TECHNOLOGY

Pakistan is gearing up to launch 5G services in the coming months, with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) claiming that 80% of smartphones in the country are already 5G-ready. However, industry experts remain skeptical of this figure. Here’s a detailed look at Pakistan’s 5G readiness and how it compares to India. 5G Launch and Spectrum AuctionThe PTA is expected to hold a spectrum auction by the end of February 2026, covering frequency bands from 700 MHz to 3500 MHz. Once operational, 5G users in Pakistan could experience minimum download speeds of 50 Mbps, a significant improvement over current average internet speeds. Mid-band frequencies such as 2300 MHz and 2600 MHz may be used in cities to enhance network capacity and handle high data demand. Boost to 4G ServicesThe...

India has emerged as a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI), ranking among the top five countries in AI preparedness and adoption, according to a recent Stanford study. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted India as the third-largest AI power in the world, after the United States and China. Here’s a detailed look at why India is making rapid strides in AI: 1. Global AI RankingCountries are ranked on the Global AI Index based on AI research and development, AI talent and skills, investment and startups, computing infrastructure, government policies, and adoption speed. India stands out as the only lower-middle-income country in the top three, with the following scores: CountryScoreUSA78.6China36.95India21.59 2. AI Ski...

Apple and Google have joined forces to make Siri smarter and more helpful through Google’s Gemini AI model. The update will allow Siri to provide direct answers as well as emotional support to users. Importantly, all data will remain secure on Apple’s private cloud, ensuring user privacy. Gemini to Power Siri, But Apple Keeps ControlThe partnership will enhance Siri’s responses and conversational abilities, making them more advanced than ever. Users, however, will not see any mention of Google or Gemini—the experience will feel entirely Apple-native. Google provides the base structure of the Gemini model, but Apple will fine-tune it according to its own standards, deciding how Siri responds, the tone it uses, and how formal or friendly it is. Apple can request changes from Google, but m...

WhatsApp, the messaging app used by millions worldwide, may soon introduce a subscription model, according to reports. The change, revealed through the code of WhatsApp version 2.26.3.9, will primarily affect the Status feature, not messaging itself. Subscription Model for Ad-Free StatusUnder the upcoming model, users who subscribe to WhatsApp will enjoy an ad-free Status experience. Non-subscribers, however, will see advertisements in their Status tab. While sending messages will remain free, users who wish to avoid ads in Status updates may have to pay a subscription fee. This move comes as WhatsApp continues to explore ways to monetize its platform while maintaining its massive user base. Despite user concerns, the company has reportedly been working on this feature for a long tim...

A striking example of how AI can have unintended consequences has emerged from the UK, where a government-launched AI character designed to prevent youth extremism has now become a symbol of online hate. Meet Amelia, the AI schoolgirl at the center of this controversy. Amelia Sparks Online UproarThe UK has witnessed a unique AI-related case where an AI-generated schoolgirl named Amelia has become a viral and contentious figure online. Originally created to identify and counter hateful and racist content, the purple-haired AI girl has now been co-opted in memes spreading racist and extremist messages. What was intended as a tool for social good has increasingly been used to propagate hateful ideologies. Who is Amelia?Amelia was developed for an educational game titled Pathways: Naviga...

The Indian smart TV market has witnessed a significant shift following a GST reduction, according to data from Counterpoint Research. Sales of TVs 43 inches and above have surged, while the once-dominant 32-inch segment has seen a decline. Larger Screens Take the LeadCounterpoint’s data reveals that Indian consumers are increasingly opting for larger TVs. While 32-inch models used to dominate the market, their year-on-year sales have dropped by 8–10%, whereas larger screen models have recorded a 25% increase in sales. The biggest growth has been in the 43-inch and above category, which now accounts for the largest share of the market. GST Cut Acts as a Turning PointOn 22 September last year, the Indian government reduced the GST on TVs larger than 32 inches from 28% to 18%, aligning ...

Exciting news for BGMI (Battlegrounds Mobile India) players! Krafton, the developer of the popular battle royale game, has released new redeem codes that allow players to claim exclusive in-game rewards for free. Among the rewards is the highly sought-after “Casual Stroll” set, which normally requires in-game currency (UC) purchased with real money. New BGMI Redeem Codes The newly released codes include:IAZCZRCKFPCK8CSS, IAZDZWGBX3DCGC3K, IAZEZWVEMJ4XCNKX, IAZFZHUJRJN7HSQ6, IAZGZ89TE4PHPXGG, … (and many more) Krafton periodically releases redeem codes that are valid for a limited time, giving players the chance to unlock rare items without spending UC. How to Redeem the Codes To claim these rewards, follow these simple steps: Visit the official BGMI redeem website. En...

New Delhi:The Union government is preparing a major expansion of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited’s (BSNL) indigenous 4G network to ensure high-speed internet connectivity reaches every village in the country, Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has said. According to an ET Telecom report, BSNL has already deployed nearly one lakh 4G sites across India, while work is underway to install an additional 22,000 new sites. The government is now considering expanding the network even further by setting up more towers, subject to availability of funds. Speaking on the initiative, Scindia confirmed that he has held discussions with the Finance Minister regarding funding requirements for the expansion. While he refrained from sharing detailed figures, he said substantial progress h...

New Delhi, Jan 24:Google Photos has rolled out an exciting new feature called ‘Me Meme’, allowing users to create personalized and humorous memes using their own photos. Powered by generative AI, this feature enables users to place themselves into popular meme templates with just a few taps. According to Google, the ‘Me Meme’ feature uses its Gemini AI technology to automatically blend a user’s photo with a selected meme template and generate a customized meme. The company described the feature as experimental, noting that results may vary and may not always perfectly resemble the original photo in early versions. Currently Available to Limited Users At present, the ‘Me Meme’ feature has been introduced only for select users in the United States. Google Photos users on both Androi...

In a first-of-its-kind initiative, Delhi Police will deploy AI-powered smart glasses to strengthen security during the Republic Day celebrations on 26 January. The new technology will help police officers identify suspects in crowded areas and trigger instant alerts if a person with a criminal record is detected. AI-Enabled Smart Glasses The smart glasses, developed by an Indian technology company, integrate facial recognition software (FRS) and thermal imaging capabilities. They are connected directly to the police database, which contains records of criminals and wanted individuals. This allows officers to verify identities in real-time while patrolling crowded locations. How It Works According to senior police officials, the glasses will be mobile-connected. When an officer ...