United News of Bangladesh

Time moves a tad faster on the moon. Now an international group of astronomers has joined calls to give the moon its own clock so that future space missions can keep track of minutes on the celestial body. The International Astronomical Union voted Thursday encouraging space organizations across the globe to collaborate on a timekeeping standard for the moon, where one day lasts 29.5 Earth days. “That’s the crux of our resolution: to work together to establish this standard time,” U.S. Naval Observatory’s Susan Stewart said this week at the group's conference in Cape Town, South Africa. Stewart helped propose the resolution. The moon has less gravity compared to Earth, so time ticks by about 58.7 microseconds quicker every day. As more countries and private companies set their sights on future lunar missions, astronomers want to ensure perfect synchrony with a unified clock. Currently, a moon mission runs on the time of the nation that's operating the spacecraft. The European Space Agency pushed last year for the creation of a lunar clock. And earlier this year, the White House directed NASA and other agencies to cobble together an initial idea by the end of the year with a final plan due by the end of 2026. Astronomers are still in the early days of determining exactly how lunar time will tick, said Bijunath Patla, a physicist at the National Institute of Standards and Technology. “I think that the community has realized that this needs to be done,” Patla said. “And this is the beginning.”

Apple has been consistent with its mid-September launch schedule over the years. Last year, the iPhone 15 series was announced on 12th September with pre-orders beginning just three days later. With less than a month to go for this year’s speculated release, here are some exciting and almost-confirmed changes we’ll see on the new iPhone 16 series.  Major Leaks and Rumors Regarding iPhone 16 series  An Upgraded Display  The iPhone 16 series is set to feature a larger and brighter display with even more reduced bezels than the 15 series. The new models are tipped to be 6.3 inches in the standard iPhone 16 and 16 Pro whereas the 16 Plus and 16 Pro Max will be bumped up to 6.9 inches. It’s a good 0.2-inch upgrade over the current variants.  It’s also tipped that the 16 series will feature new displays developed by Samsung. The new models are set to be even brighter thanks to the M14 OLED material on the micro-LED panel.  There was a rumor regarding the inclusion of an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor. However, the plan is reported to have been scrapped in favor of an overhauled Face ID system.  Read more: Best Free Personal Safety Android, iOS Apps for Women in 2024 New Camera System  There will be several changes to the camera system of the 16 series. The first and most obvious change comes in the base 16 and 16 Plus as they will now feature vertical camera lenses. The change isn’t just aesthetic as the vertical setup will allow the devices to shoot spatial videos compatible with the Vision Pro headset.  The 16 Pro will get the 5X telephoto zoom lens this time around which was reserved for the Pro Max variant last year. The ultrawide sensor will also be updated to a 48 MP sensor across the models. This is a highly anticipated upgrade as the iPhones had the same 12 MP ultrawide shooter since the 11.  There’s also an unreliable rumor about a larger main sensor and a super-telephoto lens for the Pro Max. But you’ll be better off taking that with a grain of salt. Read more: Oppo Reno 12 Pro 5G Review: Midrange Phone with AI Features New Buttons  Last year we saw the Action Button on the Pro models which replaced the long-standing and much-loved mute toggle. This year, Apple is making the Action Button a standard in all the models. And with that, the mute toggle is truly gone from the Apple design system.  But for those who like customization, the Action Button is set to include all the features from the 15 Pro series with a possible inclusion of a few more with the new iOS update.  Apple is also planning to include a Capture Button this year. It will be placed below the power button where your index finger generally would be while taking a landscape shot. The haptic-based mechanism will function as a focus, zooming, and capturing button depending on press strength.  It's Apple’s way of mimicking traditional photography and bringing a sense of nostalgia into mobile photography. Read more: Honor 200 Pro Review: A Flagship Camera Experience A New Chip for Better AI and ML  The new 16 series will feature the updated Apple’s Bionic A18 chip. However, the chipset could be differentiated into A18 and A18 Pro for the standard and Pro variants. The souped-up version is expected to have more GPU cores than the standard one. The A18 Pro is also slated to have the next-gen neural engine for upgraded AI and ML capabilities. This will make way for future Apple Intelligence integration.  The new models will also feature a better thermal management system across all the options. The current iPhone models feature a copper-based heat dissipation solution. The new models, as tipped, will come with a graphene-based solution for better efficiency.  This is a much-needed upgrade considering how powerful the Apple chips are. Last year we noticed certain thermal throttling issues on the iPhone 15 series. Given the processor upgrade, the thermal management system upgrade also seems the logical solution.  