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SpaceX’s Starship Explodes Over Atlantic Ocean After Successful Booster Landing

The seventh test flight of SpaceX’s Starship rocket ended with an explosion over the Atlantic Ocean, as confirmed by sources. Launched from the company’s Starbase facility in South Texas on January 16, 2025, the 403-foot-tall spacecraft marked another significant step in SpaceX’s efforts to advance reusable rocket technology. The test featured successful stage separation and a return of the first-stage booster, Super Heavy, which was safely caught by the launch tower’s “chopstick” arms in a controlled descent. However, communication with the upper stage was lost roughly eight minutes into the flight, leading to its eventual disintegration.

Details of the Incident

As per a report by Space.com, the upper stage, known as Ship, exploded over the Atlantic Ocean near the Turks and Caicos Islands approximately 8.5 minutes after launch. Visuals of the event, described by witnesses as a dramatic sky show, were shared widely across social media platforms, adding to the visibility of the anomaly. SpaceX referred to the explosion as a “rapid unscheduled disassembly” and stated that data from the test would be analysed to identify the root cause.

Statements and Outcomes

In a statement issued on X (formerly Twitter), SpaceX noted that while the upper stage failed, valuable insights were gained from the test. Emphasis was placed on improving the reliability of Starship in future iterations. Elon Musk, founder and CEO of SpaceX, has consistently highlighted the importance of learning through frequent testing, an approach that has been fundamental to the company’s progress.

This flight also marked a second successful recovery of the Super Heavy booster using the “chopstick” system, following the initial demonstration during Flight 5 in October 2024. The development of such recovery methods remains central to SpaceX’s goal of creating fully reusable launch systems for both stages.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is expected to review the flight data, with future launches aimed at addressing identified issues as per reports by space.com. The incident underscores the challenges inherent in developing new space technologies while demonstrating significant milestones in the ongoing advancement of the Starship programme.

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Poco X7 and X7 Pro Review: The Mid-Range Marvels

The Poco X7 series is finally here and tries to capture the brand’s ethos quite nicely: performance, aspirational brand for the Gen Z audience, and challenger mindset. Both these devices offer a perfect balance of performance and value, which is tough to get in this price bracket, and I will break down both these phones in a bit.

But before deep diving into these products, let me talk about some hero features that make both these phones special on paper. Starting with the Pro model it packs the biggest battery you will probably see on any smartphone in 2025. Under the hood, it is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 8400 Ultra processor, debuting globally with this device. It is the first to launch with HyperOS 2.0-based Android 15 out-of-the-box – from the house of Xiaomi.

The base model comes with a shock-absorbing structure that can offer users peace of mind. It packs a decent 5500mAh battery and is powered by MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Ultra SoC. While the Poco X7 looks like a great option under Rs. 25,000, while the X7 Pro seems more inclined to be a sub-Rs. 30,000 benchmark for phones in 2025.

So, if you plan to get your hands on either of these devices, should you buy them? Let me answer this in the review.

Poco X7 and X7 Pro Design: Vegan leather supremacy

  • Dimension – 162.3×74.4×8.5mm (X7) and 160.9×74.2×8.2mm (X7 Pro)
  • Weight – 190 grams (X7) and 195 grams (X7 Pro)
  • Colours – Cosmic Silver, Glacier Green, and Yellow (X7) and Nebula Green, Obsidian Black, and Yellow (X7 Pro)
  • Durability – IP66 + IP68 + IP69 (Dust and water)

Starting the proceedings with design and first, jumping on the Poco X7. It comes in three colourways – Poco Yellow, Glacier Green, and Cosmic Silver. This is also Poco’s first dual-curve design and offers a 3D curved display, again the company’s first-ever. Compared to the X6, Poco has packed the X7 to the brim with tons of upgrades. At the front, the X7 gets Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 – setting a good statement for prospective buyers. Another good thing Poco has done is add the best available IP ratings on its X7 devices. And, yes, the X7 also features IP66, IP68, and IP69 ratings for enhanced durability. It measures 8.5mm thick and weighs 190 grams – despite packing a 5500mAh battery unit under the hood.

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Both Poco X7 devices weigh under 200 grams

The curved design is great and offers a premium hand feel. However, I’m not a great fan of curved designs, and I was more comfortable using this one with the case that ships with the box. Poco talked about durability a lot during the unveiling of the X7, and it packs a punch on paper. It can handle unfortunate mishaps like a drop from your pocket or table as it is built with a shock-absorbing structure under the hood. An energy-absorbing foam pad and a reinforced polymer buffer are reassuring to protect the internal hardware from impacts.

