The Federal Trade Commission has reversed its request to delay a trial against Amazon, stating that it has adequate resources to proceed with litigation. FTC attorney Jonathan Cohen initially told a federal judge on Wednesday that staffing shortages and budgetary constraints were hampering the agency’s ability to prepare for the case. He requested a postponement of the trial, which focuses on allegations that Amazon enrolled customers in its Prime program without their consent and made cancellation difficult. However, later that day, Cohen retracted his statement in a letter to U.S. District Judge John Chun, admitting his remarks were incorrect. “I want to clarify comments I made today: I was wrong,” Cohen wrote. “The commission does not have resource constraints and we are fully prepared to litigate this case.” FTC Chair Andrew Ferguson echoed this in a statement to The Associated Press on Thursday, emphasizing that the agency remains committed to taking on major technology firms. “The attorney was wrong,” Ferguson stated. “I have made it clear since Day 1 that we will commit the resources necessary for this case. The FTC will never back down from taking on Big Tech.” Amazon declined to comment on the agency’s reversal. Amazon workers in North Carolina vote against joining union Cohen’s initial request came amid broader federal budget cuts under the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk. During the hearing, Judge Chun inquired whether reductions in funding and staffing at federal agencies had impacted the FTC’s ability to proceed with the case. Cohen originally cited employee departures following a January email from the administration titled "Fork in the Road," as well as hiring freezes and restrictions on purchasing court documents and travel. However, with the FTC’s clarification, the case is expected to move forward as scheduled. Source: With input from agency

Meta will begin testing its crowd-sourced fact-checking initiative, Community Notes, on March 18, following the model used by Elon Musk's X, the company announced on Thursday. Meta had previously discontinued its fact-checking programme in January, with CEO Mark Zuckerberg stating that fact-checkers had become “politically biased,” echoing criticisms long voiced by conservatives. However, media experts and social media researchers expressed deep concern over the policy change. French publishers, authors sue Meta for AI copyright infringement “The decision not only eliminates a valuable resource for users but also lends credibility to the widespread disinformation narrative that fact-checking is politically biased. Fact-checkers play a crucial role by providing essential context to viral claims that mislead millions on Meta,” said Dan Evon, lead writer for RumorGuard, the News Literacy Project’s digital tool that curates fact checks and educates people on identifying misinformation. Meta first introduced fact-checking in December 2016 following Donald Trump’s election, responding to concerns about the spread of “fake news” on its platforms. For years, the company partnered with over 100 organisations across more than 60 languages to combat misinformation. The Associated Press withdrew from Meta’s fact-checking programme more than a year ago. Community Notes will eventually replace fact checks, though not immediately. Meta stated that potential contributors in the U.S. can begin signing up for the programme, but their notes will not be visible right away. “We will start by gradually and randomly admitting people from the waitlist and will take time to test the writing and rating system before any notes are published publicly,” Meta explained. Meta emphasised that it would not determine what content gets rated or written, and notes will only be published if contributors with diverse viewpoints reach a broad consensus. Unlike the previous fact-checking system, where flagged misinformation saw reduced distribution, posts with Community Notes will not face penalties. Meta initiates layoffs to reduce workforce by 5% Fact checks will remain in place outside the U.S. for now, though Meta intends to expand Community Notes globally in the future.

