United News of Bangladesh

The X5b Plus is a new addition to the Chinese Smartphone brand Honor’s budget-friendly X series featuring large screens and long-lasting batteries. Hitting the Bangladesh market on January 9, 2025, it offers relatively standard features with a highly affordable price tag. Let’s dive into the key features, pros, cons, and pricing of Honor X5b Plus in Bangladesh. Key Features of Honor X5b Plus . Design The Honor X5b Plus has come with a compact and slim design with a super flat cross-textured back panel providing a good grip. Like the X5b model, its plastic-made metal frame is 163.9mm wide, 75.8mm tall, and 8.7mm thick, which gives the phone a standard shape. Catering to divisiveness, it offers three distinct color vacations– Ocean Blue, Midnight Black, and Starry Purple.  The plastic body build helps the phone to be more lightweight than its competitors. It weighs 194g, harmonizing with the overall slimness of the phone. Users will find a single stereo audio output juxtaposed with a USB Type C charging port on the bottom. Much to users’ disappointment, the phone uses a teardrop placeholder for its front lens. Either a dual stereo audio system or a punch-hole would be more appreciable, while its primary competitor, Tecno Spark Go 1, offers both. Read more: Xiaomi Redmi Turbo 4 Review: Is It a Value-for-money Midranger? Display A TFT LCD panel may not be a great display, even for an entry-level phone, when similarly priced options like Symphony Innova 30 and Tecno Spark Go 1 are offering IPS screens. Users may find the 90Hz refresh rate as a deal breaker as Tecno Spark Go 1 boasts a 120Hz rate at a lower price tag. The entire look of the front much resembles Samsung’s budget-friendly smartphones, with fairly rounded corners, a waterdrop notch, and thick bezels and chins. However, the 6.56-inch screen still feels right while watching videos or playing games regardless of being narrowed down by thick bezels. Users will get a wide resolution of 720 by 1612 pixels backed by a maximum 530 nits brightness level. Considering the quality of the screen, the device still provides a good color contrast thanks to its 269 ppi density.  However, we have seen similar features in the basic variant X5b. Read more: Honor X5b Review: Affordable Innovation or Budget Compromise? Cameras The Honor X5b Plus features a 50MP (f/1.8) lens placed within a giant square primary camera panel with rounded corners on the back. It’s a great leap compared with Honor X5B and rival Tecno Spark Go 1’s 13MP, yet a downgrade compared to Symphony Innova 30’s 108MP primary lens.  The 5MP (f/2.2) front lens of the X5b Plus is also despairing in this selfie-hyped market. An 8MP wide lens would place the camera system in a better position. Both lenses can record videos at a 30fps frame rate, keeping a 1080p clear resolution. Performance and Hardware A maximum of 256GB default storage sets a standard ground for the phone supported by 4GB RAM. Like the basic X5b, the Plus variant features a Mediatek Helio G36 12nm chipset. The phone uses a PowerVR GE8320 for graphical processing that keeps up with the processor in detailing and maneuvering different games.  Read more: ZTE Nubia Red Magic 10 Pro Review: Is It a Value-for-money Gaming Smartphone? However, in the AnTuTu Benchmark and GeekBench scores, the Honor X5b Plus performs less efficiently than the Innova 30 and Spark Go 1. For the operating system, the phone implements Android 14, ensuring the latest upgrades of Google’s stack navigational layout. On top of it, it’s customizable Magic OS 8 provides a stylish and colorful user interface. Battery and Performance Like the Honor X5b, its Plus variant comes with a strong and durable 5200mAh battery that lasts longer than those featured by most market peers. Users will get a 10W charger, which requires 5 to 7 hours to power up the phone fully. Symphony Innova 30, and Spark Go 1 offer almost similar-sized batteries (5000 mAh) with powerful chargers.  Read more: Best Air Purifiers in Bangladesh: Price Guide, Top Models, and Buying Tips Pros and Cons of the Honor X5b Plus Pros - Audio jack present- Android 14 OS with Magic OS 8 UI- Large battery capacity- Side-mounted fingerprint scanner Cons - No 4K video recording- Basic camera setup- Low brightness- Low refresh rate- Not suitable for heavy gaming or multitasking- Low-resolution display- No reverse charging- Lacks NFC and 5G support. Read more: Honor GT Review: A Power-Packed Mid-range Smartphone for Gamers Price of Honor X5b Plus in Bangladesh The Honor X5b Plus has been launched in the Bangladeshi market. Its official 4GB RAM and 128GB internal storage variation is available at BDT 12,999. Conclusion The Honor X5b Plus is a budget-friendly smartphone. With a powerful battery and an acceptable primary camera, it tries to justify its price; however, powerful competitors are ruling the market offering better performance, display, design, and selfie cameras. If you want a minimalist phone to capture good-quality images and durable usability, the Honor X5b Plus can be a good choice. Gamers and selfie lovers may opt for options like Symphony Innova 30. Read more: Top Smartphones Launching in January 2025: What to Expect

