I can’t stop watching Age of Empires 4’s cutscenes

Age of Empires 4 is one of the best documentaries I’ve seen in a long time – which is really saying something, given that it’s actually a real-time strategy game. It’s a game that elegantly builds on its predecessors’ fluid base-building and frenzied unit management to create a refined tactical experience that’s more approachable to modern audiences.

At least, that’s what I’m told. I wouldn’t know. I’ve spent more time watching Age of Empires 4’s cutscenes than thinking too strenuously about its gameplay. Even now that I’m a good chunk of the way through its third single-player campaign, it’s not the battlefield that’s made the biggest impression on me, but the game’s pre-match cinematics.

These aren’t your average in-game cutscenes, but bite-sized documentaries. Head into a battle, and you’ll get the lowdown on who the main players are, what political machinations sparked the conflict, and how it served as a pivotal moment in the history of that country or continent. They’re short history lessons that delve into the timeline and myths behind the skirmish you’re about to enter.

Cinematic flair

They’re also absolutely brilliant. Produced with all the hallmarks of the television documentaries you might have watched on the History Channel 15 years ago – and at a significantly better production quality – the shorts give some modern television documentaries a run for their money. Sweeping aerial camera shots show you historical locations as they exist today, while superimposed CGI armies skirmish across fields and castles. A narrator explains the causes of the conflict, as well as the ramifications of the battle you’re about to fight.

And that’s only the mandatory viewing. After completing each mission, you’ll unlock bonus videos that explore the minutiae of each historical period. These go into immense detail, with expert presenters and academic historians walking you through the fundamentals of life and warfare in the Middle Ages. 

Age of Empires 4's shorts give some modern television documentaries a run for their money

I can confidently say I now know a thing or two about how medieval paint was created using iron oxide, eggs, and tree sap. I can list a few ways in which Mongol heavy cavalry came to dominate the battlefield. Ask me what I know about crossbows, armor, or Guédelon Castle (an architectural history project currently under construction in France), and I can probably think of something intelligent to say about them, as well.

The quality of the videos is impressive, but so is their teaching value. Like every English schoolchild, I learned about the Norman conquest at length, but did I retain much of that information? Only a little bit about motte-and-bailey castles. Ask me what I’ve learned about The Anarchy from playing Age of Empires 4, though, and I could whip up an essay that would have any secondary school student trembling at the sheer scope of my historical knowledge (admittedly, not a particularly impressive feat).

Historical hit

Age of Empires 4

(Image credit: Xbox Game Studios)

I can’t get enough of it. After only a handful of hours in Age of Empires 4, my love of documentaries has been reignited. I’ve caught the learning bug, and have sunk my teeth into every history doc I can get my hands on. The Roman Empire, the Russian Revolution, the seemingly endless mountain of World War 2 documentaries that are released year on year – the time period doesn’t matter; I’ve breezed through them all.

And I’m still smitten with Age of Empires 4. The game hands you just as many history lessons as you can take. If you’re like me, you’ll watch every bonus video as soon as they’re unlocked and keep returning for more. I’ve watched several shorts twice over, waiting in excited anticipation at what historical deep dive I’ll unlock next. But if you’d rather skip the pedagogy, there’s nothing to prevent you from side-stepping the optional shorts and heading straight into a skirmish.

The documentaries are a clever way of baking history into the game while keeping it separate from Age of Empires 4’s core design

That means you’re unlikely to suffer from history fatigue. The mini-documentaries – which are usually a couple of minutes long – are fed to you drip by drip, punctuated by each main mission. They’re less of an expository device than they are a reward for your military conquests: just defeated the Hungarian forces at the Battle of Mohi? Check out this explainer on the unmatched firepower of the multibow crossbow, as a treat.

But they’re also a clever way of baking history into the game while keeping it separate from Age of Empires 4’s core design. I love learning about the battles of old as much as the next person, but I’m not so fussed about historical accuracy that I want it to dictate a game’s fundamental mechanics and features. Age of Empires 4 is no simulator, and only recreates battles in an abstract sense. By handing you these videos to enjoy outside of the main game, the game conveys its reverence for history while letting you command colorful, cartoonish knights across heavily stylized battlefields.

Leave unwavering historical authenticity to the likes of Hearts of Iron and Europa Universalis; Age of Empires takes a gameplay-first approach.

Back for more

This isn’t the first time a studio has tried to bridge the gap between documentaries and video games. The strategy genre is no stranger to implicitly, and explicitly, teaching players the history behind the games they’re playing. Even Age of Empires 2 – which came out in 1999 – included an in-depth timeline of each of its civilizations, handing you an encyclopedia of the factions and figures under your command.

It’s all part and parcel of the genre’s mission to share its excitement for the history that inspires its games – to not only recreate giant battles of old but to spark players’ interest in them. 

And Age of Empires 4 does that to incredible effect. I could say its well-balanced gameplay, its varied mission types, or my desire for a sense of completion have kept me coming back for more. That would be missing the bigger picture. I keep returning to watch the game’s brilliant documentary-style cutscenes. That’s no small feat for a strategy game.



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Google Chrome for Android May Soon Let You Restore All Recently Closed Tabs

Google Chrome for Android is reportedly getting the ability to restore all recently closed tabs, similar to the Chrome desktop version. The feature is said to show a pop-up window that lets you choose if you wish to restore the currently closed tabs.

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Twitter-Musk Deal: Nothing That Is Said Now Matters, Says Jack Dorsey About Controversies

Amid a cloud of uncertainty following billionaire tycoon Elon Musk taking charge of Twitter, its co-founder and former CEO Jack Dorsey has unleashed a tweetstorm in which he shared his thoughts on the social media platform's shortcomings, user trust and whether or not it should permanently ban users.

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Latest Pixel Watch leaks hint at battery life and cellular connectivity

It's been a busy few days for leaks around the Google Pixel Watch, and it doesn't look like the drips of advance information are going to stop anytime soon: new rumors point to the battery capacity and cellular connectivity options on the upcoming wearable.

This is all according to sources speaking to 9to5Google, and the first tidbit of speculation is that the Pixel Watch will come with a 300mAh battery built in. For comparison purposes with other Wear OS watches, the 40mm Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 has a 247mAh battery, while the 42mm Fossil Gen 6 has a 300mAh battery.

Both those watches run Wear OS, as the Pixel Watch is expected to do, and both watches offer about 24 hours of battery life (depending of course on how much you use them). It therefore looks as though the Pixel Watch will last about a day between charges too.

Making connections

The other revelation from this source is that at least one of the Pixel Watch models will have cellular connectivity. In other words, you'll be able to get online and make calls with the smartwatch without your phone being anywhere near it.

A few days back we heard that there might be as many as three different versions of the Pixel Watch. While it's not clear what the differences will be, the variations are probably around size or perhaps features. Cellular connectivity could be one of the features only some of the models get.

Less than a week ago we saw pictures of what was claimed to be a Pixel Watch out in the wild after being left behind – presumably by a Google employee – at a restaurant. The device is expected to be officially announced at Google IO 2022, which starts on May 11.


Analysis: smartwatches need better battery life

It would seem that we can expect the battery packed inside the Google Pixel Watch to last around a day between charges, which is no real surprise: that's what a lot of the top models on the market offer, including of course the hugely popular Apple Watch.

We can't help feeling these wearables deserve better battery life, though manufacturers are obviously working within the constraints of the form factor. If you forget to charge your smartwatch overnight, then you're in trouble the following day unless you're able to go and sit near a power socket for an hour or two.

Some smartwatch makers have gone for monochrome screens and the option to charge via solar power to try and get past the one day battery limit. Something like the Garmin Instinct Solar, for example, can go for weeks between charges if you're careful about what you're using it for.

