The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →As of 3 October 2026, Apple Pay is available in India on iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch, initially with eligible Axis Bank-issued Visa and Mastercard credit cards. Vi’s international-roaming benefits vary by plan and account type, while Xiaomi’s newly reported power banks range from a lightweight magnetic top-up to a higher-output 20,000mAh model. The launch and plan details below are time-sensitive; check current terms and availability before relying on them.
Apple Pay in India: supported cards, devices and how to use it
Apple announced Apple Pay for India on 30 September 2026. At launch, eligibility was limited to Axis Bank-issued Visa and Mastercard credit cards; the announcement did not say that every Indian bank or card network was supported. Customers can add an eligible card from the latest Axis Bank app or directly in the Wallet app. Apple said it works with 11,000 bank and network partners worldwide and is available in more than 90 countries and regions, figures that describe its broader service rather than India’s launch eligibility. Apple’s India launch announcement
- At launch: iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch.
- Mac: Apple described Mac support as “coming soon” in the 30 September announcement; that wording does not establish that it is now available in India.
- In stores: Authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID or the device passcode, then hold the iPhone or Apple Watch near a contactless reader.
- Online and in apps: Apple said payments are supported on iPhone and iPad. The merchant or app must implement Apple Pay.
Apple named Apple Store, Blinkit, Chaayos, Comet, Croma, Interflora, Ixigo, Le15 Patisserie, Reliance brands, Tata 1mg and Zomato among accepting merchants. That is not a guarantee of acceptance at every outlet or checkout: in-store payment requires a compatible contactless terminal, and online acceptance depends on the merchant’s implementation.
What Apple says about security and privacy
Apple says the card number is not stored on the device or its servers, nor shared with merchants. Instead, a unique Device Account Number is encrypted and stored in the device’s Secure Element. Apple also says it does not retain transaction information that can be tied back to the user. These are Apple’s descriptions of its design, not independent security-test findings. Apple says Find My can be used to locate, lock or suspend payments from a lost or stolen iPhone. Apple’s explanation of Apple Pay in India
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Vi international roaming: what the reported plan benefits include
Hindustan Times’ 1 October 2026 plan review describes roaming packs bundled with selected Vi annual prepaid and postpaid plans. The figures below are the article’s reported terms, not a guarantee of what Vi will offer on a particular recharge or account today. Confirm the current plan description and activation rules with Vi before travelling. Hindustan Times’ plan details
Prepaid annual plans
| Plan reported by HT | Included roaming benefit reported by HT | Timing or qualification |
|---|---|---|
| ₹3,599, ₹3,699 and ₹3,999 | 1GB and 50 minutes of incoming/outgoing calls | One five-day international roaming pack, usable once during the 365-day plan validity |
| ₹4,099 and ₹4,999 | 5GB and 50 minutes of incoming/outgoing calls | One five-day international roaming pack, usable once during the 365-day plan validity |
These are the international benefits, not the plans’ domestic data allowances. The HT review also discusses domestic data features, which should not be counted as roaming data.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Postpaid and family plans
| Plan reported by HT | Roaming benefit reported by HT | Important qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Vi Max 501 UL | One free roaming pack per year | The article does not establish whether the pack is the five-day 1GB or 5GB option. |
| Vi Max 601 UL | Two free roaming packs per year | The article says the plan information did not clearly specify whether these are the five-day 1GB or 5GB packs. |
| RedX 1251 | Three seven-day packs, valued by HT at ₹2,999 each | Pack valuation and inclusion are as reported by HT; check current account terms. |
| Vi Max Family 801 UL and 971 UL | Up to two SIMs; each member receives one annual pack | Reported family limits and benefits; confirm current eligibility with Vi. |
| Vi Max Family 1401 UL | Up to five SIMs; each member receives one annual pack | Reported family limit and benefit; confirm current eligibility with Vi. |
| RedX Family 1601 | Primary member receives the free ₹2,999 seven-day pack; other members receive a 25% discount | The discount and pack terms are reported by HT and may change. |
HT presents the inclusions as a value proposition for international travellers and a way to retain customers or attract postpaid users. That is the article’s interpretation, not a stated Vi rationale. Its comparison with Airtel’s ₹4,999 hybrid plan likewise does not establish a current competitive response from Jio or Airtel.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Xiaomi power banks: choosing among the three newly reported models
The three models and Indian prices below were reported by Hindustan Times on 1 October 2026. Their specifications and performance observations are HT’s reporting, not independent testing here; prices, stock, compatibility and charging results can vary. Check the exact model and supported charging standards against your devices before buying. Hindustan Times’ Xiaomi model details
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
| Model (HT-reported price) | Reported specifications and observations | Best fit |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi UltraThin Magnetic Power Bank 5000 ₹5,599 |
5,000mAh; 98g; up to 15W wireless and 22.5W wired charging. HT says usable rated output is closer to 3,000mAh at 5V/2A and names compatibility with several iPhone, Xiaomi, Samsung and Google phone generations. | Prioritise low weight and magnetic convenience. The reported usable output makes it more suitable as a top-up than a full recharge for a larger phone. |
| Xiaomi Power Bank 20000 165W ₹5,499 |
20,000mAh; 70.56Wh; up to 165W combined dual-port output, a built-in cable rated up to 120W and self-charging up to 90W. HT describes simultaneous charging at up to 120W for a laptop and 45W for a phone. | Consider it for higher output or laptop charging, but check that your laptop and phone support the relevant charging protocols and power levels. |
| Xiaomi Magnetic Power Bank 10000 45W ₹3,999 |
10,000mAh; up to 45W wired, 25W wireless and 30W self-charging. HT says simultaneous cable-and-port use caps each at 15W. | A middle ground if you want more capacity than the 5,000mAh model alongside magnetic and wired charging. |
Capacity printed in mAh is not the same as the energy delivered to a phone: conversion losses and device charging behaviour affect usable output. For a laptop, the headline maximum alone is not enough; verify the power bank’s port or cable output and your laptop’s input requirements. The 165W figure is the model’s combined output ceiling as reported by HT, not a promise that one device will receive 165W.
A separate option: Xiaomi Power Bank 5i 20000 67W
This is a different product from the 165W model above. Xiaomi India lists the Power Bank 5i 20000 67W with three 6,700mAh cells and a rated capacity of 12,000mAh at 5V/3.6A. It has a built-in Type-C cable plus USB-C and USB-A ports; Xiaomi says it supports PD 3.0 with PPS and can charge up to three compatible devices. Xiaomi also says the product is below 100Wh and compliant with IATA international air-travel safety standards. Check airline rules for your route and current product documentation rather than treating a manufacturer’s compliance statement as a substitute for travel requirements. Xiaomi India’s Power Bank 5i specifications
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Xiaomi cautions that actual charging results vary with environmental conditions and device capabilities. Its stated charging examples and travel-safety information are manufacturer claims, not independent measurements.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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