India’s Sarvam launches Indus AI chat app as competition heats up

India’s Sarvam launches Indus AI chat app as competition heats up | TechCrunch

Tech-news chat apps, Indus app, Sarvam, Sarvam 105B, Sarvam AI February 21, 2026

Sarvam, an Indian AI startup focused on building models for local languages and users, on Friday launched its Indus chat app for web and mobile users, entering a fast-growing market dominated by global players including OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google.

The launch comes as India has become a key battleground for generative AI adoption. Recently, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said ChatGPT has more than 100 million weekly active users in India, while Anthropic said India accounts for 5.8% of total Claude usage, second only to the U.S.

Indus serves as a chat interface for its newly announced Sarvam 105B model, the company’s 105-billion-parameter large language model. The app’s launch comes two days after Bengaluru-based Sarvam unveiled its 105B and 30B models at the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi earlier this week. At the summit, the startup also outlined enterprise initiatives and hardware plans and announced partnerships with companies including HMD to bring AI to Nokia feature phones and Bosch for AI-enabled automotive applications.

Currently available in beta on iOS, Android, and the web, the Indus app allows users to type or speak queries and receive responses in text and audio. Users can sign in using their phone number, Google account, or Apple ID, though the service appears to be limited to India for now.

Image Credits:Jagmeet Singh / TechCrunch

The app currently comes with some limitations. Users cannot delete their chat history without deleting their account, and there is no option to turn off the app’s reasoning feature, which can sometimes slow response times. Sarvam has also warned that access may be restricted as it gradually expands its compute capacity.

“We’re gradually rolling out Indus on a limited compute capacity, so you may hit a waitlist at first. We will expand access over time,” Sarvam co-founder Pratyush Kumar wrote on X, adding that the company is seeking feedback from users.

Founded in 2023, Sarvam has raised $41 million to date from investors, including Lightspeed Venture Partners, Peak XV Partners, and Khosla Ventures as it builds large language models tailored for India.

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Sarvam is one of a small but growing group of Indian startups attempting to build domestic alternatives to global artificial intelligence platforms as India seeks greater control over its AI infrastructure.

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Harris Reed Fall 2026: Right Up His Aisle

New ASUS Zenbook and Vivobook Laptops Now Up for Sale in India

The 2026 versions of the ASUS Zenbook and VivoBook laptops have recently been released in the Indian market. The latest range comprises high-end and budget-friendly models that boast enhanced processing capabilities, light weight, and advanced AI features. Users can purchase these laptops through various online and offline mediums.

Design, Performance, and AI Features

All the laptops in this range are powered by next-gen Intel Core Ultra Series 3 and Snapdragon X2 processors. With AI capabilities built into the chips, users get improved speed and performance, especially for modern tasks.

This results in faster switching between apps, better support for creative work, and longer battery life. Overall, the experience feels more responsive and reliable for daily use, whether for office work, learning, or streaming.

Another feature that stands out in this line of ASUS laptops is its design. This particular design uses Ceraluminum, a material used to create the laptop casing, making the laptops very durable yet lightweight. In other words, they look luxurious while being highly portable.

Complete Lineup and Pricing

The newly launched portfolio includes a wide range of models:

Zenbook S14 (UX5406AA) – starting at INR 1,79,990

Zenbook DUO (UX8407AA) – starting at INR 2,99,990

Zenbook A14 (UX3407NA) – starting at INR 1,85,990

Vivobook 14 (X1407AA) – starting at INR 98,990

Vivobook 16 (X1607AA) – starting at INR 1,01,990

Vivobook S14 (S3407AA) – starting at INR 1,28,990

Vivobook S16 (S3607AA) – starting at INR 1,31,990

Zenbook Series Highlights

The Zenbook series focuses on premium design and performance, with each model built for different needs. The Zenbook S14 is a lightweight laptop at around 1.2 kg, featuring a slim design and a 14-inch 3K OLED touch display, along with up to 27 hours of battery life, making it ideal for users who need portability.

Moreover, the Zenbook DUO is equipped with two 14-inch 3K OLED touchscreen displays that offer an improved multitasking environment, as well as a battery life of up to 32 hours. Conversely, the Zenbook A14 focuses more on its portability, as it weighs less than 1 kg and uses the Snapdragon X2 chipset, which highlights its AI performance and battery life.

Vivobook Series Highlights

The main theme of the Vivobook laptops is to provide efficient performance but at an affordable price. The Vivobook 14 and 16 models are best suited for general use, and their functionality supports productivity and provides additional security. On the other hand, the Vivobook S14 and S16 models would be suitable for users with greater knowledge, as they offer excellent performance and longer battery life.

Availability Details

Both laptops are easily available throughout India, via both online and offline channels. They are available in ASUS Exclusive Stores, Hybrid Stores, ASUS E-shop, Flipkart, and Amazon. They are also sold through authorized retail partners across the country. The Zenbook A16 is expected to be available from June onwards.

