USF to Lay 2000km Optical Fiber Cable Across Pakistan:
The Universal Service Fund (USF) has informed the National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication that it plans to lay 2,000 kilometers of optical fiber cable (OFC) in upcoming projects for the fiscal year 2024-25. This initiative is part of USF’s ongoing Optical Fiber Program, which began in November 2020, targeting deep fiberization at the Union Council (UC) level. So far, 17 major OFC projects have been launched, connecting 884 UCs with 9,068 km of fiber, providing essential backhaul for existing mobile broadband (3G/4G) networks and future 5G expansion.
Pakistan’s Favorite Entry-level Smartphone Series, the realme Note 60x Takes the Market by Storm:
In an era where smartphones are judged by their performance, durability, and affordability, realme has once again raised the bar with the Note 60x. This latest entry in the realme Note series has taken the market by storm, delivering unparalleled features at an entry-level price point, making it an instant favorite among users. From extended battery life to rugged durability and an unbeatable price, the realme Note 60x has positioned itself as the go-to choice for users who demand more from their smartphones without breaking the bank.
FikrFree: Your One-Stop Solution for Digital Insurance and Healthcare is Here:
Jazz, Pakistan’s leading digital operator, has launched FikrFree, the country’s first AI-powered digital insurance and healthcare platform. Designed to make insurance and medical services more accessible, affordable, and hassle-free, FikrFree is set to transform the way Pakistanis secure their health and financial well-being. With insurance penetration in Pakistan at just 0.8%—significantly lower than the global average of 7.5%—there is a critical need for innovative solutions that make coverage more inclusive. FikrFree bridges this gap by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to offer seamless digital insurance, telemedicine consultations, doorstep medicine delivery, and real-time claims management.
PTA Urges Mobile Buyers to Check Tax Payment Status Before Purchase:
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has advised all consumers to verify the tax payment status of mobile devices before making any purchase. Buyers must ensure that all required tax have paid for devices and are registered under the correct CNIC or passport category in the Device Identification, Registration, and Blocking System (DIRBS), PTA said in a statement.
OnePlus 13 Mini: New Leaks Reveal Dual-Camera Setup and Key Specs:
The OnePlus 13 series currently includes two models—the OnePlus 13 and OnePlus 13R. However, a third model is expected to launch in March, with rumors suggesting it could be named the OnePlus 13 Mini or OnePlus 13T.Last month, well-known tipster Digital Chat Station (DCS) claimed that the OnePlus 13 Mini would feature a triple-camera setup. However, the latest update contradicts that, now suggesting the device will come with two rear cameras instead.According to DCS, the OnePlus 13 Mini will have a 50MP primary sensor alongside a 50MP telephoto lens offering 2x optical zoom. This differs from the earlier claim that the device would feature a 50MP Sony IMX906 primary sensor, a 50MP periscope telephoto (3x zoom), and an 8MP ultrawide camera.
Samsung Launches Galaxy S25 and S25 Ultra Enterprise Edition:
Samsung has officially launched the Enterprise Editions of the Galaxy S25 and S25 Ultra, which are now available for pre-order across Europe. These business-focused models offer additional security features, remote management capabilities, and extended support, making them ideal for corporate users.As part of the package, Samsung includes a one-year subscription to its Knox suite, which allows IT teams to remotely manage devices while providing enhanced protection against malware and cyber threats. Additionally, these versions come with three years of enhanced business support and a guaranteed seven years of software updates and security patches, just like the standard models.
Zong 4G Joins Hands with Breathe Pakistan to Drive Green Innovation:
Zong 4G, a leader in technological innovation proudly partners with Dawn Media Group for ‘Breathe Pakistan International Climate Change Conference. -’, a two-day conference bringing together international and local and government bodies, corporate leaders, experts and innovators who are dedicated to shaping a sustainable future to make Pakistan climate resilient. The conference took place on February 6th and 7th, 2025, at the Islamabad Convention Centre, and was a collaborative initiative with, United Nations, Government of Punjab and KPK as the principal partners. Over 15 dynamic sessions were conducted with more than 90 speakers across 11 countries uniting to make Pakistan climate-resilient by 2047.
