Frogs around the world are being severely impacted by the chytrid fungus, which has led to population declines in over 500 species and the presumed extinction of approximately 90 species. This invasive pathogen is disrupting ecosystems and causing significant biodiversity loss. Innovative methods to combat this threat have emerged, focusing on providing frogs with heated environments to resist infection. This approach, which is both affordable and adaptable, has shown promise in addressing the devastating effects of chytrid on amphibian populations.
Fighting the Fungus with Heat
According to a study published in Nature, chytrid infections intensify in colder months. Researchers have developed "frog saunas," small heated structures that allow amphibians to elevate their body temperature, helping them fight off the infection. The fungus, unable to survive high temperatures, can be eliminated when frogs spend time in these saunas. In experiments conducted in both controlled and outdoor environments, infected frogs that used these heated enclosures were found to clear the infection significantly faster than those kept in colder conditions.
Natural Immunity and Resistance
As reported by The Conversation, frogs cured through heat treatment developed increased resistance to future chytrid infections. Laboratory trials demonstrated that frogs previously exposed to controlled heating were far less likely to succumb to reinfections. When implemented in outdoor trials, frogs instinctively utilised the saunas to elevate their body temperatures, effectively reducing infection rates and mortality.
Broader Applications of Frog Saunas
The initiative, being deployed at Sydney Olympic Park, focuses on preserving one of the largest populations of green and golden bell frogs. The structures, made with easily sourced materials, offer a practical solution for conservationists and the public alike. Efforts are underway to expand the use of saunas to protect other endangered species.
Conservationists encourage individuals to contribute by building backyard saunas or participating in citizen science projects, which can help track and protect local frog populations. With widespread adoption, this approach may play a crucial role in reducing the chytrid fungus's impact on global amphibian biodiversity.
OnePlus 13R will launch in India and in select global markets on January 7 alongside the OnePlus 13. The phone is said to be a rebrand of the OnePlus Ace 5, which was introduced in China alongside a Pro variant on December 26. The company had previously confirmed several features of the upcoming handset and revealed the phone's design and colour options as well. However, ahead of the launch, new renders of the OnePlus 13R showing its complete design have leaked online.
OnePlus 13R Leaked Design Renders
The OnePlus 13R is confirmed to be offered in Astral Trail and Nebula Noir colour options. In promotional images, the smartphone appears with a large, circular camera module at the top left of the rear panel. It holds three sensors alongside an LED flash unit. The leaked renders shared by X user Arsène Lupin (@MysteryLupin) show the design of the upcoming handset in more detail.
The front of the OnePlus 13R displays a screen with thin, uniform bezels and a hole-punch slot at the top. The right edge holds the volume rocker and the power button, while the left edge has an alert slider. The top edge appears with an IR sensor, while the bottom edge holds the USB Type-C port, a SIM card slot, the speaker grille and the mic.
OnePlus 13R Specifications
The OnePlus 13R is confirmed to be powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC. It will support AI-backed photo editing and note-taking features. The phone will house a 6,000mAh battery and will be available for purchase in India via Amazon.
Similar to the OnePlus Ace 5, the OnePlus 13R may sport a 6.78-inch full-HD+ display with up to 120Hz refresh rate and up to 1,600 nits global peak brightness. The phone could get a 50-megapixel triple rear camera unit alongside an 8-megapixel secondary and a 2-megapixel macro sensor. The front camera will likely hold a 16-megapixel sensor.
Notably, the OnePlus Ace 5 carries a 6,400mAh battery with support for 80W wired fast charging and an IP65-rated build against dust and water ingress. It is equipped with an in-display fingerprint sensor for security.
Apple TV+ will be free for streaming during the first weekend of January 2025, the company announced on Monday. The streaming service from the Cupertino-based technology giant will offer a weekend promotion with free streaming of Apple Original films and shows without any subscription required. This limited-period scheme comes ahead of the release of popular Apple Original content such as Severance Season 2, Mythic Quest, and Prime Target — all of which premiere in January, 2025.
Apple TV+ Free Streaming
According to Apple, users can streaming Apple Originals between January 4 and January 5 without requiring any subscription. They can simply open the Apple TV+ app which comes pre-installed on Apple devices and start watching content. For two days, they can get access to Apple Originals such as award-winning series, compelling dramas, groundbreaking documentaries, kids' entertainment, comedies, and more. This includes The Morning Show, Ted Lasso, Severance, Dark Matter, and For All Mankind.
Apple TV+ is also available on other supported platforms such as a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or a smart TV, and watch films and shows for free.
Notably, Apple TV+ is offered free for three months on the purchase of any new Apple device. Monthly subscribers can also get a seven-day trial of the streaming service before enrolling in the subscription, which starts at Rs. 99 per month. It is also included in the Apple One plan costing Rs. 195 per month, that also gives access to 200GB of iCloud data, Apple Arcade, and Apple Music.
Additionally, Apple Music Student Plan comes with a free subscription to Apple TV+.
Apple Subscription With Airtel
Airtel subscribers can enjoy Apple TV+ and Apple Music subscriptions with select prepaid and postpaid plans in India. It comes bundled with premium Airtel WiFi and Postpaid plans. Meanwhile, mobile users will be able to enjoy a subscription to Apple Music, which is the Cupertino-based tech giant's audio-streaming service, with Airtel's own Wynk Premium subscription.
This year was supposed to be a slow year for games, a gap year for major releases before 2025 brought out the big guns. But in hindsight, 2024 has been a bountiful year for video games, with some standout titles on all platforms. From Helldivers 2 and Palworld becoming multiplayer phenomenons, to Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree and Black Myth: Wukong lighting up the action-RPG category, past 12 months have seen excellent launches across genres.
It's been a great year for indie games, too. Balatro, a poker-inspired roguelike deckbuilder developer by a single person, was nominated for Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2024. There were some excellent remakes of older games, as well. Silent Hill 2 and Persona 3 Reload brought back classic games in a contemporary package. There were many great games this year, and since 2024 is winding down, it's time to pick our favourites.
It's also worth noting that there were several acclaimed titles that we didn't get to play this year and are hence not part of this list. These include games like Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Metaphor: ReFantazio and more. Our list consists of our favourite picks from the games we did play in 2024. So here are our best video games of 2024 across all platforms (in alphabetical order):
Astro Bot
Sony didn't have any major first-party launches this year, but a few surprise exclusives helped tide the PlayStation parent over during the period. The best of them all came from the most unexpected place. Team Asobi's Astro Bot, a sequel to free-to-play PS5 title Astro's Playroom, arrived like a splash of colour on a dull page. The Nintendo-style family-friendly 3D platformer stands distinct from other PlayStation exclusives in both the way it looks and plays. You play as Astro, the cute robot mascot for PlayStation, faring across the galaxy with his bot buddies, before Nebulax intercepts your PS5-shaped spaceship. The ship crash lands on a strange planet and the bots are scattered and lost across several galaxies.
