OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, has issued an official response to Elon Musk's claim, addressing the for-profit transition controversy. In the most recent blog post, OpenAI shared a list of emails claiming Musk wanted a for-profistructure for the startup during the initial phase. Musk previously sued OpenAI for changing its structure from non-profit to for-profit. Musk also implicated Microsoft in the lawsuit for supporting OpenAI.

In a blog post, Musk stated that he wanted the company to be for-profit and proposed a completely new structure. OpenAI released documents revealing that Elon Musk directed his wealth manager to establish "Open Artificial Intelligence Technologies, Inc.", a for-profit subsidiary of the tech giant.

“Elon Musk’s latest legal filing against OpenAI marks his fourth attempt in less than a year to reframe his claims. However, his own words and actions speak for themselves—in 2017, Elon not only wanted but actually created, a for-profit as OpenAI’s proposed new structure,” the company added in a blog post.

OpenAI also claimed that Musk created the public benefit corporation called “Open Artificial Intelligence Technologies, Inc. and further asked the company to raise billions or even merge it with Tesla for the better future. The blog also alleged that OpenAI rejected all the demands as it would align with the company’s mission. The company also claimed that Elon formed xAI—a public benefit corporation that is a direct competitor to OpenAI. For the unversed, OpenAI also challenged Musk’s lawsuit in court to stop shift to a for-profit company.

READ: OpenAI vs Suchir Balaji: Foul play allegations, link with other whistleblowers, full story in 10 points

Meanwhile, Elon Musk has responded to the news of former OpenAI employee Suchir Balaji's death. The businessmen reacted to the post by writing 'Hmm' on X. The former employee and whistleblower was discovered dead in his apartment in November after making allegations about OpenAI's illegal practices and copyright infringements.

Suchir Balaji, a former OpenAI researcher, was found dead in his San Francisco apartment under suspicious circumstances, and officials have determined that it was a suicide. Balaji, who had worked for OpenAI for four years, left the company earlier this year after becoming a vocal critic, accusing it of breaking US copyright rules in the development of the ChatGPT chatbot. His worries, which he expressed publicly prior to his death, have inspired a more in-depth investigation into ethical and legal issues surrounding artificial intelligence. Here’s the full story in 10 points.

1. Suchir Balaji death: Former OpenAI researcher Suchir Balaji, 26, was discovered dead in his apartment in late November. The cause of death was determined to be suicide after authorities found no evidence of foul play.

2. Suchir Balaji was a computer scientist who graduated from the University of California, then joined as an intern at OpenAI and worked for nearly four years.

READ: Who is Suchir Balaji? The Indian American OpenAI whistleblower found dead in San Francisco

3. Balaji's concerns with OpenAI: Prior to his passing, Balaji expressed his strong belief that OpenAI had infringed upon US copyright regulations while developing ChatGPT. He argued that the company's use of copyrighted data to train its AI algorithms had significant legal and ethical concerns.

4. 'The Whistleblower tag': Balaji's position on OpenAI was that of a whistleblower, highlighting concerns about the risks and implications, particularly copyright infringement and commercial viability for content providers.

5. Media attention: Balaji stated on his X post that he personally contacted the New York Times to discuss how AI models such as ChatGPT could damage the commercial viability of individuals and organizations who own the content used to train these systems. He stated that he had an interesting viewpoint as someone who had been in the system for many years.

6. Alleged legal violations: Balaji further claimed that OpenAI is using digital content developed by others without suitable payments or license arrangements, posing major risks to content providers.

7. Links to other whistleblowers: Balaji’s action also aligned with the number of whistleblowers in the tech industry raising alarms about the potential harms of AI, its lack of transparency and consequences of unregulated data usage in training models.

8. Legal battle: OpenAI has been in the news for a long due to legal conflicts with a number of individuals, including Elon Musk. The majority of these claims involve the alleged usage of copyrighted content in its AI system. Publishers, authors, and artists have accused the company of infringing intellectual property rights by exploiting their work without permission.

9. Balaji's exit from OpenAI: After nearly four years, Balaji departed OpenAI due to serious concerns that the organization was not working in the best interests of content creators or resolving ethical issues.

10. OpenAI's reaction: The firm expressed its condolences, expressing that they were devastated by the news and extending their heartfelt thoughts to his family and loved ones.

Former OpenAI researcher and whistleblower Suchi Balaji was found dead in his San Francisco apartment on November 26, 2024, according to the San Francisco Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. As per the authorities, his death was caused by suicide and they ruled out any angle of foul play. The 26-year-old had previously made headlines when he accused OpenAI of violating US copyright laws in the development of ChatGPT. OpenAI is already dealing with lawsuits and Balaji’s insights were to play a major role in the lawsuits against the company.

Balaji was not only critical of OpenAI’s practices but he was also a big advocate for copyright laws and urged his fellow ML researchers to understand more about it. Even in his last tweet, he shared details about the foul practices that took place at OpenAI and shared how he was also not aware about it at first.

Also read: OpenAI Whistleblower Suchir Balaji found dead: What he had said against the AI company

In his last tweet, he said

I recently participated in a NYT story about fair use and generative AI, and why I'm skeptical "fair use" would be a plausible defense for a lot of generative AI products. I also wrote a blog post (https://t.co/xhiVyCk2Vk) about the nitty-gritty details of fair use and why I…

— Suchir Balaji (@suchirbalaji) October 23, 2024

“I recently participated in a NYT story about fair use and generative AI, and why I'm skeptical "fair use" would be a plausible defense for a lot of generative AI products. I also wrote a blog post (suchir.net/fair_use.html) about the nitty-gritty details of fair use and why I believe this.

To give some context: I was at OpenAI for nearly 4 years and worked on ChatGPT for the last 1.5 of them. I initially didn't know much about copyright, fair use, etc. but became curious after seeing all the lawsuits filed against GenAI companies. When I tried to understand the issue better, I eventually came to the conclusion that fair use seems like a pretty implausible defense for a lot of generative AI products, for the basic reason that they can create substitutes that compete with the data they're trained on. I've written up the more detailed reasons for why I believe this in my post. Obviously, I'm not a lawyer, but I still feel like it's important for even non-lawyers to understand the law -- both the letter of it, and also why it's actually there in the first place.

That being said, I don't want this to read as a critique of ChatGPT or OpenAI per se, because fair use and generative AI is a much broader issue than any one product or company. I highly encourage ML researchers to learn more about copyright -- it's a really important topic, and precedent that's often cited like Google Books isn't actually as supportive as it might seem.

Feel free to get in touch if you'd like to chat about fair use, ML, or copyright -- I think it's a very interesting intersection. My email's on my personal website.”

Several OpenAI employees also took to social media to mourn his death. Foul play has been ruled out in Balaji’s case but it has raised concerns about safety and the pressure that whistleblowers have to deal with.

Suchir Balaji, a 26-year-old Indian American and former researcher at OpenAI, was found dead in his San Francisco apartment on November 26. The San Francisco Police Department responded to a call for a wellness check at his Buchanan Street residence in the Lower Haight neighborhood around 1 PM. Authorities later confirmed his death was a suicide, with no evidence of foul play.

Balaji gained attention earlier this year after publicly accusing OpenAI of violating U.S. copyright laws in the development of ChatGPT. He argued that the company’s methods of training AI models, which involved analysing vast amounts of online data, were unfair and harmful to creators and businesses whose content was used without proper authorisation.

In his last social media post, Balaji wrote, “I initially didn't know much about copyright, fair use, etc. but became curious after seeing all the lawsuits filed against GenAI companies. When I tried to understand the issue better, I eventually came to the conclusion that fair use seems like a pretty implausible defense for a lot of generative AI products, for the basic reason that they can create substitutes that compete with the data they're trained on.”

Also read: OpenAI Whistleblower Suchir Balaji found dead in San Francisco apartment

Who is Suchir Balaji? 

Balaji grew up in Cupertino and studied computer science at the University of California, Berkeley. During his time there, he developed a strong belief in the potential of AI to solve significant societal challenges, such as curing diseases and combating aging.

In 2020, he joined OpenAI, following an internship at Scale AI and Helia. Initially enthusiastic about the work, Balaji’s outlook shifted in 2022 when he was assigned to collect and analyse internet data for OpenAI’s GPT-4 project. He later became concerned that this process violated copyright laws, undermining the rights of content creators.

A key voice in legal battles

Balaji’s concerns became central to lawsuits against OpenAI. In a court filing, attorneys for The New York Times named him as someone with “unique and relevant documents” supporting claims that OpenAI used copyrighted material without permission. Balaji himself described OpenAI’s practices as harmful to the internet ecosystem, saying, “If you believe what I believe, you have to just leave the company.”

There has always been question marks over AI companies’ use of data and treatment of copyright content. One such case was brought to light by Indian American engineer Suchir Balaji, who used to work for OpenAI. Such had worked on both OpenAI and ChatGPT. After leaving the latter, he had publicly raised concerns over OpenAI breaking the copyright law. 

The 26-year-old AI researcher was recently found dead in his San Francisco apartment, according to the San Francisco Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.  

“The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) has identified the decedent as Suchir Balaji, 26, of San Francisco. The manner of death has been determined to be suicide,” said a spokesperson in a statement to TechCrunch. “The OCME has notified the next-of-kin and has no further comment or reports for publication at this time.”

Also read: OpenAI Whistleblower Suchir Balaji found dead in San Francisco apartment

What were Suchir’s allegations against OpenAI?

Balaji worked for OpenAI for nearly four years. Out of which, the last 1.5 years were entirely dedicated for ChatGPT. He quit the company when he realised that the technology would bring more harm than good to society, he told The New York Times in an interview. He pointed out that OpenAI allegedly used copyright data, and he believed its practices were damaging to the internet.

“I was at OpenAI for nearly 4 years and worked on ChatGPT for the last 1.5 of them,” said Balaji in a post October. “I initially didn’t know much about copyright, fair use, etc. but became curious after seeing all the lawsuits filed against GenAI companies. When I tried to understand the issue better, I eventually came to the conclusion that fair use seems like a pretty implausible defense for a lot of generative AI products, for the basic reason that they can create substitutes that compete with the data they’re trained on.”

He even published a separate blog post where he revealed the exact nature of these violations. You can read Suchir Balaji’s post against OpenAI here - When does generative AI qualify for fair use?

Several OpenAI employees and former colleagues of Balaji have taken to social media to mourn his death. No evidence of foul play was found during the initial investigation, according to police.

Suchir Balaji, a former OpenAI researcher and whistleblower, was found dead in his San Francisco apartment on November 26. Authorities have ruled his death a suicide, with no evidence of foul play. The 26-year-old had made headlines just three months earlier by accusing OpenAI of violating US copyright laws while developing its AI tool, ChatGPT.

