Dhaka's traffic congestion is a persistent challenge, often leading to long delays in reaching destinations, increased pollution, and commuter stress. These traffic woes significantly impact productivity and quality of life for city dwellers. In Dhaka, finding routes with minimal traffic is crucial to avoid wasted time on the roads and ensure smoother commutes. Staying updated on traffic scenarios has become essential in navigating the city's ever-evolving road networks. Let's explore effective ways to stay ahead of the traffic curve in Dhaka. 6 Smart Ways to Stay Updated on Traffic Jams in Dhaka . Google Maps Real-time traffic monitoring has become crucial for navigating the city's chaotic roads, and Google Maps excels in providing accurate, live updates. By leveraging data from the web and other sources, the app continuously tracks road conditions and highlights congested areas with color-coded routes–green for clear, yellow for moderate, and red for heavy traffic. Users can receive alternative route suggestions in real time, helping them avoid delays. In addition, Google Maps informs drivers of accidents, road closures, and construction, ensuring they know of potential disruptions. Previous traffic data also helps predict traffic patterns on certain routes. The app’s voice-guided navigation adds further convenience, enabling users to concentrate on the road while receiving updates. Read more: Best Free Personal Safety Android, iOS Apps for Women in 2024 Waze Known for its community-driven approach, Waze gathers real-time traffic data from users on the road. Drivers actively report road conditions, accidents, and other hazards, sharing their insights with the Waze community. This collaboration enables Waze to suggest users avoid congested areas and even alert them about sudden traffic incidents ahead. The software recalculates routes with time on changing traffic conditions, securing drivers’ uninterrupted navigation. Additionally, Waze allows users to report police presence, hazards, and road closures, providing a comprehensive traffic monitoring experience that helps commuters stay informed and make better decisions on the road. Ride-sharing Mobile Apps Through real-time traffic tracking and optimised route suggestions, ride-sharing apps have transformed the way to navigate urban transportation. These platforms continuously analyse road status, affirming that vehicle drivers and passengers avoid major congestion. Read more: 7 Food Delivery Apps for Dhaka For instance, the Uber app integrates live traffic data, providing alternative routes to sidestep delays and recalculating paths as needed. Similarly, the Pathao app uses up-to-date traffic information to optimise the journey, adjusting routes dynamically based on congestion. Both platforms offer a seamless commuting experience, helping users bypass traffic jams and reach their destination more quickly.