You're then tasked with collecting all your friends and repairing your ship by finding the missing parts, as you explore over 80 vibrant levels across multiple galaxies. There's easter eggs to be found, special VIP bots to be collected and hidden planets to be discovered. Astro Bot is brimming with PlayStation memorabilia, essentially acting as a museum for the brand and its journey through the ages.
Aside from being a fun collectathon, Astro Bot features colouful levels, each with a distinct theme and flavour. There is a planet made out of confections, another that's designed as a construction site, and one that's a tropical beach paradise. Moving around in these levels using Astro's modest move set is fun and responsive, especially with the excellent haptic feedback on the DualSense controller. The gameplay doesn't feature the depth of some of the other games on this list, but a wide variety of inventive abilities adds freshness to each planet.
With its candy-coloured visuals, creative level design and fun-focussed gameplay, Astro Bot stood out in a year full of excellent action-adventure games, winning four trophies at The Game Awards 2024, including Game of the Year.
Developed by one person, Billy Blasso, Animal Well is an atmospheric Metroidvania platformer that emphasises exploration. There are no tutorials or hints that guide the player through the expanding maze and there is no combat. Players are instead encouraged to be curious and engage with the game's challenges creatively.
Animal Well puts the spotlight on its puzzles as each section of the map requires inventive thinking to progress through. The labyrinthine levels are full of eerie animals that sometimes help the player and other times stand in their way. The game can be disorienting at first, with multiple branching paths and no clear way through. Early sections of the game can feel like you are stumbling around in the dark with arms outstretched, trying to feel your way through. But then your eyes get accustomed to the darkness, and you begin to see the path forward.
While you can stick to the golden path in your playthrough and rush through the main objectives, inquisitive players will find hidden areas and increasingly complex puzzles. Gear items found during the playthrough also become key to unlocking the maze. And beyond its rewarding platforming and puzzle solving, Animal Well's dreamlike visuals and pixel art style bring a surreal, immersive experience that you couldn't find in any other game released in 2024.
Animal Well's intricate maze is full of animals and spirits Photo Credit: Shared Memory
Balatro
At this point, there's little to be said about Balatro that hasn't already been said. The indie roguelike deckbuilder, also developed by a single person who goes by the psuedonym LocalThunk, became the year's breakout hit on every platform. The game has sold over 3.5 million copies and it's easy to see why. Balatro is deceptively simple, increasingly complex and ridiculously addictive. The goal of the game is to play the best poker hands to defeat blinds — Small, Big and Boss blinds, that escalate difficulty by introducing new challenges.
Each blind includes several rounds of playing your hands until you run out of them or hit the target score. You also get access to special cards that come with buffs to tilt the round in your favour by twisting the rules. As the name would suggest, Joker cards are all-important in Balatro. They come with unique effects that alter rules and consequently can help you hit the score.
Balatro received five nominations at The Game Awards 2024, including Game of the Year. It ended up winning Best Independent Game, Best Debut Indie Game, and Best Mobile Game categories. It's available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch and mobile platforms, and via Apple Arcade subscription. But be warned, downloading Balatro on your phone comes with a risk of getting addicted to its loop.
Balatro is available on PC, Mac, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch and mobile platforms Photo Credit: LocalThunk
Helldivers 2
Who knew shooting some bugs with your friends could be this fun? Helldivers 2 arrived in a saturated multiplayer market, with new live service games struggling to hold on to players. But with its frenetic PvE action, its distinct humour, and excellent visuals, Helldivers 2 has managed to stand out in a field full of imitations and iterations. In Arrowhead Games' third-person shooter, you're recruited as mindless soldier for the fascistic government of Super Earth and thrown into an endless war against Terminids and Automatons. Your aim as a foot soldier for the empire is to listen to orders, kill the targets, and die in service of Super Earth. But instead of playing the militaristic intent and jingoism straight, the game is dripping with biting satire, paying homage to Starship Troopers. Helldivers 2 is constantly making fun of its own premise, bringing a sense of comedic self-awareness that lends itself to the exaggerated objectives.
There's no PvP element to Helldivers 2, and so its PvE battleground lends itself perfectly to collaborative and rallying online matches, even if you're playing with strangers. The action itself is quite epic. You land on overrun outposts on far-flung planets to find them crawling with giant bugs. While you take out the scurrying insects and blow up their nests, you also must complete a set of objectives to gain maximum rewards before you fly out.
To aid your extermination efforts, you get some of the most explosive weapons you'll see in video games. While your start out with standard assault weapons and can call in special weaponry later through your stratagems, your biggest arsenal are the orbital strikes. These strikes are capable of levelling everything that's in front you in over-the-top fashion and serve as blockbuster moments in fast-paced matches.
Prince of Persia is a beloved and storied franchise that had been dormant for a while before Ubisoft Montpellier, makers of the excellent Rayman games, decided to give the series a new direction. The Lost Crown reinvents Prince of Persia as a Metroidvania action-platformer with intense boss fights, intricate level design and tons of puzzles. In The Lost Crown, you play as Sargon, a member of The Immortals, tasked with rescuing the prince, who has been kidnapped and taken to Mount Qaf.
The mountain becomes the maze where the game's branching levels rest. As you explore different parts of Mount Qaf, you meet its residents and villains, you discover its hidden secrets and find buried treasures. Along your way, you take on threats in the form of your environment and the enemies that stand in your path. Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown features some of the hardest platforming sections in a game this year that demand precision and patience from players.
And its dynamic combat, that emphasises parrying incoming strikes and hitting back during the right window, keeps escalating the difficulty on a steady curve. The Lost Crown, thus, feels challenging, but never unfair. There are some sections that could end up grinding you down, but the developers ensured these areas remain optional. There have been a few excellent Metroidvanias in the past few years and The Lost Crown borrows bright ideas from each of them but ultimately presents an adventure that remains distinctly Prince of Persia.
We've talked about platformers, deckbuilders, action titles and shooters. Senua's Saga: Hellblade II is an action-adventure game, but it's also uncompromisingly focussed on a cinematic vision. The game can only be played in a wide-screen aspect ratio, it features beautiful, near photo-realistic visuals and it is powered by a central performance that can rival some of the best ones in films this year.