#ASUS #Zenbook #Vivobook #Laptops #Sale #IndiaAsus

#ASUS #Zenbook #Vivobook #Laptops #Sale #IndiaAsus">

mwasimuddin125 0

VivoBook laptops have recently been released in the Indian market. The latest range comprises high-end and budget-friendly models that boast enhanced processing capabilities, light weight, and advanced AI features. Users can purchase these laptops through various online and offline mediums.

Design, Performance, and AI Features

All the laptops in this range are powered by next-gen Intel Core Ultra Series 3 and Snapdragon X2 processors. With AI capabilities built into the chips, users get improved speed and performance, especially for modern tasks.

This results in faster switching between apps, better support for creative work, and longer battery life. Overall, the experience feels more responsive and reliable for daily use, whether for office work, learning, or streaming.

Another feature that stands out in this line of ASUS laptops is its design. This particular design uses Ceraluminum, a material used to create the laptop casing, making the laptops very durable yet lightweight. In other words, they look luxurious while being highly portable.

Complete Lineup and Pricing

The newly launched portfolio includes a wide range of models:

Zenbook S14 (UX5406AA) – starting at INR 1,79,990
Zenbook DUO (UX8407AA) – starting at INR 2,99,990
Zenbook A14 (UX3407NA) – starting at INR 1,85,990
Vivobook 14 (X1407AA) – starting at INR 98,990
Vivobook 16 (X1607AA) – starting at INR 1,01,990
Vivobook S14 (S3407AA) – starting at INR 1,28,990
Vivobook S16 (S3607AA) – starting at INR 1,31,990

Zenbook Series Highlights

The Zenbook series focuses on premium design and performance, with each model built for different needs. The Zenbook S14 is a lightweight laptop at around 1.2 kg, featuring a slim design and a 14-inch 3K OLED touch display, along with up to 27 hours of battery life, making it ideal for users who need portability.

Moreover, the Zenbook DUO is equipped with two 14-inch 3K OLED touchscreen displays that offer an improved multitasking environment, as well as a battery life of up to 32 hours. Conversely, the Zenbook A14 focuses more on its portability, as it weighs less than 1 kg and uses the Snapdragon X2 chipset, which highlights its AI performance and battery life.

Vivobook Series Highlights

The main theme of the Vivobook laptops is to provide efficient performance but at an affordable price. The Vivobook 14 and 16 models are best suited for general use, and their functionality supports productivity and provides additional security. On the other hand, the Vivobook S14 and S16 models would be suitable for users with greater knowledge, as they offer excellent performance and longer battery life.

Availability Details

Both laptops are easily available throughout India, via both online and offline channels. They are available in ASUS Exclusive Stores, Hybrid Stores, ASUS E-shop, Flipkart, and Amazon. They are also sold through authorized retail partners across the country. The Zenbook A16 is expected to be available from June onwards.

#ASUS #Zenbook #Vivobook #Laptops #Sale #IndiaAsus">New ASUS Zenbook and Vivobook Laptops Now Up for Sale in India

The 2026 versions of the ASUS Zenbook and VivoBook laptops have recently been released in the Indian market. The latest range comprises high-end and budget-friendly models that boast enhanced processing capabilities, light weight, and advanced AI features. Users can purchase these laptops through various online and offline mediums.

Design, Performance, and AI Features

Complete Lineup and Pricing

The newly launched portfolio includes a wide range of models:

Zenbook S14 (UX5406AA) – starting at INR 1,79,990
Zenbook DUO (UX8407AA) – starting at INR 2,99,990
Zenbook A14 (UX3407NA) – starting at INR 1,85,990
Vivobook 14 (X1407AA) – starting at INR 98,990
Vivobook 16 (X1607AA) – starting at INR 1,01,990
Vivobook S14 (S3407AA) – starting at INR 1,28,990
Vivobook S16 (S3607AA) – starting at INR 1,31,990

Zenbook Series Highlights

Vivobook Series Highlights

Availability Details

#ASUS #Zenbook #Vivobook #Laptops #Sale #IndiaAsus

People Just Keep Watching ‘The Acolyte’
It’s been almost two years since Disney and Lucasfilm canceled The Acolyte, and pretty much everything we’ve heard about the show since has seemed to refute the backlash—with Disney citing cost concerns rather than issues of quality, to the show itself ending up being Disney+’s second biggest show of 2024. Now, even with plenty more new Star Wars to watch since, it looks like the show’s still proving there was a demand for its ideas beneath the noise. This week Flix Patrol reported that The Acolyte returned to the top 10 streamed shows on Disney+ in the United States this week. On the one hand, it’s not too surprising—more new Star Wars typically leads to people watching old Star Wars as well, and the current number one show on the list is Maul: Shadow Lord. Given the two shows’ parallels of examining the dark side, there’s certainly some crossover audience there, but it’s still interesting that it was Acolyte that pulled ahead more so than any other Star Wars show if Maul was the proverbial rising tide.