Read more: vivo iQOO Z9x 5G Review: Budget Meets Substance RAM Upgradation  iPhone has been stuck on 6 GB RAM for several iterations. That’s hopefully going to change with the iPhone 16 series as all the models are slated to come with a standard 8 GB RAM.  Latest Battery Technology  The iPhone 16 series will see the introduction of the stacked battery technology for the first time. Battery stacking is usually seen in EVs and medical equipment. It's still an emerging tech in smartphones which helps to save a lot of internal space.  The 16 series may also see the use of a stainless steel casing for the battery. It’ll increase the overall battery density by 10% which in turn means longer-lasting battery health. However, it is highly likely to be featured on one of the Pro variants.  Read more: Motorola Razr 50 Ultra Flip Phone Review: A Trip to Nostalgia Reports coming out of China hint at a 2.5% to 6% increase in battery on the standard 16, 16 Pro, and Pro Max. The Plus however might see a battery decrement.  Unconfirmed reports also suggest the charging speed be bumped up to 40W wired and 27W MagSafe charging. The significant jump in charge speed makes us question its authenticity even more. But if it does happen, we’re all here for it.  New 5G Modem  Apple is reportedly going with Qualcomm's Snapdragon X75 modem for their Pro models this year. The X75 brings upgraded and advanced 5G capabilities with AI and ML integration. It is also reported to use 20% less circuit than the existing X70 modems making it more power efficient.  Read more: OPPO Reno 12 5G Review: Upholding the Legacy? However, the standard 16 and 16 Plus will feature the X70 modem seen on the 15 series. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo forecasts that this is the last year of Apple using third-party modems. We might see in-house 5G modems coming out with the 2025 iPhones.  Increased Price  An unfortunate report coming out of China is that the 16 series might see a price increment for all the models. Last year the production cost of the 15 series was already at an all-time high with a 16% increment over the 14 series. While Apple resorted to absorbing the cost, the same might not hold for the 16 series. As a result, there’s strong speculation of “The most expensive iPhones yet”.  Final Words  To be honest, the iPhone 16 series might not be the next big thing in Apple's innovation list. It's going to be just another incremental update over the 15 with minor spec bumps and new colorways. The Apple Intelligence is expected to show up sometime in Q4 this year, well after the launch of the 16 series. For now, all eyes are on a mid-September release date and the speculated release of the iPhone SE 4 and iPhone 17 Air next year.  Read more: Top 8 Smartphones Launching in August 2024: Features, Specs, and Release Dates

Women’s safety remains one of the most concerning issues even in 2024. WHO estimates that globally, around one in three women (30%) has faced some form of violence in their lifetime. This begs the question, what’s the solution to such a persistent social problem? Considering the need, personal safety apps have become an effective way to ensure safety in every situation. Here’s a list of the best personal safety Android and iOS apps for women in 2024.  Built-in Native Safety Features in iOS and Android Beyond the need for apps, iOS and Android have several built-in features to ensure safety while alone or traveling. But it's more streamlined in iOS as different Android manufacturers have different take on the safety approach. With iOS, there’s the “Share My Location” option which will continuously share your location to the trusted contacts. You can even choose the duration of the share as per your preference. There is also the option of SOS emergency calling. It can be easily activated by pressing the power button and any of the volume buttons together. iOS 17 and above also has the “Check In” feature where you can set a destination before traveling. The feature will notify your trusted contacts once you have safely reached your destination.  Read more: Find Bus Routes in Dhaka with 6 Android Apps Android also has a location-sharing feature through Google Maps. Most Android versions also implement emergency calling though the activation process differs from one to another.  Best Free Personal Safety Android and iOS Apps for Women  While the native features come in handy, they can’t always ensure your safety. Besides there may be situations where you’re not in a state to make a proper emergency call. Here’s a list of specialized apps designed for safety with some added features that can be a great alternative to native options.  My SafetiPin My SafetiPin (https://safetipin.com/my-safetipin-app/) is a free personal safety app designed for women. Beyond the basics of personal safety, My SafetiPin brings something that’s not usually seen on other safety apps. And that’s its surrounding audit feature. Read more: 10 Best Free Android Apps to Learn English Vocabulary With My SafetiPin, you can simply upload a picture of the area you’re in and get a safety score based on previous experiences of other users. You can also contribute to making the audit more robust by sharing your experience in a certain place.  The app can also guide you through a safe route, let you know about the nearby emergency services, and share your live location with your friends and family.  You can download My SafetiPin on both Android and iOS platforms.  Read more: 7 Food Delivery Apps for Dhaka

