Italy’s data protection watchdog said Friday it has fined OpenAI 15 million euros ($15.6 million) after wrapping up a probe into the collection of personal data by the U.S. artificial intelligence company's popular chatbot ChatGPT. The country’s privacy watchdog, known as Garante, said its investigation showed that OpenAI processed users’ personal data to train ChatGPT “without having an adequate legal basis and violated the principle of transparency and the related information obligations towards users”. OpenAI dubbed the decision “disproportionate” and said it will appeal. “When the Garante ordered us to stop offering ChatGPT in Italy in 2023, we worked with them to reinstate it a month later,” an OpenAI spokesperson said Friday in an emailed statement. “They’ve since recognized our industry-leading approach to protecting privacy in AI, yet this fine is nearly 20 times the revenue we made in Italy during the relevant period.” Amazon workers strike at multiple facilities as Teamsters seek labor contract OpenAI added, however, it remained “committed to working with privacy authorities worldwide to offer beneficial AI that respects privacy rights.” The investigation, launched last year, also found that OpenAI didn’t provide an “adequate age verification system” to prevent users under 13 years of age from being exposed to inappropriate AI-generated content, the watchdog said. The Italian authority also ordered OpenAI to launch a six-month campaign on different Italian media to raise public awareness about ChatGPT, specifically in regard to data collection. The booming popularity of generative artificial intelligence systems like ChatGPT has drawn scrutiny from regulators on both sides of the Atlantic. Regulators in the U.S. and Europe have been examining OpenAI and other companies that have played a key part in the AI boom, while governments around the world have been drawing up rules to protect against risks posed by AI systems, led by the European Union's AI Act, a comprehensive rulebook for artificial intelligence.

The realme C series has solidified its reputation for delivering value-packed, budget-friendly smartphones, and the latest release, the realme C75, continues this trend. Launched on November 27, 2024, this entry-level device introduces a few noteworthy features that set it apart in the crowded market. Here’s a deep dive into the realme C75’s key specifications, standout features, pros and cons, and pricing in Bangladesh. Key Features and Functionalities of realme C75 . Design The realme C75 is a sturdy phone with a plastic body and a matte back panel. It weighs 196 grams, making it lightweight and easy to carry. The standout feature is its IP69 rating, offering strong resistance to dust and water. The phone also has ArmourShell Tempered Glass for scratch and impact protection. Additionally, it meets MIL-STD-810H standards, which helps protect against drops, vibrations, and temperature changes. Its size measures 165.7 mm by 76.2 mm by 8 mm. It is smaller than the rival Redmi 14C (171.9 mm by 77.8 mm by 8.2 mm).  Read more: Infinix Hot 50 Pro Plus Review: A Feature-Packed Budget-friendly Contender Display The realme C75 features a 6.72-inch IPS LCD screen with a resolution of 1080 by 2400 pixels. The display is sharp and clear, with a peak brightness of 690 nits, making it usable even in bright sunlight. Its 90Hz refresh rate allows for smooth scrolling and navigation, which is better than the common 60Hz found in most budget phones. However, compared to the Samsung Galaxy A16, which has a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED screen, the realme C75 lacks the deeper blacks and vibrant colors of AMOLED technology. The Xiaomi Redmi 14C offers a larger 6.88-inch IPS LCD with a higher refresh rate of 120Hz, but its resolution and brightness are lower than the realme C75. Cameras The realme C75 has a dual-camera setup with a 50MP (f/1.8) main sensor and an unspecified secondary lens. The main camera performs well in bright conditions, capturing detailed and sharp images. It also includes night mode, which reduces noise for better low-light photos. Read more: Xiaomi Redmi K80 Review: Key Features, Pros, Cons, and Price in Bangladesh The front camera is 8MP (f/2.0) and produces decent selfies, but the rear camera lacks clarity.  Video recording on the realme C75 supports 1080p at 30fps, but stabilization could be improved. In comparison, the Samsung Galaxy A16 offers a triple-camera system, including a 50MP main lens, ultrawide, and macro options, providing more versatility. The Xiaomi Redmi 14C also features a 50MP main camera but has a higher-resolution 13MP front camera for sharper selfies.  