Vivo Y300 Pro+ With 7,300mAh Battery, 90W Charging Launched Alongside Vivo Y300t

Vivo Y300 Pro+ was launched in China on Monday. The phone is equipped with a 7,300mAh battery with support for 90W fast charging and a Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset paired with up to 12GB RAM. The company also unveiled the Vivo Y300t, which comes with a 6,500mAh battery with 44W fast charging support and a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 SoC. Both smartphones carry 50-megapixel dual rear camera setups and run on Origin OS 5 based on Android 15.

Vivo Y300 Pro+, Vivo Y300t Price, Availability

Vivo Y300 Pro+ price in China starts at CNY 1,799 (roughly Rs. 21,200) for the 8GB + 128GB option, while the 8GB + 256GB version costs CNY 1,999 (roughly Rs. 23,500). Meanwhile, the 12GB + 256GB and 12GB + 512GB variants are priced at CNY 2,199 (roughly Rs. 25,900) and CNY 2,499 (roughly Rs. 29,400), respectively. The phone is currently available for pre-orders in the country via the official e-store and will go on sale on April 3. It comes in Micro Powder, Simple Black, and Star Silver (translated from Chinese) colour options.

On the other hand, the price of the Vivo Y300t starts at CNY 1,199 (roughly Rs. 14,100) for the 8GB + 128GB option, while the 8GB + 256GB, 12GB + 256GB and 12GB + 512GB configurations are listed at CNY 1,299 (roughly Rs. 15,300), CNY 1,499 (roughly Rs. 17,600), and CNY 1,699 (roughly Rs. 20,000), respectively. It is currently available for purchase in the country via the official website and select online retail platforms. The handset is offered in Black Coffee, Ocean Blue, and Rock White (translated from Chinese) shades.

Vivo Y300t is offered in Black Coffee, Ocean Blue and Rock White (translated) colourways
Photo Credit: Vivo

 

Vivo Y300 Pro+ Features, Specifications

The Vivo Y300 Pro+ sports a 6.77-inch full-HD+ (1,080X2,392 pixels) AMOLED screen with up to 120Hz refresh rate, up to 5,000nits peak brightness level, and HDR10+ support. The handset is powered by an octa-core Snapdragon 7s Gen SoC paired with up to 12GB of LPDDR4X RAM and up to 512GB of UFS2.2 onboard storage. It ships with Android 15-based Origin OS 5.

For optics, the Vivo Y300 Pro+ carries a 50-megapixel primary Sony LYT-600 sensor with optical image stabilisation (OIS) and a 2-megapixel depth sensor at the back alongside a 32-megapixel selfie shooter. The rear camera unit is accompanied by an Aura light feature. It supports AI imaging tools as well as Live Photos.

Vivo Y300 Pro+ packs a 7,300mAh battery with support for up to 90W fast charging and 7.5W OTG reverse charging. Connectivity options include 5G, dual 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, NFC and a USB Type-C port. For security, it has an in-display optical fingerprint sensor.

Vivo Y300t Features, Specifications

The Vivo Y300t has a 6.72-inch full-HD+ (1,080x2,408 pixels) LCD screen with up to 120Hz refresh rate and up to 1,050nits peak brightness level. The smartphone comes with a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 SoC paired with up to 12GB of LPDDR4X RAM and up to 512GB of UFS3.1 inbuilt storage. It runs on Android 15 with Origin OS 5 skin on top out-of-the-box. 

In the camera department, the Vivo Y300t gets a 50-megapixel main rear sensor with electronic image stabilisation (EIS) support alongside a 2-megapixel depth sensor as well as an 8-megapixel front camera sensor for selfies and video calls. 

The Vivo Y300t is backed by a 6,500mAh battery with 44W wired fast charging and reverse charging support. It is equipped with a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for security. It supports similar connectivity options as the Vivo Y300 Pro+ variant, but supports Bluetooth 5.4.

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Apple Vision Pro Gets Apple Intelligence Capabilities and New Features With visionOS 2.4 Update

Apple released the visionOS 2.4 update for the Apple Vision Pro on Monday. It is considered a major update and introduces the first set of Apple Intelligence features for the mixed reality (MR) headset. According to the Cupertino-based technology giant, users can now leverage Writing Tools for summarising and editing text, Image Playground for reimagining photos, and natural language search in Photos to find the best memories quickly. Further, the update also bundles a new feature called Spatial Gallery which brings curations by Apple.

visionOS 2.4 Update for the Apple Vision Pro: Features

Apple detailed the new features part of the visionOS 2.4 update in a newsroom post and the features are available on the headset with the device and Siri language set to English (US). The iPhone maker says Writing Tools is now available on the Apple Vision Pro. It is an AI-powered feature with options for composing, rewriting and proofreading documents with spelling and grammar checks. It can also summarise the text, create lists and tables, or highlight the key points from the text.

The update brings Image Playground, a standalone app which leverages generative AI to create images based on descriptive prompts. Users can select a reference person from their Photos app for inspiration and can choose from different art styles. The same app also bundles Genmoji which works similarly but for emojis. Apple says these can be added inline to messages, shared as a sticker, or sent as a Tapback.

Apple Intelligence now allows users to search for specific images stored in the Photos app with natural language queries. Further, the Create a Memory Movie enables AI to craft a storyline with chapters based on themes identified from the photos, and arrange them into a movie with a narrative arc, depending upon the prompt entered by the user. Meanwhile, Smart Reply in Mail and Messages allows for quick replies.

Apple says visionOS 2.4 also brings support for Priority Messages in Mail, Mail Summaries, Image Wand in Notes, Priority Notifications in Notification Centre, and Notification Summaries.

The company emphasises that photos and videos used to create movies and other actions are kept private and not shared with the company. Additionally, Apple Intelligence uses on-device processing whenever possible to protect user privacy. For tasks that require larger AI models, Apple engages Private Cloud Compute and the users' data is never stored or shared with the company.

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iOS 18.4 With Visual Intelligence for iPhone 15 Pro Rolling Out; Brings Apple Intelligence to India

Apple on Monday released its highly anticipated iOS 18.4 update for iPhone. It adds to the list of Apple Intelligence features including Priority Notifications and the availability of Visual Intelligence on the iPhone 15 Pro models. With the update, the Cupertino-based technology giant also expands its AI suite to include India and other regions, which eliminates the need to set the device and Siri language to English (US) to access the features.

There are new features, new toggles in the Control Centre, new emojis, and an app to customise the Apple Vision Pro features as part of the update.

iOS 18.4 Update for iPhone: Availability

Apple says iOS 18.4 update expands Apple Intelligence features to include support for Chinese (Simplified), English (India, Singapore), French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (Brazil) and Spanish languages. Thus, iPhone users in India can now gain access to the AI features without having to change the device language.

iOS 18.4 Update for iPhone: Features

A key new addition with the update is the support for Visual Intelligence on the iPhone 15 Pro models. Initially introduced with the iPhone 16 models in September, it is a visual lookup tool which leverages Apple Intelligence to help users learn about objects and places instantly. It can summarise text, translate it between languages, and detect phone numbers or email addresses and add them to contacts. Further, users can also enable web search to look up a product they like, solve a math equation, or simply ask ChatGPT to provide more information.

While this feature takes advantage of the new Camera Control button on the iPhone 16 lineup, iPhone 15 Pro users may be able to toggle it via the Action button and a dedicated Control Centre toggle.

Building upon the previous announcement, the iOS 18.4 update introduces an Apple Vision Pro app for iPhone. It enables users to download apps and games for the Vision Pro via the App Store, discover films and shows tailored for the mixed reality (MR) headset, get tips, and access other information. There's also a new feature which Apple calls Review Summaries. As the name suggests, it compiles information from individual reviews left by users on an app or a game on the App Store to create a comprehensive summary, enabling others to quickly get an idea about the app without having to scroll through the entire list.

Another addition is the new toggles for two existing functionalities — talk to Siri and Visual Intelligence. Meanwhile, the company also introduces an Ambient mode toggle which enables users to play ambient soundscapes in the background. With iOS 18.4, the Apple News+ app shows recipes from global recipe publishers along with a catalogue which they can browse through to find the perfect dish. The Image Playground app now provides Sketch as an additional style option alongside animation and illustration.

