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Xiaomi Civi 5 Pro Expected To Come With Snapdragon 8s Elite SoC and 1.5K Quad-Curved Display

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Highlights

  • Xiaomi Civi 5 Pro is expected to be the first device powered by the Snapdragon 8s Elite chipset.
  • Other expected features – a quad-curved 1.5K display with two front cameras, a circular rear camera module co-engineered by Xiaomi and Leica and a bigger than 5,000mAh battery.

After a recent hint, we are now getting some exciting news about Xiaomi’s upcoming mid-range smartphone Xiaomi Civi 5 Pro.

The predecessor Xiaomi Civi 4 Pro was launched in China earlier this year, rumours suggest the Civi 5 Pro could be announced soon.

As per recent reports, it could be the first device powered by the Snapdragon 8s Elite chipset as an upgrade to the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 used in Civi 4 Pro.

Here’s everything we know about the upcoming mid-ranger.

Xiaomi Civi 5 Pro – What To Expect?

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Recent tipster DCS’s post on Weibo about Xiaomi Civi 5 Pro.

According to a recent post by tipster Digital Chat Station on Weibo, the display size of Civi 5 Pro might be slightly smaller than the 6.55-inch panel featured on the Civi 4 Pro.

The phone is expected to sport a compact quad-curved screen with a 1.5K resolution.

It’s also rumoured to have a centrally placed hole-punch cutout on the display housing two front cameras.

The rear camera setup could include a circular module with a telephoto lens co-engineered by Xiaomi and Leica, while the phone’s back might feature a fibreglass coating for a premium feel.

The Xiaomi Civi 5 Pro is tipped to pack a large battery with a capacity exceeding 5,000mAh.

While official details about storage and RAM configurations are yet to be revealed, it’s expected to improve upon the Civi 4 Pro’s offerings.

Xiaomi Civi 4 Pro – Prices and Features

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Previous gen Xiaomi Civi 4 Pro was launched as the first phone with a Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset. (Image credit – Xiaomi)

To recall, the previous generation Xiaomi Civi 4 Pro was launched in May in China. It was priced at CNY 2,999 (approximately ₹34,600) for the 12GB + 256GB model.

Its main features include the following –

  • A 6.55-inch 1.5K OLED display (2,750 x 1,236 pixels).
  • Up to 16GB LPDDR5x RAM and 512GB UFS 4.0 storage.
  • A Leica-backed triple rear camera setup with two 50MP sensors and a 12MP ultra-wide sensor.
  • Dual 32MP front cameras.
  • A 4,700mAh battery with 67W wired fast charging.

If the leaks are accurate, the Civi 5 Pro will refine its predecessor’s features while introducing the new Snapdragon 8s Elite chipset. Its compact design, advanced camera system and large battery capacity make it a highly anticipated addition to Xiaomi’s mid-range lineup.

FAQs

Q1. What is the chipset expected to be used in the Xiaomi Civi 5 Pro?

Answer. The Xiaomi Civi 5 Pro is expected to be powered by the Snapdragon 8s Elite chipset, an upgrade from the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 used in the Civi 4 Pro.

Q2. What are the expected display features of the Xiaomi Civi 5 Pro?

Answer. The Xiaomi Civi 5 Pro is expected to have a compact quad-curved screen with a 1.5K resolution and a centrally placed hole-punch cutout for two front cameras.

Q3. What camera features are anticipated for the Xiaomi Civi 5 Pro?

Answer. The rear camera setup is expected to include a circular module with a telephoto lens co-engineered by Xiaomi and Leica, and the phone’s back might feature a fibreglass coating.

Q4. What is the expected battery capacity of the Xiaomi Civi 5 Pro?

Answer. The Xiaomi Civi 5 Pro is tipped to pack a large battery with a capacity exceeding 5,000mAh.

Read More: Xiaomi Civi 2 and Redmi 11A Now 3C Certified

Read More: Xiaomi Unveils Stylish 14 Civi Panda Limited Edition in India: Pricing, Features, Specs

Realme 14x 5G to Launch on December 18 with Massive 6,000mAh Battery

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Highlights

  • The Realme 14x 5G will launch in India on December 18.
  • It will feature a 6,000mAh battery with 45W wired fast charging, a 6.67-inch HD+ IPS LCD screen and IP68/IP69 ratings.
  • It will be available in black, gold and red colours with three storage options: 6GB + 128GB, 8GB + 128GB, and 8GB + 256GB.
  • The phone is expected to be priced under ₹15,000. The exact pricing details are yet to be revealed.
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Realme 14x 5G will be the first under 15K phone to feature an IP69 rating. (Image credit – Realme)

Realme is set to unveil the Realme 14x 5G in India on December 18 at 12 PM IST. Ahead of the launch, the company has revealed key details about the phone. Here’s everything we know about the upcoming phone so far.