Triple-Fold Huawei Mate XT Ultimate Global Launch Date Revealed:
Huawei made waves last September by unveiling the Mate XT Ultimate, the world’s first tri-fold smartphone, in China. While the company confirmed it would expand beyond the Chinese market in Q1 2025, it did not specify a release date—until now. The Tech giant has officially announced an “Innovative Product Launch” event in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on February 18, where the Mate XT Ultimate will make its international debut. Since launching the Mate X in 2019, Huawei has continuously pushed the boundaries of foldable technology. The Mate XT Ultimate represents the latest step in this journey, featuring a tri-fold design that breaks away from conventional smartphone form factors. The device unfolds to provide a larger screen experience, innovatively bridging the gap between smartphones and tablets.
Become a Part of Pakistan’s Premier Hi-Tech Valley – NICAT Cohort 5 Applications to Close on February 15, 2025!:
National Incubation Center for Aerospace Technologies (NICAT)—Pakistan’s first-of-its-kind aerospace and deep-tech innovation hub—is thrilled to announce the opening of applications for its Cohort 5. This fully-funded, one-year incubation and acceleration program is tailored for startups with MVPs, prototypes, or ready-to-scale solutions, enabling them to innovate, grow, and thrive. NICAT is a project funded by the Ministry of IT & Telecom through Ignite – National Technology Fund and implemented by a Netsol-led consortium that consists of NASTP, Air University, and PAC Kamra.
Samsung Overtakes Intel to Become World’s Biggest Chip Manufacturer:
After losing its position to Intel in 2023, Samsung has reclaimed its spot as the world’s biggest semiconductor manufacturer in 2024. The company secured a 10.5% global market share, generating $66.5 billion in revenue. This remarkable comeback was fueled by a 62.5% year-over-year growth in shipments, thanks to rising memory chip prices and the increasing demand for AI processors. The company has long been a dominant player in the semiconductor industry, producing DRAM, HBM, NAND flash, CPUs, and GPUs. However, in recent years, it faced setbacks after losing contracts with Nvidia due to overheating issues in its HBM (High Bandwidth Memory) chips. These issues significantly impacted its AI chip sales, a critical sector in the growing artificial intelligence market.
Pre-Order Your vivo X200 Pro Today with 200MP ZEISS APO Telephoto Camera and Dual Flagship Chip:
The wait is over. vivo has officially unveiled its latest flagship, the vivo X200 Pro, showcasing cutting-edge innovation, premium design, and top-tier features. Available in two striking colors, Cosmos Black and Titanium Gray, this device is set to redefine what a flagship smartphone can achieve.At the core of the X200 Pro’s appeal is its groundbreaking imaging system, designed in collaboration with ZEISS and Sony. Featuring a 200MP ZEISS APO Telephoto Camera, this device eliminates optical distortions, captures exceptional detail, and excels in low-light scenarios. The inclusion of the vivo × Sony LYT-818 Sensor further enhances light sensitivity and color accuracy, ensuring that every shot is vivid, lifelike, and clear. The ZEISS T Coating* adds the final touch, minimizing reflections and delivering high-quality results.
Millions of Gamers to Bring Over $8 Million to Pakistan:
With a youthful population, growing internet penetration, and a vibrant gaming community, Pakistan’s gaming industry is at the cusp of significant expansion with the number of gamers expected to rise to 50.9 million by 2026, according to the report by Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) on Esports. In 2024, the projected revenue in the Esports market is estimated to reach $5.2 million in Pakistan. It is expected to display a CAGR of 10.71%, resulting in a projected market volume of $8.7 million by 2029.The report noted that Pakistan is emerging as a significant player in the global Esports scene with a rapidly growing community of gamers and professional teams consisting of 16% of the population or an estimated 36 million gamers by the end of 2022.
How big tech’s ad systems helped fund child abuse online:
Some of the biggest tech companies in the world served ads on a website featuring images of child abuse, helping to fund its operations. It shines a light into the dark corners of digital advertising. Sometimes you come across an image online that’s so horrifying you can’t unsee it. For Krzysztof Franaszek, it happened at work. Franaszek runs the advertising research firm Adalytics based in the US. Recently, he was studying where ads for the US Department of Homeland Security end up online, and the project took him to an image-sharing website called ImgBB. There, Franaszek uncovered something sickening: sexually explicit images of a very young child, with adverts for Fortune 500 companies running alongside them.
PlayStation Network outage reported worldwide:
The PlayStation Network has been experiencing a multi-hour outage that began on Friday evening. According to Sony’s PSN status page, account management, gaming and social, PlayStation Video, PlayStation Store, and the PlayStation Direct website are all dealing with issues. While PlayStation users are able to play offline games, the outage rendered the online aspects of games such as Fortnite, Call of Duty, Grand Theft Auto and Marvel Rivals inaccessible. On its support webpage, PlayStation said it was aware of the issue and working to resolve it as soon as possible.
