Tech Bites

The Agni series from Lava brings the brand's philosophy of providing best-in-class features and specifications at an affordable price tag into reality. The series has been known for delivering good performance and segment-leading features, targeting tech enthusiasts and value-conscious customers. Taking this legacy forward, the brand is planning to bring the next generation of Agni smartphones in India on October 04, the Lava Agni 3. The latest smartphone in the Agni series is said to bring a plethora of interesting features and specifications for customers. The brand has already teased some of the upcoming device's features, including its design and cameras. That said, Sumit Singh, Product Head, Lava International, has confirmed some key features and specifications of the device ahead of its official launch during an exclusive interaction with Gadgets360. Here's everything you need to know. Lava Agni 3 to be Priced under Rs 30,000 Singh has confirmed that the upcoming La

SpaceX 's Crew-9 mission successfully reached the International Space Station ( ISS ) on September 29, 2024. The NASA astronaut Colonel Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov boarded the Crew Dragon capsule, named Freedom. After launching from Florida's Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on September 28th, the crew completed a one-day orbital journey before docking at 5:30 PM EDT (3:00 AM IST). Hague is the first active U.S. Space Force member to reach space, further highlighting the significance of this mission. First Human Spaceflight from Space Launch Complex-40 Crew-9's launch marked a historic moment as it was the first human spaceflight to lift off from Space Launch Complex-40 (SLC-40). Nick Hague and Aleksandr Gorbunov's arrival brings the total number of astronauts aboard the ISS to eleven. However, this mission is also distinctive due to NASA's decision to reduce Crew-9's original four-person roster. Instead, the mission was modified to c

The NASA  Hubble Space Telescope has delivered an incredible new image of the spiral galaxy IC 1954, located approximately 45 million light years from Earth in the Horologium constellation, also known as The Clock. Seen at a diagonal tilt, IC 1954's bright core and sweeping spiral arms give it the appearance of a cosmic pendulum. This galaxy is filled with star-forming regions, visible as glowing pink patches in the image, offering a deeper insight into the formation of stars within galaxies. Combined data from three advanced telescopes The new observations of IC 1954 significantly improve upon earlier images. The inclusion of H-alpha data, highlighted by red regions in the image, marks the areas where hydrogen is abundant and stars are actively forming. These glowing areas, spread across the galaxy's disc, were explained by the European Space Agency (ESA) in a statement . They mentioned that some astronomers suggest the bright ‘bar' across the galaxy could be an energet

The northern sea robin (Prionotus carolinus) is an intriguing marine species known for its remarkable adaptations. Unlike most fish, this species employs its six leg-like appendages to navigate the ocean floor. This ability allows it not only to move but also to explore the sea bed in search of food. While this capability was long known in the scientific community, another strange use case of its leg was recently discovered. Sensory Capabilities of Sea Robins Recent studies have illuminated how these legs function as sensory organs. Researchers observed that the northern sea robin is capable of detecting buried prey through chemical cues released into the water. Using its shovel-like feet, the fish can unearth hidden food sources, demonstrating a unique blend of mobility and sensory detection. Research Collaboration and Findings A collaborative research effort involving developmental biologist David Kingsley from Stanford University and molecular biologist Nicholas Bellono from Ha

The James Webb Space Telescope ( JWST ) has once again made a ground-breaking discovery— a distant galaxy that could hold the key to unlocking how the universe evolved in its earliest stages. Detected roughly one billion years after the Big Bang , this galaxy presents a fascinating glimpse into a period when stars and galaxies were just beginning to form. It is said that this dust cloud exists between fully formed galaxy where stars outweigh the gases, and whatever came before the Big Bang event. A Galaxy Like No Other One of the most intriguing aspects of this newly discovered galaxy is how its gas clouds outshine the stars. This rare phenomenon has caught the attention of astronomers, as it suggests conditions in the early universe might have been different than previously thought. Typically, stars shine brighter than surrounding gas, but in this case, the gas is so luminous that it dominates the galaxy's light profile. This odd trait might offer clues about how stars interact

Thrive Capital is investing more than $1 billion of OpenAI's current $6.5 billion fundraising round, and it has a sweetener no other investors are getting: the potential to invest another $1 billion next year at the same valuation if the AI firm hits a revenue goal, people familiar with the matter said on Friday. OpenAI is predicting its revenue will skyrocket to $11.6 billion next year from an estimated $3.7 billion in 2024, the sources said, speaking on condition of anonymity. Losses are expected to be as much as $5 billion this year, depending largely on their spending for computing power that could change, one of the sources added. The current funding round, which comes in the form of convertible debt, is expected to close by the end of next week and could value OpenAI at $150 billion, cementing its status as one of the most valuable private companies in the world. That valuation depends on pulling off a complicated restructuring to remove the control of its non-profit boar