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New Black Hole Theory Challenges Singularity: What You Need to Know

A new model has been proposed that challenges the long-standing belief that black holes contain a singularity, a region where space and time break down. This theory suggests that black holes could exist without this problematic feature, reshaping our understanding. If accurate, this research could bridge the gap between general relativity and quantum mechanics, two fundamental yet conflicting theories of physics. The findings offer a fresh perspective on one of the most mysterious objects in the universe, potentially altering how black holes are studied.

The Issue with Singularities

According to a study published in Physics Letters B in February 2025, researchers modified Einstein's field equations to prevent the formation of a singularity at the centre of a black hole. According to Einstein's general theory of relativity, black holes form when massive stars collapse under their own gravity. It creates regions of space with extreme curvature. This leads to the formation of a singularity, where all known laws of physics break down.

Robie Hennigar, a researcher at Durham University in England, told Space.com that the singularity is the most mysterious and problematic part of a black hole. He said that it is where our concepts of space and time literally no longer make sense.

Revising Einstein's Equations

In general relativity, gravity is described by Einstein's field equations, which successfully predict the motion of planets, the expansion of the universe, and the formation of black holes. However, these equations also predict singularities, which many physicists view as a sign that general relativity is incomplete.

Pablo Antonio Cano Molina-Niñirola, a physicist at the Institute of Cosmos Sciences of the University of Barcelona, explained to Space.com that their approach modifies Einstein's field equations to account for extreme gravitational conditions. Instead of relying on a complete theory of quantum gravity, the team uses an “effective theory” to approximate the missing physics.

Molina-Niñirola stated that this is a classical theory of gravity that is supposed to capture the effects of an assumed theory of quantum gravity. The model suggests that when space-time reaches extreme curvature, gravity behaves differently, preventing the formation of a singularity.

What Lies at the Core of a Black Hole?

With singularities removed from the equation, the next question is: what actually exists at a black hole's center? According to Hennigar, the answer is a stable, highly curved region of space-time. Molina-Niñirola explained that in their model, the space-time collapse stops, and the singularity is replaced by a highly warped static region that lies at the core of the black hole.

Potential Implications for Cosmology

The findings may have significant implications for theoretical physics, particularly in the search for a unified theory of gravity. If black holes do not have singularities, they could serve as a bridge between general relativity and quantum mechanics.

One possibility explored by the study is that matter falling into a black hole could eventually exit through a white hole, potentially in another universe or a different part of our own.

The absence of singularities might leave an imprint on the early universe, detectable through gravitational wave observations. Molina-Niñirola noted that if dark matter turned out to be composed of tiny black holes, this would be an indirect proof in favour of the absence of singularities.

Looking Ahead

Molina-Niñirola concluded that ongoing and future observations of black hole mergers and cosmic background radiation may eventually provide evidence to support or refute the theory. For now, the concept of black holes without singularities remains an exciting development in the quest to understand the universe's most enigmatic objects.

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Étoile OTT Release Date: When and Where to Watch it Online?

A new ballet drama is set to debut on Amazon Prime Video. It brings us an intense look into the competitive world of dance. Titled Étoile, the series is created by Amy Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino. The show follows two renowned ballet companies—one in Paris and one in New York—as they exchange their top dancers to revitalise public interest and attract new audiences. With themes of ambition, artistic rivalry, and the struggle to keep classical ballet relevant, the series aims to capture the high stakes of the dance world.

When and Where to Watch Étoile

Étoile will be available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. All the eight episodes are scheduled for release on April 24.

Official Trailer and Plot of Étoile

The trailer released in March, provided a glimpse into the challenges faced by ballet directors while trying to keep their companies afloat. Charlotte Gainsbourg's character highlights the crisis, stating that the audience and funding both are dead while the seats remain empty. The storyline takes us around the directors' decision to swap their leading dancers. They are shown hoping to inject fresh energy to draw in new audiences. It shows us the personal and professional struggles of these dancers as they navigate a demanding industry, balancing artistry with the pressure of survival.

Cast and Crew of Étoile

The series features a mix of actors and professional dancers. Emmy winner Luke Kirby, known for The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, stars alongside Charlotte Gainsbourg, who recently appeared in The Pale Blue Eye. The ensemble also includes Lou de Laâge, Gideon Glick, David Alvarez, Ivan du Pontavice, Taïs Vinolo, David Haig, Simon Callow, and Yanic Truesdale.

Renowned ballet dancers will also be seen in Étoile, including Unity Phelan and Tiler Peck from New York City Ballet, along with Boston Ballet's John Lam. The involvement of real-life professionals is expected to add authenticity to the show's portrayal of the ballet world.

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India’s First Dolby Vision Post-Production Facility at Annapurna Studios Unlocks New Creative Possibilities for Filmmakers

Dolby Atmos has been a household name in India for years. If you've recently bought a smartphone, laptop, or smart TV, it probably comes with Dolby Atmos support. The best part is that we can now experience Dolby Vision and Atmos in live sports events like the recently concluded Champions Trophy, which India lifted in 2025, and Wimbledon - transforming how fans experience live events at home. Of course, you still need a Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos-enabled device to enhance your viewing experience. At the same time, you can find over 1,000 Dolby Atmos screens and plenty of content to consume online. Dolby is already working on its next big frontier and has collaborated with Annapurna Studios in Hyderabad to bring up India's first Dolby-certified facility for cinema and home. The collaboration not only opens up new horizons for studios but also prioritises the needs of filmmakers.

Ashim Mathur, Vice President - Marketing for APAC at Dolby Laboratories, while discussing Dolby Vision, stated that the company is already working on an outreach programme that will help spread the word. Speaking on the collaboration with Annapurna Studios, Mathur added that facilities like this will help bring filmmakers' vision to life, and the right cinemas will help users consume such content the way it is intended.

Dolby Vision post-production facility: Technical details, mixing rundown

Talking about technical aspects, particularly Dolby Vision and HLG, a Dolby engineer explained that Dolby Vision uses PQ, short for Perceptual Quantizer, for HDR, offering a dynamic range 40x brighter and 10x darker than the standard dynamic range. Hybrid log gamma technology, or long for HLG, developed by DVC and NHK, is suitable for broadcast and OTT platforms, but it has a lower contrast ratio when compared to PQ.

Dolby Atmos mixing unit at Annapurna Studios in Hyderabad

 

The engineer also talked about the importance of colour correction software like Baselight and DaVinci Resolve. And the role of transfer functions in camera technology, and the benefits of Dolby Atmos for immersive audio experiences in cinemas.

Discussing peak brightness in Dolby Vision cinema projection, the Dolby engineer noted that it's 108 nits at 12 bits in cinemas and 1000 nits for Smart TVs at home. The engineer explained the concept of Atmos mixing and emphasised the importance of stage (bed) speakers and the object (atmos elements). The object element allows sound to move freely within the room, enhancing the audience's experience. The entire setup comprises 128 channels of audio, with the first four channels dedicated to the bed and the remaining channels allocated to objects. The engineer clarified that the main elements of the film, such as heavy music and dynamic sounds, are typically placed in the bed channel.

Dolby Vision projection system by Christie Digital

 

When asked about the difference in approach taken for theatre and OTT, the engineer explained that the mixing room is set up for theatre, while an OTT room is used for different monitoring and loudness levels. He added that each OTT platform has its norms, and the mix is adjusted accordingly to meet those requirements. However, it is important to maintain a comfortable balance that works well for both theatre and OTT releases.

The engineer added that even the blacks are always dynamically controlled by Dolby Vision, whether it is for a Dolby cinema projector. He stressed the consistency of quality across different screen sizes and the advantages of Dolby Atmos for Dolby Cinema, emphasizing the studio-grade audio quality and its transferability to exhibitions.

Much like the Dolby Atmos adoption, which steadily picked up pace, we expect the Dolby Vision to become the next big thing for filmmakers and will see more pickup in some time. Mathur said that Annapurna Studios will be a marquee example for other production houses and may follow suit.

