Category: Technology News

Technology News: Plug into the pulse of the digital world with our Technology News section. Stay ahead of the curve with breaking news from innovative startups to tech giants, from artificial intelligence breakthroughs to the latest in cybersecurity. Our broad coverage spans across diverse areas, including gadgets, software, hardware, cloud computing, gaming, and beyond. Get exclusive access to interviews, product launches, and insightful reviews. Stay informed and navigate the future of technology with us today.

Opportunities and Challenges in Foldable Smartphone Market

The global smartphone market is witnessing a period of slow growth. But the significant part is, foldable smartphones are standing out. These innovative devices are capable of unfolding into larger screens and they are gaining traction and offering a glimpse into the future of mobile technology.

A notable development in the foldable market is the potential shift in leadership for clamshell-style foldables. While Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip series has been dominant, Huawei’s upcoming Pocket 2 model could challenge this position. Huawei’s increased purchases of foldable display panels in Q4 2023 suggest anticipation of high sales volume for the Pocket 2.

In the last quarter of 2023, sales of foldable smartphones surged by 33%, reaching 4.2 million units compared to the same period in 2022. Analysts predict a further 105% increase in sales during the first quarter of 2024, indicating a promising upward trend.

The foldable market is set for further expansion, with data indicating the launch of 27 new foldable smartphones by the end of 2024. Several models including the Huawei Pocket 2, Honor Magic V2 RSR, and ZTE Nubia Flip/Libero Flip have already been announced highlighting manufacturers’ commitment to this evolving technology.

The foldable smartphone market is diversifying with Samsung retaining prominence but facing competition from other brands. Honor and OPPO have emerged with two models each in the top 10 best-selling list showcasing their growing capabilities in the foldable space.

Xiaomi and ZTE are also contributing in the market. The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 leads, followed closely by the Huawei Mate X5 and Honor Magic Vs 2. The foldable smartphone market is experiencing rapid growth and diversification with new players entering and established brands innovating. With anticipation of new devices set to launch, the future of foldable smartphones looks very promising.

March 16, 2024
Scientists Identify Nature’s Unique Superconductor

Scientists have made a remarkable discovery in the realm of superconductors. The identification of miassite as the world’s first ‘unconventional’ superconductor marks a significant milestone in scientific research. This discovery not only challenges existing theories but also paves the way for groundbreaking advancements in superconductor technology and its applications.

These materials capable of conducting electricity with zero resistance. Among the limited number of superconductors found in nature, researchers have identified the world’s first ‘unconventional’ superconductor. Already widely utilized in technologies like MRI scanners and particle accelerators, superconductors offer promising prospects for further advancements.

An international team of scientists recently found that the mineral miassite, known for its superconducting properties, demonstrates characteristics of an unconventional superconductor. This discovery is remarkable considering miassite’s occurrence in nature, as opposed to being solely synthesized in laboratories.

Superconductors are prized for their ability to carry electric current without any loss of energy and it is achieved through the formation of Cooper pairs where electrons pair up and navigate through the material effortlessly. Unlike conventional superconductors, unconventional ones exhibit unique properties, often appearing at higher temperatures.

While miassite found naturally may not possess the necessary purity for unconventional superconductivity, laboratory-synthesized miassite holds promise for future applications. The researchers employed various tests to confirm miassite’s unconventional superconductivity, including the London penetration depth test and examinations of material defects.

Miassite is composed of rhodium and sulfur elements, intrigued researchers due to its unique combination of properties. This discovery opens up new avenues for advancing quantum science and exploring the potential applications of unconventional superconductors.

Paul Canfield is a physicist from Iowa State University and he highlighted the significance of the discovery, likening it to finding a hidden treasure trove. Miassite, along with other newly discovered superconductors, holds immense potential for future technological innovations.

March 16, 2024
Memory Blueprint: Understanding How Our Minds Retain Information

Renowned expert Charan Ranganath shares insights into the fascinating world of memory in his latest book, “Why We Remember.” Combining cutting-edge neuroscience research with personal anecdotes, Ranganath sheds light on how memory influences our daily lives. The book debuted at No. 5 on The New York Times bestseller list for nonfiction shortly after its release on Feb. 20.

