United News of Bangladesh

Scientists in Australia have developed a nanoengineered, paint-like polymer coating that can passively cool buildings and capture water directly from the air — all without any energy input. The invention could help address global water scarcity while reducing the need for energy-intensive cooling systems, according to a statement released Monday by the University of Sydney, which led the research in collaboration with start-up Dewpoint Innovations. The research team developed a porous polymer coating capable of reflecting up to 97 percent of sunlight and radiating heat into the atmosphere. This allows surfaces coated with the material to remain up to six degrees Celsius cooler than the surrounding air, even under direct sunlight, the statement said. This cooling process creates ideal conditions for atmospheric water vapour to condense into droplets on the surface — “much like steam condensing on a bathroom mirror,” the researchers explained. “This technology not only advances the science of cool roof coatings but also opens the door to sustainable, low-cost and decentralised sources of fresh water — a critical need in the face of climate change and growing water scarcity,” said Professor Chiara Neto of the University of Sydney Nano Institute and the School of Chemistry. In a six-month outdoor trial on the rooftop of the Sydney Nanoscience Hub, the coating was able to collect dew over 32 percent of the year, harvesting up to 390 millilitres of water per square metre daily — enough for a 12-square-metre surface to meet one person’s daily drinking water needs. Unlike traditional white paints, the new polymer relies on its internal porous structure rather than ultraviolet-reflective pigments such as titanium dioxide. This not only enhances durability but also reduces glare, according to the study, published in Advanced Functional Materials. “Imagine roofs that not only stay cooler but also make their own fresh water — that’s the promise of this technology,” Professor Neto added.

A Carnegie Mellon University professor now holds one of the most influential positions in the global technology landscape — overseeing when the world’s most advanced artificial intelligence systems can be safely released. Zico Kolter, a computer science professor and director of Carnegie Mellon’s machine learning department, leads OpenAI’s four-member Safety and Security Committee, which has the authority to halt the release of any AI model deemed unsafe. The committee’s mandate ranges from preventing misuse of powerful AI systems — such as those capable of designing weapons of mass destruction — to ensuring new chatbots do not harm users’ mental health. “We’re not just talking about existential threats,” Kolter told The Associated Press. “We’re talking about the entire spectrum of safety and security issues that arise with widely used AI systems.” Oversight strengthened by regulatory deal Kolter has chaired OpenAI’s safety panel for over a year, but his role gained new prominence last week after regulators in California and Delaware made his oversight a key condition for approving OpenAI’s new corporate structure — a move designed to help the ChatGPT maker raise funds more easily while maintaining its non-profit mission. The agreements, reached with California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings, reaffirm that safety and security decisions must take precedence over financial interests as OpenAI transitions into a public benefit corporation under the supervision of its non-profit foundation. Kolter will sit on the non-profit board but not on the for-profit board. However, he will have “full observation rights” — including access to board meetings and all safety-related information — according to Bonta’s memorandum of understanding. Kolter is the only individual named in that document apart from Bonta himself. Independence from OpenAI leadership Kolter said the agreements confirm his committee’s authority to delay or block releases of new AI systems until safety mitigations are in place. He declined to say whether the panel has ever exercised that power. The committee includes three other members who also serve on the OpenAI board, among them former U.S. Army General Paul Nakasone, who previously led the U.S. Cyber Command. CEO Sam Altman stepped down from the panel last year, a move widely seen as reinforcing its independence. “We can request delays of model releases until certain conditions are met,” Kolter said, emphasizing that future concerns would cover everything from cybersecurity vulnerabilities to the misuse of AI models for malicious purposes. Balancing innovation with safety Kolter noted that new types of AI agents bring unprecedented risks. “Do these models enable malicious users to have much higher capabilities — like designing bioweapons or carrying out cyberattacks?” he asked. “And what about the psychological impact of interacting with these systems? All of these