Released on January 02, 2025, the Xiaomi Redmi Turbo 4 has quickly become a hot contender in the mid-range smartphone segment. It boasts cutting-edge features paired with impressive performance. Let’s dive into the key specs, pros, cons, and pricing of Redmi Turbo 4 in Bangladesh. Key Features of Xiaomi Redmi Turbo 4 . Design and Build Quality The Xiaomi Redmi Turbo 4 features a sleek design with a robust build quality that surpasses its predecessor, the Turbo 3. With 161 mm by 75.2 mm by 8.1 mm and weighing 203.5 grams, it is slightly bulkier than the Turbo 3, which was slimmer at 7.8 mm and lighter at 179 g. However, the additional weight and thickness are justified by including a more durable IP68 water and dust resistance rating, compared to the Turbo 3’s IP64 rating.  Compared to competitors like the Sharp Aquos sense9, the Turbo 4 has a modern edge with a premium finish. The sense9, although MIL-STD-810H certified for ruggedness, has a more utilitarian design. Similarly, the realme 13 Pro+ offers an attractive design with Gorilla Glass 7i protection but lacks the Turbo 4’s level of water resistance. Read more: Honor X5b Review: Affordable Innovation or Budget Compromise? Display Quality The Turbo 4 boasts a stunning 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and an impressive peak brightness of 3200 nits. This is a notable improvement over the Turbo 3’s display, which had a lower peak brightness of 2400 nits. The visual experience is immersive, with vibrant colors and excellent sunlight legibility, making it a top choice for media consumption. However, Turbo 4’s resolution is about 1220 by 2712 which we have seen in the ancestor Turbo 3.  While the Turbo 4’s display outshines the Sharp Aquos sense9 in terms of size and brightness, the sense9 holds its own with a 240Hz refresh rate and LTPO technology for dynamic adjustments. Against the realme 13 Pro+, the Turbo 4 is slightly brighter, but the realme device offers HDR image support and similar color reproduction capabilities. Nevertheless, Honor GT wins the race of peak brightness with 4K nits. Camera Performance The Xiaomi Redmi Turbo 4 features a dual-camera setup: a 50 MP (f/1.5) primary sensor with OIS and an 8 MP (f/2.2) ultrawide lens. While the Turbo 3 also had a dual-camera system, the Turbo 4’s wider aperture (f/1.5 compared to f/1.6) allows for better low-light performance. Daylight photography on the Turbo 4 is impressive, capturing sharp details and accurate colors. The ultrawide lens offers decent versatility but is not groundbreaking.  Read more: ZTE Nubia Red Magic 10 Pro Review: Is It a Value-for-money Gaming Smartphone? In comparison, the Sharp Aquos sense9’s dual 50 MP cameras excel in dynamic range and detail, outperforming the Turbo 4 in professional-grade photography. The realme 13 Pro+ takes the lead with its triple-camera system, featuring a periscope telephoto lens and 3x optical zoom, which provides more versatility than the Turbo 4. The rear sensor of Turbo 4 can shoot a maximum of 4K footage at 24/30/60 FPS which out performs the rival Sharp Aquos Sense9.   Like the Turbo 3, on the front side, Turbo 4 has a 20MP (f/2.2) selfie shooter offering 1080 video recording at 30fps capacity at maximum. However, it lags behind the realme 13 Pro+ model's front sensor specs. Processor Performance Under the hood, the Redmi Turbo 4 is powered by the Mediatek Dimensity 8400 Ultra chipset, an upgrade from the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 in the Turbo 3. The Dimensity 8400 Ultra delivers superior multi-core performance and energy efficiency, making multitasking seamless and ensuring smooth app launches. The Turbo 4 is equipped with a G720 MC7 GPU in the graphics section. Read more: Best Air Purifiers in Bangladesh: Price Guide, Top Models, and Buying Tips When compared to the Sharp Aquos sense9 and realme 13 Pro+, the Turbo 4 outperforms the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 processors in both devices in terms of raw power and GPU capabilities. This makes the Turbo 4 better suited for resource-intensive tasks, especially gaming.  