Realme 14x 5G  – Build and Features (Expected)

Realme recently confirmed that the upcoming Realme 14x 5G will sport an impressive 6,000mAh battery with 45W wired fast charging support.

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Realme 14x 5G teaser revealing the 6000mAH battery feature. (Image credit – Realme)

According to Realme, the phone can charge from 0 to 50% in just 38 minutes, while a full charge takes 93 minutes.

This makes it an appealing option for users who prioritise long battery life and quick charging.

As per rumours, Realme 14x 5G is expected to sport a 6.67-inch HD+ IPS LCD screen.

 

In a previous official teaser, the company has already confirmed that the Realme 14x 5G will be available in black, gold and red colour options.

The same teaser also revealed that it will feature IP68 and IP69 ratings for dust and splash resistance.

Certain leaks online suggest that the phone will come with three storage variants, which will include 6GB + 128GB, 8GB + 128GB and 8GB + 256GB.

Realme 14x 5G – Availability and Price

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Realme 14x 5G will be available in red, gold and black colour variants. (Image credit – Realme)

For price, Realme has already teased that 14X will be the first smartphone under ₹15,000 in India to offer an IP69 rating.

To get an idea, we know that the previous generation Realme 12x 5G was priced at ₹11,999 for 4GB + 128GB, ₹13,499 for 6GB + 128GB and ₹14,999 for 8GB + 128GB.

Now given the upgraded features in the Realme 14x 5G, it will most likely arrive at a similar or slightly higher price point with better specifications.

In any case, the exact pricing hasn’t been revealed yet. 

As for availability, Realme 14x 5G is expected to be a successor to the Realme 12x 5G, which launched earlier this year in April. The phone will be available for purchase on Flipkart and Realme’s official e-store.

Realme’s latest teaser hints that more details about the phone will be shared in the days leading up to the launch.

FAQs

Q1. When will the Realme 14x 5G be launched in India?

Answer. The Realme 14x 5G will be launched in India on December 18 at 12 PM IST.

Q2. What is the battery capacity and charging capability of the Realme 14x 5G?

Answer. The Realme 14x 5G will have a 6,000mAh battery with 45W wired fast charging support. It can charge from 0 to 50% in just 38 minutes and a full charge takes 93 minutes.

Q3. What colour options and storage variants will be available for the Realme 14x 5G?

Answer. The Realme 14x 5G will be available in black, gold, and red colour options with three storage variants: 6GB + 128GB, 8GB + 128GB and 8GB + 256GB.

Q4. Where can the Realme 14x 5G be purchased once it is launched?

Answer. The Realme 14x 5G will be available for purchase on Flipkart and Realme’s official e-store.

Read More: Realme 14x with Flagship Specs Set to Launch in India on December 18

Who Is Suchir Balaji? All About The Former OpenAI Whistleblower Who Found Dead in San Francisco Apartment

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Highlight

  • A former OpenAI employee Suchir Balaji was found dead in his San Francisco apartment.
  • Balaji gained attention for accusing OpenAI of copyright violations.
  • He became a vocal advocate for fair copyright practices.
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The 26-year-old Indian American Suchir Balaji. (Image credit – Suchir Balaji/LinkedIn)

Suchir Balaji, a 26-year-old Indian-origin former OpenAI employee, was found dead in his apartment on Buchanan Street San Francisco on November 26. The San Francisco Police Department and the Chief Medical Examiner confirmed the cause of death as suicide with no signs of foul play.

Who Was Suchir Balaji?

Balaji gained attention earlier this year after publicly accusing OpenAI of copyright violations. His death comes just three months after he openly criticised the company behind the groundbreaking AI tool ChatGPT for its practices. He believed the company exploited copyrighted material without proper consent.

In an October 23 interview with The New York Times, Balaji expressed his concerns about the impact of OpenAI’s methods on content creators, businesses and entrepreneurs. “If you believe what I believe, you have to just leave the company,” he said.

Balaji left OpenAI after almost four years including 1.5 years working directly on ChatGPT. He stated he could no longer support technologies that he believed caused more harm than good.

Balaji grew up in Cupertino and graduated from UC Berkeley with a degree in computer science.  He admittedly had little knowledge of copyright laws when he first joined OpenAI and his perspective changed after lawsuits against AI companies increased.