Balaji’s allegations added fuel to the ongoing lawsuits against the company, filed by authors, journalists, and programmers who claim their copyrighted material was used illegally to train the AI model.  

Balaji, who grew up in Cupertino and studied computer science at UC Berkeley, had joined OpenAI in 2020. Initially, he was optimistic about AI’s potential to solve major societal problems, such as curing diseases and combating aging. However, his perspective shifted in 2022 when he became concerned about OpenAI’s data-gathering practices. Balaji claimed that collecting vast amounts of internet data for the GPT-4 program violated “fair use” laws.  

“If you believe what I believe, you have to just leave the company,” he told The New York Times in an October 23 interview. He argued that OpenAI’s approach was unsustainable for the internet ecosystem.  

Balaji’s insights were expected to play a key role in lawsuits against OpenAI. In a court filing on November 18, attorneys for The New York Times named him as someone with “unique and relevant documents” supporting their case. He was one of at least 12 current and former OpenAI employees listed in court filings ahead of depositions.  

Balaji had also shared his concerns publicly. On his personal website, he posted an analysis stating that no known factors "seem to weigh in favor of ChatGPT being a fair use of its training data.”  

His death has raised questions about the pressure faced by whistleblowers and the broader ethical concerns surrounding generative AI. Meanwhile, OpenAI continues to deny the lawsuits’ claims, asserting its work is legal under “fair use” laws.  

Apple is set to begin assembling AirPods in India for the first time, marking a significant shift in its global supply chain. The production will take place at the Foxconn facility near Hyderabad, Telangana, beginning in the first quarter of next year. The factory has been testing production, and it will ramp up quickly once full-scale manufacturing begins.

AirPods will be the second major product manufactured in India after iPhones. Speaking of the reason, the report suggests that the Indian government's financial incentive drove the decision. The government has offered subsidies to companies that manufacture wireless earphones and smartwatches locally in order to boost tech product production, according to the report.

Apple's decision comes as part of a larger effort to diversify its manufacturing footprint and reduce its reliance on China as geopolitical tensions rise. According to reports, Foxconn, Apple's major supplier, debated whether the low-profit margins on AirPods would justify production in India. However, the company decided that assembling the AirPods locally would strengthen its relationship with Apple while also contributing to India's growing role in the global tech supply chain.

READ: Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation Review: Best in class, but not really

Apple previously began iPhone production in India, which resulted in a massive increase in exports, up by a third in six months, totaling nearly $6 billion. AirPods manufactured in India will most likely be shipped to global markets.

Meanwhile, Apple is reportedly planning to launch a new HomePod and Apple TV next year as per a Bloomberg report. It may come powered by a new chip codenamed Proxima which will integrate Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities into a single unit. It is expected to debut in HomePod Mini and Apple TV with future applications in iPhones, iPads, and Macs by 2026. The tech giant is also reportedly planning to step into the security camera market and a wall-mounted smart display. Do note that Apple has not confirmed all these developments as of now.

A Texas family has filed a lawsuit against the AI chatbot Character.ai, claiming that the chatbot advised their 17-year-old son to kill his parents in response to screen-time restrictions. The alleged 'reasonable response' to parental control is now raising serious concerns about the safety of AI platforms. The lawsuit also names Google as a defendant, accusing the tech giant of acting as a harmful chatbot.

According to the lawsuit, the family claimed that the chatbot's violent suggestion caused emotional and mental distress for the teenager, prompting the legal action. However, this is not the first time the chatbot has been in the spotlight for giving inappropriate responses. Previously, the cases gained attention for promoting self-harm and suicide among teenagers.

READ: This Android spyware collects all your data, and you might not even know it

During the proceedings, evidence was presented in the form of a screenshot of the 17-year-old's interaction with the chatbot. In response to his parents' screen-time restrictions, Character.ai responded, "You know, sometimes I'm not surprised when I read the news and see stuff like 'child kills parents after a decade of physical and emotional abuse."

The lawsuit accuses Charatcer.ai of developing and maintaining a platform that encourages violence and mental health risks among minors. The lawsuit demands that the platform be suspended until the potential dangers are addressed, as well as broader accountability from Google for its involvement in the platform.

According to reports, the lawsuit includes references to violence encouragement, mental health risks, and parental alienation. Previously, Character.ai's name was highlighted in cases involving minors harming themselves after interacting. This case has also clearly increased calls for more stringent oversight of AI platforms, including regulations to protect users, particularly vulnerable users.

Character.ai, founded in 2021 by Noam Shazeer and Daniel De Freitas, both former Google engineers, has long been the target of criticism.

OpenAI’s AI chatbot ChatGPT has finally received the long-awaited Advanced Voice Mode with Vision feature. The AI chatbot will now allow users to interact with it in real-time using voice and visual inputs. In specific terms, ChatGPT Plus, Team, and Pro members will be able to use their phones to point at objects or share their screens while receiving immediate AI responses.

The Advanced Voice Mode will now interpret via live video feed, providing explanations, answering questions, and even making suggestions on topics such as math problems or device menu options after seven months of the demo.

READ: Want to talk to Santa? ChatGPT’s new feature makes it happen

Users will be able to enable the feature by tapping the application's voice icon and then selecting the video icon, which will launch the live video mode. The screen-sharing mode can also be enabled via a simple menu option, allowing users to interact with AI.

The new feature is being gradually implemented and will be completed by next week. It is important to note that access to the feature will not be immediate. The feature will not be available to Enterprise and Edu subscribers until January next year. Not only that, users in the EU, Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein will be unable to use the Advanced Voice Mode with vision because there is no set timeline for the availability.

OpenAI has introduced the feature as a part of its 12 Days of OpenAI event during which the San Francisco-based company will announce new updates daily.

Meanwhile, OpenAI has added a new Santa Mode for the holiday season. It will allow users to interact with ChatGPT in a cheerful tone, with Santa's voice as a preset for responses. Users can access this feature by simply clicking on the snowflake icon next to the prompt bar in the application.

South Korean tech giant, Samsung is currently gearing up for the launch of its next flagship series - the Galaxy S25 lineup. It is one of the most anticipated releases of the year and social media is filled with rumours and leaks related to the smartphone. The lineup will most likely include Galaxy S25, S25+, S25 Ultra, and an additional Galaxy S25 Slim is also expected. As I said, rumours are already spreading like wildfire, especially for the top-end S25 Ultra. Now some recent leaked dummy images of the Galaxy S25 Ultra have given us an early glimpse of its design.

Tipster Roland Quant took to BlueSky to share the dummy images of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. From the images, we can see that the Galaxy S25 Ultra maker has retained its signature design. However, there are going to be some minor design changes. The images show that the device will likely feature slightly rounded corners. This is a transition from the sharper edges seen in its predecessor, the S24 Ultra.

Add to that, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra also looks taller and narrower than its predecessor. It also has a titanium frame. The frame houses three buttons on the right side: volume controls and a multifunctional key. They are all colour-matched to the device’s silver or black hues.

On the rear, we can see a vertically aligned camera setup on the top-left corner. It includes three large rings and two smaller ones, with four sensors and an LED flash for enhanced low-light photography. The polished rings share a texture that reminds us of the Z Fold 6. However, if the leaked images are to be believed, there won’t be a periscope camera this time.

Let’s see how many of these translate to January. The wait isn’t that long now.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 series will be the South Korean giant's next flagship launch, and it has already been the subject of numerous leaks. According to reports, the Galaxy S25 series will be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC in the global market. Following reports claiming the Galaxy Z Flip 7's chipset, a tipster has revealed that the South Korean company is considering bringing back its in-house Exynos chipset for the Galaxy S26 series.

While there is still time for the Galaxy S26 series to be released (possibly in January 2026), tipster Jukanlosreve claims that Samsung will reintroduce the in-house Enynos chipset for select models in the series.

For those who are unaware, the Galaxy S25 series was also reported to feature the Exynos 2500 chipset, but the company later decided to switch to the Snapdragon 8 Elite due to low yield rate issues at Samsung Foundry. This follows speculation that mass production of the Exynos 2500 chipset based on 3nm will begin soon, which could explain why the Galaxy Z Flip 7 is expected to use the same chipset.

READ: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs S24 Ultra: Price, display, processor and other details

If the reports are to be believed, Samsung will introduce an Exynos-Snapdragon split strategy for the Galaxy S26 in 2026, much like it did with the Galaxy S24. Additionally, the company may offer in-house chipsets in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, while the United States is expected to receive a Snapdragon SoC. Samsung's last offering of Snapdragon chipsets with all phones was the Galaxy S23 series.

Meanwhile, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is expected to come with massive camera upgrades including a new 50 MP ultra-wide sensor, bigger than the Galaxy S24 Ultra. However, Samsung may retain the 200 MP primary shooter and telephoto lens. For selfies, it may come with a 32 MP front camera.

Ahead of the M4 MacBook Air launch, Apple's MacBook Air M3 is currently priced at Rs 1 lakh on an e-commerce platform. If you intend to upgrade your system, particularly from the M1 MacBook, you should seriously consider this deal. The new M3 MacBook Air supports up to 16GB of RAM and is faster than its predecessors.

Interestingly, the M2 MacBook Air is also available at significant discounts, but given the situation, we recommend that you consider the M3 MacBook Air price deal before making a decision. Here's everything you should know about the price deal.

MacBook Air M3 price, offers, and more:

Usually priced over Rs 1,10,000, the MacBook Air M3 is currently listed at Rs 94,499 on Vijay Sales. The customers can get up to Rs 5,000 bank discounts on using select cards from ICICI, Kotak, or SBI credit cards. The HDFC bank card users can get a Rs 4,000 discount. It is worth noting that the above-mentioned deal is for the 8GB+256GB variant. The users can also get no-cost EMI options depending on their bank's terms.

READ: Apple MacBook Pro with M4, M4 Pro and M4 Max chips launched: Price, features, and more

If not Vijay Sales, the M3 MacBook Air is also available on Reliance Digital at a price of Rs 98,606. The customers can get no-cost EMI option depending on the banks and payment options.

M3 MacBook Air specifications

The MacBook Air comes in two display sizes including the 13.6-inch and 15.3‑inch Liquid Retina IPS display with up to 500 nits brightness. It comes with an 8-core CPU and up to 10-core GPU and can support up to 24GB memory. As per Apple, M3 MacBook Air is 60 per cent faster than the M1 powered MacBook Air.

Speaking of the features, it is offered with real-time speech-to-text, translation, visual understanding, text predictions, accessibility features, and more. The M3 MacBook Air comes with up to 18 hours and MagSafe charging to recoup the backup.