However, the rival Honor GT stands one-step ahead with its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) chipset. Gaming Performance Gaming enthusiasts will appreciate the Turbo 4’s gaming prowess. The G720 MC7 GPU, coupled with advanced cooling mechanisms, ensures smooth gameplay even in demanding titles like Call of Duty Mobile and Genshin Impact. The device maintains stable frame rates and exhibits minimal thermal throttling, outperforming the Turbo 3’s Adreno 735 GPU in sustained performance. Compared to its competitors, the Turbo 4 edges out the Sharp Aquos sense9, which is not optimized for intensive gaming despite its decent GPU. The realme 13 Pro+ offers strong gaming capabilities as well, but its Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset slightly lags behind the Dimensity 8400 Ultra in graphical output and sustained performance. However, with its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) chipset, the Honor GT outperforms all these mid-ranger rivals in smooth gaming. Read more: Honor GT Review: A Power-Packed Mid-range Smartphone for Gamers Battery Life One of the standout features of the Xiaomi Redmi Turbo 4 is its 6550 mAh battery, paired with 90W fast charging. This ensures a full charge in just 45 minutes, making it one of the fastest charging options in its class. The Turbo 4 comfortably lasts more than a day of heavy usage, a significant improvement over the Turbo 3’s 5000 mAh battery. In comparison, the Sharp Aquos sense9, realme 13 Pro+, and Honor GT fall short of the Turbo 4’s sheer battery capacity. However, in the mid-level price segment not providing wireless and reverse wired charging facilities in the Turbo 4 may disappoint many Redmi fans. The similarly priced rival Honor GT offers a 5W reverse charging option which makes it quite handy. Software and User Interface The Redmi Turbo 4 ships with Android 15 layered with HyperOS 2, Xiaomi’s latest custom UI. The software is smooth and packed with features like enhanced multitasking, customizable themes, and privacy controls. The experience is polished and significantly less cluttered than previous MIUI iterations. Read more: ZTE Nubia Z70 Ultra Review: Is It Really a Flagship Killer? Compared to the Turbo 3, which launched with Android 14 and HyperOS, the Turbo 4 brings better optimization and fewer bugs. Against the Sharp Aquos sense9 and realme 13 Pro+, the Turbo 4’s software feels more refined, though Realme UI 5.0 on the Realme 13 Pro+ remains a close competitor in terms of aesthetics and usability. Storage Options The Turbo 4 offers multiple storage configurations: 256GB or 512GB, paired with either 12GB or 16GB of RAM. This provides ample space for apps, media, and games while ensuring smooth multitasking. The use of UFS 4.0 storage technology guarantees faster read and write speeds, significantly improving app loading times and data transfer.  The Turbo 3 also featured UFS 4.0 storage but while Turbo 3 lacks the 256GB/16GB RAM variant, Turbo 4 lacks the 1TB/16GB RAM variant offered by the rival Honor GT. The Sharp Aquos sense9, while expandable via microSD, maxes out at 256GB/8GB RAM, which feels limiting in comparison. The realme 13 Pro+ offers similar configurations but misses out on the Turbo 4’s ultra-high RAM option.  Pros and Cons of Xiaomi Redmi Turbo 4 Pros  - IP68 dust/water resistance.- 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate.- Powerful Dimensity 8400 Ultra chipset with 12GB/16GB RAM.- Long-lasting 6550mAh Si/C battery with 90W fast charging.- In-display fingerprint sensor and NFC support.- Stereo speakers for an immersive audio experience.- Runs the latest Android 15. Read more: Vivo iQOO Z9 Turbo Plus Review: A Game-Changer Among Mid-Range Gaming Smartphones Cons  - Only dual rear cameras (50 MP + 8 MP).- No 3.5mm headphone jack.- No support for FM radio.- Lacks a memory card slot for expandable storage.- No wireless charging facility.- Reverse wired charging option. Price of Xiaomi Redmi Turbo 4 The Xiaomi Redmi Turbo 4 is priced at around BDT 41,000. However, the price is subject to change. Takeaways The Xiaomi Redmi Turbo 4 can be a good choice for gamers, power users, and those seeking a durable, performance-focused smartphone with a premium display. However, it may not appeal to photography enthusiasts or users needing expandable storage and a headphone jack. With its robust features, it is a solid choice for mid-range buyers prioritizing performance over versatility. Read more: Top Smartphones Launching in January 2025: What to Expect

OpenAI, in partnership with longevity startup Retro Biosciences, has reportedly developed an artificial intelligence model aimed at enhancing the efficiency of stem cell production. The initiative marks OpenAI’s entry into biological research, with the company’s GPT-4b model engineered to design proteins capable of converting regular cells into stem cells. According to MIT Technology Review, the GPT-4b project began a year ago after Retro Biosciences approached OpenAI for collaboration. Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, had already invested $180 million into Retro, a company dedicated to extending the average human lifespan by 10 years. Ex-OpenAI engineer who voiced legal concerns about technology dies The partnership reflects a shared vision of leveraging cutting-edge technology to push the boundaries of scientific discovery. A Leap Towards Artificial General Intelligence OpenAI’s new model has been trained on vast datasets, encompassing protein sequences from multiple species and data on protein interactions. Unlike Google DeepMind’s AlphaFold, which predicts protein shapes, GPT-4b is tailored for engineering proteins, allowing for the reprogramming of cells. While its dataset is smaller than that used for OpenAI’s flagship chatbots, GPT-4b has demonstrated remarkable precision, surpassing human capabilities in designing functional proteins. This development is being heralded as a significant step towards Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). Earlier this month, Altman expressed confidence in OpenAI’s progress towards building AGI, emphasising that such advancements could massively accelerate scientific discovery and innovation. Revolutionising Stem Cell Research One of the most notable achievements of GPT-4b lies in its ability to enhance the functionality of Yamanaka factors—a set of four genes instrumental in reprogramming adult cells into stem cell-like states. By integrating AI-driven insights, researchers have successfully modified two Yamanaka factors to be over 50 times more effective. “This breakthrough essentially resets a cell to its factory settings, enabling it to grow into almost any type of cell in the body,” said John Hallman, a lead researcher from OpenAI. The effort was co-led by Rico Meini of Retro Biosciences. A New Frontier for AI in Biology OpenAI’s venture into biological research is a bold expansion of its portfolio, which until now has largely focused on linguistic and conversational AI models. This aligns with the company’s broader ambitions to explore applications of AI in addressing complex scientific challenges. With GPT-4b’s success, OpenAI positions itself alongside Google DeepMind as a frontrunner in using AI for biological and medical innovation. Retro Biosciences, for its part, continues to focus on extending human lifespan by tackling ageing at the cellular level. By employing GPT-4b micro—a specialised version of the model—the startup aims to re-engineer protein factors, enhancing their functionality and paving the way for groundbreaking advancements in regenerative medicine. Implications for Longevity Research The collaboration between OpenAI and Retro Biosciences highlights the growing synergy between AI and life sciences. If successful, the GPT-4b model could transform our understanding of cellular biology, providing tools to combat age-related diseases and improve overall human health. As OpenAI and Retro Biosciences push the boundaries of what AI can achieve, the prospect of extending human lifespan no longer seems a distant goal but an imminent possibility. Source: With inputs from news wirers  

Prompt engineering has become a critical skill in the age of artificial intelligence (AI), empowering users to create clear and effective instructions for generating accurate outputs. To meet growing demand, several online platforms are offering free online prompt engineering courses that teach you how to unlock the full potential of AI tools. Best Free Online Prompt Engineering Courses  . ChatGPT for Everyone by OpenAI and Learn Prompting This 1-hour beginner-level course, led by Sander Schulhoff and Shyamal Anadkat, introduces the fundamentals of ChatGPT and generative AI. It explains how ChatGPT works, its diverse applications, and techniques for crafting effective prompts. The syllabus covers using ChatGPT as a personal assistant, enhancing productivity, and creating content.  Participants will learn prompt-writing strategies, including role assignment while understanding ethical considerations and ChatGPT's limitations. Real-world case studies further enhance the learning experience. The course is free, self-paced, and offers a certificate of completion through Learn Prompting Plus to showcase your skills. Read more: 10 Best Free AI Image Generators in 2025 Course Link: https://learnprompting.org/courses/chatgpt-for-everyone Free Prompt Engineering Course by Simplilearn This 1-hour beginner-level course offers a free and comprehensive introduction to AI, NLP, and prompt engineering. It covers the fundamentals of AI and NLP, the concept and applications of prompt engineering, types of prompts, and techniques for creating effective and engaging prompts.  