The Rise of Social Media Search Trends Among Young Generations:
As technology becomes increasingly integrated into everyday life, search behaviors are rapidly evolving—especially among younger generations in Pakistan. Gen Z and Millennials are reshaping how information is sought, favoring platforms like TikTok and Instagram over traditional search engines for a wide array of needs, from restaurant reviews to educational resources.Social media’s transformation into a search tool has captivated users globally, including Pakistan. Platforms such as Instagram and TikTok are no longer just about entertainment; they’ve become go-to sources for discovering trends, recommendations, and how-to guides. This shift stems from the unique way social media combines visuals, personalization, and community-driven insights to provide users with highly engaging and relevant content.
OnePlus 13 and 13R to Launch Globally in First Week of 2025:
OnePlus has confirmed that it will host an international launch event on January 7 for the OnePlus 13 and OnePlus 13R. Additionally, the event will feature a new Sapphire Blue color variant for the OnePlus Buds Pro 3.OnePlus 13R, initially rumored to be a rebranded version of the upcoming OnePlus Ace 5 for China, will differ from that model in at least one crucial aspect: battery capacity. According to OnePlus, the 13R will feature a 6,000 mAh battery, matching the flagship OnePlus 13. In contrast, earlier leaks suggested the Ace 5 might include a slightly larger battery.
HMD Launches Arc Android Go Smartphone:
HMD Global has unveiled its latest budget smartphone, HMD Arc, catering to users who value simplicity and essential features. With a focus on affordability and practicality, the device combines a functional design with reliable hardware to meet the needs of everyday users.HMD Arc adopts a straightforward design with a 6.52-inch IPS LCD that offers HD+ resolution and a 60Hz refresh rate. The screen is ideal for browsing, streaming, and general use, providing a clear and functional visual experience. Its minimalist design emphasizes ease of use, making it an attractive option for those seeking a no-frills smartphone.
Telenor Pakistan Signs Pakistan’s First-Ever Tripartite MoU for Smart Metering at BTS Sites in AJ&K:
In a groundbreaking step towards digitalization, Telenor Pakistan has signed Pakistan’s first-ever tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to implement smart metering at its Base Transceiver Station (BTS) sites across Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJ&K). The initiative aims to empower societies by leveraging smart metering technology to enhance energy efficiency and ensure consumption accuracy.The tripartite agreement brings together Telenor Pakistan, the Government of AJ&K and SBEEC to pilot a smart metering solution enabling both consumers and the power distribution company to monitor electricity consumption in real-time. The solution will help ensure precise billing, minimize energy wastage by monitoring usage patterns and support data-driven decision-making to optimize resource utilization.
Cyclotron Technology for Cancer Patients is Now Available in Islamabad:
The Nuclear Medicine Oncology and Radiotherapy Institute (NORI) has acquired a state-of-the-art cyclotron, valued at Rs1.5 billion, enabling the production of Gallium 68 isotopes for positron emission tomography (PET) scans. This advancement benefits cancer patients within a 200-kilometer radius of Islamabad, making life-saving diagnostic services more accessible.NORI Director Dr. Muhammad Faheem shared this development during a media briefing at the hospital on Wednesday. He explained that previously, Gallium 68 isotopes were only available in Lahore, causing significant challenges for patients in northern areas, as the isotopes could not be transported due to their short half-life.
Xiaomi 15 Ultra Nears Launch With Satellite Connectivity and 90W Charging:
Xiaomi is preparing to unveil its highly anticipated 15 Ultra, following the introduction of the Xiaomi 15 and 15 Pro. According to MySmartPrice, the 15 Ultra has recently been certified in China under the model number 25019PNF3C, signaling that its launch is approaching.Certification listings confirm that the Xiaomi 15 Ultra will support satellite connectivity. However, this capability will likely remain exclusive to China, as it relies on the Tiantong satellite system operated by China Telecom. This system provides coverage mainly within China and nearby regions, including parts of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. In addition, Xiaomi has chosen to retain 90W wired charging for the 15 Ultra, consistent with its predecessors, the Xiaomi 13 Ultra and 14 Ultra.
