Tech Bites

Apple's  AirTag 2 has been in the rumour mill for quite some time now. As we wait for Apple's official confirmation, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has claimed that the company is preparing to release its second-generation smart tracker next year. It is said to come with an updated design and a new wireless chip. Apple is expected to build some privacy improvements into its next AirTag. The company released the AirTag in April 2021. The device, which sparked privacy concerns, has not received any hardware updates since then. Apple's AirTag 2 Is Coming in 2025 Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, in this weekly Power On newsletter , claimed that Apple was gearing up to launch the AirTag 2 around the “middle of next year.” The new device, codenamed B589, is reportedly "progressed in manufacturing tests" and the iPhone maker is preparing to bring it to market. The AirTag 2 would likely sport a similar design to the current model but reportedly offer better range and an upgr

Oppo Reno 13 series will launch in China soon. The company has announced the launch date of the lineup in the country. It has also revealed the smartphones' design, RAM and storage configurations, and a single colourway. The series is expected to comprise a base model and a Pro variant, which will succeed the  Oppo Reno 12  and  Reno 12 Pro , respectively. Meanwhile, one of the upcoming handsets has been spotted on a benchmarking website, giving us a look at its chipset. The global launch timeline of the lineup has also been leaked by a tipster. Oppo Reno 13 Series Launch Date The Oppo Reno 13 series will launch in China on November 25 at 7pm (4:30pm IST), according to a Weibo post by the company. The phones will be available in a Butterfly Purple colourway, while other colour options will likely be confirmed in the days leading up to the launch. Notably, the Oppo Pad 3 and Oppo Enco R3 Pro TWS earphones will be unveiled alongside the smartphones. The Oppo China e-store listing

iQOO Neo 10 series is expected to make its debut in China this month, with two models set to be introduced: iQOO Neo 10 and iQOO Neo 10 Pro. Ahead of the anticipated launch, the company has revealed details about the processor which powers the Pro model. The SoC is confirmed to be a flagship chipset sourced from MediaTek, built on TSMC's fabrication process. The launch date of the purported series has also been confirmed, in addition to its colourways and pre-order offers. iQOO Neo 10 Series Launch Date In a post on the Chinese social media platform Weibo, iQOO  announced that its latest smartphones, the iQOO Neo 10 series, will debut in China on November 29 at 4 pm local time (approximately 3:30 am IST). The lineup will launch in three colourways: black, orange, and white. According to the Chinese smartphone maker, prospective buyers can pre-reserve the smartphone series at CNY 2267 (roughly Rs. 26,000). They will be offered additional benefits, such as a Bluetooth speaker, c

Realme GT 7 Pro is confirmed to launch in India on November 26, weeks after its debut in China. Ahead of the official launch, the company has teased the upcoming handset's battery capacity and charging speed. As per the details shared on social media, the Realme GT 7 Pro will launch with a smaller battery compared to the model launched in China. Notably, the smartphone maker recently confirmed other details about the handset, such as its chipset, build and camera specifications. Realme GT 7 Pro Battery Capacity In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Realme India detailed the battery specifications of the upcoming Realme GT 7 Pro. It is confirmed to launch in India with a 5,800mAh battery. Meanwhile, the handset's China variant is equipped with a 6,500mAh battery, translating into a difference of approximately 700mAh. Say goodbye to battery anxiety! 120W SUPERVOOC charging + 5800mAh mega battery = All-day power that keeps up with your lifestyle. #realmeGT7Pro Know more:

A cloth fragment discovered in a royal tomb in Greece could be the remains of a tunic once worn by Alexander the Great, according to recent claims by Professor Emeritus Antonis Bartsiokas of Democritus University of Thrace. Found in a tomb near Vergina, a site historically tied to Macedonian royalty, this garment is now believed by Bartsiokas to have belonged not to Alexander's father, Philip II, as previously thought, but to Alexander's half-brother Philip III Arrhidaeus. Arrhidaeus assumed the title of king after Alexander's death, though his capacity to rule was limited by a mental disability. Debate Surrounding the Tomb's Occupants and Origins The discovery was published in Journal of Field Archaeology. The discovery of the garment was made in 1977 within a gold chest in a tomb traditionally associated with Philip II. However, Bartsiokas argues that this tomb actually houses the remains of Arrhidaeus and his wife, Eurydice, basing his conclusion on historical rec

