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Vivo V50 Design, Key Features Leaked Ahead of Expected India Launch

Vivo V50 design, key features, and other details have surfaced online. The handset is said to launch soon in India. It’s predecessor, the Vivo V40, was unveiled in India in August 2024. The V50 has also recently been spotted on several certification sites. As per previous reports, the phone could be a rebadged version of the Vivo S20, which was introduced in China in November 2024. Ahead of anything official, a leak by a tipster has shown the alleged design, colours, and features of the Vivo V50.

Vivo V50 Design, Key Features (Expected)

According to an X post by tipster Yogesh Brar (@heyitsyogesh), the Vivo V50 will come with a quad-curved display, like the flagship Vivo X200 Pro handset. He added that the rumoured smartphone is expected to be the “slimmest phone in the segment” with a 6,000mAh battery. However, the tipster did not hint at the expected price segment of the model.

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Vivo V50 leaked render in a Rose Red shade
Photo Credit: X/@heyitsyogesh

In the attached image, the Vivo V50 was reportedly seen in a Rose Red colourway. The design appeared to be similar to that of the Chinese variant of the Vivo S20. Two camera sensors and a ring-like LED flash unit appear within the pill-shaped rear camera module in the top left corner of the panel. The volume rocker and power button are placed on the right edge of the handset.

The tipster added that the rumoured Vivo V50 will be equipped with a Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 SoC and a 50-megapixel front camera sensor for selfies and video calls. These features are similar to that of the Vivo S20 handset. However, instead of the tipped 6,000mAh battery for the Vivo V50, the Chinese Vivo S20 model carries a 6,500mAh battery with 80W fast charging support.

An earlier report claimed that the Vivo V50 could launch in India by the third week of February, that is, by February 18. The phone is expected to arrive in RAM and storage configurations of 8GB + 128GB, 8GB + 256GB, and 12GB + 512GB. It is tipped to be offered in blue, grey, rose and red colour options. A Vivo V50 Pro variant is expected to launch in the country later.

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Nothing Tipped to Launch Three Smartphones Before Unveiling Flagship Phone 3 This Year

Nothing Phone 3 is reported to be in development as the company’s next flagship smartphone and the successor to the Phone 2. However, before it sees the light of day, the British original equipment manufacturer (OEM) could launch as many as three smartphones, according to claims by a tipster. The company is gearing up to introduce a new smartphone on March 4 which is speculated to be the purported Nothing Phone 3a and the tipster suggests that it could kick off the launch blitz.

Launch of Nothing Smartphones

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), tipster Yogesh Brar (@heyitsyogesh) claims that Nothing has three smartphones which are scheduled to launch ahead of the Nothing Phone 3. This includes a new phone which is confirmed to debut on March 4. Thus, people who were waiting for the flagship launch might have to “wait a little longer”.

While the company has only shared teasers without revealing the moniker, it could very well be the successor to the Nothing Phone 2a. 

Meanwhile, two other smartphones are also said to be in line for debut. An internal email allegedly sent by CEO Carl Pei earlier this month references not only the Nothing Phone 3 in the company’s 2025 roadmap, but also a “landmark” launch. This indicates a new smartphone could become part of the company’s lineup this year.

Notably, Nothing Phone 2a was launched in March 2024 and was followed up by the Phone 2a Plus in August. The company could follow a similar trend with its successor that is slated to debut next week, possibly at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona 2025.

Nothing Phone 3a Leaks

Nothing’s upcoming launch event has the tagline “Power in Perspective”. The phone is teased to have a Glyph interface around the two camera rings, which are stacked vertically at the back. This not only suggests that the phone will come with the company’s signature design language, but also a redesigned rear camera setup.

Nothing has previously stated that it plans to offer breakthrough innovations in terms of the user interface. It is said to be the company’s first step towards offering an AI-powered platform.

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Astronauts’ Vision Problems Linked to Prolonged Space Exposure, Posing Risks for Mars Missions

Astronauts returning from extended space missions are reported to experience significant changes in eye health, linked to prolonged exposure to microgravity. Researchers have identified that the altered blood flow and pressure conditions in space can lead to vision problems. These changes are primarily associated with a condition termed spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS), affecting around 70 percent of astronauts during six- to twelve-month stays on the International Space Station (ISS). This raises potential challenges for longer missions, such as a journey to Mars.