Maybe the show is helped by being so far removed from the elevated controversy over it—the grifters who declared it the worst thing in the world have moved on to other cycles and suddenly no longer fervently care about the age of Ki-Adi-Mundi, that’s for certain. Maybe, really, part of the fact that it’s a one-and-done thing people can check out as a “complete” story makes it easier to jump into. But without the noise that dogged Acolyte throughout its broadcast—noise Disney rarely, if ever, did much to try and abate—maybe people can just start seeing The Acolyte for what it was: a messy show with interesting ideas that deserved time to forge those ideas into something even bigger. Alas, we’ll have to make do with people seeing what it was all about in hindsight. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who. #People #Watching #AcolyteLUCASFILM,Star Wars,The Acolyte

mwasimuddin125 0

It’s been almost two years since Disney and Lucasfilm canceled The Acolyte, and pretty much everything we’ve heard about the show since has seemed to refute the backlash—with Disney citing cost concerns rather than issues of quality, to the show itself ending up being Disney+’s second biggest show of 2024. Now, even with plenty more new Star Wars to watch since, it looks like the show’s still proving there was a demand for its ideas beneath the noise.

This week Flix Patrol reported that The Acolyte returned to the top 10 streamed shows on Disney+ in the United States this week. On the one hand, it’s not too surprising—more new Star Wars typically leads to people watching old Star Wars as well, and the current number one show on the list is Maul: Shadow Lord. Given the two shows’ parallels of examining the dark side, there’s certainly some crossover audience there, but it’s still interesting that it was Acolyte that pulled ahead more so than any other Star Wars show if Maul was the proverbial rising tide.

Maybe the show is helped by being so far removed from the elevated controversy over it—the grifters who declared it the worst thing in the world have moved on to other cycles and suddenly no longer fervently care about the age of Ki-Adi-Mundi, that’s for certain. Maybe, really, part of the fact that it’s a one-and-done thing people can check out as a “complete” story makes it easier to jump into.

But without the noise that dogged Acolyte throughout its broadcast—noise Disney rarely, if ever, did much to try and abate—maybe people can just start seeing The Acolyte for what it was: a messy show with interesting ideas that deserved time to forge those ideas into something even bigger. Alas, we’ll have to make do with people seeing what it was all about in hindsight.

Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

#People #Watching #AcolyteLUCASFILM,Star Wars,The Acolyte">People Just Keep Watching ‘The Acolyte’

It’s been almost two years since Disney and Lucasfilm canceled The Acolyte, and pretty much everything we’ve heard about the show since has seemed to refute the backlash—with Disney citing cost concerns rather than issues of quality, to the show itself ending up being Disney+’s second biggest show of 2024. Now, even with plenty more new Star Wars to watch since, it looks like the show’s still proving there was a demand for its ideas beneath the noise.

This week Flix Patrol reported that The Acolyte returned to the top 10 streamed shows on Disney+ in the United States this week. On the one hand, it’s not too surprising—more new Star Wars typically leads to people watching old Star Wars as well, and the current number one show on the list is Maul: Shadow Lord. Given the two shows’ parallels of examining the dark side, there’s certainly some crossover audience there, but it’s still interesting that it was Acolyte that pulled ahead more so than any other Star Wars show if Maul was the proverbial rising tide.

Maybe the show is helped by being so far removed from the elevated controversy over it—the grifters who declared it the worst thing in the world have moved on to other cycles and suddenly no longer fervently care about the age of Ki-Adi-Mundi, that’s for certain. Maybe, really, part of the fact that it’s a one-and-done thing people can check out as a “complete” story makes it easier to jump into.

But without the noise that dogged Acolyte throughout its broadcast—noise Disney rarely, if ever, did much to try and abate—maybe people can just start seeing The Acolyte for what it was: a messy show with interesting ideas that deserved time to forge those ideas into something even bigger. Alas, we’ll have to make do with people seeing what it was all about in hindsight.

Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

#People #Watching #AcolyteLUCASFILM,Star Wars,The Acolyte

Image may contain Indoors Interior Design Gun and Weapon

Image may contain Indoors Interior Design Racket Sport Tennis and Tennis Racket

#Dysons #PencilVachousehold,shopping,smart home,home,review,cleaning,vacuums,dyson">

Why Do I Like Dyson’s PencilVac So Much?The vacuum connects to Dyson’s app, where you’ll find resources such as how to empty the dustbin and wash the filter, but not much else. It can tell you how long your last vacuuming session was, but no other details, so it’s not as interesting or as informative as the data you’d get from a robot vacuum.Fluffy FacePhotograph: Nena FarrellPhotograph: Nena FarrellThis vacuum’s full name is the Dyson PencilVac Fluffycones, aptly named for the four fluffy cones inside the vacuum head. Dyson’s previous recent stick vacuums all have the Fluffy Optic cleaner head for vacuuming hard floors. While both have a fluffy roller bar, the Fluffycones have a conical shape that Dyson says will detangle and remove hair rather than the hair getting stuck all around it. It did detangle hair for me, but when I vacuumed up larger portions of hair from my bathroom floor (a place where many a stray hair comes to die at the hands of my hairbrush, comb, and towel), it actually bunched up the hair into a ball and spat it back out a few times before finally sucking it up into the dustbin.Video: Nena FarrellWhile the hair results weren’t great, I did love this vacuum for sucking up the cat litter that constantly plagues my home. It did a great job with flour on my hard floors and a solid job with dry oats, but it occasionally just bumped the oats around instead of immediately sucking them up. I was even able to quickly run it over the top of my carpet, but rolling back and forth on the carpet a bunch did stop the cones.The head is designed to move in just about any direction. The cones make it easy to swivel around, and the green illuminating lights on the front and back help you spot any debris you might otherwise miss. With its compact size that fits in tricky corners, the PencilVac finally lets me vacuum up all the litter around the base of my toilet and pedestal sink. It’s part of what makes me reach for this vacuum over and over, even after my robot vacuum cleaned the day before.Forward MomentumPhotograph: Nena FarrellDo I think this vacuum replaces Dyson’s existing cordless options? No. But Dyson has other new vacuums planned that could do that. This vacuum has a specific design for a specific use: smaller homes with entirely hard floors. There’s an accessibility opportunity here, too. This lightweight vacuum can be much easier to use for folks with mobility and strength restrictions. The magnetic charging base also makes it easy to store and access for a variety of people, whether they struggle with fine motor skills or can’t bend over and grab the vacuum.#Dysons #PencilVachousehold,shopping,smart home,home,review,cleaning,vacuums,dyson

mwasimuddin125 0

robot vacuum.

Fluffy Face

Photograph: Nena Farrell

This vacuum’s full name is the Dyson PencilVac Fluffycones, aptly named for the four fluffy cones inside the vacuum head. Dyson’s previous recent stick vacuums all have the Fluffy Optic cleaner head for vacuuming hard floors. While both have a fluffy roller bar, the Fluffycones have a conical shape that Dyson says will detangle and remove hair rather than the hair getting stuck all around it. It did detangle hair for me, but when I vacuumed up larger portions of hair from my bathroom floor (a place where many a stray hair comes to die at the hands of my hairbrush, comb, and towel), it actually bunched up the hair into a ball and spat it back out a few times before finally sucking it up into the dustbin.

Video: Nena Farrell

While the hair results weren’t great, I did love this vacuum for sucking up the cat litter that constantly plagues my home. It did a great job with flour on my hard floors and a solid job with dry oats, but it occasionally just bumped the oats around instead of immediately sucking them up. I was even able to quickly run it over the top of my carpet, but rolling back and forth on the carpet a bunch did stop the cones.

The head is designed to move in just about any direction. The cones make it easy to swivel around, and the green illuminating lights on the front and back help you spot any debris you might otherwise miss. With its compact size that fits in tricky corners, the PencilVac finally lets me vacuum up all the litter around the base of my toilet and pedestal sink. It’s part of what makes me reach for this vacuum over and over, even after my robot vacuum cleaned the day before.

Forward Momentum

Photograph: Nena Farrell

Do I think this vacuum replaces Dyson’s existing cordless options? No. But Dyson has other new vacuums planned that could do that. This vacuum has a specific design for a specific use: smaller homes with entirely hard floors. There’s an accessibility opportunity here, too. This lightweight vacuum can be much easier to use for folks with mobility and strength restrictions. The magnetic charging base also makes it easy to store and access for a variety of people, whether they struggle with fine motor skills or can’t bend over and grab the vacuum.

#Dysons #PencilVachousehold,shopping,smart home,home,review,cleaning,vacuums,dyson">Why Do I Like Dyson’s PencilVac So Much?

The vacuum connects to Dyson’s app, where you’ll find resources such as how to empty the dustbin and wash the filter, but not much else. It can tell you how long your last vacuuming session was, but no other details, so it’s not as interesting or as informative as the data you’d get from a robot vacuum.

Fluffy Face

Video: Nena Farrell

Forward Momentum

Image may contain Baseball Baseball Bat Sport Baton Stick Racket Tennis and Tennis Racket

#Dysons #PencilVachousehold,shopping,smart home,home,review,cleaning,vacuums,dyson

Harris Reed Fall 2026: Right Up His Aisle

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem 2 release moves to summer 2027

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Fluffy Face

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