(From left to right): Nagarjuna, actor and co-owner of Annapurna Studios, and Ashim Mathur, Vice-President Marketing for APAC, Dolby

Annapurna Studio: The legacy studio

Annapurna Studio in Hyderabad completed the 50-year milestone in 2025 and was established by veteran actor Akkineni Nageswara Rao (ANR) in 1975; it was named after ANR's wife, Annapurna. The studio, initially with non-air-conditioned sound stages, has grown to 12 fully equipped air-conditioned stages, serving over 5,000 films and producing more than 60. It introduced new technologies, like Dolby Cinema, which required significant investments, especially during COVID-19.

Annapurna Studio also expanded into virtual production technology during COVID-19 and was inspired by the success of series like "The Mandalorian" on Disney+. It now offers comprehensive post-production services, handling projects from editing to visual effects, aiming to be a one-stop shop for filmmakers.

Annapurna Studios has handled mixing for popular movies like Pushpa and Pushpa 2. Gadgets 360 was among the select media that experienced the state-of-the-art Dolby Atmos mix rooms. The facility features a cutting-edge Dolby Vision projection system developed by Christie Digital Systems, a long-standing partner of Dolby.

A shooting space at Annapurna Studios in Hyderabad

Dolby and Annapurna Studios collab is just the first in many

Nagarjuna Akkineni, actor and co-owner of Annapurna Studios, discussed the investments into developing a one-stop solution for filmmakers. He touched upon the importance of expanding the studio space and the potential for new stories to be told in darker settings with advanced technology like Dolby Vision. Nagarjuna stressed the benefits of technologies like Vision, which will help filmmakers bring new storytelling techniques alongside infrastructure improvements in theatres and the impact on production quality. He also talked about the passion and dedication of filmmakers to adopt advanced technology.

As an example of how extensive work goes around movie launches, Nagarjuna discussed the considerable time spent mastering trailers, which play a crucial role in movie launches.

Nagarjuna also talked about the passion and approach some filmmakers take to perfect their projects. "I believe Mr S. S. Rajamouli is the one person who really pushed the limits at that point for the RRR movie. He went through so many iterations and corrections for RRR and was also learning on the go, but that's what passionate filmmakers think that this can be done and achieved."

Talking about the studio's early days, he recounted the challenges faced during the construction of Annapurna Studios, including an encounter with a snake.

Mathur talked about the potential for more Dolby Vision screens in India. "We believe that this facility, which is now operational and with more content being added, will serve as a valuable reference point for exhibitors who are also deciding whether to make the shift," Mathur added.

Dolby has vast plans, and we can expect to hear more from them this year, including some new collaborations for Dolby Vision.

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Poco M7 Pro Review: Pro Value, Practical Performance

The Poco M7 Pro was launched in India in December as a mid-range budget offering and we got to try it out recently. It's astonishing how much value modern smartphones offer at accessible price points, especially under Rs. 15,000, which is the cost of the base variant of this new Poco model. For that money, you get a large AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a 5,110mAh battery, a capable mid-range chipset, and a dual rear camera setup with a 50-megapixel primary sensor.

Poco is highly competitive in the budget and mid-range segment while launching standout higher mid-range phones like the Poco X7 Pro. On paper, the M7 Pro also seems to be an excellent value for money, but how does it hold up in real-world usage? Read on to find out.

You get a 45W charger in the box alongside a case and the usual paperwork

 

The base variant is priced at Rs. 14,999 and has 6GB RAM and 128GB storage. Meanwhile, the 8GB RAM and 256GB storage option will set you back by Rs. 16,999.

Poco M7 Pro Design

Poco M7 Pro has three colour options – Lavender Frost, Lunar Dust, and Olive Twilight. We received the Lunar Dust variant (8GB RAM + 256GB storage) for review, which will surely catch your eye. The phone features a dual-tone design on the rear panel with a moon dust/sandwave pattern covering one-half of the back. The other half has a matte finish. The combination is unique and, paired with the square camera module, gives the phone a premium look and feel.

The phone gets a dual-speaker setup

 

There's Poco branding on the camera module and a 5G logo at the bottom. The camera module doesn't stick out too much and has curved edges, which is nice. The rear panel and the frame, which also has a matte finish, are all plastic.

It has an IP64 rating

 

The phone weighs 190 grams, is decently light, and is only 7.99mm thick. It also gets an IP64 rating, which is an improvement over the M6 Pro's IP52. The volume rocker and power button are placed on the right side. You get a USB Type-C port, microphone, loudspeaker, and the SIM tray slot at the bottom. The top of the phone features a 3.5mm headphone jack, a microphone, another speaker, and an IR blaster.

The phone features a 3.5mm headphone jack as well as an IR blaster

 

Moving over to the front, there's a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with thin bezels on the sides and a slightly thicker bezel on the bottom. Poco claims the phone offers a 92 percent screen-to-body ratio.

The bezels on the display are minimal

 

The display offers 2,100 nits of peak brightness, 120Hz refresh rate, and full-HD+ resolution. Poco has used Gorilla Glass 5 for protection.

Poco M7 Pro Performance

Poco M7 Pro's display is good for viewing content and playing games. You get three colour profiles to choose from and support for Dolby Vision and HDR10+. The phone also lets you switch between 60Hz or 120Hz refresh rate or stick to the default adaptive mode. The 2,100 nits of peak brightness translates to excellent indoor brightness, ensuring that you can read the screen even under direct sunlight.

The display offers 2,100nits of peak brightness

 

The phone runs Android 14 with Xiaomi's HyperOS skin on top, and there's a boatload of pre-installed apps and bloatware. Most of these apps can be uninstalled. Poco promises 2 years of OS updates, which means that the phone will not get any OS updates post-Android 16. Luckily, the phone is said to get four years of security updates. UI animations, scrolling, and software navigation were smooth throughout the review. I never faced any major lag when it came to regular usage.

You get Android 14-based HyperOS out of the box

 

In terms of performance, the phone performed quite well in daily usage. The Poco M7 Pro is equipped with the MediaTek Dimensity 7025 Ultra chipset, paired with up to 8GB RAM and 256GB UFS 2.2 storage. This isn't a particularly strong chipset, but it does just fine with all kinds of day-to-day tasks and even gaming. I ran some benchmarks on the phone, and you can see the results below.

Benchmarks	Poco M7 Pro	Motorola G64
Geekbench Single	942	1,012
Geekbench Multi	2,235	2,403
PCMark Work 3.0	10,661	13,920
AnTuTu v10	4,77,196	4,94,364
GFXB T-rex	57	70
GFXB Manhattan 3.1	29	33
GFXB Car Chase	16	18
3DM Slingshot Extreme OpenGL	2,435	2,590
3DM Slingshot	3,261	3,379
3DM Wild Life	Not supported	Not supported
3DM Wild Life Unlimited	Not supported	Not supported

The phone also did well when it came to gaming. I ran BGMI and Asphalt 9 on the phone, and both ran fine without any issues in the medium settings. The touch response was also fine, and there was nothing to complain about.

You get a dual speaker setup on the M7 Pro, and the sound quality is decent. The phone gets loud, and there's no crackling at high volumes, but it does lack punchiness. The call quality was good, and I did not face any random call drops. The microphone and earpiece output were also sound.

The phone features a 20-megapixel selfie camera placed inside a hole-punch cutout

 

Moving on to the cameras, Poco has included a 50-megapixel Sony LYT-600 sensor at the back with OIS and an f/1.7 aperture. There's a secondary 2-megapixel depth sensor and a 20-megapixel selfie camera up front. The photo quality of the primary rear camera is quite good in daylight conditions. There's good detail, natural colours, dynamic range, and white balance. It performed decently well in low-light conditions and managed to preserve some details but with higher noise.

Top to bottom: Samples from Main rear camera (2), 2x zoom (2) [Tap to expand]

 

The 2x zoom and portrait shots were decent, with mostly accurate skin tones and edge detection. Selfies were good, with plenty of details and natural skin tones, but only in daylight conditions. Low light performance is not bad and usable when there's enough light.

Lowlight samples: Top (primary camera), bottom (2x zoom) [Tap to expand]

 

As for the video, the phone offers 1080p 30fps support from the main rear as well as the front camera. Video performance from the rear camera is decent, with good details and colours. However, stabilisation isn't great when there's heavy movement or fast panning. The front camera also does an okay job in daylight conditions.