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The X7 is available in Cosmic Silver, Glacier Green, and Yellow colours

Now coming to the X7 Pro which has an all-new dual-tone design on the back. Especially the Yellow colour sports the company’s brand identity colours – Black and Yellow. You can also get the X7 Pro in Obsidian Black and Nebula Green, featuring the dual-tone design. What makes the dual-tone design on the X7 Pro special is the dual-tone texture, which offers a significantly softer finish. Thanks to the rear design, you can not mistake the X7 Pro with any other device.

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The X7 Pro is available in Nebula Green, Obsidian Black, and Yellow colours

Despite packing a huge 6550mAh battery, the X7 Pro measures just 8.2mm thick, which is excellent. It took me a few days to sink the thought that it weighs under 200 grams. The X7 Pro is the company’s first phone with IP66, IP68 and IP69 (supported) ratings for water and dust resistance.

The flat design worked for me, and thanks to the vegan leather-like finish at the back, I never used the phone with the protective case that’s shipped with the retail box. The front features Corning Gorilla Glass 7i for added protection from scratches. With an impressive 93.7 percent screen-to-body ratio, the X7 Pro is an excellent multimedia device, and I will talk about that in the next section.

Overall, the X7 and X7 Pro look solid in terms of design and are built for handling day-to-day challenges.

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Both Poco devices come with 3+4 years of software update promise

Poco X7 and X7 Pro Display: Stunning Quality

  • Screen size – 6.73-inch AMOLED flat display (X7 Pro) and 6.67-inch AMOLED curved display (X7)
  • Screen protection – Corning Gorilla Glass 7i (X7 Pro) and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (X7)
  • Peak brightness – 3200nits (X7 Pro) and 3000nits (X7)

The Poxo X7 series packs big upgrades in the display department. Starting with the peak brightness of 3200nits on the X7 Pro and 3000nits on the X7. This is a big jump compared to the predecessor. Poco has also added nice touches to the X7 devices, like Wet TouchDisplay 2.0, for improved responsiveness even with wet or oily fingers.

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Poco X7 features a 6.67-inch Curved AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate

The X7 Pro packs a 6.67-inch AMOLED flat display with a 1220×2712 pixels screen resolution. At this price point, it packs all the bells and whistles one expects from a smartphone. It supports a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. In terms of daily use, the display is vibrant and has excellent colour reproduction. Viewing angles are not an issue; the panel is bright enough to be used under direct sunlight. It comes with Widevine L1 certification, which means you can watch HD content on your favourite OTT apps. The X7 Pro is ideal for multimedia consumption, whether streaming, browsing or gaming.

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Poco X7 Pro features a 6.67-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate

The X7, on the other hand, also packs a capable display panel. It also features a 6.67-inch AMOLED display, but this one has a 3D curved design. It gets Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for protection and 1220×2712 pixels (1.5K) screen resolution. Like the Pro model, it also gets a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. The peak brightness of 3000nits might make this one the brightest display in its price segment. Talking about quality, the panel reproduces rich colours, the screen is bright, and the texts appear sharp. Sunlight legibility and viewing angles are excellent. The X7 is a great device for streaming or gaming, thanks to the fluid display.

Overall, the X7 Pro and X7 pack solid displays that can outshine the competition.  

Poco X7 and X7 Pro Performance: Top-tier and blazing fast

  • Processor – MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Ultra (X7) and MediaTek Dimensity 8400 Ultra (X7 Pro)
  • RAM and storage – 8GB + 128GB and 8GB + 256GB RAM (X7) and 8GB + 256GB and 12GB + 256GB (X7 Pro)
  • OS – Xiaomi HyperOS based on Android 14 (X7) and Xiaomi HyperOS based on Android 15 (X7 Pro)

Poco’s X-series devices have always been performance-oriented, and that holds true for both X7 and X7 Pro. Talking first about the X7 Pro, it debuts MediaTek’s Dimensity 8400 Ultra processor, which is based on a 4nm TSMC process and supports UFS 4.0. It comes in two variants – 8GB + 256GB and 12GB + 256GB.