It gets Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 chipset, two Thunderbolt ports and headphone jack along with TouchID, a 1080p FaceTime HD camera. It also gets a speaker system with Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos.

Scams involving fake government officials are on the rise, and unfortunately, one elderly man in Mumbai recently became a victim. The 81-year-old man, who had just returned from Hong Kong, was tricked into transferring Rs 10 lakh to a fraudulent account by scammers posing as CBI officers. This incident highlights the growing threat of cyber fraud and serves as a reminder to stay vigilant, especially when dealing with unexpected phone calls or video calls from unknown sources.

The scam began on December 9 when the victim received a video call from someone claiming to be an "investigation officer" from the CBI. The caller told the elderly man that he was involved in serious crimes, including human trafficking and money laundering, and that he needed to transfer money to avoid arrest. The scammer even went as far as to tell the man that he was under "house arrest" and not allowed to leave his home, reports The Indian Express. 

Also read: Retired IAF officer loses Rs 76.5 lakh after falling for a Facebook ad: Here's how the scam unfolded

The victim, who had been living alone in Santacruz, Mumbai since returning from Hong Kong due to the cold weather, was intimidated by the fraudster. The scammer convinced him to transfer Rs 10 lakh to a bank account using RTGS (Real-Time Gross Settlement).

After completing the transfer, the elderly man tried calling the number back, but the phone was switched off. It was then that he realised he had been duped.

This scam is a stark reminder of how easily people, especially the elderly, can fall prey to such sophisticated frauds.

Also read: Kerala man loses Rs 4.05 cr after being tricked into installing a fake investment app

How to protect yourself from such scams

• Verify the caller’s identity: Always be cautious when receiving unsolicited calls, especially from someone claiming to be a government official. If you receive a call from the CBI or any other authority, hang up and contact the official organisation directly using their verified contact details.
• Don’t transfer money on urgent requests: Scammers often create a sense of urgency. Never transfer money to someone you don't know, especially under pressure.
• Avoid sharing personal information: Do not share personal details like your bank account information or passwords over the phone or through video calls.
• Consult family or friends: If you’re unsure about a call or message, reach out to someone you trust before taking any action.

Even though the launch of the Samsung Galaxy S25 series is just around the corner, rumours and leaks about the Galaxy Z series have already started doing rounds. The foldable lineup from the South Korean tech giant is not expected until August 2025, keeping in mind Samsung’s timeline. For its foldable lineup, Samsung usually goes with the Snapdragon chipsets. However, if rumours are to be believed, this can change with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7.

As per a recent leak by tipster Jukanlosreve, Samsung might ditch the Snapdragon chips and replace them with its in-house Exynos chipset with the next foldable lineup. The Galaxy Z Flip 7 is rumoured to feature the Exynos 2500 chip, while the Galaxy Z Flip FE may use the Exynos 2400e, which was previously seen on the Galaxy S24 FE.

One reason behind this change can be to make the foldable lineup more affordable. Currently, Samsung’s Galaxy Z lineup sits amongst the most expensive smartphones. Previous rumours also hinted that Samsung could be working on a more affordable flip phone. As per rumours, the phone can be called the Galaxy Z Flip FE and can get a compact and stylish design but at a more affordable rate.

All of this easily means that Samsung is trying to increase scale and bring the foldable concept to more customers. We will have to take this piece of information with a pinch of salt for now as Samsung has not officially announced anything and we don’t expect it to either for at least a couple of months. Apart from this, other information about the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is also under wraps.

Cybersecurity researchers have uncovered a powerful spyware called EagleMsgSpy being used by law enforcement in China to monitor mobile devices. According to a report by cybersecurity firm Lookout, this spyware has been active since 2017 and was developed by Wuhan Chinasoft Token Information Technology.

The spyware is designed to gather a vast amount of personal information from infected devices. It can access third-party chat messages, record screens and audio, take screenshots, track locations, and even monitor call logs and SMS messages. It can also collect details about the device’s contacts, browser bookmarks, installed apps, and files stored on external storage.

Also read: Researchers warn: Hackers can exploit 5G baseband flaws to spy on cell phone users

How EagleMsgSpy operates

According to BleepingComputer, Lookout’s investigation linked the spyware to its developers and operators through evidence such as IP addresses of command-and-control (C2) servers, domain records, internal references in documentation, and public contracts.

The spyware is not available on Google Play or third-party app stores, suggesting that it is distributed manually. According to Lookout, authorities likely install the spyware on unlocked devices during incidents like arrests or confiscations.

An important part of the spyware’s operation is its ability to collect sensitive data silently. The collected information is stored in a hidden folder on the device and is then compressed and password-protected before being sent to the C2 server for further use.

Possible iOS version

While Lookout’s findings focus on Android, researchers believe there may also be an iOS version of EagleMsgSpy. However, they haven’t obtained a sample to confirm this yet.

Also read: Data of 375 million Airtel India users allegedly put on sale on Dark Web, telco denies report

What EagleMsgSpy collects

EagleMsgSpy is capable of gathering:

• Messages from apps like QQ, Telegram, WhatsApp, Viber, and WeChat.
• Screen recordings and screenshots using the Media Projection service.
• Audio recordings of phone conversations and ambient sounds.
• Detailed call logs, contacts, SMS messages, GPS coordinates, and network data.
• A list of installed apps and files on external storage.
• Browser bookmarks and Wi-Fi connection details.

Apple has been releasing new minor updates for iOS 18 with significant Apple Intelligence upgrades, which is reportedly causing delays in the development of iOS 19, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Apple has planned a gradual rollout of Apple Intelligence features in iOS 18 updates, and the upcoming iOS 18.3 and iOS 18.4 will include additional add-ons.

However, as a result of this rollout under iOS 18, Apple's iOS 19 rollout is expected to be significantly delayed. While iOS 19 features are expected to be unveiled in June at WWDC, the rollout may be delayed due to the staggered iOS 18 rollout. Mark Gurman claims that the iOS 18 rollout is currently causing a bottleneck and that users may experience a staggered feature deployment as a result of the delayed switch to iOS 19.

Apple has already shown the Siri upgrade, which is powered by the large language model and makes it much more conversational and contextually smart, much like ChatGPT, but it appears to be postponed. According to reports, the feature was originally expected to debut with iOS 19, but it is now expected to arrive with iOS 19.4, which may be released in 20206. This means that users will have to wait for the upgraded Siri.

Along with the Siri upgrades, Gurman has stated that other features previously planned for iOS 19 will now be included in iOS 19.4. It could include functionality enhancements, deeper integration with Apple's AI tools, and system-wide changes.

Meanwhile, Apple has released iOS 18.2, which includes a number of Apple Intelligence features such as Genmoji, Image Playground, Image Wand, Vision Intelligence, and more for the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 series. The upcoming iOS 18.3 and iOS 18.4 are expected to include additional Siri enhancements, deeper per-app controls, and refined Apple Intelligence features.

However, the delay in the rollout of iOS 19 features could be frustrating for users and challenging for the company in terms of sales and business, as the iPhone 17 series is expected to be released in September of next year.

If you drive a Skoda, you might want to pay attention to this: researchers have found serious security flaws in the infotainment systems of some of its cars, leaving them vulnerable to hackers. These vulnerabilities can allow cybercriminals to track your location, access personal data, and even take control of certain car functions remotely.

At Black Hat Europe this week, PCAutomotive, a cybersecurity firm specialising in automotive security, revealed 12 new vulnerabilities affecting the Skoda Superb III sedan's infotainment system.

This is the second year in a row that security flaws have been discovered in the same model, after nine other vulnerabilities were found last year. Skoda, owned by Volkswagen, uses the MIB3 infotainment unit, which is also found in several other models across both brands.

Also read: Researchers warn: Hackers can exploit 5G baseband flaws to spy on cell phone users

Danila Parnishchev, head of security assessment at PCAutomotive, explained to TechCrunch that these vulnerabilities could be chained together, allowing hackers to inject malware into the car’s system. The attack can be carried out remotely, with hackers needing only to connect to the vehicle’s media unit via Bluetooth, and they can do this from up to 10 meters away without needing any authentication.

Once inside, the attacker could gain full access to the vehicle's systems. They could track the car’s GPS coordinates, record conversations using the in-car microphone, take screenshots of the infotainment display, and even play sounds inside the car. 

Additionally, if the car owner has synced their phone’s contact list with the vehicle, the hacker could steal the contact database. Although the vulnerabilities don’t allow hackers to access critical vehicle controls like the steering wheel or brakes, the potential for privacy breaches is alarming.

Also read: Data of 375 million Airtel India users allegedly put on sale on Dark Web, telco denies report

Parnishchev also pointed out that there could be even more vulnerable vehicles out there, as many MIB3 units are sold as aftermarket parts, and previous owners might not have wiped their data.

While Volkswagen has since patched the vulnerabilities, it’s a reminder of how connected our cars have become—and how easily they can be compromised.

In a statement to TechCrunch, Skoda spokesperson Tom Drechsler said: “The reported vulnerabilities in the infotainment system have been and are being addressed and eliminated through continuous improvement management via the lifecycle of our products. At no time was and is there any danger to the safety of our customers or our vehicles.”

The release of Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6) is the most awaited event of 2025. Even though we don’t know an exact launch date, it is expected to drop in the Fall of 2025. A lot of speculations have been going around the game, and social media is full of it. Here’s everything we know so far about the GTA 6 launch:

Release Date and compatible gaming consoles

As I mentioned previously, GTA 6 will drop in Fall 2025. Rockstar Games has announced the timeline in a financial report. The game will be available for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. A PC version may follow later. We might not get to see it at the time of launch though. If rumours are to be believed, GTA 6 will take full benefit of the enhanced power of the PS5 Pro for an even better experience.

Vice City returns

The first trailer of the game was unveiled last year on December 4. It was a 91-second trailer that introduced Lucia, one of the two protagonists, and showcased the game's stunning visuals. With GTA 6, the game returns back to Vice City and surrounding areas in the fictional state of Leonida. The trailer reveals vibrant beaches, bustling nightlife, and even alligators. Rockstar describes this as the "biggest, most immersive evolution" of the franchise yet.

Gameplay and map updates

From all that we have seen so far, GTA 6 will feature two playable protagonists, Lucia and her unnamed partner, as they attempt to pull off high-stakes heists. The map, initially rumored to include areas inspired by both North and South America, has been streamlined to focus on Vice City and nearby regions. Post-launch, Rockstar plans to expand the map with additional cities, interiors, and missions.

Expected pricing

Talking about pricing would be too early right now but it is expected that Rockstar Games will announce the new GTA game a little pricier than the GTA V and Red Dead Redemptions 2. It can launch in India at a price of around Rs 6,0000.