Selfies come out well in daylight conditions

 

Now, let's talk about battery life and charging. The Poco M7 Pro packs a 5,100mAh battery, which supports 45W fast charging. You also get the charger in the box. In our HD video loop test, the phone managed to last for about 18 hours. Meanwhile, a full charge took about 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Poco M7 Pro Verdict

The Poco M7 Pro, for the money, is good value. It offers several upgrades over its predecessor and is a capable performer. The large AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate, good primary rear camera, and decent performance make it a top contender among other phones in the segment. The software and lowlight camera performance are probably the most annoying things about the phone. Otherwise, this is a solid budget mid-range smartphone.

As for alternatives, you could go for the Motorola G64 (Review), which offers slightly better performance and better software. There's also the iQOO Z9x (Review), which offers better performance or the Redmi Note 14 5G, which offers mostly similar specifications with a 108-megapixel main rear camera and an ultrawide sensor. However, the latter is also slightly more expensive.

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Asus Gaming V16 Review: Strong Battery, Mid-Range Performance

Asus Gaming V16 is part of a new lineup from the Taiwanese manufacturer made for those who want a decent gaming laptop on a budget. The Gaming V16 features a slim and understated design. The laptop weighs under 2kg, making it portable enough to take around in your backpack. It is equipped with the latest Intel Core CPU and a discrete Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 GPU that is powerful enough to run most games.

The laptop has a starting price of Rs. 82,990 for the base variant, which gets the Intel Core 5 210H CPU. Meanwhile, the Intel Core 7 240H processor variant is priced at Rs. 92,990. Both variants get 16GB RAM, 512GB storage, and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 laptop GPU with 6GB video RAM. Is the Asus Gaming V16 a good option for budget gamers? Read on to find out.

Asus Gaming V16 Design: Simple

• Dimensions - 35.70 x 25.07 x 1.80 ~ 2.20 cm
• Weight - 1.95kg
• Colours - Black

Asus has kept the design of the Gaming V16 very simple. There aren't any RGB lights or fancy logos suggesting that it's a gaming laptop. The lid has a matte finish, is prone to fingerprints, and features an Asus logo.

The bottom houses dual speakers

 

Owing to the plastic build, you'll find that the lid and the bottom cover flex a bit, but everything is assured to be durable. According to Asus, the laptop even meets the MIL-STD 810H military standards and has passed several tests. The hinge also feels like it won't give up on you and lets you open the lid with one hand.

There's a single USB Type-A 3.2 port on the right side

 

You'll find a textured finish on the sides and bottom of the laptop, which keeps the fingerprints away. The bottom also houses the dual speakers, large rubber feet, and cutouts for the fan.

The left houses most of the ports

 

As for connectivity, the Gaming V16 offers an HDMI 2.1 port, a USB Type-A 3.2 port, a USB Type-C 3.2, and a 3.5mm audio jack on the left side, along with a proprietary power connector. The right side of the laptop features another USB Type-A 3.2 port.

The laptop features large exhaust ports at the back

 

The laptop doesn't get a LAN port, which is something gamers may find discouraging.

Asus Gaming V16 Display: Good enough

• Size and type - 16-inch FHD+ IPS panel
• Refresh rate - 144Hz
• Brightness - 300 nits

The 16-inch IPS display on the laptop offers a 16:10 aspect ratio with a 1920 x 1200p resolution. The display has an anti-glare coating and a screen-to-body ratio of 89 percent. It also offers a 144Hz refresh rate, which is excellent when gaming. The 16:10 aspect ratio is also good when working or browsing the web.

The display gets an anti-glare coating

 

Brightness is alright indoors, but I'd recommend not using the laptop outdoors as the 300 nits is barely enough. The display also features muted colours, and while that's okay for watching content and playing games, it's not great for video or photo editing. You can improve colour reproduction slightly by choosing a different profile, which is available in the MyAsus software.

Asus Gaming V16 Keyboard, Touchpad, speakers, and webcam

• Keyboard - Full-size keyboard with Numpad, Single colour backlight
• Touchpad - Large size, multi-touch with smart gesture support
• Speakers - Dual drivers with Dirac tuning
• Webcam - 1080p FHD with privacy shutter

Asus equips the Gaming V16 with a full-sized keyboard, complete with a numeric keypad and a full-function row. The keyboard features what Asus calls a "Turbo Blue" backlight, which is both adjustable and sufficiently bright for nighttime use. While I personally liked the blue backlighting, it may not appeal to everyone. Asus should've at least offered the ability to change colours since most competitors do.

The laptop gets a full-size keyboard with numpad

 

Additionally, the arrow keys and W, A, S, and D keys have translucent caps, allowing more of the blue light to shine through. The keyboard is nice to type on, has good spacing, and offers 1.7mm of travel.

The large touchpad supports Smart Gestures

 

It's uncommon to see a large touchpad on a gaming laptop, but I'm glad that Asus offers one with the Gaming V16. The large ErgoSense touchpad supports multi-touch gestures but also offers Smart gestures that let you adjust brightness, volume, and more. While it doesn't have a glass coating, the surface is smooth and also features a hydrophobic coating. The clicks are fine, and so is the feedback.

The downward-firing speakers lack bass

 

You get dual downward-firing speakers on the laptop, and they're decent. The speakers don't get very loud, and there's very little to almost no bass. However, the sound is clear and doesn't crack even at full volume. When gaming or watching movies, it's better to use headphones.

The laptop offers a privacy shutter for the webcam

 

The webcam on the laptop is also nothing to brag about. It's the usual 1080p camera found in most Windows laptops and does the job. The image is grainy in most lighting conditions. Asus offers a physical privacy shutter, which is nice.

Asus Gaming V16 Software: Basic

• OS - Windows 11 Home
• Additional software - MyAsus, ScreenXpert 3.0

The laptop runs Windows 11 Home and has some Asus tools, such as MyAsus and ScreenXpert 3.0. A Copilot key is available on the keyboard, which you can use to access the AI chatbot.

You get access to Microsoft's Copilot chatbot on the laptop

 

The MyAsus app lets you customise the laptop to your liking. You can check for hardware problems, troubleshoot, check battery health, change performance/fan profiles, and adjust the display colour. Unfortunately, there are no AI tools such as Microsoft Studio Effects.

Asus Gaming V16 Performance: Mid-range

• CPU - Up to Intel Core 7 240H
• RAM - 16GB DDR5
• Storage - 512 GB PCIe 4.0 SSD storage
• GPU - Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 6GB VRAM (70W TDP)

Coming to the performance, the Gaming V16 unit we got for review was equipped with the Intel Core 5 210H processor. There's also a variant with the Intel Core 7 240H chipset. However, the RAM and storage are capped at 16GB of DDR5 and 512GB PCIe 4.0. They're both expandable, though and while 16GB RAM is good enough to run most tasks, it's best to upgrade the storage as 512GB will run out in no time if you like to install and play a lot of games.

The GeForce RTX 4050 GPU has a max TDP of 70W

 

The laptop performs well without much lag when used regularly. However, I did notice some hiccups when running benchmark tools. Talking about benchmarks, I ran a couple of them and below are the results.

Benchmarks	Asus Gaming V16
Geekbench Single	2,413
Geekbench Multi	9,349
PCMark 10	6,801
Geekbench AI CPU (ONNX)	3,631 (Quantized)
Geekbench AI DirectML (ONNX)	9,618 (Quantized)
3DMark Steel Nomad	1,557
3DMark Time Spy	7,445

The Asus Gaming V16 performed quite well in the benchmarks, especially when it comes to GPU scores. The GeForce RTX 4050 GPU on the laptop is topped at 70W TDP, which is not the most amount of power, which shows in demanding games. I played the new Indiana Jones and the Great Circle on the laptop, and even with DLSS enabled and graphics set to low/medium, the game only delivered about 30 to 40 fps. However, less demanding titles such as Forza Horizon 4 did perform better on the laptop, delivering over 70 fps.

In terms of heat management, the laptop did a decent job. The dual fans helped to keep most of the heat away from me, but the top part of the keyboard did get hot when playing games and running benchmarks.

Asus Gaming V16 Battery: Impressive

• Capacity - 63Wh
• Charger - 150W AC adapter

While the performance didn't impress, the battery life did. The Intel Core 5 210H chipset is an efficient one, and coupled with the 63Wh battery, you can expect the laptop to last anywhere between 6 to 7 hours and even longer if you just use it for web browsing. That's not something you'd expect from a gaming laptop.