Actor Vetri, known for his roles in experimental Tamil cinema , has seen his latest film, Adharma Kadhaigal, receive attention for its unique narrative. The movie, which first hit theatres on August 23, 2024, is set to stream on the Aha Tamil platform in India, starting November 15, 2024. Adharma Kadhaigal has garnered positive responses, particularly for its imaginative narrative and engaging performances. The film currently holds an impressive IMDb rating of 9.4/10, reflecting strong audience satisfaction. When and Where to Watch Adharma Kadhaigal Adharma Kadhaigal will be available for streaming on Aha Tamil from November 15, 2024. The movie, directed, written and produced by Kamaraj Vel, is now accessible to a wider audience. Fans can tune in to watch the film on the Aha Tamil app or its website. Official Trailer and Plot of Adharma Kadhaigal The official trailer of Adharma Kadhaigal showcases a gripping narrative set in the fantasy genre, blending elements of drama and thrill

A remarkable image of the Milky Way's swirling colours over Easter Island's famed Moai statues was captured recently by photographer Josh Dury, a seasoned astrophotographer and contributor to Space.com. During his trip to Easter Island for last month's annular solar eclipse, Dury took advantage of the island's pristine night sky to photograph the ancient statues beneath a brilliant stretch of the Milky Way, showcasing a unique connection between the island's historical culture and the universe above. This image, titled Aringa Ora O Te Tupuna or The Living Face of the Ancestors, was shared on social media and subsequently recognised by NASA as an Astronomy Photo of the Day (APOD). Stunning Night Sky Above Iconic Moai Statues The Moai statues, some of which are over twice the height of an average human and weigh up to 12,700 kilograms, stand as ancient figures on the remote island, renowned for its exceptionally dark skies, far from urban light pollution. During h

Cameron Diaz , the renowned Hollywood actress, is set to end her 11-year break from acting with the release of Netflix's highly-anticipated spy comedy Back in Action. The film, directed by Seth Gordon, will stream from January 17, 2025, and reunites Diaz with her Annie co-star, Jamie Foxx. Together, they portray a retired CIA couple thrust back into espionage after their quiet suburban life is disrupted. The movie marks a major return for Diaz, whose last role was in 2014's Annie. Since then, she had focused on personal ventures, including her wine brand Avaline. When and Where to Watch Back in Action The film will be available exclusively on Netflix starting January 17, 2025. Fans of high-energy action comedies and spy thrillers will be able to stream the movie globally on the platform. Official Trailer and Plot of Back in Action The trailer for Back in Action teases an adrenaline-packed narrative with comedic undertones. Cameron Diaz and Jamie Foxx star as Emily and Mat

In a recent observation, NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has documented a close interaction between the Milky Way and one of its nearest galactic neighbours, the Large Magellanic Cloud ( LMC ). This recent analysis of the LMC, led by Andrew Fox of the European Space Agency's Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) in Baltimore, reveals the effects of its near-collision with the Milky Way's massive halo, including a significant reduction of the LMC's own halo of gas. The LMC's Halo: A Surprising Measurement For the first time, Hubble data allowed researchers to measure the extent of the LMC's halo, which is now estimated at 50,000 light-years across, considerably smaller than other galaxies of similar mass. This contraction of the halo, explained Fox, points to the effects of the LMC's encounter with the Milky Way, which stripped away a considerable portion of its outer gas layer. Despite these losses, the LMC still contains sufficient gas to form new

