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China unveils prototype for world's fastest high-speed train China has revealed a prototype of its next-generation high-speed train, the CR450, which it claims will be the world’s fastest once it enters commercial service, CNN reported on Tuesday. Unveiled on December 29 in Beijing, the CR450 has already achieved impressive test speeds of 450 kilometers (281 miles) per hour, with an operational speed of 400 kilometers (248.5 miles) per hour, according to China’s Ministry of Transport. Once operational, the CR450 is set to surpass China’s current CR400 model, which debuted in 2017 and operates at a maximum speed of 350 kilometers (217 miles) per hour, making the new train the fastest high-speed rail vehicle globally. The CR450 prototype, developed by CRRC Changchun Railway Vehicles and CRRC Sifang Co Ltd, has been praised for its remarkable features, including high operational speed, energy efficiency, noise reduction, and advanced braking performance. According to China Daily, th...

Meta plans to populate its social media with AI-generated bots for engagement Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is preparing to introduce artificial intelligence (AI) bots to its social media platforms, with the goal of enhancing user engagement and attracting younger audiences. These AI-generated characters are designed to interact with real users, creating a new form of content and communication that Meta hopes will reshape the way people engage on its platforms. AI Characters on Social Media Meta is rolling out a series of AI-powered tools that allow users to create virtual personas for their profiles. These characters, which will be equipped with bios and profile pictures, will share AI-generated content, interact with users, and even engage in conversations, mimicking the behaviour of real human accounts. The company’s push is part of its strategy to increase engagement on its platforms, particularly among younger generations who are increasingly fas...

No VPN registration requests made yet Despite the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) offering companies the opportunity to register their VPNs ten days ago, no company has yet submitted a registration request, sources revealed on Monday. The PTA initiated the VPN registration process on December 19. Over ten days later, the authority has not received a single application. However, PTA sources anticipate receiving applications within the next two to four weeks. They explained that through licensing, VPN service providers will be locally registered. The providers will also be required to establish data centres in Pakistan. Furthermore, the PTA plans to charge VPN service providers a licencing fee ranging from Rs200,000 to Rs400,000. The providers will be obligated to comply with local data protection laws. The registration process is expected to enhance the identification and tracking of cyberattacks, ensuring improved cybersecurity measures. The authority says that the decisio...

Huawei slashes Pura 70 Ultra price by 18% as part of weekend sales Huawei has reduced the prices of several high-end devices, including mobile phones, by up to 3,000 yuan ($411) during a "Super Brand Day" promotion over the weekend on China’s leading e-commerce platform JD.com. The Shenzhen-based tech giant announced the price cuts, which included discounts on smartphones, tablets, headphones, and smartwatches, in a post on its official Weibo social media account on Sunday. The promotion ran from Saturday evening to midnight on Sunday. Among the most notable price cuts was the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra, which saw a substantial 18% discount. The 1-terabyte version of the device, launched in April, is now priced at 8,999 yuan (US$1,233), down from its original price of 10,999 yuan. The 512-gigabyte version of the phone received an even steeper discount, with a 20% reduction. Additionally, the foldable Huawei Mate X5, launched in September 2023, is now available at 2,500 yuan less ...

WhatsApp to drop support for older phones in 2025: See the list WhatsApp will stop working on older smartphones in 2025 due to changes in compatibility with operating systems. Starting January 1, 2025, the app will no longer support Android devices running KitKat (version 4.4) or older. This means users with these outdated OS versions will either need to upgrade their device or risk losing access to WhatsApp. While some users may still be able to update their devices to a newer OS version, many older models no longer receive official updates from manufacturers, meaning they can't be upgraded unless done through risky DIY methods that could void warranties or damage the phone. The affected Android models include: Samsung: Galaxy S3, Galaxy Note 2, Galaxy Ace 3, Galaxy S4 Mini Motorola: Moto G (1st Gen), Razr HD, Moto E (2014) HTC: One X, One X+, Desire 500, Desire 601 LG: Optimus G, Nexus 4, G2 Mini, L90 Sony: Xperia Z, Xperia SP, Xperia T, Xperia V In addition to the Android devi...

