A new model has been proposed that challenges the long-standing belief that black holes contain a singularity, a region where space and time break down. This theory suggests that black holes could exist without this problematic feature, reshaping our understanding. If accurate, this research could bridge the gap between general relativity and quantum mechanics, two fundamental yet conflicting theories of physics. The findings offer a fresh perspective on one of the most mysterious objects in the universe, potentially altering how black holes are studied.
The Issue with Singularities
According to a study published in Physics Letters B in February 2025, researchers modified Einstein's field equations to prevent the formation of a singularity at the centre of a black hole. According to Einstein's general theory of relativity, black holes form when massive stars collapse under their own gravity. It creates regions of space with extreme curvature. This leads to the formation of a singularity, where all known laws of physics break down.
Robie Hennigar, a researcher at Durham University in England, told Space.com that the singularity is the most mysterious and problematic part of a black hole. He said that it is where our concepts of space and time literally no longer make sense.
Revising Einstein's Equations
In general relativity, gravity is described by Einstein's field equations, which successfully predict the motion of planets, the expansion of the universe, and the formation of black holes. However, these equations also predict singularities, which many physicists view as a sign that general relativity is incomplete.
Pablo Antonio Cano Molina-Niñirola, a physicist at the Institute of Cosmos Sciences of the University of Barcelona, explained to Space.com that their approach modifies Einstein's field equations to account for extreme gravitational conditions. Instead of relying on a complete theory of quantum gravity, the team uses an “effective theory” to approximate the missing physics.
Molina-Niñirola stated that this is a classical theory of gravity that is supposed to capture the effects of an assumed theory of quantum gravity. The model suggests that when space-time reaches extreme curvature, gravity behaves differently, preventing the formation of a singularity.
What Lies at the Core of a Black Hole?
With singularities removed from the equation, the next question is: what actually exists at a black hole's center? According to Hennigar, the answer is a stable, highly curved region of space-time. Molina-Niñirola explained that in their model, the space-time collapse stops, and the singularity is replaced by a highly warped static region that lies at the core of the black hole.
Potential Implications for Cosmology
The findings may have significant implications for theoretical physics, particularly in the search for a unified theory of gravity. If black holes do not have singularities, they could serve as a bridge between general relativity and quantum mechanics.
One possibility explored by the study is that matter falling into a black hole could eventually exit through a white hole, potentially in another universe or a different part of our own.
The absence of singularities might leave an imprint on the early universe, detectable through gravitational wave observations. Molina-Niñirola noted that if dark matter turned out to be composed of tiny black holes, this would be an indirect proof in favour of the absence of singularities.
Looking Ahead
Molina-Niñirola concluded that ongoing and future observations of black hole mergers and cosmic background radiation may eventually provide evidence to support or refute the theory. For now, the concept of black holes without singularities remains an exciting development in the quest to understand the universe's most enigmatic objects.
A new ballet drama is set to debut on Amazon Prime Video. It brings us an intense look into the competitive world of dance. Titled Étoile, the series is created by Amy Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino. The show follows two renowned ballet companies—one in Paris and one in New York—as they exchange their top dancers to revitalise public interest and attract new audiences. With themes of ambition, artistic rivalry, and the struggle to keep classical ballet relevant, the series aims to capture the high stakes of the dance world.
When and Where to Watch Étoile
Étoile will be available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. All the eight episodes are scheduled for release on April 24.
Official Trailer and Plot of Étoile
The trailer released in March, provided a glimpse into the challenges faced by ballet directors while trying to keep their companies afloat. Charlotte Gainsbourg's character highlights the crisis, stating that the audience and funding both are dead while the seats remain empty. The storyline takes us around the directors' decision to swap their leading dancers. They are shown hoping to inject fresh energy to draw in new audiences. It shows us the personal and professional struggles of these dancers as they navigate a demanding industry, balancing artistry with the pressure of survival.
Cast and Crew of Étoile
The series features a mix of actors and professional dancers. Emmy winner Luke Kirby, known for The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, stars alongside Charlotte Gainsbourg, who recently appeared in The Pale Blue Eye. The ensemble also includes Lou de Laâge, Gideon Glick, David Alvarez, Ivan du Pontavice, Taïs Vinolo, David Haig, Simon Callow, and Yanic Truesdale.
Renowned ballet dancers will also be seen in Étoile, including Unity Phelan and Tiler Peck from New York City Ballet, along with Boston Ballet's John Lam. The involvement of real-life professionals is expected to add authenticity to the show's portrayal of the ballet world.
Dolby Atmos has been a household name in India for years. If you've recently bought a smartphone, laptop, or smart TV, it probably comes with Dolby Atmos support. The best part is that we can now experience Dolby Vision and Atmos in live sports events like the recently concluded Champions Trophy, which India lifted in 2025, and Wimbledon - transforming how fans experience live events at home. Of course, you still need a Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos-enabled device to enhance your viewing experience. At the same time, you can find over 1,000 Dolby Atmos screens and plenty of content to consume online. Dolby is already working on its next big frontier and has collaborated with Annapurna Studios in Hyderabad to bring up India's first Dolby-certified facility for cinema and home. The collaboration not only opens up new horizons for studios but also prioritises the needs of filmmakers.
Ashim Mathur, Vice President - Marketing for APAC at Dolby Laboratories, while discussing Dolby Vision, stated that the company is already working on an outreach programme that will help spread the word. Speaking on the collaboration with Annapurna Studios, Mathur added that facilities like this will help bring filmmakers' vision to life, and the right cinemas will help users consume such content the way it is intended.
Talking about technical aspects, particularly Dolby Vision and HLG, a Dolby engineer explained that Dolby Vision uses PQ, short for Perceptual Quantizer, for HDR, offering a dynamic range 40x brighter and 10x darker than the standard dynamic range. Hybrid log gamma technology, or long for HLG, developed by DVC and NHK, is suitable for broadcast and OTT platforms, but it has a lower contrast ratio when compared to PQ.
Dolby Atmos mixing unit at Annapurna Studios in Hyderabad
The engineer also talked about the importance of colour correction software like Baselight and DaVinci Resolve. And the role of transfer functions in camera technology, and the benefits of Dolby Atmos for immersive audio experiences in cinemas.
Discussing peak brightness in Dolby Vision cinema projection, the Dolby engineer noted that it's 108 nits at 12 bits in cinemas and 1000 nits for Smart TVs at home. The engineer explained the concept of Atmos mixing and emphasised the importance of stage (bed) speakers and the object (atmos elements). The object element allows sound to move freely within the room, enhancing the audience's experience. The entire setup comprises 128 channels of audio, with the first four channels dedicated to the bed and the remaining channels allocated to objects. The engineer clarified that the main elements of the film, such as heavy music and dynamic sounds, are typically placed in the bed channel.