As a video game, Senua's Saga isn't offering a lot; It can be finished in about six hours and its gameplay systems are purposely shallow. But the game packs an unsparing amount of detail and care into its narrative and visual presentation, resulting in an immersive experience like no other in the medium in 2024. From its binaural audio that attempts to capture Senua's psychosis in an authentic way to its industry leading facial animations, Senua's Saga is a technical powerhouse.
The game utilises Unreal Engine 5 to present natural landscapes that are evocative. Walking through desolate and jagged hills and Norse ruins helps sell a sense of isolation, reflecting Senua's state. And her determined march forward is reflected in the game's strictly linear levels. There are action-adventure titles that tell an affecting story while bringing a deeper gameplay experience, where players get to define their time with the game in their own ways. But Senua's Saga: Hellblade II aims to create a singular experience that obsessively adheres to the developer's intensions. And that is an admirable approach in a medium that's ever ready to bend to the will of the player.
Samsung Galaxy S25 series is rumoured to be launched in January 2025 and the Galaxy S25 Ultra is expected to be the top-of-the-line handset in the series. As per a recent report, the flagship handset will come with support for seamless software updates, leveraging Android's A/B over-the-air (OTA) update system. This is said to allow the user to continue using the purported Galaxy S25 Ultra even when the update is being installed without any downtime.
Seamless Software Updates on Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
In a report, Android Authority claimed to see some leaked files of the purported Galaxy S25 Ultra through which, they can confirm that it will support Android's A/B OTA update system. While the internal files were related to the top-of-the-line smartphone in the series, the publication speculates that it also applies to the Galaxy S25 and the Galaxy S25 Plus — the other two handsets in Samsung's flagship smartphone series.
This revelation corroborates previous claims by tipster @chunvn8888, who first claimed about the purported Samsung Galaxy S25 series supporting seamless software updates in November.
On Android, the A/B update system works via two separate partitions on the system storage. Once triggered, the update's installation begins on the inactive ‘B' partition while the smartphone's system retains its functionality running on the ‘A' partition. It is claimed to have multiple benefits. For starters, it enables users to keep using their device during the software update process, with the only downtime being when it reboots into the updated disk partition. Even if the update fails or the handset encounters an error, it reboots into the old partition or OS, reducing the chances of it falling into an inactive state which is commonly referred to as ‘bricking'. Users can then choose to reattempt the software update install.
The report also suggests that the purported Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra with the model number SM-S938 will be equipped with Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, which is the flagship mobile SoC in the market.
The world of foldable phones was once reserved for those willing to spend a significant amount, but that's no longer the case. Last year, Motorola and Tecno were among the first to introduce affordable clamshell foldable phones in India, and this year, Infinix has joined the fray. In October, Infinix launched its first foldable phone in the country – the Zero Flip. The phone is priced at Rs. 49,999 and offers standout features such as a large cover screen, the largest battery in the segment, and more.
But does the price and the large cover screen make the Zero Flip a strong contender in the affordable foldable flip phone market, especially against Motorola's offerings? Does it stack up in terms of features? How does it perform in everyday use? I spent the last few weeks on the phone to find out, and here's my take.
Infinix Zero Flip Design: Premium
Dimensions (Unfolded) - 170.4 x 73.4 x 7.6 mm
Dimensions (Folded) - 87.5 x 73.4 x 16 mm
Weight - 195g
Colours - Blossom Glow, Rock Black
Despite its affordable price tag (for a clamshell foldable), the Infinix Zero Flip is well-designed. It's got flat sides, rounded corners, and curved edges. The bottom rear panel is made from glass and features a distinct texture on both colour options.
The phone is available in two colour options, and we got the Black Rock variant
We got the Black Rock variant, which features a sand-like finish, resistant to fingerprints and smudges. The back panel is protected by Gorilla Glass 7. The phone feels solid in hand, both when folded and unfolded, and gives off a premium look.
The bottom rear panel has a matte finish
When folded, you'll notice that the hinge cover has a pattern with the Infinix logo. The hinge seems durable and is rated to last 4,00,000 folds. However, the phone doesn't come with any IP rating, so I'd recommend not using the phone in the rain. It's also not possible to open the phone with one hand as the sides are flat. The hinge has a hover range of 30 to 150 degrees, and you can use it at any angle, as there is no spring mechanism to force the phone to open or shut.
The hinge is claimed to have survived 400,000 folds
The volume and power buttons are placed on the top right frame, with the power button doubling as a fingerprint scanner. The scanner worked well during the review, with only a couple of failed attempts to register my finger.
The Zero Flip has no visible gap when folded
The bottom houses the USB Type-C port, a loudspeaker, a SIM tray slot, and a microphone. You'll find another microphone at the top.
The SIM card tray has a rubber gasket, but the phone has no IP rating
When open, the inner display has decently sized bezels all around. You also get a slit flash for selfies on the top next to the earpiece.
The inner screen protector loves smudges and dust
The display crease is similar to what we've seen on the Motorola Razr 50 lineup and the Galaxy Z Flip 6.
Infinix Zero Flip Display: Flexible inside, Big outside
Main display - 6.9-inch flexible LTPO OLED, 120Hz, full-HD+ resolution
Protection - Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (Cover screen)
Both panels on the Infinix Zero Flip are quite good in terms of specifications. The cover screen is one of the largest among flip phones in this price bracket. The 3.64-inch AMOLED panel on the outside offers 1,100 nits of peak brightness, which is plenty for indoor use, and is somewhat readable under bright sunlight.
The cover screen isn't super eligible under direct sunlight
The screen gets an always-on display and is protected with Gorilla Glass Victus 2. In my few weeks with the phone, the outer screen managed to keep scratches away. You don't get a lot of customisation options for the cover screen. You can change the wallpapers, place some interactive pets, and access certain quick settings.
You can open and use several apps on the Cover screen
There's no way to add widgets, which is a bummer. The screen has cutouts for the dual cameras and LED flash. To read about the outer screen's usability, head to the Software section.
Moving on to the inner flexible screen, you get a 6.9-inch LTPO panel that supports up to 120Hz refresh rate but has 1,400 nits of peak brightness, which is good enough for indoor and outdoor use. As for refresh rate, you can choose between 60, 90, 120, and auto modes. The colour output is good, and you get two modes – Bright-coloured and Original.
The inner screen gets plenty bright outdoors
The screen offers a tall 22:9 aspect ratio, which means that there are going to be thick black bars when streaming 16:9 or 4:3 content. There's no official HDR rating, but you get Widevine L1 support, meaning you can stream Netflix content in full HD resolution. The screen also comes with the usual protective coating, which I found to be more prone to smudging than usual.