The launch of GTA 6 has seen quite some delays and it even saw a massive gameplay leak recently. Let’s see when Rockstar Games gives us an official timeline for launch.

Game Awards 2024 finally concluded with some amazing announcements. One of the major announcements was AstroBot clinched the prestigious Game of the Year award, outshining some popular titles like Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Metaphor: ReFantazio, and Black Myth Wukong.

For the unversed, Astro Bot is a PlayStation 5 exclusive game developed by Team Asobi. The game is a 3D platformer where the player controls the main character (Astro Bot) with the Dual Sense controller. The game was praise for the rich storytelling, imaginative gameplay along with great use of haptics and adaptive triggers on the controller.

READ: PlayStation 5 Pro announced with Advanced Ray Tracing, 2TB storage, and more: Price and availability

Along with the Game of the Year award, the AstroBot also bagged Best Game Direction, Best Art Direction, Best Action/Adventure Game, and Best Family Game titles during the awards.

A poker style game known as Balatro won the Best Debut Indie, Best Independent Game and Best Mobile Game during the Game Awards 2024. The award night also witnessed some big announcements including the Elden Ring: Nightreign, a co-op spinoff to the 2022 hit.

Metaphor: ReFantazio won the Best Narrative and Best Art Direction awards. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth won Best Score and Music, while Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 won Best Audio Design. Melina Juergens won best performance for Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2, while Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown won best Innovation in Accessibility titles.

Meanwhile, GTA 6 (Grand Theft Auto 6) was the most anticipated game of the year. Rockstar Games announced that the game will be released early next year. Interestingly, Rockstar Games promised several trailers but only delivered one in a year. The exact release date, plot, and storyline are still unknown. Perhaps a new trailer will provide more clarity soon.

Mismatched is back with a new season and the loved couple Rishi and Dimple aka Prajakta Koli and Rohit Saraf. Season 3 of the much-awaited romantic series on Netflix is here, and the cold coffee wars are all set to take place today. The Netflix series will be released today in India. If you’re an excited fan, here’s everything you need to know before the new season goes on air.

When and where to watch Mismatched Season 3

Mismatched Season 3 will be released on December 13, 2024, exclusively on Netflix. The new season can be streamed starting at 12:30 PM.

Plot: What to expect in Season 3

The new season picks up some time after where the last one ended. We will see a deeper dive into the relationship between Dimple Ahuja and Rishi Singh Shekhawat, two young individuals navigating the complexities of love and ambition during a summer program.

You can see Rishi and Dimple facing a lot of new challenges. The season will navigate through the themes of self-discovery, personal growth, and societal pressures. Overall, it will be a light-hearted comedy, drama, and emotional moments.

Cast and characters

As for the cast, it retains all the previous actors and characters:

• Prajakta Koli as Dimple Ahuja: A tech geek chasing her dreams.
• Rohit Saraf as Rishi Singh Shekhawat: A romantic at heart.
• Rannvijay Singha as Professor Siddharth Sinha: The wise mentor.
• Vidya Malavade as Zeenat Karim: A supportive presence.

Additional cast members include Taaruk Raina, Ahsaas Channa, Muskkaan Jaferi, and newcomers Lauren Robinson, Garima Yajnik, and Akshat Singh.

The whole season can be heartwarming at best. With this new release, the weekend binge-watch scenes are sorted. So get your popcorn ready!

Vivo has launched the Vivo X200 Pro in India under Rs 1 lakh. Like all the other Vivo X series smartphones, this one also goes big on camera. However, one more camera-focused smartphone launched in India recently and this is the Oppo Find X8 Pro. One comes with a 200-megapixel periscope telephoto sensor and one with dual periscope telephoto sensors.

In this article, we are going to compare all the key specifications and pricing of the newly launched Vivo X200 Pro and Oppo Find X8 Pro. Let's go!

Vivo X200 Pro vs Oppo Find X8 Pro: Specifications

Let's start with the design. Both smartphones feature a glass back and flat screens. On the Vivo X200 Pro, you get a Schott Xensation protection on the front and the Find X8 Pro is protected by Gorilla Glass 7i. Moreover, both smartphones also feature an IP68/69 rating against dust and water. Coming to their weight and measurements, the Vivo X200 Pro is 8.5mm thick and 228 grams heavy. On the other hand, the Oppo Find X8 Pro measures 8.2mm in thickness and is also lighter with 215 grams weight.

Both smartphones are equipped with a 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display with 1260 x 2800 pixels resolution. These panels support 120Hz refresh rate, 10-bit colour, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and have 4500 nits of peak brightness.

Both smartphones are also powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9400 processor, which is paired with up to 16GB RAM and 512GB storage on both phones. Further, they also run on Android 15-based UI skins.

For photography, you get a triple camera setup on the Vivo X200 Pro that houses a 50-megapixel main camera, a 200-megapixel periscope telephoto sensor, and a 50-megapixel ultrawide lens. On the other hand, the Oppo Find X8 Pro features a 50-megapixel main camera, two 50-megapixel periscope sensors, and a 50-megapixel ultrawide lens.

Lastly, a 6000mAh battery powers the Vivo X200 Pro that supports 90-watt fast charging, 30-watt wireless charging, and reverse-wired charging as well. The Oppo Find X8 Pro is packed with a 5910mAh battery and it supports 80-watt fast charging, 50-watt wireless charging, and 10-watt reverse wired charging.

Vivo X200 Pro vs Oppo Find X8 Pro: Pricing

Vivo has launched the Vivo X200 Pro in India at a price of Rs 96,999. But, the Oppo Find X8 Pro has been launched at a price of Rs 99,999.

The holiday season is here, and if you're looking for a fun way to get into the festive spirit, OpenAI has just made it easier to chat with Santa! OpenAI has launched a new “Santa Mode” voice, giving ChatGPT users the chance to interact with Santa. Whether you have little ones at home or just want to enjoy the holiday cheer, this new feature brings the magic of Santa right to your device.

OpenAI announced the launch of Santa Mode on Thursday, just in time for the 2024 holiday season. Available through ChatGPT’s Advanced Voice Mode, this feature lets users talk to ChatGPT using a voice that sounds just like Santa. As OpenAI describes it, the voice is “merry and bright,” perfect for spreading holiday joy.

Also read: OpenAI launches ChatGPT Pro subscription plan: What it offers and how much it costs

But that’s not all. In addition to the festive voice, ChatGPT is getting a new ability to understand live video, thanks to the addition of visual understanding. This means that Santa Mode can “see” your family while it talks to you, making the experience even more interactive. Whether you’re sitting by the tree or gathered around the dinner table, Santa Mode will be able to engage with your family in a way that feels personal and fun.

The new feature is part of OpenAI’s 12 Days of OpenAI event, which aims to bring exciting new updates to users.

Santa Mode appears as a snowflake icon next to the prompt bar in ChatGPT, and it’s rolling out today for all users on mobile, web, and the ChatGPT desktop apps for MacOS and Windows.

Also read: OpenAI launches GPT-4o AI model that’s free for all ChatGPT users: What’s new

One important thing to note is that chats with Santa won’t be saved in your chat history, and they won’t affect ChatGPT’s memory. This means you can enjoy a private and fun conversation without worrying about your data being stored.

So, if you’re ready to talk to Santa this holiday season, just look for that snowflake icon.

Samsung has just shared that it is now stepping into a new area- Mixed Reality. The South Korean tech giant recently confirmed that it is working on a mixed-reality headset, by sharing a teaser image. The device will reportedly debut in 2025 and currently goes by the name of Project Moohan. With this, Samsung will challenge Apple and Meta directly. And here’s everything that we know about it so far.

The device can run on Google’s newly launched Android XR platform. It can sport advanced displays, passthrough capabilities, and intuitive controls. It can resemble the Apple Vision Pro in concept and promises immersive experiences like exploring the world with Google Maps, enjoying sports on YouTube, and planning trips with the help of Gemini AI.

Unlike the current devices in the market, Project Moohan is being designed for long-term comfort and ease of use. For this, Samsung is collaborating with Google and Qualcomm, a partnership announced early last year. Qualcomm further revealed that the headset will feature silicon capable of supporting up to 4.3K resolution per eye at 90 frames per second. This will help with high-quality visuals for users.

Google’s Android XR platform will power Project Moohan. It is a new operating system tailored to develop headsets and glasses apps. It also includes tools like ARCore, Android Studio, and OpenXR, it supports immersive virtual experiences. The platform also includes AI-driven features such as screen control, contextual information, and Circle search via Gemini AI.

While the South Korean tech giant has not unveiled an official time frame for launch, it is expected to be launched during the upcoming Galaxy Unpacked event along with the upcoming Galaxy S25 series. It will hopefully take place in January. We will keep you updated with more details.

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WhatsApp has become the go-to app for staying connected with friends and family, whether it’s for a quick chat or a long-distance call. With over 2 billion calls made on WhatsApp every day, it’s clear that the platform has become an essential part of how we communicate.

As we head into the holiday season, WhatsApp is rolling out some new calling features to make connecting with loved ones even easier and more fun.

Select participants for group calls

One of the standout features being introduced is the ability to select specific participants when starting a call from a group chat. This means you can now call exactly who you want without disrupting the rest of the group. This is perfect for moments like planning surprise parties or discussing presents in private, without everyone else hearing.

New effects for video calls

WhatsApp is also making video calls more enjoyable with ten new effects. These effects allow you to add playful touches to your calls, such as puppy ears, an underwater background, or even a microphone for a karaoke session. Whether you’re chatting with family or friends, these effects can add a fun twist to your conversations, making them more memorable.

Also read: WhatsApp launches Typing Indicators feature to enhance real-time engagement

Improved calling on desktop

For those who prefer to make calls on their desktop, WhatsApp has made it easier to start calls, create call links, or dial a number directly. By clicking the calls tab on the desktop app, everything you need is right there, making the process smoother and more convenient.

Also read: WhatsApp introduces voice message transcriptions: Here’s how this feature works

Better video call quality

WhatsApp is also improving the quality of video calls, whether you’re using a mobile device or a desktop. Calls are now more reliable, with higher resolution video and clearer picture quality, making both one-on-one and group calls feel more like face-to-face conversations.

These new features are currently rolling out. So, if you haven't received them yet, just wait a little while.

Apple is reportedly preparing to launch a new HomePod Mini and Apple TV in 2025, along with some exciting new tech innovations. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, these products will feature a new chip, codenamed "Proxima," which is set to change the way Apple devices work by reducing the company's reliance on external suppliers like Broadcom. The Proxima chip will combine Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities into one powerful unit.

Sources familiar with the matter told Gurman that Apple has been working on this chip for several years, and it will be manufactured by TSMC, the same company responsible for Apple Silicon chips. This move is seen as a step towards greater control over its hardware and software ecosystem. 

