Motorola Edge 50 Ultra charging will outgun Samsung & Apple

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Motorola Edge 50 Ultra charging will outgun Samsung & Apple
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The Motorola Edge 50 Ultra charging details have just been revealed by the company. Motorola revealed that its upcoming flagship will support 125W TurboPower wired charging.

The Motorola Edge 50 Ultra wired charging is confirmed, but wireless charging is also expected

Do note that the phone is also expected to support 50W wireless charging. That’s not something Motorola mentioned, however, the company only shared the device’s wired charging details.

Needless to say, this charging will be a lot faster than what Samsung and Apple have to offer. The Galaxy S24 Ultra supports 45W wired charging, while the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max supports 20W wired charging.

Motorola’s upcoming handset will charge a lot faster. We also expect it to include a charger in the box, which is not something devices from Samsung and Apple can say for themselves.

The device will become official tomorrow, on April 16

The Motorola Edge 50 Ultra will become official tomorrow, on April 16, in case you forgot. That’s something we already knew, and Motorola just reconfirmed it along with the charging info.

https://twitter.com/Moto/status/1778754950568239145

We’ve exclusively leaked the Motorola Edge 50 Ultra in all of its color options. The device is coming in Black, Light Beige, and Peach Fuzz color options. The Peach Fuzz looks particularly fun, and that’s the model Motorola teased via social media.

The device will feature a curved display with a centered display camera hole. It’ll have three cameras on the back, and be made out of metal and glass.

The Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 SoC will fuel this device

The Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor will fuel the phone, that’s also something Motorola already confirmed. Android 14 will come pre-installed, and we’re expecting to see an IP68 rating here too.

The device will include an in-display fingerprint scanner, while a large OLED display with a high refresh rate will also be included. We’ll get all the details tomorrow, once this phone becomes official.


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Apple’s 2nm chip plans for iPhone 17 series in doubt

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Apple’s 2nm chip plans for iPhone 17 series in doubt
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A few days back, a report surfaced that Apple will move to 2nm chips next year. Its iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max were said to arrive with a 2nm processor manufactured by TSMC. However, a fresh rumor has cast doubts over the accuracy of this report. It says TSMC is in no position to begin 2nm mass production before the second half of 2026. Effectively, this upgrade won’t materialize before the iPhone 18 series.

TSMC may not make 2nm chips for Apple iPhones before 2026

Last year, Apple became the first smartphone company to use a 3nm chip. Its iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max featured TSMC-made A17 Pro. The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus used the 4nm A16 Bionic. Android phones with 3nm chips are expected to hit the market at the end of 2024 but a wide adoption may not come before 2025. In the meantime, rumors suggest Apple plans to move to 2nm iPhone chips as early as 2025.

The latest such report came from the reputed Taiwanese publication DigiTimes. It said TSMC, based in Taiwan, will manufacture Apple A19 Pro for the iPhone 17 series on its 2nm process node. However, a Vietnamese freelance coder identified as Nguyen Phi Hung on X claims this isn’t happening. “This is 1000000% false information,” Hung said on X. “Mass production of TSMC 2nm will take until the second half of 2026,” they added.

This means the iPhone 17 series in 2025 will continue to use a 3nm processor. TSMC will reportedly use its improved second-gen process node for this year’s A18 Pro for the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max. The A18 Bionic for the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus will also be made on the same process node. It is unclear if the Taiwanese chipmaker will introduce a third-gen version next year for the iPhone 17’s processors.

Samsung has a chance to beat Apple to the 2nm race

If this report is accurate, the iPhone 18 series in 2026 will be the first to feature Apple’s 2nm processors. On the other hand, Samsung is expected to start 2nm mass production at the end of 2025. The Korean firm aims to introduce its 2nm chips with the Galaxy S26 series in early 2026. TSMC’s delay might help it beat its arch-rival to the 2nm race. That’s if it manages to secure healthy 2nm yields in time to begin mass production in 2025. We are less than four months into 2024, so a lot could change but the time we enter 2025.