Hardware and Performance The realme C75 is powered by the MediaTek Helio G92 Max chipset, paired with 8GB of RAM. This hardware handles tasks like browsing and app switching smoothly. It runs on Android 14 with realme UI 5.0, which has a simple and easy-to-use design.  Read more: vivo X200 Pro Review: Redefining Smartphone Photography and Performance In comparison, the Xiaomi Redmi 14C uses the Helio G81 Ultra, which is slightly less powerful than the G92 Max but sufficient for general use. On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy A16 has a more advanced Helio G99 chipset, offering better processing speeds for demanding tasks. While the realme C75 performs well for its price, it doesn’t match the performance of the Galaxy A16 but holds an edge over the Redmi 14C in terms of hardware capabilities. Battery and Charger The realme C75 has a 6000mAh battery, providing long-lasting usage. It can handle a full day of activities like navigation, photography, and social media, with plenty of charge remaining. The phone supports 45W fast charging, allowing it to reach 80% in about 30 minutes, which is convenient for quick recharges. It also offers the reverse wired charging facility. Read more: 9 Best Smartphones to Watch Out for in December 2024 In comparison, the Samsung Galaxy A16 has a smaller 5000mAh battery with 25W charging, which takes more time to charge fully. The Xiaomi Redmi 14C also has a 5160mAh battery but only supports 18W charging, making it slower than the realme C75.  The larger battery, faster charging and reverse wired make the realme C75 more suitable for users who need extended usage without frequent recharging. Pros and Cons of realme C75 Pros - 6000mAh battery, 45W wired, and reverse wired charging- IPS LCD, 90Hz refresh rate.- ArmorShell glass, always-on display.- IP68/IP69 water and dust resistance.- Android 14, realme UI 5.0.- Side-mounted fingerprint scanner.- Dual speakers, OTG support.- Dedicated microSDXC slot. Read more: Honor X7c Review: A Budget-friendly Powerhouse for Everyday Use Cons - No 5G or NFC.- Limited for gaming and multitasking.- No wireless charging.- No 4K video recording.- Lacks Gyro-EIS.- Average camera setup. Price of realme C75 in Bangladesh The realme C75 is officially available at BDT 19,999 in Bangladesh. However, the price is subject to change. Conclusion The realme C75 is a well-rounded budget-friendly smartphone with notable features like a 6000mAh battery, 45W fast charging, and a 6.72-inch 90Hz IPS LCD. Its sturdy design, IP69 water and dust resistance, and ArmorShell glass add durability. Powered by the Helio G92 Max chipset and running Android 14 with realme UI 5.0, it delivers smooth performance for everyday tasks. Read more: realme GT7 Pro Review: Speed, Style, and Gaming Excellence at a Competitive Price While the 50MP camera performs well in bright conditions, it lacks versatility compared to its competitors. Though it falls short on 5G, wireless charging, and advanced gaming, the realme C75 stands out with its battery life, charging speed, and durability in its price range.

A two-day fact-checking workshop focusing on combating the growing spread of misinformation in modern journalism concluded on Friday at the Cosmos Centre in Dhaka. The training programme, organised by the Press Trust of India (PTI), one of India’s leading news agencies, in collaboration with the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN), emphasised the critical role of accurate reporting in upholding the credibility of journalism. Participants took part in interactive discussions and hands-on exercises to improve their skills in verifying facts and identifying misleading information. Pratyush Ranjan, PTI’s Head of Digital Services and Fact Checking, and Abhinav Gupta, PTI’s News Editor, conducted the training sessions. The sessions aim to enhance the skills of journalists at United News of Bangladesh (UNB), equipping them to identify and counter misinformation, disinformation and malformation in the news cycle. On the second day (Friday), the sessions focused on the effective use of fact-checking tools to further empower journalists in upholding the sanctity of truth in news reporting. The two-day training programme began on Thursday. UNB’s Editor-in-Chief Enayetullah Khan, Executive Editor Nahar Khan, Editor Mahfuzur Rahman, Senior News Editor Shayan S Khan, among others, attended the opening session.