Dolby Vision projection system by Christie Digital
When asked about the difference in approach taken for theatre and OTT, the engineer explained that the mixing room is set up for theatre, while an OTT room is used for different monitoring and loudness levels. He added that each OTT platform has its norms, and the mix is adjusted accordingly to meet those requirements. However, it is important to maintain a comfortable balance that works well for both theatre and OTT releases.
The engineer added that even the blacks are always dynamically controlled by Dolby Vision, whether it is for a Dolby cinema projector. He stressed the consistency of quality across different screen sizes and the advantages of Dolby Atmos for Dolby Cinema, emphasizing the studio-grade audio quality and its transferability to exhibitions.
Much like the Dolby Atmos adoption, which steadily picked up pace, we expect the Dolby Vision to become the next big thing for filmmakers and will see more pickup in some time. Mathur said that Annapurna Studios will be a marquee example for other production houses and may follow suit.
(From left to right): Nagarjuna, actor and co-owner of Annapurna Studios, and Ashim Mathur, Vice-President Marketing for APAC, Dolby
Annapurna Studio: The legacy studio
Annapurna Studio in Hyderabad completed the 50-year milestone in 2025 and was established by veteran actor Akkineni Nageswara Rao (ANR) in 1975; it was named after ANR's wife, Annapurna. The studio, initially with non-air-conditioned sound stages, has grown to 12 fully equipped air-conditioned stages, serving over 5,000 films and producing more than 60. It introduced new technologies, like Dolby Cinema, which required significant investments, especially during COVID-19.
Annapurna Studio also expanded into virtual production technology during COVID-19 and was inspired by the success of series like "The Mandalorian" on Disney+. It now offers comprehensive post-production services, handling projects from editing to visual effects, aiming to be a one-stop shop for filmmakers.
Annapurna Studios has handled mixing for popular movies like Pushpa and Pushpa 2. Gadgets 360 was among the select media that experienced the state-of-the-art Dolby Atmos mix rooms. The facility features a cutting-edge Dolby Vision projection system developed by Christie Digital Systems, a long-standing partner of Dolby.
A shooting space at Annapurna Studios in Hyderabad
Dolby and Annapurna Studios collab is just the first in many
Nagarjuna Akkineni, actor and co-owner of Annapurna Studios, discussed the investments into developing a one-stop solution for filmmakers. He touched upon the importance of expanding the studio space and the potential for new stories to be told in darker settings with advanced technology like Dolby Vision. Nagarjuna stressed the benefits of technologies like Vision, which will help filmmakers bring new storytelling techniques alongside infrastructure improvements in theatres and the impact on production quality. He also talked about the passion and dedication of filmmakers to adopt advanced technology.
As an example of how extensive work goes around movie launches, Nagarjuna discussed the considerable time spent mastering trailers, which play a crucial role in movie launches.
Nagarjuna also talked about the passion and approach some filmmakers take to perfect their projects. "I believe Mr S. S. Rajamouli is the one person who really pushed the limits at that point for the RRR movie. He went through so many iterations and corrections for RRR and was also learning on the go, but that's what passionate filmmakers think that this can be done and achieved."
Talking about the studio's early days, he recounted the challenges faced during the construction of Annapurna Studios, including an encounter with a snake.
Mathur talked about the potential for more Dolby Vision screens in India. "We believe that this facility, which is now operational and with more content being added, will serve as a valuable reference point for exhibitors who are also deciding whether to make the shift," Mathur added.
Dolby has vast plans, and we can expect to hear more from them this year, including some new collaborations for Dolby Vision.
The Poco M7 Pro was launched in India in December as a mid-range budget offering and we got to try it out recently. It's astonishing how much value modern smartphones offer at accessible price points, especially under Rs. 15,000, which is the cost of the base variant of this new Poco model. For that money, you get a large AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a 5,110mAh battery, a capable mid-range chipset, and a dual rear camera setup with a 50-megapixel primary sensor.
Poco is highly competitive in the budget and mid-range segment while launching standout higher mid-range phones like the Poco X7 Pro. On paper, the M7 Pro also seems to be an excellent value for money, but how does it hold up in real-world usage? Read on to find out.
You get a 45W charger in the box alongside a case and the usual paperwork
The base variant is priced at Rs. 14,999 and has 6GB RAM and 128GB storage. Meanwhile, the 8GB RAM and 256GB storage option will set you back by Rs. 16,999.
Poco M7 Pro Design
Poco M7 Pro has three colour options – Lavender Frost, Lunar Dust, and Olive Twilight. We received the Lunar Dust variant (8GB RAM + 256GB storage) for review, which will surely catch your eye. The phone features a dual-tone design on the rear panel with a moon dust/sandwave pattern covering one-half of the back. The other half has a matte finish. The combination is unique and, paired with the square camera module, gives the phone a premium look and feel.
The phone gets a dual-speaker setup
There's Poco branding on the camera module and a 5G logo at the bottom. The camera module doesn't stick out too much and has curved edges, which is nice. The rear panel and the frame, which also has a matte finish, are all plastic.
It has an IP64 rating
The phone weighs 190 grams, is decently light, and is only 7.99mm thick. It also gets an IP64 rating, which is an improvement over the M6 Pro's IP52. The volume rocker and power button are placed on the right side. You get a USB Type-C port, microphone, loudspeaker, and the SIM tray slot at the bottom. The top of the phone features a 3.5mm headphone jack, a microphone, another speaker, and an IR blaster.
The phone features a 3.5mm headphone jack as well as an IR blaster
Moving over to the front, there's a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with thin bezels on the sides and a slightly thicker bezel on the bottom. Poco claims the phone offers a 92 percent screen-to-body ratio.
The bezels on the display are minimal
The display offers 2,100 nits of peak brightness, 120Hz refresh rate, and full-HD+ resolution. Poco has used Gorilla Glass 5 for protection.
Poco M7 Pro Performance
Poco M7 Pro's display is good for viewing content and playing games. You get three colour profiles to choose from and support for Dolby Vision and HDR10+. The phone also lets you switch between 60Hz or 120Hz refresh rate or stick to the default adaptive mode. The 2,100 nits of peak brightness translates to excellent indoor brightness, ensuring that you can read the screen even under direct sunlight.
The display offers 2,100nits of peak brightness
The phone runs Android 14 with Xiaomi's HyperOS skin on top, and there's a boatload of pre-installed apps and bloatware. Most of these apps can be uninstalled. Poco promises 2 years of OS updates, which means that the phone will not get any OS updates post-Android 16. Luckily, the phone is said to get four years of security updates. UI animations, scrolling, and software navigation were smooth throughout the review. I never faced any major lag when it came to regular usage.
You get Android 14-based HyperOS out of the box
In terms of performance, the phone performed quite well in daily usage. The Poco M7 Pro is equipped with the MediaTek Dimensity 7025 Ultra chipset, paired with up to 8GB RAM and 256GB UFS 2.2 storage. This isn't a particularly strong chipset, but it does just fine with all kinds of day-to-day tasks and even gaming. I ran some benchmarks on the phone, and you can see the results below.