However, it doesn't look as though the Google Pixel Watch is going to stand out as far as battery life is concerned. If it's going to tempt consumers into a purchase, it'll have to rely on other features to stand out – such as integrated Google Assistant support.



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ED Seizes Rs. 5,551 Crore of Xiaomi India in Alleged Foreign Exchange Violation Case

Funds worth over Rs. 5,551 crore of Chinese mobile manufacturing company Xiaomi India have been "seized" for violating the Indian foreign exchange law, the Enforcement Directorate said said on Saturday.

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Vivo X80, Vivo X80 Pro India Launch Date Briefly Listed on Company Site, May Debut on May 18

The India launch of Vivo X80 and Vivo X80 Pro could happen on May 18. The landing page of the Vivo X80 series was spotted on the official India website ahead of launch. The smartphones were launched in China recently. The Vivo X80 series comes in three distinct colour options.

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Google Will Now Show Warning Banners When Opening Potentially Malicious Docs, Sheets, Slides Files on the Web

Google's warning banners were already there in use for alerting users while opening dangerous files within Google Drive, or within Docs, Sheets, and Slides files. However, these banners will now be shown at the file-level, displayed when a user opens such a file on the Web.

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Windows 11 gets a boost for parental controls as work begins on finishing 22H2 update

Windows 11 just witnessed the release of a new preview build which brings a few fresh features – including enhancements for the Family Safety widget – plus a ton of bug fixes, and the news that Microsoft is seemingly closing in on finalizing the big update for later in 2022 (known as 22H2 or Sun Valley 2).

Build 22610 improves Microsoft’s Family Safety parental control system by introducing the ability for you to see the location of your other family members who are using the Family Safety app.

Also, for the rest of your family who are designated in a ‘member’ role, they get a better view of screen time usage across devices and apps. Family Safety allows not only for tracking your children, but also setting screen time limits, and applying various content filters across software and games or when web browsing.

This new preview build also makes a bunch of additions on the device management and group policy front for IT admins, as well as some small tweaks to the Windows 11 interface (including the tooltip for the system tray’s battery icon showing an estimated time for remaining battery life, if your laptop supports it).

Finally, one minor but important UI move is the removal of the preview build watermark from the desktop (at the bottom-right), which is generally a sign that Microsoft is moving into the finalizing process for the big 22H2 update.

That said, in the blog post announcing this build, Microsoft does clarify that “this doesn’t mean we’re done”, but still, it’s a fair indication that things are close to finished, and soon everything will be tied up for this year’s Windows 11 update.


Analysis: Nearly ready, sort of – but there’s plenty of testing road still ahead

What this means is that soon enough, Microsoft should put a stop to adding new features, and start the process of testing and retesting everything that’s in place to make sure everything works fine (while squashing any bugs that pop up).

As you’re probably aware, the 22H2 update isn’t due out for some time yet – not until the second half of the year, perhaps earlier on, but more likely later in that period (in the past, we’ve typically seen H2 updates roll out in September or October).

So, while things might be close to done for Windows 11 22H2 in theory, there’ll still be a long road of testing to travel (which is a good thing – or it should be, anyway, in terms of making sure that no bigger flaws or bugs slip through the net).

Of course, there are quite a number of bug fixes already being applied, as you can see in the full notes for build 22610, and that includes the resolution of a nasty File Explorer crash loop which affected a “small” percentage of Windows 11 testers.



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Mission: Impossible 7 Title Announced as Dead Reckoning Part One, Arriving on July 14, 2023

Mission: Impossible 7 has been officially titled Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One. It is set for a theatrical release on July 14, 2023. Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part Two is currently in production.

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Tata Avinya EV concept breaks cover: All you need to know

Tata Passenger Electric Mobility (TPEM) has unveiled a brand new EV concept called the Avinya. In case you’re wondering, Avinya is derived from the Sanskrit language and translates to innovation. The Avinya concept is based on Tata’s Gen 3 architecture and will be the basis for a number of new electric vehicles from the homegrown automaker. Tata Motors officials state the Avinya concept will be introduced to the market by 2025.

Tata Avinya EV concept. (Image: Tata Motors)

Speaking at this landmark occasion, N Chandrasekaran, Chairman, Tata Sons and Tata Motors said, “While making the Avinya concept a reality, the central idea was to offer a mobility solution like no other – a state of the art software on wheels that is well designed, sustainable and reduces the planet’s carbon footprint. Green Mobility is at the nucleus of TPEM, and the Avinya concept is the perfect reflection of what the company stands for – a creation that will not only accelerate the adoption of EVs but also lead this movement. Furthermore, at the Tata group, we are uniquely positioned to bring all the expertise that is necessary to build these mobility solutions and we are confident that in years to come we will make a larger and sustainable impact not only in India but globally as well.”

Tata Avinya EV concept. (Image: Tata Motors)

Adding to this, Shailesh Chandra, Managing Director, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd., and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd. said, “It is indeed a matter of pride for us at TPEM to present the Avinya concept to the world, a vision pivotal in signalling a ‘New Paradigm’. Holding on to its values of Simplicity, Timelessness, Effortlessness and Grace, the Avinya is not only a concept but is our new identity, an identity which is here to challenge the status quo. It gives me an intense sense of optimism to present a new typology of vehicles that will introduce the automobile industry to options beyond mobility – a tranquil space which will offer you a complete sensory experience while on the move. At its heart, the Avinya concept has ‘IN’, which demonstrates our Indian roots and highlights how we pride ourselves in discovering new ways to move and power vehicles. The Avinya concept is the fruition of our first idea built on our Pure EV GEN 3 architecture, enabling us to produce a range of globally competitive EVs. Our vision for pure EVs is focused on delivering wellness and rejuvenation while travelling, backed by cutting-edge technologies, aimed at improving the overall quality of life.”

Tata Avinya EV concept. (Image: Tata Motors)

The Avinya concept is said to be originally inspired by a catamaran. Tata believes that it combines the essence of a premium hatch with the luxuries and versatility of an SUV and the roominess and functionality of an MPV. To our eyes, it sort of brings back the concept of the estate car. A significant highlight on the front and the rear of the vehicle is a new identity. This new identity as a part of the DRL is a subtle nod to Tata’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life and is a pivotal step in the evolution of EVs. Then, of course, there are the ‘Butterfly’ doors, which add a touch of class to the concept vehicle.

Tata Avinya EV concept. (Image: Tata Motors)

Tata has also fitted the Avinya concept with a skydome that enhances the overall sense of space and natural light. That’s not all, there is also the funky steering wheel design, voice-activated systems, swivelling seats and an aroma diffuser for creating a relaxed aura. Furthermore, the Avinya concept is designed with lesser screen time in mind. Taking this into consideration the Avinya concept has been made screen-less, to bar any distractions inside the car and create a stress-free environment for the mind and soul.

Tata Avinya EV concept. (Image: Tata Motors)

The Pure EV GEN 3 Architecture is built with the use of next-gen materials, efficient electronic componentry and proprietary energy management strategies & algorithms for efficiency management. There is extensive use of light-weight materials, and optimized structure for an EV only powertrain with enabled appropriate stiffness which helps minimize the overall mass, leading to good weight management. Furthermore, the battery used will support an ultra-fast charge capability, in line with the infrastructure evolution, pumping a minimum 500 kilometres range in under 30 minutes.



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Realme GT Neo 3 with 150W fast charging launched in India, check out the price and specs

Realme launched the GT Neo 3 and a hoard of devices in the country today, in order to further solidify their growth in the Indian smartphone market. In over a year, they have shown 40 per cent YoY growth, which is the reason that they plan to go all guns blazing in the next couple of years.