The discovery of amber in Antarctica has been reported for the first time, as detailed in a recent study published in Antarctic Science. Dr. Johann Klages from the University of Bremen, alongside a team of researchers, uncovered this specimen in sediment cores from the Pine Island trough in West Antarctica. This ancient amber, originating from approximately 83 to 92 million years ago during the mid-Cretaceous period, offers valuable insights into prehistoric environmental conditions near the South Pole. Unveiling the First Antarctic Amber The study was published in Antarctic Science journal and reveals that the amber , known as Pine Island amber, was retrieved using the MARUM-MeBo70 drill rig during a 2017 expedition on the RV Polarstern vessel. This mid-Cretaceous resin is considered a significant breakthrough as it suggests that a swampy temperate rainforest, dominated by coniferous trees, thrived in the region during a much warmer period in Earth's history. According to Dr

Sci-fi horror enthusiasts who missed Alien: Romulus in cinemas will soon have the chance to experience it on OTT platform . Directed by acclaimed Uruguayan filmmaker Fede Alvarez, the film is an addition to the Alien franchise. It follows three siblings—space colonists struggling for survival on a desolate mining planet—who encounter terrifying extraterrestrial creatures after boarding a seemingly abandoned space station. Initially hoping for resources to sustain them, the colonists instead face relentless threats, battling for their lives against hostile authorities, depleting resources, and deadly alien creatures. When and Where to Watch Alien: Romulus As per a report by Streaming Updates, the Alien: Romulus might premiere on Disney+ Hotstar on November 21, 2024. The tweet further mentions that the movie might be available in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and English languages.  Official Trailer and Plot of Alien: Romulus The trailer for Alien: Romulus teases a dark, thrilling journey a

Viewers have the chance to immerse themselves in a lineup of diverse Bollywood films available on popular streaming platforms. From visually stunning adventures to heartfelt dramas, each movie promises unique entertainment for the holiday season. Here's a selection of films that cater to every cinematic taste, bringing themes of friendship, patriotism, mythology and humour right into viewers' homes. Brahmastra: Part One – Shiva Ayan Mukerji's Brahmastra: Part One – Shiva is a spectacular visual journey combining mythology and modern storytelling. Starring Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt, this film features intricate action sequences and top-notch VFX, making it ideal for fans of fantasy and adventure. Available on Disney+ Hotstar Sardar Udham In a powerful portrayal, Vicky Kaushal stars as Udham Singh, a revolutionary freedom fighter, in this Shoojit Sircar-directed historical drama. Known for its intense narrative, Sardar Udham offers viewers a deeply moving experience

Allu Arjun, the acclaimed Telugu film star, is all set to appear on the popular talk show Unstoppable with NBK, hosted by veteran actor Nandamuri Balakrishna. Known for his recent success in Pushpa , Arjun's participation in the talk show is highly anticipated as he shares anecdotes about his career, inspiration, and his recent achievements. The special episode, which will be available on Aha on November 15, promises engaging moments between the two stars. When and Where to Watch Unstoppable with NBK The episode featuring Allu Arjun on Unstoppable with NBK will premiere on November 15 and will be accessible on the Aha streaming platform. The show, a favourite among Telugu audiences, brings Balakrishna and his guests into light-hearted yet thought-provoking conversations, providing fans with insights into their favourite stars. Official Trailer and Plot of Allu Arjun's Unstoppable Episode In the episode trailer, Allu Arjun speaks candidly about his inspirations, mentioning

Sony WF-C510 was introduced in the Indian market in September of this year. It sits on the lower end of Sony's audio wearable products. It does not support high-end audio codecs or active noise cancellation, which seems to be a popular feature in almost all TWS earphones today. With its 6mm drivers and up to 22 hours of total battery life, are they still worth your money? They currently retail in the country at Rs. 4,990. So let's determine if you should consider them when buying your next set of everyday headsets. Sony WF-C510 Design and Features: Simple and Effective Weight - 4.6g (earphones); 31g (charging case) Water and dust resistance - IPX4 (earphones only) Colours - black, blue, yellow, and white The Sony WF-C510 offer a comfortable in-ear fit. The earphones come with three ear tip options in-the-box — small, medium and large. The default medium size was the most compatible one for me. The earphone's design is similar to that of the Sony Linkbuds S but slig

