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Chinese e-commerce firm Alibaba Group Holding posted its fastest revenue growth in more than a year, beating analyst expectations as it capitalizes on the artificial intelligence boom in China. Alibaba said Thursday that its revenue for the quarter ended December grew 8% to 280.2 billion yuan ($38.38 billion) compared to the same period last year. Net income surged to 48.9 billion yuan ($6.71 billion). Alibaba’s New York-traded stock was up over 12% following the earnings results. In an earnings call, Alibaba CEO Eddie Wu said that Alibaba plans to “aggressively invest” in artificial intelligence and cloud computing infrastructure in the coming three years, with upcoming spending expected to exceed what the firm has already invested over the past decade. “This quarter’s results demonstrated substantial progress in our ‘user first, AI-driven’ strategies and the re-accelerated growth of our core businesses,” Wu said. He said that Alibaba’s artificial intelligence strategy was to pursue artificial general intelligence (AGI), which is artificial intelligence that can match or surpass human intelligence and can self-teach. He added that such an opportunity for industry transformation is something that comes along “once every several decades” and said that AGI was Alibaba’s primary goal. Apple unveils a souped-up and more expensive version of its lowest priced iPhone Alibaba’s plan to go big on artificial intelligence comes as rivalry in the AI space heats up between U.S. and China. Chinese AI firm DeepSeek recently rattled the U.S. AI industry after its AI model appeared to rival those of leading U.S. companies while being trained on cheaper hardware. The Hangzhou-headquartered firm is one of many technology firms in China who are racing to get ahead in the AI space. In January, it unveiled its latest Qwen AI models that have performed well in benchmark tests, placing Alibaba among the leading companies in China’s AI industry. Alibaba is working with Apple to incorporate its AI technology into Chinese iPhones, the firm said earlier this month. Alibaba has already implemented AI technology into its cloud products, with its cloud business unit generating 13% revenue growth compared to the same time last year – the fastest pace in about two years. Its international commerce unit, which includes platforms such as AliExpress and Lazada, saw revenue growth of 32% driven by “strong performance of cross-border businesses.” Alibaba was one of several prominent Chinese technology companies which suffered the brunt of a regulatory crackdown on the technology industry in 2020, when authorities scuppered the initial public offering of its financial affiliate Ant Group. The company was later fined a record $2.8 billion for violating anti-monopoly laws. Jack Ma, one of Alibaba’s cofounders, disappeared from public view and the company’s stock price slumped for several years. But Beijing appears to have shifted gears towards the technology industry as it pursues technology supremacy and self-sufficiency amid deteriorating U.S.-China relations. Chinese President Xi Jinping recently held a private symposium, meeting with prominent entrepreneurs including Ma. Google agrees to pay Italy $340ml to settle tax evasion investigation The meeting, coupled with DeepSeek’s AI advancements, were among the factors that sparked renewed interest in the Chinese technology industry, sending technology stocks soaring in recent weeks. Alibaba’s stock price is up more than 60% this year. Its U.S.-listed shares rose 8.5% in morning trading, to $136.58.

Apple has released a sleeker and more expensive version of its lowest priced iPhone in an attempt to widen the audience for a bundle of artificial intelligence technology that the company has been hoping will revive demand for its most profitable product lineup. The iPhone 16e unveiled Wednesday is the fourth-generation of a model that’s sold at a dramatically lower price than the iPhone’s standard and premium models. The previous bargain-bin models were called the iPhone SE, with the last version coming out in 2022. Like the higher-priced iPhone 16 lineup unveiled last September, the iPhone 16e includes the souped-up computer chip needed to process an array of AI features that automatically summarize text, audio and create on-the-fly emojis while smartening up the device’s virtual assistant, Siri. It will also have a more powerful battery and camera. All those upgrades will translate into a higher starting price for an iPhone 16e at $600, a 40% increase from $430 for the last iPhone SE. But iPhone 16e will be more affordable than the cheapest standard iPhone 16 at $800. The new phone will be available in stores Feb. 28, but can be pre-ordered beginning Friday. “We’re so excited for iPhone 16e to complete the lineup as a powerful, more affordable option to bring the iPhone experience to even more people,” said Kaiann Drance, an Apple vice president in charge of promoting a device lineup that accounts for more than half of the company's revenue. But Apple is also trying to balance its desire to offer a more affordable iPhone that will lure more people into its sphere of product against its self interest in maximizing its profits from selling higher price products, according to Forrester Research analyst Dipanjan Chatterjee. iPhone SE 4 (2025): Latest Leaks, Rumors, and Features of Apple’s Most Affordable Powerhouse “The problem with a lower-end product in a luxury portfolio is that you want it to be good but not so good as to cannibalize the crown jewels," Chatterjee said. Although Apple has been hyping its foray into AI since last June, the complete set of features still haven’t been released in the U.S. and the technology still isn’t even available in some parts of the world. The delays in making the iPhone’s AI — dubbed “Apple Intelligence’" — more widely available through free software updates dinged the Cupertino, California, company during the past holiday when sales of the device dipped slightly from their 2023 levels. Apple has primarily been losing the ground in China, where it hasn’t yet specified when the iPhone's AI technology will be available. But the company recently struck an AI partnership with Alibaba in China that could pave the way for the technology coming to iPhones in that country this spring. Besides being able to handle AI for the first time, the iPhone 16e has a different look from previous SE models. It boasts a 6.1-inch display screen, slightly larger than the 4.7-inch display on SE model and no longer has a home screen button like the SE had. The new iPhone 16e will rely include a facial recognition option for unlocking the device, just like the higher priced models do. Apple’s foldable iPhone now closer to reality Apple's shares edged higher Wednesday to close at $244.87, below the stock's peak of roughly $260 reached in late December.