Benchmarks
Poco M7 Pro
Motorola G64
Geekbench Single
942
1,012
Geekbench Multi
2,235
2,403
PCMark Work 3.0
10,661
13,920
AnTuTu v10
4,77,196
4,94,364
GFXB T-rex
57
70
GFXB Manhattan 3.1
29
33
GFXB Car Chase
16
18
3DM Slingshot Extreme OpenGL
2,435
2,590
3DM Slingshot
3,261
3,379
3DM Wild Life
Not supported
Not supported
3DM Wild Life Unlimited
Not supported
Not supported
The phone also did well when it came to gaming. I ran BGMI and Asphalt 9 on the phone, and both ran fine without any issues in the medium settings. The touch response was also fine, and there was nothing to complain about.
You get a dual speaker setup on the M7 Pro, and the sound quality is decent. The phone gets loud, and there's no crackling at high volumes, but it does lack punchiness. The call quality was good, and I did not face any random call drops. The microphone and earpiece output were also sound.
The phone features a 20-megapixel selfie camera placed inside a hole-punch cutout
Moving on to the cameras, Poco has included a 50-megapixel Sony LYT-600 sensor at the back with OIS and an f/1.7 aperture. There's a secondary 2-megapixel depth sensor and a 20-megapixel selfie camera up front. The photo quality of the primary rear camera is quite good in daylight conditions. There's good detail, natural colours, dynamic range, and white balance. It performed decently well in low-light conditions and managed to preserve some details but with higher noise.
Top to bottom: Samples from Main rear camera (2), 2x zoom (2) [Tap to expand]
The 2x zoom and portrait shots were decent, with mostly accurate skin tones and edge detection. Selfies were good, with plenty of details and natural skin tones, but only in daylight conditions. Low light performance is not bad and usable when there's enough light.
Lowlight samples: Top (primary camera), bottom (2x zoom) [Tap to expand]
As for the video, the phone offers 1080p 30fps support from the main rear as well as the front camera. Video performance from the rear camera is decent, with good details and colours. However, stabilisation isn't great when there's heavy movement or fast panning. The front camera also does an okay job in daylight conditions.
Selfies come out well in daylight conditions
Now, let's talk about battery life and charging. The Poco M7 Pro packs a 5,100mAh battery, which supports 45W fast charging. You also get the charger in the box. In our HD video loop test, the phone managed to last for about 18 hours. Meanwhile, a full charge took about 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Poco M7 Pro Verdict
The Poco M7 Pro, for the money, is good value. It offers several upgrades over its predecessor and is a capable performer. The large AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate, good primary rear camera, and decent performance make it a top contender among other phones in the segment. The software and lowlight camera performance are probably the most annoying things about the phone. Otherwise, this is a solid budget mid-range smartphone.
As for alternatives, you could go for the Motorola G64 (Review), which offers slightly better performance and better software. There's also the iQOO Z9x (Review), which offers better performance or the Redmi Note 14 5G, which offers mostly similar specifications with a 108-megapixel main rear camera and an ultrawide sensor. However, the latter is also slightly more expensive.
Asus Gaming V16 is part of a new lineup from the Taiwanese manufacturer made for those who want a decent gaming laptop on a budget. The Gaming V16 features a slim and understated design. The laptop weighs under 2kg, making it portable enough to take around in your backpack. It is equipped with the latest Intel Core CPU and a discrete Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 GPU that is powerful enough to run most games.
The laptop has a starting price of Rs. 82,990 for the base variant, which gets the Intel Core 5 210H CPU. Meanwhile, the Intel Core 7 240H processor variant is priced at Rs. 92,990. Both variants get 16GB RAM, 512GB storage, and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 laptop GPU with 6GB video RAM. Is the Asus Gaming V16 a good option for budget gamers? Read on to find out.
Asus Gaming V16 Design: Simple
Dimensions - 35.70 x 25.07 x 1.80 ~ 2.20 cm
Weight - 1.95kg
Colours - Black
Asus has kept the design of the Gaming V16 very simple. There aren't any RGB lights or fancy logos suggesting that it's a gaming laptop. The lid has a matte finish, is prone to fingerprints, and features an Asus logo.
The bottom houses dual speakers
Owing to the plastic build, you'll find that the lid and the bottom cover flex a bit, but everything is assured to be durable. According to Asus, the laptop even meets the MIL-STD 810H military standards and has passed several tests. The hinge also feels like it won't give up on you and lets you open the lid with one hand.
There's a single USB Type-A 3.2 port on the right side
You'll find a textured finish on the sides and bottom of the laptop, which keeps the fingerprints away. The bottom also houses the dual speakers, large rubber feet, and cutouts for the fan.
The left houses most of the ports
As for connectivity, the Gaming V16 offers an HDMI 2.1 port, a USB Type-A 3.2 port, a USB Type-C 3.2, and a 3.5mm audio jack on the left side, along with a proprietary power connector. The right side of the laptop features another USB Type-A 3.2 port.
The laptop features large exhaust ports at the back
The laptop doesn't get a LAN port, which is something gamers may find discouraging.
Asus Gaming V16 Display: Good enough
Size and type - 16-inch FHD+ IPS panel
Refresh rate - 144Hz
Brightness - 300 nits
The 16-inch IPS display on the laptop offers a 16:10 aspect ratio with a 1920 x 1200p resolution. The display has an anti-glare coating and a screen-to-body ratio of 89 percent. It also offers a 144Hz refresh rate, which is excellent when gaming. The 16:10 aspect ratio is also good when working or browsing the web.
The display gets an anti-glare coating
Brightness is alright indoors, but I'd recommend not using the laptop outdoors as the 300 nits is barely enough. The display also features muted colours, and while that's okay for watching content and playing games, it's not great for video or photo editing. You can improve colour reproduction slightly by choosing a different profile, which is available in the MyAsus software.
Asus Gaming V16 Keyboard, Touchpad, speakers, and webcam
Keyboard - Full-size keyboard with Numpad, Single colour backlight
Touchpad - Large size, multi-touch with smart gesture support
Speakers - Dual drivers with Dirac tuning
Webcam - 1080p FHD with privacy shutter
Asus equips the Gaming V16 with a full-sized keyboard, complete with a numeric keypad and a full-function row. The keyboard features what Asus calls a "Turbo Blue" backlight, which is both adjustable and sufficiently bright for nighttime use. While I personally liked the blue backlighting, it may not appeal to everyone. Asus should've at least offered the ability to change colours since most competitors do.
The laptop gets a full-size keyboard with numpad
Additionally, the arrow keys and W, A, S, and D keys have translucent caps, allowing more of the blue light to shine through. The keyboard is nice to type on, has good spacing, and offers 1.7mm of travel.