As the first light of day touched Taishan Mountain in eastern China's Shandong Province, a metallic quadruped robot scaled the treacherous "Eighteen Bends," a 1,460-meter path, with a storage box strapped to its back. While hikers labored to catch their breath, the agile robot skillfully navigated around crowds, balancing itself and effortlessly hauling a 120 kg load up the 45-degree slope. A video of the scene quickly went viral on Chinese social media. Deployed by a logistics company under the Taishan Cultural Tourism Group, this AI-powered robotic dog assists in cleaning up tourist waste and transporting goods, cutting down on logistics costs in the Taishan scenic area. With 8 million visitors generating 24,000 tonnes of waste each year, manual cleanup proves costly and hazardous. "The robotic dog can scale mountains, traverse water, and overcome obstacles while carrying heavy loads, greatly enhancing efficiency," said a company representative. This technological breakthrough at Taishan Mountain highlights China’s rapidly growing consumer robotics market. From the quick sell-out of humanoid robots to the rising popularity of companion robots, AI machines are transitioning from novelties to necessities. Industry experts predict explosive growth, with China’s humanoid robot market expected to reach 5.3 billion yuan (approximately 739 million U.S. dollars) by 2025, potentially growing to 75 billion yuan by 2029, accounting for 32.7% of global sales, according to a 2024 humanoid robot industry conference report. Government policies are accelerating the development of AI robots. A guideline from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology issued in November 2023 aims for breakthroughs in core robotics technology by 2025. Cities such as Chongqing and Shenzhen are investing in projects to enhance embodied intelligence systems, enabling AI to physically interact with the world. AI robots are also addressing societal needs. In Chongqing, for instance, 70-year-old stroke survivor Zhang Li regained mobility through the use of a wearable exoskeleton. "These devices analyze joint movements to predict intentions and adjust motor support, transforming rehabilitation for the elderly and disabled," explained Ge Chengjun, a marketing executive at a Chongqing-based medical technology company. In addition to their practical applications, AI robots are revolutionizing the concept of toys and pets. One popular example is Sirius, a palm-sized robot dog that dances, responds to commands, and even wiggles its hips, capturing the hearts of users with its interactive features. "It is a small, highly integrated, intelligent, four-legged robot capable of understanding and responding to human commands," said Kang Xiaohu, co-founder of Hengbot Innovation Ltd., the company behind the robot. From mountain-climbing waste collectors to family companions, eldercare aides to interactive pets, AI robots are steadily becoming a staple of China’s consumer landscape. "This shift is not just a technological advancement, but also a response to fundamental human needs," said Kang.

Struggling chipmaker Intel has hired former board member and semiconductor industry veteran Lip-Bu Tan as the latest in a succession of CEOs to attempt to turn around a once-dominant company that helped define Silicon Valley. Tan, 65, will take over the daunting job next Tuesday, more than three months after Intel's previous CEO, Pat Gelsinger, abruptly retired amid a deepening downturn that triggered massive layoffs and raised questions about the chipmaker's ability to survive as an independent company. This won't be Tan's first time running a semiconductor company, nor his first association with Intel. He spent more than a decade as CEO of Cadence Design Systems, which makes software that helps designs processors, and joined Intel's board of directors in 2022 before stepping down last August. Tan will rejoin Intel's board in addition to becoming CEO. “Lip-Bu is an exceptional leader whose technology industry expertise, deep relationships across the product and foundry ecosystems, and proven track record of creating shareholder value is exactly what Intel needs in its next CEO,” Intel's interim Executive Chairman Frank Yeary said. Intel has been led by interim co-CEOs, David Zinsner and Michelle Johnston Holthaus, since Gelsinger walked away from a job that he undertook in February 2021. Although Gelsinger arrived at Intel amid high hopes, his tenure was a major letdown as Intel's stock price plunged 60%, wiping out $160 billion in shareholder wealth. Leading up to his departure last year, Intel laid of 17,500 of its employees — about 15% of its workforce — and suspended its dividend to save money on its way to an annual loss of $19 billion. More recently, Intel delayed the opening of two new chip factories i n Ohio to ensure the projects are completed in a “financially responsible manner.” The project is supposed to draw upon the $7.8 billion in funding earmarked for Intel in the CHIPS Incentives Program created during the administration of President Joe Biden. SpaceX delays flight to replace NASA's stuck astronauts after launch pad problem It was the latest sign of distress for Intel, a Santa Clara, California, company that helped launch Silicon Valley by developing the microprocessors that enabled the personal computer revolution under the leadership of its CEO at that time, Andy Grove. But as its leadership changed Intel missed the technological shift to mobile computing triggered by Apple's 2007 release of the iPhone, and it's lagged more nimble chipmakers. Intel's troubles have been magnified since the advent of artificial intelligence — a booming field where the chips made by once-smaller rival Nvidia have become tech's hottest commodity. Nvida now boasts a market value of $2.8 trillion compared to Intel's $90 billion. Intel's stock price rose more than 10% in Wednesday's extended trading after Tan's hiring was announced, indicating investors believe he will revive the company's fortunes. While Tan was Cadence Design's CEO from January 2009 to May 2021, the company's stock price increased by 44-fold. Tan's past accomplishments resulted him being named winner of the Semiconductor Industry Association's 2022 Robert Noyce Award — an honor named after one of Intel's co-founders.