Italian prosecutors said Wednesday they will seek to drop a tax evasion investigation against Google after the tech giant agreed to pay a 326 million euro ($340 million) settlement. Milan prosecutors had opened an investigation against Google for failure to pay taxes on earnings in Italy from 2015-2019. The investigation focused on revenues from the sale of advertising, and cited the presence of servers and other infrastructure in Italy. Mexico awaits new response from Google on dispute over Gulf of Mexico name before filing lawsuit Google acknowledged the settlement in statement, saying it resolves “a tax audit ... without litigation.” Tech giant Google previously paid over $1 billion to French authorities to settle a years long dispute over allegations of tax fraud.

Finding quality offline games for low-end Android phones can be tough, with many options falling short on gameplay or graphics. However, there are hidden gems that deliver great entertainment without draining your storage or data. Whether you enjoy action, puzzles, or racing, these lightweight games under 200MB offer hours of fun without the need for a high-end device. Here’s our curated list of the 10 best offline Android games under 200MB, perfect for budget-friendly gaming in 2025. Top 10 Offline Android Games Under 200 MB for Basic Smartphones . Apple Knight 2 Gamers looking for a fun-to-play and easy-to-roll game can download the Apple Knight 2 without hesitation. The game is an action-packed platformer, spreading to 36 short to long stages with a boss to kill at the climax of each stage. Gamers will rush on their course, slashing down enemies, collecting loot and weapons, and growing in experience. Read more: Top Video Game Releases in March 2025: Must-Play Titles for Every Gamer The Apple Knight 2 is a free-to-download game developed by Limitless LLC, with a downloadable size of 56MB. First released on Feb. 11, 2023, the game received a recent update on Feb. 1, 2025. It is runnable on any Android device with Android version 7.0 or up. Frontline Heroes Frontline fighters can immerse themselves in a raw warfare first-person shooting experience with the  Frontline Heroes. Set on the grounds of World War II, all the events featured in the game are accurately referenced by history. With daring landing missions, treacherous trench wars, and tactical defense lines, the game offers a compact war experience. Developed by Homa, the Frontline Heroes launched on Feb. 15, 2024. Compatible with Android version 5.1 or up, the game demands only 174MB of storage.  Read more: Greatest Video Game Inspired Movies and TV Series You Shouldn’t Miss SimCity BuildIt The SimCity BuildIt, from EA Games, is a treat for builders and strategic players. As an ideal city-builder, the game invites games to play as a mayor and build a city from the ground up and then lead it to thrive. Gamers will plan their cities and place essential buildings and services to make the citizens happy. While there are a lot of similar games on the PlayStore, the SimCity BuildIt tops them all with its minuscule detailing and gripping visuals. With the latest update on Jan. 31, 2025, the SimCity BuildIt remains a classic with a downloadable size of 188MB. It runs on devices with Android 7.0 or up. Battle of The Coral Sea Time to be airborne and rush after all the Nazi fighters who dare to cross your path. Take a flight over the Coral Sea and join your allies in a mission to take as many enemy planes down as you can. With simplistic gameplay, Mohammad Alizadeh’s WWII wargame, the Battle of the Coral Sea, is a tremendous adrenalin pumper as a first-person air shooting game. Read more: Best Squid Game-inspired mobile games for Android & iOS in 2025 Released on Nov. 20, 2024, the Battle of the Coral Sea is a small game with a 96MB of downloadable size. It is playable on devices with Android version 5.1 or up. Zombie Hunt: Apocalypse Only a few offline shooting games can match the intensity and thrill of Zombie Hunt: Apocalypse, especially at a 199MB download size. The game will hook players into a zombie apocalypse and equip them with a range of weapons to get into a zombie-killing frenzy.  VNGGames Studios launched Zombie Hunt: Apocalypse on Oct. 2, 2024. The game runs on devices beyond the Android 6.0 version and has a 4.7-star review on Google Play. Read more: February 2025 Video Game Releases: Top Titles You Can’t Miss