Workers at seven Amazon facilities went on strike Thursday, an effort by the Teamsters union to pressure the e-commerce company for a labor agreement during a key shopping period. The Teamsters said the workers, who voted to authorize strikes in recent days, joined picket lines after Amazon ignored a Sunday deadline the union set for contract negotiations. The union called it the largest strike yet against the company in the U.S., although Amazon said it did not expect the labor action to impact its operations. The International Brotherhood of Teamsters claims it represents nearly 10,000 workers at 10 Amazon facilities, a small portion of the 800,000 workers employed in the company's U.S. warehouses. The union hasn't said how many workers would participate in the strike or how long the walkout would last. “Amazon is pushing its workers closer to the picket line by failing to show them the respect they have earned,” Teamsters General President Sean O’Brien said in a statement. The strikes happening Thursday are taking place at seven delivery stations, where packages are prepared for delivery vehicles and then given to contractors who drop off them off to customers every day. They include three locations in Southern California, and one each in San Francisco, New York City, Atlanta, Georgia, and Skokie, Illinois, according to the union’s announcement. Two people were taken into custody at the demonstration in the New York City borough of Queens, according to the New York Police Department. Police did not say why the arrests were made. They said the individuals were given criminal court summons and then released. Nissan and Honda Explore Collaboration, Dismiss Merger Speculation The biggest warehouse affiliated with the Teamsters is located in the New York City borough of Staten Island. In 2022, thousands of workers at the warehouse, known as JFK8, voted to be represented by the nascent Amazon Labor Union. Workers then choose to affiliate with the Teamsters this past summer. The National Labor Relations Board certified that election to unionize, but Amazon has refused to bargain on a contract. In the process, the company has filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the labor board. At the facilities striking Thursday, workers unionized with the Teamsters by demonstrating majority support but without holding government-administered elections. They include Amazon-employed warehouse workers in San Francisco, and subcontracted delivery drivers elsewhere. Under labor law, companies can recognize unions without elections being held, but the practice is rare, said John Logan, director of labor and employment studies at San Francisco State University. Amazon workers in more locations are “prepared to join” the fight, the Teamsters said, noting that employees at the Staten Island warehouse and at a company air hub in California also have authorized strikes. When asked about the strike Thursday, Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel said: “What you see here are almost entirely outsiders, not Amazon employees or partners, and the suggestion otherwise is just another lie from the Teamsters.” “The truth is that they were unable to get enough support from our employees and partners and have brought in outsiders to come and harass and intimidate our team, which is inappropriate and dangerous,” Nantel said. Seattle-based Amazon has said it does not consider delivery drivers like the ones on strike to be its employees. Under the company's business model, the drivers work for third-party businesses, called Delivery Service Partners, who deliver millions of packages daily. Amazon has accused the union, which says it represents some of the drivers, of “intentionally” misleading the public. “This is another attempt to push a false narrative,” Nantel said. But the Teamsters have argued Amazon essentially controls everything the drivers do and should be classified as their employer. U.S. labor regulators have sided with the union in filings made before the NLRB. In September, Amazon boosted pay for the drivers amid the growing pressure. Though Amazon says it does not expect the strike to impact its operations, a walkout — especially one that lasts many days — could delay shipments in some metro areas. Shares of Amazon.com Inc. rose about 1.3% Thursday but were slightly down in after-hours trading.

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has called on Apple to remove a generative AI feature after it created a misleading headline about a high-profile murder case in the United States, according to a report by the BBC. The BBC filed a formal complaint with the US tech giant after Apple Intelligence, an AI-powered tool designed to summarize and group notifications, falsely generated a headline about Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the murder of healthcare insurance CEO Brian Thompson in New York. The AI-generated headline inaccurately suggested that BBC News had reported Mangione shot himself—a claim that is untrue. Niger junta suspends BBC for alleged false attack coverage In response to the incident, RSF has demanded Apple discontinue the feature, emphasizing the risks it poses to media credibility. "Generative AI services are still too immature to produce reliable information for the public," RSF said, citing the BBC case as a clear example. Vincent Berthier, head of RSF's technology and journalism desk, warned of the dangers of such technology in journalism: "AIs are probability machines, and facts can't be decided by a roll of the dice. RSF calls on Apple to act responsibly by removing this feature. The automated production of false information attributed to a media outlet is a blow to the outlet's credibility and a danger to the public's right to reliable information on current affairs." Apple has not yet responded to the BBC's complaint or RSF's demand.