On Monday, US President Donald Trump issued an executive order extending TikTok’s operations for 75 days, a move that offers a reprieve for its users despite ongoing concerns about national security, reports AP. ByteDance, TikTok’s China-based parent company, was required to secure a U.S. buyer or face a ban by Jan. 19. Trump’s order potentially provides additional time for ByteDance to arrange a sale. Content creators respond to TikTok's uncertain future in the US “I guess I have a warm spot for TikTok,” Trump remarked. TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew attended Trump’s inauguration earlier in the day, seated alongside prominent U.S. tech leaders. Since joining the platform last year, Trump has gained nearly 15 million followers and credited TikTok for helping him connect with younger voters. However, its 170 million U.S. users faced a 12-hour outage between Saturday night and Sunday morning. The platform went offline shortly before a ban—approved by Congress and upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court—was set to take effect Sunday. Following Trump’s announcement on Monday to temporarily halt the ban, TikTok restored access for existing users. However, Google and Apple have yet to reinstate the app in their stores. The executive order raises questions about Trump’s strategy to address the regulatory, legal, financial, and geopolitical issues surrounding TikTok. Origins of the TikTok Ban TikTok, known for its short-form video content and advanced recommendation algorithm, has long faced scrutiny over its potential use by Beijing for spying or propaganda. This concern predates Trump’s first term. In 2020, Trump issued executive orders targeting ByteDance and WeChat, another Chinese-owned app. While courts blocked those efforts, Congress passed a law last year mandating TikTok’s sale to a U.S. buyer or a ban. The law, effective Sunday, allows fines of up to $5,000 per U.S. TikTok user for mobile app stores, such as Apple and Google, and hosting services like Oracle that continue distributing the app. On Sunday, Trump urged U.S. service providers to keep TikTok operational while he prepared an executive order pausing the ban. “The order will also ensure no liability for companies that kept TikTok online before it was signed,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. Could the Law Allow a Delay? The law includes provisions for a 90-day extension if progress toward a sale is evident before the ban’s effective date. However, Sarah Kreps, director of Cornell University’s Tech Policy Institute, questions whether this extension can apply retroactively. “Executive orders can’t override existing laws,” Kreps explained. “It’s unclear if the president has the authority to extend a law already in effect.” Alan Rozenshtein, a law professor at the University of Minnesota, notes that the president may have discretion to interpret what constitutes a “qualified divestiture” under the law, potentially allowing Trump to decide when ByteDance meets the requirements. TikTok goes dark in the US Could ByteDance Sell TikTok? Despite ByteDance’s reluctance to sell, Beijing hinted at a softer stance on Monday, potentially allowing TikTok’s separation from its Chinese parent company. Chinese Vice President met with U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Elon Musk on Sunday. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stressed that business decisions should follow market principles and adhere to Chinese regulations. Previously, Beijing resisted selling TikTok, portraying the app as a symbol of resistance against U.S. pressure. However, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Trump discussed TikTok during a call on Friday, though specifics were not disclosed. Trump has proposed a U.S. government-brokered deal for 50% control of TikTok, estimating its value at $500 billion. “It’s worthless without a U.S. buyer,” Trump stated. Enforcement Challenges The Justice Department typically enforces federal laws, but Trump’s executive order directs the attorney general to hold off enforcing the TikTok ban for 75 days to reassess the situation. This delay might face legal challenges but offers TikTok more time. Trump’s actions could conflict with lawmakers who supported the ban. House Speaker Mike Johnson reiterated the need for ByteDance’s full divestiture, saying, “I think we will enforce the law.” Kreps noted the issue could raise questions about separation of powers and checks and balances, as enforcement is not solely under the executive branch’s purview. Potential Legal Hurdles Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas highlighted several entities that could pursue enforcement of the ban, including state attorneys general and private organisations. TikTok users grapple with uncertainty, hope and frustration as ban approaches Gus Hurwitz, a legal expert, remarked that tech companies often weigh the risk of civil penalties against their business interests. Compliance decisions could become particularly complex if shareholder lawsuits arise. Companies Respond Questions remain about the actions of companies supporting TikTok’s servers, such as Oracle and Akamai Technologies, as well as the decisions by Apple and Google to remove the app from their stores. Oracle, which holds a 12.5% stake in TikTok Global, has not commented. Apple and Google have cited compliance with U.S. laws for pausing downloads.

President Donald Trump’s inauguration on Monday featured several high-profile tech CEOs occupying some of the most exclusive seats, a notable break from traditional inaugural guest lists. Despite branding himself as a champion of the working class, Trump reserved spots close to the president typically held for family, former presidents, and distinguished guests for some of the world’s wealthiest tech leaders. Photos from the event revealed tech magnates interacting with several of Trump’s key cabinet members, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the health secretary, and Marco Rubio, the secretary of state. In one image, Rubio is seen in the background as Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan pose alongside Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos and his fiancée Lauren Sánchez, Google CEO Sundar Pichai, and Elon Musk. Musk, regarded as one of Trump’s closest advisers, also leads Tesla, SpaceX, and the social platform X. Trump says 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico coming on Feb. 1 as he signs several orders on economy Other tech executives present at the event included Apple CEO Tim Cook and TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew. The involvement of billionaires in national politics is not new. Many influential donors, including billionaires, supported Trump’s Democratic opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, during the campaign. Former President Joe Biden, in his final days in office, honored liberal donor George Soros with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. However, the prominence of tech billionaires at Trump’s inauguration underscores the significant influence they could wield in his administration. In his farewell address, Biden cautioned against the growing power of tech oligarchs, warning they posed a threat to democracy. Responding to Biden’s remarks, Trump dismissed the criticism, claiming the executives had shifted their allegiance from Democrats, particularly Biden, whom they no longer supported. “They were all with him, every one of them, and now they are all with me,” Trump said in the Oval Office on Monday. Trump sworn in as 47th President of the United States, promises new 'golden age of America' Despite receiving substantial donations for his inauguration committee and more than $200 million in campaign support from Musk, Trump insisted he remained independent of their influence. “They’re not going to get anything from me,” Trump asserted. “I don’t need their money. What I do want is for the country to succeed, and they are smart people creating jobs.”