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Both phones feature AI features

It can handle everything you throw at it, from multitasking, streaming, gaming, image editing on Canva, and more. Multiple apps can load lightning-quick. It doesn’t stutter with any of these. However, I noticed that the phone gets hot when running synthetic benchmark apps, running games at the highest settings, or running Maps continuously for about an hour. Nothing alarming, though, as it gets cool within a few minutes of exiting the application. Below is a table showing how X7 Pro fared in our synthetic benchmark tests.

Benchmark Poco X7 Pro Poco X7 OnePlus Nord 4 Motorola Edge 50 Neo
Chipset Dimensity 8400 Ultra Dimensity 7300 Ultra Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 Dimensity 7300
AnTuTu v10 16,02,933 650,869 1,074,178 669,224
PCMark Work 3.0 14,628 12,934 12,336 11,642
Geekbench Single 1,549 1,026 929 941
Geekbench Multi 6,216 2,906 3,817 2,101
GFXB T-rex 120 85 60 89
GFXB Manhattan 3.1 118 56 60 42
GFXB Car Chase 89 23 60 24
3DM Slingshot Extreme OpenGL Maxed Out 5,097 Maxed Out 3,109
3DM Slingshot Maxed Out 6,566 Maxed Out 4,310
3DM Wild Life Maxed Out 3,137 Maxed Out 1,271
3DM Wild Life Unlimited 13,102 3,149 11,588 1,257

Now, coming to the X7, it is powered by MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Ultra and supports UFS 2.2, which is disappointing. For a phone that’s performance-oriented, it is also unfair to a certain extent, but that’s what cost-cutting does, and when you want to hit a certain price bracket. Daily operations are handled smoothly by X7. Even BGMI and COD Mobile games load at the best graphic settings. The Poco X7 is a capable smartphone when it comes to performance credentials. Below is a table showing how well the Poco X7 fared in our synthetic benchmarks. Both Poco devices get slightly warm after intense gaming sessions, but they cool down rather quickly, so it’s not a problem of any sort for hardcore gamers.

The X7 Pro is among the first set of devices running HyperOS 2.0 based on Android 15. Poco has promised three years of Android and four security updates for the X7 Pro. The same update policy applies to the X7, too. However, one big difference is that the X7 runs HyperOS based on Android 14, which means that the three updates include Android 15 as well. This will leave X7 consumers with just two practical updates. The update promise for the X7 definitely feels less on paper.

HyperOS seems like a new paint job over MIUI, as ground reality doesn’t change when it comes to bloatware apps. Throughout my review period, GetApps kept sending random notifications from the app, including pop-ups for updating apps from the company’s app store. It gets annoying during everyday use.

The call quality is top-notch on the X7 devices, and 5G connectivity with Airtel and Jio networks worked well during my review. Both these devices offer a good typing experience and pack a good haptic motor. I also had a good time gaming on X7 and X7 Pro.

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The X7 Pro runs on HyperOS 2.0 based on Android 15 while X7 runs on HyperOS based on Android 14

X7 and X7 Pro sport dual stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos, and the experience is decent. These are loud enough to fill a mid-sized room or for your gaming or movie sessions.

Overall, the Poco X7 and X7 Pro are snappy when it comes to performance, though bloatware remains one of the pressing issues that remain unsolved, and I hope Poco brings a fix via OTA update soon.

Of course, AI is onboard, too, and there’s a list of things you can do with the help of AI on the X7 phones. Most of these are around images, like AI Smart Clip, where you can create videos by choosing a set of photos; AI Cutout, to remove the background or place a subject in a new background or even change the background colour of the image; AI Sky, which as the name suggests can help you change the sky colour; AI Expansion can expand boundaries of an image; AI Enhancement can enhance by sharpening images; and AI Erase Pro which can automatically highlight objects to remove from an image and does it effectively.

Poco claims that the phones come with other bunch of AI features that Google powers. Unfortunately, during my time with the devices, most of these features were unavailable except for features like Chat with Gemini and AI Notes.

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The Poco X7 Pro comes with some additional AI features like AI Interpreter, AI Notes, AI Magic Erase Pro and more

Poco X7 and X7 Pro Cameras: Decent but not great

  • Camera Setup – Dual: 50-megapixel and 8-megapixel ultra-wide (X7 Pro) and Triple: 50-megapixel, 8-megapixel ultra-wide, and 2-megapixel macro sensor (X7)
  • Selfie camera – 20-megapixel (X7 and X7 Pro)
  • Video recording support – Up to 4K at 60fps and Up to 4K at 30fps 

The Poco X7 has a tried-and-tested camera setup, which we have seen on other phones in this price segment. The daylight photos come out solid, with good colours and details intact with the primary camera. Some samples are below, and you can see how well it performs.