need to be addressed from a safety standpoint.” OpenAI has faced growing scrutiny this year, including a wrongful-death lawsuit from California parents who alleged that their teenage son took his life after extensive interactions with ChatGPT. From AI researcher to safety overseer Kolter, 42, began studying artificial intelligence as a Georgetown University freshman in the early 2000s — when “machine learning” was still considered a niche academic field. “When I started, we used the term ‘machine learning’ because ‘AI’ was viewed as an old discipline that had overpromised and underdelivered,” he recalled. A longtime observer of OpenAI, Kolter even attended the company’s launch event in 2015. Still, he said few experts foresaw the current pace of progress. “Even those deeply involved in AI research didn’t anticipate the explosion of capabilities — and the corresponding risks — that we’re seeing now,” he said. Skepticism and cautious optimism AI safety advocates are closely watching OpenAI’s restructuring and Kolter’s work. Nathan Calvin, general counsel of the AI policy nonprofit Encode, described himself as “cautiously optimistic.” “I think he’s a good choice for the role — someone with the right background and approach,” Calvin said. “If the safety board members take their commitments seriously, this could be a major step forward. But it could also end up being just words on paper. We don’t yet know which it will be.”  Source: AP 

China announced Saturday that its Shenzhou 21 spacecraft successfully docked with the country’s space station, completing the process at a record speed with its latest three-member crew. The docking took about 3.5 hours, roughly three hours faster than previous missions, according to the China Manned Space Agency. Shenzhou 21 lifted off as planned at 11:44 p.m. local time Friday from the Jiuquan launch center in northwestern China. The crew is scheduled to enter the Tianhe core module of the space station following the dock. The team includes pilot and mission commander Zhang Lu, who previously flew on the Shenzhou 15 mission two years ago. The other two astronauts, Wu Fei, 32, an engineer, and payload specialist Zhang Hongzhang, are on their first spaceflight. Wu is China’s youngest astronaut to join a space mission, while Zhang Hongzhang previously worked as a researcher in new energy and materials. Zhang Lu said the crew aims to turn the station into a “utopia,” practicing tai-chi, gardening, and appreciating poetry aboard Tiangong. Like prior crews, they are expected to stay for roughly six months. During their mission, the astronauts will carry out 27 scientific and applied projects covering biotechnology, aerospace medicine, materials science, and other fields. For the first time, China is sending mice to its space station. Four mice — two males and two females — will be monitored to study the effects of weightlessness and confinement on behavior, said Han Pei, an engineer at the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Quiet supersonic travel nears reality as NASA tests X‑59 jet “This will help us master key technologies for breeding and monitoring small mammals in space and assess their emergency responses and adaptive changes,” Han said. The mice were selected from 300 candidates after over 60 days of training, according to Xinhua News Agency. They are expected to remain in space for five to seven days and return to Earth aboard Shenzhou 20, China National Radio reported. China’s space program, a source of national pride, reflects the country’s technological advances over the past two decades. Since launching its first crewed mission in 2003, China became the third nation after the Soviet Union and the United States to send humans into space. Zhang Jingbo, spokesperson for the China Manned Space Agency, said the agency is progressing steadily toward sending astronauts to the moon. “Our goal of landing a person on the moon by 2030 is firm,” he said. The Tiangong, or “Heavenly Palace,” space station is entirely Chinese-built, following the country’s exclusion from the International Space Station over U.S. national security concerns. The program is managed by the People’s Liberation Army, the military branch of China’s ruling Communist Party. In collaboration with Pakistan, China is training two Pakistani astronauts, with plans to send one on a short-term mission as a payload expert — the first visit to the space station by a foreign astronaut. Source: AP 