Instagram is implementing a change for the removal of a feature that has long been considered annoying by users, the company head has confirmed via social media. From now on, the social media platform's feed will not automatically refresh when the app is opened after a period of brief inactivity, enabling the user to see the posts which first appear on their screen. Notably, this development comes after the company confirmed that it deliberately lowers the quality of Instagram stories and Reels which do not fetch a lot of views, reserving the computation resources for videos that are being watched by a large number of users. No More Automatic Feed Refreshing on Instagram During a recent Ask Me Anything (AMA) ( via @_blunderchief), Instagram head Adam Mosseri was asked about a recent change on the social media platform which people did not know about. The official highlighted that Instagram has stopped doing what is internally known as a “rug pull” — a user interface (UI) featu

Google Pixel phones are equipped with Tensor chips that are designed to offer advanced AI capabilities and a tight integration with the company's exclusive software features, but the company's processors are also known to face thermal and efficiency issues, especially when compared with offerings from Qualcomm. According to a report, the company will focus on developing the Tensor G6 — the chip expected to power the Pixel 11 series — to solve issues related to efficiency and overheating. Tensor G6 Chip for Pixel 11 Series to Focus on Solving Heating, Efficiency Challenges An Android Authority report that cites documents from Google's GChips division reveals that the company is aware of issues that affect its existing Pixel smartphone models. Thermal issues are the "#1 reason for Pixel returns" while "thermal comfort limits are too high" according to a presentation slide seen by the publication. The firm is reportedly looking to improve thermals in ord

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is expected to debut in early 2025 as the successor to the company's Galaxy S24 Ultra model that arrived in January. This year, Samsung is expected to tweak the design of its flagship smartphone, and renders of the purported Galaxy S25 Ultra have now surfaced online, giving us an idea of what to expect from the handset. The top-of-the-line model in the Galaxy S25 series has also been tipped to arrive in four colourways that have previously been leaked. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Design, Colour Options (Expected) Design renders shared by Technizo Concept (@technizoconcept) on X (formerly Twitter) show the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra with a slightly tweaked design, with the most noticeable change being the rounded corners. While it is expected to retain the flat edges seen on the current-generation flagship phone, the Galaxy S25 Ultra could have slightly round corners, making it easier to hold. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra leaked colourways (tap to expand) Photo

Mukesh Ambani's Reliance pressed India's telecom watchdog on Friday to reconsider its plan not to auction satellite spectrum but to simply allocate it, in a fresh clash with Elon Musk's Starlink. India's telecoms Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia last month said the government would allocate spectrum administratively in line with global trends but a final notification on how spectrum is given out will come after the telecom watchdog TRAI gives its feedback. Musk's Starlink has expressed interest in launching in India following a successful launch in Africa which left local players bruised by low broadband prices and favours the government's approach to allocating spectrum. Ravi Gandhi, a top Reliance policy executive, urged the telecom regulator TRAI on Friday, however, to review the decision, noting in an open house discussion hosted by TRAI that the move to allocate spectrum administratively is "the most discriminatory method of assigning any kind of gover

Recent findings published in Scientific Reports reveal that cats can connect words and images significantly faster than human toddlers. Research led by Dr. Saho Takagi and her team at Azabu University, Japan, found that adult cats formed associations between visual cues and spoken words in a fraction of the time it took young children. The experiment's outcomes suggest a deeper insight into cats' cognitive abilities, highlighting the potential for feline understanding of language cues. Experiment Design and Findings In the study , 31 adult cats were presented with a sequence of animated clips, each accompanied by a spoken, made-up word. The clips, featuring a red sun and a blue unicorn paired with unique words, were repeated until the cats showed reduced attention. After a brief pause, the researchers switched the images and sounds, pairing the words with different visuals. Notably, the cats responded to these altered pairings with increased interest, suggesting they noticed

