NASA’s Parker Solar Probe Achieves Closest Sun Flyby Ever on December 24

NASA's Parker Solar Probe is set to perform its closest flyby of the sun on December 24, 2024, at 6:53 a.m. EST. The spacecraft, which launched in 2018, will approach within 3.8 million miles (6.1 million kilometres) of the solar surface, setting a record for the nearest distance a human-made object has travelled to a star. Travelling at an extraordinary speed of 430,000 mph (692,000 kph), the probe will traverse the sun's corona, collecting data on its high-temperature environment.

Mission Details and Flyby Preparations

The Parker Solar Probe, managed by NASA and designed at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (JHUAPL), has completed 21 previous solar encounters and seven flybys of Venus, as per a report by Parker Solar Space. The upcoming event marks the 22nd solar approach in its mission to deepen the understanding of the sun's outer atmosphere. According to Nick Pinkine, mission operations manager at JHUAPL, the probe will provide unprecedented data from regions no spacecraft has explored before.

As part of its preparations, the probe sent a final transmission to Earth on December 20, signalling all systems are functioning normally, according to reports. Contact with the spacecraft will remain offline until December 27, when it is expected to send a health status update. Comprehensive science data, including telemetry, will begin to arrive in January 2025, as per reports.

Engineering to Withstand Extreme Temperatures

During the flyby, the spacecraft will endure temperatures reaching 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit (980 degrees Celsius). Its advanced heat shield, constructed from carbon foam, ensures the probe's instruments remain at near room temperature while withstanding up to 1,377 degrees Celsius.

Future of the Mission

As per reports, two additional close solar flybys are planned for March 22 and June 19, 2025. Decisions regarding the spacecraft's trajectory and continued operations are expected after the primary mission concludes. The Parker Solar Probe's findings aim to address critical questions about the sun's behaviour, contributing to the broader understanding of solar phenomena.

 

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Honor Magic 7 RSR Porsche Design Camera Details Leaked; May Get 200-Megapixel Telephoto Lens

Honor Magic 7 RSR Porsche Design is set to be unveiled in China today. While the company has teased the design and key features of the handset, a tipster has now leaked its expected camera specifications ahead of its launch. Previous leaks had hinted at the display, build and battery details of the phone. The upcoming handset will succeed the Honor Porsche Design Magic 6 RSR, and is expected to join the Honor Magic 7 series, which was introduced in the country in October.

Honor Magic 7 RSR Porsche Design Camera, Other Features (Expected)

The Honor Magic 7 RSR Porsche Design is expected to get a 1/1.3-inch 50-megapixel OV50K primary sensor with a f/1.4-f2.0 physical variable aperture, according to a Weibo post by tipster Digital Chat Station (translated from Chinese). This is said to be accompanied by a 50-megapixel ultra-wide angle shooter with 122-degree field-of-view and 25mm macro mode capacities.

Honor Magic 7 RSR Porsche Design is also tipped to include a 1/1.4-inch 200-megapixel telephoto sensor with a periscope lens. It is said to have support for OIS, up to 3x optical zoom, 100x digital zoom, f/1.88 aperture, and a 1G+5P floating periscope structure. It will also likely get a dual electromagnetic motor, ALC coating, a 1200-point dTOF focus module, and a flicker sensor.

The company has already teased that the Honor Magic 7 RSR Porsche Design will get the "industry's first periscope telephoto ultra-large aperture" as well as the "industry's first dual electromagnetic focus motor." The phone is confirmed to launch in China on December 23 at 2pm local time (4:30pm IST).

An earlier leak suggested that the Honor Magic 7 RSR Porsche Design will likely sport a 6.8-inch 1.5K LTPO display with a quad-curved design and a 120Hz refresh rate. The phone is expected to get a ToF 3D depth camera alongside a 50-megapixel selfie shooter. It is expected to ship with Android 15-based MagicOS 9 and have support for 100W wired and 80W wireless fast charging.

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Apple Developing Smart Home Doorbell With Support for FaceID and Third-Party Locks: Report

Apple will delve into the smart home market as it looks for new growth opportunities next year, according to a report. As part of its efforts, the Cupertino-based technology giant is said to be developing a smart home doorbell that will have FaceID support, enabling users to scan their face to gain entry, much like the iPhone. For enhanced functionality of the purported device, Apple may turn to other third-party smart lock makers or even tie up with a single specific company.

Apple Smart Doorbell

In the latest edition of the Power On newsletter, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman detailed Apple's smart home efforts. The iPhone maker is reported to be working on a smart home doorbell system that will have advanced facial recognition, which wirelessly connects to a deadbolt lock.

Apple already offers several third-party smart home locks on its online store but this is said to be its first-ever proprietary offering. It is speculated to work on the same HomeKit protocol and may support other third-party locks. With this move, the company may surface as a competitor in a space dominated by the likes of Amazon's Ring and Google Nest.