The year is ending, but the magnificence of new smartphone releases is still on the go. Top brands like OnePlus, realme, Vivo, and OPPO are dropping impressive smartphones featuring performance, killer cameras, and long-lasting batteries. There are also some exciting releases in budget-friendly to mid-range segments. If it’s your time for a mobile upgrade or to buy an additional phone, don't forget to check the list of top 10 smartphones debuting in November 2025.   Best 10 Smartphones Releasing in November 2025 . Oppo Find X9 Series The new Oppo Find X9 Series is launching globally this November 2025. These phones fuse sleek looks with serious muscle. Both the Find X9 and Find X9 Pro are powered by the Dimensity 9500 chip and run on Android 16/ColorOS 16. They both boast gorgeous AMOLED 120Hz screens—6.59 inches for the X9 and 6.78 inches for the Pro. The Pro model is a beast, sporting a massive 7500mAh battery and an incredible 200MP periscope camera. The standard X9 is not far behind with a 7025 mAh battery. You can also get up to 1TB storage and 16GB RAM. Expect prices to kick off around BDT 80,000 for the X9 and BDT 95,000 for the X9 Pro in Bangladesh.   Read more: OPPO Find X9 Pro Review: Is This Flagship Worth Buying? realme GT 8 Pro The realme GT 8 Pro, released on October 21, 2025, in China, is set to hit global markets in November. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 3 nm chipset and Android 16 (realme UI 7.0), this flagship phone combines premium performance with style.  It features a 6.79-inch LTPO AMOLED QHD+ display with a 144 Hz refresh rate, a sleek aluminium frame, and IP68/IP69 water resistance. The new Ricoh-tuned triple camera setup includes 200MP periscope, 50MP wide, and 50MP ultrawide lenses, alongside a 32MP selfie camera. It offers 8K and 4K utmost video recording capacities with rear and front sensors, respectively. Backed by a 7000mAh battery with 120W fast charging, it is priced around BDT 90,000.  OnePlus Turbo The OnePlus Turbo, expected to debut in November 2025, promises flagship-level performance and power. It will feature a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a sharp 1.5K resolution and a smooth 165 Hz refresh rate. Running on Android 16 (ColorOS 16), it will be powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 3 nm chipset.  The phone will offer up to 12GB RAM and 512GB storage, with a 50MP + 8MP dual rear camera and a 16MP selfie lens. Its massive 8000mAh battery will support 100W fast charging. The price will be around BDT 85,000.  Read more: Samsung Galaxy M17 5G Review: Mid-Range Power with Premium Touch Vivo iQOO 15  The iQOO 15, unveiled in China on October 20, 2025, is expected to launch globally in November 2025. Designed for gamers and power users, it features a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 3 nm processor with a Q3 gaming chip, running on Android 16 with OriginOS 6.  The phone boasts a 6.85-inch 2K LTPO AMOLED display with a smooth 144 Hz refresh rate and a colour-changing rear panel. It packs triple 50MP cameras with 8K video recording capacity at maximum and a 32MP selfie camera with 4K utmost video shooting capacity. Its massive 7000mAh battery comes with 100W wired and 40W wireless charging. The expected price for this is BDT 80,000.  OnePlus 15 The OnePlus 15, which debuted on October 28, will be officially released globally in November 2025. It combines luxury design and next-gen performance. Built with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and an aluminium alloy frame, it features a 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a 165 Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ support.  Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm) chipset and Android 16 (ColorOS 16), it ensures smooth multitasking. The phone boasts a triple 50MP rear camera setup with 8K video and a 32MP selfie camera with a 4K video recording feature. Its massive 7300mAh battery supports 120W fast and 50W wireless charging. With up to 1TB storage and 16GB RAM, it is priced around BDT 70,000.  Read more: Top Flagship Smartphones Released in 2025 So Far Lava Agni 4 The Lava Agni 4, expected to launch in November 2025, will continue the brand’s midrange legacy with a modern design and upgraded hardware. It is coming with a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a 120 Hz refresh rate and Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection.  The device will be powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8350 chipset and run on Android 14. The phone is expected to pack a 50MP triple rear camera and a 16MP selfie camera, backed by a 5000mAh battery with fast charging. It promises smooth performance with 8GB RAM and 128GB/256GB storage variants. Its estimated price is around BDT 40,000 in Bangladesh.  Nothing Phone 3a Lite The Nothing Phone (3a) Lite, released on October 29, 2025, marks the brand’s entry into the affordable smartphone segment. It features a transparent glass back with a signature Glyph light, blending style with function. The phone sports a 6.77-inch AMOLED FHD+ display with a 120 Hz refresh rate, 3000 nit peak brightness and Panda Glass protection.  Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Pro 4 nm chipset and Android 15 (Nothing OS 3.5), it ensures standard performance. It has a triple rear camera series with a 50MP primary sensor that can capture up to 4K videos. On the front side, it offers a 16MP selfie shooter. It is equipped with a 5000 mAh battery that supports 33 W fast charging. Priced around BDT 40,000 in Bangladesh. Read more: Best 10 Smartphones Releasing in Bangladesh in October 2025 Motorola Moto G67 Power The Motorola Moto G67 Power, launching on November 5, 2025, is designed for users who value power and endurance. It comes with a 7,000mAh Si/C battery that promises up to 58 hours of use and supports 30W fast charging.  Powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 4 nm processor and Android 15, it features a 6.72-inch 120 Hz Full HD+ LCD display protected by Gorilla Glass 7i. The phone sports a dual rear camera setup with a 50MP primary shooter offering 4K video capacity. It also sports a 32MP selfie lens, stereo speakers, and a vegan leather finish. Available in stylish Pantone colours, its price will be approximately BDT 34,900.  Acer Acerone Liquid S262F5 The Acer Acerone Liquid S262F5 is expected to release in November 2025. It will bring a solid mix of design and performance under a budget-friendly price range. It will sport a 6.76-inch IPS LCD display with a 90 Hz refresh rate. Its display will bear Gorilla Glass 5 protection, offering clear visuals and durability. Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6400 (6 nm) chipset and Android 16, it will allow smooth multitasking.  There will be a triple rear camera setup, including a 64MP main shooter and a 16MP selfie camera. The device will be powered by a 5000 mAh battery. Its 8GB RAM will be combined with 128GB storage. Its expected price in Bangladesh is around BDT 28,999.   Read more: iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max Review : Apple’s Bold Leap into the Future Honor X6b Plus The Honor X6b Plus is expected to launch in November 2025. This budget-friendly phone promises a mix of style and practicality. It will feature a 6.56-inch TFT LCD display. Being run on Android 15 with MagicOS 8.0, it will be powered by the MediaTek Helio G85 chipset.  The device will pack 8 GB RAM and 256 GB storage. It will bring a dual (50MP + 2MP) rear camera with a 5MP selfie lens and a reliable 5200mAh battery with 35W fast charging. Made in China, the X6b Plus will be priced at around BDT 19,999 when released in Bangladesh.  Verdict The list of the best 10 new smartphones releasing in November 2025 redefines technological innovation, blending power, design, and intelligence across all price ranges. Those who are looking for high-end smartphones can check out the Oppo Find X9, Oppo Find X9 Pro, realme GT 8 Pro, OnePlus Turbo, Vivo iQOO 15 and OnePlus 15. While Nothing Phone 3a Lite, Motorola Moto G67 Power, Acer Acerone Liquid S262F5, and Honor X6b Plus will appear in budget-friendly to mid-range segments.  On the whole, in this list of most-hyped smartphones, users can expect faster processors, smarter cameras, and longer battery life for every lifestyle and budget.  Read more: Apple iPhone Air: The Ultra-Thin Revolution – A Complete Review

YouTube TV subscribers have lost access to Disney-owned networks, including ABC, ESPN, FX, National Geographic, and the Disney Channel, after the two companies failed to reach a new content distribution agreement. In a blog post late Thursday, Google’s YouTube TV confirmed that Disney had followed through on its warning to pull its programming from the platform amid stalled negotiations. The blackout is expected to affect coverage of major sporting events this weekend, including college football, NBA, NFL, and NHL games. YouTube TV, the largest internet-based TV provider in the U.S. with over 9 million subscribers, said the dispute centers on pricing. Disney, which owns Hulu, the second-largest provider with roughly half as many subscribers, is accused by YouTube of using the threat of a blackout to pressure for higher fees — a move that also benefits Disney’s competing services, Hulu + Live TV and Fubo. “We know this is frustrating and disappointing for our subscribers,” YouTube said in a statement. “We continue to urge Disney to work with us constructively toward a fair deal that restores their networks to YouTube TV.” YouTube added that it would issue a $20 credit to users if Disney’s channels remain unavailable “for an extended period.” The service’s standard monthly plan costs $82.99. Disney, meanwhile, accused YouTube TV of refusing to pay fair market rates for its channels, arguing that the platform’s stance deprives subscribers of popular programming — particularly with several top college football teams playing this weekend. “With a $3 trillion market cap, Google is using its market dominance to stifle competition and undercut industry-standard terms we’ve successfully reached with every other distributor,” Disney said, adding that it remains committed to finding a resolution quickly. The standoff highlights ongoing tensions between major content owners and streaming distributors as both sides battle for dominance — and subscriber loyalty — in the crowded online TV market.

