Aravind Srinivas, co-founder and CEO of AI startup Perplexity, issued a stark warning to students and budding entrepreneurs at Y Combinator’s AI Startup School this week, urging them to be prepared for the inevitability of Big Tech copying successful ideas.Addressing an audience of undergraduates, graduates, and PhD candidates, Srinivas underscored the competitive intensity of the AI sector, where larger companies such as Google, Meta, and OpenAI are constantly scouting for innovations they can replicate and scale. “If your company can generate revenue in the hundreds of millions or even billions, you should always assume that a major player will try to copy it,” he cautioned, according to Business Insider.Reflecting on Perplexity’s own journey, Srinivas revealed that at its initial launch, the company’s chatbot was one of the first to feature real-time web browsing, a capability that has since been adopted by several of its larger rivals. “We introduced real-time search to make our answer engine truly dynamic. Months later, others followed,” he noted.Launched in December 2022, Perplexity’s platform positioned itself as an ‘answer engine’, a tool designed to provide clear and factual responses through up-to-date web searches. At the time, most AI chatbots operated using static, pre-trained data. However, the tide quickly shifted. Google added browsing to Bard (now Gemini) just three months later. ChatGPT integrated similar functionality in May 2023, and Anthropic’s Claude incorporated real-time search earlier this year.Srinivas acknowledged that while imitation by tech giants can be daunting, it is also a marker of success. “You will have to learn to live with that fear,” he said, encouraging founders to remain focused on speed, originality, and building trust with users, factors that can offer a competitive edge even in a saturated market.Meanwhile, OpenAI is reportedly developing its own web browser, set to debut in the coming weeks. The browser is expected to further blur the lines between chat and traditional internet navigation, allowing users to complete tasks like filling out forms or making reservations within a conversational interface. This move aligns with OpenAI’s broader strategy to embed itself deeper into users’ digital routines.As the AI arms race continues, Srinivas’s message to the next generation of innovators is clear: disruption invites duplication and resilience is key.

In a major boost for smartphone shoppers, Flipkart has launched exciting deals on the latest iPhone 16 series as part of its ongoing GOAT Sale 2025. The much-anticipated iPhone 16 (128GB variant) is now available at a special price of ₹69,999, down from its original retail value of ₹79,900.Interestingly, the e-commerce platform is offering multiple ways for consumers to maximise their savings. In addition to the flat price drop, customers can also benefit from exchange offers of up to ₹59,700, subject to eligibility and the condition of the old device.Moreover, those making purchases using an Axis Bank Credit Card, specifically for non-EMI transactions, can enjoy an extra discount of ₹3,000. Flipkart has also partnered with other leading banks, including HDFC Bank and IDFC First Bank, to extend up to 10 per cent instant savings on qualifying card payments.Shoppers looking to further reduce their final bill can take advantage of UPI-based payment offers or redeem Flipkart SuperCoins for additional benefits.iPhone 16: Specifications and highlightsApple’s latest flagship, the iPhone 16, boasts a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with Ceramic Shield protection for enhanced durability. It runs on the new iOS 18 operating system and is powered by the cutting-edge A18 chipset, coupled with 8GB of RAM.In terms of optics, the base model comes with 128GB of internal storage, with options going up to 512GB for higher variants. Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the 48MP main camera and 12MP ultra-wide sensor on the rear, while a 12MP front-facing camera handles selfies and video calls.Powering the Apple device is a 3561mAh battery that supports both 25W wired and wireless charging, promising improved efficiency and longevity. The iPhone 16 is available in a range of colour choices including Ultramarine, Pink, White, Black, and Teal.

Apple is reportedly gearing up to refresh one of its smallest products with the upcoming release of the AirTag 2. While much of the spotlight this autumn will fall on the highly anticipated iPhone 17 series, the next-generation AirTag is quietly shaping up to be one of Apple’s more meaningful product updates in recent years.Though it might appear to be a modest refresh at first glance, the AirTag 2 will likely bring several notable enhancements designed to boost performance and bolster user safety, particularly relevant given the device’s mixed reputation since its initial debut in 2021.What’s new with AirTag 2According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the AirTag 2 is anticipated to feature a significantly improved ultra-wideband (UWB) chip, the same next-generation chip introduced with the iPhone 15 lineup. This new chip will likely enable much greater precision tracking, extending the effective range for Precision Finding from around 30 metres to a remarkable 90 metres. That threefold increase could make a substantial difference for users trying to locate misplaced bags, keys, or other personal belongings.Reportedly, the improved wireless capabilities will not only make tracking more accurate over longer distances but could also enhance the general responsiveness and reliability of the device in crowded or signal-dense environments.Addressing privacy concernsSince its launch, the AirTag has faced criticism for being misused in stalking incidents, with bad actors disabling the speaker to covertly track individuals. In response, Apple appears to be taking user safety more seriously with this next iteration.Reports suggest that AirTag 2 may come with enhanced security features, aimed at making it harder for individuals to use the tracker for unlawful surveillance. While specific measures have not yet been confirmed, the focus is reportedly on greater detection awareness for potential victims and stricter anti-tampering protections.These changes could go some way toward rebuilding trust in the product, particularly for those who have been hesitant to purchase an AirTag due to privacy concerns.When to expect itWhile initial expectations pointed to a spring launch, that timeline has slipped. Apple is now widely expected to unveil the AirTag 2 during its annual September keynote, the same event where it traditionally reveals new iPhones.