Pakistan’s Broadband Internet Subscriptions Increased by 91% Over 5 Years:
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) reported significant developments during the fiscal year 2023-24, including a major increase in broadband internet subscribers in Pakistan.According to the PTA report, broadband subscriptions reached 142.3 million, reflecting a 91% increase over the past five years. Broadband penetration now stands at 58.4%, supported by 55,777 operational cell sites, of which 95.5% support 4G technology. The National Fiberization Plan was implemented to strengthen connectivity and prepare for the 5G ecosystem.The introduction of a 6GHz spectrum band for unlicensed use enabled faster connectivity and marks Pakistan as the 10th Asian nation to adopt next-generation Wi-Fi technology. The initiation of the 5G rollout process is set to enable mid-2025 implementation, with expected advancements in manufacturing, healthcare, and smart cities.
Motorola Expands Moto G Lineup With G15, G15 Power, and G05:
Motorola has introduced three new entry-level smartphones to its Moto G series: G15, G15 Power, and G05. These devices focus on delivering long-lasting battery life and are the first in the Moto G lineup to run Android 15 out of the box.The Moto G15 and G15 Power are nearly identical, with the key difference being their battery capacities. The G15 Power features a 6,000 mAh battery, while the G15 has a 5,200 mAh battery. This makes the G15 Power slightly bulkier, measuring 8.8 mm thick and weighing 203g, compared to the G15’s 8.2 mm thickness and 190g weight.
Vivo Plans Smaller-Screen Mid-Range Smartphone for 2025:
Vivo is preparing to launch a smaller-screen upper mid-range smartphone in 2025, following the success of its X200 Pro mini. A post on Weibo by Digital Chat Station, which has since been deleted, claimed that Vivo aims to continue producing compact yet powerful devices.Reports suggest that vivo will equip the upcoming smartphone with a Dimensity 9 series chipset, possibly the 9300, aligning with its upper mid-range category. This choice indicates that the device will deliver solid performance for its class.
Dutch Authorities Fine Netflix $4.98 Million Over Personal Data Use:
Dutch authorities fined video streaming giant Netflix €4.75 million ($4.98 million) on Wednesday over the handling of subscribers’ personal data.The authorities noted that Netflix had since updated its privacy statement and improved its information to subscribers over the use of data. The company has appealed the fine.
Poco Launches M7 Pro and C75 in India:
Poco has unveiled two new 5G smartphones for the Indian market, catering to different user segments. Poco M7 Pro 5G is a mid-range option with upgraded internals, a vibrant display, and premium camera features. As for the Poco C75 5G serves as an entry-level choice with basic but effective features. Both phones are now available for pre-order on Flipkart, offering a range of configurations and color options. Here’s a closer look at their key specifications. The Poco M7 Pro 5G features a dual-tone design with a slim profile, measuring 7.99mm thick and weighing 190g. Its 6.67-inch FHD+ OLED display boasts a 120Hz refresh rate, delivering vivid visuals and smooth scrolling. Protected by Gorilla Glass 5, the screen integrates a fingerprint reader beneath the display, marking a significant improvement over the side-mounted reader on the M6 Pro.
Supreme Court Grants Bail to Woman Accused of Smuggling Smartphones:
The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Wednesday granted post-arrest bail to a woman accused of mobile phone smuggling while setting aside the decision of the Lahore High Court (LHC).The SC’s Justice Musarrat Hilali wrote the verdict. It said that the LHC should have kept in mind the accused as being a woman before canceling her bail. It further said that the high court should also have to view the criminal record and nature of the crime in the judgment. Announcing judgment by giving reference to law is not appropriate in this case, the order said.
N Korea hackers stole $1.3bn of crypto this year – report:
A total of $2.2bn (£1.76bn) in cryptocurrencies has been stolen this year, with North Korean hackers accounting for more than half that figure, according to a new study. Research firm Chainalysis says hackers affiliated with the reclusive state stole $1.3bn of digital currencies – more than double last year’s haul. Some of the thefts appear to be linked to North Korean hackers posing as remote IT workers to infiltrate crypto and other technology firms, the report says.