Realme GT Neo 3 150W Launched in India

The highlight of the event was the launch of the Realme GT Neo 3 150W edition. However, the up and coming tech company also announced another version of the GT Neo 3, the Realme Pad Mini, the Realme Smart TV X FullHd, and two TWS earbuds, the Realme Buds Q2s and the Realme Buds Air 3.

Realme GT Neo 3 Price, Specs & Availability

Realme GT Neo 3 150W Launched in India

The Realme GT Neo 3 features a Dimensity 8100 processor and a dedicated display processor that powers the 6.7-inch Full HD+ AMOLED display which supports a 120Hz refresh rate.

As for the camera, the Realme GT Neo 3 packs a 50MP Sony IMX766 OIS system, an 8MP ultrawide unit, and a 2MP macro shooter. The front camera is a 16MP shooter.

The device is powered by a 5nm Dimensity 8100 processor, which has four Cortex-A78 units at 2.85GHz, and the MaliG610 graphics unit, along with UFS 3.1 storage and LPDDR5 RAM.

The device is powered by a 5,000 mAh battery, which comes with 80W SuperDart charging, as well as 150W UltraDart charging.

The Realme GT Neo 3 is available in 3 variants. The 8GB + 128GB unit is available for Rs 36,999, whereas the 8GB + 256GB unit is available for 38,999. The main highlight of the series, the Realme GT Neo 3 150W edition, with 12GB + 256GB variant is priced at Rs 42,999. 

The devices will be available from the 4th of May 2022 onwards, and up until the 9th of May, customers will be given bank discounts worth Rs 7,000 on all the three variants of the phone.

Other Products 

The Realme Pad Mini, with its 8.7-inch display, will be available in 4 variants. The WiFi with 3GB + 32GB unit will be available for Rs 10,999, whereas the WiFi unit with 4GB + 64GB spec will be available for Rs 12,999. The LTE unit with 3GB + 32GB will be available for Rs 12,999, whereas the LTE unit with 4GB + 64GB will be available for Rs 14,999.

The Realme Buds Air 3, with its 30 hours of playback time and segment-defining ANC features, are available at Rs 4,999. The Realme Buds Q2s, on the other hand, has been priced at Rs 1,999.

The 40-inch version of the Realme Smart TV X model will be available at Rs 22,999 whereas the 43-inch variant is priced at Rs 25,999.

Most of the products will be available on Realme’s website, across multiple e-commerce platforms and other stores from the 4th of May. For a part of the first week, i.e. till the 9th of May, Realme will be providing a number of discounts on the products launched today.



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Realme Pad Mini Tablet, Realme Buds Q2s TWS Earbuds Launched in India

Realme Pad Mini tablet and Realme Buds Q2s TWS earbuds were launched in India on Friday — alongside the Realme GT Neo 3 and Realme Smart TV X FHD.

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Realme Smart TV X FHD Series With Dolby Audio Support Launched in India in 2 Sizes

Realme Smart TV X FHD was launched in India on Friday with 40-inch and 43-inch full-HD smart TV models. Both smart TV models are equipped with 24W quad stereo speakers with Dolby Audio support, with a full-range speaker and a tweeter. The new Realme Smart TV X FHD models feature a bezel-less design and offers support for HDR10 and HLG formats. The smart TV is powered ...

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Samsung Galaxy M53 5G: The Most Awaited Smartphone for India's Gen MZ Goes on Sale

‍‍‍‍‍‍‍

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Multiple Google Pixel Watch leaks lay the upcoming Wear OS smartwatch bare

It's Pixel Watch leaks season now, as barely a day goes by without new news of Google’s upcoming smartwatch breaking, and today we have not one but two leaks.

First up, it looks like there could be as many as three different Pixel Watch models, as model numbers GWT9R, GBZ4S, and GQF4C have all been certified by the Bluetooth SIG (Special Interest Group).

These are all Google devices and are believed to be smartwatches, as they’re described as wearables, so they’re likely all versions of the Pixel Watch. There’s no additional information here, so it’s not clear how they differ – perhaps their sizes or features vary, or perhaps they’re simply the same watch for different regions.

But this isn’t the only evidence that we’ll see multiple Google Pixel Watch models, as another new leak, this time coming from a source speaking to leaker Yogesh Brar, states that the wearable will come in two different sizes, so that could potentially account for two of the model numbers.

See more

The source also claims that Google has partnered with Samsung for the Pixel Watch, and that it has the same sensors as the Galaxy Watch 4 (including an ECG), but that it will ship with a new build of Wear OS, dubbed Wear OS 3.1.

Apparently, there will also be at least four watch band colors, and the wearable will cost between $300-$400 (roughly £240 - £320 / AU$420 - AU$560). We’ve heard the highest of those prices before, but it’s nice to know that it might not cost quite that much.

Interestingly, the Pixel Watch will also apparently only get a “limited release,” however as a Google product it will almost certainly land in the US, and Brar states in a reply to his initial tweet that it should come to the UK as well. We would however take all of this with a pinch of salt, especially as Brar describes their source as “relatively new.”


Analysis: what about the third model?

So assuming all of this is right, it’s possible that two of those certifications refer to different watch sizes, but what about the third? Well, one possibility is the Pixel Watch Fit, which is a possibly sport-focused spin-off that’s previously been leaked.

However, it’s not at all clear whether this wearable actually exists. Some sources suggest that could be the launch name for the standard Pixel Watch, while Brar in a reply to his tweet claims that “nothing matching that description is being made,” and that they “haven’t seen any other watch except for this one in two different sizes.”

So exactly what Pixel Watch models there will be and how they will differ (other perhaps than in size) is one of the big remaining questions about this wearable. We should find out soon – possibly even at Google IO 2022 on May 11.

Via GSMArena and Phandroid



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Netflix wants to be a genuine Apple Arcade rival, but it's falling into the same trap

If you're a fan of mobile gaming, Netflix probably isn't your first port of call when you're looking to try a new title. You'll probably use our lists of the best iPhone games or best Android games instead, of course.

But it sounds like Netflix is trying to change that: it launched Netflix Games in late 2021, offering a few titles on its mobile phone app, and according to a new report from The Washington Post, that's just the beginning.

The report suggests Netflix will offer as many as 50 games on its app by the end of 2022 - at the time of writing, it has just 18. Currently, some of its titles are based on its TV shows, and others aren't, and it's not clear if this mix will continue.

Netflix offers plenty of TV shows and movies based on popular video games including The Witcher, Cuphead and League of Legends, so the company clearly has games on its mind, though projects in this vein have so far been duds far more than they have been hits.

According to The Washington Post, while Netflix has a legacy in adapting video games into TV series, it's looking to focus more on moving its projects the other way, turning more shows into games. Nailed It! The Game, anyone?

It's already been reported that Netflix is working to adapt the crowdfunding-hit board game Exploding Kittens to the screen, both as a TV show and as a mobile game, but that still leaves at least 30 more titles we can expect to see over time.


Analysis: quantity or quality?

It seems that Netflix wants to be Apple Arcade: that's a mobile game streaming service for Apple devices that, with one subscription, lets you download loads of games onto your smartphone or tablet.

However, for one big reason, Apple Arcade still isn't the mobile gaming powerhouse that Apple likely wants it to be, and it seems that Netflix could fall into the same trap. To turn eyes, Netflix doesn't need to produce loads of games - it needs one hit title.

Apple Arcade arguably doesn't have a massive title to convince people to use it - there's no rival to Call of Duty Mobile, Genshin Impact or Pokemon Go, three super-popular smartphone titles, to draw people away from those heavyweights.

It's one thing if Netflix increases its offering to 50 titles by the end of 2022, but unless any of those is a must-play, it's simply offering quantity instead of quality. Currently, it doesn't have any stand-out titles, perhaps other than a Stranger Things spin-off RPG which actually released well before Netflix Games debuted.