In an effort to address the growing challenge of misinformation in today's media landscape, a two-day fact-checking training workshop led by India’s premier news agency, the Press Trust of India (PTI), began at Cosmos Centre in Dhaka on Thursday. The training programme, organised by the Press Trust of India (PTI), one of India’s leading news agencies, in collaboration with the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN), emphasised the critical role of accurate reporting in upholding the credibility of journalism. Pratyush Ranjan, PTI’s Head of Digital Services and Fact Checking, and Abhinav Gupta, PTI’s News Editor, are conducting the training sessions. The sessions aim to enhance the skills of journalists at United News of Bangladesh (UNB), equipping them to identify and counter misinformation, disinformation and malformation in the news cycle. UNB’s Editor-in-Chief Enayetullah Khan, Executive Editor Nahar Khan, Editor Mahfuzur Rahman, Senior News Editor Shayan S Khan, among others, attended the opening session. Speaking on the occasion, Enayetullah Khan emphasised the need for rigorous fact-checking to uphold journalistic integrity in an era where digital platforms often amplify unverified information. He said the rise of social media and rapid digital transformation has dramatically altered information dissemination, democratising access to news but also leading to an alarming surge in misinformation, disinformation and malformation. Nahar Khan said UNB’s decision to partner with PTI for this training reflects its dedication to maintaining the highest standards of journalism. “The challenge of combating misinformation today requires vigilance and skills. This fact-checking initiative reflects our commitment to countering falsehoods and protecting the integrity of our reporting at UNB,” she said. With a history spanning 72 years, PTI stands as a paragon of trustworthy, unbiased journalism in India. Its fact-checking unit within its editorial department exemplifies the agency's commitment to accuracy and responsible reporting. During Thursday’s training session, Pratyush Ranjan highlighted the tools and methodologies essential for effective fact-checking, while Abhinav Gupta discussed real-world applications in newsroom operations. The workshop will conclude on Friday (December) with focus on fact-checking tools use for further empowering the journalists to uphold the sanctity of truth in news reporting.

Moving in a dense cloud, like throngs of people walking across a crowded public square, 100 drones maneuver through the night sky in Hungary's capital, the result of over a decade of research and experimentation that scientists believe could change the future of unmanned flight. The behavior of the swarm, made up of autonomous drones that make their own real-time decisions on collision avoidance and trajectory planning without pre-programming or centralized control, is guided by research the Hungarian scientists performed on the collective movements of creatures from the natural world. “It’s very rare that you see some technology and you say it’s beautiful,” said Boldizsár Balázs, one of the researchers working on the project. "In its theoretical core it resembles nature. That’s why the drones themselves don’t need to be pretty, but what they do is pretty because it resembles natural swarming behavior.” Nissan and Honda Explore Collaboration, Dismiss Merger Speculation Drones have in recent years become a common sight in our skies: Companies like Amazon and FedEx have launched drone delivery services, hobbyists use them for aerial photography and groups of over 1,000 drones have been pre-programmed to deliver large-scale light shows. But the scientists at the Eötvös Loránd University in Budapest have developed new models based on animal behavior that allow a large number of drones to travel autonomously, reacting in real time to their environment and each other as they coordinate individual routes and tasks in dense aerial traffic. “This is the level we call decentralization ... After the drones are told what to do, we can switch off the ground control station, we can burn it or whatever, throw it away,” said Gábor Vásárhelyi, a senior researcher at the university's Department of Biological Physics. “The drones will be able to do what they have to do just by communicating to each other.” Using data they gathered by monitoring the behavior of pigeons in flight, the patterns of wild horses in the Great Hungarian Plain and other animal movements, they developed an algorithm that allows the drones to make on-board, autonomous decisions, safely mitigating conflicts and avoiding collisions. While such technology has the potential to increase efficiency across many fields, some researchers have voiced concerns that certain applications of autonomous drones could pose significant dangers. Anna Konert and Tomasz Balcerzak with the Faculty of Law and Administration at Lazarski University in Warsaw, Poland, have researched such risks, and warn that military applications could escalate arms races or be misused or hacked by malign actors such as terrorist groups. “When drones take over lethal actions, responsibility may shift from human operators to machines, leading to uncertainty about who should be held accountable if errors occur,” they wrote in an email. “This detachment could lower the psychological barriers to initiating force, potentially making war more frequent and brutal.” They also write that autonomous drones reducing the human cost of military engagements could “encourage more frequent military actions, leading to faster conflict escalation since fewer immediate human consequences would weigh against the decision to engage militarily.” But beyond military uses, the researchers in Hungary say their technology has the potential to improve people's lives through numerous other applications. Their digital simulations in three dimensions have them convinced that their algorithm can be scaled up to support 5,000 drones flying together autonomously, which they say could have applications in meteorology, land surveying, goods deliveries and beyond. The researchers are also working on rolling out an agricultural application that can be used for the precision spraying of crops, and believe the technology could also play a role in decentralizing air traffic control systems as more and more unmanned aircraft take to the skies.