ChatGPT’s launch in late 2022 sparked global success and a wave of lawsuits with authors, programmers and journalists accusing OpenAI of using their copyrighted work to train its AI without permission. Balaji became a vocal advocate for fair copyright practices urging AI developers and researchers to better understand intellectual property laws.

Suchir Balaji’s Final Post

In his final post on X (formerly Twitter), Balaji shared his scepticism about fair use as a legal defence for generative AI. He wrote, “Fair use seems like a pretty implausible defence for a lot of generative AI products, for the basic reason that they can create substitutes that compete with the data they’re trained on.”

He also shared the link to a New York Times article where he shared his insights.

In a detailed blog post, he explained his concerns, arguing that the current model for generative AI posed risks not only to creators but also to the overall internet ecosystem. “The issue of fair use in generative AI is much bigger than any single company or product,” he wrote.

Balaji’s warnings are now being heavily debated after his passing reigniting debates about AI ethics, copyright and the impact of AI on creative industries.

His mother has requested privacy during this time of mourning. Meanwhile, his final tweets and blog post have gone viral.

FAQs

Q1. Who was Suchir Balaji?

Answer. Suchir Balaji was a 26-year-old Indian-origin former OpenAI employee who gained attention for publicly accusing OpenAI of copyright violations. He passed away in his San Francisco apartment on November 26 with the cause of death confirmed as suicide.

Q2. What concerns did Suchir Balaji raise about OpenAI?

Answer. Balaji criticised OpenAI for exploiting copyrighted material without proper consent and became a vocal advocate for fair copyright practices. He believed the company’s methods posed risks to content creators, businesses and the internet ecosystem.

Q3. What was Suchir Balaji’s final post about?

Answer. In his final post on X, Balaji expressed scepticism about fair use as a legal defence for generative AI, arguing that generative AI products could create substitutes that compete with the data they’re trained on, posing risks to creators and the internet ecosystem.

Galaxy S25 Leak Hints Shows Magnet Case Raising Question On How Qi2 Support Will Be Integrated

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Highlights

  • Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S25 series is rumoured to adopt the Qi2 wireless charging standard.
  • A recent leak revealed a separate “magnet case” for the Galaxy S25.
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Galaxy S25 series previously leaked images. (Image source – OneLeaks/AndriodHeadlines)

It was previously reported by more than one tipster online that Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S25 series will have the Qi2 wireless charging standard. However, a recent leak revealed a separate “magnet case” for the phone casting doubts about how the wireless charging technology will be used.

Let’s start from the beginning.

Popular leaker Ice Universe via @Jukanloseve on X (formerly Twitter) earlier claimed that Samsung’s Galaxy S25 series would adopt the Qi2 standard.

Qi2 includes magnets that help align wireless chargers and support various accessories making it a major upgrade. If this turns out to be true, the Galaxy S25 would become the first mainstream Android phone to embrace Qi2 more than two years after the standard was announced.

However, a new leak from Finnish site Suomimobiili based on a carrier mishap lists several accessories for the Galaxy S25 series including cases like the “Standing Case” and “Rugged Case.” Among these is a “Magnet Case,” which is transparent. This leak raised questions about how the Qi2 tech will actually be used in the phone.

If Samsung plans to fully integrate Qi2 into the Galaxy S25, it is expected all cases including the “Clear Case,” to have magnets. However, the presence of a separate “Magnet Case” suggests that Samsung might not include magnets natively in the phone itself.

Instead, magnets could be added through the accessory similar to what OnePlus has done with its OnePlus 13, which lacks Qi2 natively but supports it via special cases.

For now, this leaves Qi2’s potential role in the Galaxy S25 up in the air.

Apple’s MagSafe, a Qi2-compatible technology, includes magnets across all official cases. On the other hand, the HMD Skyline is the only Android phone currently using Qi2 offering magnets in both its silicone and rugged cases.

Samsung’s approach is still unclear since we’ve only seen case names and not detailed descriptions or images. We will most likely have more information on this as Samsung’s January 22 launch event approaches.

FAQS

Q1. What new feature is rumoured for Samsung’s Galaxy S25 series?

Answer. Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S25 series is rumoured to adopt the Qi2 wireless charging standard, which includes magnets for aligning wireless chargers and supporting accessories.

Q2. What does the recent leak suggest about the Galaxy S25’s Qi2 integration?

Answer. A recent leak revealed a separate “magnet case” for the Galaxy S25, casting doubts on whether Qi2 technology will be natively integrated or supported through accessories.