The product is expected to use Apple's first-ever proprietary wireless networking chipset dubbed Proxima to protect consumer data. The smart home doorbell system is not expected to hit the market at least until the end of next year. However, there may be a possibility that Apple develops the technology but sells it through a third-party brand. If that is the case, Logitech or Belkin are to be the likely partners, as per Gurman.

Other Smart Home Products

The newsletter also details other endeavours by the iPhone maker in the smart home space. It is said to be developing a smart hub powered by artificial intelligence (AI) which would feature a 6-inch screen, FaceTime support, and a new operating system. Apple is also reported to be roll out upgrades for Apple TV and HomePod mini devices next year — both having the new wireless networking chip.

The company could also delve into the home security space with a purported in-home security camera that would work in tandem with its purported smart hub. Its development is already reported to be underway and may offer competition to the likes of Amazon, Blink, Google, and Logitech.

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SOL Price Prediction; New Gem on the Block Aims to Eclipse Polkadot—Is Solana Next?

SOL price predictions remain bullish even in the middle of a market-wide sell-off following the move by the Federal Reserve to halt rate cuts in 2025. Solana's price is already forming a bull flag even as SOL dips below $200 in a move that analysts anticipate could lead to a bullish breakout past the $210 mark.

Some SOL price predictions forecast lower lows for SOL, especially if SOL's price continues to dip below $190. Polkadot's DOT is also on a major pullback, with its price hovering around $7 after surging all the way to $11.66 at the start of December.

SOL price predictions and DOT aside, the best new crypto to invest in right now is Lunex Network. After its presale gained momentum, Lunex's LNEX token surged over 250% and is now priced at $0.0046 in a presale that has so far raised over $5.3 million. Can LNEX surpass its ATH?

Lunex Network is on track to be the best new crypto this bull run

A market-wide correction was expected, especially after the meteoric rally of Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies. If you are looking for a bargain, however, the best new crypto to jump into is Lunex's LNEX token, which is pioneering the world's first multi-chain DEX and aggregator.

The world of DEXs is often plagued by platforms that are slow to execute trades, and with the fast-paced nature of cryptocurrencies, a delayed trade can lead to massive losses. Most traders on DEXs have to contend with sniper bots, front running, and high slippage. What's more, trading on-chain can often lead to tapping into low-liquidity pairs.

Lunex offers a hybrid model that combines the best of both centralized and decentralized exchanges. Thanks to Lunex's aggregator, every trade is executed with the most affordable network fees and with the most liquidity. This approach is not only secure but fast and comes with zero slippage.

SOL price predictions set bullish targets despite market dip

Solana has had a wild ride in 2024, with its price surging all the way to a new all-time high of $269. That is a 239% uptick that saw most onlookers set bullish SOL price predictions. While SOL's price is rebounding, there is still a likelihood for lower lows even as Solana's ecosystem flips Ethereum in terms of dev growth. Apart from a growth in developers, Solana is also receiving increased institutional adoption as its network's daily active addresses surge by 30%.

Polkadot (DOT) dips below the 0.5 Fibonacci Retracement

While the entire crypto market is in a downturn following the news from the Federal Reserve, Polkadot's DOT seems to have been hit the most, with its price falling 41% to lows of $6.86. Polkdot champions interoperability and has attracted Harbour and Velocity Labs to launch a stablecoin on its open-source network. While this new development could be bullish for DOT, it remains to be seen whether DOT's price will rebound.

Conclusion

Market corrections are normal in any bull market, and bullish SOL price predictions could still materialize. However, while the likes of DOT languish, Lunex's LNEX token is emerging as the best new crypto this bull run thanks to its capacity to deliver institutional-grade liquidity to DEXs.

You can find more information about Lunex Network (LNEX) here:

Website: https://lunexnetwork.com

Socials: https://linktr.ee/lunexnetwork

Disclaimer: This article is a paid publication and does not have journalistic/editorial involvement of Gadgets360. Gadgets360 does not endorse/subscribe to the content(s) of the article/advertisement and/or view(s) expressed herein. Gadgets360 shall not in any manner, be responsible and/or liable in any manner whatsoever for all that is stated in the article and/or also with regard to the view(s), opinion(s), announcement(s), declaration(s), affirmation(s) etc., stated/featured in the same.