Nvidia supplier Ibiden considers faster expansion to meet AI demand Ibiden Co, the leading supplier of chip package substrates critical to Nvidia Corp’s advanced semiconductors, is evaluating plans to accelerate its production expansion to keep pace with surging demand for AI chips. The company's CEO, Koji Kawashima, revealed that customers have already secured all available substrate supplies, with demand expected to remain strong through 2025. The 112-year-old Japanese company is constructing a new substrate factory in Gifu prefecture, central Japan. The facility is scheduled to commence operations at 25% capacity in the last quarter of 2025, ramping up to 50% by March 2026. However, Kawashima acknowledged that even this planned capacity might fall short of demand, prompting discussions on advancing the timeline for the remaining 50% capacity. “Our customers have concerns,” Kawashima stated. “We’re already being asked about our next investment and the next capacity expansion.” ...

Instagram set to introduce AI-powered video editing tools Meta is expanding its use of artificial intelligence within its platforms, with Instagram poised to roll out new AI video editing features. Instagram chief Adam Mosseri has previewed these tools, which will soon allow users to transform their video clips with automated edits, including background changes, outfit alterations, and even whimsical Muppet-style representations of themselves. The features, powered by Meta’s Movie Gen engine, aim to push creative boundaries. While they offer exciting possibilities for visual storytelling, some critics argue that these AI-generated elements risk undermining the authentic, social core of the platform. “These tools could lead to new creative trends,” Mosseri noted, “but the focus must remain on enhancing genuine storytelling.” The technology enables users to add visual enhancements to their own content, fostering compelling narratives. However, skeptics point out that AI-generated image...

Pi Network unveils 20 new apps ahead of Mainnet launch in 2025 Pi Network, a rapidly expanding blockchain platform, has introduced a major update ahead of its Open Network launch, scheduled for the first quarter of 2025. The platform now offers access to 20 Mainnet Pi apps through the Ecosystem Interface in the Pi Browser, marking a significant step in its development. The newly launched apps allow Pioneers to engage in real Pi transactions for goods and services, shifting away from the Testnet apps that had previously been used for development and testing purposes. This update represents the first time that Pioneers can directly interact with fully operational apps that involve the exchange of real Pi. "Today’s launch is a major milestone in Pi Network’s journey toward creating a decentralized ecosystem,” said a Pi Network spokesperson. “With the inclusion of Mainnet apps, we’re giving our users the opportunity to transact using Pi in real-world scenarios.” The 20 initial apps ...

Google unveils Android Auto with new design and features Google has recently rolled out a redesigned music player for all apps on Android Auto, including popular services like Spotify and Apple Music. The latest update, Android Auto 13.4, has been gradually released over the past week, introducing some of the most significant changes to the platform in quite some time. One of the most noticeable updates in Android Auto 13.4 is the revamped music player. Previously, all audio apps shared a consistent design to ensure drivers did not have to relearn the layout for each app, promoting safety on the road. However, the latest update has brought a fresh look to the music player interface. The new design relocates the album art to the left side of the screen, creating more space for the track progress bar, which displays the track title, artist, and time. The text size has been slightly reduced to accommodate the changes. Additionally, the buttons have been expanded to occupy the full width...

China launches first-of-its-kind amphibious assault ship China has launched its first-ever amphibious assault ship, marking a significant advancement in its naval capabilities. The Type 076 dual-use assault ship, equipped with an electromagnetic catapult, was unveiled on Friday at the Hudong-Zhonghua shipyard in Shanghai. Named Sichuan after the southwestern province of China, the ship boasts a full-load displacement of over 40,000 tons and features a dual-island superstructure along with a full-length flight deck. According to state media outlet Xinhua News, the Sichuan is designed to carry a variety of military assets, including fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and amphibious equipment, making it a key asset for China’s military. The vessel’s unique dual-island structure enhances its operational capabilities, particularly its capacity to operate aircraft and conduct amphibious operations. The launch of the Sichuan follows China's unveiling of its first icebreaker ship, Tan Suo...