The laptop comes with a 150W charger

 

Asus bundles a chunky 150W charger with the laptop that can fully charge the laptop in under 2 hours. You can also charge the laptop using the USB Type-C port, but it's not as fast.

Asus Gaming V16 Verdict

The Asus Gaming V16 is a good buy for those venturing into the world of gaming, but not if you're a seasoned gamer. If you're on a budget and don't do a lot of gaming, this might be a good option. It's got a portable design with a decent build, a 16-inch high refresh rate display, a good keyboard, and excellent battery life. And, for those short gaming sessions between study or work, you've got the GeForce RTX 4050 GPU. At a starting price of Rs. 82,990, the Gaming V16 should certainly be on your list of budget gaming laptops.

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Zakir Khan’s Delulu Express Stand-Up Special Now Streaming on Prime Video

Zakir Khan's stand-up special, Delulu Express, is set to premiere on an OTT platform this month. Known for his unique storytelling and relatable humour, Zakir's latest comedy special delves into personal experiences and everyday struggles with his signature wit. The announcement has already sparked excitement among fans eager to watch him bring another fresh take on life's absurdities. With his past shows receiving widespread appreciation, expectations are high for this upcoming performance.

When and Where to Watch Delulu Express

Delulu Express is now available streaming on Prime Video. One can watch the special comedy show by subscribing to Prime Video subscription. 

Official Trailer and Plot of Delulu Express

The trailer for Delulu Express offers a glimpse into Zakir Khan's signature humour, blending real-life experiences with sharp observations. His latest set is expected to explore the awkward, hilarious and unexpected moments that come with personal growth and relationships. By combining self-deprecating humour with a deep understanding of human emotions, Zakir once again brings a show that resonates with audiences.

Cast and Crew of Delulu Express

The stand-up special is headlined by comedian Zakir Khan. As a writer and performer, Zakir has built a strong reputation for delivering engaging and heartfelt comedy. Delulu Express has been produced as part of his ongoing collaboration with Prime Video, continuing his streak of successful specials on the platform.

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NASA to Launch Three Rockets in Alaska to Study Auroral Substorms’ Impact

An important mission is set to take place in Alaska. It aims to understand how auroral substorms impact the Earth's upper atmosphere. Three rockets will be launched within a short window to observe the movement of air and changes in composition at high altitudes. Scientists seek to determine whether the heat from auroras causes vertical movement or if waves spread the energy across a wider area. The findings could improve space weather forecasting, which is crucial for satellites and communication systems.

Study Objective and Launch Plan

According to the reports from the experiment titled Auroral Waves Excited by Substorm Onset Magnetic Events (AWESOME), the rockets will be launched from Poker Flat Research Range. The facility, located 20 miles north of Fairbanks, is managed by the University of Alaska Fairbanks under a NASA contract. The launch window is open from 24 March to April 6.

A four-stage rocket and two two-stage rockets will be used. The first two will release tracers at specific altitudes to study wind movement. The third rocket will release vapour tracers at five different altitudes. The tracers, in pink, blue and white, should be visible for up to 20 minutes. Ground cameras will capture the data under specific lighting conditions.

Scientific Goals and Observations

Mark Conde, a space physics professor at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, leads the project. The experiment aims to determine how auroras affect air movement. One theory suggests vertical convection plays a key role, while another proposes that acoustic-buoyancy waves cause a broader atmospheric impact. The research could reshape current understanding and refine space weather models.

A team of graduate researchers will monitor the launches from various sites in Alaska, including Utqiagvik, Kaktovik, and Toolik Lake. The results may provide better insights into how auroral events alter atmospheric conditions and influence satellite-dependent technology.

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Archaeologists Discover a 3,200-Year-Old Tomb Possibly Linked to Ramesses III

A 3,200-year-old tomb has been found in northeastern Egypt. Researchewr believe that it may have belonged to a military commander who served during the reign of Ramesses III. Tthe location of the discovery was at the site known as Tell el-Maschuta. It was confirmed by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. The mud-brick tomb consists of a burial chamber along with three adjoining rooms. Among the artifacts found inside, a gold ring bearing the name of Ramesses III and a collection of bronze arrowheads have drawn particular attention. Other objects recovered include an ivory box and pottery vessels with inscriptions.

Artifacts Suggest Reuse of the Tomb

According to the ministry's statement, some of the inscriptions on the pottery refer to Horemheb, a pharaoh who ruled between 1323 and 1295 B.C. Before becoming king, he was known for his military background. It is still not clear why his name appears on the artifacts. One possibility is that burial items from an earlier period were reused. Despite this, the presence of objects linked to Ramesses III has led experts to believe that the tomb was used during his reign, which lasted from around 1184 to 1153 B.C.

Experts Call for More Analysis

Speaking to Live Science, Anthony Spalinger, professor emeritus at the University of Auckland, said that further study of the inscriptions is necessary to have more details about the individual buried there. Egyptologist David Warburton from Northeast Normal University in China also pointed out that without titles in the inscriptions, it is difficult to confirm whether the person was a military commander. Meanwhile, Aidan Dodson, an Egyptology professor at the University of Bristol, suggested that the tomb may have been built during Horemheb's reign and later reused during the time of Ramesses III and the Twenty-second Dynasty.

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OnePlus 12R, OnePlus Nord 4 and Pad 2 Receive Latest OxygenOS 15 Update With March Security Patch in India

OnePlus is rolling out the latest version of its Android 15-based operating system (OS) dubbed OxygenOS 15 for the OnePlus 12R, OnePlus Nord 4, and the OnePlus Pad 2 in India, the company announced via separate posts on its community forum on Wednesday. The update enables users to customise folders more freely, choose how many apps are displayed in the dock, adds Privacy Center to Phone Manager, and improves Wi-Fi network switching. It also bundles the March 2025 Android security patch.

OxygenOS 15 Update for OnePlus 12R, OnePlus Nord 4 and OnePlus Pad 2

According to OnePlus, the update brings software version to OxygenOS 15.0.0.701 on the OnePlus 12R, OnePlus Nord 4, and the OnePlus Pad 2. Users of all the three aforementioned devices can now resize the folders on the home screen by dragging 1×2 or 2×1 grids. The update improves animation for notifications and quick settings. On the OnePlus 12R and the OnePlus Nord 4, the size and visual design of third-party widgets can now be adjusted to maintain a visual consistency.

The company says that the latest update to OxygenOS 15 makes it easier to reset the privacy password. Users can use their account to reset it and regain access to the private data. They will also be able to benefit from improved Wi-Fi network switching and mobile data roaming, applicable across all three devices.

Meanwhile, OnePlus 12R users are getting a few extra features. The update adds Privacy Centre to Phone Manager which serves as a hub for reviewing app permissions. They will also get notified when an app accesses their location while running in the background for 3 consecutive days, allowing them to review and change its location permission setting as per the preference. Additionally, they can also disable ad tracking for all apps with a single tap.

For improved interconnectivity, smart cars now support screen mirroring as well as casting while in Simple mode. Further, the feature also brings support for Android Auto. OnePlus says it has also made it easier for users in India to report bugs. They can head over to the OnePlus Community App and find the option under the Bug Report section in their profile.

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Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE Series Price and Specifications Leaked Ahead of Launch

Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE series has been rumoured to be in development for some time now, comprising the vanilla Galaxy Tab S10 FE and the Galaxy Tab S10 FE+. Ahead of anything concrete, a leak has spilled the beans on the expected pricing and specifications of the tablets. Both models are said to be powered by Samsung Foundry's Exynos 1580 SoC and may support 45W wired charging. Meanwhile, the purported Galaxy Tab S10 FE series has also been listed on a Dutch retailer website which hints towards its imminent debut.