Japanese automakers Nissan Motor Co. and Honda Motor Co. confirmed ongoing discussions about potential collaboration on Wednesday but denied reports suggesting a merger decision. Nissan shares surged over 22% in Tokyo following reports citing unnamed sources that the two companies might merge, forming the world's third-largest automotive group. Meanwhile, Honda's shares dipped nearly 3%. The reports also indicated that Mitsubishi Motors, a Nissan alliance partner, was part of the discussions. The three automakers had previously announced plans in August to collaborate on electric vehicle (EV) components, such as batteries, and conduct joint research on autonomous driving software. Earlier in March, a preliminary agreement for cooperation between Honda, Japan's second-largest automaker, and Nissan, the third largest, was made public. In response to the market reaction, Nissan and Honda released a joint statement clarifying that they are exploring "various possibilities for future collaboration" but have yet to make any final decisions. European satellites launched to create artificial solar eclipses A merger, if realized, could create an automotive giant valued at approximately $55 billion, based on the combined market capitalization of Nissan, Honda, and Mitsubishi Motors. Such a move could strengthen their position to better compete with industry leaders Toyota Motor Corp. and Germany's Volkswagen AG. Currently, Nissan is reevaluating its alliance with Renault SA while addressing financial challenges. The automaker recently announced plans to cut 9,000 jobs globally, equivalent to 6% of its workforce, and reduce production capacity by 20%. It reported a quarterly loss of 9.3 billion yen ($61 million). Nissan CEO Makoto Uchida has emphasized the need for greater efficiency and adaptability to market trends. He recently took a 50% pay cut to accept responsibility for the company’s financial difficulties. A twice-yearly shot could help end AIDS Honda has also faced challenges, with profits declining nearly 20% in the first half of the fiscal year due to weaker sales in China. The rise of Chinese automakers and the industry's ongoing transition from fossil-fueled vehicles to EVs have created a challenging environment for Japanese automakers. While a potential merger would increase their combined production capacity, Toyota, which produced 11.5 million vehicles in 2023, would remain Japan’s largest automaker. In comparison, Honda manufactured 4.2 million vehicles, Nissan 3.4 million, and Mitsubishi just over 1 million.

