Engro Partners with VEON’s Jazz to Expand Pakistan’s Digital Connectivity:
Engro Corporation is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with Pakistan Mobile Communications Limited (“Jazz”) and its parent company VEON Group, marking a significant step forward in expanding Pakistan’s digital connectivity. This initiative aims to drive affordable, widespread access to telecommunication services, supporting national efforts to bridge the digital divide.
Samsung One UI 7 Beta Unveiled With New Features:
Samsung has announced a delay for One UI 7, pushing its release to early 2025. Despite the later-than-expected arrival, a beta program launches today, showcasing some of the new features.Key improvements include enhanced AI capabilities and a focus on writing assistance. These AI tools will simplify writing and formatting, offer text summarization, perform spelling and grammar checks, and convert notes into organized bullet points.
PTA and NCERT Sign MoU to Strengthen Cybersecurity Resilience`:
The Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) and the National Computer Emergency Response Team (NCERT) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation in cybersecurity and safeguard Pakistan’s digital infrastructure.The signing ceremony, held at PTA headquarters, highlights a joint commitment to addressing cyber threats and building national resilience against emerging challenges. The agreement outlines collaborative efforts to improve cybersecurity, ensuring the safety and reliability of Pakistan’s digital ecosystem.
Tecno Megapad 11 Annoucned As a Budget-Friendly Tablet with 90Hz Display:
The Tecno Megapad 11 has officially launched as a superior version of its predecessor, the original Megapad. With a host of impressive enhancements, it firmly upholds its budget-friendly appeal. To begin with, the Tecno Megapad 11 boasts a sleek design with a durable metallic chassis, offering a premium look and feel. Despite its slim profile, which measures just 7.6mm thick and weighs 510g, it remains lightweight and easy to handle.
Jazz and Engro Connect Partner to Strengthen Pakistan’s Digital Infrastructure:
Jazz, VEON’s digital operator in Pakistan and the country’s leading digital conglomerate, and Engro Connect, a subsidiary of Engro Corporation, have announced a strategic partnership to enhance the management and utilization of telecommunications infrastructure in Pakistan.Under this agreement, Jazz’s infrastructure assets, managed by its wholly owned subsidiary Deodar (Private) Limited (“Deodar”), will integrate with Engro Connect through a scheme of arrangement, in compliance with applicable laws and aligned with necessary regulatory processes. Jazz will continue to lease Deodar’s extensive infrastructure portfolio, ensuring uninterrupted nationwide mobile voice and data services under a long-term partnership agreement.
Apple’s AI Features for iPhones Not Coming to China Soon Over Privacy and Technical Issues:
Apple’s plans to bring its Apple Intelligence AI features to iPhones in China have encountered significant hurdles, delaying its rollout in the region. According to a report from media, Apple has faced difficulties adapting Baidu’s large language model (LLM), Ernie 4.0, to work efficiently with iPhones, particularly in understanding prompts and providing accurate responses in everyday scenarios.
Oppo Reno 13 Series Global Launch is Getting Very Close:
International release appears imminent for Oppo’s Reno 13 and Reno 13 Pro, following their China debut last month.This comes as the devices are undergoing various certifications globally. The Reno 13 specifically has received approval from Taiwan’s NCC, India’s BIS, Thailand’s NBTC, and the FCC, strongly suggesting a widespread international launch, which is likely due soon.Certifications for the Reno 13’s international variant confirm a 5,600 mAh battery with 80W wired charging, mirroring the Chinese model. Dual rear cameras and ColorOS 15, based on Android 15, are also confirmed.
Muzz Chat Limits: Limiting Unmarried Pakistanis To Find Serious Marriage Connections:
A good life partner is someone who is there for you today and someone who helps build a strong future. They influence the values and legacy that are passed onto future generations. But nowadays, it’s difficult to find someone who is truly suitable with your values and vision for marriage. That’s where Muzz, the trusted Muslim marriage app, comes in. It is specifically designed for Muslims who are serious about marriage. So Muzz helps you connect with genuine people who want to chat and are ready to take the next step towards a halal and committed relationship.
