Science and technology

WhatsApp, the popular messaging platform owned by Meta, has announced that it will no longer work on a range of smart smartphones starting January 1, 2025. The decision comes as WhatsApp moves to adapt to the latest technological advancements and offer improved services to its users worldwide, including in Pakistan. Devices running outdated operating systems that are no longer eligible for updates will no longer support the app. As a result, these older Android phones will be unable to install future WhatsApp updates, preventing users from continuing to use the app. List of Phones That Will Stop Supporting WhatsApp in 2025: Samsung: Galaxy S3 Galaxy Note 2 Galaxy Ace 3 Galaxy S4 Mini Motorola: Moto G (1st Gen) Razr HD Moto E 2014 Read also:  WhatsApp to rolls out feature to make chat list management simpler HTC: One X One X+ Desire 500 Desire 601 LG: Optimus G Nexus 4 G2 Mini L90 Sony: Xperia Z Xperia SP Xperia T Xperia V iPhone: iPhone 5s ...

Air taxi start-up Volocopter GmbH filed for insolvency proceedings on Monday, citing its inability to raise new funds to maintain regular operations. The Mercedes-Benz (MBGn.DE), opens new tab and Honeywell (HON.O), opens new tab-backed company plans to continue business operations during the insolvency proceedings while seeking additional funding. “Despite recent intensive fundraising efforts, finding a viable solution to maintain regular operations outside of insolvency proceedings has not been possible,” the Bruchsal, Germany-based firm said. The electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) industry is facing a financial crunch, with companies persistently seeking new investments to support their capital-intensive operations as companies prepare for commercial operations. In November, peer Lilium said it would file for insolvency “soon”, after failing to resolve its financial difficulties. Founded in 2011, Volocopter was scheduled to enter the market in 2025 with its urban eV...

The European Union has recently introduced a new law requiring most electronic devices to use the same type of charger: USB-C. This means consumers will no longer need to collect different chargers for their various gadgets, as USB-C will be the standard for many devices. This important change, called the Common Charger Directive, was approved in 2022 but has only just come into effect. The directive’s main goal is to reduce electronic waste, which has become a growing environmental issue. According to the European Commission, discarded and unused chargers make up about 11,000 tonnes of waste every year, and USB-C is expected to play a big role in addressing this problem. Read More: Researchers develop solar panels that generate power at night The new rule applies to a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, cameras, headphones, and more. However, laptops will have a bit more time to adjust and will need to comply with the law starting in late April 2026. This give...

Scientists at Stanford University have made a groundbreaking discovery that could change how we use solar energy. They have developed a technology that enables solar panels to generate electricity even at night. This innovation uses a natural process called radiative cooling, where heat from the Earth’s surface escapes into space on clear nights. By attaching special thermoelectric generators to standard solar panels, the researchers can capture this escaping heat. Although the amount of electricity generated at night is much smaller than during the day, it’s still enough to power low-energy devices like LEDs and environmental sensors. This could be a game-changer, particularly for communities without access to a stable power supply. The idea of nighttime solar power addresses several important challenges. It makes solar energy systems more reliable, especially in places that often have cloudy weather or limited sunlight. This increased dependability could help expand the use of so...

WhatsApp is reportedly developing a new feature that will enable users to connect directly with human chat support via the web client. According to details from WABetaInfo, the latest beta version includes a “Chat with Us” option, allowing users to reach the support team directly from the Help Section. Currently, users are required to navigate through a series of frequently asked questions (FAQs) before they can contact WhatsApp support. The new feature aims to streamline this process by permitting users to initiate a conversation with support staff directly. Those who select the “Chat with Us” option will be notified that responses will be provided through WhatsApp chat. While users can request assistance from a human representative if needed, initial replies may still be automated or generated by AI. Read more:  WhatsApp users can now apply AR effects to camera in THIS update for iOS WaBetaInfo’s report indicates that users will receive a message from WhatsApp requesting ...

Saturn, the sixth planet in our Solar System, is renowned for its stunning ring system, a remarkable feature of astronomical beauty. Composed of billions of icy particles and small rock fragments, these distinctive rings have fascinated astronomers and space enthusiasts for centuries, evoking admiration for their vastness and elegance. Reports indicate that these rings will appear to vanish from view in 2025. However, Saturn will not actually lose its rings; rather, they will become obscured from our perspective. What Causes the Rings to Become Invisible? This phenomenon is attributed to the alignment of the planets. Saturn’s axis is tilted at an angle of 26.7 degrees, which alters the visibility of its rings from Earth over time. As the planet rotates, the rings will align edge-on to our line of sight, rendering them nearly invisible. To illustrate, one can liken Saturn’s rings to a sheet of paper viewed from a distance; when seen from the side, the paper’s surface becomes almos...