Intellian Technologies Inc, a global technology solutions provider of resilient multi-constellation, feature-rich satellite user terminals and Eutelsat Group, the only GEO-LEO operator in satellite communications, announced today that the new Enterprise Flat Panels are now available exclusively on Eutelsat’s OneWeb LEO network. Featuring the OW11FL (Land Fixed), OW11FV (Land Mobility) and OW11FM (Maritime) – the new series uses Intellian’s innovative antenna technology to deliver enterprise-grade connectivity, enabling end users to receive fast, dependable connectivity anywhere in the world for business-critical communications. The Enterprise Flat Panels are designed and engineered to deliver the maximum throughput currently offered on the OneWeb LEO network and are available for purchase through Eutelsat’s network of distribution partners worldwide targeting the land fixed, land mobility, maritime, and government sectors.  Featuring advanced tracking technology, performance is guaranteed over wide scan and at the lowest elevation angles, ensuring seamless and undisrupted connectivity for end users. The Enterprise Flat Panels have a huge amount of technology packed into such a sleek form factor and come with support for optional Resilient Global Navigation Satellite System (R-GNSS). Global availability of the Enterprise Flat Panels follows on the heels of Intellian’s Compact Flat Panels, which were launched with Eutelsat at the end of 2024. This marks the latest development in what Intellian considers will become the fastest growing range of flat panel solutions for critical environments where performance, reliability and connectivity are key.  Ben Swallow, Chief Commercial Officer, Intellian Technologies Inc, said: “We are excited that our new Enterprise Flat Panels are now fully available and live on Eutelsat’s OneWeb LEO network, providing customers even greater choice for their operational requirements. The truly innovative Enterprise Flat Panels have been designed, engineered and manufactured to deliver exceptional operational benefits and performance for end users. Together with the Compact Flat Panels, they form our Flat Panel Series which extends across hundreds of use cases with our six variants for Maritime, Land Fixed and Land Mobility markets.”  Filipe De Oliveira, Vice President for Commercial, Eutelsat OneWeb commented: “The addition of the new Enterprise Flat Panels strengthens our partnership with Intellian and enriches Eutelsat’s user terminal portfolio to our distribution partners. These terminals are designed to offer flexibility, addressing a broad spectrum of customer needs while delivering high performance connectivity across land for fixed and mobility applications and at sea. We look forward to the seamless integration of the flat panels into our end-to-end solutions.” To find out more about Intellian’s Flat Panel Series visit intelliantech.com.