Chinese brand Infinix Mobile has gained a reputation for delivering value-for-money smartphones. 50 Pro+, released in November 2024, is another addition to its Hot series focusing on budget-friendly phones with attractive features. Let’s dive into the key features, pros, cons, and pricing of the Infinix 50 Pro Plus in Bangladesh. Key Specs of the Infinix Hot 50 Pro Plus . Design and Build Quality The Infinix Hot 50 Pro+ boasts a sleek and lightweight design. Measuring 164.1 mm by 74.4 mm by 6.8 mm and weighing only 162 g, it feels comfortable to hold, thanks to its slim profile. The glass front, plastic back, and plastic frame contribute to its durability while maintaining affordability.  The IP54 rating adds dust and splash resistance which is an attractive feature considering its price range. Read more: Xiaomi Redmi K80 Pro Review: The Ultimate Flagship Killer of 2024? The available colour options—Sleek Black, Titanium Grey, and Dreamy Purple—offer something for every taste. Compared to its higher-priced sibling, the Infinix Note 40 Pro+, which features a more premium eco-leather back, the Hot 50 Pro+ focuses on simplicity and functionality. Display Quality  The 6.78-inch AMOLED display on the Infinix Hot 50 Pro+ aims to deliver an immersive experience with 1B colours, a 120 Hz refresh rate, and a peak brightness of 1300 nits. This ensures vibrant visuals with excellent contrast, whether you are streaming videos or scrolling through social media. The Corning Gorilla Glass provides durability against everyday wear and tear. Compared to the Infinix Note 40 Pro+, which has a similar-sized AMOLED display but with slightly better HDR support, the Hot 50 Pro+ holds its ground by offering superior brightness.  Read more: Xiaomi Redmi K80 Review: Key Features, Pros, Cons, and Price in Bangladesh However, the similarly priced competitor Honor X7c falls short with its 720p IPS LCD, making the Hot 50 Pro+ the better choice for display enthusiasts. On the other hand, a slightly higher-priced rival, realme Narzo 70 Turbo edges out with its HDR support and 2000-nit peak brightness, which enhances the viewing experience under direct sunlight. Camera Performance The Hot 50 Pro+ features a 50 MP main camera, a 2 MP depth sensor, and an unspecified third lens, complemented by a dual-LED flash. The camera excels in well-lit environments, delivering sharp and detailed photos. However, low-light performance could use some improvement, as noise becomes evident in darker settings. Its rear sensor’s maximum video shooting capacity is 1440p at 30fps which matches the Infinix Note 40 Pro+ and outperforms the Honor X7c. The 13 MP front camera on the Hot 50 Pro+ offers standard service for selfies, though its video recording capacity remains unspecified.  However, the Infinix Note 40 Pro+ stands out with its 108 MP primary sensor with OIS, delivering superior clarity and stability, especially in challenging lighting. The Honor X7c also has a 108 MP camera, but it lacks advanced features like OIS, which slightly diminishes its appeal. Meanwhile, the realme Narzo 70 Turbo takes a different route with a 50 MP main sensor but offers 4K video recording and gyro-EIS, making it a strong contender for video creators. And, the 32 MP front camera on the Note 40 Pro+ offers 1440p of maximum video recording capacity. Read more: vivo X200 Pro Review: Redefining Smartphone Photography and Performance Processor Performance At the heart of the Hot 50 Pro+ lies the MediaTek Helio G100 processor, built on a 6 nm process. It features an octa-core CPU with 2 high-performance Cortex-A76 cores and 6 efficiency-focused Cortex-A55 cores. While it is efficient and capable of handling everyday tasks and moderate multitasking with ease, it is not the most powerful chipset in its class. The Note 40 Pro+, powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7020 6nm, delivers better performance, particularly in handling resource-intensive applications and high-end gaming. The realme Narzo 70 Turbo goes a step further with its Dimensity 7300 Energy 4nm chipset, which offers faster speeds and better energy efficiency, making it a preferred choice for power users. The Honor X7c, running on the Snapdragon 685 6nm provides almost similar performance. Gaming Performance The Hot 50 Pro+ handles games like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty: Mobile at medium settings with smooth frame rates. It is not a gaming powerhouse but is sufficient for