Nahid Islam, Adviser for Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology, has said that action will be initiated against officials involved in internet shutdown during recent student protests. He said this on Sunday while talking to journalists on the first day of his office at the Secretariat.  Nahid emphasized that those responsible for the internet shutdown during the protests will face consequences, with measures being taken as early as today. He said access to the internet is a right, so disrupting or shutting down internet services is a violation of human rights.  He also mentioned that indiscriminate internet shutdowns will no longer be tolerated. The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology plans to incorporate youth participation to fulfill the aspirations of the younger generation.

‘Mecha’ games refer to a video game genre featuring a gameplay or plot focusing on a large fighting machine in the shape of a person or animal that is usually controlled by someone riding inside it. There's an undeniable thrill in watching the iron fist of a mech deliver justice to fictional foes. Whether battling giant monsters or rival combat machines, the outcome is always satisfyingly spectacular. So, gear up and prepare to unleash chaos as we delve into the best mecha games of all time for mobile devices, each promising to grind your gears in the best way possible. Top Mecha Games to Play on Smartphones Free of Cost Idle Survivors: Last Stand Idle Survivors: Last Stand by MAX GAME PTE.LTD. was released on June 16, 2023, and has quickly become a hit among gamers. This free-to-play idle RPG, with a download size of 1 GB on Android and 1.3 GB on iOS, has captivated over 100,000 players. The game features a post-apocalyptic world where players fight off alien invaders. It boasts a unique vehicle customization system and various game modes, including PVP and PVE. Android users need version 6.0 or higher, while iOS players need version 12.0 or later. With a 4.5-star rating on both platforms, it’s a must-try for RPG fans. Read more: Top 10 New Football Games For Android, IOS in 2024 Omega 13 Omega 13 by Game Stew, released on June 20, 2024, is a turn-based mech combat and adventure game priced at $3.99. With a 154.7 MB download size, it offers an engaging story where you play as a mech pilot uncovering the mystery of a planet's eternal night. The game features 200+ equipment pieces, 1000+ enemies, and 100+ bosses, providing extensive customization and challenging battles. Designed for iPad, it requires iOS 12.0 or later and has garnered a 4.8-star rating from 70 reviews. Its rich graphics, sound design, and intriguing gameplay make it a must-play for mech enthusiasts. Match Masters - PvP Match 3 Match Masters - PvP Match 3 by Candivore, released on November 14, 2017, is a revolutionary match-3 puzzle game with a unique PvP multiplayer twist. The game, free to download and 177 MB in size, lets players compete live against friends or global opponents on the same game board, adding a strategic element to each move. Read more: August 2024 Video Games Lineup: Exciting Virtual Games Scheduled for Launch With over 50 million downloads, it offers 20+ boosters, tournaments, events, and collectible sticker albums for huge rewards. Compatible with Android 6.0 and up, it has a 4.8-star rating. Connect via Facebook or join the community on various social media platforms to enhance your gameplay experience. Mech Arena - Shooting Game Mech Arena - Shooting Game by Plarium Global Ltd, released on August 9, 2021, offers intense mech-crushing PvP battles. This free game, with a download size of 149 MB on Android and 253.1 MB on iOS, features over 25 unique mechs and 90+ weapons for endless customization.  The game supports Android 5.1+ and iOS 12.0+, boasting a 4.3-star rating on Android, and a 4.9-star rating on the App Stores. Players can engage in various game modes, including Free-For-All and Deathmatch, across 35+ maps, with quick matchmaking for fast-paced action. Regular updates introduce new mechs, weapons, and maps, ensuring ongoing excitement and strategic gameplay. Read more: Top 10 July 2024 Video Game Releases: Exciting New Titles for Every Gamer

Susan Wojcicki, the former YouTube chief executive officer and longtime Google executive, has died, her husband said. She was 56. “My beloved wife of 26 years and mother to our five children left us today after 2 years of living with non small cell lung cancer,” Dennis Troper said in a social media post late Friday. “Susan was not just my best friend and partner in life, but a brilliant mind, a loving mother, and a dear friend to many,” Troper said. No other details of her death were immediately provided. Wojcicki, who played a key role in Google's creation, stepped down as YouTube’s CEO in 2023 after spending nine years running the video-sharing service that reshaped entertainment, culture and politics. Shortly after Google co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin incorporated their search engine into a business in 1998, Wojcicki rented the garage of her Menlo Park, California, home to them for $1,700 a month. Wojcicki and Troper's 19-year-old son, Marco Troper, died in February at the UC Berkeley campus where he resided as a freshman student.