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Samsung Galaxy S25 Slim Specifications Leaked; Might Be Thicker Than iPhone 17 Air

Samsung Galaxy S25 Slim is tipped to debut next year as the thinnest flagship-grade smartphone from the company in years, and details of the purported handset's specifications have been leaked by a tipster. The handset could be launched in the second quarter of 2025, which is when the company usually launches its Galaxy A series and Fan Edition (FE) smartphones. Meanwhile, a Chinese leaker has also revealed that the Samsung Galaxy S25 Slim might be thicker than the iPhone 17 Air, which is also tipped to debut next year.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Slim Tipped to Debut in Q2 2025

According to details posted to X (formerly Twitter) by Debayan Roy (@Gadgetsdata) on Friday, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Slim will sport a 6.6-inch screen. If this claim is accurate, it means the company could equip the handset with the same display as the Galaxy S25+ model, which is expected to debut alongside the standard Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S25 Ultra model in January 2025.

Galaxy S25 Slim (SM-S937x/DS) :

• 6.66" display (like S25+)

• 200MP HP5 main camera
• 50MP JN5 UW
• 50MP JN5 3.5X telephoto

• SD 8 Elite
• ~4700mAh - 5000mAh?

Launching in Q2, 2025 - similar to A & FE series launch timeline.

— Debayan Roy (Gadgetsdata) (@Gadgetsdata) December 20, 2024

The tipster also states that the Galaxy S25 Slim will be powered by a Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, which was unveiled by Qualcomm in October. It is also said to pack a large battery, considering its slim form factor — the Galaxy S25 Slim might include a battery with a capacity that ranges between 4,700mAh and 5,000mAh.

Unlike the iPhone 17 Air, which is tipped to arrive with only one rear camera, the Galaxy S25 Slim model could feature a triple rear camera setup, according to Roy's post on X. The handset will be equipped with a 200-megapixel primary camera with an ISOCELL HP5 sensor, and two 50-megapixel cameras with ISOCELL JN5 sensors for ultrawide and telephoto (3.5x optical zoom) photography.

Meanwhile, the Samsung Galaxy S25 could measure less than 7mm in thickness, tipster Ice Universe claims in a post on Weibo, the Chinese microblogging website (via GSMArena). This is thicker than the purported iPhone 17 Air, which is expected to launch in the second half of 2025.

Samsung could launch the Galaxy S25 Slim in Q2 2025, according to Roy — this is around the same time that it usually introduces its Galaxy A series or Galaxy FE smartphones. The company is reportedly gearing up to launch the successors to the Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24+ and Galaxy S24 Ultra at a Galaxy Unpacked launch event next month.

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OpenAI Unveils 'o3' Reasoning AI Models in Test Phase

OpenAI said on Friday it was testing new reasoning AI models, o3 and o3 mini, in a sign of growing competition with rivals such as Google to create smarter models capable of tackling complex problems.

CEO Sam Altman said the AI startup plans to launch o3 mini by the end of January, and full o3 after that, as more robust large language models could outperform existing models and attract new investments and users.

Microsoft-backed OpenAI released o1 AI models in September designed to spend more time processing queries to solve hard problems.

The o1 models are capable of reasoning through complex tasks and can solve more challenging problems than previous models in science, coding and math, the AI firm had said in a blog post.

OpenAI's new o3 and o3 mini models, which are in internal safety testing currently, will be more powerful than its previously launched o1 models, the company said.

The GenAI pioneer said it was opening up an application process for external researchers to test o3 models ahead of the public release, which will close on Jan. 10.

OpenAI had triggered an AI arms race after it launched ChatGPT in November 2022. The growing popularity of the company and new product launches helped OpenAI in closing a $6.6 billion funding round in October.

Rival Alphabet's Google released the second generation of its AI model Gemini earlier in December, as the search giant aims to reclaim the lead in the AI technology race.

© Thomson Reuters 2024

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Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro Should Be in Your Cart. Here’s Why!

Imagine a laptop so advanced that it feels like it's designed for the future, light enough to carry anywhere, yet powerful enough to tackle anything. Enters the Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro, which is a statement about what the future of laptops should be. It comes equipped with a choice of powerful Intel Core Ultra 5 and 7 processors.  And honestly, this isn't just about design or power, it's about freedom. Freedom to excel wherever you are, to take your ideas where you want, and to push boundaries without being tied to a desk. The Galaxy Book4 Pro is built for those who demand more.

Ultra-Thin Laptops Are A Growing Trend

Ultra-thin laptops are becoming increasingly popular, and Samsung's Galaxy Book4 Pro is an excellent example. Despite its slim profile, this laptop can easily rival the performance of traditional desktops, thanks to powerful Intel Core Ultra 5 and 7 processors.

Samsung's Galaxy Book4 Pro is designed with multitasking in mind. Whether you open multiple applications, edit 4K videos or gaming, Intel's Core Ultra processors can handle all of it effortlessly. The integrated Intel Arc GPU makes it appealing to creative professionals like video editors, architects, and game developers.