Q3. When will more information about the Galaxy S25 come out?

Answer. More information about the Qi2 integration in the Galaxy S25 is expected as Samsung’s January 22 launch event approaches.

Read More: Samsung Galaxy S25 Series FCC Certification Shows Key Features

Read More: More Leaked Images Share Early Look of Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and One UI 7 Features

Tesla CEO Elon Musk Rings Alarm Bells, Warns “Short Position Will Bankrupt Even Bill Gates”

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Highlights

  • Elon Musk has again criticised Gates’ alleged short position against Tesla.
  • He suggests serious financial consequences for Gates if Tesla surpasses Apple in value.
  • Gates reportedly lost $1.5 billion because of the increase in Tesla stock value.
  • Tesla stock has surged 56.91% this year reaching a record high of $400.
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Elon Musk suggested that Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates could face bankruptcy for his alleged Tesla short position. (Image credit – GettyImages)

If there is one thing we can say for sure about Tesla CEO Elon Musk, it is that the man never hesitates to speak his mind. This is both endearing and surprising, especially for a billionaire of Musk’s stature. The world has not seen too many opinionated rich men, which could be a reason why every Musk post on X (formerly Twitter) becomes headline-worthy.

Recently, Elon Musk has reignited his feud with Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates. This time addressing Gates’ alleged short position against Tesla stock, Musk took to X to suggest that Gates could face serious financial consequences if Tesla were to surpass Apple as the world’s most valuable company.

In a sharp comment, Musk wrote, “If Tesla does become the world’s most valuable company by far, that short position will bankrupt even Bill Gates.”

Musk’s remark refers to Gates’ previously disclosed bet against Tesla. According to Walter Isaacson’s 2023 biography of Musk, Gates reportedly lost $1.5 billion due to Tesla’s stock surge.

For those of you who aren’t aware, a short position is a strategy where an investor borrows shares, sells them on the market and hopes to buy them back at a lower price. The whole practice is a tactic to profit from a decline in the stock’s value.

Musk has criticised Gates for this short position before particularly during Tesla’s challenging times. In 2022, Musk tweeted, “Taking out a short position against Tesla, as Gates did, results in the highest return only if a company goes bankrupt!”


Gates has admitted to betting against Tesla in earlier interviews.

However, Musk has often accused Gates of hypocrisy highlighting Gates’ environmental philanthropy while allegedly betting against a company central to the green energy movement (Tesla). Musk has even claimed, “To the best of my knowledge, Gates still has that massive bet against Tesla on the table. The lack of self-awareness and hypocrisy of Gates… is astounding.”

Tesla’s stock has surged 56.91% this year boosted by market optimism after President-elect Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 elections and Musk’s close relations with the new administration. The stock reached a record high of $400 after Goldman Sachs raised its price target for Tesla.

Meanwhile, Tesla still trails behind Apple in market capitalisation even after showing remarkable growth. Some reports speculated that Tesla’s value would need to increase by nearly 200% and the company will claim the title of the world’s most valuable company.

FAQs

Q1. What recent comment did Elon Musk make about Bill Gates on X?

Answer. Elon Musk suggested that if Tesla becomes the world’s most valuable company, Gates’ short position could bankrupt him. Musk wrote, “If Tesla does become the world’s most valuable company by far, that short position will bankrupt even Bill Gates.”

Q2. How much did Bill Gates reportedly lose due to his short position against Tesla?

Answer. Bill Gates reportedly lost $1.5 billion due to Tesla’s stock surge, according to Walter Isaacson’s 2023 biography of Musk.

Q3. What was Elon Musk’s criticism of Bill Gates’ short position?

Answer. Musk criticised Gates for taking a short position against Tesla, particularly highlighting the hypocrisy given Gates’ environmental philanthropy while allegedly betting against Tesla, a company central to the green energy movement.

Read More: Google’s Willow Quantum Chip Leaves Tech Community Excited, Elon Musk and Sundar Pichai Exchange Ideas on X

Read More: Elon Musk Approves Apple’s Holiday Ad Featuring AirPods Pro 2 Hearing Aid Feature

Apple to Start Assembling AirPods in India For The First Time: Report

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Highlights

  • Apple to assemble AirPods in India near Hyderabad in early 2025 with Foxconn Technology Group.
  • This will be the second major Apple product assembled in India.
  • It is driven by government incentives, a skilled workforce and reducing dependence on China.
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AirPods will be manufactured in India starting next year. (Image credit – Apple)

 

Apple is reportedly planning to assemble its AirPods wireless earphones in India marking another significant step in the company’s effort to expand manufacturing outside of China.