So if Netflix does want to be a mobile gaming player, it needs to come up with one smash-hit that keeps people coming back. And when that happens, perhaps we'll spend more time playing Netflix's games instead of using it to watch fun but forgettable blockbusters.



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Amazon India's Top Sellers Cloudtail, Appario Said to Be Raided by Antitrust Body CCI

India's antitrust body, Competition Commission of India (CCI), launched raids against two top domestic sellers of online retail giant Amazon over accusations of having violated competition laws. The two sellers were Cloudtail and Appario, as per sources, and the raids were carried out in the capital New Delhi, and Bengaluru.

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Xiaomi launches OLED Vision 55, its first OLED TV for India; check out the price and specifications

Xiaomi announced the OLED Vision 55, the company’s first OLED TV that has been designed for the Indian market. The Oled 55 Vision, features a 55-inch 4K UHD panel, at a resolution of 3840X2160. Although there’s no official word about where Xiaomi has sourced this panel, it looks like it is an LG unit that most companies use at that price point.

Xiaomi OLED Vision 55 TV Launched In India

The panel used in the television is a 10-bit panel, which covers 98.5 per cent of the DCI-P3 colour space, and operates at a fixed 60Hz refresh rate.

The television supports HDR10, HDR10+ and HLG. It also supports Dolby’s Vision IQ which automatically adjusts the display’s brightness to match the ambient light present in a viewing room. The TV also comes with an IMAX enhanced certification which means consuming video content on this TV should be an awesome experience.

As for audio, you get a system of 8-driver 30W speakers, with support for Dolby Atmos and DTS X surround sound. 

Powering the TV is a MediaTek 9617 SoC with four Cortex A73 CPU cores and a Mali G52 MC1 GPU. It also features 3GB RAM + 32GB Storage. The OLED Vision 55 runs on Android TV 11, with Xiaomi’s Patchwall UI which allows users to access content from 30 different providers.

Xiaomi OLED Vision 55 TV Launched In India

You also get 3 HDMI 2.1 ports, 2 USB ports, an ethernet port, a composite in, optical out and a headphone jack. It also has dual-band WiFi and Bluetooth 5.0 for connectivity. One of the HDMI ports also supports eARC. Users also get far-field microphones that will allow users to use Google Assistant or interact with other smart home devices.

Do keep in mind that although the HDMI ports have been labelled as HDMI 2.1, they have the bandwidth of HDMI 2.0 ports. Xiaomi gets to advertise them as 2.1 because of a few added features. The television supports ALLM or auto low latency mode, which puts the TV in a low-latency mode when it detects a signal from a gaming console. This feature alone allows HDMI 2.0 to be advertised as HDMI 2.1

The Xiaomi OLED Vision 55 goes on sale on the 19th of May 2022 and will be available for Rs 89,999.



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Bitcoin ATM Installed in Mexico's Senate Building, Senator Calls It 'Symbol of Financial Inclusion, Freedom'

The total tally of Bitcoin ATMS has reached 14 in Mexico. The latest one has been installed at the Senate building in Mexico City. Mexican Senator Indira Kempis has called a move a symbol of financial inclusion and freedom being supported by the Mexican government.

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'Hacktivist' activity drives DDoS volumes to all-time high

The war in Ukraine was a major catalyst for Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks. Cybersecurity researchers from Kaspersky have said that between Q4 2021, and Q1 2022, the number of DDoS attacks grew 4.5 times, while the number of “smart” (or advanced and targeted) attacks rose by 81% between the quarters.

To put things into perspective, Q4 2021 was said to have had the all-time highest number of DDoS attacks detected by the cybersecurity company.

Most of the growth had been attributed to “hacktivists” who were looking to play their role in the Russia - Ukraine conflict. 

Long DDoS attacks

In many cases, the attackers targeted Russian endpoints, be it from the government, or the financial sector. These attacks, the researchers said, have a “knock-on effect” as they affect the wider population. 

It was also said that the attacks were both performed at scale, and were innovative. One example included a copy of the popular 2048 puzzle game that was used to DDoS Russian websites.

The average session lasted 80 times longer than the ones spotted just a quarter earlier. The longest attack, Kaspersky says, was detected on March 29, which lasted for 177 hours.

The average DDoS attack usually lasts around four hours. 

“The upward trend was largely affected by the geopolitical situation. What is quite unusual is the long duration of the DDoS attacks, which are usually executed for immediate profit,” commented Alexander Gutnikov, security expert at Kaspersky.

“Some of the attacks we observed lasted for days and even weeks, suggesting that they might have been conducted by ideologically motivated cyberactivists. We’ve also seen that many organizations were not prepared to combat such threats. All these factors have caused us to be more aware of how extensive and dangerous DDoS attacks can be. They also remind us that organizations need to be prepared against such attacks.”

 The Russia - Ukraine conflict has spilled into the cyber-realm from day one of the invasion. Among other things, a Ukrainian hacker leaked internal chats, and multiple source codes, of Conti, one of the most popular ransomware operators today, allegedly based in Sankt Petersburg, Russia.

At the start of the invasion, Conti warned the cybercrime community that whoever attacks Russian infrastructure will have to face the group, as well. This did not sit well with many of its peers (particularly those from Ukraine, who appeared to have been in large numbers), forcing the group to withdraw the statement. 

After the leak, a number of copycats emerged, using Conti’s own source code to develop ransomware that was used against Russian organizations and entities. 



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Brazil Moves Closer to Crypto Laws, Senate Approves First Bill Governing Sector

Brazil is moving closer to having a crypto regulatory framework. The Senate of Brazil has approved the draft of the crypto bill, that has been extended before lawmakers. The country, with over 10 million crypto investors, is focussing on adding punishments and penalties for crypto misuers. The bill could be signed into a law by the end of 2022.

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Asus BR1100 Durable Laptops With Intel Celeron N4500 CPU, Up to 10 Hours Battery Life Launched in India

Asus BR1100 laptops have been launched in India. The new laptops are available in touchscreen and non-touchscreen options and are powered by an Intel Celeron N4500 processor, with 4GB of RAM and 128GB NVMe storage. They also feature a rugged design and come with the company’s antibacterial treatment. The Asus BR1100 offers up to 10 hours of battery life, according t...

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Explained: What could make Elon Musk back out of his bid to acquire Twitter

As slim as they may be, there are some chances that Elon Musk might have to abandon Twitter’s takeover bid. The acquisition of Twitter is going to be a long drawn process, during which a lot of things can go wrong.

What Can Stop Musk From Buying Twitter

On the face of it, it seems all but certain that Elon Musk will be the new owner of Twitter, and that one of his companies, X Holdings, will be acquiring Twitter, by the 24th of October this year. However, between now and then, there are a number of hurdles that may trip Musk and derail his bid to take over Twitter. 

And if Musk or Twitter for that matter decide to pull out of the takeover bid under certain conditions, one will have to pay the other a withdrawal fee of $1 Billion. We a look at some of the biggest issues that Musk and his team might face.

Shareholders May Not Agree

We begin with the unlikeliest of scenarios. Yes, the board of directors have accepted Musk’s bud, but they still need the approval of their shareholders. If the majority of the shareholders agree with the proposal that the board of directors present them with, i.e. of $54.20 per share, then the company will be sold to Musk, and then delisted from the New York Stock Exchange. If the majority of the shoulders vote against selling their stocks, the sale of the company will not be going through. Given that Musk’s offer for each share contains a small but still significant premium, most shareholders are likely to sell their holdings.

FTC, SEC Or Other Regulatory Agencies Intervening

This wouldn’t be unprecedented. Several government agencies have blocked mergers and takeover bids in the past, citing a variety of issues. These agencies have the power to shut down the takeover bid, even if they get just a hint of misappropriation or fraud.