Taught by industry experts, the course combines theory with practical examples, real-world case studies, and hands-on exercises to enhance learning. Upon completion, participants receive a certificate, which can be shared on LinkedIn. Perfect for AIML engineers, chatbot developers, and data scientists, this course equips learners to design and optimize prompts for conversational AI systems. Read more: 12 Most In-Demand Tech Skills for 2025: Stay Ahead in the Job Market Course Link: https://www.simplilearn.com/prompt-engineering-free-course-skillup Prompt Engineering for Everyone by IBM Led by Antonio Cangiano, IBM’s AI specialist, this 5-hour beginner-level course offers a comprehensive introduction to prompt engineering. It uses notes, audio recordings, and hands-on labs to teach the art of crafting compelling prompts. The course covers foundational techniques, such as Persona and Interview Patterns, and advanced approaches like Chain-of-Thought and Tree-of-Thought prompting.  Learners will also explore bias mitigation, verbosity control, and IBM's Watsonx Prompt Lab. An optional final project allows participants to apply their knowledge. This free course, offering a certificate, is perfect for professionals aiming to revolutionize their interactions with AI systems. Course Link: https://community.ibm.com/community/user/watsonx/blogs/nickolus-plowden/2023/10/15/learn-to-build-with-ai-series Read more: 10 Best Free AI Infographic Generators for 2025: Transform Ideas into Stunning Visuals Essentials of Prompt Engineering by Coursera This 1-hour beginner-level course by Amazon Web Services introduces the foundational concepts of prompt engineering. It covers crafting, refining, and optimizing prompts, with techniques such as zero-shot, few-shot, and chain-of-thought prompting. Participants will also learn to identify and mitigate potential risks in prompt engineering.  A hands-on assignment allows learners to apply the skills acquired. Offered via a free trial with an optional $49/month subscription, the course includes a certificate upon completion. Updated in July 2024, this course is ideal for those interested in AI/ML and generative AI, providing in-demand skills for a competitive edge. Course Link: https://www.coursera.org/learn/essentials-of-prompt-engineering Advanced Prompt Engineering by Learn Prompting Designed for intermediate to advanced learners, this 1-week course led by Sander Schulhoff provides in-depth training on advanced prompt engineering techniques. It explores concepts like in-context learning, chain-of-thought (CoT) prompting, problem decomposition, and self-criticism methods to craft effective prompts for complex AI applications.  Read more: How to Detect an AI-generated Image Learners will enhance their understanding of AI tools like ChatGPT, DALL·E 3, GPT 3.5, and GPT 4. Taught by a renowned AI expert, the course combines theory with practical strategies, offering a certificate upon completion. Available with a free trial, access to all paid courses is $39/month via Learn Prompting Plus. Course Link: https://learnprompting.org/courses/advanced-prompt-engineering Prompt Engineering Specialization by Vanderbilt University on Coursera Led by Dr. Jules White, this beginner to intermediate-level specialization spans 1 month (10 hours/week) and teaches participants to use generative AI for automation, productivity, and intelligence augmentation. The course includes three modules: composing queries for ChatGPT, advanced data analysis, and trusted generative AI.  Participants will gain hands-on experience in crafting prompts, automating tasks, and applying AI tools to real-world scenarios like social media content creation, data visualization from Excel, and PDF information extraction. The course is free with a trial and offers a certificate from Vanderbilt University upon completion. Read more: Best Text-to-Speech Software  Course Link: https://www.coursera.org/specializations/prompt-engineering Prompt Engineering and Advanced ChatGPT on edX The Advanced ChatGPT course is an intermediate-level program designed to teach advanced techniques for using ChatGPT effectively. Spanning one week with 1-2 hours of learning per week, the course covers critical areas such as advanced prompting methods to generate accurate and engaging responses.  Learners explore how ChatGPT can be applied across various industries like healthcare, finance, education, and customer service. The course also addresses the integration of ChatGPT with tools like NLP and ML for developing sophisticated chatbot applications. Additionally, it discusses ChatGPT's limitations and how to mitigate them to build more robust applications. This self-paced course is free with limited access, but a certificate can be earned for $40. Course Link: https://www.edx.org/learn/computer-programming/edx-advanced-chatgpt Read more: Free Online AI Courses by Harvard University from Basic to Advanced Levels Takeaways These free online prompt engineering courses offer excellent opportunities to master AI tools like ChatGPT and enhance your skills in crafting effective prompts. With courses catering to different levels, from beginners to advanced learners, they provide valuable insights, hands-on exercises, and certification options to help you excel in AI applications and improve productivity in various industries.