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Threads to get a new messaging feature soon

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Threads to get a new messaging feature soon
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Meta is reportedly testing a new messaging feature for Threads, soon after the platform surpassed 130 million users. That means earlier who complained about missing messaging capabilities in the Threads app would certainly benefit from this big update.

Meta is testing the ability to send messages from within the app

Many Threads users around the world are starting to see the feature. Users have started seeing a “message” button in other Threads user profiles where they could see the “mention” button earlier.

A Meta spokesperson confirmed the news about Threads’ new messaging feature to Engadget. According to the Meta spokesperson, the company is indeed testing the ability to send messages from Threads to Instagram. Notably, with Threads not having its own inbox, the change will cater to those looking for messaging capabilities within the platform.

Even though it is not a full-blown DM, it will be useful to send messages from within the Threads app. But that doesn’t mean you won’t have to use Instagram. You will still have to use Instagram to check or reply to the messages you send from the Threads app.

The new feature doesn’t necessarily mean there’ll be a separate inbox on Threads

Although Threads is getting a new messaging feature, that doesn’t mean there’ll be a separate inbox in the Threads app in the future. Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram, has repeatedly mentioned that there’s no plan to create a separate inbox for the app. But rather it will make use of Instagram inbox and integrate the same in the Threads app. Not to forget, the spokesperson also said that the current testing of the new messaging feature is not the test of DMs on Threads.

Despite the process being a hassle for users, Mosseri previously hinted that working on two different versions of an inbox can be quite complicated. He also stated that the company has to pick between two hard choices if by any chance the company couldn’t make Instagram DMs work for Threads.

First, the company might mirror the Instagram inbox in the Threads app with the help of notification routing. Secondly, the company will have to create a separate inbox for Threads. The second option is quite a hassle since it leaves users with two redundant message threads given that their friends will have the same handle for Instagram and Threads.

All in all, the introduction of a new messaging feature for Threads is Meta’s other attempt to improve its platform. In February the company added a feature that lets users bookmark posts on Threads. Moreover, the company tested cross-posting between Threads and Facebook in the same month.


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Meta to launch nudity protection feature, new tools to help prevent sextortion scams

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Meta to launch nudity protection feature, new tools to help prevent sextortion scams
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In an attempt to make its social apps safe for teens, Meta has been developing an array of tools meant to offer solid protection against various types of scammers. Over the weekend, the social network giant announced a new set of tools to help prevent sextortion scams and protect teens against nudity content.Although Meta has recently defaulted teens into stricter message setting so they can’t be messaged by anyone they’re not connected to, the company felt the need to introduce a new layer of protection due to how sextortion scammers operate.

It’s common knowledge that sextortion scammers often use private messages to share or ask for intimate images. To help prevent this, Meta confirmed a new nudity protection feature will be tested soon in Instagram DMs.

This new feature will blur images detected as containing nudity. According to Meta, the nudity protection feature has been designed to protect people from seeing unwanted nudity in their DMs, as well as to protect them from scammers who may send nude images to trick people into sending their own images in return.

The nudity protection feature will be enabled by default for teens under 18 globally, and a notification will be shown to adults so that they can decide if they want to turn it on as well. Also, Instagram users who are trying to forward a nude image will see a message encouraging them to reconsider.

Meta to launch nudity protection feature, new tools to help prevent sextortion scams

In addition to the nudity protection feature, Meta announced that it’s developing technology to help identify where accounts may potentially be engaging in sextortion scams.

One of the more immediate additions to Instagram will prevent potential sextortion accounts from messaging teens by not showing the “Message” button on a teen’s profile, even if they’re connected.

Finally, Meta revealed that it’s testing hiding teens from potential sextortion accounts in people’s follower, following and like lists, and makes it harder for these accounts to find teen accounts in Search results.