Iran is accelerating online activity that appears intended to influence the U.S. election, in one case targeting a presidential campaign with an email phishing attack, Microsoft said Friday. Iranian actors also have spent recent months creating fake news sites and impersonating activists, laying the groundwork to stoke division and potentially sway American voters this fall, especially in swing states, the technology giant found. The findings in Microsoft’s newest threat intelligence report show how Iran, which has been active in recent U.S. elections, is evolving its tactics for another election that’s likely to have global implications. The report goes a step beyond anything U.S. intelligence officials have disclosed, giving specific examples of Iranian groups and the actions they have taken so far. Iran's United Nations mission denied it had plans to interfere or launch cyberattacks in the U.S. presidential election. The report doesn’t specify Iran’s intentions besides sowing chaos in the United States, though U.S. officials have previously hinted that Iran particularly opposes former President Donald Trump. U.S. officials also have expressed alarm about Tehran's efforts to seek retaliation for a 2020 strike on an Iranian general that was ordered by Trump. This week, the Justice Department unsealed criminal charges against a Pakistani man with ties to Iran who’s alleged to have hatched assassination plots targeting multiple officials, potentially including Trump. The report also reveals how Russia and China are exploiting U.S. political polarization to advance their own divisive messaging in a consequential election year. Microsoft’s report identified four examples of recent Iranian activity that the company expects to increase as November’s election draws closer. First, a group linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard in June targeted a high-ranking U.S. presidential campaign official with a phishing email, a form of cyberattack often used to gather sensitive information, according to the report, which didn't identify which campaign was targeted. The group concealed the email’s origins by sending it from the hacked email account of a former senior adviser, Microsoft said. Days later, the Iranian group tried to log into an account that belonged to a former presidential candidate, but wasn’t successful, Microsoft’s report said. The company notified those who were targeted. In a separate example, an Iranian group has been creating websites that pose as U.S.-based news sites targeted to voters on opposite sides of the political spectrum, the report said. One fake news site that lends itself to a left-leaning audience insults Trump by calling him “raving mad" and suggests he uses drugs, the report said. Another site meant to appeal to Republican readers centers on LGBTQ issues and gender-affirming surgery. A third example Microsoft cited found that Iranian groups are impersonating U.S. activists, potentially laying the groundwork for influence operations closer to the election. Finally, another Iranian group in May compromised an account owned by a government employee in a swing state, the report said. It was unclear whether that cyberattack was related to election interference efforts. Iran's U.N. mission sent The Associated Press an emailed statement: “Iran has been the victim of numerous offensive cyber operations targeting its infrastructure, public service centers, and industries. Iran’s cyber capabilities are defensive and proportionate to the threats it faces. Iran has neither the intention nor plans to launch cyber attacks. The U.S. presidential election is an internal matter in which Iran does not interfere.” The Microsoft report said that as Iran escalates its cyber influence, Russia-linked actors also have pivoted their influence campaigns to focus on the U.S. election, while actors linked to the Chinese Communist Party have taken advantage of pro-Palestinian university protests and other current events in the U.S. to try to raise U.S. political tensions. Microsoft said it has continued to monitor how foreign foes are using generative AI technology. The increasingly cheap and easy-to-access tools can generate lifelike fake images, photos and videos in seconds, prompting concern among some experts that they will be weaponized to mislead voters this election cycle. While many countries have experimented with AI in their influence operations, the company said, those efforts haven’t had much impact so far. The report said as a result, some actors have “pivoted back to techniques that have proven effective in the