The large touchpad supports Smart Gestures
It's uncommon to see a large touchpad on a gaming laptop, but I'm glad that Asus offers one with the Gaming V16. The large ErgoSense touchpad supports multi-touch gestures but also offers Smart gestures that let you adjust brightness, volume, and more. While it doesn't have a glass coating, the surface is smooth and also features a hydrophobic coating. The clicks are fine, and so is the feedback.
The downward-firing speakers lack bass
You get dual downward-firing speakers on the laptop, and they're decent. The speakers don't get very loud, and there's very little to almost no bass. However, the sound is clear and doesn't crack even at full volume. When gaming or watching movies, it's better to use headphones.
The laptop offers a privacy shutter for the webcam
The webcam on the laptop is also nothing to brag about. It's the usual 1080p camera found in most Windows laptops and does the job. The image is grainy in most lighting conditions. Asus offers a physical privacy shutter, which is nice.
Asus Gaming V16 Software: Basic
OS - Windows 11 Home
Additional software - MyAsus, ScreenXpert 3.0
The laptop runs Windows 11 Home and has some Asus tools, such as MyAsus and ScreenXpert 3.0. A Copilot key is available on the keyboard, which you can use to access the AI chatbot.
You get access to Microsoft's Copilot chatbot on the laptop
The MyAsus app lets you customise the laptop to your liking. You can check for hardware problems, troubleshoot, check battery health, change performance/fan profiles, and adjust the display colour. Unfortunately, there are no AI tools such as Microsoft Studio Effects.
Asus Gaming V16 Performance: Mid-range
CPU - Up to Intel Core 7 240H
RAM - 16GB DDR5
Storage - 512 GB PCIe 4.0 SSD storage
GPU - Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 6GB VRAM (70W TDP)
Coming to the performance, the Gaming V16 unit we got for review was equipped with the Intel Core 5 210H processor. There's also a variant with the Intel Core 7 240H chipset. However, the RAM and storage are capped at 16GB of DDR5 and 512GB PCIe 4.0. They're both expandable, though and while 16GB RAM is good enough to run most tasks, it's best to upgrade the storage as 512GB will run out in no time if you like to install and play a lot of games.
The GeForce RTX 4050 GPU has a max TDP of 70W
The laptop performs well without much lag when used regularly. However, I did notice some hiccups when running benchmark tools. Talking about benchmarks, I ran a couple of them and below are the results.
Benchmarks
Asus Gaming V16
Geekbench Single
2,413
Geekbench Multi
9,349
PCMark 10
6,801
Geekbench AI CPU (ONNX)
3,631 (Quantized)
Geekbench AI DirectML (ONNX)
9,618 (Quantized)
3DMark Steel Nomad
1,557
3DMark Time Spy
7,445
The Asus Gaming V16 performed quite well in the benchmarks, especially when it comes to GPU scores. The GeForce RTX 4050 GPU on the laptop is topped at 70W TDP, which is not the most amount of power, which shows in demanding games. I played the new Indiana Jones and the Great Circle on the laptop, and even with DLSS enabled and graphics set to low/medium, the game only delivered about 30 to 40 fps. However, less demanding titles such as Forza Horizon 4 did perform better on the laptop, delivering over 70 fps.
In terms of heat management, the laptop did a decent job. The dual fans helped to keep most of the heat away from me, but the top part of the keyboard did get hot when playing games and running benchmarks.
Asus Gaming V16 Battery: Impressive
Capacity - 63Wh
Charger - 150W AC adapter
While the performance didn't impress, the battery life did. The Intel Core 5 210H chipset is an efficient one, and coupled with the 63Wh battery, you can expect the laptop to last anywhere between 6 to 7 hours and even longer if you just use it for web browsing. That's not something you'd expect from a gaming laptop.
The laptop comes with a 150W charger
Asus bundles a chunky 150W charger with the laptop that can fully charge the laptop in under 2 hours. You can also charge the laptop using the USB Type-C port, but it's not as fast.
Asus Gaming V16 Verdict
The Asus Gaming V16 is a good buy for those venturing into the world of gaming, but not if you're a seasoned gamer. If you're on a budget and don't do a lot of gaming, this might be a good option. It's got a portable design with a decent build, a 16-inch high refresh rate display, a good keyboard, and excellent battery life. And, for those short gaming sessions between study or work, you've got the GeForce RTX 4050 GPU. At a starting price of Rs. 82,990, the Gaming V16 should certainly be on your list of budget gaming laptops.
Zakir Khan's stand-up special, Delulu Express, is set to premiere on an OTT platform this month. Known for his unique storytelling and relatable humour, Zakir's latest comedy special delves into personal experiences and everyday struggles with his signature wit. The announcement has already sparked excitement among fans eager to watch him bring another fresh take on life's absurdities. With his past shows receiving widespread appreciation, expectations are high for this upcoming performance.
When and Where to Watch Delulu Express
Delulu Express is now available streaming on Prime Video. One can watch the special comedy show by subscribing to Prime Video subscription.
Official Trailer and Plot of Delulu Express
The trailer for Delulu Express offers a glimpse into Zakir Khan's signature humour, blending real-life experiences with sharp observations. His latest set is expected to explore the awkward, hilarious and unexpected moments that come with personal growth and relationships. By combining self-deprecating humour with a deep understanding of human emotions, Zakir once again brings a show that resonates with audiences.
Cast and Crew of Delulu Express
The stand-up special is headlined by comedian Zakir Khan. As a writer and performer, Zakir has built a strong reputation for delivering engaging and heartfelt comedy. Delulu Express has been produced as part of his ongoing collaboration with Prime Video, continuing his streak of successful specials on the platform.
An important mission is set to take place in Alaska. It aims to understand how auroral substorms impact the Earth's upper atmosphere. Three rockets will be launched within a short window to observe the movement of air and changes in composition at high altitudes. Scientists seek to determine whether the heat from auroras causes vertical movement or if waves spread the energy across a wider area. The findings could improve space weather forecasting, which is crucial for satellites and communication systems.
Study Objective and Launch Plan
According to the reports from the experiment titled Auroral Waves Excited by Substorm Onset Magnetic Events (AWESOME), the rockets will be launched from Poker Flat Research Range. The facility, located 20 miles north of Fairbanks, is managed by the University of Alaska Fairbanks under a NASA contract. The launch window is open from 24 March to April 6.
A four-stage rocket and two two-stage rockets will be used. The first two will release tracers at specific altitudes to study wind movement. The third rocket will release vapour tracers at five different altitudes. The tracers, in pink, blue and white, should be visible for up to 20 minutes. Ground cameras will capture the data under specific lighting conditions.
Scientific Goals and Observations
Mark Conde, a space physics professor at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, leads the project. The experiment aims to determine how auroras affect air movement. One theory suggests vertical convection plays a key role, while another proposes that acoustic-buoyancy waves cause a broader atmospheric impact. The research could reshape current understanding and refine space weather models.