Ranganath, a psychology and neuroscience professor at UC Davis, acknowledges his own occasional forgetfulness despite his expertise in memory science. He challenges common misconceptions about memory, illustrating how it operates through examples like basketball legend LeBron James’ detailed game recollections.

Contrary to popular belief, Ranganath explains that remarkable memory feats often stem from extensive experience rather than superhuman abilities. Memories, he asserts, serve as supporting elements to the brain’s prefrontal cortex, akin to a CEO relying on informed guidance from a helpful passenger.

The author’s interest in memory stems from his experiences evaluating patients with memory impairments and assisting individuals with mental health issues like PTSD. Over two decades, Ranganath has immersed himself in memory research and education at UC Davis, where he leads the Dynamic Memory Lab and directs the Memory and Plasticity Program.

Ranganath’s book is designed for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of memory’s inner workings to enhance their lives. Throughout the writing process, Ranganath’s scholarly interests expanded to include the intersection of memory research with artificial intelligence and collective memory’s role in social challenges like misinformation. He underscores the profound impact of memory on individual experiences and societal dynamics.

“Why We Remember” has garnered extensive media coverage since its release, drawing attention to its unique blend of relatability and expert knowledge. Ranganath emphasizes the pervasive influence of memory on various aspects of life, from momentary feelings to broader self-concepts. Ranganath’s book offers both insights and solutions by illuminating the profound ways in which memory shapes our understanding of the world and ourselves.

March 15, 2024
Energizer’s Game Changing Smartphone with Week-Long Battery Life

In a world where smartphones dominate our daily lives, battery backup remains a big concern for users. Recognizing this need, US-based company Energizer has developed a groundbreaking smartphone with an extraordinary battery life.

Named the Energizer P28K, this smartphone boasts a remarkable 28,000 mAh battery capacity, promising users up to a week of uninterrupted usage on just one charge. This powerful battery does come with a trade-off in weight, as the device weighs approximately 500 grams and measures three centimeters in thickness.

Charging the Energizer P28K to full capacity takes only an hour and a half and it offers users the convenience of extended usage without frequent recharging. Once fully charged, the smartphone enables an impressive 122 hours of continuous talk time, ensuring uninterrupted communication for users.

The battery of the Energizer P28K can last for over three months. It can provide peace of mind to users who may not always have access to charging facilities. The device allows for continuous web browsing for up to 11 hours, catering to users’ diverse needs throughout the day.

Featuring a sizable 6.78-inch display, the smartphone offers an immersive viewing experience for multimedia consumption and productivity tasks. Powered by the Android 14 operating system, users can expect a seamless and intuitive interface for navigating the device’s functionalities.

The Energizer P28K packs 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of internal storage, ensuring smooth multitasking and ample space for storing files, apps, and media content. While the device excels in battery life and performance, it does not support 5G technology, a notable limitation for users seeking high-speed connectivity.

Despite this drawback, the Energizer P28K is poised to make waves in the smartphone market upon its release around October. With an estimated price of 270 USD in US currency, the device offers exceptional value for users seeking an extended battery life solution without compromising on performance and functionality.

March 15, 2024
Elon Musk’s SpaceX Achieves Milestone with Successful Starship Launch

After two failed attempts, the Elon Musk’s SpaceX starship finally succeeded in its mission to Mars. This spacecraft is crucial for NASA’s Mars mission and it is facing setbacks on its first two launches which ended in explosions. Monday’s launch had to be canceled due to fuel pressure and other crucial complications.

SpaceX made another attempt on Thursday to relaunch their 120m long starship. This time, the company ensured all safety and financial conditions were met for a successful launch. The previous launch attempts faced challenges, leading to their failure.

The first attempt was on April 2, 2020 and it ended in failure but fortunately, the launchpad remained undamaged. Debris from the rocket caused a fire in a nearby field but did not cause any significant harm. The second launch test on November 18 aimed to send the Starship into Earth orbit and land it in the ocean. Unfortunately, the rocket lost contact just eight minutes after launch.

To mitigate the risk of puncturing the rocket propellant during the second launch, SpaceX was provided with a list of 63 conditions to meet. For the third launch, the rocket’s landing spot was moved to the Indian Ocean, whereas the first two attempts targeted the Hawaiian Islands.

Although the initial launches faced challenges and resulted in explosions; Elon Musk, the founder of SpaceX, considers the successful third attempt a significant achievement. Despite the setbacks, the perseverance of the SpaceX team ultimately led to success.