Released on November 01, 2024, the OnePlus 13 (international version) aims to compete with top-tier Android smartphones. Let’s take a look into the key specs, pros, cons, and pricing of the OnePlus 13 5G in Bangladesh. Key Features of the OnePlus 13 5G . Design and Build Quality  The OnePlus 13 offers a refined design, balancing aesthetics and durability. It comes with a glass front protected by Ceramic Guard, a glass or silicone polymer back, and an aluminum frame. The dimensions of 162.9 by 76.5 by 8.5 mm make it slightly more compact than the OnePlus 12, which had a thicker profile at 9.2 mm.  The weight of the OnePlus 13 varies between 210g and 213g, making it lighter than the ancestor OnePlus 12 (220g) and the ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra Leading (246g). Compared to the Huawei Mate 70, which is the lightest at 203g, the OnePlus 13 strikes a good balance between sturdiness and portability. Additionally, the device boasts an IP68/IP69 rating, an upgrade over the OnePlus 12's IP65, ensuring better water and dust resistance. Read more: OPPO A5 Pro 4G Review: Can it fulfil the expectations? Display Quality  OnePlus has consistently delivered high-quality displays, and the OnePlus 13 is no exception. Featuring a 6.82-inch LTPO 4.1 AMOLED display with a resolution of 1440 by 3168 pixels, it offers a sharp and immersive viewing experience. The 120Hz adaptive refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and responsiveness.  Like the OnePlus 12, the latest 13’s peak brightness of 4500 nits makes it one of the brightest displays available, surpassing the Huawei Mate 70’s 2500 nits. The ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra Leading falls behind with its peak brightness of only 1500 nits. The Always-on display and Ultra HDR image support add further enhancements to the visual experience. Camera Performance  The OnePlus 13 features a triple 50MP camera setup, improving upon the OnePlus 12's 64MP periscope telephoto sensor by offering better image processing and more natural colors. The  OnePlus 13’s primary 50MP sensor has a wide f/1.6 aperture, ensuring excellent low-light performance. It is paired with a 50MP (f/2.6) periscope telephoto lens offering 3x optical zoom and a 50MP (f/2.0) ultrawide sensor with a 120-degree field of view.  In comparison, the Huawei Mate 70 features a 50MP main sensor with a variable aperture but offers a stronger 5x optical zoom. Meanwhile, the ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra Leading has a 64MP periscope lens but a smaller main sensor at 50MP. The OnePlus 13’s Hasselblad Color Calibration ensures vibrant and true-to-life colors.  Read more: Tecno Phantom V Fold 2 Review: Pros, Cons and Price in Bangladesh The  OnePlus 13’s front-facing 32MP (f/2.4) camera ensures sharp and detailed selfies, similar to the OnePlus 12. It outsmarts the  front sensors of the rivals like ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra Leading (12 MP) and Huawei Mate 70 (13MP). The maximum video recording capabilities of OnePlus 13 is 8K at 30fps for rear sensors and 4K at 30/60fps for the selfie shooter, making it on par with its competitors. It outperforms Mate 70’s 4k utmost footage capturing feature. On the other hand, Z60 Ultra Leading falls behind in the competition with 1080 p video recording capacity by the selfie camera. Processor Performance Equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite 3nm chipset, the OnePlus 13 offers exceptional processing power. This is a significant improvement over the OnePlus 12, which used the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm) chipset. The octa-core CPU features two high-performance Oryon V2 Phoenix L cores clocked at 4.32 GHz, delivering superior multitasking and AI-driven performance enhancements.  The Adreno 830 GPU ensures excellent graphics processing, making the device ideal for demanding applications.  Read more: Samsung Galaxy M16 5G: Elevating the budget-friendly experience While the ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra Leading also uses the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, the OnePlus 13 surpasses it with better efficiency and AI integration. The Huawei Mate 70, powered by the Kirin 9020 chipset, lags behind in raw performance, though it has been optimized for Huawei’s HarmonyOS. Gaming Performance Gaming enthusiasts will appreciate the OnePlus 13’s robust performance. The combination of the Snapdragon 8 Elite and Adreno 830 GPU ensures high frame rates and smooth gameplay in graphically intensive titles. The 120Hz refresh rate display enhances the gaming experience, offering fluid animations and reduced input lag.  The cooling system in the OnePlus 13 is more efficient than that of the OnePlus 12, reducing thermal throttling. Compared to the ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra Leading, which also offers strong gaming capabilities, the OnePlus 13 excels in sustained performance and heat management. The Huawei Mate 70, while optimized for software efficiency, is not as powerful for gaming due to its less capable GPU. Battery Life One of the standout features of the OnePlus 13 is its massive 6000mAh battery, a significant upgrade from the OnePlus 12’s 5400mAh. The larger capacity allows for extended usage, with some users reporting up to two days of battery life on moderate use.  