A team of graduate researchers will monitor the launches from various sites in Alaska, including Utqiagvik, Kaktovik, and Toolik Lake. The results may provide better insights into how auroral events alter atmospheric conditions and influence satellite-dependent technology.
A 3,200-year-old tomb has been found in northeastern Egypt. Researchewr believe that it may have belonged to a military commander who served during the reign of Ramesses III. Tthe location of the discovery was at the site known as Tell el-Maschuta. It was confirmed by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. The mud-brick tomb consists of a burial chamber along with three adjoining rooms. Among the artifacts found inside, a gold ring bearing the name of Ramesses III and a collection of bronze arrowheads have drawn particular attention. Other objects recovered include an ivory box and pottery vessels with inscriptions.
Artifacts Suggest Reuse of the Tomb
According to the ministry's statement, some of the inscriptions on the pottery refer to Horemheb, a pharaoh who ruled between 1323 and 1295 B.C. Before becoming king, he was known for his military background. It is still not clear why his name appears on the artifacts. One possibility is that burial items from an earlier period were reused. Despite this, the presence of objects linked to Ramesses III has led experts to believe that the tomb was used during his reign, which lasted from around 1184 to 1153 B.C.
Experts Call for More Analysis
Speaking to Live Science, Anthony Spalinger, professor emeritus at the University of Auckland, said that further study of the inscriptions is necessary to have more details about the individual buried there. Egyptologist David Warburton from Northeast Normal University in China also pointed out that without titles in the inscriptions, it is difficult to confirm whether the person was a military commander. Meanwhile, Aidan Dodson, an Egyptology professor at the University of Bristol, suggested that the tomb may have been built during Horemheb's reign and later reused during the time of Ramesses III and the Twenty-second Dynasty.
Streaming platforms are here to make sure you don't get bored this weekend. OTT platforms are dropping a fresh batch of films and series across different genres for this week. Whether you're an enthusiast of a high-stakes heist or a pulse-pounding thriller, a chilling horror or a comedy that'll have you rolling on the floor, there's plenty to enjoy from the comfort of your home. If you're looking for your next watch, here's a rundown of some of the most exciting new releases.
Top OTT Releases This Week
Jewel Thief – The Heist Begins
Release Date: March 27
Genre: Action, Thriller
Where to Watch: Netflix
Cast: Saif Ali Khan, Jaideep Ahlawat, Kunal Kapoor, Nikita Dutta, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Gagan Arora, Loitongbam Dorendra Singh, Sumit Gulati
A high-profile diamond heist sets the stage for this intense thriller, directed by Robbie Grewal and Kookie Gulati. The film shows us a daring robbery of the African Red Sun diamond, valued at Rs. 500 crores. A seasoned thief and a notorious crime lord join forces to execute the perfect plan, but as greed and betrayal creep in, the flawless scheme spirals into a dangerous game of deception. Who will outsmart whom?
The much-anticipated sequel continues the story of Perumal Vaathiyaar, a schoolteacher whose life takes an unexpected turn towards revolution. His ideological transformation deepens because injustice kept on increasing. It pulls him further into the Makkal Padai movement. Inspired by B. Jeyamohan's Thunaivan, the film dives into themes of resistance and political turmoil, offering a powerful narrative with unflinching portrayals of systemic oppression.
A string of mysterious deaths at a medical college in Munnar sets the stage for this psychological horror. Aadhi Pinisetty plays Ruben, a paranormal investigator determined to uncover the truth behind the eerie occurrences. Avantika, a sceptical junior lecturer played by Lakshmi Menon, doubts the supernatural angle—until nightmares begin to blur the line between dreams and reality. As Ruben pieces together unsettling clues, long-buried secrets resurface, leading to a spine-chilling climax.
Mufasa: The Lion King
Release Date: March 26
Genre: Musical, Drama
Where to Watch: Jio Hotstar
Cast (Voice): Aaron Pierre, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Tiffany Boone, Mads Mikkelsen, Thandiwe Newton, Lennie James, Anika Noni Rose, Blue Ivy Carter, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, Seth Rogen, Billy Eichner, Donald Glover, John Kani
This prequel to The Lion King explores Mufasa's origins, tracing his journey from an orphaned cub to the ruler of the Pride Lands. The movie is directed by Barry Jenkins. It goes deeper into Mufasa's early bond with Taka who is the lion who later went on to becomes Scar. Their friendship and eventual rivalry shape the destiny of the kingdom. Blending live-action techniques with advanced CGI, the film offers an emotionally rich deep dive into the past of one of Disney's most iconic characters.
Set in a Tamil Nadu village in 1995, this gripping story unfolds against a backdrop of political power struggles and long-standing rivalries. The assassination of an MLA candidate triggers a violent search for the culprit. It turns the grand Dussehra celebrations into chaos. As the investigation goes further, the once buried secrets come to light. This leads to a fiery confrontation. The movie is written and directed by Jeganath.
The Studio
Release Date: March 26
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Where to Watch: Apple TV+
Cast: Seth Rogen, Catherine O'Hara, Kathryn Hahn, Ike Barinholtz, Chase Sui Wonders, Bryan Cranston, Keyla Monterroso Mejia, Dewayne Perkins, Nicholas Stoller
Hollywood's chaotic inner workings take centre stage in this satirical comedy-drama. Matt Remick is the newly appointed head of Continental Studios. We see his journey of juggling corporate pressures, eccentric celebrities and power-hungry executives to keep the business going. With a sharp script and an impressive cast, the film delivers a hilarious yet insightful take on the challenges of the film industry, where ambition and ego rule the game.
Holland
Release Date: March 27
Genre: Thriller
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
Cast: Nicole Kidman, Matthew Macfadyen, Gael García Bernal, Jude Hill, Rachel Sennott, Lennon Parham, Isaac Krasner, Jeff Pope, Jacob Moran, Bill Russell
This gripping psychological thriller peels back the layers of a seemingly perfect town, exposing a sinister undercurrent. Nicole Kidman plays Nancy Vandergroot, a woman who initially suspects her husband of infidelity—only to uncover something far darker. What starts as quiet doubt unravels into a chilling descent into lies, deception, and hidden horrors. Directed by Mimi Cave and written by Andrew Sodroski, Holland keeps viewers on edge with unexpected twists that refuse to let go.
Google has announced several new measures aimed at combating malicious apps, fraudulent and deceptive apps on the Play Store. The company also says it will make it easier for developers to submit apps using pre-review checks, while improving the Play Integrity API to preventing the spread of harmful apps outside the company's app store. Google says it will also expand its live threat detection feature to identify applications designed to impersonate financial apps, and introduce new badges to provide validation for specific app categories on the Play Store.