Mexico said Monday it's awaiting a new response from Google to its request that the tech company fully restore the name Gulf of Mexico to its Google Maps service before filing a lawsuit. President Claudia Sheinbaum shared a letter addressed to her government from Cris Turner, Google’s vice president of government affairs and public policy. It says that Google will not change the policy it outlined after U.S. President Donald Trump declared the body of water the Gulf of America. “We will wait for Google’s response and if not, we will proceed to court,” Sheinbaum said Monday during a morning press briefing. As it stands, the gulf appears in Google Maps as Gulf of America within the United States, as Gulf of Mexico within Mexico and Gulf of Mexico (Gulf of America) elsewhere. Turner in his letter said the company was using Gulf of America to follow “longstanding maps policies impartially and consistently across all regions" and that the company was willing to meet in person with the Mexican government. “While international treaties and conventions are not intended to regulate how private mapping providers represent geographic features, it is our consistent policy to consult multiple authoritative sources to provide the most up to date and accurate representation of the world," he wrote. Mexico has argued that the mapping policy violates Mexican sovereignty because the U.S. only has jurisdiction over around 46% of the Gulf. The rest is controlled by Mexico, which controls 49% and Cuba, which controls around 5%. The name Gulf of Mexico dates back to 1607 and is recognized by the United Nations. Avro Keyboard: Groundbreaking Journey of a Bangla Typing Software by Mehdi Hasan's Team In response to Google's letter, Mexican authorities said they would take legal action, writing that “under no circumstance will Mexico accept the renaming of a geographic zone within its own territory and under its jurisdiction." The renaming of the body of water by Trump has flared tensions between Mexico and the U.S. at a pivotal time for the neighboring allies. Sheinbaum has had to walk a fine line with Trump amid threats of tariffs and Mexico and other Latin American countries have braced themselves for promised mass deportations, the brunt of which has still not been felt. Along with the legal threat to Google, the Mexican president also announced Monday that Mexico and the U.S. would hold high-level meetings this week on trade and security in an effort to maintain a “long-term plan of collaboration" between the two countries. It's the latest round of talks between the two countries in which Mexico hopes to hold off a larger geopolitical crisis. The renaming of the water body has fueled strife within the U.S. as well. Last week, the White House barred Associated Press reporters from several events, including some in the Oval Office, saying it was because of the news agency’s policy on the name. The AP is using Gulf of Mexico to ensure that names of geographical features are recognizable around the world but also acknowledging Trump’s renaming of it as well. OpenAI board unanimously rejects Elon Musk's $97.4b proposal Other journalistic organizations such as the White House Correspondents' Association and the New York Times have echoed the AP in raising alarm about press freedom violations.