past — simple digital manipulations, mischaracterization of content, and use of trusted labels or logos atop false information.” Microsoft’s report aligns with recent warnings from U.S. intelligence officials, who say America’s adversaries appear determined to seed the internet with false and incendiary claims ahead of November’s vote. Top intelligence officials said last month that Russia continues to pose the greatest threat when it comes to election disinformation, while there are indications that Iran is expanding its efforts and China is proceeding cautiously when it comes to 2024. Iran's efforts seem aimed at undermining candidates seen as being more likely to increase tension with Tehran, the officials said. That’s a description that fits Trump, whose administration ended a nuclear deal with Iran, reimposed sanctions and ordered the killing of the top Iranian general. The influence efforts also coincide with a time of high tensions between Iran and Israel, whose military the U.S. strongly supports. Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines said last month that the Iranian government has covertly supported American protests over Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza. Groups linked to Iran have posed as online activists, encouraged protests and provided financial support to some protest groups, Haines said. America’s foes, Iran among them, have a long history of seeking to influence U.S. elections. In 2020, groups linked to Iran sent emails to Democratic voters in an apparent effort to influence their votes, intelligence officials said.

Mobile internet has been shut down again on Sunday, on the instructions of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC). The BTRC has announced that the 4G network will remain off until further notice. During this period, only 2G services will be available for making calls. When contacted for further details, BTRC Chairman Mohiuddin Ahmed declined to comment, saying that he was in a meeting. In a statement, Grameenphone said, “The authorities have shut down the mobile internet. We are in continuous communications with the relevant authorities regarding this issue.”

Oppo also vies to add AI features to its latest releases like other renowned brands. The Oppo Reno 12 Pro 5G has hit the market on 18th June, 2024. Besides offering essential features and functionalities, the phone extends its capacities by implementing several AI features. Let’s learn what the phone has to offer. Key Features and Spes of Oppo Reno 12 Pro 5G Design The Oppo Reno 12 Pro 5G measures 161.5 mm by 74.8 mm by 7.4mm and weighs 180g. It has a plastic frame and back, with a two-texture partition on the rear panel. The device lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack, instead offering a USB-C port for connectivity. The power button and volume rocker are located on the right edge. The camera bump on the back protrudes slightly but not excessively. The phone features an under-display fingerprint scanner, which may appear rotated if previously used in horizontal orientation. It comes in Space Brown (black), Sunset Gold (rose), or Nebula Silver (pinkish silver), though availability depends on the region. The Oppo Reno 12 Pro 5G has an IP65 rating, protecting against dust and water splashes. Read more: Top 8 Smartphones Launching in August 2024: Features, Specs, and Release Dates Display The Oppo Reno 12 Pro 5G features a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080 by 2412 pixels (FHD+). The display is protected by the Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2. The screen has a 120Hz refresh rate, providing smooth motion for scrolling and compatible applications. The display supports HDR10+ and offers a color gamut spanning a billion colors. It has a maximum brightness of 1,200 nits. These specifications ensure that the screen can handle a wide range of color outputs and maintain visibility in bright conditions. The resolution and refresh rate are standard for contemporary smartphones, supporting the typical output of most apps. The large display size accommodates various uses, including media consumption and gaming. Performance and Hardware The Oppo Reno 12 Pro 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 4nm Energy chipset, designed for energy efficiency and reducing GPU power consumption by 45% compared to the Reno 10. The CPU is combined with Mali-G615 MC2. Read more: OPPO Reno 12 5G Review: Upholding the Legacy? It has 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage and features UFS 3.1 data transfer system. However, it has no expandable storage option.  