Read more: Top Smartphones Launching in March 2025: Flagship & Budget Models to Watch The 100W wired charging ensures a 50% charge in just 13 minutes and a full charge in 36 minutes, matching the OnePlus 12’s impressive fast-charging speeds. The 50W wireless charging feature remains a welcome addition, comparable to both the OnePlus 12 and the Huawei Mate 70. In contrast, the ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra Leading offers only 80W wired charging, making the OnePlus 13 the superior choice for fast charging and long-lasting battery life. Thanks to the manufacturer for the 5W reverse wired and 10W reverse wireless charging option, which makes the OnePlus 13 a more user-friendly device. Software and User Interface Running on Android 15 with OxygenOS 15 (or ColorOS 15 in China), the OnePlus 13 provides a fluid and customizable user experience. OnePlus has committed to four major Android upgrades, ensuring long-term software support. The user interface remains clean and fast, with minimal bloatware.  Compared to the OnePlus 12, the new software includes improved AI-driven optimizations for performance and battery efficiency. The Huawei Mate 70 runs on HarmonyOS 4.3, which is known for its ecosystem integration but lacks Google services, making it less appealing to international users. The ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra Leading uses MyOS 14, which offers a unique interface but lacks the polish and software updates of OxygenOS. Read more: vivo Y29 4G Review: What’s special about this budget-friendly phone? Storage Options The OnePlus 13 offers multiple storage configurations, starting from 256GB with 12GB of RAM and going up to an impressive 1TB with 24GB of RAM. This flexibility ensures users can choose a model that fits their needs. The OnePlus 12 had a similar range but did not include the 512GB with 12GB RAM variant available in the OnePlus 13.  The ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra Leading provides comparable storage options, with a maximum of 1TB and 24GB RAM. Meanwhile, the Huawei Mate 70 offers a more limited selection, maxing out at 1TB with 12GB RAM. Notably, none of these devices support expandable storage, making internal storage capacity an important consideration for buyers.  Pros and Cons of OnePlus 13 5G . Pros - IP68/IP69 rating with an aluminum frame for durability.- 6.82-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate.- Snapdragon 8 Elite processor with 12GB/16GB RAM options.- 50MP triple rear camera and 32MP selfie camera.- 6000mAh battery with 100W fast charging.- 50W wireless and 10W reverse wireless charging support.- Bright 4500 nits display for excellent outdoor visibility.- Android 15 with OxygenOS 15 for a smooth user experience.- Under-display fingerprint scanner for quick unlocking.- 5G connectivity for fast internet speeds.- NFC, OTG, and infrared port support.- 8K video recording with gyro-EIS stabilization.- Stereo speakers for enhanced audio quality.- Available in up to 24GB RAM and 1TB storage variants. Read more: itel S25 Ultra Review: Budget-Friendly Phone with AMOLED Display, Reliable Battery, and More Cons - No 3.5mm audio jack for wired headphones.- No FM radio support.- No secondary card slot for expandable storage.- Lacks Emergency SOS feature. Price of the OnePlus 13 5G The OnePlus 13 unofficial is available in two configurations. The base model, featuring 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, is priced at BDT 95,000. For those needing more power, the higher-end variant with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage costs BDT 1,08,000. However, the price may vary depending on the sellers. Final Words  The OnePlus 13 5G excels in performance, display, and battery life, making it ideal for gamers and power users. However, the lack of a headphone jack and expandable storage may deter some. Buy it for speed and longevity; skip it if you need wired audio or extra storage options. Read more: Kieslect Pura Reno Review: A Compact Smartwatch for Women

A launch pad problem prompted SpaceX to delay a flight to the International Space Station on Wednesday to replace NASA's two stuck astronauts. The new crew needs to get to the International Space Station before Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams can head home after nine months in orbit. Concerns over a critical hydraulic system arose less than four hours before the Falcon rocket's planned evening liftoff from NASA's Kennedy Space Center. As the countdown clocks ticked down, engineers evaluated the hydraulics used to release one of the two arms clamping the rocket to its support structure. This structure needs to tilt back right before liftoff. Musk’s Starlink aims to expand internet access in remote India Already strapped into their capsule, the four astronauts awaited a final decision, which came down with less than an hour remaining in the countdown. SpaceX canceled for the day. Officials later said the launch was off until at least Friday. Once at the space station, the US, Japanese and Russian crew will replace Wilmore and Williams, who have been up there since June. The two test pilots had to move into the space station for an extended stay after Boeing's new Starliner capsule encountered major breakdowns in transit. Starliner's debut crew flight was supposed to last just a week, but NASA ordered the capsule to return empty and transferred Wilmore and Williams to SpaceX for the return leg.