Musk to rehire Doge aide who resigned over racist posts:
Elon Musk has said he will rehire an employee of his newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) who resigned after being linked to a racist social media account. “He will be brought back,” Musk posted on X, the social media platform he owns. “To err is human, to forgive divine.” Media reports tied Marko Elez, 25, who previously worked for Musk’s SpaceX company, to a now-deleted social media account that posted the incendiary comments. Vice-President JD Vance had said earlier in the day that the young employee should be given a second chance.
UK demands access to Apple users’ encrypted data:
The UK government has demanded to be able to access encrypted data stored by Apple users worldwide in its cloud service. Currently only the Apple account holder can access data stored in this way – the tech giant itself cannot view it. The demand has been served by the Home Office under the Investigatory Powers Act (IPA), which compels firms to provide information to law enforcement agencies. Apple declined to comment, but says on its website that it views privacy as a “fundamental human right”. Under the law, the demand cannot be made public.
TikTok sued by parents of UK teens after alleged challenge deaths:
TikTok is being sued by the parents of four British teenagers who believe their children died after taking part in viral trends that circulated on the video-sharing platform in 2022. The lawsuit claims Isaac Kenevan, Archie Battersbee, Julian “Jools” Sweeney and Maia Walsh died while attempting the so-called “blackout challenge”. The US-based Social Media Victims Law Center filed the wrongful death lawsuit against TikTok and its parent company ByteDance on behalf of the children’s parents on Thursday. Searches for videos or hashtags related to the challenge on TikTok are blocked. According to the firm, this block has been in place since 2020.
Football Manager 25 cancelled after two delays:
The latest update in the popular Football Manager series has been cancelled, its makers have announced. Fans of the long-running video game began to speculate about its fate when an update due to be unveiled late last month did not arrive. In a blog post, developer Sports Interactive told players it had made the “difficult decision” to cancel the 2025 edition as it was “too far away from the standards you deserve”. It said it would now shift focus to the 2026 version of the game and fans who had preordered the cancelled release could obtain a refund.
Apple Cider Vinegar: How Instagram wellness guru Belle Gibson faked cancer – and caused a scandal:
A new Netflix miniseries tells the story of an Australian influencer who lied about having a terminal illness to promote alternative therapies. A decade on, it remains a warning. Back in 2013, a remarkable, against-all-odds story of survival hit the headlines when a young woman launched what would become a best-selling wellness app with advice on how she had beaten cancer. Just four years earlier in 2009, Australian blogger Belle Gibson, then aged 20, had, by her own account, been diagnosed with a “malignant brain cancer” and been given “six weeks, four months tops” to live. However, she claimed that she had chosen to withdraw from chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment, and had instead embarked on “a quest to heal myself naturally… through nutrition, patience, determination and love”. Amassing 200,000 fans online on Instagram – then in its early days – who avidly followed her wellness journey, she then launched a best-selling wellness and nutrition app, followed by a cookbook, called The Whole Pantry, crediting her diet for curing her of her terminal illness, and inspiring others to follow her in “empowering myself to save my own life”. She was dubbed “the most inspiring woman you’ve met this year” by Elle Australia, while in 2014, Cosmopolitan gave her a “Fun, Fearless Female” award.
Why employees smuggle AI into work:
“It’s easier to get forgiveness than permission,” says John, a software engineer at a financial services technology company. “Just get on with it. And if you get in trouble later, then clear it up.” He’s one of the many people who are using their own AI tools at work, without the permission of their IT division (which is why we are not using John’s full name). According to a survey by Software AG, half of all knowledge workers use personal AI tools. The research defines knowledge workers as “those who primarily work at a desk or computer”.
DeepSeek: The Chinese AI app that has the world talking:
DeepSeek, a Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) startup, made headlines worldwide after it topped app download charts and caused US tech stocks to sink. In January, it released its latest model, DeepSeek R1, which it said rivalled technology developed by ChatGPT-maker OpenAI in its capabilities, while costing far less to create. Its popularity and potential rattled investors, wiping billions of dollars off the market value of chip giant Nvidia – and called into question whether American firms would dominate the booming artificial intelligence (AI) market, as many assumed they would. President Donald Trump described it as a “wake-up call” for US companies.