casual gaming enthusiasts. Extended gaming sessions show minimal overheating, thanks to efficient thermal management. Read more: vivo iQOO Neo10 Review: A Gaming Powerhouse? Key Specs, Features, and Price in Bangladesh In contrast, the Note 40 Pro+ and Narzo 70 Turbo outperform the Hot 50 Pro+ in gaming due to their more powerful GPUs and higher-performing CPUs. Both phones can handle more demanding games like Genshin Impact at higher settings without significant frame drops. The Honor X7c falls behind, struggling with intensive gaming due to its mid-tier Snapdragon chipset. Battery Life The 5000 mAh battery on the Infinix Hot 50 Pro+ is a standout feature, easily lasting a full day of moderate to heavy use. The 33W fast charging brings the battery to 50% in just 26 minutes, which is decent but not groundbreaking. The Note 40 Pro+, despite having a smaller 4600 mAh battery, compensates with 100W fast charging, enabling a 50% charge in just 12 minutes. The realme Narzo 70 Turbo, with a similar 5000 mAh battery, offers faster 45W charging, making it a better choice for users prioritizing quick top-ups. The Honor X7c comes with a larger 5200-6000 mAh battery (depending on the market), providing exceptional endurance but slower 35W charging, which might frustrate impatient users. Read more: Samsung Galaxy A16 5G Review: Value-for-Money or Just Another Upgrade? The 10W reverse wired charging and Bypass charging option make the Infinix Hot 50 Pro+ an attractive package for budget-conscious users. However, realme Narzo 70 Turbo and Honor X7c lack the reverse wired charging facility. Software and User Interface Running on Android 14 with XOS 14.5, the Hot 50 Pro+ offers a clean and intuitive user interface. The system includes customizable features, themes, and smooth animations, though occasional bloatware might annoy some users. Compared to the Note 40 Pro+, which also runs XOS but offers more extended software updates, the Hot 50 Pro+ may fall behind in longevity. Honor X7c, with its MagicOS 8, and the Realme Narzo 70 Turbo, with Realme UI 5.0, provide equally polished experiences but cater to different aesthetic preferences. The Realme UI stands out for gamers with performance optimizations, while MagicOS focuses on a seamless ecosystem for Honor device users. Read more: 9 Best Smartphones to Watch Out for in December 2024 Storage Options The Hot 50 Pro+ provides storage options of 128GB or 256GB, paired with 8GB of RAM, and supports expansion via a microSD card slot. This makes it a versatile option for users who need more space for photos, videos, or apps. The Note 40 Pro+ lacks expandable storage but compensates with higher internal storage configurations of 256GB and 512 GB. Similarly, the realme Narzo 70 Turbo offers up to 256GB of internal storage with UFS 3.1, which is faster than the UFS 2.2 on the Hot 50 Pro+. The Honor X7c has unspecified microSD support, making it less transparent in terms of storage flexibility. Pros and Cons of Infinix Hot 50 Pro Plus . Pros  - 6.78-inch AMOLED display with 120 Hz refresh rate- 5000 mAh battery with 33W fast charging- Expandable storage with a dedicated microSD slot- Android 14 interface with XOS 14.5 customizations- Reverse wired charging facility. Read more: Honor X7c Review: A Budget-friendly Powerhouse for Everyday Use Cons  - Low-light camera performance could be better- Helio G100 processor lags behind competitors in power- No 5G support- Slight frame drops in demanding games- Unspecified video recording capacity of front sensor- Lacks advanced features like wireless charging- Pre-installed bloatware may annoy some users. Price of Infinix Hot 50 Pro Plus The Infinix Hot 50 Pro Plus (8/256GB) is priced at around BDT 23,999. However, the price is subject to change. Conclusion The Infinix Hot 50 Pro Plus comes with impressive features like a standard display, lightweight body, solid battery life, reverse wired changing, water/dust resistance, etc.  However, it lacks 5G support and struggles with demanding tasks. It is not suited for heavy gamers or those needing flagship-level features. If you are looking for a high-performance smartphone in gaming and photography, check out the Infinix Note 40 Pro+ and realme Narzo 70 Turbo.  Read more: realme GT7 Pro Review: Speed, Style, and Gaming Excellence at a Competitive Price On the whole, the Infinix Hot 50 Pro Plus is a budget-friendly choice for casual users seeking good display and camera performance for everyday use.