Samsung Galaxy S10 FE Series Specifications (Expected)

Tipster @MysteryLupin shared what appears to be official marketing material for the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE series in a post on X (formerly Twitter). The standard Galaxy Tab S10 FE model may be equipped with a 10.9-inch WUXGA+ LCD screen with a 90Hz refresh rate. Meanwhile, the Plus model could have a bigger 13.1-inch WQXGA+ 90Hz LCD screen.

pic.twitter.com/Pe0LbSLWJW

— Arsène Lupin (@MysteryLupin) March 27, 2025

Both of the purported tablets are reported to be powered by Samsung Exynos 1580, a 64-bit octa-core processor based on a 4nm node. They will likely be offered in 128GB and 256GB storage variants with up to 2TB expandable storage. For optics, the tablets are speculated to have a 13-megapixel rear camera with autofocus and LED flash, while the front may get a 12-megapixel ultra-wide angle lens with a 120-degree field-of-view (FoV). Samsung could equip the tablets with dual speakers and Dolby Atmos support.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE and the Galaxy Tab S10 FE+ are likely to pack 8,000mAh and 10,090mAh batteries, respectively. They may get support for 45W wired charging. The specifications are corroborated by Dutch retailer Belsimpel which has already listed them on its website with shipping beginning in five to seven days, hinting towards its imminent launch.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE Series Price (Expected)

Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE is expected to start at EUR €579 (roughly Rs. 54,000) for the 8GB + 128GB Wi-Fi model and EUR 679 (roughly Rs. 63,000) for the 12GB + 256GB variant. On the other hand, the purported Galaxy Tab S10 FE+ may cost EUR 749 (roughly Rs. 69,000) and EUR 849 (roughly Rs. 79,000) for the aforementioned storage configurations, respectively.

The 5G cellular models of the Galaxy Tab S10 FE series are reported to cost EUR 100 (roughly Rs. 9,000) more.

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Motorola Razr 60 Allegedly Spotted on TENAA With Up to 1TB Storage and 18GB RAM

Motorola Razr 60 is said to be in the works as the latest entrant in the company's Razr series. The launch date for the phone is not official yet, but it has reportedly been spotted on the TENAA website. The listing suggests the model number, design and a few specifications of the upcoming handset. A Motorola Razr 60 variant is listed with 18GB RAM, 1TB storage, a 3.6-inch cover display, and a 6.9-inch main screen. It is expected to be equipped with a MediaTek Dimensity 7400X chipset. 

XpertPick spotted the TENAA listing of Motorola Razr 60 with model number XT2553-2. The listing shows the phone in a greenish colourway with dual outward-facing cameras on the cover screen. The Razr branding is seen on the back.

Motorola Razr 60 Key Specifications (Expected)

As per the listing, the Motorola Razr 60 will feature a 3.63-inch OLED cover display with 1,056 x 1,056 pixels resolution and a 6.9-inch foldable panel. It is shown with a dual rear camera unit, comprising a 50-megapixel main camera and a 13-megapixel ultra-wide lens. The main camera is said to support 3x optical zoom. On the front, it is likely to boast a 32-megapixel selfie shooter.

The Motorola Razr 60 is listed in 8GB, 12GB, 16GB, and 18GB RAM options and 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB storage options on TENAA. If this turns out to be true, it would be a significant upgrade over the Motorola Razr 50 that ships with a maximum 8GB of RAM and 256GB in India. It is shown with a chipset with a base core frequency of 2.75GHz. This could turn out to be the MediaTek Dimensity 7400X chipset. The Razr 50 runs on a MediaTek Dimensity 7300X SoC.

Further, the Motorola Razr 60 appears to have a 4,275mAh battery, which is likely to be marketed as a 4,500mAh cell. It is listed to measure 171.3 x 73.99 x 7.25mm and weigh 188 grams.

The TENAA listing doesn't include the charging details of the Motorola Razr 60, but previous leaks claimed 30W wired charging and wireless charging capabilities for the phone. Other specifications of the phone could be an upgrade over the Motorola Razr 50, which was launched in India in September last year with a price tag of Rs. 64,999 for the sole 8GB RAM 256GB storage model.

 

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Qualcomm Said to Launch Snapdragon Chipsets Based on 2nm Node Next Year Alongside Apple

Qualcomm is rumoured to debut the successor to its flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset this year. The successor to this purported chip, dubbed Snapdragon 8 Elite 3, could be fabricated on a 2nm process, according to claims by a tipster. The improved lithography is said to be implemented not only for Qualcomm's flagship 2026 SoC but for another variant too, which may be introduced as a less powerful iteration of the purported Snapdragon 8 Elite third generation chip. Meanwhile, Apple is also tipped to debut its A20 chipset based on a 2nm node next year.

Qualcomm's 2nm Chips in 2026

This information comes from Digital Chat Station (translated from Chinese). In a post on the Chinese social media platform Weibo, the tipster shared details about Qualcomm's 2026 chipsets. The US-based chipmaker is said to launch two SoCs next year based on a 2nm node — SM8950 and SM8945.

The former is tipped to be the successor to the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 and may be introduced as a flagship processor for premium smartphones. Meanwhile, the latter could debut as a less powerful iteration of the purported Snapdragon 8 Elite 3. Although it is also expected to be fabricated on a 2nm process, it may come with underclocked GPU cores or a less powerful GPU altogether.

To lower production costs, Qualcomm is reported to adopt a dual-sourcing strategy. It may depend on both TSMC and Samsung Foundry for the fabrication of its 2026 flagship smartphone chipset.

According to a WCCFTech report, Apple is also gearing up to introduce a 2nm chipset next year dubbed the A20 Pro. It is expected to power the iPhone 18 models and the Cupertino-based technology giant could be TSMC's first vendor for its 2nm node. Called TSMC N2, it is said to offer a nanosheet transistor structure which delivers full-node performance while maintaining power benefits.

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Airtel IPTV Services With Netflix and Bundled OTT Apps Launched in India: Price, Benefits

Bharti Airtel on Wednesday announced the launch of its Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) services in India. It provides customers with an extensive library of on-demand content from 29 OTT streaming apps such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, Netflix, ZEE5 and many more with select plans. Airtel's new IPTV plans also include 600 popular television channels as well as Wi-Fi services which can be availed of at either home or workplace.

Airtel IPTV Services Price in India, Benefits

Airtel has launched IPTV services in India with its Wi-Fi plans starting at Rs. 699 per month, the company revealed in a press release. This plan offers 350 TV channels, access to 26 streaming apps, and a 40 Mbps Wi-Fi connection. The Rs. 899 plan offers similar benefits but with an increased 100 Mbps speed. Meanwhile, customers who wish to benefit from higher internet speeds can opt for the Rs. 1,099 plan. It offers 200 Mbps Wi-Fi services and 28 streaming apps including subscriptions to Apple TV+ and Amazon Prime.

There are plans priced at Rs. 1,599 and Rs. 3,000 which add Netflix to the streaming apps' suite, bringing it up to a total of 29 bundled apps, along with 350 TV channels and 300 Mbps and 1 Gbps internet access, respectively.

The telecom provider says all Airtel customers will get up to 30 days of complimentary service on the purchase of IPTV plans through the Airtel Thanks App as part of an introductory offer. IPTV services are available across 2000 cities in India, with the exception of Delhi, Rajasthan, Assam and the Northeastern states, where the launch will happen in a few weeks.

To get Airtel's IPTV services, all new customers can enjoy IPTV on the purchase of new Wi-Fi plans. Meanwhile, existing users can upgrade their plan to IPTV plans through the Airtel thanks app or visit any Airtel store for the same.

This development builds upon recent moves by Airtel in the telecommunications sector, including a partnership with Elon Musk's SpaceX to introduce Starlink broadband services in India.

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New Research Suggests Dark Energy Is Evolving, Challenging Cosmology Models

New research suggests that dark energy, the unknown force driving the accelerated expansion of the universe, may not be behaving as previously believed. Observations from a large-scale 3D map indicate that this force could be evolving over time, contradicting long-standing models of cosmology. The data, derived from extensive observations of millions of galaxies, provides fresh insights into the fundamental workings of the universe. Scientists are now questioning whether the standard model, which assumes a constant dark energy force, remains valid in explaining the cosmos.

Evidence from DESI's 3D Mapping Project

According to the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI), which operates from the Nicholas U. Mayall 4-Meter Telescope at Kitt Peak National Observatory, findings suggest that dark energy may not be a fixed force. The analysis is based on data collected over three years, covering nearly 15 million galaxies and quasars. DESI's ability to simultaneously capture light from 5,000 galaxies allows researchers to examine large-scale cosmic structures and measure how the universe's expansion rate has changed over time.