The U.S. moves closer to a potential TikTok ban as the Supreme Court upholds a law halting new downloads of the app starting Sunday. However, questions remain about how the ban will be enforced and its implications, leaving millions of users, including content creators and small business owners, in limbo. Comedian and influencer Terrell Wade, with 1.5 million TikTok followers, describes the looming ban as a source of chaos and uncertainty. “I really don’t know what to believe,” he said. The ruling demands TikTok’s China-based parent company sell the platform before Jan. 19, citing national security concerns, but a sale appears unlikely before the deadline. Biden declines to enforce TikTok ban, leaves decision to Trump The Biden administration, while maintaining the need for a sale, indicated it wouldn’t enforce the ban immediately, leaving the task to President-elect Donald Trump, who has pledged to preserve access to TikTok. However, Trump’s approach after his inauguration remains unclear. If implemented, the ban will stop new downloads and updates, rendering the app eventually unusable, though it won’t vanish from existing devices immediately. For many creators, this prospect threatens livelihoods and forces them to adapt to other platforms. Kelsey Chickering, a principal analyst at Forrester, notes the ban is a stark reminder that social media platforms can rise and fall, disrupting the lives of influencers and businesses reliant on them. Los Angeles-based content creator Janette Ok says TikTok is central to her work, helping her secure brand deals and promote her art. The app, she says, has been life-changing. “It’s a beautiful app that’s brought people together,” she said, calling the ban disheartening and “un-American.” Small business owners share similar fears. Jordan Smith, owner of The Elevated Closet in Austin, Texas, and Alejandro Flores-Munoz, a Denver-based caterer, credit TikTok for finding niche audiences and growing their businesses. Losing the platform, they say, will have a significant impact on their operations. Ruben Trujillo, who markets coffee-themed cards through TikTok, is frustrated with the shifting political dynamics. “Small business owners are told to be creative and build from the ground up, and now it feels like those opportunities are being taken away,” he said. As Sunday’s deadline looms, users like Wade and Ok remain hopeful for a last-minute reprieve, though uncertainty continues to overshadow the future of TikTok in the U.S.        

President Joe Biden will not implement a TikTok ban scheduled to take effect just before he leaves office, according to a U.S. official. Instead, the app's future now depends on President-elect Donald Trump. Congress passed a law last year, signed by Biden, requiring TikTok's Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to divest its U.S. operations by Jan. 19, a day before the presidential inauguration. However, the outgoing administration has decided to defer enforcing the law and any associated ban to Trump. Anonymously discussing the Biden administration’s perspective, the official revealed that Trump, who once advocated banning TikTok, has since promised to keep it operational in the U.S. However, his transition team has not clarified their approach to achieving this. TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew is expected to attend Trump’s inauguration, potentially signaling the incoming administration’s intent to prevent the app’s shutdown. National security adviser-designate Mike Waltz told Fox & Friends on Thursday that the federal law permits an extension of the divestment deadline if viable negotiations are underway. The debate over TikTok has bridged party lines. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer stated he discussed the issue with Biden, advocating for more time to secure an American buyer and protect the livelihoods of influencers reliant on the platform. However, Republican Senator Tom Cotton blocked a legislative effort to extend the deadline, arguing TikTok has had sufficient time to comply. “Tiktok is a Chinese Communist spyware app that exploits children, harvests data, and spreads propaganda,” Cotton remarked. Meanwhile, TikTok’s legal challenge to the divestment law was recently heard by the Supreme Court, where justices appeared inclined to uphold the statute. The law cites national security concerns as grounds for ByteDance’s divestiture or TikTok’s ban in the U.S. “If the court upholds the law, President Trump is clear: TikTok is a valuable platform, but he will prioritize protecting Americans’ data,” Waltz said. He suggested the administration would work toward a deal to keep the app functional. In another development, Pam Bondi, Trump’s nominee for attorney general, avoided committing to upholding a TikTok ban during her Senate hearing. Trump has shifted his stance on TikTok since his initial attempts to ban it during his first term, now praising its role in engaging younger voters during his campaign. He has even credited the platform for boosting his appeal to younger demographics, particularly male voters, and pledged to safeguard TikTok during his campaign.        

