Samsung is gearing up for the launch of its highly anticipated Galaxy S25 series, which is expected to be unveiled at the Galaxy Unpacked 2025 event on January 22. Ahead of its release, a new report has emerged suggesting that the flagship model, the Galaxy S25 Ultra, may include a car crash detection feature similar to those offered by Apple and Google. This feature is said to function via a virtual composite sensor integrated into the device, providing a new layer of safety for users.

Crash Detection Technology on the Galaxy S25 Ultra

According to a report from Android Authority, several leaked files have hinted at the inclusion of a car crash detection feature in the upcoming Galaxy S25 Ultra. The feature, reportedly powered by a composite sensor, would analyze and combine data from various sensors, including an accelerometer and GPS, to detect if the user has been involved in a car crash. While this feature is not yet active in the current One UI builds, references to it have been found as early as One UI 5.1.1, suggesting that it may be in the works for future updates.

Interestingly, similar references to the crash detection feature have been spotted in other Samsung devices, including the Galaxy S24 series and the company’s latest foldable smartphones. A hidden app system called MoccaMobile is believed to be part of the OS, containing code for activating and deactivating the virtual sensor, though it currently lacks a user interface (UI).

Rivals already offering Crash Detection

Samsung’s move to incorporate crash detection into its flagship device comes as no surprise, given that rivals Apple and Google have already introduced similar features in their smartphones. Apple first debuted crash detection with the iPhone 14 series in 2022, utilizing a dual-core accelerometer and high dynamic range gyroscope to identify crashes and alert emergency services. Google’s Pixel smartphones also offer a crash detection feature, powered by AI-driven Activity Recognition. This system uses data from the Pixel’s accelerometer, GPS, and microphone, comparing it against real-world and simulated crash scenarios to detect accidents and call for help when necessary.

With the Galaxy S25 Ultra potentially joining the ranks of smartphones equipped with car crash detection, Samsung could be adding another significant safety feature to its already impressive lineup of innovations. While the feature is not yet fully operational, it signals the company’s intention to provide enhanced security for its users. The Galaxy S25 series is expected to become available for pre-order on February 4, 2025, following its official launch on January 22.

A Meta-owned messaging platform, WhatsApp is all set to introduce a new feature that allows Android users to share files with another user nearby. According to reports, the feature will be developed similar to Apple’s AirDrop.

The file sharing feature nearby is not currently available for beta testers. However, according to a report from WhatsApp feature tracker WABetaInfo, it seems that the feature will soon be introduced. The report reveals a screenshot that shows an option within the app stating, to share files with people nearby, along with a list of nearby users.

It is interesting to note that users can choose to be visible to others without disclosing their phone numbers to people who are not their contacts. In order to share files with other users, one needs to wait for nearby users to accept their request. The process involves a unique interaction, where nearby users can shake their device to receive incoming share requests. It is important to note that this feature is designed with end-to-end encryption to ensure user privacy.

In the upcoming update, WhatsApp is expected to introduce a nearby file-sharing feature. However, the current beta version for Android, which is 2.24.2.20, has addressed a camera issue. Some Android beta testers have reported difficulties in launching the camera within the app after the 2.24.2.13 update. Upon launching, users were presented with an error message that said, can’t start camera, please restart your device. This issue persisted even after restarting the device or relaunching the app.

The latest beta update of WhatsApp, located at 2.24.2.20, has fixed the camera bug. This allows users to launch the camera within the app and share photos and videos with their contacts without any interruptions. As WhatsApp continues its efforts to improve its features and address bugs, users can expect a better messaging experience on the platform.

Ahead of the festive season, e-commerce platform Meesho’s mega blockbuster sale is starting on Friday, October 6, 2023. The platform will provide a massive discount of up to 80 percent on different categories such as essentials, accessories, electronics, footwear, etc.

The blockbuster sale is scheduled to conclude on October 13, 2023. Notably, the Softbank backed e-commerce platform is starting its festive sale a day before Flipkart or Amazon’s festive sale goes live.  The e-commerce platform’s first mega blockbuster sale will sell more than 400 brands directly with the help of authorised partners on its digital store called Meesho Mall.

Reportedly, the platform also added over 50 lakh new customers during these sales. More than 75 percent of the demand was received from Tier-II cities, including Amravati, Aurangabad, Dehradun, Nellore, Solapur, and Warangal. The platform further claimed that they have added more than 2 lakh sellers in the past two years.

Recently, Meesho affirmed that  they have received over 10 million (approx) from its pre-festive sales during Onam, Raksha Bandhan, and Ganesh Chaturthi. The platform has more than 14 lakh sellers, selling approx 12 crore products in 30 different categories. 

In an effort to increase the seller base, the company announced the onboarding of non-GST sellers on the platform earlier this week. The GST council announced to permit the e-commerce platform to onboard sellers with turnover of up to Rs 40 lakh.

Prior to Meesho’s Mega Blockbuster Sale, the company introduced a loyalty programme during which eligible users will earn Smart Coins, which the user can redeem every time they make the purchase of any products on the platform. 

As per Redseer, over 140 million shoppers are likely to make purchases during the festive season. This will enhance the Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) of the Indian e-commerce sector by 18 to 20 per cent and may touch Rs 90,000 crore as compared to Rs 76,000 crore last year.