Study Identifies Key Ocular Changes

According to a study published in the IEEE Open Journal of Engineering in Medicine and Biology, three critical ocular parameters were analysed: ocular rigidity, intraocular pressure, and ocular pulse amplitude. Measurements were conducted on data from 13 astronauts, whose missions spanned 157 to 186 days. The researchers observed a 33 percent reduction in ocular rigidity, an 11 percent decrease in intraocular pressure, and a 25 percent decline in ocular pulse amplitude. These findings indicate biomechanical changes in the eye, accompanied by symptoms such as reduced eye size, optic nerve swelling, and retinal folds.

Potential Long-Term Effects

Dr Santiago Costantino, an ophthalmologist at Université de Montréal, highlighted to phys.org that microgravity alters blood flow and venous circulation in the eye, potentially leading to structural changes in the sclera and choroid. The observed changes could persist, raising concerns about the impact on missions exceeding one year. While most astronauts studied returned to normal vision after their missions, corrective lenses were sometimes necessary during recovery.

Mars Missions Pose New Risks

Experts remain cautious about the unknown implications of prolonged exposure to microgravity during extended missions like those to Mars. The research team emphasised that additional studies and preventive strategies are essential to address these risks. The findings serve as early indicators to identify astronauts at risk, paving the way for more targeted solutions to ensure the safety of space exploration’s next frontier.

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Meta AI Is Getting a New Memory Feature and Personalised Recommendations

Meta AI is getting a couple of new upgrades, the company announced on Monday. Meta wants its artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot to offer a more personalised experience to users, and the two new features will enable it to learn more about users. The first is a memory feature that will allow the chatbot to remember certain information shared by the user in individual chats, and the second is a personalised recommendation feature that will allow Meta AI to look through the user’s social media profiles and in-app activities to suggest relevant information.

In a newsroom post, the social media giant announced two new ways it is making Meta AI more personalised for users. The company said it has been experimenting with a new memory feature that allows the chatbot to remember certain information about the user.

Memory in Meta AI can only be saved in individual chats. Users can either specifically tell the AI to remember particular details, or it can remember certain information automatically during conversations. For instance, if a user asks the chatbot to suggest breakfast ideas and it suggests an omelette, the user can tell Meta AI that they are vegetarian and it will remember this. In future conversations, the AI will then only suggest vegetarian meal ideas.

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Memory in Meta AI
Photo Credit: Meta AI

Meta did not share what kind of information can be saved by the AI, and whether it will include sensitive information such as financial and medical details. However, users will be notified whenever the chatbot saves a new piece of information and they will be allowed to delete memory manually.

Memory in Meta AI is rolling out to Facebook, Messenger, and WhatsApp for iOS and Android in the US and Canada.

The second feature allows the chatbot to collect information about the user to generate personalised recommendations. The social media giant highlighted that the information will be taken from user profiles on Facebook and Instagram as well as in-app activities such as watching Reels, liking and commenting on posts, and more.

Explaining how the feature would work, the post stated that if a user asks for recommendations for a fun activity with the family on the weekend, Meta AI can find the user’s home location from Facebook, go through recent views of Reels to find the activities the user might be interested in, and information from the memory feature to recommend a music concert. This feature will be available on Facebook, Messenger, and Instagram in the US and Canada.

Notably, the company did not address if users will have a choice in deciding whether to share this information with Meta AI.

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Apple Readying New Version of visionOS for Future AR Smart Glasses: Gurman

Apple started selling its first mixed reality headset Vision Pro in select global markets last year. The Cupertino giant is now believed to be on track to release smart glasses to expand its product portfolio in the augmented and mixed-reality space. A recent report by Bloomberg states Apple’s long-rumoured smart glasses are in the works. The company is said to be developing a new version of visionOS that is tailor-made for these glasses. Apple is anticipated to release other devices in the style of Vision Pro that it hopes will be cheaper and more enticing to consumers.

Apple Smart Glasses Are At Least Three Years Away 

In the latest edition of his Power On newsletter, Mark Gurman claims that work on the AR glasses is ongoing at a secretive facility in Santa Clara, California. Apple is said to be working on a version of visionOS — the Vision Pro’s software — that will run on its smart glasses. The Vision Pro also runs on the same OS. Gurman notes that Apple is conducting user studies at its offices to gauge the appeal of features and interfaces alongside developing AR technology for future devices.

The Apple AR glasses will reportedly take three years or more to be ready. In the meantime, The iPhone maker is reportedly exploring other types of wearable products, including a rival to Meta’s Ray-Ban spectacles and even camera-equipped AirPods

According to Gurman, Apple had originally hoped to launch its AR spectacles as a follow-up to the Vision Pro, but the plan was dropped due to technical challenges.

Apple is not the only company working on smart glasses. Apple’s major rival Samsung also joined the race and announced its XR headset earlier this month. Meanwhile, Meta is eying to unveil its AR product named Orion by 2027. Google is developing an operating system specifically for headsets and glasses called Android XR.