French publishers and authors have announced legal action against Meta, alleging that the social media giant used their works without permission to train its artificial intelligence model. On Wednesday, three trade groups stated that they were suing Meta in a Paris court, accusing the company of the “massive use of copyrighted works without authorisation” to train its generative AI model. The National Publishing Union, representing book publishers, has highlighted that "numerous works" from its members are appearing in Meta’s data pool, according to the group’s president, Vincent Montagne, in a joint statement. Meta has not responded to a request for comment. The company has introduced generative AI-powered chatbot assistants for users on Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. Montagne accused Meta of engaging in “noncompliance with copyright and parasitism.” Another trade group, the National Union of Authors and Composers, which represents 700 writers, playwrights, and composers, stated that the lawsuit is necessary to protect its members from “AI that plunders their works and cultural heritage to train itself.” Ex-Meta official’s 'explosive dispatch' on company to be published The union is also concerned about AI generating “fake books” that compete with real publications, said the group’s president, François Peyrony. The third organisation involved in the lawsuit, the Société des Gens de Lettres, represents authors. Together, they demand the “complete removal” of data directories Meta created without authorisation to train its AI model. Under the European Union’s comprehensive Artificial Intelligence Act, generative AI systems must comply with the 27-nation bloc’s copyright regulations and be transparent about the material used for training. This case is the latest example of the ongoing conflict between the creative and publishing industries and technology firms over data and copyright. Last month, British musicians released a silent album in protest against proposed changes to the U.K. government’s artificial intelligence laws, which artists fear could undermine their creative control. Meta initiates layoffs to reduce workforce by 5% Meanwhile, media and technology company Thomson Reuters recently won a legal dispute against a now-defunct legal research firm over fair use in AI-related copyright cases. Other cases, involving visual artists, news organisations, and others, continue to progress through U.S. courts.

Skype offers video and voice calling features. These calls can be one-to-one or connect a group. This free software has some paid features too. Millions of people around the world use Skype for personal, professiona and business uses. However, as Skype is shutting down in May 2025, users are looking for reliable communication alternatives. Here are the 10 best Skype replacements, offering high-quality calls, messaging, and collaboration features to suit different needs. Exploring Top 10 Skype Alternatives to Use After May 2025  . Microsoft Teams Microsoft Teams is a collaboration platform developed by Microsoft, designed to support video conferencing, chat, and file sharing for businesses and organizations. It is available for free with limited features or as part of the Microsoft 365 suite with paid plans starting from $4/user/month.  The download size varies but typically is around 300 MB. Teams integrates seamlessly with Microsoft 365 apps, like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, enabling real-time collaboration. Key features include HD video calls, live transcription, file storage, and virtual whiteboards.  It supports up to 100 participants on the free plan. The app's pros include its security, collaboration tools, and integration with Microsoft products. However, its cons include a steep learning curve for new users and the necessity of a Microsoft account. Read more: Elon Musk reacts to 'Bengali' Signboard at London Station Zoom Zoom is a video conferencing software developed by Zoom Video Communications, primarily used for remote meetings, webinars, and online events. The app is available for free, with a 40-minute limit on group meetings, and paid plans start at $14.99/user/month.  The download size is around 20-300 MB, depending on the platform. Zoom offers high-quality video and audio, virtual backgrounds, breakout rooms, and cloud recording. It supports up to 1,000 participants with paid plans.  Pros include its ease of use, reliable performance, and third-party integrations. However, security settings are not maximized by default, and free users face meeting time limits. Despite occasional connectivity issues, Zoom remains one of the most popular video conferencing platforms. Slack Slack, developed by Salesforce, is a communication and collaboration platform designed for teams and businesses. It offers free and paid plans starting at $7.25/user/month. The download size is approximately 300 MB.  