Infinix Zero Flip Software: Needs improvement
OS - Android 14
UI - XOS 14.5
Latest security patch - October 2024
The phone is claimed to get two years of Android updates and three years of security patches, but that only sounds good on paper as the Zero Flip runs Android 14 out of the box. That means you'll only get up to Android 16. The phone doesn't have a lot of bloatware, but you'll find several pre-installed apps and XOS Family apps as it runs the XOS UI.
The phone gets 2 years of Android OS update support
Infinix claims that you can run over 100+ apps on the cover display. Yes, you can use a lot of apps on the cover screen. However, using the cover screen to watch videos is not something you should do. Using apps like Chrome or WhatsApp is also possible, but typing is cumbersome as you get a tiny keyboard.
You should avoid watching videos on the cover screen
The apps open vertically and don't cover the entire screen, as the area above the vertically stacked cameras only shows the time and certain notifications.
As this is foldable, you get features that use the bendy form factor. A Flex-Still mode is enabled when the phone is folded to a certain angle. In this mode, the top and bottom halves of the display show different things. This works across apps like Camera, Gallery, and others. In the Camera app, the top part of the inner screen shows the viewfinder, whereas the bottom shows the controls.
Infinix Zero Flip Performance: Is sometimes a hothead
CPU - MediaTek Dimensity 8020
RAM - 8GB LPDDR4X
Storage - 512GB UFS 3.1
The 6nm Dimensity 8020 SoC inside the Zero Flip is quite capable of performing regular tasks and gaming. It's not a powerful chipset, but it runs smoothly on day-to-day tasks, UI animations, and multitasking. Compared to the Motorola Razr 50, the Dimensity performed better in most of the synthetic benchmarks that I ran on the phone.
Benchmark
Infinix Zero Flip
Motorola Razr 50
Geekbench 6 Single
755
902
Geekbench 6 Multi
2534
2,675
AnTuTu v10
805,272
647,833
PCMark Work 3.0
16,412
12,932
3DM Slingshot Extreme OpenGL
Maxed Out
5,037
3DM Slingshot
5,586
5,762
3DM Wild Life
4,370
3,142
3DM Wild Life Unlimited
4,324
3,152
GFXBench T-Rex
60
91
GFXBench Manhattan 3.1
59
47
GFXBench Car Chase
39
26
I did notice the phone heating up, especially around the external camera area, when running a few resource-intensive tasks or using the camera. Running apps on the cover screen also makes the device hot, but only around the cameras, which is quite strange.
BGMI ran exceptionally well with Very High graphics settings
As for gaming, the Zero Flip did a good job. I played BGMI and Real Racing 3 on the phone with ease. The phone also features a game mode, which lets you boost the performance. While the games ran smoothly, I did again find the phone getting hot towards the top edge of the cover screen.
The Infinix Zero Flip offers a hybrid stereo speaker setup, with the earpiece acting as the second speaker. The phone does get quite loud and provides a bit of bass as well. However, I did notice some crackling at max volume. When it comes to microphone and earpiece performance, everything was good.
Alright, it's camera time. The phone offers a dual camera setup on the cover screen and a selfie camera on the inner display. All three sensors offer 50-megapixel resolution and autofocus. The primary sensor is a Samsung ISOCELL GN5 unit, the ultrawide is a Hynix Hi5022, and the selfie camera uses a Samsung ISOCELL JN1 sensor.
You get dual 50-megapixel cameras on the Zero Flip
The camera app automatically switches to the DV mode when you open the hinge to around 90 degrees. You can also use the external cameras to take selfies. The app is easy to use, and all main camera modes are available upfront. A Vlog mode, a Super Night mode, and several others are available under More. You can also easily connect your GoPro to the phone via the GoPro Quik app, and there's also a toggle in the Camera app. You get plenty of beauty effects as well.
Talking about picture quality, the main camera takes good photos in daylight conditions with plenty of details, a wide dynamic range, and slightly saturated colours. You will notice some sharpening in the images, though, which isn't necessarily bad. Even the 2x zoom shots are decent in daylight conditions but have fewer details and are generally softer.
Daylight photo samples from the 50-megapixel wide camera [Tap to Expand]
The ultrawide camera also works well in daylight conditions with good detail and sharpness. The colours are slightly different from the primary camera, but the dynamic range is good.
50-megapixel ultrawide camera samples [Tap to expand]
The primary camera holds up well in low-light conditions, with photos offering decent details and dynamic range. However, you'll find plenty of noise, especially if shooting indoors. A Super Night mode is also available, but I didn't notice any major differences when using this mode apart from better shadows. 2x photos in low-light aren't great and have a muddy appearance to them.
Low-light photos from the main camera at 1x [Tap to expand]
The Ultrawide also doesn't perform well in low-light. Its images are less detailed, soft, and noisy.
Moving on to the selfie camera, which gets its own slit flash, does a good job in daylight conditions. However, it's just better to use the outer camera for selfies, which produces much better results.
As for the video performance, the Zero Flip can shoot at 4K 30fps from the outer cameras, but the internal selfie can also do 4K 60fps. However, neither modes support the stabilisation, which is only available in 1080p 30fps. The video output from the main camera is quite good in daylight conditions with pretty accurate colour output and dynamic range, but you'll find some noise and artefacts around the edges.
Low-light video performance of the primary camera is also not bad, but there needs to be plenty of lighting for the video to have good details. The ultrawide camera records slightly softer and less detailed video, which dips in low-light scenarios.
Infinix Zero Flip Battery: It's large
Capacity - 4,720mAh
Charging speed - 70W
Charger - 70W included in box
The Infinix Zero Flip comes with a battery that's much larger than that of more expensive phones, such as the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and the Motorola Razr 50. I expected the battery to last much longer than the Razr 50, which, in our review, managed around 25 hours in the HD video loop test. However, the Zero Flip only managed to last about 15h 30m. This is with the refresh rate set to 120Hz and brightness at 50 percent with Airplane mode enabled.
The phone comes with a 70W fast charger in the box
Outside our test, the phone did manage to last a full day of regular usage, with about 20 percent of the battery left at the end. To top up the battery, Infinix provides a 70W charger in the box. In my tests, I was able to charge the phone from 0 to 100 percent in about 55 mins and about 60 percent in 30 mins.
Infinix Zero Flip Verdict
The verdict is simple. You can't buy a better flip phone at this price that offers the same amount of features. The Infinix Zero Flip provides a large, mostly usable cover screen, good cameras, a large battery that easily lasts a day, and decent performance. If you don't mind the trade-offs, the Zero Flip is an affordable flex.
The closest competitor is the Motorola Razr 50 (Review), which is slightly more expensive, has a smaller battery, a less powerful chipset, and similar camera performance. Then there's the newly launched Tecno Phantom V Flip 2, which is cheaper but comes with a bunch of downgrades. I would like to also include the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 (Review), which offers better performance, an IP rating, and better hardware, but at almost twice the price.
