iWorld
Indian audio platform tops IMDB’s fantasy podcasts with six Hindi series
Mumbai: In a whirlwind of audio fantasies, the audio series has achieved a remarkable feat. Pocket FM’s six fantasy audio series with their gripping storytelling have conquered their spots in IMDb’s coveted Top 50 Fantasy Podcast Series. This index serves as the ultimate yardstick for exceptional fantastical tales. Besides, these were the only Indian inclusion in this global listing.
Pocket FM’s remarkable audio series has made a strong impression on audiences. ‘Number Zero’ stands out at an impressive 12 spot, immersing listeners in its unique storytelling. Following closely behind is ‘Hiss – Rebirth of a Destroyer’ at the 14 spots, captivating with its gripping narrative. ‘Mahabali Mayank’ weaves enchanting mythological elements, securing the 16 spots, while ‘Super Yoddha’ finds popularity among fantasy enthusiasts at the 24 spots. The ‘Immortal Warrior’ and ‘Aflatoon Daddy’ claim the 38 and 40 spots, showcasing Pocket FM’s diverse and captivating content.
S. Sridhar, the accomplished writer behind ‘Super Yoddha,’ expressed immense joy at the resounding success of the audio series. “I’m overjoyed as a writer to see ‘Super Yoddha’ reach the top ranks of the fantasy podcast list on IMDb. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that our hard work is being recognized and appreciated. This achievement strengthens our dedication to providing outstanding content and showcases the remarkable talent and creativity in the Indian audio-entertainment industry. I want to express my heartfelt thanks to our loyal listeners for their unwavering support and gratitude to Pocket FM for their consistent backing. With this accomplishment, we’re even more inspired to bring our audience even more captivating and engaging experiences”.
Other notable podcasts included ‘The Sandman’ at the numero-uno spot, ‘The Batman Audio Adventures’ at the second spot, ‘Batman Unburied’ at the third spot, ‘Marvel’s Wastelanders’ at the fourth spot, ‘Marvel’s Wastelanders Hawkeye’ at the fifth spot, ‘Intra Quest’ at the 13 spots, ‘Birds of Empire’ at the 14 spots, ‘Bookbukners’ at the 23 spots.
iWorld
WhatsApp may soon let users to pick who sees their status updates
The messaging giant is borrowing a page from Instagram’s playbook as it pushes to give users finer control over their social circles.
CALIFORNIA: WhatsApp is quietly working on a feature that could make its Status function considerably smarter and considerably more private.
According to reports from beta tracking platforms, the app is testing a tool called Status lists, which would allow users to create named groups such as close friends, family and colleagues, and control precisely which group sees each update. It is a meaningful step up from the platform’s current blunt instruments, which offer only three options: share with all contacts, exclude specific people, or manually select individuals each time.
The new feature draws an obvious comparison with Instagram’s Close Friends function, and the resemblance is unlikely to be accidental. Both platforms sit within Meta’s family, and the company has been nudging them toward a common logic of audience segmentation for some time.
The move also fits neatly into WhatsApp’s broader privacy push. The platform has been rolling out enhanced chat protections and is exploring the introduction of usernames, which would allow users to connect without exchanging phone numbers. Status lists extend that philosophy from messaging into broadcasting.
Meanwhile, Status itself has been evolving well beyond its origins as a simple photo-and-text slideshow. The feature now supports music stickers, collages, longer videos and interactive elements, pushing it closer to the social-media-style story format pioneered by Snapchat and refined by Instagram. In that context, finer audience controls are not merely a privacy feature. They are a precondition for people sharing more.
The feature remains in development and has not been confirmed for release. WhatsApp routinely tests tools that are later modified or quietly shelved. But the direction of travel is clear: the app wants Status to be a destination, not an afterthought. Letting users decide exactly who is in the audience is how it gets there.
