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Hindustan Times
20-06-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
5 free money management apps that actually helped me track every rupee spent
Managing personal finances can feel overwhelming, especially with the variety of payment methods available today. Many people find it difficult to keep track of expenses spread across digital wallets, cards, and cash. Fortunately, several free mobile apps can simplify this task by helping users monitor their spending and organise their money more effectively. Here are five notable apps that offer expense tracking and money management tools without any cost. Axio, formerly known as Walnut, has gained over 10 million users and stands out as a reliable expense tracking app. It links your bank accounts and cards by detecting the mobile number associated with them. The app automatically pulls transaction data from SMS messages to log expenses. Users can set monthly budgets to allocate funds for specific needs. Additionally, Axio sends reminders for bills like credit card payments and utilities. For those facing short-term cash shortages, the app also provides select users access to pay-later and personal credit options. Also read: India's digital job scene to expand in 2025 with rise in AI and data-driven roles Loot focuses on helping users save money toward specific goals. It lets you set targets, such as saving for a trip, and calculates the daily amount needed to meet those goals on time. The app uses a virtual savings jar that fills up visually as you record deposits. Users can track progress daily, adjust goals, or delete saving jars they no longer need. Loot's design aims to motivate users with a simple, engaging interface. Many prefer Loot for short-term savings over standard banking apps because of its focused features and easy tracking. A post shared by HT Tech (@hindustantimestech) Mint, launched in 2006, offers a comprehensive finance management service with tools for budgeting, credit score monitoring, and alerts. The app supports mobile devices and integrates with Apple Watch. Users can connect all their online financial accounts to get an overview of their net worth and spending habits. However, Mint's services currently support only accounts based in the United States and Canada. Also read: How to quietly limit someone on Instagram without blocking, unfollowing, or causing drama Wallet serves as an all-in-one budget planner and expense tracker. Like Axio, it connects to bank accounts to import expense data automatically. The app provides detailed reports on spending patterns and cash flow. Users can also monitor stock investments and progress toward financial goals. Additional features include automatic cloud synchronisation, transaction location tracking, and debt management. Also read: Samsung Galaxy S25 review: Flagship features in a handful package Money Manager by RealByte Inc. offers detailed expense tracking and budgeting tools. It provides reports on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis and includes an asset manager for easier budgeting. A key feature is its double-entry bookkeeping system, which records income and expenses simultaneously to maintain accurate financial records. Users can customise categories, set start dates, back up transactions, and bookmark frequent entries. While the free version shows ads and limits assets to 15, it remains a useful tool for precise expense management.
Hindustan Times
20-06-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Midjourney lets you generate AI video from still images with V1 for free: Here's how
Midjourney has entered the AI video generation space with the launch of its first video model, V1. This new tool marks a shift from image creation to video animation, as the San Francisco-based company now allows users to turn still images into short video clips. The feature is currently only accessible via the web and is free for all users on the platform. However, a monthly subscription of at least $10 is required to access fast video generation. With Midjourney V1, users can upload either their own images or select from AI-generated images produced by Midjourney's own AI system. To begin, users need to select the 'Animate' option, which can produce four five-second video clips from a single image. Each clip can be extended by up to four seconds, for a maximum total of 20 seconds. However, it remains uncertain if these videos will include sound features at this stage. Also read: India's digital job scene to expand in 2025 with rise in AI and data-driven roles There are two available modes for animation: Automatic and Manual. The Automatic mode offers motion suggestions, which guide how the image could move. Meanwhile, Manual mode gives users the ability to control movement through detailed prompts, which allows them to influence how the scene develops over time. Also read: India's digital job scene to expand in 2025 with rise in AI and data-driven roles Users can also choose between two camera movement styles. The low-motion style keeps the camera mostly stationary, with limited movement. In contrast, the high-motion style introduces more dynamic movement, where both the camera and the subject display motion throughout the clip. A post shared by HT Tech (@hindustantimestech) Midjourney has made this tool available to all account tiers, including free users. However, video generation consumes significantly more resources. According to the company, creating a video clip uses eight times more GPU time than generating a still image. Midjourney CEO David Holz noted that this method is more affordable than previous market offerings and expects continued improvement in the tool's performance and cost-efficiency. Also read: Samsung Galaxy S25 review: Flagship features in a handful package Users can create videos in two operational modes: fast mode and relax mode. Fast mode uses a fixed GPU time allotment provided each month, where one minute of GPU time generates an image, and eight minutes are required for a video. Once users exhaust their GPU time, they cannot create additional content until the quota resets. On the other hand, 'Relax Mode' is currently only available to Pro-tier subscribers and above and allows for unlimited video generation. However, there are longer wait times, with video prompts potentially taking up to 10 minutes to complete.