The price of bitcoin surged beyond $109,000 early Monday, mere hours before President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration, as an invigorated cryptocurrency industry anticipates swift action upon his return to the White House, reports AP. Previously a skeptic who once described bitcoin as “seeming like a scam,” Trump has recently embraced digital currencies with newfound enthusiasm. He has launched a cryptocurrency venture and pledged during his campaign to position the U.S. as the “crypto capital” of the world early in his presidency. Bitcoin’s Landmark Year Sparks Anticipation for Crypto Policy Expansion in 2025 Trump’s promises include establishing a U.S. crypto stockpile, introducing industry-friendly regulations, and appointing a crypto “czar” to his administration. “You’re going to be very happy with me,” Trump assured crypto enthusiasts at a bitcoin conference last summer. Bitcoin, the world’s most prominent cryptocurrency, was created in 2009 as a decentralised form of electronic cash, free from control by banks or governments. Cryptocurrencies, including bitcoin, have moved from financial fringes to mainstream prominence in dramatic bursts of growth. While the volatile nature of cryptocurrencies and their associations with criminal activity and scams have drawn criticism, their resilience against multiple price drops has surprised detractors. Many in the crypto industry, feeling targeted by the Biden administration, supported Trump’s campaign financially, contributing to his victory in November. Bitcoin has steadily risen in value since then, breaking $100,000 for the first time last month before briefly falling to about $90,000. It climbed approximately 5% on Friday and surged more than $9,000 early Monday, according to CoinDesk. Bitcoin tops $100,000 as big rally sparked by Trump election win rolls on Just two years ago, bitcoin was trading at about $20,000. Trump’s key cabinet and regulatory appointments include several crypto advocates, such as his choices for the Treasury and Commerce departments and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). A landmark “Crypto Ball” was held on Friday, celebrating Trump as the first “crypto president.” Tickets for the sold-out event cost several thousand dollars. Early Actions Trump May Take on Crypto Crypto Council During his campaign, Trump vowed to create a special advisory council within his first 100 days to provide guidance on developing “clear” and “straightforward” cryptocurrency regulations. While specific details about the council remain unclear, Trump appointed tech executive and venture capitalist David Sacks as the administration’s crypto “czar” following his election. Former North Carolina congressional candidate Bo Hines was also named the executive director of the “Presidential Council of Advisers for Digital Assets.” At last year’s bitcoin conference, Trump assured supporters that new regulations would be crafted by individuals who support the industry. His pick to lead the SEC, Paul Atkins, has been a strong proponent of cryptocurrencies. Bitcoin has topped $87,000 for a new record high. What to know about crypto's post-election rally Crypto advocates have expressed frustration with what they perceived as hostile policies under the Biden administration, including strict enforcement actions and stifling accounting practices. Outgoing SEC Chairman Gary Gensler has defended these measures, asserting that the industry is “rife with bad actors.” “As far as general expectations from the Trump Administration, I think one of the best things to bet on is a tone change at the SEC,” said Peter Van Valkenburgh, executive director of advocacy group Coin Center. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Trump has also promised that his administration will stockpile bitcoin, similar to how the U.S. holds gold reserves. At a bitcoin conference last summer, he stated that the government would retain the billions of dollars in bitcoin seized through law enforcement actions instead of auctioning them off. A draft executive order, shared online by crypto advocates, proposes establishing a “Strategic Bitcoin Reserve” as a permanent national asset managed by the Treasury Department through its Exchange Stabilization Fund. The proposal suggests the Treasury eventually hold at least $21 billion in bitcoin. Republican Sen. Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming has introduced legislation to mandate a bitcoin stockpile, arguing it would diversify government holdings and hedge against financial risks. Critics, however, cite bitcoin’s volatility as a drawback for its use as a reserve asset. Creating such a reserve, proponents argue, would further legitimise bitcoin. “This would be a giant step toward normalising bitcoin in the eyes of people who don’t yet see it as legitimate,” said Zack Shapiro, policy head at the Bitcoin Policy Institute. Ross Ulbricht Trump received enthusiastic applause at a bitcoin conference earlier this year when he reiterated his promise to commute the life sentence of Ross Ulbricht, the founder of the Silk Road drug marketplace that used crypto for transactions. Ulbricht’s case has become a rallying point for some crypto advocates and Libertarian activists, who argue that government investigators overstepped their bounds in prosecuting him.