According to a Bloomberg report, the major Apple supplier Foxconn Technology Group is set to begin AirPods production at a new facility near Hyderabad, Telangana. This production is expected to start as early as the first quarter of 2025 with trial runs already underway.

As per reports, Apple will start full-scale manufacturing most likely soon after the trials.

This move will make AirPods the second major Apple product to be assembled in India after the iPhone. Apple’s decision to expand its manufacturing footprint in the country is driven by several factors including government incentives, a skilled workforce and advancements in India’s technological infrastructure.

“It will be a mega operation, on the lines of the work done for iPhones, and will be focused mainly on global exports, considering that the market for AirPods is much bigger abroad than in India,” sources told TOI.

“The focus on exports means that Apple will create a second large manufacturing base outside China, which currently is one of the key production centres for most of its products. The plan was the same when the iPhone manufacturing had started,” another of TOI sources was quoted.

Moreover, the decision is also part of Apple’s long-known goal to reduce dependence on China.

The AirPods assembled in India are expected to cater significantly to global markets boosting Apple’s export figures. While China and Vietnam remain the primary hubs for AirPods production, India’s emergence as a manufacturing base highlights Apple’s efforts to diversify its supply chain.

However, this update isn’t some big secret. Reports of AirPods manufacturing in India have surfaced before.

In October 2024, it was revealed that an American contract manufacturer Jabil started producing AirPods casings at a facility in Pune. This new initiative is expected to mirror the scale of iPhone production in India with a strong emphasis on exports to meet the growing global demand for AirPods.

However, the TOI report revealed that the production of MacBooks in India will take time.

“First, the volumes for Apple’s premium notebooks are still limited here, and so the business case is also restricted. Also, with more than sufficient global production levels, creating new factories in India can lead to oversupply. Thus, MacBook production will take time as of now,” undisclosed TOI sources added.

FAQs

Q1. Where is Foxconn Technology Group set to begin AirPods production in India?

Answer. Foxconn Technology Group is set to begin AirPods production at a new facility near Hyderabad, Telangana.

Q2. Why has Apple decided to expand its manufacturing to India for AirPods?

Answer. Apple’s decision to expand its manufacturing footprint in India is driven by several factors including government incentives, a skilled workforce, advancements in India’s technological infrastructure, and reducing dependence on China.

Q3. What impact will the AirPods assembled in India have on the global market?

Answer. The AirPods assembled in India are expected to cater significantly to global markets, boosting Apple’s export figures and highlighting efforts to diversify its supply chain.

Read More: Apple India Achieves ₹67,122 Crore Revenue in FY24, Recording 36% Growth Driven by iPhone Sales

Read More: Apple to Use Indian Factory for Early Manufacturing Work of iPhone 17, Says Report

YouTube TV Introduces Parent Code to Block Kids from Accessing Adult Profiles

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Highlights

  • YouTube TV introduces a 4-digit PIN Parent Code to prevent kids from accessing adult profiles.
  • The Parent Code requires a PIN for switching profiles, prevents signed-out viewing and stops kids from deleting profiles.
  • The feature is rolling out gradually.
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Now you can set a  4-digit parent code on adult YouTube profiles to keep them out of kids’ reach. (Image credit – Google)

Kids can be really sneaky when it comes to bypassing parents and accessing stuff online. Platforms like YouTube have always tried to address parental concerns, which is why something like YouTube Kids even exists. Funnily, kids seem to have found a way around it after Google made a minor change.

Earlier this year Google integrated YouTube Kids into the main YouTube app on smart TVs. While this change allowed kids to access their profiles directly within the main app, it also created a loophole: tech-savvy kids could switch to adult profiles or even delete accounts.

Google has finally addressed the concern of parents by introducing a new Parent Code feature on YouTube apps for TVs. This 4-digit PIN helps prevent kids from accessing adult (13+) profiles or watching content while signed out.

To be precise, a PIN-based Parent Code feature is designed to do the following as a means to address parental concerns –

  • Switching Profiles: A 4-digit PIN is required to access accounts for users over 13 or the applicable age in your region.
  • Signed-Out Viewing: Kids cannot watch YouTube without a profile unless the Parent Code is entered.
  • Account Security: It stops kids from deleting profiles they shouldn’t.

In an official post, TeamYouTube shared, “We hope this change gives you added comfort in knowing kids cannot use accounts and features on your smart TV that aren’t meant for them, while also making recommendations in your profile more relevant to your interests rather than what you previously watched together as a family.”