March 15, 2024
Pixel Fold 2 Upgrade: Enhanced Display and Design Innovations

Google is gearing up to launch its next foldable phone and it is gonna be the Pixel Fold 2. The device will come with some significant upgrades, particularly in terms of its display size. According to industry analyst Ross Young from Countepoint Research, who was formerly with DSCC, the Pixel Fold 2 will feature a larger screen than previously leaked.

The device will feature flattened sides and a revamped overall profile, drawing inspiration from OnePlus Open. The bezels have been significantly reduced, contributing to a sleeker and more aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Initial leaks suggested a 7.9-inch inner foldable screen for the Pixel Fold 2. Young’s recent post on X (formerly Twitter) reveals that the inner flexible panel will actually measure 8.02 inches, marking a substantial increase compared to the 7.6-inch OLED panel found in the first-gen Google Pixel Fold.

Additionally, while the cover screen was initially rumored to be 6.4 inches, it will now measure 6.29 inches, still a notable improvement over the 5.8-inch outer display of the current version. Alongside the display enhancements, the Pixel Fold 2’s design is also undergoing changes.

With a slim profile measuring just 10.54mm, the Pixel Fold 2 is expected to set a new standards for thinness in the foldable phone segment. Google is rumored to be considering the next-gen Tensor G4 chip to power the device.

Optimizing apps for expansive displays, such as the 8-inch screen of the Pixel Fold 2, would not only enhance their visual appeal but also benefit the overall user experience. This optimization could also breathe new life into Android tablets, which have long been overlooked.

what consumers are eagerly anticipating is improved optimization of apps for larger screens. Apple has taken steps to optimize its Apple Music app for foldable phones, hinting at the potential for further innovation in the realm of foldable devices.

March 14, 2024
5 Changes We Hope to See in the Anticipated Galaxy S25

Samsung’s Galaxy S25 lineup is highly anticipated and consumers are eager to see what improvements and innovations the tech giant will bring to its flagship smartphones. As users look forward to the next generation of Galaxy devices, there are several key features and changes that many hope to see. From enhanced performance to upgraded camera capabilities and design refinements, expectations are high for Samsung to deliver a compelling and competitive lineup with the Galaxy S25 series. Here are some points:

Same Chipset for Everyone: Samsung’s next Galaxy S25 phones should use the same powerful Snapdragon chipset across all regions. It should avoid the confusion caused by the current mix of Qualcomm and Exynos processors.

Faster Charging: Samsung needs to catch up with competitors like OnePlus and OPPO by offering faster wired charging speeds. It will ensure that users can quickly recharge their devices without compromising battery health.

Camera Improvements: While Samsung’s cameras are good, they need to address issues like blurry images in motion and consider reintroducing the 10x telephoto sensor for the Galaxy S25 Ultra to stay competitive in the market.

Anti-Glare Screens: The anti-glare coating introduced in the Galaxy S24 Ultra should be extended to all models in the Galaxy S25 lineup, providing better visibility in bright light conditions.

Refreshed Design: Samsung should consider updating the design of its Galaxy S25 series to offer consumers something fresh and exciting, moving away from the familiar look that has been used for several years.

The upcoming Galaxy S25 lineup presents Samsung with an opportunity to address key areas for improvement and deliver a lineup of smartphones that excite and satisfy consumers’ needs and preferences. By incorporating features like camera technology, and refreshed designs, Samsung can maintain its position as a leader in the smartphone market.

March 14, 2024
Microsoft’s ‘New Era of Work’ Event: What to Expect

Microsoft is gearing up for its ‘New Era of Work’ event on March 21, where it is expected to reveal new Surface hardware, Windows 11 features, and advancements in its Copilot AI technology. This digital-only event comes with introduction of a new category of “AI PCs” that could potentially reinvigorate PC sales.

Anticipated announcements include the launch of the Surface Pro 10 and Surface Laptop 6, speculated to be branded as AI PCs. These devices are rumored to be equipped with Intel’s latest Core Ultra and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite processors, featuring dedicated neural processing units (NPU) to enable advanced AI capabilities.