What Can Stop Musk From Buying Twitter

Musk anyway has a tumultuous relationship with the SEC, or the Securities and Exchange Commission, and has been charged with fraud before.

Twitter Getting A Better Offer

Another unlikely, but still plausible scenario, is that the board of directors at Twitter, get a better offer. In such a scenario, they will have to allow Musk to make a counteroffer. However, if the board finds the counteroffer not satisfactory, they can pull out of the deal. In such a scenario, Twitter will have to pay Musk a withdrawal fee of $1 Billion.

Surprising Discoveries During Due Diligence

The reason why the takeover will take a long time is that Musk and his team will be going over Twitter’s finances, business dealings, and a number of other aspects, with a fine-toothed comb. In case they find any irregularities that may come to haunt Musk and X Holdings, they have the right to pull out of the deal.

What Can Stop Musk From Buying Twitter

The Platform Undergoing A Massive Shift

This is where things get a little tricky. The platform will obviously be undergoing a massive change, with several users leaving and several other users coming back to the platform. Just the announcement of Musk buying up Twitter saw hundreds of thousands of account deactivations which have been all organic, according to Twitter.

Plus, there is also the issue of bots. In case during discovery, it is found that the number of real users that Twitter claims it has is significantly bloated, Musk can step away from the deal, without any consequences. 

Tesla’s Performance

Ever since news broke that Twitter’s board of directors had accepted Musk’s bid to buy Twitter, Tesla’s stock has dropped by 10 per cent. Now, given the volatility of the US market, a movement like this can be expected. The issue is that it hasn’t been able to rally upwards ever since the fall, not in any significant manner at least.

Invariably, if Tesla’s stocks continue to fall, Musk may have to revisit his bid to take over Twitter. In such a scenario, Musk will have to pay the withdrawal fee.

It will be interesting to see how the takeover process plays out. What will be more interesting, is whether Musk continues to tweet details about the acquisition, as it goes along.



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This mysterious hacker is leaving hidden messages for the investigators on their tail

There’s a new threat actor in the cybercrime space, which seems to be taking researchers’ counterattacks - personally. 

Cybersecurity researchers from Checkmarx have recently published a blog post on a threat actor dubbed RED-LILI. This group was seen delivering malicious NPM packages using automatically created user accounts. 

Since then, Checkmarx published its findings on the techniques and methods of this threat actor, and even created the RED-LILI Tracker to share with the community information about the attacker's packages, and analysis findings.

Share your thoughts on Cybersecurity and get a free copy of the Hacker's Manual 2022. Help us find how businesses are preparing for the post-Covid world and the implications of these activities on their cybersecurity plans. Enter your email at the end of this survey to get the bookazine, worth $10.99/£10.99.

Don't go there - ever

This move did not sit well with the group, which responded by changing up its tactics a bit. Besides trying to make the malicious packages seem more credible, and to obfuscate the malicious code as well as it can, the group also started leaving messages to the researchers.

These messages were being delivered through package names, which “diverged from the normal pattern” into some of these:

dontbelikethat
notsobrilliant
dontgothereever
dontblowthisoff
heisnotwhatyousee
helloboy634
nosoawesome232
Fuckyouscanner

Since initially reporting on the group, it slowed down and paused the burst automation attacks, the researchers have found. RED-LILI has also dumped old domain names and registered a new domain - 22timer[.]ga. 

The researchers believe the next wave of the attack is yet to come, as RED-LILI now explores and publishes cherry-picked packages, each with its own unique evasion mechanism. 

“However, the attacker’s thumbprint still remains as they re-use similar characteristics (code similarity, same identifying strings, etc.),” the researchers concluded. “In recent packages, they are doing it while exfiltrating the data they collect to previously unknown addresses on different services, from what we have seen before such as free webhook services, for example, pipedream and requestbin.”

A detailed breakdown of the group’s methods, as well as all the package names that have so far been uncovered, can be found on this link



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Vivo X80, Vivo X80 Pro Global Launch Date Announced as May 8: All the Details

Vivo X80 series is set to launch in the global markets on May 8. The launch of the handsets from Vivo was teased on the Vivo Malaysia Twitter page. The Vivo X80 and Vivo X80 Pro were launched in China recently. The X80 series comes in three colour options.

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Explained: What are spambots & why is Elon Musk going after them on Twitter

In its most rudimentary form, a spambot is a programme that is used to spread across various avenues of the internet. It can be in the form of an email, or as is the case with Twitter, in the form of a fake or stolen profile, that spreads malicious comments.

What are spambots & why is Elon Musk going after them on Twitter

Hackers and spammers have used spambots to spread malicious links, attack and harass people on the internet, malign campaigns, and in some cases, interfere in governance by swinging elections. 

Spambots have also led to legitimate accounts being hacked, which have then been used to spread misinformation. Clearly, spambots represent everything that is wrong, and everything that can go wrong with social media, and the Internet in general.

Why is Elon Musk going after Spambots?

What are spambots & why is Elon Musk going after them on Twitter

Given how big a proponent Elon Musk is for cryptocurrencies, it would seem natural that he is going after spambots. Across Twitter, there are several fake accounts which are used by spambots to scam people who have just started exploring cryptocurrencies. Some of these spambots operate in such sophisticated manners that at times even people who are conversant in tech have fallen victim to them. 

What are spambots & why is Elon Musk going after them on Twitter

Musk, in an interview, once said that if he had a dogecoin for every spambot and crypto scam he had come across, he would have at least a 100 billion Dogecoin portfolio

How do Spambots work?

Spambots, especially on Twitter, normally comment on tweets of legitimate and active Twitter users who have a decent following. Several spambots are also made to appear like original accounts of certain celebrities. These spam comments have links to malicious websites that can launch phishing attacks, and steal vital login information. At times, they also spread realistic-looking fake websites where unsuspecting users are made to share their bank or wallet details. 

On Twitter, there are various spambots that imitate legitimate NFT traders and crypto enthusiasts. When these spambots tweet out a malicious link asking their unsuspecting followers to buy a certain NFT or to invest in certain crypto, most followers mistakenly think that the real human user is using his secondary account to tweet, and end up trusting them. Elon Musk’s followers have fallen victim to a number of such scams.

How to recognise a Spambot?

A very rudimentarily designed spambot will use wrong spellings especially when it comes to names. Their tweets will also not be grammatically sound and will use some odd tone, that the real human user usually doesn’t use. Their timeline will also be filled with links to suspicious websites. A more sophisticated spambot, however, will take all this into account, and will be very sneaky. That is why it is important to check for the verified profile mark or the blue tick next to a username. Also, if a user has very few followers, has a very obvious pseudonym, and is very active about sharing links and commenting on other tweets, there is a good chance that the profile is actually that of a spambot.

How do Spambots compromise real human users?

What are spambots & why is Elon Musk going after them on Twitter

Spambots compromise real human users in a number of ways. Not only do they help scammers cheat unsuspecting people, it also delegitimises legitimate internet activism and movement. Just think of the scepticism certain internet-based systems have had to face because of the highly unusual number of spam that got associated with it.

Spambots and spam comments all mess up the SEO results of legitimate websites. Most search engines actually reward a webpage if its links have been shared on a number of social media platforms. This is a core element of black hat SEO and although most search engines have a policy against such practices, implementing them in real life is a task.

Spambots that have been designed with malicious intent often spread fake news, and at times can also generate such news. This has led to elections being swayed, and real people being harmed. The most common use of spambots, however, is to lead people to suspicious websites and files that can then launch phishing attacks on a user’s system, and infect them with malicious files and viruses.

What challenges does Elon Musk face in his fight against spambots?

Twitter has been trying to deal with Spambots for some time now but to no real effect. Although Elon Musk has said that he will be “fighting spambots to death,” it is easier said than done. Musk hasn’t really shared a plan on how he plans to take on bots. 