How To Set Up the Parent Code?

The feature is rolling out gradually to all users. Once available, here’s how to set it up –

  • Open the YouTube app on your smart TV.
  • Go to Settings on the left-hand side.
  • Select the Parent Code tab.
  • Follow the prompts to set or reset your 4-digit PIN.

FAQs

Q1. What is the new feature introduced by YouTube TV to enhance parental controls?

Answer. YouTube TV introduces a 4-digit PIN Parent Code to prevent kids from accessing adult profiles or watching content without a profile.

Q2. What are the main functions of the YouTube TV Parent Code?

Answer. The Parent Code requires a PIN for switching profiles, prevents signed-out viewing, and stops kids from deleting profiles.

Q3. How can users set up the Parent Code on YouTube TV?

Answer. Users can set up the Parent Code by going to Settings in the YouTube app on smart TVs, selecting the Parent Code tab, and following the prompts to set or reset the 4-digit PIN.

Read More: YouTube Update Fixes Issues & Introduces Features

Read More: YouTube TV App Set to Get a Redesign, Bringing New Interactive Features

Read More: According to Reports, a YouTube TV Update Will Allow You to Watch Four Channels at Once

WhatsApp for iPhone Set to Get Its Own Call Dialer

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Highlights

  • WhatsApp is adding a built-in call dialer to its iPhone app.
  • It will allow iOS users to call phone numbers directly through the app.
  • The call dialer feature is rolling out to beta users.
  • It will eventually be available to everyone.

The WhatsApp calling feature is probably the most convenient in-app calling feature available out there.

According to the last released figures by Meta, more than 100 million voice calls are made every day.

So, it is understandable that the platform wants to streamline the calling feature to make it a more smoother experience for users. The latest update reveals a new WhatsApp calling feature for iPhone users.

The Meta-owned app is making it easier to connect with people outside your contact list by adding a built-in call dialer to its iPhone app. This new feature lets users call phone numbers directly through WhatsApp, even if the number isn’t saved in their contacts.

The latest beta version of WhatsApp for iOS, as reported by WABetaInfo and 9to5Mac, introduces a call dialer that looks quite similar to the iPhone’s default dialer.

As per reports, here’s how the new features work –

  • Enter any phone number into the dialer.
  • If the number is registered with WhatsApp, you can make a call straight from the app.
  • The dialer is accessible by tapping the “+” button in the Calls tab on WhatsApp.
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WhatsApp Beta is rolling out a new in-app call dialer feature for iOS users. (Image credit – WABetaInfo)

This update is designed to streamline the process of calling people or businesses without needing to save their numbers first. It’s another step in WhatsApp’s evolution into a comprehensive alternative to Apple’s Phone app.

With iOS 18.2, users can now set third-party apps as their default for calls and text messages.

Although no app has fully adopted this functionality yet, it’s likely that WhatsApp will support this soon, further expanding its utility.

Earlier this week, WhatsApp also introduced improvements to its calling features including higher resolution for video calls to enhance video call quality for a sharper experience.

It also introduced group call options where users can now initiate calls with specific members of a group chat instead of the entire group.

The new call dialer is being gradually rolled out to beta users through the TestFlight program.

It will eventually be available to everyone with the stable version of the app. WhatsApp can be downloaded for free from the App Store.

FAQs

Q1. What is the new feature added to WhatsApp for iPhone?

Answer. WhatsApp is adding a built-in call dialer to its iPhone app, allowing users to call phone numbers directly through the app, even if the number isn’t saved in their contacts.

Q2. How can users access the new call dialer in WhatsApp?

Answer. The call dialer is accessible by tapping the “+” button in the Calls tab on WhatsApp.

Q3. What improvements to calling features did WhatsApp introduce earlier this week?

Answer. WhatsApp introduced a higher resolution for video calls to enhance video call quality and group call options where users can initiate calls with specific members of a group chat instead of the entire group.

Read More: WhatsApp Announced New Audio and Video Call Features for Better Call Quality During Holidays

Read More: WhatsApp Beta Tests Online User Counter and Reminder Notifications

Top 5 OTT Releases To Binge Watch This Weekend – From Mismatched Season 3, Dispatch To Reality Drama Paris & Nicole: The Encore

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Highlights

  • This Week’s Top 5 OTT Releases – Mismatched Season 3, Bandish Bandits Season 2, Despatch, Paris & Nicole: The Encore, Elton John: Never Too Late

Ready to not make any plans, not go out anywhere and spend the entire weekend binge-watch some fresh? Well, OTT platforms have done their job by releasing some exciting titles this week, it is your turn to make sure your subscription money doesn’t go to waste.