U.S. chipmaking giant Nvidia has announced a major partnership with the South Korean government and leading companies including Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, and Hyundai Motor to accelerate the country’s artificial intelligence (AI) development and infrastructure. The collaboration, unveiled Friday after President Lee Jae Myung met with Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, includes supplying about 260,000 graphics processing units (GPUs) to bolster AI computing and manufacturing capabilities. Of these, 50,000 GPUs will go toward a government-backed national AI cloud center, while Samsung and SK Hynix will each receive a similar number to integrate AI into semiconductor manufacturing. Hyundai will use Nvidia’s Blackwell GPUs to advance work on autonomous driving, robotics, and smart factories. At a press conference, Huang praised South Korea’s strengths in technology, software, and manufacturing, saying that combining these with AI would put the country at the forefront of “the future of robotics.” Huang’s visit comes during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju, where South Korea is showcasing its AI ambitions. Nvidia has become a central player in global AI advancement, powering much of the industry’s infrastructure. The company also figured prominently in talks between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, where they discussed easing chip export restrictions. Huang said he hopes Nvidia will eventually be allowed to sell its next-generation Blackwell chips to China but acknowledged the final decision rests with Trump. Nvidia recently became the world’s first $5 trillion company, highlighting the immense impact of the AI boom — though global financial leaders have warned of a possible market bubble. Huang’s South Korean visit drew significant public attention, with crowds gathering as he shared fried chicken and beer with Samsung’s Lee Jae-yong and Hyundai’s Euisun Chung, underscoring his growing celebrity status in the tech world.

A supersonic jet plane designed to make very little noise took flight for the first time this week, cruising over the southern California desert just after sunrise in what could be the first step toward much faster commercial travel, according to NASA. NASA and the U.S. weapons and aerospace manufacturer Lockheed Martin successfully tested a jet Tuesday that is capable of traveling faster than the speed of sound. Aircraft have been capable of flying at supersonic speeds since the 1940s. The problem is that ultra fast planes are banned for commercial travel over land because they make an explosive — and frightening — “sonic boom” that disturbs the public. The supersonic aircraft Concorde, operated through British Airways and Air France, made transatlantic flights starting in the 1970s. But those were halted in 2003 after a fatal crash three years earlier tanked demand for the expensive service. If NASA and Lockheed Martin can successfully lower the volume, the new jets could slash travel time between places like New York City and Los Angeles roughly in half, opening up an entirely new air travel industry. The X-59 is capable of flying faster than the speed of sound with what Lockheed Martin described as only a “gentle thump." Tuesday’s test flight was still slower than the speed of sound and was intended primarily to test the plane's structural integrity. Still, it was celebrated as a significant step toward the widespread use of supersonic travel. The compact, 100 foot (30 meter) plane launched from the Lockheed Martin Skunk Works facility in Palmdale, about 60 miles (100 km) north of Los Angeles, coasted over the desert and landed near NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center about 40 miles (64 km) away. The first airplane to move faster than the speed of sound — or 767 mph (1,235 kph) — took off nearly 80 years ago in 1947, according to NASA. But flights at that speed were banned over land in the United States soon in response to polling. Residents complained that the noise reverberated through large cities, rattling windows and startling the public. NASA and Lockheed Martin have for years been working on a solution that would circumvent the noise and lead to regulatory change, in large part to make commercial supersonic travel within the United States possible.