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FBI and AFP Arrest Alleged Developer, Marketer of Firebird/Hive RAT

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FBI and AFP Arrest Alleged Developer, Marketer of Firebird/Hive RAT
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In a collaborative effort spanning continents, law enforcement agencies have dismantled a network responsible for the creation and distribution of malicious software known as Firebird, also rebranded as Hive. This remote access trojan (RAT) enabled unauthorized access to victims’ computers worldwide.

The breakthrough came through a joint investigation launched in 2020 by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Their coordinated efforts led to the arrests of two key suspects: an unnamed Australian citizen and Edmond Chakhmakhchyan, a resident of Van Nuys, California, who operated online under the alias “Corruption.”

FBI and AFP Arrests Marketer Behing Firebird/Hive RAT
FIREBIRD’s website (GIF credit: PcRisk)

Unveiling the Network

According to the AFP, the Australian suspect is believed to have developed Firebird and sold it on a hacking forum. This RAT allowed users to remotely control infected devices without the victims’ knowledge.

Chakhmakhchyan, on the other hand, allegedly played a crucial role in marketing and selling the software. He is accused of promoting Hive’s stealthy infiltration capabilities to potential buyers, facilitating Bitcoin transactions for purchases, and even offering support to customers.

The AFP investigation resulted in the arrest of the Australian suspect on April 11, 2024. He is facing 12 charges related to computer offences, including developing, supplying, and controlling data with the intent to commit these crimes. His trial is currently underway at the Downing Centre Local Court in Sydney, with a potential maximum sentence of 36 years in prison.

Taking Down Corruption

The FBI, working in parallel with the AFP, apprehended Chakhmakhchyan on the same day. A recent US Department of Justice indictment details his alleged involvement. The document accuses Chakhmakhchyan of using the alias “Corruption” to market Hive online, highlighting its ability to gain covert access to target computers.

He is further accused of facilitating Bitcoin transactions for those who purchased the RAT and providing technical support to them. Chakhmakhchyan is scheduled to appear in court for sentencing on May 7, 2024.

A Global Threat Neutralized

While Firebird/Hive may not have been among the most notorious RATs, its existence posed a significant threat to user security worldwide. This international operation demonstrates the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies in combating cybercrime.

The arrests warn those involved in developing and distributing malicious software, highlighting the potential consequences of their actions and cybercrime in general.

  1. Poland Arrests 2 Suspected Hackers for Train Disruption
  2. Interpol Nets $300 Million, Arrests 3,500 in Major Cyber Crime Bust
  3. China Arrests 4 Who Weaponized ChatGPT for Ransomware Attacks
  4. Ukraine Arrests Hackers for Selling 100M Email, Instagram Accounts
  5. Operator of Major Proxy Botnet ‘IPStorm’ Arrested, Pleads Guilty in US

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Vivo X100 Ultra will be a “professional camera” phone

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Vivo X100 Ultra will be a “professional camera” phone
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Vivo already has an outstanding camera smartphone on its hands, the Vivo X100 Pro. We’ve reviewed that device and remained impressed with it. A new one is coming, though, the Vivo X100 Ultra, and it will be a “professional camera that can make calls” (machine translated), according to the company’s exec.

The Vivo X100 Ultra will be a “professional camera that can make calls”

This is a quote by Huang Tao, Vivo’s Vice President of Product. He did not mention the phone by name, but he did say what we quoted above for a new smartphone that the company is working on. The Vivo X100 Ultra is the only one we know of that fits the bill.

The company’s exec also said that this smartphone is coming in the near future. Based on the rumors we’ve spotted recently, the Vivo X100 Ultra will become official next month.

Now, as already mentioned, the Vivo X100 Pro does tick all the boxes for a great camera smartphone. So what will Vivo improve on with the Vivo X100 Ultra? If we had to guess, we’d say that the fourth camera would be added, and that’s also what some rumors suggested. An improved main camera sensor is also suggested, and more.