Apple is expected to design AR glasses with broader mass-market appeal than the Apple Vision Pro. It unveiled the Vision Pro in 2023 at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). The shipments began last year in select markets like the US, China, and Japan with a starting price tag of $3,499 (roughly Rs. 2,90,000). It is available in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage configurations.

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HTC Wildfire E7, Wildfire E4 Plus Allegedly Surface on Google Play Console Database

HTC appears to be preparing to unveil two new handsets in the Wildfire series. Ahead of any official confirmation from the Taiwanese brand, the unannounced HTC Wildfire E7 and HTC Wildfire E4 Plus reportedly appeared on the Google Play Console website, hinting at their imminent launch. The listing does not include any details besides their names. HTC already has models like Wildfire E3 and Wildfire E2 Plus in its portfolio.

TheTechOutlook spotted the listing of HTC Wildfire E4 Plus and HTC Wildfire E7 on the Google Play Console platform. The screenshots shared by the publication confirm the monikers of the phones. The listing does not reveal any specifications of the handsets.

HTC hasn’t officially revealed any information regarding the launch date of the HTC Wildfire E4 Plus and HTC Wildfire E7 smartphones. They are speculated to come with affordable price tags. The brand had launched models like Wildfire E3HTC Wildfire E2 Plus, and Wildfire E2 Play in previous years. 

HTC U24 Pro Price, Specifications

The HTC U24 Pro is the latest model launched by HTC. It was launched in June last year in Taiwan at a starting price tag of TWD 18,990 (roughly Rs. 50,000) for the base 12GB RAM + 256GB storage model. The 512GB storage variant is priced at TWD 20,990 (roughly Rs. 54,000).

HTC U24 Pro runs on Android 14 and has a 6.8-inch full-HD+(1,080×2,436 pixels) OLED screen with 120Hz refresh rate and Gorilla Glass protection. It runs on a Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 SoC with 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM. It has a triple rear camera unit, comprising a 50-megapixel primary sensor, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera and a 50-megapixel telephoto camera with 2x optical zoom. On the front, it features a 50-megapixel selfie camera.

The HTC U24 Pro is equipped with up to 512GB of UFS 3.1 onboard storage that is expandable with a microSD card. It has an IP67-certified build. It carries a 4,600mAh battery with 60W wired fast charging, 15W wireless charging, and 5W reverse wireless charging support.

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Coinbase CEO Concerned About Tokens Flooding Market, Says Thorough Evaluation No Longer Feasible 

Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong has raised concerns about the rising number of crypto tokens flooding the market. In a post on X Sunday, Armstrong claimed one million crypto tokens were being created on a weekly basis. With the massive influx of new tokens, he said, evaluating each token was no longer feasible. As per CoinMarketCap, over 10.19 million crypto tokens are currently in circulation.

Armstrong, who co-founded Coinbase in 2012, said the flooding of crypto tokens into the market had become a problem. He also noted that regulators needed to put in place a blocking system for tokens that have not applied for regulatory approvals.

“Regulators need to understand that applying for approval for each one is totally infeasible at this point as well (they can’t do 1m a week). It needs to move from an allow list to a block list, and utilise customer reviews/automated scans of on-chain data etc to help customers sift through,” the 42-year-old crypto mogul said.

Coinbase said last week it represented over $3 trillion (roughly Rs. 2,59,10,248 crore) in market cap. According to its website, the exchange does its due diligence before listing tokens on its platform. It takes votes on which assets get to be listed from its internal Digital Asset Support Group (DASG) while also assessing tokens based on their legal, compliance, and security standards.

The Coinbase chief was recently at Davos, Switzerland, for the World Economic Forum. Summarizing his key takeaways from the event, he said corporate leaders, banks, asset managers, and payment service firms had made it clear they were increasing investments in crypto. Armstong has thus highlighted the need for smarter rules that can make the crypto sector safer on a priority basis.

He has also noted that the return of Donald Trump as the President of the US has forced ‘everyone to up their game’.

“There are going to be more players and competition than ever in crypto and we welcome it all. We need crypto to update the entire global financial system to bring these benefits to everyone,” Armstrong said.

Given the projected growth margin for the crypto sector, regulators in several parts of the world are putting safety measures for the stakeholders in place. The crypto sector is still impacted by micro or macro developments around international politics and financial developments, among other factors.

In India, for instance, the government is yet to release a comprehensive set of regulations to oversee crypto. Meanwhile, industry bodies are taking up the task of deploying certain parameters to ensure that the sector is protected against scams like rug pulls and exploitation.