Solar activity is expected to maintain elevated levels throughout 2025, marking a significant phase in Solar Cycle 25. As this cycle continues to progress, heightened solar phenomena, including solar flares, coronal mass ejections (CMEs), and geomagnetic storms, are anticipated to impact various sectors. While no total solar eclipses will occur during the year, partial eclipses are scheduled for March and September, visible in regions like North America, Europe, and New Zealand. The increased activity of the sun has already brought dramatic events, with significant implications for the year ahead.
Insights into Solar Cycle 25
According to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the sun is currently in the solar maximum period of its 11-year cycle. This phase, characterised by high sunspot counts, typically sees a rise in solar flares and Earth-directed CMEs. While the exact peak of Solar Cycle 25 has not yet been determined, recent records indicate that this cycle has already surpassed the peak activity of Solar Cycle 24, which occurred in 2014. Scientists have highlighted that the rolling average of sunspot numbers is closely monitored to confirm when the peak has occurred, with smoothed data often lagging behind by several months.
Projected Events and Impacts in 2025
Reports suggest that even if the peak of Solar Cycle 25 has already been reached, the extended period of solar maximum activity is expected to persist. Large-scale geomagnetic storms, similar to those witnessed in 2024, could disrupt satellite-based services and power grids. In May 2024, an extreme geomagnetic storm disrupted navigation systems, reportedly causing substantial losses in agriculture. Similar occurrences in the coming year could pose risks to industries reliant on technology.
Potential for Aurora Sightings
With ongoing high solar activity, opportunities for widespread aurora displays are likely. As historical patterns suggest stronger flares often occur during the declining phase of a solar cycle, scientists remain vigilant for potential large-scale events before the cycle concludes. Observations from missions like ESA'sSolar Orbiter continue to provide critical insights into these solar phenomena.
After a theatrical run, ‘The Sabarmati Report', starring Vikrant Massey, is reported to premiere on an OTT platform. The film, inspired by the events surrounding the 2002 Godhra train burning incident, was initially released in cinemas on November 15. Directed by Dheeraj Sarna and produced under Balaji Motion Pictures, the movie has been widely discussed for its bold take on one of India's most debated tragedies. It is expected to draw considerable viewership online following its cinematic acclaim.
When and Where to Watch The Sabarmati Report
According to reports, the film is slated for an early January release on ZEE5. Fans eagerly await this launch, which will allow a broader audience to engage with the narrative. The movie's theatrical release had garnered attention for its tax-free status in certain states, further fuelling public interest in its streaming debut.
Official Trailer and Plot of The Sabarmati Report
The trailer of ‘The Sabarmati Report' offers a glimpse into the tense and dramatic recounting of the Godhra train burning incident. The plot centres on the events of February 27, 2002, delving into the lives of the individuals aboard the ill-fated Sabarmati Express. Written by Avinash and Arjun, the storyline combines historical facts with compelling character arcs to provide a nuanced perspective on the tragedy.
Cast and Crew of The Sabarmati Report
Vikrant Massey plays a pivotal role alongside Riddhi Dogra and Raashi Khanna. Initially directed by Ranjan Chandel, the project saw Dheeraj Sarna take over mid-production. Produced by Ektaa Kapoor and Shobha Kapoor, along with Vikir Films Production and Vipin Agnihotri Films, the movie boasts a strong creative team dedicated to its storytelling.
Reception of The Sabarmati Report
The film holds a 6.6 IMDb rating, reflecting mixed-to-positive audience feedback. Its theatrical performance was poor, but its critical reception highlighted the film's ambitious approach to retelling a sensitive event. The upcoming OTT release is likely to attract further attention and spark discussions around its portrayal of historical events.
Roblox's Arm Wrestle Simulator has gained significant popularity since its release. In the game, players work to build strength and become powerful enough to compete in arm wrestling challenges. With the help of various Arm Wrestle Simulator codes, players can unlock boosts, improve their stats, and receive exclusive in-game rewards. These codes provide a significant advantage to anyone looking to level up and succeed in this competitive game. Below, you'll find the latest active codes for December 2024 and a guide on how to redeem them and play the game!
All Arm Wrestle Simulator Codes
Check out the full list of active Arm Wrestle simulator codes available for this month:
rocket - 5% Stat Boost and 2 hours of 2x Wins
shiny - 3x Stat Boost for 24 Hours
noob - 1 Spin
cavefortune - 3x Stat Boost for 8 Hours + 25 Miner's Crystals
merryxmas - 5% Stat Boost, all potions x10, and 1,500 Candy Coins
enchant - 3 Rebirths
Hacker - 3x Stat Boost for 24 Hours
500MILLION - 5 hours of 2x Wins
sharkattack - 3x Stat Boost for 8 Hours
billion - 3x Stat Boost for 72 Hours
christmas - 3x Stat Boost for 72 Hours
spooky - 3x Stat Boost for 24 Hours + 3,500 Candy
polar - 3x Stat Boost for 24 Hours
clans - 3x Stat Boost for 24 Hours
slimeonallpets - 3x Stat Boost for 2 Hours (SECRET CODE)
soon - 3x Stat Boost for 24 Hours
vacation - 3x Stat Boost for 5 Hours
ghosthunting - 3x Stat Boost for 24 Hours + 1 Halloween Card
ITSHULKTIME - +15% on all strengths
jazzclub - 3x Stat Boost for 12 Hours
1million - 10% Stat Boost, 48 hours of 3x Wins, 2 Banana Seeds, and 2 Apple Seeds
Leagues - Win Boost
heavenly - 3x Stat Boost for 24 Hours
tradeplazasoon - 3x Stat Boost for 4 Hours
wizard - 3x Stat Boost for 24 Hours + 35 Wizard Gems
wasteland - 3x Stat Boost for 24 Hours
royalty - 3x Stat Boost for 24 Hours
atlantis - 3x Stat Boost for 8 Hours
performance - 3x Stat Boost for 24 Hours
rework - 3x Stat Boost for 24 Hours
paradise - 3x Stat Boost for 24 Hours + 1 Gold
candy - 20K Candy
bigupdatesoon - 10% Stat Boost
magicworld - 3x Stat Boost for 6 Hours
SEASON4 - +500 Season Pass XP + HIDDEN SURPRISE
hauntedmanor - 3x Stat Boost for 24 Hours + 3,500 Candy
LIKES - 5 hours of 2x Wins and 2x Luck
pinksandcastle - 1 Spin
ghosthunting - 3x Stat Boost for 24 Hours + 1 Halloween Card
flames - 3x Stat Boost for 4 Hours
200m - +5% to Stats
secrect - Sand Egg
soon - 3x Stat Boost for 24 Hours
axel - 50 Wins
supermembership - 3x Stat Boost for 6 Hours
wednesday - Stat Boost and 2x Wins for 5 hours
LIKES - 5 hours of 2x Wins and 2x Luck
hatching - 3x Stat Boost for 24 Hours
fixd - +5% to Stats
billion - 3x Stat Boost for 72 hours
Expired Arm Wrestle Simulator Codes
jazzclub - 50 Wins
Knighty - 1 Spin
onthehunt - 3x Stat Boost for 4 Hours
quality - 3x Stat Boost for 2 Hours
doubletrouble - 3x Stat Boost for 9 Hours
eastereventstays - 3x Stat Boost for 12 Hours
itschocotime - 3x Stat Boost for 4 Hours
casting - 3x Stat Boost for 6 Hours
nextweek - 3x Stat Boost for 8 Hours
doitagain - +50% Candy Boost
flames - +50% Candy Boost
merryxmas - +50% Candy Boost
XMASUPDATESOON - +50% Candy Boost
CANDY - 25 Cauldron Eggs
FORGIVEUS - 25 Cauldron Eggs
SCARY - +50% Candy Boost
Greek - +50% Candy Boost
SORRYAGAIN - +50% Candy Boost
BOOST - Gets you a general boost
release - Gets you a boost
noobs - Gets you 1 Spin
How to Redeem Arm Wrestle Simulator Codes
Redeeming codes in the Arm Wrestle Simulator is straightforward, even for newcomers. To redeem codes, follow these simple steps:
First, open Roblox and start the Arm Wrestle Simulator game.