Secondly, Musk also intends to make Twitter’s algorithms public. This is directly antithetical to fighting bad bots, because botmakers or programmers, use Twitter’s algorithms and safety systems to create programmes that can avoid detection.

And then, there is the problem of machine learning. Programmers have started making very sophisticated spambots that can evolve, create multiple, very realistic looking accounts, and work very secretively, thus avoiding detection.

The final problem is Musk himself, and his online behaviour. Musk is a massive troll and more often than not, his sarcastic tweets do not come across as such, especially to his followers. This makes it very easy for spambots to emulate his online activities, and fool people

But then, let’s not forget, this is the same man who made driving and owning EVs as practical and more economical as ICE automobiles. If there’s someone who can actually take on spambots and get rid of them for us, it has to be Elon Musk.



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Netflix finally gets some good news as new drama scores 100% on Rotten Tomatoes

Netflix has been having a difficult week, but it seems it finally has something to celebrate with the success of a new drama. 

It was revealed at the end of last week that the streaming giant has lost 200,000 subscribers since the beginning of 2022,  leading to $50 billion falling off the company's value. 

That was swiftly followed by news that Netflix has re-evaluted many of its in-development projects, with the streamer's animation projects hit particularly hard. A slew of negative headlines have followed over the weekend, with many commentators signalling that this may represent the tip of the iceberg for Netflix. 

A tricky time for sure, but, amidst all that, Netflix finally have something to celebrate – and it's down to its new teen drama Heartstopper. 

Heartstopper is a coming-of-age drama, adapted from the Webtoon comic and graphic novel of the same name by Alice Oseman. Set in the fictional Truham Grammar High School in England, the story follows student Charlie Spring, who falls in love with his classmate Nick Nelson. We follow the pair's developing feelings and the lives of their friends and parents as it develops. 

It landed on Netflix on April 22 and has gotten off to a great start. 

Is Heartstopper a hit then?

With critics, it is most definitely a hit. The show has earned the coveted and rare 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics universally praising the show. 

Reviewers have praised the show's feel, inclusivity and gentle power in its storytelling, with plaudits also coming for the performances of stars Kit Connor, Joe Locke, William Gao, Yasmin Finney and Corinna Brown. 

Additionally, the show has also been a hit on social media, with Variety reporting that engagement on Twitter in the days after its debut has been huge. Heartstopper has enjoyed 929,000 engagements on the platform, putting it straight at the top of the Variety's Trending TV chart, with more than double the level of engagement of the second placed show, Euphoria

Can we expect more Heartstopper?

The show has been adapted from the first two volumes of Oseman's graphic novel series. There are two further volumes already published and a fifth and final instalment in due in the coming months. So there's plenty of material to draw for another season. 

All this early praise and social media heat would suggest that it's looking good for Heartstopper, but, as the makers of Archive 81 will tell you, great reviews aren't always enough to save you from Netflix's axe



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Elon Musk's Twitter Takeover a Concern for Human Rights Groups

Human rights groups raised concerns about hate speech on Twitter and the power that its takeover by Elon Musk would give the billionaire. Musk has been called a 'free speech absolutist' and has been critical of Twitter's policies of moderating content on the platform.

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Bored Ape Yacht Club Instagram, Discord Hacked, NFTs Worth $13.7 Million Stolen

The Instagram handle and Discord server of the Bored Apes Yacht Club NFTs was hacked on April 15. The hacker posted a fraudulent link to a copycat of the Bored Ape Yacht Club website and asked users to connect their MetaMask to the scammer's wallet to participate in a fake airdrop. An investigation has been opened in the case. Over $13 million (roughly Rs. 105 crores)...

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Vivek Oberoi Joins Indian Police Force Cast, Rohit Shetty and Amazon Prime Video Announce

Vivek Oberoi is the latest addition to the cast of Rohit Shetty’s debut series Indian Police Force, joining Sidharth Malhotra and Shilpa Shetty.

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iQoo Neo 6 SE Specifications Leak Tips Snapdragon 870 SoC, 4,700mAh Battery

iQoo Neo 6 SE is reportedly in the works. The iQoo Neo 6 series phone is yet to be officially announced by the Chinese smartphone brand, but ahead of that, the specifications of the handset have leaked online. It is expected to be powered by a Snapdragon 870 SoC. iQoo Neo 6 SE is likely to arrive as a successor to the iQoo Neo 5 SE that debuted in China in December la...

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Musk-Twitter Deal: China Dismisses Speculation It May Try to Influence Twitter via Tesla

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has struck a deal to buy Twitter - roughly half the cars Tesla sold globally last year were made at its Shanghai plant.

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Infinix Smart 6 India Launch Date Set as April 27, Will Feature 64GB Storage and Fingerprint Sensor

The Infinix Smart 6 will be launched in India on April 27. It features 64GB of onboard storage and a rear fingerprint sensor.

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Poco F4 GT Specifications and Renders Leak Ahead of Tuesday Launch, Tip Redmi K50 Gaming Edition Rebrand

Poco F4 GT is an upcoming gaming focused smartphone that'll reportedly be equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 SoC. The price and availability of the device is not yet confirmed.

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India, EU Launch Trade and Technology Council to Deepen Strategic Cooperation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Monday agreed to launch an EU-India trade and technology council to address the challenges of ensuring trusted technology and security in the wake of rapid geopolitical changes.

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Apple Informs Developers It is Removing Outdated Apps From the App Store: Reports

Apple is limiting the discoverability of apps from its App Store that no longer receive updates, as per a report. The company has given developers 30-days' time to submit an update for review in order to make those apps available to new users.

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Here’s How You Can Turn Your Old Phone Into A CCTV Security Camera

At one point or the other, everyone has thought of installing a security camera inside their houses. What puts off many people is the cost associated with setting up a bunch of CCTV cameras and then keeping all the footage that they record.

Here’s How You Can Turn Your Old Phone Into A CCTV Security Camera

Well, you don’t need to buy an expensive home surveillance system and a bunch of CCTV cameras to keep your house secure. Thanks to a ton of free apps on both, the App Store and the Google PlayStore, you can actually use your old phones as a makeshift CCTV camera, and install them yourself using a few simple, DIY tricks.

Step 1: Choose A Security Camera App & Install It.

There are a ton of options to choose from, but ideally, you should go for something that supports cross-platform functionality, has features like local and cloud streaming, recording and storing footage locally or over the cloud, and can detect motion and send alerts.

Here’s How You Can Turn Your Old Phone Into A CCTV Security Camera

We chose to go with “Alfred DIY CCTV Home Camera” because it has over 500,000 reviews, has over 1 Crore downloads and is highly rated. Also, setting up the phone with Alfred is super easy.

  1. Download the app on both the devices, the phone you intend to use as a camera, and the phone that you carry with you.
  2. On your daily driver, complete the introduction and tap “Start.” Then, select “Viewer” and tap “Next.”
  3. Here, you’ll need to sign in. We suggest you sign in using your Google Account, as it makes things easier.
  4. On the old phone that is supposed to be the CCTV camera, repeat the entire process. But, instead of tapping the “Viewer” option, tap on “Camera.” Ensure that you’re logged in using the same Google account. 

You’re all done now. You can play around with the settings to turn on motion sensors, audio recording, and whether to send you a notification if something suspicious happens. No matter what app you use, the setup process is similar and can be dealt with in a jiffy.

Step 2: Positioning Your Camera

Here’s How You Can Turn Your Old Phone Into A CCTV Security Camera

Now that you have your security stream running, you’ll have to set the camera up, physically, at a place that gives you the best vantage point. Choose a shelf that is placed at a height, which can show you the view of most of your room. Ensure that the field of view includes the entrances to your room, and where you keep your valuables. Keep on checking your new device to see just what view are you getting exactly. Ensure that the camera doesn’t stand out Also, see to it that the phone is securely connected to the WiFi, and has a strong connection.