In everyday use, the phone performs responsively with smooth navigation, though occasional animation stutters may occur during heavy multitasking. For gaming, the device handles less demanding titles well but struggles with more intensive games like Genshin Impact, requiring lower settings to maintain stable performance. The phone's Geekbench 6 benchmark score averages 2,005, indicating lower mid-range performance. Audio features include stereo speakers and Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity, but no 3.5mm headphone jack, requiring the use of a USB-C port for wired audio. The phone also includes a built-in game overlay with Pro Gamer mode, which slightly enhances gaming performance. Read more: Motorola Razr 50 Ultra Flip Phone Review: A Trip to Nostalgia Camera The Oppo Reno 12 Pro 5G features a three-lens rear camera setup with a 50MP (f/1.8) main sensor, a 50MP (f/2.0) telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom, and an 8MP (f/2.2) ultra-wide lens. The main camera includes PDAF and OIS for enhanced focusing and stability. The telephoto lens provides high-quality zoomed images, supporting up to 5x hybrid zoom and 20x digital zoom. The ultra-wide lens has a 112-degree field of view but delivers lower resolution and vibrancy. The front camera is a 50MP (f/2.0) sensor with a wide field of view and autofocus, producing detailed and vibrant selfies. The camera system includes AI features like a magic eraser and object removal, although some advertised features were not available at the time of testing.  Video recording supports up to 4K at 30fps on rear and front lenses, with stabilization options and reliable autofocus, though lens switching during recording is not possible. Read more: vivo iQOO Z9x 5G Review: Budget Meets Substance Ai Features The OPPO Reno 12 Pro 5G comes with several AI features, like Ai Summary, Ai Speak, Ai Writer, Ai Clear Voice, and so on. The AI Summary offers quick overviews of content, while AI Speak can read aloud on-screen text with customizable voice and playback options. With AI Writer, users can write email text from simple prompts. To ensure clear call quality, AI Clear Voice helps minimize background noise. With the help of AI Recording Summary, users will be able to transcribe voice notes and recordings into detailed notes or editable transcripts. To enhance photography, AI Eraser 2.0 will remove unwanted objects from images, and the AI Studio app offers tools like AI Best Face, which corrects closed-eye issues in group photos, and AI Clear Face, which enhances the overall appeal of images. Battery and Charger The Oppo Reno 12 Pro 5G is equipped with a 5,000mAh battery, typical for mid-range smartphones. In practical use, the battery lasts about a day and a half, often extending close to two days with normal use. Read more: Honor 200 Pro Review: A Flagship Camera Experience This allows for extended gaming sessions without significantly draining the battery. The phone supports 80W wired charging, which can fully charge the device in just under 50 minutes. A half-hour charge provides enough power for a full day of use. The Reno 12 Pro features reverse wired charging via its USB-C port, enabling it to charge other devices like smartwatches or headphones. While not particularly fast, this feature is convenient for keeping smaller gadgets powered on the go. Pros and Cons of the Oppo Reno 12 Pro 5G Pros - 5G and NFC-enabled- 4K video recording with stabilization- Durable with Gorilla Glass and water resistance- 120Hz AMOLED display- Long battery life with fast charging- Latest Android OS with ColorOS- Excellent chipset performance- Great camera performance in various lighting- Reverse Wired Charging facility. Read more: Xinji Nothing 3 Review: Amoled Smartwatch for 5000 Taka Cons - No wireless charging- No audio jack- No microSD card slot- No stereo speaker. Price of the Oppo Reno 12 Pro 5G The OPPO Reno 12 Pro 5G comes with a price tag of Rs 36,999 for the 12/256GB variant; while it costs Rs 40,999 for the 12/512GB variant. Conclusion The Oppo Reno 12 Pro 5G offers several good features, like a captivating design, an AMOLED display with a high refresh rate, and a powerful chipset. The 50MP main camera meets the general needs, and the AI features enhance usability. The battery ensures long usage, with fast charging to minimize downtime. However, plastic construction may dishearten some OPPO fans. If you want a mid-range smartphone with overall performance, you may consider the Oppo Reno 12 Pro.  Read more: 7 Best Smartphones in Tk 35000-45000 Range in July 2024