Poco X7 primary camera samples (tap images to expand)

The ultra-wide camera is okayish and nowhere close to what the primary camera is capable of. The colours are not as close to reality, and some details in the shadow area are missing.

Poco X7 ultra-wide camera samples (tap images to expand)

The bokeh shots on the X7 seem a hit or miss. There are slight depth estimation errors visible in some of our samples. Then, subject isolation from the background is also not accurate.

Poco X7 portrait mode in action (tap image to expand)

Coming to the low-light performance of the X7. It is acceptable but lags in terms of loss of detail. Noise levels are controlled, though target exposure isn’t great, and Poco X7 underexposes quite strongly.

Poco X7 low-light camera samples (tap image to expand)

The macro camera on the X7 is useless, and instead, Poco should have shipped a basic telephoto sensor that might have increased the cost slightly but at least could give a better value.

Now, jumping to the Poco X7 Pro, which has a dual camera setup. The primary camera can click photos in varied conditions with plenty of details and natural colours. The skin tone rendering is excellent, and exposure is decent in most conditions. The primary camera comes with 2x in-sensor zoom that works well most of the time. The bokeh shots are better than what X7 could pull off for me during my review.




Poco X7 Pro primary camera samples (tap images to expand)

The 8-megapixel ultra-wide photos are acceptable, with good dynamic range and punchy colours. But it isn’t reliable in every condition, so do not keep your hopes high.

Poco X7 Pro ultra-wide camera samples (tap images to expand)

The low-light photos are mostly decent, and the auto mode will do the heavy lifting for you. The detail level is fantastic, and the X7 Pro can be your point-and-shoot camera for night strolls.

Poco X7 Pro low-light camera samples (tap images to expand)

The selfie cameras on X7 and X7 Pro are decent for day shots. But do not keep your hopes high with the selfie shooter as, at maximum, it is great for social media uploads. The skin tones are unnatural when beautify mode is on, and even after shutting it down, it is still not nearly perfect for real-world skin tones. Additionally, the detail loss is apparent in low-light selfies.

The Poco X7 supports up to 4K quality at 30fps, while the X7 Pro supports up to 4K at 60fps. The quality is good, and the colour rendition is also apt. Daylight videos come out better than low-light ones.

Overall, the cameras aren’t the biggest strength of the X7 devices, but they are not the biggest Achilles heel. The X7 Pro packs a better camera setup, though an average ultrawide sensor and missing telephoto sensor are missed a lot.

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The X7 sports a triple camera setup at the back

Poco X7 and X7 Pro Battery: Outstanding

  • Battery – 6550mAh (X7 Pro) and 5500mAh (X7)
  • Fast-charge – 90W support (X7 Pro) and 45W support (X7)
  • Claimed fast-charging time – 100 percent in 47 minutes with 90W (X7 Pro) and 100 percent in 47 minutes with 45W (X7)

This year, Poco will most likely set a new benchmark in the battery department thanks to the X7 Pro. The 6550mAh battery is monstrous, and it took me more than standard effort to drain the battery with gaming, streaming, and shooting with the X7 Pro. In our HD video loop test, the X7 Pro lasted for over 30 hours, and that’s a benchmark in our internal Gadgets 360 records for phones reviewed in the last 24 months.

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It packs a 6550mAh battery that can charge fully under 50 minutes

With heavy usage, the phone easily lasted up to 25 hours with gaming, extensive camera use, and regular work, social media, and chat apps open in the background at most times. With medium usage, you can be rest assured that this can last for about two days.

Poco has also added additional features for the battery section where users can see battery health, charging cycles, and different charging options. These are neat touches – though inspired by Apple.

The X7 Pro supports 90W HyperCharge for fast charging, and the company claims it can charge from 0 to 100 percent in under 50 minutes. That’s true if you opt for ‘Top Speed’ under wired charging mode in the Battery setting. The phone took around 60 minutes to charge fully during my tests, which isn’t bad. But if you choose ‘Standard’ in the battery setting, then the device takes over 120 minutes to fully charge, which is too slow.