The OPPO Find X series is specialised for premium innovation and cutting-edge design, which represents OPPO’s flagship lineup, focusing on advanced technology, superior camera systems, and futuristic aesthetics. In this legacy, the OPPO Find X9 Pro was officially announced in China on October 16, 2025. Its global launch followed shortly thereafter on October 28, 2025, with availability extending to markets including Europe. Let’s take a look at the specifications, merits, demerits and pricing of the OPPO Find X9 Pro in Bangladesh. Key Features of OPPO Find X9 Pro . Design The Find X9 Pro presents a premium build and mature aesthetic. It maintains a slim profile (around 8.2 mm) while housing a hefty 7,500 mAh battery, which is impressive given the thickness. It comes with a glass front featuring Gorilla Glass Victus 2, a glass back and an aluminium frame. The materials appear high grade, sporting a solid feel in hand. It has IP68/IP69 grade dust and water resistance. The styling is understated rather than flashy. Its camera module is well integrated, the flat-edged display gives a contemporary look, and the finish options, like Silk White or Titanium Charcoal, cater to more refined tastes.  Read more: Top Flagship Smartphones Released in 2025 So Far On the flip side, some users might find the size (161.3 x 76.5 x 8.3 mm) and weight (224 grams) uncomfortable for one-hand use. For users accustomed to smaller phones, this will feel large.  The fingerprint sensor (under-display ultrasonic) and face unlock are both fast and reliable in tests. Display The Find X9 Pro sports a 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED panel with a 1.5K resolution (1272 by 2772 pixels) and a 120 Hz refresh rate. The display hits up to 3,600 nits in local peak brightness tests, making it very usable outdoors in bright light. Moreover, HDR support (Dolby Vision, HDR10+) is included, which helps when watching high-quality video content.  The combination of smooth refresh rate, high brightness and strong resolution gives a satisfying viewing experience, whether browsing, gaming or consuming media.  Read more: Samsung Galaxy M17 5G Review: Mid-Range Power with Premium Touch Though X9 Pro ’s 1.5K (rather than full 2K) resolution might not matter to most, pixel purists may note that there are competitors offering full 2K displays. For instance, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (1440 by 3120 pixels) and OnePlus 13 (1440 by 3168 pixels) offer higher resolution at a similar price range. But in real-world use the sharpness is excellent. The use of flat edges and minimal bezels also helps the screen feel immersive. Memory The phone is available in configurations with 12 GB or 16 GB of RAM. Internal storage choices include 256 GB, 512 GB, and 1 TB (1024 GB). The storage combination includes 12/256GB, 12/512GB, 16/512GB, and 16/1TB. The OPPO Find X9 Pro is blessed with the UFS 4.1 data transfer mechanism.  However, memory is non-expandable. Processor & Performance Under the hood, the Find X9 Pro is equipped with the MediaTek Dimensity 9500 chipset, built on a 3 nm process. Its CPU configuration is an octa-core layout consisting of one ultra-high-performance core at 4.21 GHz (C1-Ultra), three performance cores at 3.5 GHz (C1-Premium), and four efficiency cores at 2.7 GHz (C1-Pro).  The GPU is the Arm G1‑Ultra graphics engine, delivering strong graphics performance.  Read more: Top Flagship Smartphones Released in 2025 So Far In benchmark tests it shows strong numbers — for example, on Geekbench and other synthetic measures. The cooling and efficiency engineering appear solid: for example, OPPO’s vapour-chamber system is redesigned to dissipate heat more effectively. In daily use the phone feels smooth and snappy in opening apps, multitasking and even gaming/graphics-intensive workloads.  The UI (ColorOS 16 on Android 16) is polished and responsive, though some may feel it still has a bit of the typical manufacturer skin – meaning a few pre-installed apps and UI flair that may not be as clean as stock Android. But performance-wise there are very few compromises. If you demand high-end specs, the X9 Pro delivers. Software On the software front, ColorOS 16 on top of Android 16 adds useful productivity features like AI tools. The Find X9 Pro will get up to 5 major Android upgrades. X9 Pro supports Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.x, NFC, and strong 5G band support depending on the region. Read more: Best 10 Smartphones Releasing in Bangladesh in October 2025 Camera: Photo & Video The camera system is a headline feature of the Find X9 Pro. It includes a 50 MP main sensor (Sony LYT-828), a 50 MP ultra-wide, and a 200 MP periscope/telephoto lens (≈3× optical zoom) developed in partnership with Hasselblad.  