In April last year, the Bharat Web3 Association laid down some rules for crypto exchanges to follow while considering the listing of new tokens on their platforms. Based on the ‘Plan, Execute, Check’ (PEC) framework, these guidelines direct all crypto exchanges to become primary screeners for new tokens looking to get listed and establish minimum standards to review tokens that are in the pipeline to be listed for public engagement.

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Vivo V50, Vivo Y19e Reportedly Spotted on BIS Website Suggesting Imminent India Launch

Vivo is expected to launch new smartphones in India soon. A recent report claimed that two handsets were recently spotted on the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) website, suggesting an imminent launch in the country. They are expected to be the Vivo V50 and the Vivo Y19e. The former could be a rebrand of the Vivo S20, which was unveiled in China in November 2024. Previously, the purported Vivo V50 appeared on Taiwan’s National Communications Commission (NCC) website, which suggested its design, dimensions, and battery details.

Vivo V50, Vivo Y19e Spotted on BIS Website

Vivo smartphones with the model number V2427 and V2431 were spotted on the BIS website, according to a MySmartPrice report. They are said to be the Vivo V50 and the Vivo Y19e, respectively. The report notes that an earlier NBTC listing confirms the former moniker, while a previous IMEI listing suggested the latter. The BIS listing does not reveal much about the expected handsets but hints at the imminent launch of the phones in India. 

The NCC listing of the Vivo V50 suggested that the phone will launch in blue, grey and white colour options. It is expected to have a design similar to the Vivo S20 model and is said to be a rebrand of the phone. Connectivity options are expected to include Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth, NFC, and GPS.  

The Vivo V50 is expected to measure 160mm in length and 75mm in width, however, its expected thickness is not yet known. The height and width of the purported handset are similar to the Vivo S20’s dimensions of 160 x 74 x 7.9mm.

The older NCC listing suggests that the Vivo V50 could get a 5,870mAh rated battery, which will likely be marketed as 6,000mAh. It is expected to support 90W wired fast charging. Notably, the Chinese version of the Vivo S20 carries a 6,500mAh battery with support for 80W fast charging.

We can expect to see more details about the Vivo Y19e surface online soon. It will likely join the Vivo Y19 lineup which includes the base Vivo Y19 and Vivo Y19s.

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Samsung Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25+, Galaxy S25 Ultra Launched in India: A Gold Standard for AI Smartphones – Pre-order today

Samsung has set a new standard by introducing three new revolutionary devices in its flagship Galaxy S lineup in India. The brand new Samsung Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25+, and the Galaxy S25 Ultra smartphones are the company’s most advanced, true AI companion devices till date. Built on the concept of Galaxy AI from last year, the new Galaxy S25 series are more natural, intuitive, and context-aware. These new smartphones will help users interact with their devices more naturally and effortlessly, while ensuring privacy.   

Samsung Galaxy S25 series smartphones come with One UI 7, which is built for more personalized mobile experiences unlike any other premium smartphone. Galaxy S25 series smartphones use powerful AI agents with multimodal capabilities to enable a more natural interaction be it text, speech, or images. 

A True AI Companion Is Finally Here: Transforming Digital Interactions

The Galaxy S25 series introduces a massive shift in how we interact with technology through its multimodal AI agents. These intelligent systems can comprehend and process text, speech, and images, creating a truly natural interaction experience. Imagine planning a complex vacation by simply conversing with your device – searching for destinations, comparing flight prices, checking hotel availability, and scheduling events across multiple apps with a single command.

Multimodal AI enables the smartphones to analyse and process different types of data together. For example: Suppose you’re watching a YouTube video, and are curious about the background music – you can simply find out which song is playing by using a voice command.

Google Gemini integration takes artificial intelligence further. Users can now activate advanced AI assistance by pressing the side button, enabling seamless interactions across Samsung, Google, and third-party applications. The Live Translate feature breaks language barriers by supporting real-time translation across 20 languages in both native and VOIP calls, making global communication effortless.

One of the most notable new features is Google Gemini’s ability to work across apps. At Unpacked 2025, Samsung had announced that Gemini will now be supported by Samsung’s apps including Calendar, Clock, Notes, and Reminder apps. Gemini integration will also work with Spotify, and Google’s suite of apps.

Productivity has received a significant boost with features like Google Gemini Live, which provides step-by-step guidance on diverse tasks ranging from cooking complex recipes to performing device repairs. The homework help functionality enables students to easily solve complex problems by simply circling content on their screen, transforming the smartphone into an intelligent learning companion.