Hindustan Times
20-06-2025
- Hindustan Times
Realme 15 series mobile specs and launch timeline out: What we can expect
Realme is gearing up to introduce its new smartphone lineup, the Realme 15 series, which is expected to launch in July 2025. Although the company has not officially confirmed the details, leaks and certification documents have revealed some key insights about the upcoming models and their specifications. Let's have a closer look at what's coming. The Realme 15 series is expected to comprise multiple variants, including the Realme 15, 15 Pro and 15 Lite. However, they may not be launched simultaneously, with several sources indicating a launch date of July 2025. According to tipster Abhishek Yadav, the rollout could start with one or two models first, followed by the release of additional versions. This approach aligns with Realme's previous strategy, as seen with the Realme 14 series earlier this year. The company launched the 14 Pro 5G and 14 Pro Plus 5G in January in India, while the 14 Pro Lite appeared later in March. Notably, the standard Realme 14 5G was available only in select global markets and did not reach India. A post shared by HT Tech (@hindustantimestech) Also read: Realme 14 Pro+ vs OnePlus Nord 4: Which smartphone to buy under Rs.30000 Among the expected models, the Realme 15 Lite stands out as the entry-level option. Reports from Xpertpick suggest that this model (RMX5000) will come in three configurations: 8GB RAM with 128GB storage, 8GB RAM with 256GB storage, and 12GB RAM with 256GB storage. The phone may be offered in three colours: Dark Purple, Speed Green, and Victory Gold. Although details about the chipset remain unclear, the Lite version is expected to be the most affordable model, with a price tag likely to be below Rs. 15,000. Also read: Realme GT 7 Pro first impression: A performance beast with room for improvement On the other hand, the Realme 15 Pro (model RMX5101) is expected to offer higher storage and memory options. It may be available in four variants, ranging from 8GB RAM with 128GB storage to 12GB RAM with 512GB storage. The device is likely to come in three colour options: Flowing Silver, Silk Purple, and Velvet Green. This model may target the mid-range segment, similar to the Realme 14 Pro Plus. Also read: Samsung Galaxy S25 review: Flagship features in a handful package The core Realme 15 5G model (RMX5106) is also set to launch in India. It may share the same memory options as the Pro model and could be priced between Rs. 18,000 and Rs. 20,000. It is expected to come packed with a Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 processor, a 6,300mAh battery with 45W fast charging support, a 120Hz flat AMOLED display, and a triple rear camera setup with a 50MP main sensor, along with a 32MP front camera. Additionally, the device might offer three colour options: Flowing Silver, Silk Pink, and Velvet Green.
Hindustan Times
18-06-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Infinix NOTE 50s 5G+ brings new 6GB+128GB variant in India: Check price, availability and more
Infinix has expanded its NOTE 50s 5G+ lineup in India with a new 6GB RAM and 128GB storage variant. This addition follows the earlier launch of the 8GB RAM versions that came with 128GB and 256GB storage options. Let's take a look at what price this new model is available at and its availability. The new 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage variant of Infinix NOTE 50s 5G+ is priced at Rs. 14,999. It will go on sale starting June 23 and will be available exclusively on Flipkart. This new addition aims to offer more options to consumers at a lower price point. Additionally, the device is available in Ruby Red and Titanium Grey with metallic colour options. A unique Marine Drift Blue variant features a vegan leather back panel with microencapsulation technology, offering a subtle fragrance made up of marine, lemon, lily of the valley, amber, and vetiver notes. Also read: Infinix Note 50X vs Realme P3: Know which smartphone is worth your money under ₹15000 The Infinix NOTE 50s 5G+ features a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with full-HD+ resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate. The screen supports 10-bit colour depth and offers 100 percent DCI-P3 colour gamut coverage. The display also includes Gorilla Glass 5 for added protection. Under the hoof, the device is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Ultimate chipset, paired with up to 8GB RAM and 256GB storage in higher variants. The handset runs on the Android 15-based XOS 15 operating system. A post shared by HT Tech (@hindustantimestech) For photography, the Infinix NOTE 50s 5G+ includes a 64MP Sony IMX682 main rear camera capable of recording 4K videos at 30 frames per second. The front-facing camera comes with a 13MP sensor for selfies and video calls. The device also supports dual video capture and includes AI-powered features like the Folax AI assistant, AI wallpaper generator, AIGC Mode, and AI Eraser. Also read: Oppo Reno 14 Pro confirmed to feature a 50MP ultra-wide lens, 6,200mAh battery, and more Furthermore, the handset houses a 5,500mAh battery with 45W wired fast charging support, which allows it to a fully charged in about an hour, claims the company. The device has an IP64 rating for water and dust resistance and meets MIL-STD-810H military-grade durability standards. It also features an in-display fingerprint sensor for quick unlocking and security.