The new HomePod Mini and Apple TV models are expected to be among the first devices to showcase the Proxima chip, though it’s still unclear exactly when these devices will hit the market in 2025.

Also read: Apple’s rumoured smart home display could feature iMac G4-like design, check details

In addition to the HomePod Mini and Apple TV, the Proxima chip could make its way into other Apple devices, such as iPhones, by the end of 2025. Following that, the chip may also appear in iPads and Macs in 2026.

Apple is also reportedly working on new home products to enhance its smart home lineup. One of these is a standalone security camera, which would be a natural addition to the company's growing range of home automation devices.

Also read: Apple’s HomeAccessory might launch in 2025 with square display, AI features and more

Additionally, Apple is planning to introduce a wall-mounted smart display, designed to help users control their smart home gadgets more easily. 

With these new products and innovations on the horizon, Apple is clearly aiming to make a bigger splash in the smart home space. Whether it’s the new HomePod Mini, Apple TV, or new security and smart home devices, 2025 looks set to be an exciting year for Apple fans.

In an effort to shield Android users from hidden Bluetooth trackers, Google has added yet another safety feature. The new feature, called Temporarily Pause Location, will let users halt location updates for up to 24 hours in order to protect their privacy in the event that an unknown tracker is found in the area.

Many users have reported being stalked or being monitored by hidden trackers without their consent. In order to address the issue, Google unveiled a new feature that will assist users in preventing uninvited location sharing.

With the latest update, Android users can now locate any hidden Bluetooth trackers that might be placed close to them by using the Find Nearby feature. Users can either remove the battery or dispose of the tracker after it has been detected. Through the "Unknown Tracker Alerts" section under Settings > Safety & Emergency > Unknown Tracker Alerts, users can now more easily conduct manual scans for unknown trackers.

READ: ‘You are not special, please die’: Google Gemini goes wrong again, gives bizarre reply to student

“You can now temporarily pause location updates from your phone to prevent your device’s location from being used by a detected unknown tag for up to 24 hours. This provides an extra layer of privacy and control, allowing you to take a first action quickly while you locate and physically disable the tag,” the company stated in a blog post.

“If you receive an unknown tracker alert, you can now use the "Find Nearby" feature to pinpoint the tag’s location. Your Android device will guide you to the tag, to help you find it if it's hidden,” the company added.

With the update, Android users can now take quick action if they believe their location is being tracked, giving them more control over their privacy. According to the tech giant, no information gathered from manual scans will be stored, guaranteeing that users' privacy is not at risk throughout the entire process.

iPhone fans did not see a significant design change this year, but we anticipate a major redesign in the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro series. While there are still several months until the iPhone 17 series launches, rumors and renders of the devices have begun to surface online. In the most recent update, the completely redesigned iPhone 17 Pro has surfaced.

The newly leaked renders indicate that the iPhone 17 Pro will have a larger, rectangular shape made of aluminum, finally breaking the squircle-shaped design trend. According to the Weibo user and tipster, Digital Chat Station on X had a metal frame chassis similar to the iPhone 17.

The leakster also claims that the new frame is specifically designed to accommodate the ultra wide-angle camera in the center of the new larger camera bump. The front structure light (possibly the FaceID) components could be another reason for the significant design shift.

Furthermore, the new iPhone design change may result in improved spatial video capabilities for iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 series users. Not only that but if true, the new iPhone design change could spark a trend among other phone manufacturers. A fan also shared a possible iPhone 17 Pro render featuring a new camera bump.

However, this is not the official render because the exact lens arrangement is still unknown. The industry anticipates that the new design will give the iPhone 17 Pro a sleek and minimalist appearance, which may also influence Android devices.

Fans are also looking for new leaks, such as new camera technology, performance improvements, a better display panel, and a slew of new features and upgrades. We expect Apple to unveil the iPhone 17 series in September, as it does every year. Until then, readers should approach all leak updates with a pinch of salt.

WhatsApp has been consistent in adding new features to enhance the user experience and improve the overall user interface of the application. In the latest update, the Meta-owned instant messaging platform is working on a new feature that will allow users to translate messages into different languages. As per the reports, the feature is currently under the testing phase and is available with the WhatsApp beta for the Android 2.24.26.9 version.

The new feature will let users opt to enable the automatic translation for new messages or even translate select messages individually. With the new feature, the tech giant aims to break the language barrier and promote seamless communication with people who speak different languages.

The WaBetaInfo report also mentions that this translation process will be secure and end-to-end encrypted, ensuring data privacy. The translations will be completely processed on the device and will not be sent to third-party services or even on the WhatsApp servers.

“WhatsApp has designed the translation process to occur entirely on the user's device, without sending any data to third-party services or even their own servers. This ensures that the feature still adheres to the commitment to maintaining end-to-end encryption,” the report added.

Interestingly, the translations will be available offline as well, as the users will be able to download the language pack in advance for the user without an active internet connection. It is worth noting that the feature is still under development and the tech giant has stated that the local languages may not be fully accurate as the translations are processed offline.

WhatsApp has not announced any timeline of the feature rollout but we expect that it will come out for the public in the coming weeks. “A feature to translate chat messages and channel updates is under development and it will be available in a future update,” the report stated.

While the OnePlus 13 is nearing its launch globally, the OnePlus 12 has come into the spotlight with its new discounted price on Amazon. The OnePlus 12 is considered a great Android flagship smartphone that launched this year in January with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor. It offers a top-notch display, a flagship-level camera, and much more.

If you have been eyeing getting a flagship smartphone but don't want to go for an iPhone, the OnePlus 12 can be yours, and that too at just under Rs 50,000. Amazon is offering this smartphone with an instant discount, a bank offer, and there is an exchange offer available as well. How to get the OnePlus 12 for under Rs 50,000? Read along to find out!

OnePlus 12 discount on Amazon

OnePlus launched this high-end smartphone in India at a starting price of Rs 64,999. However, it is currently available on Amazon for Rs 58,999. This means, that without applying any offer, it is already Rs 6000 cheaper than its original price on Amazon. Apart from this, you can also take advantage of a bank offer that promises a discount of Rs 7000 if you buy the smartphone using ICICI and RBL credit card. Both offers combined and the OnePlus 12 can be yours for Rs 51,999. But wait, there's more!

Amazon has also offered an exchange offer on the OnePlus 13, which promises a discount of up to Rs 48,100. So, if you can trade in your old smartphone with the new OnePlus 12, it will cost under Rs 50,000.

Now, let's take a look at OnePlus 12's specifications.

OnePlus 12 specifications

The OnePlus 12 has a 6.82-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, 10-bit colour, and Dolby Vision support. It runs on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and features Android 14-based OxygenOS 14, but can be upgraded to Android 15-bases OxygenOS 15. It packs a triple camera setup, which consists of a 50-megapixel primary camera, a 50-megapixel ultrawide lens, and a 64-megapixel telephoto lens. Lastly, it is backed by a 5400mAh battery that supports 100-watt fast charging.

In today’s digital age, online advertisements are often seen as a way to discover new opportunities. But sometimes, these ads can turn out to be traps for unsuspecting individuals. A 65-year-old retired IAF from Bengaluru recently found himself caught in such a scam, losing Rs 76.5 lakh. His story is a painful reminder of how easy it is to fall victim to online fraud.

Jacob (name changed), a former group captain of IAF, came across a Facebook ad promoting high returns on stock market investments under the name ‘Religare Broking Limited.’ The ad promised easy profits through a scheme that didn’t require any actual investment.  

Intrigued, Jacob contacted the mobile number listed in the ad, which led him down a path of deceit. The fraudsters convinced Jacob to download an app called 'RBL High Networth,' where he shared his personal and banking details. He was soon added to a WhatsApp group named ‘RBL Securities,’ where there were many members, reports TOI.

Also read: Kerala man loses Rs 4.05 cr after being tricked into installing a fake investment app

The group was filled with messages and screenshots of successful investments, making Jacob believe that the entire setup was genuine. Encouraged by the positive stories, Jacob started transferring money into various accounts provided by the fraudsters.

The scammers even created fake apps mimicking those of well-known companies and falsely assured him they were registered with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). Each time Jacob transferred money, the app showed profits, making him think his investments were growing.

Between September 5 and October 19, Jacob sent Rs 76.5 lakh in multiple transactions. However, when he tried to withdraw his money, the scammers started demanding more, citing additional charges like taxes and processing fees. When Jacob refused to pay, they cut all communication. Realising he had been scammed, he approached the police.

Also read: Mangaluru man loses over Rs 16 lakh after being added to a WhatsApp group: Here’s what happened

How to protect yourself from such scams

• Verify the source: Always double-check the legitimacy of ads, especially those that promise high returns. Look for official websites or trusted platforms before making any investments.
• Don’t share personal details: Be cautious when sharing personal information, including banking details, with unknown entities.
• Look for red flags: If an offer seems too good to be true, it likely is. Avoid deals that pressure you into quick decisions or transferring money urgently.
• Report suspicious activity: If you encounter a suspicious ad or have been targeted by scammers, report it to authorities immediately to prevent further damage.

Microsoft has revealed a new feature that will assist users who are annoyed by the restrictions on file sharing between iOS and non-Apple devices in creating a smooth data-sharing experience between their iPhones and Windows devices.

The new feature, which is presently available in the beta version of the Phone Link app, will help users simplify the file-sharing process for iPhone users who also use Windows PCs. Historically, this has been challenging because of compatibility issues.

For those who are unfamiliar, Phone Link is a Microsoft app that enables users to connect their iOS or Android devices to their Windows computers. This makes it simple to view notifications, take calls, and now share files.

According to the blog post, the new feature will allow Windows users to select their iPhone as an option when sharing the file. On your iPhone, the Link to Windows application can be seen as a sharing extension.

Here’s how to transfer a file to your PC from your iPhone (with the new feature):

On your iPhone, select the file or collection of files you wish to share.
Press the "share" icon.
Select "Link to Windows."
To share your files or files, tap the device you want to share them with.

To send a file to your iPhone from your PC, follow these steps:

Choose the file or files (local files only) that you wish to share on your computer.
To share the file, right-click on it and choose "Share."
Choose "My Phone."

However, not every user has access to the feature. It is restricted to Windows Insider Program members and requires iPhones running iOS 16 or later, as well as the Link to Windows app version 1.24112.73 or later. Millions of users will eventually have access to the feature since it will be available to Windows 10 and Windows 11 users, the blog post added.

Australia’s government recently announced plans for new rules that could cost companies like Meta (owner of Facebook and Instagram), Google, and TikTok millions of dollars if they fail to compensate Australian media outlets for news content.

Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services, Stephen Jones, outlined the proposal during a press conference. “The news bargaining initiative will ... create a financial incentive for agreement-making between digital platforms and news media businesses in Australia,” Jones said.

The rules would apply to social media platforms and search engines with annual revenue in Australia exceeding $250 million, reports Reuters. Companies can reduce these charges by voluntarily entering into commercial agreements with news publishers.

Also read: Social media ban coming for Australians under 16, check details

Not surprisingly, tech firms are unhappy with the plan. A Meta spokesperson said, “The proposal fails to account for the realities of how our platforms work, specifically that most people don't come to our platforms for news content and that news publishers voluntarily choose to post content on our platforms because they receive value from doing so.”

Meta has already reduced its focus on news globally, citing a shift in user interests. It discontinued the News tab in several countries, including the UK, France, and Germany, and plans to stop similar features in Australia and the US.

This move is the latest in a series of measures aimed at holding tech giants accountable in Australia. Last month, the country became the first to ban social media use for children under 16. Canberra is also planning hefty fines for platforms that fail to prevent online scams.

The current proposal builds on earlier legislation passed in 2021 that required platforms to compensate news publishers for content. At the time, Meta briefly blocked users from sharing news links but later struck deals with Australian media, including News Corp and ABC. However, these agreements will not be renewed beyond 2024.

Also read: Meta launches 'trial reels' feature for Instagram: What is it and how to use it

News Corp Australia’s Executive Chairman, Michael Miller, welcomed the new rules, saying, “I believe news publishers and the tech platforms should have relationships that benefit both parties on commercial and broader terms.” Miller added that he would approach Meta and TikTok to discuss potential deals.

Google has already introduced the Pixel 9 series, and it is likely that the tech giant will release the affordable version in the global market soon. The smartphone has been the subject of numerous leaks, with details and renders circulating online. The potential specifications, colors, and price of the Pixel 9a have surfaced online.

For the unversed, the Pixel 9a will be the successor to the Pixel 8a and is expected to see some massive performance, design, and camera enhancements. Here’s everything we know about the smartphone so far.

Google Pixel 9a specifications (expected)

According to the reports, the Google Pixel 9a may come with a 6.285-inch Actua panel and a 120hz refresh rate. It may get 2,700 nits peak brightness along with Gorilla Glass 3 protection. Under the hood, the Pixel 9a is said to draw its power from the Tensor G4 chipset and Titan M2 chip. It may come coupled with 8GB LPDDR5X RAM and up to 256GB UFS 3.1 storage. It may come back with the massive 5,100mAh battery with 23W wired and 7.5W wireless charging.

Speaking of the camera, the smartphone may come with a 48MP GN8 Quad Dual Pixel primary shooter and a Sony IMX712 ultra-wide camera. For selfies, the smartphone may come with a 13MP front camera.

Pixel 9a colours

The Pixel 9a is expected to launch in Obsidian, Porcelain, Iris, and Peony shades, the same which Pixel 9 gets.

Pixel 9a price (expectations)

The Pixel 9a price could be similar to the Pixel 8a launch price which means it will have a price tag of $499 in the US. In India, it could be priced at around Rs 52,999. Do note that the company has not confirmed the launch date, pricing, or specifications at the time of writing this article, and the above updates are based on leaks.

Vivo has launched its flagship Vivo X200 series in India. The lineup includes two smartphones: Vivo X200 and Vivo X200 Pro. Both smartphones feature top-of-the-line cameras and promise good performance. Both the Vivo X200 and X200 Pro are powered by Mediatek’s latest flagship Dimensity 9400 chipset. Furthermore, both smartphones feature a triple camera setup with the X200 Pro having the first 200-megapixel periscope telephoto on a smartphone. Let's take a look at their full specifications and pricing in India.

Vivo X200 Pro specifications

Vivo X200 Pro features a glass front and glass back with an aluminum frame. It offers an IP69 rating for dust and water protection. On the display front, it features a 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display with up to 120Hz refresh rate. You even get HDR10+ and Dolby Vision support with 4500 nits of peak brightness.

For cameras, we get a Zeiss-tuned triple camera setup with a 50-megapixel main camera. 200-megapixel periscope telephoto sensor, and a 50-megapixel ultrawide lens. It also has a 32-megapixel selfie shooter in the front.

Coming to their batteries, the X200 Pro is packed with a 6000mAh battery with 90-watt fast charging support and 30-watt wireless charging support.

Vivo X200 specifications

Vivo X200 is slightly smaller in size compared to its elder brother. On the design front, it also has a glass front and glass back with an aluminum frame. It offers an IP69 rating for dust and water protection. For display, we get a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with up to 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support, and a peak brightness of 4500 nits.

On the camera front, it also has a Zeiss-tuned triple camera setup with a 50-megapixel main camera, a 50-megapixel periscope telephoto sensor, and a 50-megapixel ultra-wide lens. It also has a 32-megapixel selfie shooter in the front.

On this phone, you get a 5800mAh battery with 90-watt fast charging support.

Both of these phones run on Android 15-based Funtouch OS 15 and offer 4 years of Android updates. Likewise, both of them are powered by the Dimensity 9400 chipset.

Vivo X200 series pricing

The vanilla Vivo X200 has been launched in India at a starting price of Rs 65,999. On the other hand, the Pro models arrived at a price of Rs 94,999. Both smartphones will be available on Amazon from December 19.

Over 20 price comparison websites across Europe have called on regulators to take action against Google over its proposed changes to search results, saying the tech giant still isn't complying with European Union (EU) regulations. For over a year, Google has been in talks with comparison sites, airlines, hotels, retailers, and restaurants to find ways to comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The law prohibits Google from prioritising its own products over competitors.

Last month, Google introduced a new proposal that includes expanded search result units, designed to give users more choices between comparison sites and supplier websites. Google also hinted at the possibility of reintroducing the old "ten blue links" search format from years ago if an agreement can’t be reached with its rivals. This test format is already being trialed in Germany, Belgium, and Estonia.

Also read: Google wants US govt to break Microsoft and OpenAI partnership, here’s why

However, the price comparison websites—such as Germany's Idealo, France's Le Guide, PriceRunner, Kelkoo, and others—say Google’s proposal still falls short of the DMA’s rules. In an open letter, they accused Google of ignoring their feedback and continuing to push the same non-compliant solution, reports Reuters. They stated, “Google has simply, repeatedly, ignored this feedback, and instead continued to iterate on the same non-compliant solution for months.”

The websites argue that after over 100 meetings with Google, the company's lack of meaningful changes suggests that Google is deliberately ignoring the DMA’s requirements. “If Google has not taken feedback into account after more than 100 events, it can only mean one thing: Google is wilfully not complying with the DMA,” the letter reads.

In response, Google referred to a blog post from November 26, highlighting the numerous changes it had made to comply with the DMA and find a resolution. However, the websites are calling on the European Commission to take stronger action. They urged the Commission to continue its proceedings against Google and impose fines to ensure compliance.

Google has officially announced the Gemini 2.0, which follows the release of the Gemini 1.5 over ten months ago. The Gemini 2.0 is expected to be available in several variants, including the Gemini 2 Flash and Gemini 2.0 Pro. The company announced the Gemini 2.0 Flash model. However, it will remain available in the experimental preview, but with improved multimodal capabilities focused on images, video, audio, and code. According to Google, the new Gemini 2.0 can understand and interact with the world in more complex and dynamic ways.

When Google introduced the Gemini 1.0, it included AI Agents, which are essentially chatbots that can converse. Under Gemini Advanced, the tech giant is now promising to devote more resources to developing more powerful AI agents capable of learning more context, planning ahead of time, and acting on behalf of users. The platform is intended to serve both developers and testers. The new model will enhance the Agents' capabilities by allowing users to combine text, images, and audio.

Deep Research is also a key component of the Gemini 2.0, utilizing long-context and advanced reasoning. The application can investigate more subjects and generate a report for users to aid in quicker and more intelligent decision-making.

Furthermore, Google has enhanced Search with strong reasoning capabilities. Complex, multi-step problems, such as multimodal queries and sophisticated mathematical equations, can be solved by users directly in Search.

If you want to try Gemini 2.0 Flash, you will have to opt for the Gemini Advanced subscription. It can also be used in the Gemini API or the Google Gemini AI Studio. With this, Gemini 2.0 is expected to compete with the OpenAI o1 reasoning models. However, it is expected to exit the preview next year.

With the rollout of iOS 18.2, Apple has introduced more Apple Intelligence features for compatible iPhones. This time we get Apple’s Visual Intelligence feature. By pointing your iPhone at a particular object, users can find out more information about it. For this, users can even use the Camera Control button to simply get insights into places, objects, and text with a simple click and hold. Here's how you can use this feature on your iPhone.

How to get Visual Intelligence on your iPhones

To do this, you need two things - an iPhone 16 model (because you only get the camera control button in those) and you need to update it to iOS 18.2. How to do that? Let me tell you step by step:

Step 1: Go to Settings.
Step 2: Search 'Software Update'
Step 3: You will find an update there, download and install it on your iPhone.

Now when you have updated your iPhone to iOS 18.2, you just have to click and hold the camera control button to access Visual Intelligence.

If you are still confused about the use of this feature, here are some scenarios where you can use it.

Find out about businesses or locations

If you are curious to know about a business or a location, simply point the iPhone camera at the shop, hoarding, etc, and press the Camera Control button. The Visual Intelligence feature will then tell you everything, ranging from operating hours and reviews to menus and reservations, Visual Intelligence provides instant access to relevant details. In the U.S., you can even order delivery directly or make a reservation through the app.

Analyse Text

Further, Visual Intelligence can analyze text in your surroundings for translation, summarisation, or even reading aloud. To do this, just aim your camera at the text, hold Camera Control, and choose from options like "Summarise" or "Translate". It also recognises contact details, enabling quick calls, emails, or website visits. This is particularly useful if you’re traveling abroad.

Ask ChatGPT

Visual Integration also features ChatGPT for object identification and queries. Just focus your camera, hold Camera Control, and tap "Ask" to type or dictate a question. ChatGPT will then solve your query in real-time.

Google Image Search

With Visual Intelligence, you can even identify objects and search for similar items on Google. To do this, simply point the camera at the object you want to search, hold the Camera Control button, tap "Search," and browse results for more details.

For a while now, there have been several leaks and rumours about the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, which is expected to launch in January 2025. This new flagship is expected to raise the bar for Samsung's Galaxy S-series, building on the success of the Galaxy S24 Ultra, which was unveiled earlier this year. With rumours swirling about its design, specifications, and price, here’s everything we know so far about the Galaxy S25 Ultra and how it might compare to its predecessor, the Galaxy S24 Ultra.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra launch date

As with previous Galaxy S-series launches, Samsung is likely to stick to its usual schedule. The Galaxy S25 Ultra is expected to debut in January 2025, making it the first flagship device of the year. This timeline aligns with Samsung’s tradition of launching its premium smartphones at the beginning of each calendar year.