Apple is reportedly set to unveil the iPhone SE 4, the latest addition to its budget-friendly SE lineup, as early as next week. The upcoming iPhone SE 4 (2025) promises to blend premium features with affordability, making it an appealing option for those seeking high performance without a premium price tag. With significant upgrades expected, this release could mark a major shift in Apple’s entry-level offerings. Here’s a deep dive into all the leaks, rumors, and anticipated features surrounding the iPhone SE 4 (2025). iPhone SE 4 (2025) Rumours and Leaks The market is abuzz with rumours about the upcoming iPhone SE 4 as the phone's unannounced release date approaches. To trigger more anticipation, frequent leaks are teasing fans over social media. Here are the major rumours and leaks: Name The new iPhone SE 4 will be a major overhaul, drastically changing almost every aspect of the entire SE line-up. Reports from several sources claim that the phone won’t be an SE phone; instead, it will be called the iPhone 16E. Experts justify the claim by highlighting Apple’s departure from the affordability tag. Read more: OPPO Reno13 Pro 5G Review: Is It Worth the Hype? Design Rumours say the iPhone SE 4 will resemble the iPhone 14 in design and the primary camera module. This would mark a phenomenal shift for the series, making it leave the iPhone 8 chassis and start a new aesthetic formation. Fans are expecting an aluminium and glass combined frame protected with Apple’s Ceramic Shield glass. Instead of the iPhone 14’s multi-camera layout, the SE 4 will have a single circular lens holder. If the rumour comes true, it will end the SE series’ far-celebrated home button and bring a larger screen size. Instead of the home button, users will find a cutting-edge Face detection system. Display The iPhone SE 4 will make a major leap by replacing the previous model’s 4.7-inch LCD panel with a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display. Compatible arrangements for the display indicate a resolution of 1170 by 2532 pixels, an approximately 457 ppi colour density, and a peak brightness level of 1200 nits. To room the larger display, bezels, and chins will become narrower, increasing the screen-to-body ratio. Read more: Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition Review: A True MacBook Competitor or Just Hype? Cameras The new wallet-friendly iPhone's camera will surpass the previous model’s in several aspects: first, it will have a more powerful lens, expectedly of a 48MP capacity, and second, the lens is Apple’s latest invention called “Fusion,” which features 2X optical quality zoom without a telephoto lens.  Processor and GPU Though a lower-budget phone, the iPhone SE always boasts the same processor as its contemporary flagship iPhone model. So, people are anticipating a 3nm Apple A18 chipset in the SE 4. As for a graphical processor, anticipations suggest a 5-core Apple GPU chipset to keep pace with the A18 processor. There is also a strong chance that the phone will support Apple Intelligence, which is only available in the iPhone 16 series and last year’s Pro models. Battery Many reputed sources predict a more powerful battery in the iPhone SE 4. Like many other features, the battery may also resemble the iPhone 14’s to support the larger display and more potent chipsets. Read more: Best Flagship Smartphones of 2024: Top Premium Picks You Shouldn’t Miss Price of the iPhone SE 4 The iPhone SE 4 will cost more than its previous models. According to experts, the phone may cost around $500 or BDT 60,000 (at a conversion rate of USD 1 = BDT 121.13). Conclusion According to all these rumours and leaks, a new iPhone SE 4 (2025) version is coming to lift the SE lineup to elite status. With a potent 3nm A18 chipset, a modified 48MP primary lens, a larger and better display, and a more durable battery, the iPhone SE 4 (2025) can appear as the ruler of the higher-mid budget segment. Read more: Honor 300 Review: New Contender in Midrange Smartphone Segment

Huawei on Tuesday held a global launch for the industry’s first tri-foldable phone, which analysts said marked a symbolic victory for the Chinese tech giant amid U.S. technology curbs. But challenges over pricing, longevity, supply and app constraints may limit its success. Huawei said at a launch event in Kuala Lumpur that the Huawei Mate XT, first unveiled in China five months ago, will be priced at 3,499 euros ($3,662). Although dubbed a trifold, the phone has three mini-panels and folds only twice. The company says it's the thinnest foldable phone at 3.6 millimeters (0.14 inches), with a 10.2-inch screen similar to an Apple iPad. “Right now, Huawei kind of stands alone as an innovator" with the trifold design, said Bryan Ma, vice president of device research with the market intelligence firm International Data Corporation. Huawei reached the position despite “not getting access to chips, to Google services. All these things basically have been huge roadblocks in front of Huawei,” Ma said, adding that the “resurgence we're seeing from them over the past year has been quite a bit of a victory." Huawei, China’s first global tech brand, is at the center of a U.S.-China battle over trade and technology. Washington in 2019 severed Huawei’s access to U.S. components and technology, including Google’s music and other smartphone services, making Huawei's phone less appealing to users. It has also barred global vendors from using U.S. technology to produce components for Huawei. American officials say Huawei is a security risk, which the company denies. China’s government has accused Washington of misusing security warnings to contain a rising competitor to U.S. technology companies. OPPO Reno13 Pro 5G Review: Is It Worth the Hype? Huawei launched the Mate XT in China on Sept. 20 last year, the same day Apple launched its iPhone 16 series in global markets. But with its steep price tag, the Mate XT “is not a mainstream product that people are going to jump for,” Ma said. At the Kuala Lumpur event, Huawei also unveiled its MatePad Pro tablet and Free Arc, its first open-ear earbuds with ear hooks and other wearable devices. While Huawei’s cutting-edge devices showcase its technological prowess, its long-term success remains uncertain given ongoing challenges over global supply chain constraints, chip availability and limitations on the software ecosystem, said Ruby Lu, an analyst with the research firm TrendForce. "System limitations, particularly the lack of Google Mobile Services, means its international market potential remains constrained,” Lu said. IDC's Ma said Huawei dominated the foldable phone market in China with 49% market share last year. In the global market, it had 23% market share, trailing behind Samsung's 33% share in 2024, he said. IDC predicted that total foldable phone shipments worldwide could surge to 45.7 million units by 2028, from over 20 million last year. Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition Review: A True MacBook Competitor or Just Hype? While most major brands have entered the foldable segments, Lu said Apple has yet to release a competing product. “Once Apple enters the market, it is expected to significantly influence and stimulate further growth in the foldable phone sector,” Lu added.