The lead European Union privacy regulator fined social media giant Meta 91 million euros ($101.5 million) on Friday for inadvertently storing some users' passwords without protection or encryption. The inquiry was opened five years ago after Meta notified Ireland's Data Protection Commission (DPC) that it had stored some passwords in 'plaintext'. Meta publicly acknowledged the incident at the time and the DPC said the passwords were not made available to external parties. "It is widely accepted that user passwords should not be stored in plaintext, considering the risks of abuse that arise from persons accessing such data," Irish DPC Deputy Commissioner Graham Doyle said in a statement. A Meta spokesperson said the company took immediate action to fix the error after identifying it during a security review in 2019, and that there is no evidence the passwords were abused or accessed improperly. Meta engaged constructively with the DPC throughout the inqui

A federal judge narrowed a lawsuit accusing Apple of violating the privacy of iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch users by collecting their personal data through proprietary apps such as the App Store, Apple Music and Apple TV. U.S. District Judge Edward Davila in San Jose, California, dismissed nearly all claims based on the "Allow Apps to Request to Track" setting on Apple mobile devices, but let some claims proceed over the "Share [Device] Analytics" setting. Mobile device users said Apple violated their user agreements and several privacy and consumer protection laws by assuring that disabling the settings would limit its collection, storage and use of their data - only to then ignore their choices and collect, store and use that data. The lawsuit seeking unspecified damages is one of many accusing technology companies such as Apple, Alphabet's Google and Meta Platforms' Facebook of allowing the collection of user data without consent. In a 39-page decis

Love, Sitara opens with a Kerala wedding, with Sobhita Dhulipala's Tara in the middle of an unabashed introduction to her dysfunctional family. Outwardly portraying a delusionally happy picture of an ideal bunch, Tara's family has perfected the art of casually masking the truth. It is a typical toxic Indian family that runs on hypocrisy and harbours several hushed secrets, enough to tear it apart.   Tara isn't exactly leading a perfect sticking-to-the-plan life herself, though. In the second scene itself we find her panicking in a clinic after finding out that she is pregnant, appalled at the discovery that contraception works only 95 percent of the time. Flooded with emotions, she makes an impromptu marriage proposal to her chef boyfriend, Arjun (Rajeev Siddhartha), with whom she shares a turbulent romantic history – conveniently hiding the truth about her pregnancy. The couple decides to have their wedding at Tara's childhood home in Kerala the same month. Thus begin

Samsung Galaxy S24 FE was unveiled in India on Thursday. The company has announced the sale date of the handset but has yet to reveal its price in the country. The phone has a similar design to the vanilla Galaxy S24 model. It is equipped with an Exynos 2400e chipset and houses a 4,700mAh battery. It is equipped with a 50-megapixel triple rear camera unit and a 10-megapixel selfie shooter. The phone comes with support for Galaxy AI features like Circle to Search and Live Translate.  Samsung Galaxy S24 FE Availability The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE will be available for purchase in India starting October 3. The phone will come with 8GB of RAM paired with three storage options — 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB. It will be offered in Blue, Graphite, Grey, Mint, and Yellow colourways. Although the company has not yet confirmed the price of the Galaxy S24 FE in India, it is priced  at EUR 749 (roughly Rs. 62,600) and EUR 809 (roughly Rs. 67,700), for the 128GB and 256GB options respectively, in the

Amazon Great Indian Festival 2024 sale began on Thursday for Prime members, and subscribers can now take advantage of the 24-hour early access window offered by the e-commerce platform. The Great Indian Festival sale is Amazon's biggest shopping event of the year and brings discounts and deals on several products. From smartphones to laptops, and other electronics such as smart TVs, there are several deals currently available via Amazon. During Amazon's Great Indian Festival 2024 sale, we'll identify some of the top discounts on these consumer electronics devices, so that you can save time while shopping and avail of these deals while they're available. Keep refreshing this page and follow us on X for more deals, in order to maximise your savings during the ongoing Amazon Great Indian Festival sale. from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/zUS2y9b