Read more: Understanding Zero-Click Hacks: The Growing Cyber Threat to WhatsApp Users Slack is known for its organized channels, real-time messaging, voice, and video calls. It also integrates with over 2,600 apps, including Google Drive, Zoom, and Microsoft 365. Key features include screen sharing, file sharing, and advanced search capabilities.  The app’s pros are its team-centric features and integrations, while its cons include a limited message history on the free plan and expensive pricing for large teams. Slack is best suited for team communication and project management in collaborative environments. WhatsApp WhatsApp, developed by Meta (formerly Facebook), is a free messaging platform that allows users to send text messages, voice notes, and make voice and video calls. Available for Android, iOS, and desktop (via web or app), it supports group chats and media sharing, offering end-to-end encryption for secure communication.  The app is lightweight, with a download size of approximately 60-200 MB. WhatsApp is popular for both personal and business use, offering WhatsApp Business for small businesses to engage with customers. While it is free for personal use, WhatsApp Business and its API come with additional features for enterprise-level communication, available at custom pricing.  Read more: YouTube Video Script Writing: Some Effective Tips and Tricks Pros include free calls, group video chats with up to 32 participants, and its cross-platform availability. Cons include the need for a phone number, limited desktop functionality, and a 32-participant group call limit. Google Meet Google Meet, a product of Google, is a video conferencing tool that offers both free and paid plans. Free accounts allow meetings of up to 100 participants with a 60-minute duration limit. The app integrates seamlessly with Google Workspace apps such as Gmail, Calendar, and Drive, enhancing productivity.  Available for Android, iOS, and web browsers, Google Meet’s download size is around 30MB. The service includes HD video conferencing, real-time captions, smart screen sharing, and live AI transcription. Paid plans start at $6 per user/month and offer additional features like longer meeting durations, more participants, and cloud storage.  Pros include strong security, ease of use, and integration with Google services. Cons include a meeting limit on free plans, fewer features compared to Zoom or Microsoft Teams, and occasional browser freezing. Read more: How to Protect Your YouTube Channel from Getting Hacked Viber Viber, developed by Rakuten, is a free messaging app offering voice, video calls, and messaging services. Available on Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux, it is a great alternative to Skype for international communication. Viber’s download size is approximately 120MB.  It allows free app-to-app communication and provides low-cost international calls via Viber Out. The app offers group chats, file sharing, stickers, and end-to-end encryption, ensuring secure communication.  Pros include its free voice and video calls, cross-platform support, and privacy features like self-destructing messages. However, Viber is not as widely used as WhatsApp or Skype, and calls to non-Viber numbers require credits. The free version also includes ads, and a phone number is required for registration. Jami Jami, an open-source and decentralized communication platform, provides free voice, video calls, and messaging. It is available for Android, iOS, Windows, Linux, and macOS, with a download size of around 50-150 MB.  Read more: Best Free Online Scriptwriting Courses Developed by Savoir-faire Linux, Jami allows direct calls between users via peer-to-peer networking, which enhances privacy. It supports HD video calling, instant messaging, file sharing, and group chats.  One of Jami’s key features is its focus on privacy, with no need for personal information, and all communication is end-to-end encrypted. While Jami is free, it is not as fully-featured as some Skype alternatives. The lack of server-based calls may affect call quality in some cases, and it lacks some collaborative tools. FaceTime FaceTime, developed by Apple Inc., is a free video and audio calling app exclusive to Apple devices. It integrates seamlessly with iPhone, iPad, and Mac, allowing users to make high-quality calls using only a phone number or email address.  FaceTime supports group video calls with up to 32 participants and provides features like SharePlay for collaborative experiences, spatial audio for natural-sounding conversations, and Portrait Mode with video effects. Read more: How to Increase YouTube subscribers for free? The app is free for Apple users, and FaceTime links allow cross-platform access for Android and Windows users via a browser. However, FaceTime is limited to Apple users, lacks built-in chat or collaboration features, and requires a strong internet connection for optimal performance. Jitsi Jitsi, an open-source platform, offers free and secure video conferencing without the need for account creation. Developed by Jitsi, it is available for web, mobile, and desktop platforms, allowing for unlimited participants and no time limits.  