TikTok, the hugely popular video-sharing platform, faces a potential ban on January 19 due to a federal law that could force it to sever ties with its China-based parent company, ByteDance, or cease its operations in the U.S, reports AP. Several parties have shown interest in acquiring TikTok, but ByteDance has consistently stated it has no intention of selling. Experts have also highlighted that the Chinese government is unlikely to approve a sale that includes TikTok’s prized algorithm. However, until the deadline passes or the Supreme Court intervenes, the possibility of a sale remains open. Here’s a breakdown: What is TikTok’s valuation? According to Wedbush analyst Dan Ives, TikTok’s value is “well over $100 billion” with its algorithm, and in an ideal scenario, it could be worth up to $200 billion. Without the algorithm, Ives estimates its value to be between $40 billion and $50 billion, adding that he doesn’t believe ByteDance or Beijing would agree to sell TikTok without its algorithm. Lawyers for TikTok and ByteDance have argued that it’s not possible to divest the platform in both commercial and technological terms. They also contend that selling TikTok without its algorithm would effectively isolate the U.S. version of the app, severing it from the global content ecosystem. U.S. officials have raised concerns that the Chinese government could manipulate the platform’s proprietary algorithm, using it to influence content in ways that would be difficult to detect. Who is seriously interested in buying TikTok? Billionaire real estate mogul Frank McCourt and his internet advocacy group have recently proposed purchasing TikTok from ByteDance. Shark Tank investor Kevin O’Leary has also joined the bid, though details about the proposal remain undisclosed. McCourt, the former owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, has said that he would aim to restructure TikTok and allow users more control over their digital identities and data. He envisions moving the platform to an open-source protocol to ensure greater transparency. Former Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has also taken steps to acquire TikTok, stating shortly after the ban was passed that he was assembling an investor group for the purchase. He provided no specifics about the group's composition or TikTok’s valuation. In addition, figures like Tesla CEO Elon Musk, MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson), and former Blizzard-Activision CEO Bobby Kotick have been mentioned as potential buyers. However, it’s unclear whether they are seriously pursuing a deal. Could Trump Intervene? President-elect Donald Trump, who will take office on January 20, has asked the court to pause the law in order to negotiate a “political resolution” during his second term. If the Supreme Court grants this request, the potential ban on TikTok would be delayed. The Court is expected to make a decision soon. The Trump transition team has not provided specific details about how he plans to act on his campaign promise to "save TikTok." However, spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt stated in November that Trump intends to fulfill that commitment. Once Trump is in office, the Justice Department will be responsible for enforcing the law and penalising any potential violators. On Wednesday, Trump’s nominee for Attorney General, Pam Bondi, declined to answer a question on whether she would uphold a TikTok ban during her Senate hearing.

Google says its artificial intelligence chatbot Gemini will deliver up-to-date news from The Associated Press in the tech giant's first such deal with a news publisher. Google announced the deal in a blog post Wednesday, saying that AP “will now deliver a feed of real-time information to help further enhance the usefulness of results displayed in the Gemini app.” AP's chief revenue officer, Kristin Heitmann, said it is part of a longstanding relationship with the search giant “based on working together to provide timely, accurate news and information to global audiences.” "We are pleased Google recognizes the value of AP’s journalism as well as our commitment to nonpartisan reporting, in the development of its generative AI products,” Heitmann said in a written statement. Neither company has disclosed how much Google will pay AP for the content. Google declined further comment on how it would present information from AP’s journalism and whether it would credit the news organization or link back to the original articles. Gemini, formerly known as Bard, has been Google's answer to the demand for generative AI tools that can compose documents, generate images, help program code or perform other work. AP has sought to diversify its revenue stream in recent years and in 2023 signed a deal with OpenAI, maker of ChatGPT, enabling the AI company to license AP's archive of news stories to train future versions of its AI systems. The financial terms of that deal were also not disclosed, but it sparked an increasing number of similar partnerships between OpenAI and news organizations around the world. At the same time, news organizations have expressed concerns about AI companies using their material without permission — or payment — and then unfairly competing with them for advertising revenue that comes when people use a search engine or click on a news website. The New York Times and other outlets have sued OpenAI and other AI companies for copyright infringement and, on Tuesday, presented their arguments before a New York federal judge. Tech companies have argued that freely taking publicly available text from the internet to teach their AI models constitutes a “fair use” under U.S. copyright laws. But faced with legal challenges and a technology that is prone to spouting errors known as hallucinations, AI companies have also sought to license high-quality data sources to improve the performance of their products. Read: Trump adviser says president-elect exploring options to 'preserve' TikTok Publishers are at a disadvantage as tech companies integrate AI-generated summaries of information into an array of online services, but such deals are also beneficial in giving news outlets much-needed revenue and improving the overall quality of information that people are seeing online, said Alex Mahadevan, director of The Poynter Institute’s Mediawise, a digital media literacy initiative.   “You either sign a deal with an AI company and work with them and kind of take what they offer for all of your hard work, all of your articles, all of your data, or you fight, the way that The New York Times and others are trying to do in court,” he said. The AP prides itself on being an unbiased news source and offers news stories, pictures, video, audio and interactive content direct to consumers via the website APNews.com. But the bulk of its business comes from selling its journalism to organizations that use it. The AP has experienced a precipitous loss in revenue from newspaper customers, including losing Gannett and McClatchy -- two of the largest traditional U.S. newspaper publishers -- last year. The AP has increasingly secured other sources of revenue, including philanthropic funding, but is still hurt by the news industry’s overall woes. “The AP has copious amounts of data and text, which are the equivalent of gold in terms of training advanced generative AI models,” said Sarah Kreps, a professor and director of Cornell University's Tech Policy Institute. While such deals might help offset some revenue losses, they also present dangers. Read more: Biden’s semiconductor law to boost US chip output at high cost, says report “By outsourcing their value to tech companies, news outlets may cede control over how their work is used and monetized,” Kreps said by email. “Instead of building stronger, direct relationships with readers, they risk becoming suppliers of raw material for platforms that then commodify and repurpose their journalism.”