Apple has officially launched iOS 18.2, bringing a host of new features, updates, and improvements to enhance user experience. This latest release focuses on advanced AI capabilities, subtle design changes, and essential security upgrades, reflecting Apple’s forward-looking vision. From enhanced functionality to addressing user concerns, iOS 18.2 offers both exciting opportunities and some trade-offs. Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know, including its standout features, pros, and cons. Key Features of the Apple iOS 18.2 . Tech users are immersing themselves in AI tools. Smart device manufacturers are integrating AI into every possible widget and tool to keep up with the trend. iOS 18.2 seems to walk on the same path, too. The latest update has infused generative AI into different features and has also offered several AI-enhanced functionalities. The major updates that Apple users will get in the new iOS are as follows.  ChatGPT Integration with Siri The feature that has raised the loudest buzz among tech enthusiasts is the integration of ChatGPT with Siri. Now, Siri has become more powerful in responding to user queries by leveraging ChatGPT’s capabilities. Read more: Apple’s iOS 18: Top Features, Supported Devices, and Key Updates You Need to Know Siri was introduced to AI capabilities in the prior version of iOS. However, it is not very efficient in delivering the expected result as the AI was based on some shallow predefined algorithms. The new version introduces ChatGPT API to Siri to overcome that performance shortage. Genmoji: Personalized Emoji Creation Genmoji is a tool to create custom emojis using text prompts. It also has an image-uploading option that helps users create customized emojis. Unlike the limited emoji library of iOS 18.1, Genmoji will vastly change the game of emoji creation for Apple users. So, emojis on iPhone are now unlimitedly diversified as users can create them just out of their imagination. Another key feature of Genmoji is its availability in messages. Users can fire up their chatbox with many different colours and expressions of emojis. Read more: Apple set to launch its first foldable iPhone: A game-changer for market Visual Intelligence (Exclusive to iPhone 16 Lineup) Visual Intelligence is all about making a device visually intelligent. iOS 18.2 presents visual intelligence to iPhone users for the first time to provide additional camera capacity. Now, cameras on iPhones will be able to detect objects, translate text, and perform online searches. In prior, users had to install third-party apps to perform basic object detection. Image Playground Apple’s new Image Playground app does what its name says. It lets users play with images. The new Image Playground app allows users to generate visuals based on text prompts or sketches. This is a significant upgrade from iOS 18.1, which lacked native AI-driven creative tools. Mail Categories The Mail app in iOS 18.2 now sorts emails into categories such as Promotions, Primary, and Updates. This feature mimics popular email clients like Gmail and is a notable improvement over iOS 18.1’s rudimentary email organization. Read more: Apple’s new feature helps travellers track lost luggage Enhanced Find My App The Find My app has been upgraded to allow sharing item locations with trusted contacts and displaying contact information for lost items. These enhancements build on iOS 18.1’s basic item-tracking capabilities. Lock Screen Volume Slider The lock screen volume slider, a popular feature from earlier iOS versions, makes a comeback in iOS 18.2 after being absent in iOS 18.1. This allows users to make precise volume adjustments without unlocking their devices. Volume Limit iOS 18.2 introduces a Volume Limit setting, enabling users to set a maximum audio level. This addition is a step up from iOS 18.1, which required third-party apps for similar functionality. Read more: Apple AirPods Pro's new hearing aid feature could help people face a problem they'd rather ignore Custom Default Apps For the first time, Apple allows users to set non-native apps as defaults for messaging, email, and browsing. This feature addresses a long-standing limitation of iOS 18.1. Apple News Plus Sudoku Subscribers to Apple News Plus now have access to daily Sudoku puzzles, adding a touch of entertainment to the news app. Pros and Cons of iOS 18.2 Pros - ChatGPT and Visual Intelligence bring cutting-edge functionality to Siri and the camera.- Genmoji and Image Playground offer unparalleled customization and expression.- Features like Mail Categories and lock screen volume control simplify daily tasks.- Despite some features being exclusive to the iPhone 16 lineup, most improvements are available across supported devices.- Allowing default app changes addresses a major user complaint. Read more: Why did Indonesia ban Apple’s iPhone 16 series? Cons - High-end features like Visual Intelligence are restricted to newer devices.- Increased reliance on AI tools may raise questions about data security.- Some users may find it challenging to adapt to new features like Genmoji and Image Playground.- As with any major update, initial releases may include bugs that require subsequent patches. Compatibility and Installation . iOS 18.2 Compatible Devices iOS 18.2 is available for: iPhones starting from the iPhone 15 Pro.iPads and Macs running iPadOS 18.2 or macOS Sequoia 15.2. How to Install iOS 18.2 Your iPhone may require a manual download to install the latest iOS. For the latest iPhones, you can easily install the update through the Software Update option under general settings. Once you find the option, just follow the on-screen instructions. Read more: Apple set to introduce Truecaller-like ID service for businesses Final Thoughts iOS 18.2 is not merely a glimpse of Apple’s vision for the futuristic iPhone. It paves the path toward that vision. The new iOS will realign user experience by reflecting on the current trends and user expectations. While it has some limitations, particularly for users with older devices, the overall experience is undoubtedly enhanced. If you’re an iOS user with a compatible device, this update is worth exploring for its innovative features and usability improvements. Read more: Apple’s upcoming iPhone SE 4 could redefine budget smartphones