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The Poco X7 sports a 20-megapixel selfie camera

The X7 phone packs a 5500mAh battery and has a 45W TurboCharge. In our HD video loop test, the phone lasted about 21 hours, which is impressive for a phone in this segment. During the review, the phone lasted for more than a day with heavy usage, where we had a couple of hours of gaming and streaming YouTube videos alongside other regular use. The phone can easily last a few days with medium to light usage. For Poco’s X7 devices, the battery is the biggest highlight.  

Poco X7 and X7 Pro Verdict

The Poco X7 starts at Rs. 21,999 for the 128GB storage model while the X7 Pro at Rs. 27,999 for the 8GB RAM and 256GB storage model. The X7 is a great value proposition for users looking to upgrade to a smartphone under Rs. 25,000 at these prices. While X7 Pro is a better deal, it offers more for less, and thanks to its fresh design approach, it becomes an excellent package under Rs. 30,000.

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Both phones are available on Flipkart alongside other retail platforms

While there are shortcomings, for example, bloatware is the biggest issue for Poco X7 and X7 Pro, whereas the cameras are not class-leading. Additionally, the software update promise isn’t comparable to the competition. But, when it comes to performance credentials, the X7 and X7 Pro deliver and can also outshine their competition.

The X7 goes up against the iQOO Z9s, which retails at under Rs. 20,000 and the Motorola Edge 50 Neo (Review). For the X7 Pro, the two closest alternatives are the OnePlus Nord 4 (Review) and Motorola Edge 50 Fusion (Review).

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Malaysia Considers Crypto, Blockchain Policies After Discussions With UAE Government

Malaysia could soon join other nations that are working on policies that govern the integration of cryptocurrencies and blockchain-related technologies into their financial systems. Earlier this week, Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim met with UAE officials and Binance representatives to discuss the formulation of a supportive policy framework for cryptocurrencies. The Malaysian PM was attending the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW 2025), where he said that he wishes to ensure that the investor interest in Malaysia is protected, which can be achieved with appropriate regulations.

During the event in Abu Dhabi, the Malaysian PM also met with Changpeng Zhao, the co-founder and former CEO of Binance. The two reportedly spoke about the steps that Malaysia could incorporate to become more acquainted with Web3 technologies.

The Malaysian Securities Commission (SC) has acknowledged the Prime Minister’s vision for crypto that sees Malaysia becoming a key name in the evolving digital finance ecosystem, according to a report.

Datuk Mohammad Faiz Azmi, the chairperson of the commission said that all relevant financial bodies in Malaysia must come together to accelerate the development of Web3-related policies. Azmi also reportedly noted that the SC has been working to give shape to its Web3 sector since 2019.

Crypto in Malaysia

Data by Worldometer shows that the current population of Malaysia is over 35 million. Citing a survey data by Oppotus, Statista estimates that 30 percent of Malaysian respondents held a digital asset or cryptocurrency in the fourth quarter of 2023.

With the crypto industry seemingly witnessing a global expansion, Malaysian authorities have been monitoring the use of cryptocurrencies in the country.

In June 2024, the Malaysian federal agency Inland Revenue Board (IRB) reportedly conducted raids at multiple locations, having identified firms that were not reporting their crypto-related engagements.

Malaysian law enforcement authorities have also conducted crackdowns on illegal crypto mining hubs. Between 2020 and 2022, Malaysian authorities said it arrested 627 people since for stealing electricity to power their crypto mining operations. Crypto mining equipment worth MYR 69.8 million (roughly Rs. 125 crore) were also confiscated by the Malaysian police during the same period.

Crypto exchanges looking to operate in Malaysia need an official approval from the SC. The regulatory body maintains a list or registered market operators to make sure that investors are safeguarded against financial risks.

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Vivo V50 Reportedly Surfaces on Taiwan’s NCC With Design, Battery and Charging Specifications

Vivo V50 is in the works and may launch soon, if recent leaks are any indication. The unannounced handset was allegedly spotted on Taiwan’s National Communications Commission (NCC) website. The alleged listing reveals the Vivo V50’s design, colour options, battery and charging details. It is likely to run on a 6,000mAh battery. The Vivo V50 is expected to come with upgrades over last year’s Vivo V30. It is likely to launch as a rebranded version of the Vivo S20. It could run on Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset and may get a 50-megapixel dual rear camera unit.

As per a report by 91Mobiles, the unannounced Vivo V50 surfaced on the NCC website with model number V2427. The listing indicates 160mm length, and 75mm width for the handset, resembling the Vivo S20’s 160×74×7.9mm measurements. 