On the game's main screen, look for the "Store" icon, usually on the screen's left side above the "Pets" button.
In the "Store" section, you'll find a button labelled “Codes.” Click on this to open the code entry screen.
Type one of the active codes from the list provided and click the "Verify" button.
If the code is valid, you'll instantly receive your rewards.
It's important to note that these codes are typically valid for a limited time, so they should be used as soon as possible.
How to Play Arm Wrestle Simulator
In the Arm Wrestle Simulator, players start with minimal strength and work their way up by training. The game revolves around improving stats like hand strength, bicep power, and cardio ability, essential for winning arm wrestling matches.
Here's an overview of how to play:
Train Your Stats: Players can increase their strength by training in different ways, such as lifting weights or completing various in-game tasks.
Compete in Matches: Once you have built enough strength, you can challenge NPCs or other players in arm wrestling contests. Players must click rapidly and strategically on the screen to win these matches.
Collect Pets and Items: Pets play an essential role in the Arm Wrestle Simulator. They offer boosts and additional stat enhancements. Players can acquire pets by completing tasks or redeeming codes.
Unlock New Arenas: As you progress, you'll unlock new areas to compete against tougher opponents and earn more rewards.
The game's core mechanics are simple yet engaging, offering a compelling mix of training, competition, and progression that keeps players invested.
Best Arm Wrestle Simulator Alternatives
While the Arm Wrestle Simulator offers an entertaining experience, several other Roblox games feature similar gameplay mechanics, such as training and competing to become the strongest. Here are some alternatives to consider:
Super Power Training Simulator: This game allows players to train different superpowers, from strength to agility, and compete against others in battles.
Weight Lifting Simulator: Similar to the Arm Wrestle Simulator, this game focuses on strength-building and competitive weightlifting.
Anime Fighting Simulator: Players train their characters and engage in anime-style combat, offering a unique twist on the training simulator genre.
Pet Simulator X: While not directly related to arm wrestling, Pet Simulator X features a pet collection and a variety of competitive elements.
Each game provides a fun alternative for those seeking gameplay similar to that of the Arm Wrestle Simulator. Whether you're looking for more training-focused games or combat-based simulators, there's a wide selection of options to explore.
FAQs
Is Arm Wrestle Simulator free to play?
Yes, Arm Wrestle Simulator is free to play on Roblox. Players can access all of the game's basic features without spending money, although in-game purchases are available.
What are Arm Wrestle Simulator codes?
Arm Wrestle Simulator codes are special promotional codes that offer players in-game rewards. These rewards may include boosts for stats, candy, pet-related items, and more. They are usually released during updates, events, or milestones.
How often are new Arm Wrestle Simulator codes released?
New codes are typically released during special updates or events. The frequency of new codes can vary, but players can often find new codes added to the game every few weeks.
Do Arm Wrestle Simulator codes expire?
Yes, most Arm Wrestle Simulator codes have expiration dates. Once a code expires, it can no longer be used, so players are encouraged to redeem them as soon as they are available.
Can I use the same Arm Wrestle Simulator code multiple times?
No, each code can only be used once per player. Once a code has been redeemed, it cannot be entered again on the same account.
OnePlus Pad was launched in China on Thursday alongside the company's Ace 5 series. It makes its entry as a rebranded version of the Oppo Pad 3, which debuted last month and features the same core internals. The OnePlus Pad boasts an 11.61-inch 2.8K IPS LCD screen, 144Hz refresh rate, and the MediaTek Dimensity 8350 chipset. The tablet runs on ColorOS 15 based on Android 15 and comes equipped with 67W wired fast charging.
OnePlus Pad Price
OnePlus Pad price starts in China at CNY 2,099 (roughly Rs. 24,000) for the 8GB + 128GB option. However, the company is offering a limited-time discount of CNY 100 (roughly Rs. 1,100) on this variant which takes its introductory price down to CNY 1,999 (roughly Rs. 23,000). It is also available in 8GB + 256GB and 12GB + 256GB configurations which are priced at CNY 2,399 (roughly Rs. 28,000) and CNY 2,699 (roughly Rs. 31,000), respectively.
Meanwhile, the top-of-the-line variant with 12GB + 512GB is listed at CNY 3,099 (roughly Rs. 36,000).
The 2024 OnePlus Pad is offered in two colourways — Deep Ash and Tundra Green.
OnePlus Pad Specifications
The OnePlus Pad sports an 11.61-inch 2.8K (2,800 x 2,000 pixels) IPS LCD screen with a 144Hz refresh rate, a 480Hz touch sampling rate, and up to 700 nits peak brightness. It is powered by a 4nm octa-core MediaTek Dimensity 8350 chipset, paired with an Arm Mali-G615 MC6 GPU, up to 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM, and up to 512GB of UFS 3.1 storage. The tablet runs on Android 15-based ColorOS 15. It measures 257.75 x 189.11 x 6.29mm in size and weighs 533g.