Nintendo Switch 2 has long been a topic of debate on social media along with several alleged leaks to reveal the specifications of the gaming console. While the Kyoto-based company remains tight-lipped about its hotly-anticipated gaming console, fans have been coming up with wild theories about how Switch 2 might look like. Now, a latest report has claimed that the Nintendo Switch 2 would run at PS4 Pro levels of power, a significant improvement from the current console’s capabilities. Fans of the gaming console welcomed the report of the power specification as Nintendo Switch is generally compared with the power of PS3. However, the report came with an exception, which is that Nintendo Switch 2 will have the power as much as PS4 only in the docked mode. The claim is seen as a disappointing update for fans who mostly use the gaming console in handheld mode. It is worth noting here that the only official confirmation Nintendo Switch 2 has gotten is its backward compatibility with...

SpaceX commenced its countdown to the New Year with the launch of the first of three rockets scheduled to conclude the year 2024. As reported, a Falcon 9 rocket , carrying 22 satellites from the company, lifted off on Saturday, from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The launch occurred at 8:48 PM from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E), as reported by Space.com. As planned, approximately 65 minutes later, the satellites were on course for deployment into low Earth orbit. With two additional launches still on the agenda, this marked SpaceX’s 132nd Falcon launch of the year. The upcoming launches include a mission for commercial communications satellites and another batch of Starlink satellites. READ: Starliner Helium leak: Will Elon Musk’s SpaceX bring back Sunita Williams to earth? “We are now aiming for 134 launches—just two short of our previous target—to conclude 2024 on a high note,” stated Kiko Dontchev, SpaceX’s vice president of launch. He further remarked, “H...

WhatsApp has rolled out a new camera update for iOS users, which is currently accessible to a limited number of users. According to WABETAINFO, this update introduces a feature that allows users to apply augmented reality (AR) effects, backgrounds, and filters directly within the camera settings. Some users of the messaging platform can now find a new button that enables these AR effects, backgrounds, and filters straight from the camera interface. To access these new features, users simply need to open the camera and tap the “wand” icon to activate the effects. Once activated, users can add animated effects like confetti or stars that will appear on their screen. Additionally, this feature allows users to modify facial expressions and adjust the color tones of their videos from a broad selection of shades. Read more: WhatsApp to roll out shortcut to Meta AI during conversation There’s also a “Touch Up Mode” that enhances facial appearance, smooths skin tones, and removes min...

The internet is a vast and complex network, and a significant portion of it remains hidden from the casual user. The “dark web” is a specific subset of the “deep web,” which encompasses all content not indexed by standard search engines like Google. A SHORT EXPLAINER The dark web is characterized by its anonymity and inaccessibility. It requires specialized software, primarily the Tor browser, to access. Tor (The Onion Router) encrypts user traffic and routes it through a network of volunteer-operated servers, obscuring the user’s location and identity. This layer of privacy makes the dark web attractive to those seeking to evade surveillance or censorship. Content on the Dark Web The dark web hosts a wide range of content, both legal and illegal. Legitimate uses include: Whistleblowing and journalism: Platforms like WikiLeaks and Project Veritas utilize the dark web to protect sources and disseminate information. Circumventing censorship: Individuals in repressive regimes can ...

In its latest update, the Google-owned video streaming service YouTube is developing a new option for users who may be uncertain about their viewing choices. This feature, referred to as the “Play Something” floating action button (FAB), addresses this issue by playing random videos on YouTube. For those who may not be aware, this feature has been in testing for over a year and is currently accessible to Android users with version 19.5. Regarding its functionality, the “Play Something” button, which is located above the home tab against a black background, allows users to immediately engage with content without the need to scroll or search. Upon selecting the button, the feature will commence playback of a video directly within the Shorts player. It is important to highlight that this feature is not restricted to Shorts; it can also play standard videos in portrait mode. READ: YouTube launches new TV-focused tools for creators The video controls have been streamlined, featuring l...

A recent study has revealed that a single cup of tea made with tea bags can release billions of microplastics into your body, raising concerns about potential health impacts. According to the Daily Mail , researchers from Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona analyzed three common types of tea bags – nylon, polypropylene, and one with an unknown filter – and found significant microplastic release. Out of the three, polypropylene tea bags were the worst offenders, releasing an alarming number of nanoparticles into the brewing water. These microplastics were then observed to be absorbed by intestinal cells, with some even entering the cell nucleus, the part of the cell that houses genetic material. While the long-term health effects remain unclear, this research adds to growing evidence that microplastic exposure from tea bags may have significant consequences. Previous studies have linked microplastic ingestion, particularly from tea bags, to potential impacts on cellu...