The Vivo V50 is shown with a 5,870mAh battery that is expected to be marketed as 6,000mAh. The photograph of the charger suggests 90W fast charging support. The listing shows Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth, NFC, and GPS connectivity options as well.

The alleged NCC listing includes live images of the Vivo V50 in blue, grey and white colour options. It appears to have a centrally aligned hole-punch cutout on the display and Vivo branding at the rear panel. It is seen with Vivo’s signature pill-shaped camera island at the rear housing dual sensors and a small circular LED flash. The images could be of a prototype device.

Vivo V50 Specifications (Expected)

Vivo is expected to introduce the rumoured Vivo V50 as a rebranded version of the S20 model that debuted in China in November last year with a starting price tag of CNY 2,299 (roughly Rs. 27,000). Specifications of the Vivo V50 are speculated to mirror the Vivo V20.

The Vivo S20 has a 6.67-inch (1,260×2,800 pixels) 1.5K AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate. It runs on Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 processor and has a dual rear camera unit, comprising a 50-megapixel main sensor and an 8-megapixel ultra-wide angle lens. It has a 50-megapixel front-facing selfie camera. The handset is backed by a 6,500mAh battery with support for 80W fast charging.

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Archaeologists Discover Ancient Artifacts in Iraq, Unlocking Secrets of Mesopotamia

Significant discoveries have been made at the ancient site of Kurd Qaburstan in Iraq, shedding light on Mesopotamian history. Artefacts including clay cuneiform tablets, a game board, and structural remains have been unearthed by a team led by Tiffany Earley-Spadoni, an associate professor of history at the University of Central Florida. The findings are believed to date back to the Middle Bronze Age, around 1800 BCE, and may provide fresh perspectives on the daily lives, literacy, and socio-political connections of the people from this ancient civilisation.

Insights from Recent Findings

According to the research conducted at Kurd Qaburstan, the clay tablets are the first of their kind to be discovered in the region. Preliminary analysis suggests they hold valuable information about the city’s residents and the historical events they faced, as reported by phys.org. Tiffany Earley-Spadoni, an associate professor of history at UCF, shared with phys.org that studying names, word choices and writing styles may offer an enhanced understanding of cultural identity and literacy in northern Mesopotamian cities.

The Middle Bronze Age in northern Iraq remains under-researched due to historical biases and limited prior excavations. The ongoing work aims to provide a narrative from the perspective of the city’s inhabitants, rather than relying on external accounts, as noted by the lead researcher.

Exploring a Forgotten Urban Center

Excavations at the site have uncovered monumental architecture, human remains, and evidence of destruction, hinting at significant historical events. A newly identified lower town palace, revealed through geophysical surveys, is being closely studied to determine its administrative significance. Artefacts found in the palace, including pottery and animal remains, suggest a more nuanced understanding of social and economic structures, with signs of private wealth and dietary diversity among the city’s population.

Future Research Potential

The site is hypothesised to be the ancient city of Qabra, a regional hub mentioned in Old Babylonian records. While definitive identification is ongoing, findings from the tablets and architectural remains bolster this theory. As reported by phys.org, researchers expect further analysis to uncover details about possible warfare and societal dynamics, potentially rewriting aspects of Mesopotamian history. Work at Kurd Qaburstan is set to continue in 2025, with hopes of revealing more historical secrets from this fascinating period.

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Astronomers Discover Unusual X-Ray Oscillations From a Black Hole 100 Million Light-Years Away

A supermassive black hole in a galaxy located 100 million light-years away has drawn the attention of astronomers with its unusual behavior. Observations have revealed a steady increase in the frequency of X-ray flashes, starting at intervals of 18 minutes and accelerating to seven minutes over two years. This phenomenon, linked to the black hole named 1ES 1927+654, marks a significant discovery in the study of black hole activity.

Unprecedented Phenomenon Observed

According to the research shared at the 245th meeting of the American Astronomical Society in National Harbor, Maryland, the observed X-ray oscillations are believed to originate from a compact white dwarf orbiting close to the black hole’s event horizon. As reported by phys.org, researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) suggest that this white dwarf might be maintaining a precarious orbit near the black hole, which is approximately one million times the mass of the Sun. Megan Masterson, a physics graduate student at MIT and co-lead of the study, explained that such proximity to a black hole without falling in has not been observed before.