New processors will offer significant performance and efficiency improvements, achieving all-day battery life. The Surface Pro 10 may feature an anti-reflective OLED screen with HDR support, alongside upgrades like a built-in NFC reader and an ultrawide front-facing webcam. The Surface Laptop 6 is expected to sport thinner bezels, rounded corners, and a touchpad with haptic feedback, along with USB-C and USB-A ports and a magnetic Surface Connect charger.

Intel variants of the new laptops are projected to be available for purchase in April with Qualcomm versions set to ship in June. Commercial versions of the Surface Pro 10 and Surface Laptop 6 may offer additional features, such as a built-in CAC reader for the latter.

Windows 11 is also expected to receive updates with AI-driven features tailored to enhance user experience on the new Surface devices. These features may include on-device Copilot functionality enhanced Windows Studio Effects, and live captions and translations. A new Auto Super Resolution feature could improve frame rates and visual fidelity in supported games, while ‘AI Explorer’ will enable users to search for actions performed on their PC.

Although these AI features are highly anticipated, they may only be accessible on devices equipped with neural processing units (NPUs), potentially limiting their availability to a subset of Windows 11 users. Microsoft’s ‘New Era of Work’ event promises to introduce groundbreaking advancements in AI technology.

March 13, 2024
Devin: The World’s First Fully Autonomous AI Software Engineer

US-based company Cognition has unveiled Devin and it is an artificial intelligence chatbot considered as the world’s first fully autonomous AI software engineer. According to Cognition, Devin is a valuable team member capable of handling tasks independently or collaboratively with human engineers.

Devin’s capabilities include planning and executing complex engineering tasks, making thousands of decisions along the way. The company emphasizes Devin’s ability to recall relevant context, learn from experience, and rectify errors over time.

Artificial Intelligence Devin comes equipped with essential developer tools such as a shell, code editor, and browser, all within a secure compute environment. This ensures that Devin has everything necessary to perform tasks efficiently.

Cognition has designed Devin to actively engage with users, providing real-time progress updates, accepting feedback, and collaborating on design choices as required. According to the company’s claims, Devin surpasses previous benchmarks in issue resolution, boasting an impressive success rate of 13.86%.

This significantly outperforms the previous state-of-the-art model and it is achieved only 1.96% success. Even when provided with specific files to edit, Devin outperforms previous models by resolving 4.80% of issues. Devin represents a significant advancement in AI technology and it empowers engineering teams to tackle more ambitious projects while freeing up human engineers to focus on higher-level problem-solving tasks.

March 13, 2024
Chenab Bridge: A Wonder of Engineering in the Himalayas

The Chenab Bridge is situated in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district and it is renowned as the world’s highest railway bridge. It’s a remarkable engineering marvel situated in the remote mountains. It sets to link Kashmir with India’s vast rail network. Spanning 1300 meters in length, this bridge is designed to endure for 120 years without needing any renovations. It is capable of withstanding wind gusts of up to 260 kilometers per hour.

Although the construction of the Chenab Bridge was finished in August 2022, train operations are scheduled to commence in 2024. The bridge is constructed over the Chenab River, also known as Chandrabagha and is originating from the Himalayan region and coursing through Jammu and Kashmir into Pakistan.

Constructing such massive structures in remote areas posed challenges, particularly in transporting construction materials through mountainous terrains and dense forests. The project required 25 thousand tons of steel, with the most striking feature being its bow-shaped design.

The pillars flanking the bridge stand as tall as a 50-storey building, exemplifying its architectural grandeur and engineering prowess. Engineered to withstand extreme conditions, the bridge can endure for over a century without needing refurbishments and remains resilient against severe wind forces.

Special earthquake-resistant steel has been employed, ensuring the project’s stability even in seismic regions. The steel is used as impervious to temperatures as low as -20 degrees Celsius, safeguarding the bridge against harsh weather conditions.

Initially proposed in 1905 to connect Srinagar with Jammu via railway, the project faced setbacks before being revived in 1995. It was not until recently that the need for a bridge over the Chenab was addressed. The entire undertaking entails a substantial investment of over 27,000 crore rupees.

The project encompasses the construction of a 111 km-long rail section, with tunnels constituting 97 percent of the route. By 2022, construction was nearly complete, heralding a significant milestone. Yet, anticipation remains high as we await the commencement of train services, marking a new era in connectivity for the Indian region.

March 13, 2024