Google to Expand, Enhance Play Integrity API for More Users
The company states that it will strengthen the Play Integrity API, which is used to protect users from malicious apps installed from third party sources, and developers from modified apps designed for fraud and data theft. Google is also working on tools that developers can utilise to prompt users to update their app or remove an unofficial, modified version of their Android application.
Google Play Protect live threat detection is being expanded to identify malicious applications that masquerade as legitimate financial apps. Meanwhile, the company is also bringing Enhanced Financial Fraud Protection to more regions, after testing it in countries like Nigeria, South Africa, Thailand, and the Philippines.
Developers will soon have access to even more pre-review checks before submitting their application for review, according to Google. Currently, developers check if their app listing includes privacy policy links and other requirements, which can expedite the process of having their app reviewed by Google. Developers will also see notifications about certain policies while coding in Android Studio.
Over the past year, the company introduced two "badges" for certain apps on the Play Store. Official government apps and security focussed VPN apps get additional validation, via "Government" and "Verified" badges, respectively. Google says more badges will be added in the future, to cover additional app categories.
Google claims that its security measures (including AI-powered threat detection) and stricter enforcement of privacy policies helped it block 2.36 million apps that would have violated policies on the Play Store. The firm says that it found over 50 times more Android malware from third party sources (which includes sideloading) compared to the Play Store, as per its latest analysis, highlighting the risks of installing Android apps from unknown sources.
OnePlus is rolling out the latest version of its Android 15-based operating system (OS) dubbed OxygenOS 15 for the OnePlus 12R, OnePlus Nord 4, and the OnePlus Pad 2 in India, the company announced via separate posts on its community forum on Wednesday. The update enables users to customise folders more freely, choose how many apps are displayed in the dock, adds Privacy Center to Phone Manager, and improves Wi-Fi network switching. It also bundles the March 2025 Android security patch.
OxygenOS 15 Update for OnePlus 12R, OnePlus Nord 4 and OnePlus Pad 2
According to OnePlus, the update brings software version to OxygenOS 15.0.0.701 on the OnePlus 12R, OnePlus Nord 4, and the OnePlus Pad 2. Users of all the three aforementioned devices can now resize the folders on the home screen by dragging 1×2 or 2×1 grids. The update improves animation for notifications and quick settings. On the OnePlus 12R and the OnePlus Nord 4, the size and visual design of third-party widgets can now be adjusted to maintain a visual consistency.
The company says that the latest update to OxygenOS 15 makes it easier to reset the privacy password. Users can use their account to reset it and regain access to the private data. They will also be able to benefit from improved Wi-Fi network switching and mobile data roaming, applicable across all three devices.
Meanwhile, OnePlus 12R users are getting a few extra features. The update adds Privacy Centre to Phone Manager which serves as a hub for reviewing app permissions. They will also get notified when an app accesses their location while running in the background for 3 consecutive days, allowing them to review and change its location permission setting as per the preference. Additionally, they can also disable ad tracking for all apps with a single tap.
For improved interconnectivity, smart cars now support screen mirroring as well as casting while in Simple mode. Further, the feature also brings support for Android Auto. OnePlus says it has also made it easier for users in India to report bugs. They can head over to the OnePlus Community App and find the option under the Bug Report section in their profile.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE series has been rumoured to be in development for some time now, comprising the vanilla Galaxy Tab S10 FE and the Galaxy Tab S10 FE+. Ahead of anything concrete, a leak has spilled the beans on the expected pricing and specifications of the tablets. Both models are said to be powered by Samsung Foundry's Exynos 1580 SoC and may support 45W wired charging. Meanwhile, the purported Galaxy Tab S10 FE series has also been listed on a Dutch retailer website which hints towards its imminent debut.
Samsung Galaxy S10 FE Series Specifications (Expected)
Tipster @MysteryLupin shared what appears to be official marketing material for the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE series in a post on X (formerly Twitter). The standard Galaxy Tab S10 FE model may be equipped with a 10.9-inch WUXGA+ LCD screen with a 90Hz refresh rate. Meanwhile, the Plus model could have a bigger 13.1-inch WQXGA+ 90Hz LCD screen.
Both of the purported tablets are reported to be powered by Samsung Exynos 1580, a 64-bit octa-core processor based on a 4nm node. They will likely be offered in 128GB and 256GB storage variants with up to 2TB expandable storage. For optics, the tablets are speculated to have a 13-megapixel rear camera with autofocus and LED flash, while the front may get a 12-megapixel ultra-wide angle lens with a 120-degree field-of-view (FoV). Samsung could equip the tablets with dual speakers and Dolby Atmos support.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE and the Galaxy Tab S10 FE+ are likely to pack 8,000mAh and 10,090mAh batteries, respectively. They may get support for 45W wired charging. The specifications are corroborated by Dutch retailer Belsimpel which has already listed them on its website with shipping beginning in five to seven days, hinting towards its imminent launch.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE Series Price (Expected)
Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE is expected to start at EUR €579 (roughly Rs. 54,000) for the 8GB + 128GB Wi-Fi model and EUR 679 (roughly Rs. 63,000) for the 12GB + 256GB variant. On the other hand, the purported Galaxy Tab S10 FE+ may cost EUR 749 (roughly Rs. 69,000) and EUR 849 (roughly Rs. 79,000) for the aforementioned storage configurations, respectively.
The 5G cellular models of the Galaxy Tab S10 FE series are reported to cost EUR 100 (roughly Rs. 9,000) more.
Google is making changes to how it develops its open source Android operating system (OS) as part of efforts to streamline and optimise the development process, according to a report. While development of the next version of Android currently takes place on a public branch and an internal branch, Google will soon move all Android development to the latter. The company will continue to publish source code for new Android releases, which means the move isn't likely to impact custom ROM developers and other platform developers.
Why Google Will Develop Android on Its Internal Branches
According to an Android Authority report, Google will begin to move all Android development to its internal branches next week. The company has decided to fully develop the Android OS in private, and will only publish the source code for changes made to the operating system after a new branch is published by the company's internal teams.
Until now, Google developed Android across two branches — the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) branch, which is public, and the company's own internal branch. Most software companies use branching to enable developers to collaborate while working on a central code base. However, development on the AOSP branch often lagged behind Google's internal code, according to the publication.
These discrepancies reportedly cause delays while implementing new features, while merging patches for Android code between the AOSP branch and the company's internal branch could also introduce errors. As a result, parts of the Android OS that are currently being developed in public — like Bluetooth components — will now be developed privately.
Google confirmed these changes to the publication, and said that it will continue to publish the source code for Android, and it will remain an open source project. Similarly, the company will also continue to release the source code for the Android kernel (which is forked from the Linux kernel). Developers who want to continue contributing to Android OS development will need to do so on the internal branch, which requires a Google Mobile Services (GMS) licence.