Researchers studying the roots of writing have highlighted the role of ancient trade symbols found on cylinder seals in Mesopotamia as key influencers of early script development. A recent study by Kathryn Kelley and Mattia Cartolano from the University of Bologna suggests that engravings on these cylindrical seals, used for marking clay in trade exchanges, may have evolved into signs used in the earliest form of writing, known as proto-cuneiform. Dating to around 4400 B.C., these seals show motifs linked to the movement of goods like textiles and jars, indicating a trade-based origin for written symbols. From Trade Marks to Proto-Cuneiform The study notes that cylinder seals, rolled across clay tablets, left impressions that likely authenticated transactions, laying the groundwork for a system of recording information. The seals examined include symbols predating formal writing by more than a millennium. These motifs—such as those depicting structures or vessels—likely became foun

Honor X9c was launched in Malaysia on Tuesday. The smartphone is powered by a Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 SoC paired with up to 12GB of RAM. It is backed by a 6,600mAh battery with 66W wired charging support. According to Honor, the phone comes with a 2m drop resistance as well as an IP65M rating for dust and 360-degree water resistance. The Honor X9c carries an OIS-backed 108-megapixel dual rear camera unit. The smartphone succeeds the  Honor X9b , which was unveiled in India in February this year. Honor X9c Price Honor X9c price starts at MYR 1,499 (roughly Rs. 28,700) for the 12GB + 256GB option in Malaysia, while the 12GB + 512GB variant is priced at MYR 1,699 (roughly Rs. 32,500). It is listed on the global website with an 8GB + 256GB configuration as well, but pricing has not been revealed. The phone is offered in three colour options — Jade Cyan, Titanium Black, and Titanium Purple. It is available for pre-orders in Singapore via an online retail store. Honor X9c Specifications, F

Android 16 is the next operating system (OS) from Google expected to arrive as a successor to Android 15 , which debuted in September. While Google has confirmed a timeline of the update's release, an exact date is yet to be revealed. However, a recent report suggests that Android 16 could be released for devices much sooner than previous updates, with the summer of next year being tipped as the most likely period for its launch. Android 16 Release Date According to an Android Headlines report , Android 16 will be moved to the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) on June 3. It will also reportedly be made available as an over-the-air (OTA) update for Google Pixel devices, which are usually the first in the market to get the latest Android updates, on the same day. Notably, AOSP is a source code repository which contains the core of the Android OS. When Android 16's source code is made available on this platform, developers will be able to create custom variants of the OS cat

Samsung Galaxy S25 series is expected to make its debut early next year. Rumour mills hint towards major changes coming to Samsung's flagship smartphone lineup in terms of hardware. The latest leak comes courtesy of a tipster who has shared images of the alleged cases of the Galaxy S25 series. The images suggest a shift in the design strategy of the purported top-of-the-line Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra compared to the existing model. Samsung Galaxy S25 Series Cases Leak In a post on X (formerly Twitter), reliable tipster Roland Quandt shared multiple images of alleged Galaxy S25 series cases. The snapshots suggest that the standard Galaxy S25 and the Galaxy S25 Plus may have similar design elements as the current models, including the placement of power and volume buttons on the right side. S25, S25+, S25U silicon covers (third party) pic.twitter.com/V9yajt8aFX — Roland Quandt (@rquandt) November 4, 2024 However, that does not appear to be the case with the purported Galaxy

Rohit Wad, a computer science engineer from India's second tier city of Bhilai presently leads the technology initiatives at Binance, touted as the largest crypto exchange in the world. In conversation with Gadgets360 last week, Wad emphasised that for Web3 adoption to grow, developers must strike the right balance between convenience and security to ease user hesitations about exploring the space. Previously a Corporate VP at Microsoft, Wad took on the role of Binance's CTO in April 2022. Wad was present at Binance Blockchain Week, that was recently held in Dubai to unite the crypto community. As the Chief Technical Officer (CTO) of Binance , the IIT Bombay alumnus is tasked with spearheading the development of scalable Web3 service offerings to serve the exchange's global user base, which exceeds 237 million registered users. Speaking to Gadgets360, Wad shared that his vision for Binance focuses on combining the user-friendly features of familiar apps and interfaces wi