Telegram pushes extremist groups to users – study:
The social media platform Telegram uses an algorithm that promotes extremist content, a new study shared exclusively with the BBC has revealed. The report, from the US civil rights organisation the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), found that the “similar channels” feature introduced last year recommends extremist channels even to users browsing subjects such as celebrities or technology. A professor also showed Media how he found someone within moments on Telegram who offered to ship an Uzi submachine gun to the UK for £850.Telegram says users are “only presented with content they have chosen to engage with” and it removes millions of pieces of harmful content daily.
Apple urged to axe AI feature after false headline:
A major journalism body has urged Apple to scrap its new generative AI feature after it created a misleading headline about a high-profile killing in the United States. The Media made a complaint to the US tech giant after Apple Intelligence, which uses artificial intelligence (AI) to summarise and group together notifications, falsely created a headline about murder suspect Luigi Mangione. The AI-powered summary falsely made it appear that News had published an article claiming Mangione, the man accused of the murder of healthcare insurance CEO Brian Thompson in New York, had shot himself. He has not. Now, the group Reporters Without Borders has called on Apple to remove the technology. Apple has made no comment.
Man convicted for repeatedly lying about inventing Bitcoin:
A computer scientist has been found to have committed contempt of court for falsely and persistently claiming to be the mysterious inventor of Bitcoin, Satoshi Nakamoto. In March, the High Court ruled Craig Wright was not Satoshi, and ordered him to stop claiming he was. However, he continued to launch legal cases asserting he had intellectual property rights to Bitcoin, including a claim he was owed $1.2 trillion (£911 billion). A judge said that amounted to a “flagrant breach” of the original court order and sentenced him to 12 months in prison, suspended for two years.
Romance scammer duped £17k from me with deepfakes:
A victim of an elaborate online romance fraud has told BBC Scotland that she was completely convinced by deepfake videos used to scam her out of £17,000. Nikki MacLeod, 77, sent gift cards and made bank and Paypal transfers believing she was sending money to a real woman she was in an online relationship with. She said she was initially sceptical but felt reassured by video messages from the person, which she now knows were fake. She wants to warn others about the increasing use of AI technology by scammers.
US Supreme Court to hear TikTok challenge to potential ban:
The US Supreme Court has agreed to hear last-ditch legal arguments from TikTok as to why it should not be banned or sold in the US. The US government is taking action against the app because of what it says are its links to the Chinese state – links which TikTok and its parent company ByteDance have denied. The Supreme Court justices did not act on a request by TikTok for an emergency injunction against the law, but will instead allow TikTok and ByteDance to make their case on 10 January – nine days before the ban is due to take effect. Earlier in December, a federal appeals court rejected an attempt to overturn the legislation, saying it was “the culmination of extensive, bipartisan action by the Congress and by successive presidents”.
Old hospital gowns made into octopus IV drip hooks:
Old hospital gowns are being turned into octopus shaped poles for intravenous (IV) drips, in the hope of cheering up child patients. Product designer Florence Mitchell came up with the idea for Olly the Octopus when she was in the third year of her sustainable product design degree at Falmouth University in Cornwall. The fully-recycled cartoon-style blue octopuses are made out of old polypropylene gowns from the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro. She said she “felt like he needed to be engaging, not just be a static thing that stands in the corner, but to bring him to life a bit”.
Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta donates $1m to Trump fund:
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has donated $1m (£786,000) to an inauguration fund for President-elect Donald Trump. The tech giant’s boss, Mark Zuckerberg, dined with Trump at his Mar-a-Lago resort in November, having sought to repair his and his firm’s relationship with Trump following the election. Trump previously was highly critical of Mr Zuckerberg and Facebook – calling the platform “anti-Trump” in 2017. Meta is not believed to have made similar donations to President Joe Biden’s inaugural fund in 2020 or to Trump’s previous inaugural fund in 2016.
Controversial chatbot’s safety measures ‘a sticking plaster’:
Chatbot platform Character.ai is overhauling the way it works for teenagers, promising it will become a “safe” space with added controls for parents. The site is facing two lawsuits in the US – one over the death of a teenager – and has been branded a “clear and present danger” to young people. It says safety will now be “infused” in all it does through new features which will tell parents how their child is using the platform – including how much time they’re spending talking to chatbots and the ones they speak to the most. The platform – which allows users to create digital personalities they can interact with – will get its “first iteration” of parental controls by the end of March 2025.