Samsung has ensured that privacy remains paramount. The Personal Data Engine analyzes user data exclusively on-device, ensuring personalized experiences without compromising sensitive information. Advanced security measures like post-quantum cryptography and Knox Vault protection safeguard user data against emerging digital threats.

Cameras: Pro-Grade Smartphone Photography Redefined

The camera system, particularly in the Galaxy S25 Ultra, represents a technological marvel that will transform smartphone photography. The 200-megapixel wide camera sensor delivers unprecedented image clarity, complemented by dual telephoto cameras offering 5x and 3x optical zoom capabilities. The 10-bit HDR recording provides four times richer colour expression compared to traditional 8-bit systems.

AI-powered smartphone photography features in the new Galaxy S25 series smartphones will elevate content creation to pro levels. The Audio Eraser feature allows users to remove unwanted background noise from videos, creating studio-quality recordings. Portrait Studio enables instant transformation of photographs into artistic AI-generated illustrations. Auto Trim intelligently creates short video reels by extracting key scenes, while My Filter lets users generate personalized, film-like effects with a single tap.

Low-light photography has received significant improvements through advanced motion analysis and noise reduction techniques. Whether capturing a dimly lit concert or a nighttime landscape, the Galaxy S25 series ensures exceptional image quality. The Pro Visual Engine combines hardware specifications with cutting-edge AI enhancements, delivering photographic and video outputs that were previously achievable only with professional equipment.

Battery That Powers Intelligent Experiences

Samsung has reimagined mobile power management by creating battery solutions that are not just about capacity, but intelligent energy optimization. The Galaxy S25 features a 4,000 mAh battery, perfect for users seeking a compact device with reliable performance. Its 25W charging ensures quick top-ups for users with dynamic lifestyles. The Galaxy S25+ steps up with a 4,900 mAh battery and 45W charging, offering extended usage for professionals and multitaskers who demand more from their devices.

The pinnacle of battery technology resides in the Galaxy S25 Ultra, boasting a 5,000 mAh battery that enables day-long heavy usage for power users. Samsung’s battery innovation extends far beyond mere capacity. By implementing a groundbreaking recycling system, these devices now use batteries with 50 percent recycled cobalt, sourced from previous Galaxy devices and manufacturing processes. This approach not only ensures exceptional battery performance but also demonstrates a significant commitment to sustainable technology.

The custom Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy processor plays a crucial role in battery efficiency. The powerful processor is capable of performing the most intensive tasks while drawing minimal power. An advanced cooling system featuring a 40 percent larger vapor chamber ensures that intensive tasks like gaming or AI processing don’t drain the battery rapidly, maintaining optimal performance throughout the day.

Pre-Order Today

By seamlessly integrating intelligent AI, sustainable battery technology, and professional-grade photography capabilities, Samsung has created Galaxy S25 series devices that are not just smartphones, but intelligent companions that adapt, learn, and empower users’ digital lives.

So why wait, Pre-order now and avail exclusive benefits worth up to Rs. 21,000.

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Meta to Begin Testing Ads on Threads in the US and Japan

Meta Platforms will begin test launching ads on its social media platform Threads with a few brands in the U.S. and Japan, it said on Friday, as the app hits over 300 million monthly active users.

During early testing starting Friday, image ads will appear in the Threads home feed, placed between content posts for a small percentage of users, Meta said in a blog.

The social media giant said it will monitor the test closely before scaling it broadly, adding that businesses will be able to extend their existing Meta ad campaigns to Threads.

Meta will also begin testing an inventory filter for ads in Threads, which enabled through AI, allows advertisers to control the sensitivity level of the organic content their ads appear next to.

“The launch of Threads ads just weeks after Meta’s content moderation makeover will raise advertiser eyebrows. But the volatility at TikTok is spurring brands to seek alternatives, and Meta isn’t going to pass up an opportunity to throw Threads into the mix,” said Jasmine Enberg, principal analyst at Emarketer.

Meta earlier this month scrapped its U.S. fact-checking program on Facebook, Instagram and Threads, three of the world’s biggest social media platforms with more than 3 billion users globally.

Threads was launched in July 2023 as a challenger to X, formerly Twitter, in a bid to win users from the de facto micro-blogging site during its chaotic takeover by billionaire Elon Musk.

Meta does not expect Threads to be “a meaningful driver of 2025 revenue,” CFO Susan Li had said in a post-earnings call in October.

The company plans to spend as much as $65 billion this year to expand its AI infrastructure, CEO Mark Zuckerberg said earlier on Friday, aiming to bolster the company’s position against rivals OpenAI and Google in the race to dominate the technology.

© Thomson Reuters 2024