WhatsApp is launching a new shortcut that enables users to start a conversation with Meta AI directly from the Chats tab, enhancing visibility and user-friendliness. This new shortcut, revealed in the recent WhatsApp beta update for iOS version 24.25.10.79, has been relocated to the Chats tab, replacing the previous position at the top of the navigation bar, as reported by WABetaInfo. The intention behind this adjustment is to improve the feature’s visibility, particularly on larger screens where accessing the top of the display may pose challenges. Furthermore, the application seeks to motivate a greater number of users to explore its AI-driven functionalities through this new shortcut. Read more: Iran lifts ban on WhatsApp and Google Play With this update, users will have the opportunity to experiment with creative tools, such as generating personalized images and other content. This modification signifies a deliberate effort to enhance user experience, especially in the Andr...

Activision has dropped the teaser for the hotly-anticipated crossover between Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and the hit Netflix show ‘Squid Game.’ Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Warzone players will be able to get skins of operatives, blueprints of weapons, time modes and other thematic content of ‘Squid Game.’ The crossover with the hit Netflix show will begin on January 3, however, Activision has not revealed the duration of the crossover and details of special modes in the event. Released on October 25, Activision’s Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 scored the biggest opening weekend in the franchise’s history, as per Microsoft Gaming. The game became the biggest Call of Duty opening weekend in terms of total players, hours played and total matches. Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is set in an alternate history in 1991 and follows Troy Marshall and Frank Woods as they gather a number of agents to hunt down Pantheon, a mysterious group that has infiltrated the CIA and targeted outsiders as traito...

NASA’s Parker Solar Probe was expected to make history on Tuesday by flying into the sun’s outer atmosphere called the corona on a mission to help scientists learn more about Earth’s closest star. “No human-made object has ever passed this close to a star, so Parker will truly be returning data from uncharted territory,” Nick Pinkine, mission operations manager at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, said in a NASA blog. Parker was on course to fly 3.8 million miles (6.1 million km) from the sun’s surface at 6:53 a.m. EST (1153 GMT). With the spacecraft out of contact, it will be Friday before mission operators confirm its health following the close flyby. Moving at up to 430,000 mph (692,000 kph), the spacecraft will endure temperatures of up to 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit (982 degrees Celsius), NASA said on its website. When the probe first passed into the solar atmosphere in 2021 it found new details about the boundaries of the sun’s atmosphere and collected close-up images o...

WhatsApp has introduced an exciting update by incorporating the Party Popper emoji as the seventh default reaction in the reaction tray. According to WABetaInfo, users of the Meta-owned messaging application can easily access the Party Popper emoji within the reaction tray, allowing for a seamless way to celebrate and convey joy without the need to search through the emoji picker. The selection of the Party Popper emoji is based on its widespread recognition as a symbol of celebration, making it particularly suitable for the New Year and Christmas festivities. It is noteworthy that this feature is uniformly available across all platforms, including iOS, Android, individual chats, group chats, and channels, ensuring that users enjoy a consistent experience regardless of the device or context in which they utilise WhatsApp. READ: WhatsApp to stop working on THESE android phones after 2024 The inclusion of the Party Popper emoji among the default reactions complements their recen...

Apple is closing in on a historic $4 trillion stock market valuation, powered by investors cheering progress in the company’s long-awaited AI enhancements to rejuvenate sluggish iPhone sales. The company has pulled ahead of Nvidia and Microsoft in the race to the monumental milestone, thanks to an about 16% jump in shares since early November that has added about $500 billion to its market capitalization. The latest rally in Apple shares reflects “investor enthusiasm for artificial intelligence and an expectation that it will result in a supercycle of iPhone upgrades,” said Tom Forte, an analyst at Maxim Group, who has a “hold” rating. Valued at about $3.85 trillion as of the last close, Apple dwarfs the combined value of Germany and Switzerland’s main stock markets. The Silicon Valley firm, driven by the so-called iPhone supercycles, was the first U.S. company to hit previous trillion-dollar milestones. In recent years, the company has attracted criticism for being slow ...

