites fans to exclusive penthouse preview on June 27

Google Pixel 10's early launch has been announced, to take place on June 27. But the catch is, only a few fans will get the glimpse before the actual launch.

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Google Pixel 10

Unnati Gusain

New Delhi,UPDATED: May 31, 2025 16:55 IST

In Short

• Google Pixel 10 early launch to take place on June 27
• This launch will showcase the phones to a limited number of people
• The series is expected to carry a similar design as the predecessor

Google might be changing the Pixel playbook once again. After nudging last year’s Pixel 9 series launch to August, deliberately ahead of Apple’s September iPhone 16 reveal, Google now seems ready to up the ante. The next flagship, Pixel 10, could make its grand entrance as early as late June or early July.

Invitations have already gone out to select members of Google’s Pixel Superfans club for an exclusive event dubbed the “Pixel Penthouse”, set to take place in London on June 27. And no, it’s not just a clever name—the invite promises hands-on access to pre-release Pixel devices, Q&A sessions with Google employees (affectionately dubbed "Googlers"), and a stash of “Pixel-themed goodies” for the chosen few.

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But there’s a catch—only 25 fans will be allowed through the door. To earn their spot, invitees must first answer a series of questions posed by Google to prove their Pixel prowess.

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For years, Google timed Pixel launches around October. The problem? Apple launches its iPhones in September, and potential buyers often don’t wait around. Many simply go for the shiny new iPhone, leaving the Pixel in the shadows before it even arrives.

In an effort to beat Apple to the punch, Google launched the Pixel 9 series a month earlier last year. Now, it looks like they’re moving even faster. By setting the stage for a June event, Google is clearly aiming to get ahead of Apple’s expected iPhone 17 reveal, which usually lands in September.

Pixel 10 series: What to expect

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While the Pixel 10 hasn’t been officially unveiled, leaks and rumours are already painting a vivid picture of what we can expect.
The next-generation handset is rumoured to be powered by Google’s in-house Tensor G5 chip, with 12GB of RAM on the base model. For those who want even more power, the Pixel 10 Pro may offer a hefty 16GB RAM option, continuing the high-performance trend seen in the Pixel 9 Pro series.

Early benchmarks, including a recent Geekbench listing, suggest the Tensor G5 is already being tested with Android 15. However, it’s widely expected that the Pixel 10 series will debut with Android 16 pre-installed, making it the poster child for Google’s next-gen operating system.

On the photography front, things could get interesting. Concept renders doing the rounds hint at a triple-lens camera setup across the Pixel 10 range, not just the Pro variant. This marks a potential shift in Google’s approach, possibly making features once exclusive to premium models more widely available.

The leaked specs point to a 64-megapixel main camera, paired with a 64-megapixel ultra-wide and a 64-megapixel periscope telephoto lens, allegedly offering up to 50x digital zoom. That’s a serious spec sheet, though it’s worth noting that these details stem from concept art rather than official announcements. In other words: exciting, but not set in stone.

In terms of design, don’t expect a radical overhaul. Leaked images suggest the Pixel 10 shares a striking resemblance to the Pixel 9 Pro, especially with the horizontal camera bar now seemingly standard across the entire range. Whether it’s a case of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” or just a placeholder for more dramatic upgrades inside, remains to be seen.

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May 31, 2025

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DiFACTO Robotics and Automation acquires RoboFinish division from Grind Master

Bengaluru-based DiFACTO Robotics and Automation has acquired the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) portfolio for RoboFinish operations of Grind Master.

The move underscores DiFACTO’s broader push to scale up its automation capabilities and deepen its footprint in both domestic and international markets.

Grind Master, founded four decades ago by Milind and Mohini Kelkar, established itself as a specialist in metal-finishing solutions for the automotive and general engineering industries. The company’s RoboFinish brand, built over 14 years, encompasses robotic grinding, deburring, and machining technologies—areas where Indian manufacturers have long depended on Japanese and European imports.

The RoboFinish line has so far been deployed in over 150 installations worldwide, largely under the leadership of Sameer Kelkar, CEO of Grind Master.

“We pioneered breakthrough developments in robotic grinding and finishing operations, leveraging our profound domain knowledge,” Kelkar said. “We are confident that DiFACTO... will develop these technologies further and take them to a wider spectrum of customers.”

Founded in 2007, DiFACTO provides robotic systems and automation solutions for clients in the automotive, foundry, transportation, electrical machinery, and consumer goods sectors. The company currently operates two manufacturing facilities at Bengaluru and Pune, and a sales and service office in Gurugram. It maintains a presence in North America through a wholly owned subsidiary in Michigan.

DiFACTO raised its first institutional round of capital in June 2024 from Stakeboat Capital.

Ajay Gopalaswamy, co-founder and CEO of DiFACTO, described the acquisition as a strategic fit with the company’s existing capabilities. “The RoboFinish portfolio presents significant synergies with our offerings, strengthening our position in the market,” he said. He also noted that DiFACTO would continue supporting existing RoboFinish customers with its in-house engineering team.