As a result, both app developers and consumers are unlikely to be affected by these changes. Custom ROM developers (like LineageOS) are also unlikely to be impacted, as they typically rely on stable release tags from Google. However, the report suggests that news publications that discover new Android features from public AOSP patches will no longer be able to access these details.
Motorola Razr 60 is said to be in the works as the latest entrant in the company's Razr series. The launch date for the phone is not official yet, but it has reportedly been spotted on the TENAA website. The listing suggests the model number, design and a few specifications of the upcoming handset. A Motorola Razr 60 variant is listed with 18GB RAM, 1TB storage, a 3.6-inch cover display, and a 6.9-inch main screen. It is expected to be equipped with a MediaTek Dimensity 7400X chipset.
XpertPick spotted the TENAA listing of Motorola Razr 60 with model number XT2553-2. The listing shows the phone in a greenish colourway with dual outward-facing cameras on the cover screen. The Razr branding is seen on the back.
Motorola Razr 60 Key Specifications (Expected)
As per the listing, the Motorola Razr 60 will feature a 3.63-inch OLED cover display with 1,056 x 1,056 pixels resolution and a 6.9-inch foldable panel. It is shown with a dual rear camera unit, comprising a 50-megapixel main camera and a 13-megapixel ultra-wide lens. The main camera is said to support 3x optical zoom. On the front, it is likely to boast a 32-megapixel selfie shooter.
The Motorola Razr 60 is listed in 8GB, 12GB, 16GB, and 18GB RAM options and 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB storage options on TENAA. If this turns out to be true, it would be a significant upgrade over the Motorola Razr 50 that ships with a maximum 8GB of RAM and 256GB in India. It is shown with a chipset with a base core frequency of 2.75GHz. This could turn out to be the MediaTek Dimensity 7400X chipset. The Razr 50 runs on a MediaTek Dimensity 7300X SoC.
Further, the Motorola Razr 60 appears to have a 4,275mAh battery, which is likely to be marketed as a 4,500mAh cell. It is listed to measure 171.3 x 73.99 x 7.25mm and weigh 188 grams.
The TENAA listing doesn't include the charging details of the Motorola Razr 60, but previous leaks claimed 30W wired charging and wireless charging capabilities for the phone. Other specifications of the phone could be an upgrade over the Motorola Razr 50, which was launched in India in September last year with a price tag of Rs. 64,999 for the sole 8GB RAM 256GB storage model.
Bharti Airtel on Wednesday announced the launch of its Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) services in India. It provides customers with an extensive library of on-demand content from 29 OTT streaming apps such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, Netflix, ZEE5 and many more with select plans. Airtel's new IPTV plans also include 600 popular television channels as well as Wi-Fi services which can be availed of at either home or workplace.
Airtel IPTV Services Price in India, Benefits
Airtel has launched IPTV services in India with its Wi-Fi plans starting at Rs. 699 per month, the company revealed in a press release. This plan offers 350 TV channels, access to 26 streaming apps, and a 40 Mbps Wi-Fi connection. The Rs. 899 plan offers similar benefits but with an increased 100 Mbps speed. Meanwhile, customers who wish to benefit from higher internet speeds can opt for the Rs. 1,099 plan. It offers 200 Mbps Wi-Fi services and 28 streaming apps including subscriptions to Apple TV+ and Amazon Prime.
There are plans priced at Rs. 1,599 and Rs. 3,000 which add Netflix to the streaming apps' suite, bringing it up to a total of 29 bundled apps, along with 350 TV channels and 300 Mbps and 1 Gbps internet access, respectively.
The telecom provider says all Airtel customers will get up to 30 days of complimentary service on the purchase of IPTV plans through the Airtel Thanks App as part of an introductory offer. IPTV services are available across 2000 cities in India, with the exception of Delhi, Rajasthan, Assam and the Northeastern states, where the launch will happen in a few weeks.
To get Airtel's IPTV services, all new customers can enjoy IPTV on the purchase of new Wi-Fi plans. Meanwhile, existing users can upgrade their plan to IPTV plans through the Airtel thanks app or visit any Airtel store for the same.
This development builds upon recent moves by Airtel in the telecommunications sector, including a partnership with Elon Musk's SpaceX to introduce Starlink broadband services in India.
Headphone Zone X Oriveti Blackbird in-ear monitors were launched in India on Monday. The audiophile IEMs come with a hybrid driver configuration, including a 10mm dynamic driver for "powerful bass reproduction" and two custom balanced armature drivers for "precise mids and treble delivery." The Blackbird IEMs are offered in an acrylic shell build and come with two types of ear tip options in six pairs for an optimum fit.
Headphone Zone X Oriveti Blackbird Price in India, Availability
Headphone Zone X Oriveti Blackbird price in India is set at Rs. 4,999. They are available for purchase in the country via the Headphone Zone website. The box includes the Blackbird IEM, a carrying case, a detachable cable and six ear-tip options — three bullet-shaped and three bowl-shaped; both ear tips come in small, medium, and large sizes.
Headphone Zone X Oriveti Blackbird Features, Specifications
The Headphone Zone X Oriveti Blackbird have a hybrid driver configuration, which includes 10mm bass dynamic drivers and two balanced armature drivers for mids and treble. The bass performance is claimed to offer "audiophile-grade" precision, while the mids and highs are offered with distortion levels below 0.08 percent.
The Blackbird IEMs boast a frequency response range of 5Hz to 20kHz, an impedance of 16Ohms, and a 107±3dB/mW at 1kHz sensitivity rating. The latter suggests that they offer a power-efficient high sensitivity for clearer audio performance.
They have a lightweight 3D-printed acrylic shell design that is said to improve the acoustic structure. The earphones can be paired with six pairs of ear tips, which are included in the package. The bullet-shaped ear tips allow deep insertion and better isolation, while the bowl-shaped ear tips are claimed to offer a more open sound. The Headphone Zone X Oriveti Blackbird IEM comes with a detachable cable which has 0.78mm 2-pin connectors and a 3.5mm jack. The in-ear monitor does not include an inbuilt microphone.
WhatsApp is working on adding support for sharing motion photos in chats and channels, according to details shared by a feature tracker. The Meta-owned messaging service could soon introduce a feature that lets users share a brief clip with audio and video recorded by some smartphones when taking a photo. This feature was spotted in development on the latest beta version of the app for Android smartphones, while iPhone users should eventually be able to see them as Live Photos on WhatsApp for iOS.
WhatsApp Motion Photos Picker Button Spotted in Development
According to WABetaInfo, the messaging service is working on adding support for sharing motion pictures in individual chats, group chats, and channels. It was first spotted on the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.8.12 update, which is rolling out to beta testers via the Play Store. However, users will not be able to try out the feature, as it is still in development.