For optics, the OnePlus Pad sports a single 8-megapixel rear camera alongside an LED flash and a front-facing 8-megapixel sensor for selfies and video calls. It is equipped with a Hi-Res certified quad speaker unit for audio playback. It packs a 9,520mAh battery with 67W SuperVOOC wired fast charging support. In terms of connectivity, the OnePlus Pad gets Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC and a USB Type-C port.
Police have arrested a 23-year-old MBBS student in Madhya Pradesh's Indore for sending around Rs. 8 lakh of cyber fraud money to a gang of Chinese youths by converting it into cryptocurrency, an official said on Wednesday.
Talking to reporters, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Rajesh Kumar Tripathi said the accused, identified as Vikram Vishnoi (23), was arrested based on the clues found in the case of cheating a city-based software engineer of Rs 1.35 lakh by placing him under "digital arrest".
Vishnoi, who hails from Jodhpur in Rajasthan, is a third-year MBBS student of the Government Medical College in Maharashtra's Alibag, he said.
Through Vishnoi's interrogation, it came to light that he used to provide bank accounts to a gang on a commission basis for cyber fraud and was connected to five Chinese youths through a group on Telegram messaging app, he said.
"We came to know that Vishnoi used to convert the cyber fraud money deposited in Indian bank accounts into cryptocurrency and send it to the Chinese gang. We are investigating thoroughly the role of the Chinese gang in carrying out cyber crimes in India," Tripathi said.
Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Rajesh Dandotia said Vishnoi used to convert the cyber fraud money into cryptocurrency through an account of cryptocurrency exchange "Binance" and then send it to the crypto wallet of a Chinese youth with the secret name of "TLX" through QR code.
He said that Vishnoi has so far converted about Rs. 8 lakh into cryptocurrency and sent it to the Chinese crypto wallet of "TLX".
Dandotia said the accused used to talk to the Chinese youth through a chatbot with mutual translation facility in English and Chinese languages.
In order to investigate the transfer of cyber fraud money to the Chinese gang, the Indore police have sent an email to Telegram and Binance to seek information.
OnePlus Ace 5 is scheduled to launch in China on December 26 (today) and will also debut as the OnePlus 13R in the global markets early next year. Ahead of its anticipated unveiling, the Chinese company has confirmed a key aspect of the purported smartphone — its battery capacity. OnePlus says it will be equipped with a significantly larger battery than its predecessor. However, this won't affect its form factor and the OnePlus Ace 5 is confirmed to be even thinner than the last-generation model.
OnePlus Ace 5 Battery, Size
In a post on the Chinese social media platform Weibo, OnePlus shared details about the battery capacity and the change in size of the OnePlus Ace 5. As per the company, it will feature a 6,400mAh battery which can deliver up to 23 hours of video playback. This means an increase of approximately 900mAh over the 5,500mAh capacity of the OnePlus Ace 4.
However, this does not mean that the purported smartphone will get thicker. Instead, it is claimed to have a slimmer body than its predecessor. The company says it will have a thickness of 8mm, compared to the 8.8mm thickness of the preceding model.
OnePlus has also confirmed that the smartphone will come with support for 100W SuperVOOC charging.
OnePlus Ace 5 Specifications (Expected)
According to reports, the OnePlus Ace 5 will get a 6.78-inch flat AMOLED screen with 1.5K (2,780 x 1,264 pixels) resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. It is likely to ship with Android 15-based ColorOS 15. For optics, the purported handset may be equipped with a 50-megapixel primary sensor, paired with 8-megapixel and 2-megapixel sensors at the back. It is said to sport a 16-megapixel front camera for selfies.
The OnePlus Ace 5 is reported to have an IR blaster. It is speculated to measure 161.72 x 75.77 x 8.02mm in size and weigh 206g. The company has already confirmed that it will be powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset under the hood.
Gemini Live could soon make its way to the desktop version of Google Chrome, according to claims on social media by a tipster. The two-way conversational artificial intelligence (AI) feature was initially rolled out to Gemini Advanced users on Android in September and finally made its way to the iOS platform last month with the introduction of the Gemini for iOS app. However, flags for the feature discovered on the desktop version of a Chrome build suggest it could be the next home for Google's AI feature.
Gemini Live on Google Chrome
Tipster Leopeva64 (@Leopeva64) detailed the rumoured arrival of Gemini Live on Google Chrome last month. A new feature flag was discovered in Chromium Gerrit, a code review tool for developers working on the Chromium open-source project. It is said to be implemented with the GLIC codename, which is speculated to be an abbreviation for Gemini Live in Chrome.
The new button in Chrome's tab strip now opens a floating panel, although it is not yet possible to interact with this panel; after digging deep into Chromium Gerrit and based on the codename, I am 99% sure that this feature is... Gemini Live for Chrome:https://t.co/OP1jBOep2spic.twitter.com/9VShgDaPEu
As per the tipster, activating the flag brings up an exclamation mark tab strip icon. The AI feature is reported to require microphone and location access and has its own settings page and a dedicated user interface (UI). Users may also have the option to access GLIC in the toolbar, open it with a keyboard shortcut, and “view and manage” its activity.
While its implementation in Chrome is said to have been spotted, it isn't possible to interact with the panel, as per the tipster.
Gemini Live Features
First unveiled at Google I/O 2024 in May, Gemini Live is an AI-powered feature which enables users to have real-time conversations with the chatbot using natural language. They can verbally ask the AI assistant queries, which responds to them similarly. It also allows for follow-up questions without having to provide the entire context every time.
In Gemini Live, users can choose between 10 different voices to chat with Gemini, each differing in pitch, regional accent, and energy levels. The AI feature supports over 40 languages, including nine Indian languages, such as Hindi, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Telugu, Tamil, and Urdu.
Oppo Reno 13 5G series of smartphones will arrive in select markets outside China soon. The company has teased the global launch of the Oppo Reno 13 and Reno 13 Pro handsets. Now, it has released a teaser video in which the key design elements of the phones are revealed. The Oppo Reno 13 5G series models are also confirmed to launch in India. The global and Indian variants are expected to share features similar to those of their Chinese counterparts.
Oppo Reno 13 5G Series Design
Oppo shared an X post which reveals the design of the upcoming global variants of the Oppo Reno 13 5G series handsets. The phones will come with aluminium middle frames and one-piece sculpted glass back panels. The flat displays will be accompanied by uniform, ultra-thin bezels. They will have a Butterfly Shadow Design, where the back panels will sport a butterfly-shaped pattern.
Both Oppo Reno 13 5G and Reno 13 Pro 5G will get rectangular rear camera modules with rounded edges on the top left corner. The Oppo branding is placed horizontally towards the bottom of the rear panel. The right edge holds the volume rocker and the power button. The bottom edge has a USB Type-C port and speaker grilles.