For instance, a video editor working on a large project can edit, render, and preview footage in real-time, without experiencing lags or overheating. This versatility makes the Galaxy Book4 Pro not just a powerful tool for intensive creative work but also a reliable choice for students and remote workers who need a laptop capable of handling multiple tasks.

The laptop's dynamic AMOLED 2x display is another strong point. Your content even looks much better in high resolution with bright and vivid colours. The Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro also provides great eye comfort due to reduced blue light emission and an anti-reflective screen, it ensures comfortable viewing during long hours of use.

Why Portability Matters?

The value of a portable laptop goes beyond just looking good on a desk. For most people, portability translates to freedom. The freedom to work, learn, and create from anywhere without facing any performance issues. The 35.56 cm model of the Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro, weighing 1.23 kilograms and featuring a slim profile of 11.6mm, offers the kind of flexibility we just talked about. The 40.64 cm model is also quite portable and handy at 1.56 kilograms and features a slim profile of 12.5mm. Hence, it is the perfect choice for anyone who does things on the go.

For Students: A Classroom in Your Bag

Students today juggle lectures, group projects, and self-paced online learning. Carrying a heavy laptop from class to class can be tiring. However, with Galaxy Book4 Pro, students get a lightweight companion that will easily slip into any laptop bag. Its long battery backup, thanks to Intel's powerful Core Ultra processors, allows you to take notes, do all assignments, and stream videos without looking for your charger all day.

The upgraded touch display is another standout feature for students. The touchscreen provides a more intuitive way to interact with the content and pinch to zoom, swiping and tapping makes navigating through documents, presentations or apps faster.

Productivity King For Remote Workers

The rise of the work-from-anywhere concept created a need for laptops that can handle virtual meetings, heavy workloads, and creative tasks. The Galaxy Book4 Pro has been designed to actually fulfil this demand with its Wi-Fi 6E capability. This feature ensures the laptop can effectively use fast internet speeds, making it ideal for smooth video calls, quick downloads of large files, seamless online gaming, and lag-free web browsing. With its ultra-thin bezels and Dynamic  AMOLED 2X touchscreen, the Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro's display provides a more comfortable viewing experience and improves focus during long work sessions.

To make working from home even better, the Galaxy Book4 Pro has Dolby Atmos sound technology. This means it can deliver rich and immersive audio, which is especially helpful for online meetings or for enjoying content during short breaks. The laptop also has AI Studio Effects, including noise cancellation for clearer communication and auto-framing, which keeps you perfectly centered during video calls. This makes every interaction feel more professional.

What makes this laptop perfect for remote workers is its easy communication with other Samsung devices. Thanks to Samsung Multi Control, you can connect this laptop to your Galaxy smartphone or tablet. You will have the greatest and most productive workspace. Imagine answering emails on your computer and managing a presentation on your phone at the same time. This all can be done without any problems.

For Travellers: Your Office on the Go

Travelling with a heavy laptop is inconvenient, but the Galaxy Book4 Pro solves that problem with its lightweight and durable design. Whether on a flight, working from a coffee shop, or staying in a hotel room, it's an ideal travel companion. This laptop gives you the power to stay productive wherever you go.

Since it comes equipped with Thunderbolt 4 ports, it enables fast charging for your devices and rapid file transfers. Plus, with advanced security features like Knox, fingerprint reader and more, you are offered an added peace of mind that your data is secure.

A Laptop for Everyone

The Galaxy Book4 Pro can enhance your lifestyle. Its versatility is what enables users to freely shift between various roles and tasks.

Creative Professionals: Graphic designers and video editors love Dynamic AMOLED 2X display because they can show stunningly vivid colours and deep contrasts. Pair this with the power of Intel's Core Ultra 5 and 7 processors, and you have a laptop that is ideally suited to meet the demanding needs of video editing and graphic design. The Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro has both and can bring every detail to life. It's simple, lightweight design lets you think of exceptional creative ideas wherever possible.

Entrepreneurs: For business owners on the go, the Galaxy Book4 Pro offers seamless performance for presentations, financial planning, and communication. Its all-day battery life ensures that meetings and tasks won't be interrupted.

Gamers and Streamers: Don't let the slim profile fool you. This laptop has enough power to handle casual gaming and streaming with ease. The immersive screen and powerful speakers make it really fun when you are playing games and watching streams.

The Verdict: Small in Size, Big on Impact

The Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro is more than just a laptop; it's a testament to how far technology has come. In an age where flexibility and efficiency are essentials, this ultra-thin, high-performance device delivers on every level. Whether you're a student, a remote worker, or a frequent traveler, the Galaxy Book4 Pro adapts to your needs and enables you to excel in your goals.

It's not just about having a laptop that looks good, it's about having a laptop that works as hard as you do. For those looking for affordability, Samsung currently offers No Cost EMI options and instant bank discounts.

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