To help you a bit, we have listed the top 5 OTT releases of this week that would make a perfect binge-watching away.

So, without further ado, here are the best 5 OTT releases you can catch on Netflix, Amazon Prime, Jio Cinema and Disney+Hotstar.

Mismatched Season 3

Genre – Romantic Drama, Comedy

Streaming On – Netflix

Streaming Since – December 13, 2024

Episodes – 8

Language – English/Hindi

Stars – Prajakta Koli as Dimple Ahuja, Rohit Saraf as Rishi Singh Shekhawat, Taaruk Raina as Anmol Malhotra, Ahsaas Channa as Vinny, Rannvijay Singha as Professor Siddharth Sinha, Vidya Malvade as Zeenat Karim, Muskkaan Jaferi as Celina Matthews, Abhinav Sharma as Krish Katyal

Director – Akarsh Khurana, Nipun Dharmadhikari

Producer – Ronnie Screwvala

Synopsis – Mismatched Season 3 follows the evolving relationship between Dimple,  a tech-savvy gamer, and Rishi, a hopeless romantic, as they navigate love, self-discovery, and societal expectations during a summer program. The season promises heartwarming moments, laugh-out-loud humour and relatable experiences of growing up.

Bandish Bandits Season 2

Genre – Musical Drama, Romance

Streaming On – Amazon Prime Video

Streaming Since – December 13, 2024

Episodes – 8

Language – Hindi

Stars – Ritwik Bhowmik as Radhe Rathod, Shreya Chaudhry as Tamanna Sharma, Sheeba Chaddha as Mohini, Atul Kulkarni as Pandit Radhe Mohan, Rajesh Tailang as Bhajan Singh Rathod, Kunaal Roy Kapur as Imroz, Divya Dutta as Nandini, Rohan Gurbaxani as Rohan, Yashaswini Dayama as Ananya, Aaliyah Qureshi as Aaliyah, Saurabh Nayyar as Saurabh

Director – Anand Tiwari

Producer – Amritpal Singh Bindra

Synopsis – Bandish Bandits Season 2 takes a closer look into the lives of Radhe and Tamanna as they navigate their musical careers and personal lives. Radhe steps up to protect his family’s musical legacy after the death of his grandfather, while Tamanna enrols in a music college to find her own voice. The season features intense competition, emotional journeys and a rich tapestry of music blending classical and contemporary genres.

Despatch

Genre – Crime Drama, Thriller

Streaming On – ZEE5

Streaming Since – December 13, 2024

Episodes – N/A (Film)

Language – Hindi

Stars – Manoj Bajpayee as Joy Bag, Shahana Goswami as Shweta Bag, Arrchita Agarwaal as Prerna Prakash, Rituparna Sen as Noori Rai, Anand Alkunte as S.I Bhonsle, Riju Bajaj as Tarun Khaitan, Purnendu Bhattacharya as Mallick, Ajay Purkar as Prasad, Purnima Rathod as Mrs. Verma, Parvati Sehgal as Varsha Rajput, Mamik Singh as Silva

Director – Kanu Behl

Producer – Ronnie Screwvala

Synopsis – Despatch is about a seasoned crime journalist Joy Bag as he navigates the challenges of staying relevant in the digital age. Determined to uncover the next big story, Joy delves into the dark underbelly of Mumbai, uncovering secrets and facing personal and professional obstacles along the way.

Paris & Nicole: The Encore

Genre – Reality TV, Nostalgia

Streaming On – Peacock (U.S.), JioCinema (India)

Streaming Since – December 12, 2024

Episodes – 3 (Three-part special)

Language – English

Stars – Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie, Kathy Hilton (Guest appearance)

Director – Sophie Muller

Producer – Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie, and others

Synopsis – “Paris & Nicole: The Encore” reunites the iconic duo 20 years after their hit show “The Simple Life.” In this three-part special, Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie return to the original filming location in Arkansas to create an operatic performance based on their childhood phrase “Sanasa.”

Elton John: Never Too Late

Genre – Documentary, Music

Streaming On – Disney+

Streaming Since – December 13, 2024

Episodes – N/A (Single documentary film)

Language – English

Stars – Elton John

Director – R. J. Cutler, David Furnish

Producer – R. J. Cutler, David Furnish, Trevor Smith

Synopsis: “Elton John: Never Too Late” is a documentary that profiles Elton John on his Farewell Yellow Brick Road concert tour. The film integrates historic performance footage, excerpts from his private journals, and personal footage of his family life behind the scenes. It offers an intimate look at Elton’s life, his struggles with adversity, abuse and addiction, and his journey to becoming an iconic musician.