Sony’s LYT-900 camera sensor will be used, and you can expect to see four cameras on the back

According to rumors, Sony’s LYT-900 sensor will be used for the main camera, which is a 50-megapixel camera sensor. A 200-megapixel periscope telephoto camera is also tipped, with 4.3x optical zoom, and up to 200x digital zoom. Impressive ultrawide and telephoto units are also expected.

It will be interesting to see whether Vivo will delve into variable aperture on the main camera. That’s not as likely, but it could happen. That would certainly help the company boost the phone’s proves even more.

The Vivo X100 Ultra is also tipped to offer satellite connectivity, while the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 will fuel the device. Extremely fast wired and wireless charging is expected, along with a large AMOLED display with an adaptive refresh rate.

It remains to be seen if this phone will arrive in a global variant. It could remain exclusive to China, unlike its Vivo X100 Pro sibling.


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More users opt for alternative web browsers on iPhone

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More users opt for alternative web browsers on iPhone
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The European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) is actively reshaping how iPhone users access the web. In effect since March 2024, the DMA mandates Apple to offer users alternative web browsers during iPhone setup within the EU. This move decisively ends Apple’s practice of automatically steering users toward its Safari browser.

Before the DMA, iPhone users in the EU defaulted to Safari upon setting up their devices. Apple now presents up to 11 alternative browser options alongside Safari in curated choice screens for each EU country. These screens will be updated annually to ensure users have continuous choice in their browsing experience.

The DMA is transforming the browser landscape

While the DMA has only been in effect for a month, its impact is undeniable. According to Reuters, smaller browser companies are experiencing a surge in market share, a trend directly attributed to the new EU regulations. Aloha Browser, for instance, boasts a substantial user increase in the EU in March, while the established Opera browser sees record user numbers in the EU.

This upswing stems from multiple factors. The “choice screen” not only alerts users to alternatives beyond Safari but also allows smaller browsers to compete by highlighting their unique features and privacy-focused designs.

Will this transformation be a long-term trend?

While the initial user numbers favor alternative browsers, the long-term outlook remains uncertain. Some believe Safari’s brand recognition and user familiarity could help it retain a dominant market share despite the increased choice.

Another factor to consider is discoverability within the choice screen itself. With numerous browser options vying for attention, users might simply pick the first or most recognizable option, potentially limiting the visibility of smaller players.

The DMA’s impact on iPhone browsing habits is still unfolding. However, one thing is clear: the EU regulation is shaking up the mobile browser market, potentially creating a more diverse browsing experience for iPhone users.


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Elon Musk’s Grok has a new version that will help you understand memes

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Elon Musk’s Grok has a new version that will help you understand memes
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Despite their appearance as nothing more than screenshots, simple drawings, or petite GIFs, memes can be surprisingly complex and meaningful, often conveying deep philosophical insights or life lessons.

That’s why, if ever in doubt, it’s better to ask somebody about a meme’s true meaning. Did I say “somebody”? Oops, I mean something.

Something like Grok, Elon Musk’s xAI creation. Now, Grok has a new version: Grok-1.5 Vision.

Mr. SpaceX/Neuralink/Tesla recently launched Grok-1.5 – that was shortly after Google unveiled Gemini 1.5 last month. Although Musk’s xAI claimed that Grok-1.5 LLM approaches the performance of GPT-4, it lacks multimodal capability. However, xAI’s newly announced Grok-1.5 Vision overcomes this limitation by seamlessly processing both textual and visual information (via MSPowerUser).

Connecting the digital and physical worlds


Grok-1.5 Vision (a.k.a. Grok-1.5V) represents xAI’s inaugural multimodal model designed to bridge the gap between digital and physical realms. According to a recent blog post by the company, Grok excels in benchmark testings, demonstrating superior real-world spatial understanding. Additionally, Grok-1.5V has the capability to interpret a diverse range of visual data, encompassing documents, diagrams, charts, screenshots, and photographs.