Say Goodbye to Multitasking Issues – The realme 13+ 5G is Built for Multitaskers and Gamers Alike:
In a world where speed and seamless performance are non-negotiable, the realme 13+ 5G emerges as a true game-changer. Launched on November 18, this powerhouse smartphone has shattered sales forecasts, quickly becoming a fan favorite. Designed for consumers seeking a lag-free lifestyle, the realme 13+ 5G’s state-of-the-art processor and gaming capabilities ensure you never miss a beat, all for PKR 89,999.Pakistani cricket Superstar Shaheen Afridi, known for his unmatched speed and precision, endorses the realme 13+ 5G, aligning his winning spirit with the smartphone’s unparalleled performance. This collaboration reinforces the device’s reputation as a true leader in its segment.
Apple to Introduce Two Foldables in 2026:
Samsung, Google, and many others have already ventured into the foldable smartphone market but have yet to revolutionize the industry. On the other hand, Apple is ready to make a significant impact with the eventual introduction of its first foldable iPhone.According to display analyst Ross Young, Apple’s entry into the foldable market could lead to a 30% growth in the segment within the first year of launch.Expected to debut in the second half of 2026, the foldable iPhone could drive substantial market growth, as Apple’s leadership in the flagship smartphone space is likely to influence consumer adoption. Young suggests that the iPhone’s entry will make 2026 a record year for foldables. Even competitors in the industry are reportedly awaiting Apple’s foldable debut, with expectations that it will provide the momentum the market needs.
Ongoing VPN Restrictions, Unclear Internet Policies Will Cost Pakistan $1 Billion in Damages:
The potential short and medium-term economic impact of restrictions on Virtual Private Networks (VPN) are significant and the lack of clarity on internet policy is estimated at $420 million, with potential long-term damages surpassing $1 billion, resulting from a reported decline of 30 percent of order booking.This was revealed by Sajjad Mustafa Syed, Chairman Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA), accounting for over 90 percent of Pakistani IT exports, while briefing the Senate Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication here on Thursday.
Oppo Find X8 Series to Get a New Model Alongside X8 Ultra:
In recent weeks, Oppo has rolled out its flagship Find X8 and Find X8 Pro smartphones, powered by the Dimensity 9400 chipset, to the global market. However, the brand is not stopping there.Reports have emerged suggesting that Oppo is working on two more models within the Find X8 series the Find X8 Ultra and Find X8 Next.The Find X8 Next will cater to different segments with a more compact form factor, while the Find X8 Ultra will offer the most advanced features in the lineup.
Someone impossible to buy for? Perhaps AI can help:
Like many of us at this time of year, Josie Hughes wracks her brain to think of gifts for friends and family. However, last month she decided to try a different approach. Being familiar with artificial intelligence (AI), particularly through her work at the Institute of Analytics, she decided to see if AI could generate Christmas present ideas for her nine-year-old brother. “I use AI all the time for my job, for example, help writing emails as I have autism and ADHD and I struggle…and I thought with Christmas coming up, I wonder if it can help me,” says Ms Hughes, who lives in Eastbourne. She asked ChatGPT for suggestions for a gift for a nine-year old who loves the outdoors.
What we know about Musk’s cost-cutting mission:
Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy are on Capitol Hill to discuss their newly-announced advisory team that the two billionaires say will cut regulations, spending, and headcounts within the federal government. “The taxpayers deserve better,” House Speaker Mike Johnson said on Thursday ahead of a meeting with Musk and Ramaswamy. “They deserve a more responsive government, a more efficient government.” The Department of Government Efficiency, or “Doge” – seemingly a winking reference to Musk’s cryptocurrency of choice, dogecoin – was first announced by Donald Trump last month. “It will become, potentially, ‘The Manhattan Project’ of our time,” the president-elect wrote on his social media platform, referring to a top-secret World War Two programme to develop nuclear weapons. “Republican politicians have dreamed about the objectives of ‘DOGE’ for a very long time.”
From Bitcoin to XRP: Key cryptocurrency terms and what they mean:
Bitcoin’s price rising to reach a landmark $100,000 has helped keep the spotlight on the buzzy world of cryptocurrencies. But making sense of confusing terms like ETFs, blockchains and cold wallets that may crop up in conversations with crypto enthusiasts and armchair investors alike can be tricky. Worry not. If you’re hearing these for the first time, or just need a refresher, here are a few key words and what they mean.While many may struggle with the finer points of crypto, pretty much everyone has heard of its most famous product: Bitcoin. But what actually is it?