Massive water reservoir discovered in space: 140 trillion times Earth's oceans In a groundbreaking discovery, astronomers have detected an immense water reservoir orbiting a quasar located more than 12 billion light-years away. This extraordinary find provides an unprecedented glimpse into the early universe, with light from the quasar having traveled through space since shortly after the Big Bang. The vast water reservoir holds an estimated 140 trillion times the volume of Earth’s oceans. It is situated near a supermassive black hole, which weighs about 20 billion times more than our Sun. The quasar, identified as APM 08279+5255, emits an incredible amount of energy—equivalent to that produced by a thousand trillion suns. Matt Bradford, a NASA scientist involved in the research, highlighted the significance of this discovery. “The environment surrounding this quasar is extraordinary, as it’s generating a significant amount of water,” Bradford explained. “This suggests that water...

NASA's Parker Solar Probe completes closest-ever approach to Sun National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (Nasa) said on Friday that its Parker Solar Probe was “safe” and operating normally after successfully completing the closest-ever approach to the Sun by any human-made object. The spacecraft passed just 3.8 million miles (6.1m km) from the solar surface on December 24, flying into the sun’s outer atmosphere called the corona, on a mission to help scientists learn more about Earth’s closest star. The agency said the operations team at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory in Maryland received the signal, a beacon tone, from the probe just before midnight on Thursday. The spacecraft is expected to send detailed telemetry data about its status on January 1, Nasa added. Moving at up to 430,000 mph (692,000 kph), the spacecraft endured temperatures of up to 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit (982 degrees Celsius), according to the Nasa website. “This close-up study of th...

China unveils two tailless stealth combat aircraft China has revealed two previously unseen tailless stealth combat aircraft designs within 24 hours, marking a significant step in its next-generation fighter program. Both aircraft are currently undergoing flight testing, and imagery of these advanced jets has surfaced on social media, drawing significant attention.         View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by 𝗧𝗔𝗥𝟮𝟭𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗢𝗥 (@tar21operator) The designs are believed to come from two rival Chinese aircraft manufacturers: Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC) and Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC).         View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Inside History (@insidehistory) The first aircraft, a larger diamond-shaped tailless jet, appeared in public on December 26, 2024, ...

Japan Airlines operations resume after cyberattack disrupts flights Japan Airlines (JAL) announced on Thursday that its systems had returned to normal and same-day ticket sales had resumed after a cyberattack caused delays for some domestic and international flights. The attack, which began at 7:24 a.m., disrupted both internal and external systems, forcing JAL to temporarily shut down a malfunctioning router and halt ticket sales for flights departing on Thursday. Fortunately, the airline confirmed that no customer information was compromised, and there was no damage from computer viruses. Meanwhile, ANA Holdings, Japan’s other major airline, reported no signs of an attack on its systems, according to a spokesperson. In a separate incident, American Airlines briefly grounded all flights for an hour on Christmas Eve due to a technical issue involving network hardware, leading to widespread travel disruptions.

Meta boosts affiliate link visibility in posts, comments to support creators Meta is expanding its opportunities for creators to monetise their content on Facebook by making affiliate links more prominent across Reels, videos, photos, and text posts. The social media giant aims to increase exposure for these links by giving them more visibility within Reels, placing them in the bottom segment of the user interface. A new format for affiliate links in text posts is also being introduced, alongside improvements to their display in the comment section, offering even more exposure for creators. Until now, affiliate links were limited to appearing as simple URLs in captions, but this update marks a significant shift in how such partnerships are presented. Meta is also rolling out an auto-detection system for affiliate links from selected domains. When an affiliate link is detected, creators will receive a reminder to use the "paid partnership" label. Additionally, the system wil...