Previously, the company teased that the Oppo Reno 13 5G series global variants will get "all-round armour" protection and IP69-rated builds against dust and water ingress. The series will include a Plume Purple colourway, an earlier teaser confirmed. The phones are set to ship with Android 15-based ColorOS 15 and features like AI Livephoto and AI Editor.
Oppo Reno 13 5G Series Features
The Chinese variants of the Oppo Reno 13 5G handsets are powered by MediaTek Dimensity 8350 SoCs and are equipped with 50-megapixel selfie cameras. The base variant carries a 6.59-inch full-HD+ AMOLED screen, a 50-megapixel dual rear camera setup and a 5,600mAh battery. Meanwhile, the Pro option gets a larger 6.83-inch display, a third 50-megapixel telephoto shooter at the back and a 5,800mAh battery. Both phones support 80W wired and 50W wireless fast charging.
OpenAI is reportedly considering building humanoid robots, likely as an expansion of its existing intelligence software stack. As per the report, the AI firm has held discussions about entering the robotics space and making human-like robots in particular. The company's interest in robotics is not new, as it used to have an active robotics division that was abandoned before the release of the GPT-3 artificial intelligence (AI) model. Additionally, OpenAI continues to make investments in several robotics startups via its venture arm.
OpenAI Could Reportedly Enter the Robotics Space
The Information reported on the AI firm's ambitions of building humanoid robots. Citing two unnamed people with direct knowledge of the matter, the publication claimed that OpenAI has recently considered developing robots that look human-like. However, the report did not reveal if these were just initial discussions or if the ChatGPT maker had a roadmap prepared.
As mentioned above, OpenAI had an active robotics division ever since its inception, although it did not release any products or prototypes. In 2021, OpenAI Co-Founder Wojciech Zaremba, who also led the robotics division, confirmed that the division was being abandoned. In a podcast, he highlighted that a lack of training data was the main reason behind the shutdown, as the team felt the systems could not be taken to the desired level of intelligence.
However, an IoT World Today report earlier this year claimed that OpenAI had opened several job listings for research engineers to join a robotics team. The description reportedly highlighted that the research would have to train multimodal large language models to “unlock new capabilities for our partners' robots”.
These “partners” could refer to the several robotics startups the AI firm has invested in. OpenAI invested in Figure AI in February 2024 in a funding round led by Jeff Bezos, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Intel. The company has also invested in 1X Technologies and helps in the integration of the GPT AI models in the startup's robots. In November, it also invested in Physical Intelligence, a startup developing AI-based software that brings human-like understanding and dexterity to robots.
With limited information, it is difficult to speculate on the company's vision with humanoid robots. However, with the recent release of the o3 series of advanced reasoning-focused AI models, the company might be planning to build robots that can perform diverse real-world tasks in factories and other settings with just verbal commands.
OnePlus 13 is set to launch in India and the global markets next month. Ahead of its anticipated debut, the Chinese company's current flagship smartphone, the OnePlus 12, has received a price cut on e-commerce platforms. Customers can purchase the smartphone with an initial discount to get it at a lower price than its list MRP. Additionally, there are bank offers available which can be used to take its price further down.
Combining all the offers, it can be purchased for as low as Rs. 52,999. Here's how.
OnePlus 12 Price Drop in India
OnePlus 12 has a launch price of Rs. 64,999 for the base 12GB+256GB variant. However, Amazon has rolled out an 8 percent discount on the smartphone, which translates to Rs. 5,000. Thus, it is currently selling on the e-commerce platform for Rs. 59,000.
Customers can also take advantage of bank offers. A flat discount of Rs. 7,000 is available on ICICI Bank Credit Card and One Card transactions. The same offer applies if buyers do not wish to pay the full amount in one go and opt for the EMI option. Amazon offers 3-month, 6-month, and 9-month EMI options on the OnePlus 12 (Review).
If both offers are applied, the price of the OnePlus 12 goes down as low as Rs. 52,999 on Amazon.
OnePlus 12 Specifications
The dual SIM (Nano) OnePlus 12 sports a 6.82-inch quad-HD+ (1,440 x 3,168 pixels) LTPO 4.0 AMOLED screen with a peak brightness of 4,500 nits and a 120Hz variable refresh rate. It is powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset under the hood, paired with up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and up to 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage. The handset runs on OxygenOS 14, which is based on Android 14.
For optics, OnePlus 12 is equipped with a triple rear camera setup that is tuned by Hasselblad. It comprises a 50-megapixel primary camera with a Sony LYT-808 sensor, a 48-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera, and a 64-megapixel periscope telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom. It has a 32-megapixel front camera for selfies. The smartphone packs a 5,400mAh battery with 100W SuperVOOC fast charging and 50W wireless charging. OnePlus 12 also supports 10W reverse wireless charging.
Ray-Ban Meta Glasses could soon benefit from a huge upgrade with the addition of small screens, according to a report. The next iteration of the wearable device is said to be launched as soon as next year, and screens may be leveraged to display notifications and perform other functions. Notably, this development builds upon Meta Platforms' ambition to develop lightweight wearable headsets that could potentially replace smartphones as primary computing devices.
Ray-Ban Meta Glasses With Displays
According to a Financial Times report, the next iteration of Ray-Ban Meta Glasses (review) may be equipped with small screens that could be used to display notifications as well as responses to queries received from Meta AI — the company's artificial intelligence (AI)-powered virtual assistant.
The $299 (roughly Rs. 25,000) smart glasses, which have been developed in collaboration with EssilorLuxottica, come equipped with a 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera, open-ear speakers, and microphones which enable users to capture snapshots, listen to music, and have conversations — all on the go. The report suggests that while the first version of the displays on the Ray-Ban Meta Glasses would only show simple text and images, it would be a step towards realising CEO Mark Zuckerberg's vision of augmented reality (AR) glasses that “transpose a virtual world” upon real life.
This purported device could be launched as early as the second half of 2025, the publication adds.
Meanwhile, Meta Platforms is reported to continue developing Orion, its AR glasses that are equipped with holographic displays and feature support for Meta AI. The company unveiled its prototype at the Meta Connect 2024 event in September after nearly a decade of development. While this iteration wasn't made available commercially, the company is planning to introduce a version for customers within the next few years.
As per FT, the social media giant's ambitions have been bolstered due to the positive response towards its AR glasses and has reportedly fast-tracked its development to turn it into a consumer product. However, it faces several challenges, including developing a product that has adequate performance and decent battery life while being priced at a desirable price point. There are supply chain-related challenges too, as per the report.
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.
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.