Hindustan Times
11-06-2025
- Hindustan Times
Canon EOS R50 V review: Pro vibes, minus the price
The gap between beginner and professional cameras used to be a financial chasm. Aspiring creators faced a stark choice: spend around ₹50,000-60,000 on a camera with no pro features, or splurge lakhs for features like 4K at 60 FPS and Log shooting. Thankfully, that era is over. With cameras like the Canon EOS R50 V, which happens to be the subject of this review, bridges that gap by delivering professional tools without the professional price tag. It includes key features like Canon Log 3, which is ideal for high-quality footage, while omitting extras unnecessary for creators on platforms like Instagram and YouTube. Having said that, I have been using the camera as my primary for over two weeks now to shoot a wide range of content, right from portraits to product videos, product photos, reels for my personal Instagram, and whatnot. So far, I have been thoroughly impressed by what the camera has to offer, all in a very tiny form factor that will not intimidate anyone if you take it out on a shoot. Here are my observations, what could have been better, and what I absolutely adore about this (small) camera by Canon. I have also been using the camera with the supplied RF-S14-30mm f/4-6.3 IS STM PZ kit lens, so I will have opinions on that as well. Read on. When I first unboxed the EOS R50 V, I was surprised to see that you have the ability to mount the camera vertically without attaching any cage to it whatsoever. This is made possible using the1/4-20" tripod mount on the side of the camera. For context, my Sigma FP, which happens to be a dedicated cinema-grade camera, has this feature. So, to see something like this on a camera that costs around ₹70,000 (body) is certainly refreshing and speaks volumes about the creator-first experience that Canon is trying to offer here. As for the video itself, the footage coming out of the R50 V's tiny body is excellent. The camera captures 4K 30 FPS video, which is oversampled from 6K, and can also capture 4K 60 FPS video, but it does come with a 1.56x crop, unfortunately. However, I think it can be lived with, especially if you are a beginner creator or someone who does not mind shooting tight shots. The best part happens to be that the 4K is actually 10-bit video. On top of this, the ultimate flexibility comes thanks to Canon Log 3, which can create magical looks if you know what you are working with. You can simply import your Canon Log 3 footage into a program like DaVinci Resolve 18 or 19, which is what I did. The real test of its video capabilities, embedded below, shows how manoeuvrable the footage is. A post shared by HT Tech (@hindustantimestech) Yes, I did screw up with exposing Canon Log correctly, which is why some highlights were clipped. But apart from that, if you expose it correctly, it can result in spectacular quality video, which would be further amplified if you pair a really sharp lens with it. Canon claims that the camera can record up to two hours of continuous 4K video, thanks to the magnesium alloy internal body which can dissipate heat. As per my testing, I did test the camera out in bright sunlight, in the scorching Jaipur sun in 42 degree Celsius heat, and not once did I experience the camera getting hot. Yes, I did shoot in bursts, like a 5 second clip here and a 20 second clip there. It reminded me of my Sigma FP, which barely gets hot, despite how much you push it. This shows the heat dissipation is quite good, and the camera will not overheat on you when you need it the most. At least, that is what I experienced shooting in bursts. I did try shooting continuous video and tested it for up to around 40 minutes, in studio conditions under an AC environment, and the camera did not skip a beat. It kept recording, so it does go on to show that it is reliable. Also Read: Xiaomi 15 Ultra review: A camera beast with powerful performance My first camera was a Canon EOS 70D, which was also an APS-C camera like the R50 V. The autofocus back then was incredible. I grew up watching Casey Neistat's videos and saw how flexible the autofocus was and what Casey could do with it. I think the R50 V belongs to that breed of cameras. The autofocus is reliable with its Dual Pixel CMOS AF II. It tracks eyes and barely misses. I have shot multiple unboxing videos using this camera, and not once did the camera have to hunt for focus. I tried the same with human subjects as well, with the same result: it latches on to focus super quickly, and the focus transitions are rather smooth. It is not jerky, and that is what gives it a cinematic look and feel. In photos as well, I noticed the camera is super quick to latch onto focus when you half-press the shutter. That gives me confidence that anyone looking forward to buying the Canon R50 V for content creation, especially if they are a one-man show, can simply flip the screen 180 degrees, see themselves, and then be worry-free about whether they are going to be in focus. It is that quick. So, no more worries about keeping yourself in focus or manually adjusting it. Of course, manual focus is where it is at if you are shooting movies, but for a one-man show, when you are filming yourself, manually adjusting the focus can be a chore, and this is where the R50 V makes it super easy. Another area where the R50 V makes filming super easy is being able to press record from the front of the camera itself. Yes, there is a record button situated on the bottom right of the camera. You can simply press record from there and do not have to fiddle around with the shutter button for the most part.I have been using the button on the front, and this makes it super easy to start rolling. While I am not a fan of specifications for a camera, they are needed. The R50 V has a 24.