Transform Your Navigation: Discover the Game-Changing Google Maps Update, Lava Bold 2, and YouTube Premium Lite in This March 13 Tech Wrap!
Google has introduced advanced artificial intelligence features in Google Maps, leveraging its Gemini models to enhance user interactions within the application. Users can now pose detailed, context-aware questions using a new tool named Ask Maps, streamlining location searches, trip planning, and personalized recommendations. In addition, the navigation experience is transitioning to a 3D interface termed Immersive Navigation, currently available only in the United States.
In the smartphone market, Lava has unveiled the Lava Bold 2 in India, a follow-up to last year’s Lava Bold. This new device features the MediaTek Dimensity 7060 processor, a robust 5,000mAh battery, and a 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The Lava Bold 2 will be available for purchase starting March 19 in two variants: Feather White and Midnight Black.
Meta is reportedly piloting a new feature on Instagram that allows clickable links within post captions. According to Engadget, this feature, currently limited to subscribers of Meta Verified, is part of the company’s ongoing experimentation to enhance user engagement.
In India, YouTube has rolled out background play and offline download features for its Premium Lite subscribers. This update allows users to download videos for later viewing and continue listening to audio while using other apps or when the device’s screen is locked. The phased rollout will reach all Premium Lite subscribers within weeks, with the subscription priced at Rs 89 per month for ad-free access to most videos on YouTube.
Anthropic has enhanced its AI assistant Claude with a new capability to generate inline visuals such as charts and diagrams during conversations. The company assures that this feature will be accessible to all Claude users, including those on the free plan.
Microsoft has announced a new feature called Copilot Health within its Copilot service, designed to empower users to better interpret their health data. This tool integrates medical records, wearable device information, and personal health history, using AI to generate insights and helping users identify health patterns for more productive consultations with medical professionals.
In gaming news, Rockstar Games has announced a Community Series Showcase event for GTA Online, offering players bonus in-game rewards, a GTA$1,000,000 login gift, and several limited-time activities. The event, set to run from March 12 to April 1, will showcase player-created modes.
Disney+ has launched a feature called Verts, a vertical video feed that allows users to discover content easily by scrolling through short clips from movies and shows. Currently available in the Disney+ mobile app for U.S. subscribers, Verts aims to streamline content discovery, following its first introduction at CES 2026.
Amazon has expanded its Alexa+ personality features, adding a “Sassy” option that offers a bold, witty response style with playful sarcasm. This feature will not be accessible when Amazon Kids is activated, and users must pass additional security checks to enable it.
Market intelligence from Counterpoint Research reveals that India’s smartphone landscape is leaning toward higher-priced devices. The ultra-premium segment, valued over ₹45,000, captured 17% market share in the fourth quarter of 2025, the highest to date, with the iPhone 16 recognized as the most shipped smartphone in India for three consecutive quarters.
In corporate news, Adobe’s CEO Shantanu Narayen is poised to step down amid investor concerns regarding the company’s competitiveness in the AI landscape. Narayen, who has led Adobe for 18 years, will remain in his role until a successor is appointed but will continue as chairman of the board.
Apple is reducing its app commission fees in China, moving from 30% to 25%, a strategic adjustment in light of regulatory scrutiny. This change, effective March 15, applies to both iOS and iPadOS, demonstrating Apple’s responsiveness to market conditions.
Dan Taylor, Google Ads’ vice president, emphasized that AI is reshaping search methods and creating new avenues for businesses. He noted that while the current developments in advertising are promising, the next significant advancement may stem from agentic AI, which has the potential to revolutionize the entire consumer purchasing journey.
Original Source: https://www.business-standard.com/technology/tech-news/tech-wrap-march-13-google-maps-update-lava-bold-2-youtube-premium-lite-126031300811_1.html
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Publish Date: 2026-03-13 20:03:00