TikTok content creators who make a living promoting their businesses and personal brands on the app were afraid Sunday that they would have to find new ways to engage consumers and make money as the app's future in the United States remained uncertain. TikTok told U.S. users that it was beginning to restore service just hours after the popular video-sharing platform went dark in response to a federal ban, which President-elect Donald Trump said he would try to pause by executive order on his first day in office. Some users reported Sunday that the app was working again, but it remained unavailable for download in Apple and Google’s app stores. Others remained locked out of accessing their profiles and the communities they had built online. Read: Xiaomi Redmi Turbo 4 Review: Is It a Value-for-money Midranger? Here's how content creators are reacting: Esthetician mourns her online community On a typical morning, esthetician and social media personality Lee Zavorskas scrolls on TikTok while she sips coffee. Sunday morning was different – she scribbled a to-do list instead, which included playing with her cats and dog and plotting how to bolster her presence on other platforms like YouTube since TikTok went dark for her Saturday night. “I’m a 58-year-old content creator that found a seat at the table that’s not available on Instagram,” Zavorskas said. While Zavorskas has more followers on Instagram, she found a large crowd of people over the age of 40 on TikTok, making it easier to build her audience. She held out some hope that she would be able to return to the community she found on the app. “It’s like going to your favorite restaurant and ordering your favorite food, and they’re like, ‘You know what? We took it away,’” she said. Small business owner fears for the future Tiffany Cianci, a Maryland-based content creator who owns small businesses, stopped posting on Twitter and Instagram and cut her advertising with Meta and Google out of frustration. “It’s TikTok or nothing for me,” she said. Read more: OpenAI, Retro Biosciences working to extend ‘human lifespan’ She thinks lawmakers unfairly punished TikTok for succeeding alongside its profitable competitors. And they played “political football” with an app that millions of small businesses rely on to survive, she said. “I spoke to small businesses in the last three days that have sobbed on my livestreams, afraid they’ll have to lay their employees off tomorrow morning,” Cianci said. “They are so afraid because they have other people’s lives in their hands.” Beauty creator shifts to YouTube Tiffany Watson, a 20-year-old beauty content creator, had been making videos since the days of Musical.ly, and was just starting to figure out the kind of content she was passionate about when TikTok went dark. “The community on TikTok is like nothing else, so it’s weird to not have that anymore,” she said. With spare time on her hands, Watson plans to focus on bolstering her presence on Instagram and YouTube. She also wants to devote more time to school as the psychology major and criminal justice minor prepares to graduate from Wingate University in North Carolina and enter “the real world." But being a content creator remains her “main dream," she said. If Trump lifts the ban, Watson plans to return to TikTok, but said she will “probably be more tuned into my YouTube since this ban has kinda spooked me.”

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

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

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

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

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