The download size varies depending on the platform, but it is lightweight and runs directly in a web browser. Jitsi supports end-to-end encryption, screen sharing, and remote desktop control, making it ideal for secure business and personal meetings.  While Jitsi is free and highly flexible, it lacks built-in scheduling or meeting management features and may depend on third-party integrations for cloud recording. It also requires self-hosting for full customization, which may limit some users. Read more: How To Be A Popular Instagram Influencer Signal Signal is a free, privacy-focused messaging and calling app developed by the Signal Foundation. It offers end-to-end encrypted voice, video, and text communication, ensuring complete privacy for users. Unlike Skype, Signal does not track or collect user data and is funded by donations.  The app is available on Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux, with a download size varying by platform (around 100-200MB). Key features include encrypted messaging, high-quality voice and video calls, self-destructing messages, and secure group chats.  Pros include strong encryption, no ads or tracking, and open-source transparency. However, it requires a phone number to sign up, has limited cloud backup options, and lacks business or API features. Despite a smaller user base, it remains a top choice for privacy-conscious users. Webex Webex, developed by Cisco, is a cloud-based communication platform designed for professional use, offering messaging, voice, and video services. It provides a free basic plan for individuals, with paid plans starting at $13 per month for businesses.  Read more: 7 Top AI Writing Tools, Software to Generate Human-Like Text Webex includes features like meeting transcripts, hand gesture recognition, background noise cancellation, and screen sharing. It is well-suited for enterprises, offering advanced collaboration tools and AI-powered features. The platform's seamless integration with other Cisco products makes it ideal for large-scale teams.  However, Webex's pricing is higher than some competitors, and occasional lag or freezing can occur. While the free plan supports basic meetings, businesses will need a paid plan for more comprehensive features.  Wrapping Up Transitioning from Skype is essential as it nears retirement, and there are plenty of alternatives to explore. Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Google Meet are ideal for professional use, while platforms like Signal and WhatsApp offer more secure and accessible options for personal communication. Choose the one that best suits your needs. Read more: Best Free Websites to Improve English Writing Skill

Elon Musk’s Starlink has struck agreements with India’s leading telecom providers to introduce its satellite internet services across the country, marking a significant step toward connecting millions of people, especially in remote areas. The deals with Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, which control over 70% of India’s telecom market, come just a day after Starlink announced a similar partnership with Airtel. However, the agreements are contingent on Starlink receiving government approval to operate in India. The announcements follow a meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Musk in Washington. Starlink Devices to Be Available in Stores Nationwide Under the agreement with Jio, Starlink will sell its satellite equipment in Jio’s extensive retail network across India, making the service more accessible. Additionally, Starlink will leverage Jio’s infrastructure to enhance coverage in areas where internet access remains limited. Jio’s statement highlighted that Starlink will complement its existing broadband services by providing fast internet to challenging locations quickly and affordably. Jio will also assist with installation and activation of Starlink’s devices. Regulatory Hurdles and Pricing Challenges for Starlink Despite these agreements, Starlink’s entry into the Indian market is not guaranteed, as it still requires regulatory approval. Local reports suggest that the company’s application is close to receiving initial approval, though concerns over security compliance remain. Indian telecom minister Jyotiraditya Scindia previously stated that Starlink’s license would only be issued once it meets all security norms. Another challenge for Starlink could be pricing, as mobile data in India is among the cheapest globally, and Starlink’s service may face difficulties competing with local providers. Musk says X targeted in ‘massive cyberattack,’ causing outage Expanding Internet Access to Remote Areas Around 40% of India’s population, over 1.4 billion people, currently lacks internet access. With its constellation of over 6,900 satellites, Starlink could play a key role in connecting rural and hard-to-reach regions, offering low-latency broadband to areas previously without internet.