OPPO has consistently pushed the boundaries of smartphone innovation, offering stylish designs and cutting-edge technology. Released in November 2024, the OPPO Reno13 Pro 5G continues this tradition with advanced camera capabilities, a powerful processor, and a smooth display. But does it stand out among competitors in the market? Let’s find out.  Key Features of OPPO Reno13 Pro 5G  . Design and Build Quality  The OPPO Reno13 Pro 5G refines the sleek and premium design language that OPPO is known for. Featuring a glass front with Gorilla Glass 7i, a sturdy aluminum alloy frame, and a glass back, it feels undeniably premium in hand. Unlike its predecessor, the Reno12 Pro, which had a plastic frame, the new build provides a more solid and high-end feel. Additionally, OPPO has significantly upgraded its durability, as the Reno13 Pro 5G now comes with an IP68/IP69 rating, making it fully dustproof and capable of withstanding high-pressure water jets. This is a notable improvement over the Reno12 Pro’s IP65 rating, which only protects against low-pressure water jets. In comparison, the Honor 300 Pro offers only IP65 water resistance, while the Xiaomi Redmi K80 Pro goes a step further with IP68 protection up to 2.5m underwater. Read more: Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition Review: A True MacBook Competitor or Just Hype? Display Quality The OPPO Reno13 Pro 5G sports a 6.83-inch AMOLED panel with 1B colors, 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, and 1200 nits peak brightness. The display size of the Reno13 Pro has increased slightly from the Reno12 Pro’s 6.7-inch panel. Furthermore, the Reno13 Pro’s resolution has also improved to 1272 by 2800 pixels from Reno12 Pro’s 1080 by 2412 pixels.  The Gorilla Glass 7i protection ensures better scratch resistance and superior surface quality compared to the Reno12 Pro’s Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and the Pedmi K80 Pro’s Longjing Glass 2. The competitor Honor 300 Pro’s 6.78-inch AMOLED panel outshines the Reno13 Pro with a higher peak brightness (4000 nits), making it more readable under direct sunlight.  Another rival Redmi K80 Pro features a smaller (6.67-inch) OLED display with higher peak brightness (3200 nits) and a sharper (1440 by 3200 pixels) resolution. While the Reno13 Pro’s display is vibrant and smooth, the Xiaomi Redmi K80 Pro delivers a sharper, more detailed viewing experience, especially for those who consume high-resolution content. Read more: Best Flagship Smartphones of 2024: Top Premium Picks You Shouldn’t Miss Camera Performance The OPPO Reno13 Pro 5G enhances its camera game with a 50MP main sensor (OIS, PDAF), a 50MP telephoto lens (3.5x optical zoom), and an 8MP ultrawide sensor. This marks a significant improvement over the Reno12 Pro, which had a smaller 1/1.95" sensor, 2x optical zoom, and a similar ultrawide camera. Daylight shots are sharp and well-balanced, while low-light performance has improved with a larger sensor and multi-directional PDAF.  The Honor 300 Pro’s 50MP telephoto (3x optical zoom) captures slightly better long-range details, and the Xiaomi Redmi K80 Pro’s 32MP ultrawide camera outperforms the Reno13 Pro’s 8MP ultrawide lens. For selfies, the Reno13 Pro retains its 50MP front camera but introduces 4K@60fps video recording, a major advantage for content creators missing in the Reno12 Pro. With enhanced AI processing and improved zoom, the Reno13 Pro 5G stands out in mobile photography but faces stiff competition in the ultrawide and telephoto segments. Read more: Honor 300 Review: New Contender in Midrange Smartphone Segment Processor Performance The OPPO Reno13 Pro 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8350 (4nm) chipset, a notable leap from the Dimensity 7300 Energy on the Reno12 Pro. This upgrade results in a 40% performance boost in CPU tasks and improved GPU rendering efficiency. The new Mali G615-MC6 GPU ensures smoother gaming and multimedia experiences. The rival Honor 300 Pro’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset offers significantly better performance, particularly in AI-driven tasks and gaming. Similarly, the Xiaomi Redmi K80 Pro, equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Elite, outperforms the Reno13 Pro in CPU-heavy applications and sustained gaming performance. For daily use, multitasking is flawless on the Reno13 Pro 5G, and heavy apps run without hiccups. However, users seeking raw power might find better options in Honor 300 Pro and Xiaomi Redmi K80 Pro.  