Amazon Great Indian Festival 2024 sale has started for Prime members. The festive season special sale will open for everyone else from 12am on September 27, 2024. The massive sale event promises exciting discounts and bundled offers on a large selection of popular mobile phones, laptops, TVs, Amazon devices, and other electronics. We're scanning through hundreds of deals on Amazon to bring you the best ones that are worth your time and money. Please note that all the offers below and available only for Prime members, and prices are subject to change. Amazon Great Indian Festival 2024 sale: Best offers on mobile phones Apple iPhone 13 Older iPhone models are known to get deep discounts during festive season sales. This year, the iPhone 13 has dropped to one of its lowest prices ever. Amazon Great Indian Festival 2024 sale includes the iPhone 13 at a discounted price of Rs. 39,999 (MRP Rs. 59,600). You can swap an older smartphone to receive an additional instant discount worth u

Amazon Great Indian Festival  — the e-commerce giant's biggest annual sale event — is now live for Amazon Prime members. Every year, Amazon gives users with a Prime subscription access deals on the platform a day ahead of other customers on the platform, effectively giving them a 24-hour head start. There are discounts on several products during the ongoing Amazon sale, from smartphones to laptops, tablets, and accessories. However, customers can also use SBI credit and debit cards to avail of an additional discount on a range of products or exchange older products and lower the price of their purchases. It's also worth noting that Amazon rival  Flipkart's Big Billion Days  sale is also live, but only for Flipkart Plus members. Both Amazon and Flipkart will allow all customers to access discounts on their platforms at midnight on Thursday (September 27). It's best to compare discounts and offers on both platforms to before making a purchase during the sale. Amazon Gre

India has recorded its first case of the new mpox strain, known as Clade 1b, in Kerala. This new strain is highly transmissible and has been connected to the mpox outbreak in Africa. The case involves a 38-year-old man from Kerala who recently returned from Dubai. Mpox, a contagious virus previously called monkeypox, causes painful skin lesions and can lead to serious health complications if left untreated. Case details and response in Kerala Manisha Verma, spokesperson for the Health Ministry, confirmed that the patient from Malappuram district has been diagnosed with the clade 1 strain. He is currently undergoing treatment in hospital. Health authorities are tracking and monitoring individuals in contact with the patient. This includes around 29 friends, family members, and 37 passengers who travelled with him on the same flight. So far, none of them have shown symptoms, according to local officials. In the past two years, India has reported more than 30 mpox cases linked to the

As the festive season approaches, Flipkart's Big Billion Days sale is back with unbeatable offers on the best electronics. Whether you're looking to upgrade your laptop, get the latest audio system, or grab essential mobile accessories, now is the perfect time to shop. We've handpicked eight top deals for you, all packed with features and exciting discounts. Dive in to discover the tech marvels available at jaw-dropping prices! HP Omen – Ultimate Gaming Laptop at a Steal The HP Omen 16.1-inch gaming laptop features the latest Intel Core i7 14th Gen HX processor, 16 GB RAM, and 1 TB SSD, providing powerful performance for gaming enthusiasts. It comes with an NVIDIA RTX 4060 graphics card with 8 GB of RAM, a 16-inch FHD display, and a full-size RGB keyboard. Pre-installed with MS Office, it'll be available for the first time ever under ₹1,10,990*. You can also opt for 12 months of no-cost EMI and open-box delivery through Flipkart for added peace of mind. Regular Price

iOS 18.1 Developer Beta 5 was rolled out to eligible iPhone models on Monday. It builds upon the features introduced by Apple on the previous developer and public beta updates by adding new toggles in the Control Centre and an option to reset its layout to the default iOS configuration. Apple Intelligence — the company's suite of artificial intelligence (AI) features — is now available on the company's Messages app, adding new ways for quickly replying to chats and fetching summaries of messages. iOS 18.1 Developer Beta 5 Update Features One of the most notable highlights of the iOS 18.1 Developer Beta 5 update is the introduction of Apple Intelligence in Messages. iPhone  users who are beta testing the latest build will be able to see a summary of each of their unread conversations. Meanwhile, a new smart replies option enables them to choose an appropriate quick response to messages. The Cupertino-based tech giant has added a dedicated Apple Intelligence option in the N

Nothing Ear Open, the rumoured open ear true wireless stereo (TWS) earphones from the company, are expected to launch later today. So far, the UK-based OEM has teased the arrival of an upcoming product but has yet to reveal any details. Design renders of the anticipated audio wearables alongside the expected key features have surfaced online. They are expected to maintain the brand-specific design language and carry larger batteries than most TWS earphones in the market. The earphones are also tipped to arrive with support for OpenAI's ChatGPT. Nothing Ear Open Design (Expected) Winfuture leaked  (in German) the design of the purported open-ear TWS earphones from Nothing with a partially transparent design. They are seen with long, curved bands that are expected to help the earphones remain in place. The earphones appear in a white shade, placed in a pill-shaped charging and storage case. Nothing Ear Open earphones front and back design Photo Credit: Winfuture   Nothing Ear