Researchers of the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) have introduced ‘WalkON Suit F1’, a life-changing robot designed to assist paraplegic people in walking. The WalkON Suit F1 exoskeleton aims to enhance the mobility of individuals with spinal cord injuries, thereby facilitating their daily activities. Weighing 50 kg, the WalkON Suit F1 is constructed from robust aluminium and titanium materials. It operates using 12 electronic motors that replicate human joint movements, enabling users to walk at a speed of 3.2 km/h. Additionally, it allows users to navigate stairs, take lateral steps, and sit down. A distinctive feature of the suit is its ability to approach individuals in wheelchairs, secure a connection, and assist them in standing. Kim Seung-hwan, a paraplegic member of the KAIST team, shared, “It can approach me wherever I am, even when I’m sitting in a wheelchair, and help me stand up.” Read more: S. Korea administrative robot defunct after appar...

Microsoft is actively pursuing strategies to lessen its reliance on OpenAI for its premier artificial intelligence product, Microsoft 365 Copilot. This initiative is part of a larger strategy aimed at reducing expenses and enhancing performance for enterprise clients. Although Microsoft has maintained a long-standing partnership with OpenAI, which included the integration of its GPT-4 model into 365 Copilot upon its launch in March 2023, the company is now investigating alternative AI models. According to sources, Microsoft is working to integrate both proprietary and third-party AI models into 365 Copilot. A primary concern for Microsoft has been the costs and processing speed associated with OpenAI’s models, which could impact the experience of enterprise users. Read more: Microsoft introduces new file sharing feature between iPhones, Windows PCs A spokesperson for Microsoft highlighted that OpenAI continues to be a significant partner, particularly for the most sophisticated ...

In the modern digital era, WordPress has become a leading platform for website creation, thanks to its user-friendly interface, vast plugin ecosystem, and extensive community support. Nevertheless, some users seek alternatives due to concerns over security vulnerabilities, performance issues, and limitations in multi-channel delivery. Ultimately, the choice of platform depends on individual organizational needs, which can vary greatly. By exploring all available options, you can identify the best fit for your specific requirements, balancing features, flexibility, and simplicity. Top 10 WordPress Alternatives 1. Storyblok: A Headless CMS for Dynamic Websites Storyblok offers a robust and flexible headless CMS that allows developers and content creators to manage and deliver content across multiple platforms. Its Visual Editor provides an intuitive interface for non-technical users, while its API and frontend-agnostic approach make it ideal for developers. 2. Wix: A User-Friendly ...

More than 20 devices will no longer be compatible with the Meta-owned app, WhatsApp due to their outdated operating systems from January 1, 2025,  According to a report published by HDblog , the decision is part of the messaging platform’s ongoing efforts to update and adapt to the latest technological advancements, thereby improving the user experience. Older smartphones with outdated operating systems may not be able to accommodate these changes. Read also: WhatsApp is rolling out feature for video speed customisation Which devices will be impacted? The devices affected include popular models from brands like Samsung, Motorola, HTC, LG, and Sony. Below is the complete list: Samsung Galaxy S3 Galaxy Note 2 Galaxy Ace 3 Galaxy S4 Mini Motorola Moto G (1st Gen) Razr HD Moto E 2014 HTC One X One X+ Desire 500 Desire 601 LG Optimus G Nexus 4 G2 Mini L90 Sony Xperia Z Xperia SP Xperia T Xperia V These devices, all of which are at least ten years...

The  National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has announced that the fast-moving asteroid XN1 will make a close approach to earth while traveling at an estimated speed of 23,729 km/h. According to a report by Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), the asteroid, measuring approximately 120 feet (37 meters) in length, similar to a commercial jet’s size, is expected to pass by at 7:57 AM PST on December 24, The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) has indicated that the 2024 XN1 does not qualify as a potentially hazardous asteroid, and its distance from Earth ensures that it will not pose any risk. NASA defines potentially dangerous asteroids as those exceeding 150 meters in diameter that approach within 4.6 million miles (7.4 million kilometres) of Earth. As a smaller asteroid, the 2024 XN1 will safely pass outside this risk zone, categorizing it as close yet harmless. Read more: NASA offers Rs 250000000 to solve a challenge, here’s how Asteroids of this size are infrequently...

The concept of time travel has captivated the human imagination for centuries, sparking countless stories, films, and scientific theories. One of the most influential figures in this field is Albert Einstein, whose revolutionary theory of relativity provides a framework for understanding time and space. Einstein’s Theory of Relativity Einstein’s theory of relativity consists of two main components: special relativity and general relativity. Special Relativity: This theory deals with motion and the relationship between space and time. A key concept is the idea that time is relative, meaning it flows differently for observers in different states of motion. For example, a person moving at near-light speed would experience time more slowly than someone at rest. This phenomenon is known as time dilation. General Relativity: This theory extends special relativity to include gravity. It describes gravity as a curvature of spacetime caused by the presence of mass or energy. This curvatu...