Step 3: Mounting Your Device & Powering It

Here’s How You Can Turn Your Old Phone Into A CCTV Security Camera

There are literally a ton of ways you can go about this. You can use one of those suction cup phone mounts that are used in cars, or, you can use mini-tripods that are designed for phones. 

To power your device, ensure that you have a long charging cable for your phone. Ideally, it would be best if you use something that has a removable battery. That way, you can power the device using just the power cable. If you don’t have a phone with a removable battery, you will have to switch the device and power the device off, whenever it is not being used.

You can also use a shorter cable, and power your device using a power bank. Make sure that it has at least 3-4 times as much as the rated capacity as your phone’s battery, as streaming footage is a power-intensive activity.

That’s it. That’s how you set up a very effective security system using a few DIY tricks, under a tight budget. You can actually set up a number of different mobiles on the same WiFI network and account, and can get a pretty comprehensive coverage of your house.



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iOS 16 leak hints at which older iPhones Apple might ditch

Older iPhones only get new iOS updates for a certain amount of time before Apple decides to put them out to sea, and a report has suggested which devices could sail out into the sunset when iOS 16 launches later this year.

This comes from a site called iDropNews, in a report written by a leaker called AppleLeaksPro with a limited track record. Take the information with a pinch of salt, due to the source, but what's stated does make sense given Apple's habits.

Apparently, iOS 16 won't be compatible with three iPhones that did receive iOS 15: those are the iPhone 6, iPhone 6S and the original iPhone SE. These devices are from 2014, 2015 and 2016 respectively so they are pretty old.

Apple drops support for older iPhones with new builds of iOS because the older hardware simply doesn't have the power or space for the newer operating system, and it's something that happens in the Android space too. That's not to say Apple will completely forget about these phones, as they still could see the odd security update, and they'll work just fine as they are - you don't really need the newest software.

This is just a leak for now, so it's not to say that these mobiles have definitely been sunsetted by Apple. But AppleLeaksPro's limited track record does seem fairly accurate.

That's the only real solid information provided by this leak - the leaker also backs up their past assertions about super-widgets, and points to a few tweaks like a redesigned music app and changes to Quick Actions so they work when the phone is locked.


Analysis: no need to buy a new iPhone

If you own one of the aforementioned iPhones, we're going to make the bold assumption that you're not a technophile - you'd probably have a newer phone if that were the case.

If that's true, this news might not affect you that much. If you don't care about having the flashiest and newest stuff, whether that's new gadgets or software, you don't really need iOS 16.

This new version of Apple's software isn't exactly likely to set to set the world on fire, as it's probably just going to bring a few tweaks and changes that might not affect your phone experience at all. If your device works fine right now, it'll continue to do so.

That's especially the case because Apple will likely continue to provide security updates to these devices for a while, which should stop bad actors from being able to leverage the age of your tech to infiltrate it better.

Sure, if you've got a six-plus-year-old phone, you might want to check out our list of the best iPhones at some point, because tech doesn't last forever. But if you're happy with your phone right now, you don't really need to update it.



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Google Files Pixel Watch Trademark; Allegedly Leaked Live Images Reveal Design

Google has filed a trademark for the Pixel Watch at USPTO. Furthermore, alleged live images of this smartwatch have leaked.

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What time is Moon Knight episode 5 released on Disney Plus?

Are you excited for Moon Knight episode 5? You should be.

After the surreal, mind-bending events that took occurred in episode 4, we're sure you can't wait for the Marvel Phase 4 project's next instalment. If you're still baffled by what happened in Moon Knight's last episode, you'll want to check out our ending explainer and chat with executive producer Grant Curtis for more information.

But we digress – you're here to find out when Moon Knight episode 5 will air on Disney Plus. Below, we'll run you through the exact release date and time for the superhero show's next entry. We've catered for audiences across numerous world regions, too, so you shouldn't have to do much (if any) time zone conversions to work out ahead of Moon Knight's fifth episode landing on your TV or computer screen.

Additionally, we've provided you with a full release schedule for Moon Knight's six-episode run. We're in the show's final act now, so you won't need it for much longer, but it's still handy to have at this stage of proceedings.

So, what are you waiting for? Read on to find out when we'll be reunited with Marc, Steven, and the rest of the Moon Knight gang.

When is the Moon Knight episode 5 release date?

Marc Spector lies on the floor of a psychiatric hospital with a Moon Knight action figure in the Disney Plus show

Don't fret, Marc – Moon Knight episode 5 is on its way. (Image credit: Marvel Studios/Disney Plus)

Moon Knight episode 5 will be released on Disney Plus on Wednesday, April 27 at 12 AM PT / 3 AM ET / 8 AM BST / 12:30 PM IST / 5PM AEST.

US audiences will need to stay up late (or get up really early) if they wish to watch Moon Knight episode 5 as soon as it's released. Meanwhile, UK Marvel fans might have enough time to catch it before they start work or head to school. You know, if you're working remotely or wish to see it before traveling to school.

Indian viewers should be able to sneak episode 5 in during their lunchbreak, while Australian and New Zealand fans will have to wait until the working day is done.

No matter where you'll be watching Moon Knight episode 5 in the world, you'll definitely want to take precautions before you stream it. There are bound to be numerous spoilers circulating on social media (and on various websites) post-release, and you wouldn't want any of them to be ruined ahead of time.

Our advice? Mute hashtags and words including #MoonKnight, #MoonKnightepisode5, and #MoonKnightspoilers on Twitter and company ahead of time. Alternatively, stay off social media until you've watched the show's fifth episode. That way, you'll be safe. Unlike Marc and Steven, who still need to escape that supposed psychiatric hospital that they were trapped in during episode 4.

How many Moon Knight episodes will be released? Full launch schedule

Tawaret, the Egyptian hippo goddess, greets Marc and Steven in Moon Knight episode 4

Tawaret may have a big role to play in Moon Knight episodes 5 and 6. (Image credit: Marvel Studios/Disney Plus)

Here's the full release schedule for Moon Knight on Disney Plus:

  • Moon Knight episode 1 – Wednesday, March 30 (available to stream now)
  • Moon Knight episode 2 – Wednesday, April 6 (available to stream now)
  • Moon Knight episode 3 – Wednesday, April 13 (available to stream now)
  • Moon Knight episode 4 – Wednesday, April 20 (available to stream now)
  • Moon Knight episode 5 – Wednesday, April 27
  • Moon Knight episode 6 – Wednesday, May 4

As we mentioned in our introduction, there aren't many Moon Knight episodes left – two, to be exact. That's surreal to say in itself, as it feels like the Disney Plus show has only just got going.

It's been a wild ride for Marc/Steven, Layla, Arthur and MCU fans., but all good things must come to an end eventually. Thankfully, we do have two episodes left to go, and we expect them to be intriguing and explosive affairs. Oh, and according to Marvel insider Amit Chaudhari, Moon Knight episode 5 has a 47-minute runtime. So there's still a fair chunk of Moon Knight left to catch.

There's more Marvel content coming in the near future, too, with Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Ms Marvel, and Thor: Love and Thunder all set to arrive by mid-July. As the online saying goes, we'll be dining well on Marvel projects for a while yet.

For more Marvel-based content, check out how to watch the Marvel movies in order. And, if you somehow missed it, read up on Thor 4's first teaser trailer.



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Hear we go: the history of wireless headphones

When was the last time a tech purchase made you laugh with joy? For me it was the first time I listened to my favourite songs on a set of Apple AirPods Max headphones, which enabled me to hear things in those songs that I’d never heard before. Never mind hearing what the artist was playing: sometimes I reckon I can hear what the artist was thinking. 