Is Google Wallet coming to Pakistan? Google Wallet, the tech giant's digital wallet and payment system, is expected to launch in Pakistan soon. This information comes from leaked developer release notes that list Pakistan among several countries slated to receive Google Wallet support in the near future. While Google has not yet made an official announcement, the leaked details suggest that the rollout could happen shortly.   The list of countries mentioned also includes Egypt, Venezuela, Bermuda, Cambodia, and El Salvador, indicating a broader global launch of the service. What is Google Wallet? Google Wallet, formerly known as Google Pay, is a digital wallet that allows users to store payment cards, loyalty cards, boarding passes, tickets, and other digital passes on their Android devices. It facilitates contactless payments at compatible point-of-sale terminals, making transactions quicker and more convenient. Besides payments, Google Wallet serves as a hub for managing variou...

Apple moves to join Google antitrust trial over search engine agreement Apple has requested to participate in the upcoming U.S. antitrust trial against Google over online search practices, arguing it cannot rely solely on Google to defend the revenue-sharing agreements that send billions of dollars to Apple each year. These agreements make Google the default search engine on Apple's Safari browser. In court papers filed in Washington on Monday, Apple clarified that it does not plan to create its own search engine to compete with Google, regardless of whether these payments continue. In 2022 alone, Apple is estimated to have received $20 billion from its agreement with Google. Apple has expressed its intention to call witnesses to testify at the trial, which is scheduled for April. The trial is part of the Department of Justice’s landmark case against Google, which seeks to demonstrate that Google must take significant measures to restore competition in the online search market. T...

WhatsApp enhances user experience with new shortcut to Meta AI chat WhatsApp has rolled out a new shortcut to easily access a conversation with Meta AI from the Chats tab, making it more visible and user-friendly. This feature is part of the latest WhatsApp beta update for iOS, version 24.25.10.79. The new shortcut replaces the previous one, which was located at the top of the navigation bar. By positioning the shortcut within the Chats tab, WhatsApp aims to improve accessibility, particularly on larger devices where users may find it inconvenient to reach the top of the screen. The company also hopes the new design will encourage more users to explore AI-powered features. The update offers users the opportunity to experiment with creative functionalities, such as generating personalized images or other types of content using Meta AI. The change mirrors a similar design on the Android version of the app, where the shortcut appears as a floating action button. Although the placeme...

NASA's Parker Solar Probe makes historic attempt with closest-ever approach to the Sun The Parker Solar Probe is making history as it plunges into the Sun's outer atmosphere, enduring extreme temperatures and intense radiation. During this daring fly-by, the spacecraft will be out of communication for several days, with scientists awaiting a crucial signal on 28 December at 05:00 GMT to determine if it has survived. The mission aims to unlock new insights into how the Sun functions. Dr Nicola Fox, head of science at NASA, explained to BBC News: "For centuries, people have studied the Sun, but you don’t truly understand the atmosphere of a place until you visit it. We can't experience the atmosphere of our star unless we fly through it." Launched in 2018, the Parker Solar Probe is journeying toward the heart of our solar system. It has already completed 21 orbits of the Sun, steadily getting closer, but the Christmas Eve fly-by marks a new milestone. At its close...

New undersea cable to boost Pakistan's internet speed Pakistan is set to benefit from a significant upgrade to its internet infrastructure with the installation of a new undersea cable connecting the country to Africa. The 45,000-kilometre cable, part of the 2Africa Pearls project, is expected to enhance Pakistan's internet speeds and reliability once it goes live in the coming days. The cable, which boasts a capacity of 180 terabits per second, is part of a broader effort to improve connectivity between Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia. Pakistan is one of 33 countries involved in the 2Africa project, which includes 46 landing stations across the globe. The cable is expected to double the country’s digital bandwidth, providing much-needed relief to users struggling with slow internet speeds, Express News reported. The new cable is set to address Pakistan's persistent internet speed issues, particularly affecting platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram. ...