February 2025 is set to ignite the gaming world with a lineup of highly anticipated video game releases. From the latest installments in beloved franchises to innovative creations from top developers, this month promises to deliver thrilling experiences and adrenaline-pumping adventures. Gamers, get ready to mark your calendars—here are the standout titles coming your way! 8 Best Virtual Games Releasing in February 2025 February is going to see some of the finest games of the year being released. Here are a few names picked based on anticipation and promised experience.  Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Since its launch as a game developer company back in 2011, Warhorse Studios has delivered a single title, Kingdom Come Deliverance. The game was a massive hit and earned acclamations from both players and critics. Motivated by the success, Warhorse Studios is poised to introduce its sequel, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, on Feb. 4, 2025. The game is expected to come as a treat to the fans of the RPG action genre. It will follow a story set in the medieval period and narrate the adventurous journey of the protagonist. Showing off a glimpse of its gripping visuals, the game’s trailer has fired up high anticipation. Both console and PC gamers will be able to enjoy the game. Read more: Top 7 Gaming Earphones of 2024: Must-Have Picks for Gamers Big Helmet Heroes Exalted Studio has repolished its fan-favorite multiplayer PvP mobile game, Big Helmet Heroes, to launch on gaming consoles and PC. The game is set to be released on Feb. 6, 2025. Unlike the mobile edition, the upcoming Big Helmet Heroes will be a story-based adventure action game in which gamers will play tiny warriors with giant helmets. The design of the characters and visuals of the settings will follow similar styles used in the mobile PvP game. For players who like joint ventures, the game will feature a 2-player co-op mode.   Sid Meier's Civilization VII Firaxis is a widely celebrated game development company founded by Sid Meier, who is often called the “Godfather of Computer Gaming.” The company has blessed the gaming world with dozens of epic games that have passed the test of time. One of its award-winning franchises, Civilization, is ready to get its latest iteration, Sid Meier's Civilization VII, published on Feb. 11, 2025. The basic concept behind Civilization VII remains the same: players shape the structure of an evolving empire while making vital strategic decisions. Every civilization offers several leaders to choose from and players follow a story based on their chosen leaders. The new iteration features major updates to gameplay and visual aspects. Read more: 7 Most Hyped Virtual Action Games Releasing in 2025 Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds Ultimate Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds Ultimate is a colorful side-scrolling game featuring an action-punched audio-visual experience. Rocket Panda Games is close to introducing another anime-style beat ’em-up keyboard-buster on Feb 13, 2025. It will be the second game to extend the Phantom Breaker universe, which started with Phantom Breaker: Omnia. Players will get a range of characters to choose from, each with a unique fighting style and skills to tear down the enemies. The pixel art visual combined with enchanting anime movements is enough to hook players to their screens for hours.

Trump’s pick for national security adviser, Florida Rep. Mike Waltz, said in an interview on Wednesday that the president-elect is exploring options to “preserve” TikTok. Waltz made the comment when Fox News anchor Bret Baier asked him about a report from The Washington Post that said Trump was considering an executive order to suspend enforcement of a federal law that could ban the popular platform nationwide by Sunday. Last week, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in a legal challenge to the statute brought by TikTok, its China-based parent company ByteDance, and users of the app. The Justices seemed likely to uphold the law, which requires ByteDance to divest TikTok on national security grounds or face a ban in one of its biggest markets. “If the Supreme Court comes out with a ruling in favor of the law, President Trump has been very clear: Number one, TikTok is a great platform that many Americans use and has been great for his campaign and getting his message out. But number two, he’s going to protect their data,” Waltz said. US TikTok users flock to Chinese app Xiaohongshu as TikTok ban looming “He’s a deal maker. I don’t want to get ahead of our executive orders, but we’re going to create this space to put that deal in place," he added. Separately on Wednesday, Pam Bondi, Trump’s pick for attorney general, dodged a question during a Senate hearing on whether she’d uphold a TikTok ban. Trump has reversed his position on the popular app, having tried to ban it during his first term in office over national security concerns. He joined TikTok during his 2024 presidential campaign and his team used it to connect with younger voters, especially male voters, by pushing content that was often macho and aimed at going viral. He pledged to “save TikTok” during the campaign and has credited the platform with helping him win more youth votes.