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor. Canon has paired it with a DIGIC X image processor, which also happens to be the same processor that the company uses in one of its flagship cameras, the Canon EOS R5 Mark II, which costs four or five times what this camera does. So, the camera is certainly capable in this regard. You can capture raw images alongside JPEGs. It has an ISO range of 100 to 32,000, expandable to 51,200 for stills. From what I could tell, the photo capability is decent. Yes, it is not the best, and not as good as the video, but it is decent, and it will get the job done if you know what you are shooting. It can capture fast movement at up to 15 FPS with the electronic shutter or 12 FPS with the electronic first-curtain shutter. If you are out shooting wildlife, there is a silent shutter feature as well, which can disable sounds and lights so that you do not disturb any birds. As for the images themselves, they do turn out sharp. The highlight roll-off is particularly impressive for a camera of this size and something that costs this little. So, for the most part, I think you will have a fun time capturing images using this camera. It is also quite light and super portable. So, if you are looking for something to document your everyday life, I do not think you can get a better camera than this. Perhaps slap a small 24mm pancake lens on this and use it like people use the Fujifilms of the world to document everyday life or use it as a street camera. This is where it can really excel. There was zero stress while holding the camera during my photo-taking expeditions in the old city of Jaipur, and I can confidently say this is going to be a fun experience for most photographers. I have the RF-S14-30mm f/4-6.3 IS STM PZ kit lens with me. It has an f-stop range of F4 to F6.3 and it, too, offers a video-first experience. It has power zoom, which means the lens does not change in size when you zoom. This can be especially useful when you mount the camera on a gimbal because the balance of the gimbal does not change, so you can rest assured you will have a balanced gimbal despite zooming with the lens. This camera paired with a tiny gimbal can be a quick run-and-gun setup for most people, or perhaps even serve as a B-camera for someone who is already shooting on Canon cameras and using Canon Log 3. The lens is also quite stable for the most part because it does have image stabilisation. So, if you are shooting video handheld, you should expect stable footage for the most part. But of course, because the camera does not have in-body stabilisation, you will have to have stable hands or perhaps make the camera a little heavier by attaching a cage. Canon has included a 3-inch screen with the R50 V that can articulate both front and back. This is particularly useful for content creators who will not necessarily be attaching external monitors to the camera. This screen ensures that they are in focus and framed right, which is just incredibly useful. The screen itself seems high quality; it is ample bright, even in outdoor conditions. As for the ports, it offers a 10Gbps USB-C port, a headphone jack so you can monitor audio correctly, and a port to attach a mic, because of course, sound is as equally important as your footage. However, it does come with a Micro HDMI port, which is not to anyone's liking, so you will have to use a converter if you want to stream footage to an external monitor or recorder. Coming to the battery life, the battery is the LP-E17 that Canon has been using in some older cameras as well. Canon claims 390 shots, and we got somewhere around that figure. The camera has great battery life; at least that is what I have felt. I could go through an entire day of documenting my footage and clips without actually charging the battery, and that too in 4K 24 FPS Log 3. So you will be okay with the battery life. Of course, you can just buy additional batteries if you need them. Also Read: OnePlus 13s review: The minimalist powerhouse The R50 V has a bit of a rolling shutter problem, especially if you are into shooting fast objects. The moment you pan your camera quickly, you will notice that the footage can feel rather janky. You will feel like the screen is sort of liquefying, which of course reflects in the footage as well. There is a rolling shutter. You can read about what rolling shutter is, but this should not affect most people because they will keep their cameras stationary to record videos of talking heads, film objects like smartphones, or create beauty and cooking videos. For most of that stuff, rolling shutter really is not a factor that should worry you. Sure, if you are going to be out shooting F1 cars or fast bikes, which only some of you will be, you do not have to really worry about it. Another thing that certainly could have been better is the 4K 60 FPS crop. It is around 1.56x, and it can certainly make for tight-looking shots. This could have been prevented. Overall, for ₹79,999, the Canon EOS R50 with the kit lens is certainly great value. I feel it offers some of the best image and video-taking ability at this price point. It has reliable autofocus that latches onto subjects super quickly. Canon has thought of practicality and has bundled features like the front-facing record button and the tripod mount on the side for vertical mounting. This eliminates the need for any cage, and the camera is portable, so the possibilities to rig it out are endless. I give it 9 out of 10 stars. MOBILE FINDER: iPhone 16 LATEST Price, Specs And More