Insights into Black Hole Dynamics

The oscillations were detected using the European Space Agency’s XMM-Newton observatory, which measures X-ray emissions from extreme cosmic environments. The findings point to the possibility that the white dwarf’s gravitational waves, resulting from its orbit, could be detectable by future observatories, such as NASA’s Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA). As reported by phys.org, Erin Kara, an associate professor of physics at MIT, highlighted that the white dwarf’s shedding of material into the black hole may be preventing it from crossing the event horizon.

Continued observations are expected to provide further understanding of the dynamics between black holes and nearby celestial objects. Researchers aim to monitor this unique system with advanced telescopes and gravitational wave detectors, promising new insights into the physics of the universe.

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Oppo Smartphone With 6330mAh Battery Surfaces on TENAA; Speculated to Debut as Oppo A5

Oppo could be working on a new smartphone that could join the A5 Pro model that was launched last month. An unreleased Oppo handset was spotted on a Chinese certification website which hints towards its imminent launch in China. Although the official moniker remains unknown, it is believed to be the next generation Oppo A5. The listing also shows several key specifications of the purported phone and reveals its design. It may come with a 6.7-inch AMOLED screen and a 6,500mAh battery.

Oppo A5 TENAA Listing

First spotted by tipster Digital Chat Station (translated from Chinese) and shared on the Chinese social media platform Weibo, the purported Oppo phone has been listed on China’s TENAA website sporting the model number PKQ110 — it is speculated to arrive as the Oppo A5. The handset is allegedly equipped with a 6.7-inch (1,080×2,412 pixels) full HD+ AMOLED screen with an under-display fingerprint scanner for biometric authentication.

oppo a5 tenaa TENAA Listing of the Oppo A5

Purported Oppo A5 images on TENAA
Photo Credit: TENAA

The phone is said to have a dual rear camera unit housed in a circular camera module, comprising a 50-megapixel primary camera and a 2-megapixel secondary sensor. The front camera will likely use an 8-megapixel sensor for selfies and video calls.

The images of the purported Oppo A5 on TENAA show a phone in a bluish silver colourway with a flat display, rounded corners, and a centre-aligned circular rear camera module.

As per the listing, the Oppo A5 could be powered by a 2.2GHz octa-core processor which is speculated to be the Snapdragon 670. It is expected to be available in 8GB and 12GB RAM configurations, paired with 256GB and 512GB of inbuilt storage. The device may pack a 6,330mAh battery with support for 45W fast charging.

It is expected to join the Oppo A5 Pro which was launched in China in December and appears to sport a similar design. In terms of dimensions, it could measure 161.57 × 74.47 × 7.65mm and weigh 185g. It is listed to support Bluetooth and USB connectivity.

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Nintendo Switch 2 Will Reportedly Be Revealed This Week

The successor to the Nintendo Switch will be revealed this week, an industry insider has claimed. Rumours and leaks about the Nintendo Switch 2 have intensified ahead of launch, with several sources claiming an official announcement on the hybrid console could be right around the corner. Nintendo is said to be ready to unveil the Switch 2 as soon as January 16.

Nintendo Switch 2 Reveal Imminent

The information comes from tipster Nate the Hate, known for industry scoops and accurate predictions about launches. In the latest edition of his podcast Monday, he claimed he had been told the Nintendo Switch 2 would be revealed on Thursday, January 16.

He also shared a few details about the possible reveal event, claiming he had partial knowledge of what one could expect from Nintendo. “What I’ve heard is that the reveal itself is going to focus almost exclusively on the console itself,” the tipster said. “There is not going to be any presence of games.”

Nate the Hate’s claims were backed by other publications, as well. The Verge’s Tom Warren said on X Monday that the Switch 2 would be revealed this week. A Eurogamer report, too, claimed that industry sources had pointed to a January 16 reveal for Nintendo’s next console.

Nintendo Switch 2 Leaks

The string of leaks — many of which have shed light on the expected design of the Switch 2, while some have shared its specifications and capabilities — in recent weeks suggest that Nintendo might be close to finally taking the covers off the successor to the phenomenally successful Switch.

In fact, at CES last week, Genki, a third-party peripheral maker, presented a mockup of the Nintendo Switch 2. Nintendo, meanwhile, has remained tightlipped amid the leaks, and has even sought to clamp down on them. In a statement to CNET last week, the company said the Genki mockup of the Switch 2 shown at CES was “unofficial” and was not provided to the seller by Nintendo.