Comparisons with Other Cosmic Observations

As reported, inconsistencies arise when DESI's findings are compared with measurements from the cosmic microwave background (CMB) and type Ia supernovae. The CMB consists of fossil light from the early universe, has been used to track the expansion history of the cosmos. Similar to thaf type Ia supernovae, often called "standard candles" for their uniform brightness, have provided key distance measurements. The DESI data suggests that dark energy's influence may have weakened over time, a deviation from the accepted cosmological model that assumes it remains unchanged.

Implications for Future Research

Speaking in an official press release, DESI Project Scientist Arjun Dey stated that these findings could redefine humanity's understanding of the universe. The instrument's ongoing observations will continue to refine knowledge of dark energy's role. Scientists anticipate that by the project's conclusion, further data will offer a clearer picture of whether dark energy fluctuates, potentially reshaping existing theories of cosmic evolution.

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Headphone Zone X Oriveti Blackbird In-Ear Monitor Launched in India: Price, Specifications

Headphone Zone X Oriveti Blackbird in-ear monitors were launched in India on Monday. The audiophile IEMs come with a hybrid driver configuration, including a 10mm dynamic driver for "powerful bass reproduction" and two custom balanced armature drivers for "precise mids and treble delivery." The Blackbird IEMs are offered in an acrylic shell build and come with two types of ear tip options in six pairs for an optimum fit. 

Headphone Zone X Oriveti Blackbird Price in India, Availability

Headphone Zone X Oriveti Blackbird price in India is set at Rs. 4,999. They are available for purchase in the country via the Headphone Zone website. The box includes the Blackbird IEM, a carrying case, a detachable cable and six ear-tip options — three bullet-shaped and three bowl-shaped; both ear tips come in small, medium, and large sizes.

Headphone Zone X Oriveti Blackbird Features, Specifications

The Headphone Zone X Oriveti Blackbird have a hybrid driver configuration, which includes 10mm bass dynamic drivers and two balanced armature drivers for mids and treble. The bass performance is claimed to offer "audiophile-grade" precision, while the mids and highs are offered with distortion levels below 0.08 percent.

The Blackbird IEMs boast a frequency response range of 5Hz to 20kHz, an impedance of 16Ohms, and a 107±3dB/mW at 1kHz sensitivity rating. The latter suggests that they offer a power-efficient high sensitivity for clearer audio performance.

They have a lightweight 3D-printed acrylic shell design that is said to improve the acoustic structure. The earphones can be paired with six pairs of ear tips, which are included in the package. The bullet-shaped ear tips allow deep insertion and better isolation, while the bowl-shaped ear tips are claimed to offer a more open sound. The Headphone Zone X Oriveti Blackbird IEM comes with a detachable cable which has 0.78mm 2-pin connectors and a 3.5mm jack. The in-ear monitor does not include an inbuilt microphone.

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Honor Pad X9a With 11.5-inch LCD Screen, Snapdragon 685 SoC Launched

Honor Pad X9a has been launched in Malaysia and the company's latest tablet is equipped with an 11.5-inch LCD screen, with a 120Hz refresh rate. It offers support for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, runs on a Snapdragon 685 chip from Qualcomm, and packs an 8,300mAh battery. The Honor Pad X9a runs on Android 15, with the company's MagicOS 9.0 running on top. It also features a 5-megapixel selfie camera and an 8-megapixel rear camera.

The company has yet to announce the price of the Honor Pad X9, but the tablet has already been listed on the Honor Malaysia website. It will be available in a single Gray colourway. Honor says the Pad X9a will be sold in an 8GB+128GB RAM and storage configuration.

Honor Pad X9a Specifications, Features

The new Honor Pad X9a features an 11.5-inch 2.5K (1,504x2,508 pixels) LCD screen, with a 120Hz refresh rate. It is powered by an octa core Snapdragon 685 chipset, paired with 8GB of RAM. Like many other Android devices, Honor lets users utilise 8GB of unused storage as virtual RAM.

Honor Pad X9a
Photo Credit: Honor

 

For photography, the Honor Pad X9a is equipped with an 8-megapixel rear camera, with autofocus and an f/2.0 aperture. Selfies and video chats are handled by a 5-megapixel front-facing camera, with an f/2.2 aperture.

You get up 128GB of storage on the Honor Pad X9a. The tablet offers Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity, and it works with the company's wireless keyboards and stylus. The tablet runs on Android 15-based MagicOS 9.0.

Honor has equipped the Pad X9a with a quad speaker setup. It has an 8,300mAh Li-ion battery that can be charged at 35W. The company claims that the tablet offers up to 70 days of battery life in standby mode. It measures 267.3x167x6.77mm and weighs around 475g.

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Warner Bros. San Diego Was Reportedly Working on Mario Kart-Like Racer Before Being Shut

Warner Bros. was reportedly working on a Mario Kart-like racing title that would bring together characters from the company's wide portfolio of IPs, including Adventure Time, Scooby Doo, Tom Jerry and more. The kart racer was in the works at Warner Bros. Games San Diego, which was shut down alongside two other in-house studios in February. Warner Bros. never announced the game, which is said to have gone through several iterations, from a free-to-play multiplatform title to a paid-for PC only release.

WB San Diego Was Working on a Mario Kart-Like Racer

The information comes from Colin Moriarty, who claimed on his Sacred Symbols podcast Monday that a former WB San Diego staffer reached out to him to talk about the unannounced project. The kart racer in development at the studio was codenamed “Moonlight” and could have potentially been titled “WB Racers” and “XDR,” or cross-drift racers, the source told Moriarty.

Just like Mario Kart's roster of Nintendo characters, the game would have featured Warner Bros IP, including Adventure Time, Tom and Jerry and more. Moriarty claimed he saw gameplay footage from the racer and said it was “heavily inspired” by Mario Kart. He described a game as a “drift racer running on Unreal Engine 5, with stylised graphics and fine vehicle control.”

The WB San Diego staffer told Moriarty that the project lacked “intention” and “coherent approach” and went through several changes through the course of its development. Project Moonlight reportedly kicked off as an online-only free-to-play title for PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch and mobile platforms. Towards the end of the development cycle, however, Switch and mobile ports were abandoned in favour of a PC version. Later, the kart racer reportedly became a paid-for PC only release, with console versions put on hold.

The game was reportedly greenlit during the pandemic and would've released via Steam Early Access. According to the source, WB San Diego staffed over 100 developers during the game's development cycle, which “started to come apart this past fall.”

Despite all the work on the game, it was never launched. The source said there was “quite a bit of animosity internally,” with WB San Diego staffers feeling it was unfair that Player First Games, another Warner Bros. Games studio, got to launch MultiVersus twice, but the kart racer did not see the light of day.

Last month, both WB San Diego and Player First Games, along with Monolith Productions, were shuttered after Warner Bros.' gaming division bled $300 million (roughly Rs. 2,627 crore) in losses in 2024. The company also cancelled the in-development Wonder Woman game and said it intended to refocus on its “bigger franchises” like Harry Potter, Game of Thrones and Batman, after a string of underperforming launches.

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OPPO F29 Series: "Made for India" and “Tested in India” to Perform in the Most Demanding Conditions

OPPO's F29 Series of smartphones goes above and beyond what smartphones in India offer today. In addition to impressive specifications, these smartphones are designed to keep up with the busiest members of India's rapidly growing gig economy, which comprises millions of drivers, delivery partners, shopkeepers, and business owners. These durable handsets can deliver uninterrupted performance in the most demanding conditions while offering enhanced network reception.

The smartphones, with a starting price of INR 27,999 for the OPPO F29 Pro and INR 23,999 for the OPPO F29, can be purchased at the OPPO E-store, Flipkart, Amazon, and mainline retail outlets. The F29 Pro will be available from April 1st, and the F29 will be available from March 27th.

Let's examine why the OPPO F29 Series redefines durability and battery performance, making it one of the best “Made in India” smartphones available today.

A Top-Rated Durable Champion

The OPPO F29 Series is a durable champion designed for Indian users, and the handsets are packed with features that help them navigate the hustle and bustle of daily life, from navigating traffic in the rain to making phone calls in places with unreliable network connectivity. Not only are the OPPO F29 and OPPO F29 Pro "Made for India", but they are also "tested in India", with ratings to prove their reliability. For starters, the handsets have been tested by SGS (Société Générale de Surveillance) in India for IP66, IP68, and IP69 ratings.