Apple  introduced the iOS 18.1 update last week that brought Apple Intelligence , the company's suite of artificial intelligence (AI) features, to iPhone and other devices. Now, a report suggests that the next batch of Apple Intelligence features, including ChatGPT integration in Siri and a new Image Playground app, will arrive with the iOS 18.2 update for iPhone earlier than expected. The release timeline of other iOS 18 updates, along with the improvements they might carry, has also been suggested. iOS 18.2 Update Release Timeline Apple has previously confirmed that the iOS 18.2 update with more Apple Intelligence features would be released in December. Release trends of similar past updates suggest it could take place in the second week of the month. However in his Power on newsletter , Bloomberg's Mark Gurman claimed that iOS 18.2's release could take place earlier than scheduled. It could be rolled out in the week of December 2. This update is reported to introduc

Apple has announced a service program for a rear camera issue that affects some iPhone 14 Plus units that were manufactured over a 12-month-period. The Cupertino company has announced that affected devices will be eligible for servicing at authorised Apple service providers at no additional cost, and customers can verify whether their handset is impacted by providing the company with their serial number. Meanwhile, users who have already paid for repairs to the rear camera on the iPhone 14 Plus can contact Apple for a refund. Apple Offers iPhone 14 Plus Service Program for Rear Camera Issue A support page set up by the company states that it discovered a "very small percentage" of iPhone 14 Plus units are affected by an issue where the rear camera does not show a preview. iPhone 14 Plus units that were produced between April 10, 2023 and April 28, 2024 could be impacted, according to Apple. iPhone 14 Plus owners can enter their serial number on the company's support

Apple will invest up to $1.5 billion in Globalstar to fund the expansion of its iPhone communication services, the satellite provider said in a regulatory filing on Friday. Shares of Globalstar jumped over 30%, while Apple was down around 1.4% a day after it forecast tepid quarterly revenue growth. Under the funding agreement, Apple will commit $1.1 billion in cash and also purchase 20% equity in Globalstar for $400 million. The satellite company said it will use a portion of the funds to pay down debt. The move is another in a line of partnerships between space firms and mobile service providers looking to provide satellite-based connectivity to customers in regions with limited network access. Globalstar also said it will allocate 85% of its network capacity to Apple. The deal is expected to close on Tuesday. The iPhone maker partnered with Globalstar in 2022 for a feature that would allow Apple users to send emergency messages from remote areas. © Thomson Reuters 2024 fr

Walt Disney is forming a new group to coordinate the company's use of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and mixed reality, as the media giant explores applications across its film, television and theme park divisions. The newly formed Office of Technology Enablement will be led by Jamie Voris, the film studio's chief technology officer who spearheaded development of Disney's app for the Apple Vision Pro mixed reality device, an email seen on Friday by Reuters showed. Eddie Drake will succeed Voris as the studio's CTO. "The pace and scope of the advances in AI and XR (extended reality) are profound and will continue to impact consumer experiences, creative endeavors and our businesses for years to come - making it critical that Disney explore the exciting opportunities and navigate the potential risks," Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman wrote. "The creation of this group underscores our dedication to doing that."

Asus ROG Phone 9 series is confirmed to launch in select global markets on November 19. Key features of the lineup have been teased officially. Meanwhile, new details about the upcoming handsets and an image of the design have surfaced online. The company has yet to reveal the number of handsets in the lineup or their monikers. It is expected to include a base and a Pro variant, succeeding the preceding  Asus ROG Phone 8  and  Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro . Asus ROG Phone 9 Design The Asus ROG Phone 9 design was leaked in a Weibo post shared by tipster Digital Chat Station (translated from Chinese). The phone is seen in black and white colour options, with a rear camera module design similar to the existing ROG Phone 8. The company logo appears in the middle of the rear panel and mini LEDs are seen towards the bottom. Asus ROG Phone 9 leaked design Photo Credit: Weibo/ Digital Chat Station   Asus ROG Phone 9 Features The tipster suggested in his post that the Asus ROG Phone 9 will ge