Gaming Performance Gaming on the Reno13 Pro 5G is a smooth and enjoyable experience, thanks to the 120Hz refresh rate, improved cooling system, and upgraded GPU. Games like PUBG Mobile and Genshin Impact run at high settings without major frame drops. The Reno13 Pro also introduces a new vapor cooling system, which helps maintain thermal efficiency better than the Reno12 Pro. Read more: itel A80 Review: Smartphone under Tk 10k with Standard Features However, when compared to the Xiaomi Redmi K80 Pro, which features a Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and Adreno 830 GPU, the Reno13 Pro falls slightly short in performance. The K80 Pro also has a better heat dissipation system, making it a better option for prolonged gaming sessions. Meanwhile, the Honor 300 Pro’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip also outperforms the Dimensity 8350, offering higher FPS stability in demanding games. Battery Life One of the biggest upgrades in the Reno13 Pro 5G is the 5800mAh battery, a significant improvement over the Reno12 Pro’s 5000mAh capacity. The new battery easily provides a full day of use, even under heavy usage. It supports 80W wired charging, 50W wireless charging, and reverse charging—a step up from its predecessor, which lacked wireless charging. In contrast, the Honor 300 Pro offers a 5300mAh battery with 100W wired and 80W wireless charging, making it one of the fastest-charging phones in its class. The Xiaomi Redmi K80 Pro surpasses them all with a 6000mAh battery and 120W wired charging, capable of charging fully in under 30 minutes. Read more: Colmi P78 Smartwatch Review: A Feature-Packed Budget Wearable Worth Considering Software and User Interface The Reno13 Pro 5G runs on Android 15 with ColorOS 15, bringing several optimizations in performance, AI enhancements, and improved multitasking features. Compared to ColorOS 14.1 on the Reno12 Pro, the UI feels smoother and more refined. OPPO has also promised three years of major Android updates, ensuring long-term software support. In comparison, Honor 300 Pro runs MagicOS 9 (Android 15), which offers a more streamlined UI but lacks some customization features of ColorOS. Xiaomi Redmi K80 Pro runs HyperOS 2 (Android 15), which offers superior optimization and gaming-focused tweaks. Storage Options The Reno13 Pro 5G features RAM capacity from 12 to 16GB and the internal memory reaches up to 1 TB starting from 256GB. Read more: realme 14 Pro+ Review: Know the Pros and Cons offers multiple storage variants, including 256GB with 12GB RAM, 512GB with 12GB RAM, 512GB with 16GB RAM, and 1TB with 16GB RAM. However, it lacks a microSD card slot, a downside for users needing expandable storage. The Honor 300 Pro and Xiaomi Redmi K80 Pro also lack microSD support, but they offer almost similar high-capacity storage variants.  The Xiaomi Redmi K80 Pro’s UFS 4.0 storage is faster than the Reno13 Pro’s UFS 3.1, ensuring quicker read/write speeds. Read more: Xiaomi 15 Review: Specs, Features, and Price in Bangladesh Pros and Cons of OPPO Reno13 Pro 5G Pros  - Premium design with an aluminum alloy frame and IP68/IP69 water resistance.- 6.83-inch AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and 1B colors.- FHD+ resolution with 1200 nits peak brightness for a vivid viewing experience.- Powered by MediaTek Dimensity 8350 for smooth performance and gaming.- 12GB/16GB RAM and up to 1TB storage for multitasking and speed.- Triple rear camera setup with dual 50MP sensors and 3.5x optical zoom.- 50MP front camera with 4K video recording for high-quality selfies.- 5800mAh battery ensures long-lasting usage.- 80W fast wired charging and 50W wireless charging.- Infrared port and under-display fingerprint scanner for convenience.- 5G, NFC, and the latest Android 15 with ColorOS 15. Read more: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Review: A Game-Changer or Overpriced Flagship? Cons  - No 3.5mm headphone jack.- No FM radio support.- No microSD card slot for expandable storage.- Lacks Gorilla Glass protection for extra durability.- No stereo speakers for better audio quality.- No 8K video recording support. Price of OPPO Reno13 Pro 5G The unofficial OPPO Reno13 Pro 5G’s 12/256GB variant is priced at around BDT 68,000. However, the price may vary depending on the sellers. Verdict The OPPO Reno13 Pro 5G is perfect for users seeking a stylish, durable phone with a great display, strong performance, and excellent battery life. However, if you need expandable storage, stereo speakers, or 8K video recording, consider alternatives like the Xiaomi Redmi K80 Pro or Honor 300 Pro.  Read more: Smartphones Launching in February 2025: Top Flagship and Mid-Range Releases

Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is seeking access to a vast collection of sensitive taxpayer data at the IRS, according to two individuals familiar with the initiative who were not authorised to discuss the matter publicly, The Associated Press reported on Monday. If successful, Musk and his organisation would gain entry to millions of highly restricted files containing taxpayer details, bank records, and other confidential information. The sources, who requested anonymity, stated that DOGE is specifically targeting access to the IRS’ Integrated Data Retrieval System, which, as per the agency’s website, allows employees “instantaneous visual access to certain taxpayer accounts.” Amazon workers in North Carolina vote against joining union Advocates are concerned that any potential unlawful disclosure of taxpayer records could be exploited to target individuals, breach their privacy, and lead to further consequences. Harrison Fields, a White House spokesperson, said in an emailed statement that “waste, fraud, and abuse have been deeply entrenched in our broken system for far too long. Direct access to the system is necessary to identify and rectify these issues.” “DOGE will continue exposing the fraud they uncover because the American people have a right to know how their hard-earned tax dollars are being spent,” he added. Democratic lawmakers are pushing back against DOGE’s attempts to access IRS data. Senators Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., sent a letter on Monday to acting IRS Commissioner Douglas O’Donnell, demanding copies of any memos that would authorise IRS system access for Musk or DOGE. The senators are also requesting explanations for DOGE’s efforts to review tax returns and private banking records. Beyond concerns over the legality of DOGE’s access to taxpayer data, the letter states, “we are also deeply worried that DOGE personnel interfering with IRS systems during the peak of tax season could, intentionally or not, cause disruptions that may indefinitely delay tax refunds.” "Any delay in refunds could be financially devastating for millions of Americans who depend on timely refunds each spring to manage their budgets.” The 2025 tax season officially commenced on 27 January, with the IRS expecting over 140 million tax returns to be filed by the 15 April deadline. The Washington Post was the first to report on DOGE’s plans to access taxpayer data on Sunday. This development comes as the IRS prepares to lay off thousands of probationary employees during the tax season, according to two sources familiar with the agency’s plans who were not authorised to discuss them publicly. These cuts could begin as early as this week. OpenAI board unanimously rejects Elon Musk's $97.4b proposal Previously, IRS employees working on the 2025 tax season were informed that they would not be eligible to accept a buyout offer from the Trump administration until after the taxpayer filing deadline, according to a letter recently sent to IRS staff. Meanwhile, attorneys general from 14 states have filed a lawsuit challenging DOGE’s authority to access sensitive government data stored at the Treasury and exercise “virtually unchecked power.” Filed in federal court in Washington on Thursday, the lawsuit argues that Musk’s actions in leading DOGE can only be carried out by an official nominated and confirmed by the Senate. It references constitutional provisions that define the powers of Congress and the president. A new account on Musk’s social media platform X, named DOGE IRS, has posted: “DOGE is seeking help from the public!” The account urges users to share “insights on identifying and addressing waste, fraud, and abuse within the Internal Revenue Service.”