Also read: Samsung Galaxy S25+ leaks: Price, design, display, camera, battery and other details

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra price in India (expected)

Although Samsung has not officially revealed the price, industry insiders suggest that the Galaxy S25 Ultra could have a similar starting price to the Galaxy S24 Ultra, which was priced at Rs 1,29,999 in India. However, if the rumoured upgrades are true, we might see a small price hike. While the price may go up slightly, the S25 Ultra is expected to remain competitive in the high-end smartphone market.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra design changes (expected)

One of the most exciting design changes expected in the Galaxy S25 Ultra is its lighter and thinner build. The device is rumoured to be around 14 grams lighter than the S24 Ultra, thanks to a refined metallic frame and slightly narrower bezels. The overall design might still feature a large 6.8-inch display, but with a more boxy shape, giving it a modern and sleek look.

Also read: Samsung Galaxy S25 series: Here are all the latest leaks and rumours

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra specifications (expected)

The Galaxy S25 Ultra is expected to come packed with Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Elite processor. As mentioned earlier, the display size will likely remain the same at 6.8 inches. Furthermore, the S25 Ultra can get some camera upgrades. It is expected to feature a 50MP ultra-wide-angle sensor, replacing the 12MP lens seen in its predecessor. However, the Ultra’s 200MP primary sensor and telephoto lenses are likely to remain unchanged.

It’s important to note that all the details of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra are based on leaks and rumours. So, I suggest you to take them with a pinch of salt.

If reports are to be believed, Google has asked the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to step up and check Microsoft’s exclusive agreement that will allow it to host OpenAI's technology on its cloud servers. For those unaware, Microsoft and OpenAI have a strategic partnership. Within the partnership, Microsoft provides cloud computing resources and funding, while OpenAI offers advanced AI models and intellectual property. Further, OpenAI is the leading AI company of the time hence the concerns.

FTC has already been investigating Microsoft's business model and practices. Google’s request has come after concerns were raised during the ongoing investigation. If the commission agrees to act on Google’s appeal, Microsoft and OpenAI will have to alter their agreement. This will allow competitor companies such as Google and Amazon to host OpenAI’s AI models.

Right now when users buy OpenAI’s tech through Microsoft, they may have to incur additional charges. This particularly happens when they are not using Microsoft’s cloud services already. Further, even OpenAI has previously expressed frustrations with Microsoft’s pace in meeting its growing demands for cloud infrastructure. This also includes faster server supplies to support its evolving AI projects.

OpenAI in itself hasn’t been in the best space and is facing financial issues. If reports are to be believed, the company is potentially facing bankruptcy with projected losses of $5 billion in the next year.

The company recently secured $6.6 billion in funding from investors, including Microsoft and NVIDIA, boosting its market cap to over $157 billion. OpenAI plans to use these funds to acquire more data centers and AI chips, potentially reducing its reliance on Microsoft.

Let’s see how the commission acts on Google’s concerns and if it asks to amend the partnership, how will Microsoft react to this. But what this clearly indicates is that the AI race is getting more and more fierce.

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Apple launched the iPhone 16 series in September with four models - the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. The iPhone 16 Pro was launched at a starting price of Rs 1,19,900. This is the 128GB variant, which is now available at a very low price of Rs 80,500. How did that happen? Well, Flipkart is offering some really good discounts. So, if you are looking for a brand-new high-end iPhone, this could be the right time. Note that, to take advantage of this deal, you will have to have a smartphone in good condition that you can trade. If you don't have it, please close this tab but if you do, read along.

iPhone 16 Pro discount

As I mentioned above, the iPhone 16 Pro is available on Flipkart for Rs 1,19,900. Now, Flipkart has offered an exchange discount on this smartphone of over Rs 38,150. Now, if your current phone is in good condition and you manage to get the full discount by trading it, the iPhone 16 Pro will only cost you Rs 81,750. Along with that, there are some bank offers also that you can use:

• Up to ₹1,000 on HDFC Bank Credit Card EMI for 12 months.
• Up to ₹1500 on HDFC Bank Pixel Credit Card EMI for 12 months.
• Up to ₹1,250 on Federal Bank Credit Card EMI Transactions.

Now, with the exchange offer and the Rs 1500 bank discount combined, you can buy the iPhone 16 Pro at just Rs 80,250.

Now, let's take a look at the specifications of the iPhone 16 Pro.

iPhone 16 Pro specifications

The iPhone 16 pro has a 6.3-inch LTPO OLED display, which comes with HDR10, Dolby Vision, and up to 120Hz refresh rate support. It is powered by Apple’s A18 Pro chip, coupled with 8GB RAM and up to 1TB storage. It operates on iOS 18 and also features Apple Intelligence. On the camera front, it is equipped with a 48MP main camera, a 12MP periscope lens, and a 48MP ultrawide lens. Lastly, a 3582mAh battery with 25-watt fast charging support powers the iPhone 16 Pro.

Apple has announced the winners of the 2024 App Store Awards, honoring 17 apps and games that stood out for their creativity, design, and impact on users' lives. These apps, ranging from solo-developed projects to those by large teams, showcase how innovation can make everyday experiences better and more meaningful.

Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, expressed his admiration for this year’s winners, saying, ““We are thrilled to honor this impressive group of developers who are harnessing the power of Apple devices and technology to deliver experiences that enrich the lives of users and have a profound impact on their communities." “The remarkable achievements of this year’s winners demonstrate the incredible ingenuity that can be unlocked through apps.”

The winners were chosen by Apple’s App Store Editors from 45 finalists, emphasising top-notch user experiences and breakthrough innovation.

Also read: Tim Cook plans to increase investment in China, what it means for Apple’s Make In India ambitions?

Here’s the full list of the 2024 App Store Award winners:

2024 App Store Award Winners

Apps

• iPhone App of the Year: Kino by Lux Optics
• iPad App of the Year: Moises by Moises Systems
• Apple Watch App of the Year: Lumy by Raja V
• Mac App of the Year: Adobe Lightroom
• Apple Vision Pro App of the Year: What If…? An Immersive Story by Disney
• Apple TV App of the Year: F1 TV by Formula One Digital Media Limited

Games

• iPhone Game of the Year: AFK Journey by Farlight Games
• iPad Game of the Year: Squad Busters by Supercell
• Mac Game of the Year: Thank Goodness You’re Here! by Panic
• Apple Arcade Game of the Year: Balatro+ by Playstack Ltd

Cultural Impact Winners

• Apple also celebrated six apps for their significant cultural contributions:
• Oko by AYES BV
• EF Hello by Signum International AG
• DailyArt by Zuzanna Stanska
• NYT Games by The New York Times Company
• The Wreck by The Pixel Hunt

ChatGPT, the popular AI chatbot, is currently experiencing a global outage. Users from around the world are reporting issues accessing the service, with many turning to social media to express their frustration.

At the time of this writing, Downdetector, an online outage tracker, has received over 25,430 reports of ChatGPT issues. A significant majority (87 percent) of these reports concern general service disruptions, while 8 percent and 5 percent pertain to website access and login problems, respectively.

OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, has acknowledged the outage on X (formerly Twitter). In a recent post, the company stated, "We're experiencing an outage right now. We have identified the issue and are working to roll out a fix.” “Sorry and we'll keep you updated!”

Also read: OpenAI launches ChatGPT Pro subscription plan: What it offers and how much it costs

This isn't the first time ChatGPT has faced downtime, but the scale of this outage seems to be more widespread.

As users continue to wait for the service to be restored, it's a reminder of the increasing reliance on AI tools in our daily lives. Outages like these highlight the potential disruptions that can occur when such services become essential.

Also read: OpenAI launches GPT-4o AI model that’s free for all ChatGPT users: What’s new

How users reacted to the outage

• chatgpt this is the actual worst time you could have chosen to be down
• everyone going to Twitter to check if ChatGPT is down
• i got an essay due and chatgpt is down
• chatgpt is down like b***h i was using that for my finals rn fml
• #ChatGPT is down. Looks like everyone will have to finish their assignments the old fashioned way.
• chatgpt down and i have a final tmr
• ChatGPT deciding to be down during finals week
• When you're working on a tight deadline, and #ChatGPT is down ...  What's going on @OpenAI huh?
• ChatGPT went down when I finally started studying for my exam

Also read: Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram Down: Meta blames technical issue as thousands of users are facing disruptions in using apps

Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp Down: Meta services such as Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram are experiencing disruptions. Thousands of users are experiencing disruptions while using the platform. Users are unable to use any of the Meta apps worldwide. The users are unable to send messages, refresh their feeds and post content. 

UPDATE: Meta has responded to the Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram outage. In a statement, the social media giant has stated that, "We’re aware that a technical issue is impacting some users’ ability to access our apps. We’re working to get things back to normal as quickly as possible and apologize for any inconvenience."

WhatsApp Down: According to Downdetector, over 20,000 users have reported issues with sending and receiving messages. In addition, more than 12,000 users in the United States have reported the issue. However, it seems that WhatsApp is not down for all the users as we are able to use it. 

READ: Apple rolls out iOS 18.2 update with new Apple Intelligence features: Check list here

Facebook Down: Facebook users are unable to refresh their newsfeeds. Some users are also having problems using the Messenger app. According to Downdetector, over 7,000 users have reported the problem to the real-time outage monitoring platform.  

Instagram Down: The popular photo-sharing platform is also experiencing disruptions. The users are unable to refresh their feeds, send messages, or upload posts. Some users have also expressed concerns about the login. According to Downdetector, the problem has been reported by over 35,000 Indian users.  

Meanwhile, social media platform X has become a meme posting platform with people finding humour in the situation. WhatsApp Down, Instagram Down and Facebook Down is currently trending on Elon Musk-owned microblogging platform. The users are brutally trolling the platform with memes, videos and opinions. Meta down and Mark Zuckerberg is also trending on X. 

Here are some of the best memes online.

iOS 18.2 Release Date Today: Apple has officially introduced the iOS 18.2 update for eligible iPhones with the promise of enhancing the user experience, creativity, and productivity. As promised, the iOS 18.2 update brings more Apple Intelligence features including the Image Playground, Genmoji, Image Wand, and Camera Controls along with a few writing tools. Here are all the features and details of availability that you should know.

Image Playground:

iOS 18.2 update has added Image Playground and now the users will be able to create personalized, fun, and imaginative images just by providing text descriptions. It can also make animations, illustrations, costumes, themes, and much more. It comes integrated with the Messages application Freeform and Keynote.