This means that the OPPO F29 and OPPO F29 Pro are resistant to as many as 18 liquids that you might encounter in day-to-day use such as rain, river, hot-spring water, ice or cold water, cleaning foam, muddy water, steam, dishwashing water, detergent water, and soap water. Whether you're checking Google Maps for directions in the rain while delivering an order, or you accidentally drop your phone into a puddle, you can keep moving without worrying about your smartphone.

The OPPO F29 Series is also safe against several consumable liquids such as fruit juice, tea, milk, carbonated drinks, coffee, lemon water, coconut water, and beer. After it comes in contact with these liquids, the handsets are designed to remove any residual water inside the speaker area, by emitting a pulsating sound. This useful feature lets you get on a call with friends (or a customer) as quickly as possible, without having to manually wipe down your speaker!

In addition to dust and water resistance, the OPPO F29 Series has undergone 14 Military Standard tests, specifically MIL-STD-810H-2022. It's ready to handle extreme temperatures, and mechanical shocks that would otherwise leave you with a brick, and rain, sand, and or humidity have no effect on the smartphone.

OPPO has also conducted over 150 ultra-strict reliability tests that involve dropping the F29 Series applying pressure to it, and checking its impact resistance. Thanks to its IP69 water resistance rating, it can withstand high-pressure, high-temperature water jets up to 80°C. While you might not experience these extreme conditions regularly, you can go about your daily tasks without worrying about working in areas with pressurized water, such as cleaning equipment.

 

Designed to Protect Your Hardware

In day-to-day use, you'd want a smartphone that is capable of handling a bit of rough usage, and the OPPO F29 Pro is designed to stay intact even if you give it a hard time. It has a damage-proof 360° Armor Body, with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 that can handle unexpected drops and impacts. On the other hand, the OPPO F29's display boasts Corning Gorilla Glass 7i protection to keep it safe from scratches. The rear panel on both phones is made from a high-molecular fiberglass material designed to look good even if knocked around.

OPPO has also equipped the F29 Series with Sponge Bionic Cushioning, which allows the handsets to absorb impacts, keeping the inside of your phone always protected. Meanwhile, the OPPO F29 Series also features raised corners that are designed to keep the screen safe from impacts. So even if you are using the phone while driving your bike and it accidentally slips from your hand, the OPPO F29 Series can withstand the challenge.

Even though the body of the handsets has an array of protection, most of us worry about the scratches on the camera module. Here we were pleased to see that, the OPPO F29 Series has a Lens Protective Ring made of strengthened glass. This should keep it safe from rough objects in your bag or pocket.

The structural integrity of the OPPO F29 Series has also been improved by 10 percent compared to its predecessor by using AM04, a high-strength, high-thermal-conductivity aerospace-grade aluminium alloy for the internal frame.

The durability features on this device both inside and outside alone make the device a preferred choice for those who are working long and difficult hours. The OPPO F29 Pro weighs only 180g and the OPPO F29 weighs as little as 185g, which makes them easy to carry while you're on the go.

And if you are always on the go on your two-wheeler, you probably wear gloves to keep your hands warm, or for better grip. Thanks to the built-in Glove Touch Mode on the OPPO F29 series, you can keep using your smartphone without taking your gloves off. Meanwhile, the screen also works in wet conditions caused by rain, oil, or sweat, relying on intelligent anti-mistouch technology.

 

Goodbye Call Drops, Hello Network Boost

Have you ever wished that your smartphone offered reliable network connectivity when stepping into an elevator or when you are in a remote area? This is a necessity for delivery partners whose livelihood relies upon a stable network connection. The OPPO F29 Series might be the best smartphone you can purchase in its price segment, with a whopping 300% improvement in network connectivity over its predecessor making these devices the ideal choice.

Thanks to a new Hunter Antenna Architecture, the smartphone can deliver this massive network performance improvement, using the improved RF architecture design. The handsets are equipped with advanced network uplink and downlink enhancements, so you get faster download speeds and uninterrupted phone calls. For people on the move, this feature alone is crucial.

OPPO has also included a game-exclusive Wi-Fi antenna that can give you an advantage when playing games whether at home or on the move on your Wi-Fi network. Meanwhile, the company's AI LinkBoost 2.0 technology optimizes your network connection, even when you're in an area with unreliable network connectivity.

To top it all the Series has a TÜV Rheinland High Network Performance certification that gives you peace of mind while using the handset in an elevator, or in a remote area, as the handsets are validated to deliver a smooth network experience in almost any challenging scenario.

 

All-Day Battery Life

Battery life is another cornerstone of the OPPO F29 Series, and the handsets are designed to provide 5 years of durability for the Pro variant and four years of durability for the OPPO F29, thanks to the company's self-developed bionic repair electrolyte technology. The Battery Health Engine also helps this longevity, preserving its capacity for up to 1,800 charging cycles, even with extended use. This takes away the hassle of changing the device frequently guaranteeing you long-term and stable battery performance.

If you forget to charge your wireless headset or any other important accessory, the OPPO F29 series has your back. Simply connect any device with a USB Type-C port to your OPPO F29 series, which offers reverse charging support for extra power on the go!

The OPPO F29 Pro has a massive 6000mAh battery and an 80W SUPERVOOC charger while the OPPO F29 has a substantial 6,500mAh battery, along with a 45W SUPERVOOC Flash Charger that gets you back in action within no time. It can charge the phone up to 15% in just 5 minutes, 45% in 20 minutes, and 62% in 30 minutes.  You can top off your battery quickly when you take a short break, or go from 0 to 100% in approximately 54 minutes.

On the OPPO F29, the 84 minutes required for a full charge might not be as rapid as the OPPO F29 Pro, but it's quite fast considering the large-capacity battery on the handset that keeps you going all day long.    

If you're always on the go delivering orders using quick commerce apps, the OPPO F29 series is equipped with an Outdoor Mode that offers super quick access to Swiggy, Zomato, and Blinkit. If you don't have a headset connected to your handset, you can rely on Automatic Hands-Free calling, which boosts your call volume to the maximum so you can hear everything, even on a crowded street.

Reliable Performance and Camera, a Vibrant Display, and ColorOS15 add to the wow factor of the OPPO F29 Series.

Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Energy chipset, the OPPO F29 Pro offers advanced AI capabilities that are enabled by the MediaTek NPU 655. You can also take advantage of accelerated gaming with the MediaTek HyperEngine optimizations. The handset also has a large 6.7-inch quad-curved AMOLED display with optimal eye comfort. You get a 50MP camera paired with a 2MP depth sensor and a 16MP selfie shooter.

On the other hand, the OPPO F29 features the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 from Qualcomm, which can deliver high-quality HDR gaming while ensuring efficiency isn't affected.  The 7th generation Qualcomm AI Engine ensures reliable AI performance, like its more expensive sibling. It also sports a 6.7-inch AMOLED display and the same camera configuration as the OPPO F29 Pro.

Both phones run on ColorOS15, which is based on Android 15. OPPO has packed in several features with ColorOS15 including the useful AI Summary, a Screen Translator feature, and the AI Writer tool that can help you stay productive on the go. The camera also features an underwater photography mode, while ColorOS 15 includes AI-powered photography features such as AI Livephoto, AI Clarity Enhancer, AI Reflection Remover, AI Unblur, and AI Eraser 2.0. String on AI features enhances productivity and ensures an unparalleled camera experience.

If you're looking for a reliable midrange smartphone, the OPPO F29 and OPPO F29 Pro deliver the best durability and performance in their price segment. They're fully Made in India, tested in India to ensure that they're durable, and offer enhanced signal reception and extended battery life - features that are designed for Indian users who are always on the go.

The OPPO F29 Pro is priced at INR 27999/29999/31999 for the 8GB + 128GB, 8GB + 256G, 12GB + 256GB variants, and the OPPO F29 is priced at INR 23999/25999 for 8GB+12GB and 8GB+256GB variants, respectively. Those looking to buy any of the variants can get up to 10% instant Cashback on SBI cards, HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, Bank of Baroda, and IDFC First Bank credit cards. Users can also avail no-cost EMI for up to 6 months and consumer loans for up to 8 months with Zero down payment schemes and get upto upto 10% exchange bonus.

 

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