Lenovo unveiled its latest premium ultrabook, the Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition, on September 5, 2024, positioning it as a serious MacBook competitor. This upgraded model boasts the powerful Lunar Arc chipset, built on Intel’s second-generation Arc architecture, along with extended battery life, enhanced performance, and several cutting-edge features. But does it truly rival the MacBook’s iconic design and top-tier performance? Let’s break down its specifications, strengths, weaknesses, and real-world performance to find out if it lives up to the hype. Key Features of the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition . Design The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition has introduced a plain grey aluminium chassis that adds robustness to the design but lacks aesthetic appeal. Measuring 13.54 by 9.27 by 0.55 inches, its size is well around the size of the MacBook Air 15 M3 model. At a weight of 1.5kg, the Aura Edition doesn’t feel as light as it looks. However, its thin and sleek body can bolster super portability. The Aura Edition is only available in grey, keeping the appearance as plain as possible. Users will not find any textured or engraved decoration on any front of the laptop, but just a smooth, solid plain touch. The corners are rounded, boosting the overall elegance of its appearance. Read more: Best Flagship Smartphones of 2024: Top Premium Picks You Shouldn’t Miss A complete set of essential ports is arranged along the sides, including a full-sized HDMI port, 2x Thunderbolt 4 ports, a 3.5mm audio jack, and a USB-A port. Moreover, on the right side, users will also find a power button and a camera security stutter that lets you disable the camera without meddling with software. Speaker, Keyboard, and Trackpad Sandwiching the keyboard in the middle, two sound channels vertically sit just by the sides of the laptop. Both soundbars keep a fair enough distance from the keyboard to justify harmony. In terms of performance, these speakers live up to the mark by sounding loud, bassist, and undistorted. However, it still struggles to overcome Apple’s sound system in providing precise and clear audio. The keyboard of the Aura Edition gives it an edge over a few market peers, championing a satisfactory feel with crips strokes and springy rebounds. To keep it simple and comfortable, the laptop has chosen not to cram extra keys; instead, it has opted for minimal keys keeping enough breathing room for finger manoeuvre.  Read more: Honor 300 Review: New Contender in Midrange Smartphone Segment The trackpad will break hearts as it fails to match the quality and performance of the ones introduced in the ThinkPad series, let alone premium competitors, like the one provided by the MacBook 15 M3. Wider, yet shorter, the Aura Edition’s trackpad is not up for executing complex tasks. Besides basic touch navigation, it only supports a couple of gesture inputs and clicks.  Display The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition glares back with its 15.3” 2880x1800 IPS LCD display tying with the MacBook 15 M3’s panel. However, the Aura Edition breaks the tie by featuring a 120Hz refresh rate on the face of the M3’s 60Hz. While the display goes beyond providing a top-of-the-market experience, an OLED display would be preferable in the premium market contender. The typical background glow of the LCD display and the greyish tone in black scenes will feel unacceptable.  Read more: itel A80 Review: Smartphone under Tk 10k with Standard Features Performance and Hardware Intel’s Meteor Arc’s next-generation chipset, the Lunar Arc, does its best to offer seamless overall performance, overwhelming many competitors, but not the M3. The Lunar Arc is the code name of the Intel Core Ultra 7 258V, an 8-core chipset that runs at a basic 2.2GHz clock cycle rate, allowing a limit of up to 4.2GHz with the Turbo Booster. As the GPU, the Aura Edition uses the 140V Intel Arc Graphics, enabling a highly customizable management system and rendering vivid graphics. However, like the chipset, the GPU also doesn’t match Apple’s M3 GPU in performance. In Geekbench 6 tests, the MacBook 15 M3 far exceeds the Aura Edition, resulting in higher scores in single-core and multi-core performance. Webcam and Microphone A 1080p/60fps webcam supplies sharp and bright videos but grapples with saturation and colour definitions. Under bright light, the live streams seem explicit with details, but in low light, the screen becomes grainy and obscure. Read more: Colmi P78 Smartwatch Review: A Feature-Packed Budget Wearable Worth Considering The featured microphone can filter noise and give a decent performance. It will deliver a clear sound during a video calling session. Battery and Charging The Lenovo Yoga 7i Aura Edition comes with a 70Wh battery that lives up to its promise. With heavy usage, the battery can run for 8 to 10 hours at a stretch and can be extended to 12 hours with light usage. No laptop running on Windows has ever shown such supremacy in battery life, and if compared to the M3’s battery performance, it is a sure tie. Pros and Cons of the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition Pros - Light and sleek design- Robust metal chassis- Bright display- Good speakers- A complete set of ports- Powerful Lunar Arc chipset- Enduring battery life. Read more: realme 14 Pro+ Review: Know the Pros and Cons Cons - Annoying bloatware- High price- Horrendous touchpad- Poor webcam Price of the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition is priced at $1,299.99 or BDT 1,57,533 (at the current conversion rate, 1 USD =  BDT 121.18). Conclusion With the cutting-edge Lunar Arc chipset, the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura edition excels in performance and battery life, defeating its predecessors. But the Aura Edition’s performance is a far cry from MacBook’s. The crispy display, bass-amplifying speakers, potent chipset and GPU, and top-of-the-line battery performance collectively place the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura edition among the best laptops. Read more: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Review: A Game-Changer or Overpriced Flagship?