Motion photo support in development on WhatsApp Photo Credit: WABetaInfo
Motion photos, a feature supported on Android smartphones, and can be captured via the camera app on select devices. When taking a motion photo (or Top Shot on Pixel phones) the handset records a short video clip and some audio, along with a still image. The iOS equivalent of this feature is known as Live Photos.
The feature tracker was able to enable support for the feature, and a screenshot of the upcoming media picker (currently available to beta testers) shows a new icon located in the top right corner of the pop-up card, next to the HD button.
When enabled, users will be able to send share motion photos with other users from their Android smartphone. These images are currently shared as static images, but an upcoming version of WhatsApp should allow users to share motion pictures (or Live Photos on iOS) in chats or on channels.
While capturing motion photos is only supported on select Android smartphones, WhatsApp will allow recipients t see them on an unsupported handset, according to WABetaInfo. This means that WhatsApp is likely to include support for viewing these images on all Android phones, while iOS users might see them as a Live Photo.
Just like other features that are currently in development, there's no word on when WhatsApp will roll out this functionality to testers. Once it is ready to test, it should be available to beta testers on Android, before it is rolled out to all users on the stable channel.
Honor Pad X9a has been launched in Malaysia and the company's latest tablet is equipped with an 11.5-inch LCD screen, with a 120Hz refresh rate. It offers support for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, runs on a Snapdragon 685 chip from Qualcomm, and packs an 8,300mAh battery. The Honor Pad X9a runs on Android 15, with the company's MagicOS 9.0 running on top. It also features a 5-megapixel selfie camera and an 8-megapixel rear camera.
The company has yet to announce the price of the Honor Pad X9, but the tablet has already been listed on the Honor Malaysia website. It will be available in a single Gray colourway. Honor says the Pad X9a will be sold in an 8GB+128GB RAM and storage configuration.
Honor Pad X9a Specifications, Features
The new Honor Pad X9a features an 11.5-inch 2.5K (1,504x2,508 pixels) LCD screen, with a 120Hz refresh rate. It is powered by an octa core Snapdragon 685 chipset, paired with 8GB of RAM. Like many other Android devices, Honor lets users utilise 8GB of unused storage as virtual RAM.
Honor Pad X9a Photo Credit: Honor
For photography, the Honor Pad X9a is equipped with an 8-megapixel rear camera, with autofocus and an f/2.0 aperture. Selfies and video chats are handled by a 5-megapixel front-facing camera, with an f/2.2 aperture.
You get up 128GB of storage on the Honor Pad X9a. The tablet offers Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity, and it works with the company's wireless keyboards and stylus. The tablet runs on Android 15-based MagicOS 9.0.
Honor has equipped the Pad X9a with a quad speaker setup. It has an 8,300mAh Li-ion battery that can be charged at 35W. The company claims that the tablet offers up to 70 days of battery life in standby mode. It measures 267.3x167x6.77mm and weighs around 475g.
Warner Bros. was reportedly working on a Mario Kart-like racing title that would bring together characters from the company's wide portfolio of IPs, including Adventure Time, Scooby Doo, Tom Jerry and more. The kart racer was in the works at Warner Bros. Games San Diego, which was shut down alongside two other in-house studios in February. Warner Bros. never announced the game, which is said to have gone through several iterations, from a free-to-play multiplatform title to a paid-for PC only release.
WB San Diego Was Working on a Mario Kart-Like Racer
The information comes from Colin Moriarty, who claimed on his Sacred Symbols podcast Monday that a former WB San Diego staffer reached out to him to talk about the unannounced project. The kart racer in development at the studio was codenamed “Moonlight” and could have potentially been titled “WB Racers” and “XDR,” or cross-drift racers, the source told Moriarty.
Just like Mario Kart's roster of Nintendo characters, the game would have featured Warner Bros IP, including Adventure Time, Tom and Jerry and more. Moriarty claimed he saw gameplay footage from the racer and said it was “heavily inspired” by Mario Kart. He described a game as a “drift racer running on Unreal Engine 5, with stylised graphics and fine vehicle control.”
The WB San Diego staffer told Moriarty that the project lacked “intention” and “coherent approach” and went through several changes through the course of its development. Project Moonlight reportedly kicked off as an online-only free-to-play title for PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch and mobile platforms. Towards the end of the development cycle, however, Switch and mobile ports were abandoned in favour of a PC version. Later, the kart racer reportedly became a paid-for PC only release, with console versions put on hold.
The game was reportedly greenlit during the pandemic and would've released via Steam Early Access. According to the source, WB San Diego staffed over 100 developers during the game's development cycle, which “started to come apart this past fall.”
Despite all the work on the game, it was never launched. The source said there was “quite a bit of animosity internally,” with WB San Diego staffers feeling it was unfair that Player First Games, another Warner Bros. Games studio, got to launch MultiVersus twice, but the kart racer did not see the light of day.
Last month, both WB San Diego and Player First Games, along with Monolith Productions, were shuttered after Warner Bros.' gaming division bled $300 million (roughly Rs. 2,627 crore) in losses in 2024. The company also cancelled the in-development Wonder Woman game and said it intended to refocus on its “bigger franchises” like Harry Potter, Game of Thrones and Batman, after a string of underperforming launches.
Apple's most expensive wireless headphones — the AirPods Max — will soon gain support for two new audio features. As part of the upcoming iOS 18.4 update, Apple will introduce support for lossless audio playback on the AirPods Max. The new functionality will only be available on the refreshed version of the AirPods Max that feature a USB Type-C port. Apple also says that the AirPods Max will soon offer low-latency performance with the USB cable that is on par with the built-in speakers on the company's other devices.
AirPods Max's New Audio Features Require a USB Type-C Cable
According to the company, the iOS 18.4 update, which is expected to arrive next month, will add support for lossless audio playback on the AirPods Max. Users who connect their headphones using a USB Type-C cable will be able to listen to 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio, while using a compatible device. Lossless audio streaming is offered by service like Tidal or Apple Music.
Apple also says that the AirPods Max will gain support for low-latency audio playback, with the iOS 18.4 update. The low-latency mode is enabled when the USB Type-C mode is connected to the headphones, and will enable support for another Apple feature typically supported on its wireless headsets — Personalised Spatial Audio with head tracking.
Like several other wired headphones, the AirPods Max will deliver low-latency audio playback, which means it can be used for gaming. Apple claims that the AirPods Max delivers performance on par with the built-in speakers on its iPad, iPhone, and Mac computers.
It's worth noting that Apple's new low-latency and lossless audio support will only be available on the AirPods Max variant with a USB Type-C port. The older version with a Lightning connector won't be able to take advantage of these features.
Apple now sells a new USB Type-C to 3.5mm audio cable that allows users to connect the AirPods Max to devices that do not have a USB Type-C port, like in-flight entertainment (IFE) systems. The same cable can be used to connect the iPhone 15 and newer models (or an iPad with a USB Type-C port) to play audio on stereo speakers with a 3.5mm audio port.