Slow Horses shoot shuts bowling alley and car park:
A bowling alley and part of a town centre car park have been closed while filming takes places for a new series of Apple TV+ drama Slow Horses. Central Bedfordshire Council confirmed crews would be using the car park outside Go Bowling in Dunstable, with the shoot happening until Sunday. The bowling alley said it would be fully closed for that period and not reopen until Monday. The Media understands the venue is being transformed into a casino. Publicists for the programme have declined to comment.
What next for Bitcoin after bursting $100k barrier?:
Bitcoin’s price has blasted through the much-anticipated threshold of $100,000, raising questions about how much higher it could go – and whether it can shake off its notorious volatility. The world’s largest cryptocurrency rose to around $103,400 shortly after 04:00 GMT on Thursday, before falling slightly. Dan Coatsworth, investment analyst at AJ Bell, described it as a “magic moment” for the cryptocurrency and said it had a “clear link” to Donald Trump’s election victory.
Vodafone boss says prices won’t rise after Three ‘mega-merger’:
The boss of Vodafone has insisted the telecom company’s merger with rival Three – which has finally been approved by the regulator – will not result in higher prices. The £16.5bn tie-up will create the UK’s biggest mobile network, with 27 million customers. It has been given the go-ahead conditional on the merged companies agreeing to invest billions in the country’s 5G network and to cap certain mobile tariffs for three years. Vodafone’s chief executive Margherita Della Valle told the Today programme, on BBC Radio Four, the deal would be “self-funded”, which meant “no extra costs from public funding and no extra cost for our customers”. The regulator, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) had previously raised concerns that the deal could drive up people’s bills.
Bitcoin surges past $100k for first time:
The price of Bitcoin has for the first time broken past the $100,000 mark, hitting a new record high. The value of the world’s biggest cryptocurrency has been boosted by hopes US President-elect Donald Trump will adopt crypto-friendly policies. The milestone was reached hours after Trump said he would nominate former Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) commissioner Paul Atkins to run the Wall Street regulator. Mr Atkins is seen as being far more pro-cryptocurrency than the current head of the SEC, Gary Gensler. The $100,000 milestone prompted celebrations from cryptocurrency fans around the world.
Telegram U-turns and joins child safety scheme:
After years of ignoring pleas to sign up to child protection schemes, the controversial messaging app Telegram has agreed to work with an internationally recognised body to stop the spread of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) is used by major online services to help them detect and remove CSAM, and prevent its spread. Telegram had repeatedly refused to engage with it or any similar scheme. But, four months after its founder Pavel Durov was arrested in Paris for Telegram’s alleged failure to moderate extreme content, the platform has announced a U-turn.
People not AI will make games, PlayStation boss says:
PlayStation’s boss says artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to “revolutionise” gaming, but he believes it will never replace the “human touch” of games made by people. Hermen Hulst and his co-CEO Hideaki Nishino spoke to the Media as Sony celebrates the thirtieth anniversary of the console being launched. The company has had a year marked by highs and lows, with the phenomenal success of its PlayStation 5 console and games offset by big job losses, in a pattern repeated across the industry. Game developers have been hit by slowing demand after the pandemic – but some are also concerned about the impact of AI on jobs.
Microsoft faces £1bn class action case in UK over software prices:
Thousands of UK businesses could receive payouts if a legal claim filed against tech giant Microsoft is successful. Regulation expert Dr Maria Luisa Stasi is alleging the tech giant overcharged companies for its Window Server software, used in cloud computing. She is seeking compensation of over £1bn on behalf of UK businesses. The Media has approached Microsoft for comment.The case has been brought on an “opt-out” basis – meaning UK organisations are all being represented to begin with unless they wish not to be.
Why are doctors wary of wearables?:
Wearable tech – currently dominated by smart watches – is a multi-billion dollar industry with a sharp focus on health tracking. Many premium products claim to accurately track exercise routines, body temperature, heart rate, menstrual cycle and sleep patterns, among others. Health Secretary Wes Streeting has talked about a proposal to give wearables to millions of NHS patients in England, enabling them to track symptoms such as reactions to cancer treatments, from home. But many doctors – and tech experts – remain cautious about using health data captured by wearables.