Apple is expected to debut a new and smarter Siri powered by Apple Intelligence – its suite of artificial intelligence (AI) features for iPhone. According to a report, the new Siri might arrive with a version of the iOS 18 update sooner than anticipated. When introduced, it is speculated to join the Apple Intelligence features that are scheduled to be rolled out with the iOS 18.1 update next month, including writing tools and web page summarisation. Apple Intelligence-Powered Siri Apple previewed its in-development Apple Intelligence features at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024 in June. While some of them have already been tested in developer and public beta updates, the new Siri remains elusive, despite the Cupertino-based tech giant rolling out its new user interface (UI). But that could change soon, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. In his Power On newsletter , Gurman suggested that the new Siri's arrival could be sooner than previously expected. A

Samsung Galaxy S24 FE is expected to launch soon as a successor to the  Galaxy S23 FE , which was unveiled in October 2023. Previously, design leaks of the purported Fan Edition phone had surfaced online. Several key features of the smartphone including chipset and display have also been leaked. Meanwhile, a recent leak had suggested that the Galaxy S24 FE may launch at a higher price than the Galaxy S23 FE in European markets. Now, a new report claims that phone's price will likely follow a similar trend in the US. Samsung Galaxy S24 FE Price (Expected) The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE may launch in the US with a higher price tag than the Galaxy S23 FE. A Smartprix report in collaboration with tipster Steve H.McFly (@OnLeaks) suggests that the anticipated Galaxy S24 FE will likely start in the US at $649 (roughly Rs. 54,200) for the 128GB option, while the 256GB variant will be listed at $709 (roughly Rs. 59,200). Notably, this is a $50 (roughly Rs. 4,200) jump over the Galaxy S23 FE

The launch of SpaceX Crew-9, a significant mission to the International Space Station ( ISS ), has been delayed to September 26, 2024. This change allows teams to complete final prelaunch procedures and ensure all equipment is prepared. The delay also accounts for weather conditions and other prelaunch checks. The launch, initially set for August 18, will now occur no earlier than 2:05 p.m. EDT (1805 GMT) from Space Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Mission Details and Crew SpaceX Crew-9 is now scheduled to carry only two astronauts: NASA astronaut and U.S. Space Force commander Nick Hague, and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov. Hague is set to become the first active Space Force Guardian to fly into space. Originally, the mission was to include NASA astronauts Zena Cardman and Stephanie Wilson, but their seats will be occupied by mass simulators. Cardman and Wilson will be considered for future missions to the ISS. Impact of the Delay The de

Elon Musk's Starlink satellites are causing significant disruption for astronomers worldwide. Scientists from the Netherlands, particularly the Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy (ASTRON), have reported that the growing network of Starlink  satellites is interfering with radio waves used for vital space research. The satellites, designed to provide high-speed internet in remote areas across the globe, are blocking signals that allow astronomers to observe deep space objects, including black holes, exoplanets, and galaxies millions of light-years away. Impact on Astronomical Research According to Professor Jessica Dempsey, Director of ASTRON, the interference from Starlink's second-generation satellites (V2) is much stronger than the earlier versions. She highlighted that the electromagnetic radiation emitted by these satellites is up to 32 times stronger than what was detected from previous models, making it increasingly difficult for scientists to gather important d

Astronomers have discovered that the exoplanet WASP-76b, located about 634 light-years away in the Pisces constellation, experiences extreme weather conditions unlike anything on Earth. With temperatures soaring to around 4,350 degrees Fahrenheit (2,400 degrees Celsius), the planet's atmosphere is ravaged by high-speed iron winds and molten metal rain. These findings highlight how truly alien the atmospheres of exoplanets can be, especially on "hot Jupiters" like WASP-76b. Unique Atmospheric Phenomena The exoplanet's close proximity to its star makes it tidally locked, meaning one side of WASP-76b is permanently facing the star. This dayside reaches extreme temperatures that vaporize iron, which is then carried to the planet's cooler nightside by powerful winds. Once there, the iron condenses and falls as molten metal droplets, creating an intense and hostile environment. The discovery was made by a team of scientists from the University of Geneva (UNIGE) and