On its part, Nintendo has only confirmed two things: first, that the successor to the Nintendo Switch will be announced before the end of March 2025; and second, the console will be backwards compatible with Nintendo Switch games.

Over the past few months, however, Switch 2 leaks have pointed towards design and hardware upgrades — magnetic Joy Cons with hall-effect joysticks, a more powerful dock, larger display and more. A report last month claimed the Switch 2 would be launched on March 28.

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Asus NUC 14 Essential Mini PC With Intel Core N-Series CPUs Unveiled: See Features

Asus NUC 14 Essential was launched on Tuesday, equipped with Intel Core N-series processors. It is a compact, entry-level mini PC that is claimed to offer improved performance and power efficiency over existing models, thanks to updated CPUs. The company further claims that it has been put through “bake and humidity tests,” and “exceeds industry standards” for reliability and durability. It comes with support for up to three 4K displays via HDMI and DisplayPort ports. It also supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity.

The company has yet to confirm the pricing and availability details of the Asus NUC 14 Essential. It also states that the specifications and availability will vary by region. The NUC 14 is expected to go on sale in select markets later this year.

Asus NUC 14 Essential Features, Specifications

The Asus NUC 14 Essential ships with Windows 11 64-bit, while the Kit version also supports Ubuntu 24.04 LTS 64-bit and RedHat Enterprise Linux 64-bit. It is available in the following processor options — Intel’s N150 and N250 CPU with 6W TDP, Core 3 N355 with 15W TDP as well as N97 CPU with 12W TDP. They have integrated chipsets and support for Intel Graphics, while the N97 CPU variant supports Intel UHD Graphics. The mini PC also has support for up to 16GB DDR5-4800 RAM.

Connectivity options for the Asus NUC 14 Essential mini PC include Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 and a 2.5G LAN port. For audio, it gets a Realtek ALC3251 chipset, and for security, it features a fTPM or TPM 2.0 chip. It operates using a 65W power adapter which has a DC input of 19VDC and an output of 3.42A.

The Asus NUC 14 Essential is equipped with multiple ports, including two USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C and four USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A ports as well as one each of DisplayPort 1.4, USB 2.0 Type-A port, HDMI 2.1 (TMDS), 3.5mm headset jack, RJ45 LAN, DC-in and Kensington Lock ports. The mini PC measures 135x115x36mm in size and weighs 480g.

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Nubia Flip 2 With MediaTek Dimensity 7300X SoC, 3-Inch Cover Screen Launched: Price, Specifications

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Samsung Galaxy S25 Series Sale Date in India Leaked; Colourways, Storage Options Tipped

Samsung Galaxy S25 series is expected to be unveiled on January 22. Samsung is set to hold its Galaxy Unpacked event on the day. The lineup will likely include the base Galaxy S25, the Galaxy S25+ and the Galaxy S25 Ultra variants. Over the past few weeks, several leaked details about the upcoming handsets have surfaced online. The phones are expected to get Qualcomm’s latest octa-core Snapdragon 8 Elite chipsets. Now, a tipster has suggested the possible India sale date for the smartphones’ and their colour and storage options.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Series India Sale Date (Expected)

Samsung opened pre-reservations for its upcoming Galaxy S series earlier this month. The lineup is expected to include the base, Plus and Ultra options of the Samsung Galaxy S25 series. Tipster 
Ishan Agarwal (@ishanagarwal24) claimed in an X post Tuesday that the deliveries for pre-ordered Galaxy S25 series handsets are expected to start in India around February 3. Sales for all buyers are tipped to start on February 9.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Series Storage and Colour Options (Expected)

The tipster added that the base Samsung Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S25 Plus will be available in 256GB and 512GB storage options. These variants are expected to come in Blue Black, Coral Red, Mint, Navy or Icy Blue, Pink Gold and Silver Shadow colourways. 

The top-of-the-line Galaxy S25 Ultra option, on the other hand, is tipped to arrive in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB storage variants. The tipster claims it will be offered in seven colour options, including Titanium Black, Titanium Grey, Titanium Jade Green, Titanium Jet Black, Titanium Pink Gold, Titanium Silver Blue, and Titanium White Silver.

The rumoured colourways include Samsung-exclusive shades and all Samsung Galaxy S25 series models are said to support 12GB of RAM. Recently leaked promotional images suggest that the base and Plus variants sport similar designs to their predecessors. However, the Ultra version of the upcoming generation is said to get a more rounded appearance against the boxy design of the preceding model.