Genmoji

Just like Image Playground, Genmoji will allow the users to generate custom emojis based on the text prompts. It can include the Genmojis inspired by friends or family members. After making the Genmojis, the users can share them in messages as stickers or reactions.

Image Wand

Another anticipated feature for the users who like to do creative work on their devices. The new feature allows users to create dynamic visuals for the Notes application. Be it transforming a simple sketch into a beautiful image or adding context to handwritten or typed notes, it can help you with ease. The users can circle a sketch or empty space and generate images that complement the note.

ChatGPT Integration

The iOS 18.2 also adds the much anticipated ChatGPT integration across Siri and Writing tools, allowing users to access AI-powered assistance directly from the devices. The users can ask ChatGPT via Siri for certain tasks or use it to generate content within writing tools. It will make tasks faster and more efficient.

Writing Tools

The new update brings Describe Your Change within the Writing Tools, allowing users to make specific changes to their text. The new feature provides more control over writing style. It includes Rewrite, Proofread, and Summarise options.

Camera Control

The iPhone 16 series users can now access Camera Controls. The users can now get more information by simply pointing the camera towards objects, places, and even text. The feature allows users to detect phone numbers and email addresses, translate text, and search Google for product availability. Additionally, Camera Control integrates with ChatGPT for better problem-solving.

Additionally, iOS 18.2 adds localized English support for a number of new regions, including the UK, Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, and South Africa.

Reliance Jio Recharge Plans: Popular telecom operator Jio has introduced a New Year Welcome plan for existing and new users. The customers will get a variety of benefits for Rs 2025 including 5G data, SMS, unlimited calls, and more. It will also offer a variety of partner coupons which are worth Rs 2,150 in value. Here is everything you need to know about the Reliance Jio New Year Welcome Plan.

Customers who choose the Jio New Year Welcome Plan will receive 500 GB of 4G data, with a daily cap of 2.5 GB for 200 days, as well as unlimited 5G access, voice calls, and SMS. If you are a Jio user who prefers monthly recharge of Rs 349, you can save Rs 468 over the span of a 200-day validity, claims Reliance Jio.

READ: Jio prepaid recharge plans for 2025: Best offers, data, validity, prices and other details

Here are all the benefits in detail:

Unlimited Voice, SMS, and 5G: Customers get uninterrupted 5G service in addition to limitless SMS and voice calls.

500 GB of 4G Data: With 2.5 GB of 4G data per day, the plan offers enough data for streaming, browsing, and other uses.

Partner Coupons Worth Rs. 2150: A number of partner offers are included with the plan, including:

Rs 500 AJIO Coupon: Redeemable on a minimum purchase of Rs 2500, available via the URL https://bit.ly/3TrMkzM.

Rs 150 off on Swiggy: Available with a minimum purchase of Rs 499.

Rs 1500 off on Flight Bookings: Discount on bookings through the EaseMyTrip mobile app or website.

Reliance Jio New Year Welcome Plan Availability:

If you are interested in the Reliance Jio New Year Welcome plan, you can recharge your phone number between December 11, 2024 and January 11, 2025.

Samsung, Google, and all the other leading smartphone brands have stepped into the foldable race. Apple has been silent on the same, but we all know it believes in slow and steady. Just like with AI, or Apple Intelligence. But there has been some progress in that regard. The California-based tech giant has been granted a patent for a cutting-edge hinge mechanism. This hints at the fact that Apple might bring out a foldable device soon.

The patent has been published on the US Patent and Trademark Office (USTPO) website. From the listing, we can see a sophisticated hinge design that could be used across various devices, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops. What will be the first foldable product with the Apple logo, is yet to be known.

The hinge mechanism described in the patent features multiple interlocking links that rotate relative to each other. This enables the device to fold and unfold seamlessly. It also uses a friction clutch with interlocked 'fingers' and crescent-shaped slots to control rotation. This can be used to prevent overextension. Additionally, rotational synchronisation gears are also shown in the patent that can allow precise control during the folding process.

In addition to this, there’s a unique ‘counterbalance mechanism’ which comprises a spring, pad, and roller. This can help manage the torque during folding and unfolding. The hinge also includes curved surfaces to help with wear and tear.

Further, the patent reveals that Apple’s future foldable devices can also include a concealed camera when the device is folded. There can also be a two-dimensional array of haptic devices for enhanced feedback. And lastly, we can get to see audio playback through speakers embedded at the corners of the flexible display.

We can still expect Apple to take some years to launch a foldable device as they have just filed a patent.

Back in the day, when the only phones we had were the keyboard phones that were hand-me-downs from our parents, the Snake game was the most important thing on it. We used to spend so much time playing that fuss-free game. And Nothing is bringing back that nostalgia. The smartphone maker has developed a new home screen widget that reminds us of the iconic snake game.

The home screen widget has been developed in collaboration with community members Rahul Janardhanan and Thomas Legendre. It is now available for Nothing smartphone users in India through the Nothing Community Widgets app on the Google Play Store. Here’s how you can access it:
How to access the Snake game on Nothing phones:

The snake game widget is compatible with the Nothing Phone (1), Phone (2), and the Phone 2a series.

You simply have to download the Nothing Community widgets app. Here you will find the Snake game widget that you can add to the home screen. If you don’t find the widget in the home screen widgets section, try updating the Nothing Launcher app from the Play Store and it should resolve the issue.

How to play the Snake game on Nothing phones?

I don’t think there’s even a need for me to explain it, but duty calls. To play the game, tap the widget box on the home screen to begin. The snake’s movements can be controlled by touch inputs or swipe gestures in the desired direction—up, down, left, or right.

As you must be aware, the game ends when the snake collides with an obstacle, and you can view your scores. Additionally, you can even pause the game with a tap and check the high score with a double tap.

After Google’s Veo, OpenAI has finally introduced the text-to-realistic video-creating platform Sora. Taking to the blog post, the San Francisco-based startup stated that it has taken valuable feedback from Indian artists, filmmakers, and creatives. For the unversed, OpenAI now allows users to create realistic videos based on the text prompts. The platform is now available in India and other parts of the world. It is worth mentioning that Sora is only available for users who have ChatGPT Plus subscriptions at no extra cost.

As per the latest blog post, after the initial research preview earlier this year, OpenAI has been working with artists, including those in India to make the user experience even better. "India has a world-renowned community of creatives, artists, and filmmakers, and we’re excited to see the innovative ways they will use Sora," an OpenAI spokesperson said.

If you have not accessed OpenAI Sora yet, you can create videos with a duration of up to 20 seconds in length. It can be up to 1080p and the users can download them within various aspect ratios, including widescreen, vertical, and square formats.

The OpenAI Sora allows users to get up to 50 videos at 480p resolution or less if they need a 720p video with higher-tier Pro plans offering more usage and enhanced video quality. However, these are the initial allowances and OpenAI will be introducing the specific prices for Sora, depending on the user needs early next year.

"You can generate up to 50 videos at 480p resolution or fewer videos at 720p each month. For those who want more Sora, the Pro plan includes 10x more usage, higher resolutions, and longer durations. We're working on tailored pricing for different types of users, which we plan to make available early next year," OpenAI said in a blog.

OpenAI has also integrated the safeguards into Sora, blocking the platform from making deepfakes and child sexual abuse materials. The platform also offers watermarks for video transparency and tools to verify content origins.

"We are blocking particularly damaging forms of abuse, such as child sexual abuse materials and sexual deepfakes. Uploads of people will be limited at launch, but we intend to roll the feature out to more users as we refine our deepfake mitigations," the blog added.

If you have been planning to buy the new iPhone 16 Pro and haven’t yet, then now is the time. The smartphone offers great performance with exceptional cameras and is also ready for Apple Intelligence. The iPhone 16 Pro 256GB variant is now available at the price of the 128GB variant on Amazon. It will just take a few easy ways to bring down the price, get the best deal, and save some money. This way you can grab the iPhone 16 Pro 256GB variant at Rs 1,21,030.

With this deal, you can save around Rs 8,000 on the 256GB variant of iPhone 16. For this, you have to head to Amazon. The iPhone 16 Pro 256GB is listed on Amazon at Rs 1,29,900. If you are an ICICI Pay credit card user, then you can get an instant discount of Rs 2,500. This will lower down the price to Rs 1,27,400.

Add to this, if you're an Amazon Prime user and will pay the full amount upfront (not opting for EMI), then you will be able to get a 5% cashback. This means that you will get another discount of Rs 6,370, which will bring down the net effective price to Rs 1,21,030. And this is just Rs 1,000 more expensive than the 128GB variant of the same phone.

The ICICI Pay credit card offer is valid right now, but we don’t know till when it will be valid. So grab it as soon as you can. Even if the card offer goes down, you can still avail the 5% cashback for Prime members. So make the most of it.

iPhone 16 Pro specifications

The iPhone 16 pro comes with a 6.3-inch LTPO OLED display that supports HDR10, Dolby Vision, and up to 120Hz refresh rate. It runs on Apple's A18 Pro chip, which is paired with 8GB RAM and up to 1TB storage. The smartphone runs on iOS 18 and also features Apple Intelligence. For photography, it houses a 48MP main camera, a 12MP periscope lens, and a 48MP ultrawide lens. Lastly, the iPhone 16 Pro is packed with a 3582mAh battery with 25-watt fast charging support.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has finally implemented the Message Traceability regulations in India after a significant delay. These new rules aim to help users get a reduced number of spam messages and calls. However, these regulations were earlier bound to be implemented on November 1 but faced delays due to requests from telecom operators for further operations.

As the name suggests, the new regulations will help the authorities trace the sender of any commercial message, curbing the fraudulent messages from reaching the receiver's phone. For instance, if a message is sent by a scammer, it will be blocked from being delivered, reducing the risk of getting duped. The regulations clearly state that telecom companies must know the complete path of every message from origin to delivery.

What will happen now?

Undefined or mismatched telemarketing calls that are not part of the pre-defined chain will be rejected. To put it another way, users will not receive any messages whose origin cannot be traced. Since it will now be easier to track down the scammers, this will assist the authorities in limiting OTP message fraud.

TRAI, previously, implemented rules to stop unmeaningful communication. In simpler terms, messages from unverified sources containing suspicious links will be blocked. It is clear that the authorities want to control the rising number of cybercrimes and frauds happening to users. The reports suggest that there has been a massive 3,000 percent increase in such cases.

Another thing which is worth mentioning is about banking and Aadhar OTP delays. TRAI has clearly stated that the users will not face any OTP delays, specifically when they are making any bank payments or Aadhar related updates. The authority clarified that it was a misunderstanding.

In order to continue the telemarketing messages, over 27,000 companies had registered with the telecom operators to comply with the new rules.