South Korean team creates 'Iron Man' robot to assist paraplegics in walking Researchers at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) have developed an innovative wearable robot designed to assist paraplegic individuals in walking, maneuvering obstacles, and climbing stairs. The robot, named WalkON Suit F1, is a lightweight exoskeleton that integrates advanced robotics to enhance mobility for those with lower-body paralysis. The WalkON Suit F1 was demonstrated by Kim Seung-hwan, a paraplegic team member and part of KAIST’s Exoskeleton Laboratory. The prototype allowed Kim to walk at a speed of 3.2 kilometers per hour, climb stairs, and step sideways to sit on a bench. “It can approach me wherever I am, even when I’m sitting in a wheelchair, and be worn to help me stand up, which is one of its most distinct features,” Kim explained. The exoskeleton weighs 50 kilograms and is made from aluminum and titanium. It features 12 electronic motors that replicate hu...

DuckChain: Promising blockchain platform raises $5 million DuckChain, a layer-2 solution enhancing the TON blockchain, has secured $5 million in a strategic funding round led by investors such as dao5, Offchain Labs, Kenetic Capital, and DWF Ventures. Additional backers include Oak Grove Ventures, Skyland Ventures, GeekCartel, Gate.io, and Presto. The funds will be used to improve Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) compatibility, boost TON’s scalability, and attract users from other blockchain ecosystems. DuckChain has also partnered with Arbitrum, OKX Wallet, and OnePieceLab to further strengthen its ecosystem. In a push to drive innovation, DuckChain is hosting the Yellow Duck Mission Hackathon from December 15, 2024, to January 15, 2025. The event invites developers to create decentralized applications (dApps) across various tracks, with a prize pool of $1 million in DuckChain Tokens. Winners will be rewarded with $500,000, while creative and community-driven projects will share $200,...

Google Chrome rolls out AI tools for safer browsing and scam prevention Google Chrome is rolling out new AI-powered features aimed at improving user safety while browsing the web. These tools, currently in testing, are designed to help users assess the credibility of websites and protect them from scams. The first feature being tested is called "Store reviews." This tool uses AI to generate summaries of reviews from trusted independent platforms like Trustpilot and ScamAdvisor. These summaries appear in the page info bubble, which is accessible by clicking on the lock icon or the "i" icon next to the website's URL in the address bar. The feature allows users to quickly check the reputation of online stores without having to visit multiple review sites. In addition to the store review tool, Google is also testing another AI-powered feature to detect scams. Known as the "Client Side Detection Brand and Intent for Scam Detection," this tool uses a large...

Honey browser extension: Does it really save money? A recent investigation by MegaLag has raised concerns about the Honey web browser extension, a tool designed to automatically apply discount codes during online shopping. Initially founded in 2012, Honey gained popularity for its promise to help consumers find the best deals, which led to its acquisition by PayPal for $4 billion in 2020. The extension is promoted as a way to ensure users always get the best discounts without having to manually search for codes. However, MegaLag's investigation uncovered practices that may mislead consumers, as well as influencers. One major issue identified was Honey's tendency to promote specific discount codes—often exclusive to its business partners—while overlooking potentially better offers. For example, when a company offers a more generous discount, Honey may prioritise a code like "HONEY10," which only provides a 10% discount, rather than a larger one that might be availabl...

Fiery meteor streaks light up Southeastern US sky sparking theories Thousands of residents across several southeastern states reported seeing a brilliant streak of light streaking through the sky. Around 10 pm, videos shared on social media platforms showed a cluster of fiery objects traveling slowly over Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Mississippi, and Tennessee, sparking widespread curiosity and speculation. https://ift.tt/87bkJcN Many of the initial reports suggested the fireballs were linked to a Chinese satellite entering Earth’s atmosphere, but other meteorologists pointed to another possibility. According to multiple sources, the phenomenon could be related to Starlink satellite 3288, which is believed to have burned up upon re-entry into Earth's atmosphere. A video of the event, shared on social media depicted the fiery streak as it moved slowly across the sky. The objects appeared to break apart before disappearing from view. https://ift.tt/Br2UphD Though the origin of the f...