FAQs

Q1. When did Mismatched Season 3 start streaming on Netflix?

Answer. Mismatched Season 3 started streaming on Netflix on December 13, 2024.

Q2. How many episodes are in Bandish Bandits Season 2?

Answer. Bandish Bandits Season 2 has 8 episodes.

Q3. Who stars as Joy Bag in the OTT film Despatch?

Answer. Manoj Bajpayee stars as Joy Bag in the film Despatch.

Q4. What is the main premise of Paris & Nicole: The Encore?

Answer. Paris & Nicole: The Encore reunites Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie 20 years after The Simple Life, featuring them returning to Arkansas to create an operatic performance.

Q5. What is the documentary Elton John: Never Too Late about?

Answer. The documentary Elton John: Never Too Late focuses on Elton John’s Farewell Yellow Brick Road concert tour, integrating historic performance footage, personal journals and family life.

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Apple Rolls Out iPadOS 18.2, watchOS 11.2 and tvOS 18.2 with Exciting Features, Here’s Everything New

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Highlights

  • iPadOS 18.2 introduces new tools like Image Playground, Genmoji and Image Wand.
  • It also adds enhanced Siri integration with ChatGPT and improved Safari, Photos and Mail apps.
  • watchOS 11.2 fixes battery health reporting inaccuracies and StoreKit issues causing app crashes.
  • tvOS 18.2 resolves SwiftUI issues and includes an updated SDK with Xcode 16.2.
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The latest iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, and tvOS 18.2 releases bring new features to Apple Intelligence on iPhone, iPad and Mac. (Image credit – Apple)

Apple has released updates for iPadOS 18.2, watchOS 11.2 and tvOS 18.2, packed with new features, bug fixes and enhancements for developers.

All updates are now available for download on supported devices. They’re also compatible with Xcode 16.2, which includes the necessary SDKs for developers. Apple encourages developers to update their apps to leverage the latest tools and features.

Here’s a quick look at what’s new.

iPadOS 18.2 – Key Features

This update brings powerful Apple Intelligence features like:

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Users can easily create fun and unique images using Image Playground. (Image credit – Apple)
  • Image Playground: Create images from text descriptions or your photo library. It supports various styles and syncs across devices via iCloud.
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Users can create their own unique emoji with Genmoji. (Image credit – Apple)
  • Genmoji: Design custom emojis directly from the keyboard. These can be used across devices via the sticker drawer.
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Image Wand can be used to transform a sketch into a polished image. (Image credit – Apple)
  • Image Wand: A handy tool in the Notes app for enhancing sketches or adding visuals.

Other new features include:

  • ChatGPT Integration with Siri: Advanced text composition and smarter queries.
  • Photos App: Easier navigation with a clear Recently Viewed option and frame-by-frame video scrubbing.
  • Safari: Customisable Start Page backgrounds and enhanced HTTPS priority for secure browsing.
  • Mail: New categorisation tools and Digest View to bundle messages for easier reading.

watchOS 11.2 – Improvements and Fixes

  • Fixes inaccuracies in battery health reporting from earlier betas.
  • Resolves a StoreKit issue that causes app crashes when using SubscriptionStoreView. Developers are advised to follow updated compatibility guidelines for subscription controls.
  • Improves SwiftUI with fixes for concurrency safety and dropped directories in views. These enhancements improve app stability and add Swift 6 language mode compatibility.

tvOS 18.2 – Developer-Friendly Updates

  • Resolves the same SwiftUI issues fixed in watchOS 11.2 while improving concurrency safety and handling of dropped directories.
  • Includes an updated SDK bundled with Xcode 16.2, available via the Mac App Store, for enhanced app development on Apple TV devices.

It is important to note that features may vary slightly by region and device.

FAQs

Q1. What new features does iPadOS 18.2 bring?

Answer. iPadOS 18.2 introduces Image Playground, Genmoji, Image Wand, ChatGPT integration with Siri, and enhancements in Photos, Safari and Mail apps.

Q2. What improvements are included in watchOS 11.2?

Answer. watchOS 11.2 fixes battery health reporting inaccuracies, resolves StoreKit issues and improves SwiftUI for better app stability and compatibility.

Q3. What are the key updates in tvOS 18.2?

Answer. tvOS 18.2 resolves SwiftUI issues includes an updated SDK with Xcode 16.2 and offers improved app development features for Apple TV devices.

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