Some notable applications of Grok-1.5V include generating code from diagrams, calculating calorie counts, crafting bedtime stories based on drawings, or helping meme aficionados get a better understanding of memes.

xAI asserts that Grok-1.5V surpasses the competition’s latest AI creations, like Google’s Gemini Pro, in benchmark testings.

While Grok-1.5V is not currently available, xAI plans to release it soon for early testers and existing Grok users as a preview.


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Huawei developing its own chip-building equipment for a hefty price

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Huawei developing its own chip-building equipment for a hefty price
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A recent report from Nikkei Asia informs that Huawei Technologies Co., the Chinese giant, is now working on developing its own chip-building equipment.

As you probably already know, the US has restricted the company’s access to its cutting-edge chip-manufacturing equipment and technologies, that are necessary for its smartphone and other businesses. Washington’s export controls have also prevented overseas companies such as ASML and Nikon from supplying lithography machines to Huawei. These are some of the most important tools in chip manufacturing.

Huawei is seemingly building in-house alternatives to overseas chip-building tools and technologies

Although, Huawei have managed to offer its consumers 5G phones such as the Huawei Mate 60 series, how they built the Kiron 9000s 5G chipset is still shrouded by mystery. In other words, we don’t know if the chip is entirely built on the company’s in-house technologies or if it still has contributions from overseas tools and technologies.

Now the news related to Huawei’s chip development is that they are aiming to develop their own lithography machines and many other necessary tools. Success here means less reliance on the US for building in-house Kirin chips, which is crucial for the company in the current scenario.

To achieve it, Huawei is reportedly investing nearly a whopping 12 billion yuan, which is equivalent to $1.66 billion. The company is building its new R&D center located in the Qingpu district of west Shanghai. The campus also houses a major chip development center, the new headquarters of HiSilicon Technologies (Huawei’s chip design unit), and research centers for wireless technologies and smartphones.

To start and speed up the development of its in-house chip-building equipment and technologies, the company is hiring experienced chip engineers who have previously worked with companies like Intel, TSMC, ASML (the designs and manufactures lithography machines used to make semiconductor chips), Lam Research, KLA and more. The company is reportedly offering as much as double the salary to the new employees as compared to the local chip manufacturers. However, there’s a catch.

Huawei’s work culture is getting more and more overwhelming

All this development reportedly comes at a cost to the chip engineers, says the report. Huawei’s existing 996 work culture is already a bit overwhelming. It means that the working time for its employees is from 9 am to 9 pm for 6 days a week. To Huawei, this was probably not enough to meet their new requirements (chips built completely in-house) in time. Here is an updated work schedule. “It will literally be 007 — from midnight to midnight, seven days a week. No days off at all” informs a chip engineer familiar with the matter. “The contract will be for three years, [but] the majority of people can’t survive till renewal.”


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Meta’s new AI-powered search bar starts showing up in Instagram

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Meta’s new AI-powered search bar starts showing up in Instagram
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It seems that more and more companies are trying to leverage the power of AI and implement many AI tools into their products. Meta’s efforts to shower users of its social apps in generative AI-powered tools continue to with a brand news search bar in Instagram.

After the company has started testing its AI chatbot with WhatsApp users in India and other countries, Meta is now looking to add its AI in the Instagram search bar for both chat with AI and content discovery.

Over the weekend, TechCrunch reported that select Instagram users are now getting an improved search bar where they can start conversations in DM with Meta AI by doing search queries.
Meta’s new AI-powered search bar starts showing up in Instagram

Those who are getting the new feature can ask questions or use any of the pre-loaded prompts. Aside from conversations, Meta’s AI can help Instagram users discover new content on the social network.

While Meta confirmed the experiment, it didn’t not say whether or not it’s using generative AI technology in search: “our generative AI-powered experiences are under development in varying phases, and we’re testing a range of them publicly in a limited capacity.”


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