When it comes to building robust and scalable web applications, the choice between Laravel and WordPress is clear. While WordPress may be a popular choice for simple blogs and websites, Laravel is the clear winner for complex web applications that require flexibility, security, and performance. Modular and Flexible Architecture Laravel’s modular architecture makes it easy to build and maintain complex web applications. With a robust ecosystem of packages and libraries, developers can easily extend and customize Laravel to meet their specific needs. This modular approach allows developers to break down complex applications into smaller, manageable components, making it easier to develop, test, and maintain. In contrast, WordPress’s monolithic architecture can make it difficult to customize and extend. WordPress’s rigid structure can lead to a tangled mess of code, making it challenging to maintain and update. Furthermore, WordPress’s lack of modularity can result in a slower and mor...

WhatsApp has introduced new features for the New Year 2025, including a unique calling effect, a special sticker pack, and enhancements to help users express their wishes globally. Notably, these features are accessible for a limited duration, from December 20 to January 3, 2025. To utilise these features, users are encouraged to update to the latest version of the application. Regarding the new offerings, the Meta-owned platform has unveiled a festive background for video calls, complemented by new filters and effects inspired by the New Year celebrations. Furthermore, the company has incorporated celebration emojis that can be utilized to respond to messages in both individual and group chats, accompanied by a confetti animation visible to both the sender and the recipient. Additionally, WhatsApp has launched a new sticker pack and avatar stickers specifically tailored for the New Year. Read more: WhatsApp is rolling out feature for video speed customization Previously, the c...

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has resumed granting Class License for Data Services for the provision of Data Services for Pakistan. According to the PTA news release the VPN service providers are required to obtain a Class License for Data (Data Services) to provide VPN and related services. As per the news release, this resuming of Class License for Data does not include the Internet Services provision category. It is further clarified that Local Loop Licensees are permitted to offer any class license services such as VPN services, subject to obtaining separate prior permission from PTA. This initiative underscores PTA’s commitment to fostering a secure, transparent, and innovative digital ecosystem while safeguarding the interests of users and stakeholders. This development follows the PTA’s earlier decision to launch a crackdown on unregistered VPNs due to security concerns raised by the government. Initially, the PTA had set a deadline of November ...

The iPhone 16 series was recently introduced in September and speculation regarding the forthcoming iPhone 17 series is already gaining traction. Apple is anticipated to implement significant changes in 2025, potentially discontinuing the traditional Plus variant in favor of a new model. This new device may be designated as the iPhone 17 Air or iPhone 17 Slim. Should these rumors prove to be true, Apple could unveil four models next year: the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max. Let us examine what features and updates we might expect from the iPhone 17. Expected Release Date Apple generally reveals its new iPhone models in September, with most launches occurring between the second and third weeks of the month. For instance, the iPhone 16 series was announced on September 9, with shipments commencing on September 20. Following this pattern, the new iPhone series is likely to be introduced between September 10 and 14, 2025. However, this remains speculat...

YouTube has issued an official statement that may serve as a cautionary note for certain creators in India who employ clickbait titles or thumbnails to enhance the appeal of their video content. In a recent blog post, Google announced that videos featuring clickbait titles or thumbnails, especially those on breaking news or current events, will be subject to removal. The technology company highlighted that numerous creators resort to sensational and misleading titles, often incorporating phrases such as “Breaking News” or “The President Steps Down,” which can lead to confusion and ultimately result in misleading content. YouTube emphasized that such titles can leave viewers feeling deceived and frustrated, particularly when they seek crucial information. “We are intensifying our efforts to combat blatant clickbait on YouTube. This entails an increase in our enforcement against videos where the title or thumbnail promises viewers something the video fails to deliver. This is partic...

Johnny Ray Gill, who has lent his voice to a couple of Rockstar Games titles, has dropped a major hint about the Grand Theft Auto (GTA) 6 release date. Speaking during a recent interview, Gill reflected on his working experience in GTA 5 and Red Dead Redemption 2. “I think I was earlier in my career and so they put the little helmet on you and they’re filming you and you’re doing multiple voices of different characters and stuff like that,” he said when asked about his previous work for Rockstar Games. Responding to a question about GTA 6, Gill teased a role in the upcoming title of the Grand Theft Auto series along with a development in the next year. “I will say this, stay on the lookout. I can’t say anything but there’s another situation happening in that world that may be coming out in 2025, 2026 that I’m really hyped about,” he said. Read more: GTA 6 parent company’s boss shares update on upcoming title When pressed if he was specifically talking about GTA 6, he said: “I do...