Wireless headphones have come an incredibly long way in a very short space of time. But their history goes back further than you might expect, and includes some incredible innovations. 

1880s: the headphones that’d give you a headache 

a woman wearing a pair of early headphones

(Image credit: Twitter/Histoire & Odysee)

Headphones weren’t originally designed for music. They were made for telephone operators who needed to physically connect everybody’s phone calls. The first model, unveiled in the 1880s, didn’t look much like today’s headphones either: it looked more like a phone that had been cut in half and attached to your head. And it weighed around 5kg, the equivalent of 111 pairs of AirPods.

The first headphones were designed by Ezra Gilliland, a friend of Thomas Edison who also designed the telephone switchboard, and set the template for many models to come: these weren’t headphones for fun. They were tools for the workplace, things you couldn’t wait to tear off at the end of the working day.

1890s: the original earbuds and Spotify too

a patent image for the biphones

(Image credit: Public Domain)

If, like me, you thought earbuds were a very modern invention, think again: they’ve been with us since 1891, when Ernest Mercadier patented his “bi-telephone” and suggested using rubber covers to make them more comfortable. As with Gilliland’s operator phones, the bi-telephone was intended to be used by telephone operators.

The same decade saw the invention of the Electrophone, a kind of pre-digital Spotify where you could don headphones, dial in to a switchboard and listen to live performances from London theaters. 

1910: the first headphones that looked like headphones 

Nathaniel Baldwin came up with the first recognizably headphone-y headphones in 1910, selling them to the US Navy for use by radio operators. His headphones featured a new, more sensitive kind of receiver that Baldwin declined to patent because he thought his invention was “trivial”. But he did patent his headphone design, which you can still see in today’s over-ear headphones.  

1958: the first stereo headphones and the first cans made for music

the koss sp-3 over-ear headphones

(Image credit: Koss)

You can thank John Koss for whatever you listen to your music on today: his Koss SP-3 headphones not only introduced stereo listening, but they were the first cans designed specially for personal music listening. Koss was a big fan of jazz, and wanted to recreate the excitement of a live musical performance so you could enjoy it anywhere. Today Koss is a huge audio brand making every conceivable kind of headphone and speaker.

1960s: the first wireless headphones and open-back cans

a 197s RCA advert showing two people wearing headphones

(Image credit: RCA)

The first wireless headphones were released decades before Bluetooth. In the 1960s, multiple manufacturers offered solid state radio headphones that enabled you to listen to radio while looking a bit like one of the Cybermen from Doctor Who. 

Headphone design really evolved during this period. John Koss – yes, him again – had originally aped Baldwin’s Navy headphones, but in the 1960s his headphones borrowed from airline and military models and introduced broader, more comfortable headbands and noise-reducing ear cups to help you hear the music more clearly. You can see the airline-style designs of the era in the image above, which is an RCA advert from 1972.

a closeup of the sennheiser 414 headphones

(Image credit: Sennheiser)

Koss didn’t just make headphones. He made deals too, and one of his best ones was with The Beatles: the Beatlephones were the first big-name branded headphones and sold like hotcakes while Dr Dre was still taking his first baby steps, long before Beats.

There was another key development in the 60s: Sennheiser’s HD414, launched in 1968. These were the first open-backed headphones, allowing outside audio in, delivering a more spacious sound, and making them much safer for listening to on the move – something that was still relatively rare in personal audio. They also introduced something else that would soon become iconic: brightly coloured foam ear pads. 

1970s: the future’s orange (and blue, and…) 

the sony walkman with a pair of headphones

(Image credit: Sony)

By the 1970s headphones had become truly mass market products and worked in two key markets: the teen market and the audiophile market. And then Sony came along and changed everything. The Walkman, introduced in 1979, came with ultra-light open-backed headphones with a super-skinny headband that enabled you to wear them on your head or park them around your neck. Its brightly coloured headphones were as iconic in the 1980s as Apple’s iPod headphones would be in the 2000s, and they effectively introduced Main Character Syndrome: with your Walkman and your headphones on, you were the star of your own movie with an incredible, omnipresent soundtrack.

1990s: brand new retro 

As new technology introduced higher quality portable music formats – portable CD players, portable DATs if you were loaded, and later on Digital Compact Cassette and MiniDisc –portable headphones got better too, although you wouldn’t always know it given the poor quality models that often came in the box with new audio hardware. That was great for the third party market, though, and the growing popularity of portable audio meant that nobody thought you were a weird loner if you wore your headphones in public. In fact, they became a badge of pride: in the 1990s, big closed-cup headphones were a sign that you took your music more seriously than the foam-eared brigade. Maybe you were a DJ!

With headphones firmly in the fashionable category, headphone design went to all kinds of interesting places in the 90s: headbands, neckbands, earbuds, over-ears and open-ears came in every conceivable shape and size. 

2001: Apple changes everything

the apple ipod

(Image credit: Apple)

In 2001, Apple launched the iPod. You may have heard of it. It wasn’t the first hard disk digital music player and some would say it wasn’t the best either, but it became the digital music’s Walkman and made digital music mainstream. The headphones weren’t exactly great but they were a sign that you were cool enough to have an iPod, and Apple’s inspired ads made them the stars of the show.

2004: kind of blue 

Bluetooth, named after the tenth-century Danish king Harald Bluetooth, was launched in 1999 as a way to wirelessly connect microphones and headphones. It wasn’t initially used for music because quite frankly the sound quality was awful, but it became popular among the business and professional driving crowd; for a while blinking Bluetooth earpieces made every travelling salesperson or taxi driver look like one of Star Trek’s Borg. 

That’s not to say there weren’t Bluetooth headphones for music; the first products hit the market in 2004. They just weren’t very good.

2007: the iPhone arrives

a pair of beats headphones

(Image credit: Beats)

Like the iPod, the iPhone wasn’t the first of its kind. But history repeated, or at least rhymed, and the iPhone put an iPod in everybody’s pocket. The intense competition in the smartphone market meant serious amounts of money going into research and development, and the results – ever smaller, more efficient batteries; ever-improving versions of Bluetooth; software-based noise cancelling; improvements in materials and manufacturing technology and so on – would soon have an impact on all kinds of devices, including headphones. 

Bluetooth headphones became huge in the 2010s, with brands such as Beats driving the mass market. The sound quality wasn’t there yet for the audiophile market, but it was heading in the right direction.

2016: AirPods

a pair of airpods with their charging case

(Image credit: Maurizio Pesce)

Yes, Apple again – and stop us if you’ve heard this before. AirPods weren’t the first wireless earbuds, and they weren’t the best either. But they were a huge success, and dominated the earbud market by 2020. They’d been in development for a long time – the first recognisable patent was filed in 2011 – and their success was partly because Apple scrapped the headphone jack in the 2016 iPhone 7, instantly making wired headphones an enormous pain to use. 

That decision may have been wildly unpopular and hugely criticized at the time, but it cemented wireless headphones’ place as the present and future of mobile audio and set the template for what to expect: quality sound, easy pairing and the ability to find them if you misplaced them.

 2022: Now what? 

The final step in wireless headphone technology is to overcome its Achilles heel: bandwidth. Bluetooth can only stream so much data, and in basic Bluetooth that isn’t enough for truly high resolution audio. But Bluetooth aptX HD and Sony’s equivalent, LDAC, are vast improvements, and there are also aptX Adaptive and aptX Lossless to take things even further. 

I’m currently testing a pair of aptX Adaptive earbuds and the sound quality is truly extraordinary – and the buds don’t cost any more than a pair of AirPods Pro. Just when you thought wireless headphones couldn’t get any better, they got better all over again. 



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