Infinix Zero Flip 5G is expected to launch soon, as the company's first clamshell-style foldable phone. A tipster has now leaked posters that reveal the design of the upcoming handset, along with some of its key specifications. The Zero Flip 5G is said to debut under the Rs. 55,000 mark in India and arrive in at least two colour options. This suggests that it will compete with the Motorola Razr 50 and the Tecno Phantom V Flip 5G in the country. Infinix Zero Flip 5G Price Range in India, Colour Options (Leaked) According to details shared by Paras Guglani (@passionategeekz) in a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Infinix Zero Flip 5G will be launched in India and global markets soon, and the handset will be priced between Rs. 50,000 and Rs. 55,000 in India. Infinix Zero Flip 5G leaked posters (tap to expand) Photo Credit: X/ Paras Guglani   The tipster has also shared two posters indicating that the handset will be available in Blossom Glow and Rock Black colourways. The des

Stolen customer data including medical reports from India's biggest health insurer, Star Health, is publicly accessible via chatbots on Telegram , just weeks after Telegram's founder was accused of allowing the messenger app to facilitate crime. The purported creator of the chatbots told a security researcher, who alerted Reuters to the issue, that private details of millions of people were for sale and that samples could be viewed by asking the chatbots to divulge. Star Health and Allied Insurance, whose market capitalization exceeds $4 billion, in a statement to Reuters said it has reported alleged unauthorized data access to local authorities. It said an initial assessment showed "no widespread compromise" and that "sensitive customer data remains secure". Using the chatbots, Reuters was able to download policy and claims documents featuring names, phone numbers, addresses, tax details, copies of ID cards, test results and medical diagnoses. The abil

Qualcomm has in recent days approached Intel to explore a potential acquisition of the troubled chipmaker, a source familiar with the situation said on Friday, in what could be a transformational deal in the sector but faces many hurdles. Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon is personally involved in the negotiations to acquire five-decade-old Intel, according to the source who was briefed on the matter. Another person familiar with the situation said Amon has been actively examining various options for a deal for the company. Earlier this month, Reuters reported that Qualcomm explored the possibility of acquiring portions of Intel's design business and that its PC design unit was of particular interest. Qualcomm executives were examining Intel's entire portfolio of businesses. The conversations with Intel are at an early stage. The San Diego-based company has not made a formal offer for Intel, according to third person familiar with the matter. The sources requested anonymity as

Xiaomi Mix Flip — Xiaomi's first clamshell foldable phone — will soon be available globally. Lei Jun, founder and CEO of Xiaomi, on Thursday, officially confirmed the entry of the handset to markets outside China. The Xiaomi Mix Flip was launched in China in July alongside the Xiaomi Mix Fold 4. The Mix Flip boasts a 4.01-inch external display and runs on Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. It carries a 4,780mAh battery with support for 67W wired fast charging. The Xiaomi Mix Flip is expected to take on similar flip-style foldable smartphones from Samsung and Motorola. Lei Jun, Chief Executive Officer of Xiaomi on X (formerly Twitter) announced that the Xiaomi Mix Flip will be launched in the global market in September. The exact launch date is not specified yet, but more details about the release will presumably be revealed next week during the Xiaomi 14T series launch event . The Xiaomi Mix Flip is anticipated to challenge the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and the Motorola Razr 50 Ultra in glob

Apple's brand new iPhone 16 lineup, which was announced on September 10, is now available for purchase in India. The lineup includes the iPhone 16 , i Phone 16 Plus , iPhone 16 Pro , and i Phone 16 Pro Max with new buttons, slightly updated design, and improved hardware. Sales for the new iPhone models began as early as 8:00am IST at Apple Saket and Apple BKC in India, along with other authorised retail stores. The phones were available for pre-order in India since September 13.  iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max Price in India The iPhone 16 starts at Rs. 79,900 in India for the base variant with 128GB storage, whereas the iPhone 16 Plus is available from Rs. 89,900 for the 128GB variant. Both devices are also available in 256GB, and 512GB storage options. The iPhone 16 lineup is available in Black, Pink, Teal, Ultramarine, and White colour options. Meanwhile, the iPhone 16 Pro with 128GB storage is priced at Rs. 1,19,900, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max sta

This week offers plenty for fans of the superhero genre in the form of two big releases: The Penguin, where the titular character from the Batman universe rises to power in Gotham City's criminal underworld, and Agatha All Along, where the Marvel Cinematic Universe's Agatha continues her journey after the events of WandaVision . On the homefront is a heartwarming comedy in the form of JioCinema's Jo Tera Hai Woh Mera Hai and Netflix's comedy talk show, The Great Indian Kapil Show Season 2. Besides these, drama and family dynamics take centre stage in Elizabeth Olsen's His Three Daughters. This week's releases cater to all moods and preferences, from light-hearted humour to intense drama and dark fantasy. Top OTT Releases This Week (September 16 – September 22) With that, here are the top binge-worthy OTT releases of the week. Don't forget to scroll below for the complete list of releases from major streaming platforms this week. Agatha All Along Releas