The acquisition comes at a time when Indian manufacturers are seeking to modernize legacy systems and improve process consistency using automation, especially in labor-intensive finishing and grinding tasks. For DiFACTO, the RoboFinish technologies could prove instrumental in expanding its client base, especially as the company increases its focus on overseas markets.

“DiFACTO is a leading robotic automation solutions provider to Indian manufacturers across industry segments, and plans to aggressively expand into global markets,” said Srinivas Baratam, Managing Director of Stakeboat Capital.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Singhi Advisors acted as the transaction advisor.

 

Nykaa reports 110% rise in net profit to Rs 19 crore in Q4FY25

FSN E-Commerce Ventures, the parent of Nykaa, posted a sharp improvement in profit and operating performance in the fourth quarter and full year ended March 2025, supported by robust growth across its beauty verticals, improved margins, and a continued shift toward owned and premium brands.

The Mumbai-based company reported a 110% increase in net profit in the March quarter to Rs 19 crore, while revenue from operations grew 24% year-on-year to Rs 2,062 crore. For the full fiscal year, net profit rose 81% to Rs 72 crore, with annual revenue climbing 24% to Rs 7,950 crore.

Nykaa’s earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) rose 43% in the quarter to Rs 133 crore, pushing the EBITDA margin up to 6.5% from 5.6% in the year-ago period. On a full-year basis, EBITDA stood at Rs 474 crore, an increase of 37% from FY24, with margins improving to 6.0%.

The company’s gross merchandise value (GMV) for the quarter reached Rs 4,102 crore, up 27% year-on-year. For the full year, GMV crossed R\s 15,600 crore, a 25% increase.

Beauty drives growth amid offline expansion 

Nykaa’s beauty business continues to account for the bulk of its revenue. In FY25, the beauty vertical posted GMV of Rs 11,775 crore, growing 30% over the previous year. The company said growth was driven by continued customer acquisition and higher order volumes.

Offline retail expansion remained a key contributor, with 50 new stores opened during the year—the company’s biggest annual increase to date. Nykaa now operates 237 physical stores across 79 cities, making it the largest specialized beauty retailer in India. Its physical store network recorded 31% GMV growth and 15% same-store sales growth in FY25. 

The company's portfolio of owned beauty brands, including Dot & Key, Nykaa Cosmetics, and Kay Beauty, generated a combined GMV of nearly Rs 1,700 crore. Dot & Key, a skincare brand acquired in FY22, reached Rs 900 crore in GMV, growing 12-fold since its acquisition.

The brand expanded its retail reach to over 20,000 points of sale and launched new sunscreen variants alongside its flagship Watermelon Cooling Sunscreen. Nykaa’s flagship makeup brand, Nykaa Cosmetics, crossed Rs 350 crore in GMV for FY25, while Kay Beauty, co-created with actor Katrina Kaif, posted GMV of Rs 240 crore.

Kay Beauty also expanded internationally via Nysaa into the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, where it now ranks among the top five beauty brands on the platform.

Superstore sees 57% surge, profitability improves 

Nykaa’s eB2B vertical, operated under Superstore by Nykaa, reported GMV of Rs 941 crore in FY25, up 57% year-on-year. The platform now serves over 276,000 transacting retailers across 1,100 cities and towns. 

The business also saw an improvement in contribution margin, narrowing its deficit from -17.4% to -12.6%, driven by a higher mix of owned and featured brands and improved operational efficiency. Across the beauty business, Nykaa’s cumulative customer base grew to over 42 million users, up 28% from a year earlier.

Beauty vertical EBITDA margin as a percentage of net sales value rose to 9.6% in Q4, its highest in eight quarters.

Fashion recovers, content integration advances 

Nykaa Fashion showed signs of recovery with GMV rising 18% year-on-year in Q4. For the full year, GMV rose 12%, while revenue grew 19% aided by higher service income and marketing partnerships. The company added over 800 brands to its fashion portfolio during the year, including global and local names such as Victoria’s Secret, Snitch, and Rare Rabbit.

Losses narrowed in the fashion segment, with EBITDA margins improving from -10.3% in FY24 to -8.3% in FY25. Nykaa attributed this to improved gross margins and cost control across fulfillment and other expenses.

Demergers and mergers approved 

During the year, the company secured approvals for two internal restructurings aimed at consolidating its operations. The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) approved the demerger of its eB2B operations from FSN Distribution to Nykaa E-Retail on May 9, 2025. This move brings Nykaa’s online beauty operations under a single entity, enabling tighter alignment of infrastructure and brand partnerships.

Separately, on May 27, the NCLT approved the merger of Iluminar Media (formerly Little Black Book) into Nykaa Fashion. FSN E-Commerce Ventures had acquired LBB in August 2022.

The company said the integration would bolster Nykaa’s content-led marketing capabilities and help deepen engagement with both consumers and brand partners. Recently, Nykaa launched a long-anticipated partnership with Chanel Beauty and Fragrances. Chanel’s range is now available through dedicated experiences online and in select Nykaa Luxe stores.