The telephoto lens is particularly interesting because of its high resolution and zoom capability: the phone can achieve lossless zoom levels through the large sensor and cropping rather than relying purely on digital zoom.  Now, turning to the front side, the X9 Pro flaunts a 50 MP selfie sensor, which steps ahead of rivals like the OnePlus 13 (32 MP) and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (12 MP).  In real-world testing, reviewers praised the flexibility of the zoom and ultra-wide lenses, the colour tuning (thanks to Hasselblad) and solid low-light results. While the camera performance is extremely good, it may not quite reach the absolute “best in class” for image quality in every scenario (e.g., some extremely challenging low-light or extreme zoom conditions). Overall though, for users who are looking for high-end photography and zoom, the X9 Pro stands out. Read more: iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max Review : Apple’s Bold Leap into the Future On the rear camera setup, the device can shoot a maximum of 4K video at up to 120 fps and 1080p at up to 240 fps. Additionally, all main cameras (rear and front) support 4K HDR capture (e.g., 4K at 60 fps with Dolby Vision), and for pro users there is LOG video mode in 4K at 24/30/60/120 fps. However, the similarly priced rivals like the OnePlus 13 and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra can capture 8K videos, which can be a dealbreaker for the X9 Pro. Battery & Charging Powered by a 7,500 mAh silicon-carbon (Si-C) battery, the OPPO Find X9 Pro outwins the rivals like the OnePlus 13 (6,000 mAh) and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (5,000 mAh). During testing, the X9 Pro showed excellent endurance in browsing, video playback, and gaming, with above-average runtime compared to many other flagships.  X9 Pro supports 80 W wired charging, 50 W wireless charging and 10 W reverse wireless charging. Though these charging options are standard, there are some competitors offering even higher charging wattages.  Overall, if your day-to-day usage involves travel, photography, gaming, etc., the X9 Pro’s strong battery package will handle it well. Read more: Apple iPhone Air: The Ultra-Thin Revolution – A Complete Review Pros and Cons of OPPO Find X9 Pro . Pros - Large 7,500 mAh silicon-carbon battery - MediaTek Dimensity 9500 chipset - Strong camera system, including a high-resolution telephoto lens and Hasselblad - Bright and large display with high refresh rate (120 Hz) - Premium build and strong durability credentials. Read more: Apple iPhone 17 Review – “More Than Just a Better Camera?” Cons - The display resolution is 1.5K rather than a full 2K (or higher) - It lacks an anti-reflective coating, which can impact visibility under certain lighting. - It is heavy and large, which may affect one-hand usability. - Software experience may not feel as clean or “stock” as some users prefer, and update support might lag behind the very top players. - No expandable storage. Therefore, the device is limited to the internal storage the user picks. Read more: realme 15T Review with Price in Bangladesh Price of OPPO Find X9 Pro The price of the OPPO Find X9 Pro in China at launch was 5,299 RMB. In Bangladesh the indicated price range starts from approximately BDT 94,259 to BDT 108,900.  Summary The OPPO Find X Series' latest innovation, the X9 Pro, is a very compelling flagship smartphone. It shines especially in battery endurance, zoom-capable camera system, and overall performance. Its design and display are class-leading. If you prioritise photography (especially zoom), long battery life, and a high-end experience, this phone is among the best.  Read more: Samsung Galaxy S25 FE Review: Perfect Balance of Power, Performance However, for those looking for higher resolution, a cleaner software experience, an expandable storage option, faster charging or a lighter phone, they may check out the alternatives. But the OPPO Find X9 Pro is clearly positioned at the top tier.

