Science and technology

Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, announced that the installation of three new submarine internet cables will improve internet speed in Pakistan. Speaking to the media, Minister Khawaja emphasized that no country can progress in today’s world without robust digital infrastructure. “This is not just about faster internet — it’s about opening new frontiers for innovation, investment, and inclusion,” she said. The new cables, set to dramatically improve Pakistan’s bandwidth and international connectivity, come at a time of record-breaking digital growth. Pakistan has added 10 million new mobile users in the past year alone, with total mobile subscribers now exceeding 200 million as of 2025. Internet usage has surged by 25% over the past two years, reflecting a population increasingly engaged with the digital economy. Perhaps the most significant milestone: 8 million women came online for the first time — a major step forward in closing the country...

President Donald Trump said on Friday the US would take a 10% stake in Intel under a deal with the struggling chipmaker that converts government grants into an equity share, the latest extraordinary intervention by the White House in corporate America. The deal puts Trump on better terms with Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan, after the president recently said the CEO should step down due to conflicts of interest. It will ensure that the chipmaker will receive about $10 billion in funds for building or expanding factories in the US. Under the agreement, the US will purchase a 9.9% stake in Intel for $8.9 billion, or $20.47 per share, which represents a discount of about $4 from Intel’s closing share price of $24.80 on Friday. The purchase of the 433.3 million Intel shares will be made with funding from the $5.7 billion in unpaid grants from the Biden-era CHIPS Act and $3.2 billion awarded to Intel for the Secure Enclave program, also awarded under Trump’s predecessor, Democratic President Joe B...

WASHINGTON: Medical monitoring technology company Masimo sued US Customs and Border Protection on Wednesday over a decision by the agency that allowed Apple to import Apple Watches with blood-oxygen reading technology during a patent dispute between the companies. Masimo said in the lawsuit in Washington, D.C., federal court that Customs improperly determined that Apple can import watches with pulse oximetry technology, reversing its own decision from last year without notifying Masimo. Masimo told the court that it learned of the agency’s August 1 decision only after Apple announced it would reintroduce blood-oxygen reading to its watches last week. Spokespeople for Apple and Customs did not immediately respond to requests for comment. A Masimo spokesperson declined to comment. Irvine, California-based Masimo has accused Apple of hiring away its employees and stealing its pulse oximetry technology to use in its Apple Watches. Masimo has separately sued Apple for patent infringeme...

Meta’s messaging platform WhatsApp is working on a new voicemail-style feature that lets users send voice messages if a call is not answered, adding a voicemail shortcut to the interface. The voicemail-style feature is currently available to select Android beta users (version 2.25.23.21), aiming to streamline communication by offering a quick follow-up option directly from the call screen. Feature Overview When a WhatsApp voice call goes unanswered, users will have three options on screen, including call again, cancel, and a new record voice message shortcut. This shortcut will also be available in the chat window with the recipient, enabling users to send a voice message without swiping screens. The recorded message is quickly sent within the conversation thread, alongside the missed call notification. The feature replicates the traditional voicemail but integrates flawlessly with WhatsApp’s chat interface, enhancing convenience and immediacy. The feature is in the testing phase ...

Battlefield 6 developers are set to bring several changes to the game based on players’ input obtained during the Open Beta tests. The game had two such tests to give players the opportunity to get a hold of the game’s features before its official launch on October 10. The first Battlefield 6 Open beta ran from August 9 to 10, while the second began on August 14 and ran through August 17. Following the two tests, EA and DICE have confirmed making several changes to the game’s gunplay, maps and characters’ movement. The changes include making gunplay more rewarding and consistent for players in the Battlefield 6. EA announced its plans to add general pass on recoil and tap-fire characteristics for all weapons. Read more: Battlefield 2042 adds new map, weapons in latest update According to the developer, the M87A1 shotgun will require more pellets than before to secure a kill. Additionally, players’ movement has seen several changes, including a reduction in the momentum when tr...

Developer NetEase introduced a new map, gameplay mode and free rewards in the latest Marvel Rivals patch notes on Thursday. Since its launch in December last year, the game has been receiving positive reviews as gamers get to play as 40 characters from the Marvel comics. NetEase has been rolling out new updates and patch notes to improve the game, while giving players new content as they progress in the game. The new Marvel Rivals patch notes, which were deployed on Thursday, August 21, added Klyntar: Throne of Knull, a map which comes with a new gameplay mode Resource Rumble. As per the August 21 update, fans can get free rewards, including the Doctor Strange – Old Man Strange Costume. Read more: Here’s everything to know about Marvel Rivals season 3.5 update Players can also get their hands on Iron First – Phoenix First and Venom – Reborn King in Black costumes by upgrading to the Premium Addition of Marvel Rivals. Marvel Rivals patch notes include; New In Store Iron Man – ...

Google has launched its latest lineup of phones: Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL, packed with impressive specifications. Powered by the Tensor G5 chip and Gemini Nano model, Google has termed the new devices its most personalised, proactive and helpful Pixels ever. The company has refined the camera bar in all three of Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL. The new phones have several magnetic accessories and wireless charging. Notable features include; Display The Pixel 10 Pro comes with a 6.3-inch, 1,280 × 2,856px panel, while Pro XL boasts a 6.8-inch, 1,344 × 2,992px display. Read more: Google Wallet Launches in Pakistan, Expanding Digital Payment Options Google offers both phones in a colours such as Moonstone, Obsidian, Porcelain, and Jade. Cameras The Pixel 10 Pro has 50MP main camera, 48MP ultrawide, and 48MP telephoto setup. Performance The biggest improvement in terms of performance is the high-end Tensor G5 chipset, which offers 34 percent faster ...