consumer research

Researchers are exploring the use of radioactive waste to create ultra-long-life micro-nuclear batteries for specialized devices. These batteries, unlike consumer electronics power sources, harness energy from radioactive decay to provide a weak electric current for decades. While still in early stages with engineering challenges, the concept offers a potential solution for powering hard-to-reach or dangerous applications.

Google I/O 2026 announced Gemini's shift from prompt counts to compute-based usage limits, refreshing every five hours. Prompt complexity, features, and chat length now dictate consumption, with resource-intensive tasks like video generation consuming more. This change impacts professionals using Gemini for demanding workloads, encouraging upgrades for higher limits.

A recent British Medical Journal study analyzed 69 trials, finding little to no clinical benefit from calcium and vitamin D supplements in preventing falls for healthy older adults. Researchers are urging a re-evaluation of current medical guidelines, suggesting a shift towards proven physical interventions for fall prevention.

India's tablet market experienced robust growth in Q1 2026, with shipments up 37% year-on-year, driven by education, enterprise, and government demand. The premium segment surged, accounting for 86% of shipments, and larger displays (over 10 inches) dominated. Despite this strong start, a market slowdown is anticipated for the remainder of 2026.

Embracing seasonal produce offers significant health advantages, aligning our diets with nature's rhythm. Eating fruits and vegetables in their prime season ensures maximum nutrient intake, natural ripening, and eco-friendly cultivation. This practice supports energy levels, gut health, and immunity, providing a natural shield against seasonal health challenges. Discover why seasonal eating is superior to supplements for overall well-being.

India's affordable smartphone segment faces a significant slowdown due to soaring component costs, particularly memory. Analysts predict prices may continue climbing until late 2027 or early 2028. This 'forced premiumization' is pushing consumers towards delaying upgrades or opting for used devices, as the gap between feature phones and smartphones widens.

OpenAI's decision to shut down its Sora video generation model has reportedly derailed the Cannes debut of the animated film Critterz. The AI-assisted project, aiming for a faster production cycle, relied heavily on Sora for its visuals. While the film was screened for buyers, its festival premiere is now uncertain, raising questions about the future of AI in filmmaking.

Bokaro Steel Plant has achieved a significant milestone by obtaining Lloyd's Register certification for its indigenous shipbuilding steel grades. This crucial approval bolsters India's self-reliance in strategic steel production, marking a breakthrough for the nation's maritime and shipbuilding sectors. The plant successfully navigated stringent international welding norms and quality standards.

US courts are witnessing a surge in self-represented litigants using AI tools like ChatGPT, leading to an increase in filings. While proponents see this as a way to improve access to justice, courts are grappling with more paperwork, weak arguments, and inaccurate citations, straining judicial resources. This trend highlights a growing challenge for the legal system.

Gold prices are expected to remain steady this week, influenced by US-Iran talks and upcoming US economic data. Silver, however, may continue to outperform due to geopolitical tensions and high crude oil prices. Investors await signals on the Federal Reserve's next policy move amidst shifting statements from Washington and Tehran.

Bill Gates' hands-on approach at his daughter's startup highlights a critical leadership lesson: understanding real user interactions is paramount for hyper-growth, not just abstract metrics. By directly engaging with customer service, leaders gain unfiltered insights into product flaws and service gaps, preventing costly churn and ensuring strategies align with authentic consumer needs, not hypothetical ones.

India's student startups are pivoting from consumer internet to deep-tech, with AI, defence, and climate leading the charge. This shift signifies a rise in technical sophistication, as evidenced by a surge in PhD founders and a widening geographical spread of innovation beyond major metros. Edtech and services sectors have seen a notable decline.