The United States will provide South Korea with advanced technology to help it build a nuclear-powered submarine, President Donald Trump announced Thursday on social media following his meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung. During their talks on Wednesday, President Lee emphasized the need to modernize the U.S.-South Korea alliance, noting plans to boost Seoul’s defense spending to ease Washington’s financial burden. Lee clarified that there had been some misunderstanding in their previous conversation in August, saying that South Korea was seeking nuclear fuel for submarine propulsion, not nuclear weapons. He explained that South Korea’s current diesel-powered submarines are limited in tracking other nations’ undersea operations, while nuclear-powered submarines could strengthen both South Korea’s defense and U.S. military efforts in the region. Unlike diesel-powered submarines that must surface often to recharge batteries, nuclear-powered ones can remain underwater for extended periods, offering greater endurance and stealth. Trump added in a separate post that the submarine would be built at the Philly Shipyard, which was acquired last year by South Korea’s Hanwha Group. Details about the project’s scale and cost were not immediately clear, but South Korea has pledged to invest $150 billion in U.S. shipbuilding facilities as part of ongoing defense cooperation. North Korea hails cruise missile tests as Trump arrives in South Korea U.S. nuclear submarine technology is among the country’s most closely guarded military secrets. Even under the AUKUS partnership with the United Kingdom and Australia, Washington has avoided directly transferring such sensitive know-how. Trump’s announcement comes ahead of his planned meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, whose country operates nuclear submarines, and months after North Korea revealed its own nuclear-powered submarine under construction — a development seen as a potential threat to both Seoul and Washington. Meanwhile, as Trump visited South Korea, Pyongyang said Wednesday it had successfully test-fired new cruise missiles, underscoring its growing military strength. Pentagon officials have yet to comment on Trump’s statement about sharing nuclear submarine technology with Seoul. Source: AP 

Elon Musk has rolled out Grokipedia, a crowdsourced online encyclopedia he says is designed to challenge Wikipedia with a stronger commitment to truth and accuracy. Announcing the launch on social media, Musk said Grokipedia.com is “now live,” adding that its mission is “the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.” The billionaire has long accused Wikipedia of carrying “propaganda” and previously urged people not to donate to the nonprofit platform. In September, he revealed that his artificial intelligence company, xAI, was developing the alternative service. Grokipedia currently features a minimalist interface centered around a search bar and lists a database of more than 885,000 articles — still far behind Wikipedia’s 7 million-plus English entries. Like Wikipedia, it offers information on a range of topics, from global figures like Taylor Swift to major sporting and historical events. However, it remains unclear how articles are compiled. Reports suggest the platform is powered by the same xAI technology behind Musk’s Grok chatbot, while some entries appear to draw from Wikipedia content. The Wikimedia Foundation, which operates Wikipedia, said Tuesday it is still trying to understand how Grokipedia functions. Wikimedia noted that Wikipedia has been widely used to train major AI chatbots, including Grok, ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini. “Even Grokipedia needs Wikipedia to exist,” it said, describing Wikipedia’s “human-created knowledge” as essential to AI. Wikipedia has recently faced political scrutiny in the United States, with Republican lawmakers alleging partisan manipulation in the editing process that they claim may influence both the site and the AI systems trained on its content. Unlike Wikipedia’s rigorous sourcing requirements — where unverified statements may be removed — some Grokipedia articles are lightly referenced. For instance, its entry on the Chola Dynasty includes just three citations, compared with more than a hundred linked sources and numerous academic references on Wikipedia. Grokipedia’s entry on Wikipedia accuses the platform of “systemic ideological biases,” particularly a “left-leaning slant” on political subjects. Responding to such criticism, the Wikimedia Foundation said Wikipedia’s strengths lie in its transparent editorial policies, strong volunteer oversight and focus on informing global audiences “without promoting a particular point of view.” Source: AP