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Indiana Jones and the Great Circle has hit over four million players, Microsoft confirmed Wednesday at its second quarter earnings call for FY 2025. The action-adventure title from developer MachineGames released on PC and Xbox Series S/X in December 2024. The game is also set to arrive on PlayStation 5 later this year. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is based on Lucasfilm's Indiana Jones film franchise. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Player Numbers Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella confirmed the player numbers for the game to investors at the company's second quarter earnings call . “And we saw rave reviews of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, which has already been played by more than 4 million people,” he said. Nadella didn't specify platforms, but that figure likely represents player numbers across PC, Xbox and Game Pass . Indiana Jones and the Great Circle has been available on Microsoft's game subscription service since it launched. Game Pass subscribe...

Aju Varghese and Johny Antony's Malayalam film Swargam is set for its digital release after a theatrical run that began on 8th November 2024. Despite a lukewarm box office performance, the film will now be available for streaming. Reports indicate that Swargam is scheduled to premiere on Manorama MAX on February 7, 2025. This family drama, which explores themes of love, faith, and togetherness, has garnered attention for its heartfelt storytelling and strong performances. When and Where to Watch Swargam Swargam will be available for streaming exclusively on Manorama MAX from February 7, 2025. Viewers who missed the film in cinemas will have the opportunity to watch it online. The film's theatrical release did not achieve significant commercial success, but its digital launch is expected to reach a wider audience. Official Trailer and Plot of Swargam The trailer of Swargam highlights its emotional core, depicting the journey of a family navigating life's everyday stru...

The extended version of Pushpa 2: The Rule has officially premiered on Netflix, offering fans an enhanced viewing experience with 24 minutes of additional footage. Following an extraordinary theatrical performance, the film is now available in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, and Malayalam, with a Kannada release expected soon. The reloaded edition aims to deepen the narrative, adding more complexity to Pushpa Raj's character arc and storyline. The film's availability on OTT has generated significant anticipation, with viewers eager to explore the extended sequences. When and Where to Watch Pushpa 2: The Rule The reloaded version of Pushpa 2: The Rule was released on Netflix on January 30, 2025. The film is currently available for streaming in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, and Malayalam, with the Kannada version expected to be added soon. The announcement was made through the official social media handle of Netflix India, confirming the film's availability with extra footage. Official Tr...

Samsung Galaxy Ring  was unveiled globally in July 2024, and the smart ring was later launched in India in October, priced at Rs. 38,999. Currently, the smart wearable is available for purchase in the country at a Rs. 10,000 discount. Samsung introduced the smart ring in nine different sizes from size 5 to 13, while two new sizes (14 and 15) were later added by the company. The Galaxy Ring has an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. Samsung Galaxy Ring Now Available in India With Rs. 10,000 Discount The Samsung Galaxy Ring was launched in India at Rs. 38,999. While the price on the company's website remains the same, customers can use the coupon code "GALAXYRING," to get a Rs. 10,000 discount ( via tipster Ishan Agarwal). This discount brings the effective price of the ring down to Rs. 28,999. Gadgets360 was able to verify the discount code is currently valid on the company's website.  The discount on the Samsung Galaxy Ring is available via the official we...

Xiaomi 15 Ultra — the top-of-the-line model in the company's flagship smartphone lineup — is expected to debut in China soon. We've already seen a few leaks related the new Xiaomi 15 series phone, that shed some light on its design and specifications. Now, the global variant of the Xiaomi 15 Ultra has been listed on the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) website, suggests that a global launch is approaching. The Ultra model is expected to arrive with the new Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset from Qualcomm. It could feature a triple rear camera unit that includes a 200-megapixel periscope telephoto camera.  The unannounced Xiaomi 15 Ultra was spotted on the US FCC website by 91Mobiles. A screenshot shared by the publication shows a handset bearing the model number 25010PN30G listed on the regulator's website. It appears to have 4G LTE, 5G NR connectivity and wireless charging support. Gadgets 360 was unable to verify the presence of the handset on the FCC website. The gl...

Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 is reportedly receiving its first software update. The company's latest truly wireless stereo (TWS) headset was launched in India in August 2024, alongside the  Pixel Watch 3  and Pixel 9 series of smartphones. The Mountain View-based tech giant has yet to announce the rollout of the update, or publish a detailed changelog. Among various other reported complaints, the upgraded software is expected to fix a volume control issue with the headset. Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 Update Rolling Out in Phased Manner 9to5Google reports that Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 owners have started receiving the first software update since the launch of the TWS headset. It was launched with firmware version 2.117, for both the left and right earphones, as well as the charging case. A Redditor has shared a screengrab of a software update, where the left and right earbuds are seen with version 3.144. New firmware update 3.144 by u/InternetForward6269 in pixelbuds To check i...

Samsung unveiled a stable version of One UI 7 based on Android 15 alongside the Galaxy S25 series during its Galaxy Unpacked event earlier this month. The new software will soon make its way to older models like the Galaxy S24 series and Galaxy S24 FE. Ahead of the public rollout, users can check out the stable One UI 7.0 on Galaxy S24 FE virtually via the Remote Test Lab (RTL). Samsung's RTL facility is meant for developers to test their applications virtually and remotely on Galaxy devices. Users with a Samsung Account can sign up to use this feature. Samsung Galaxy S24 FE Users Can Get a Taste of One UI 7 As spotted by Reddit users , Samsung is currently allowing users to try out the One UI 7.0 stable firmware on the Galaxy S24 FE  virtually via the RTL. The RTL programme announced in 2021 lets app developers remotely connect to a real device and test out their app on all Galaxy devices. Users with a Samsung Account can sign up to use the RTL and access the Galaxy S24 FE vi...

OpenAI introduced a new version of ChatGPT for US Government agencies on Tuesday. Dubbed ChatGPT Gov, this is a self-hosting platform that agencies can deploy within their internal cloud environment. The San Francisco-based AI firm stated that this version of the chatbot will also adhere to all the privacy, security, and compliance requirements of the US Government. Notably, the company recently announced The Stargate Project in partnership with technology providers and equity funders to scale its AI infrastructure within the US. OpenAI Introduces ChatGPT Gov In a blog post , OpenAI detailed the new version of its chatbot. ChatGPT Gov can be understood as an independent platform that does not need to connect with the AI firm's servers to function and can be hosted on secure internal cloud servers. This ensures that sensitive and classified information that is fed to the AI is not accessed by anyone outside of the agency and is not stored indefinitely. The AI firm said that the...

A mutant strain of cyanobacterium, nicknamed "Chonkus," has been identified by researchers as a promising candidate for combating climate change . Found in shallow waters near Vulcano Island off Italy, this microbe demonstrates unique traits that make it highly efficient at absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Chonkus grows larger than other cyanobacteria, stores significant amounts of carbon, and sinks rapidly, potentially transferring captured carbon to the ocean floor. These properties may enhance carbon storage and reduce atmospheric levels. Key Findings About Chonkus According to a study published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology, Chonkus was discovered in waters enriched with volcanic gases, a result of carbon dioxide seepage. It was identified as a mutant strain of Synechococcus elongatus, a fast-growing photosynthetic cyanobacterium. The research team, led by Max Schubert, a microbiologist formerly with the Wyss Institute at Harvard University, fo...

The highly anticipated Telugu thriller Pothugadda, directed by Raksha Veeran, is set to make its OTT debut on January 30, 2025, after facing several delays. Originally scheduled for release in November 2024, the film's premiere was pushed to align with the Pongal festival before being confirmed for its digital debut. The film combines a gripping love story with a politically charged plot, following a young couple whose romantic getaway turns into a fight for survival after their bus is hijacked, leading them into a world of danger and intrigue. When and Where to Watch Pothugadda The movie will premiere exclusively on the OTT platform ETV Win. After facing multiple postponements, the thriller is now ready for streaming on January 30, 2025. The delays, attributed to undisclosed reasons, heightened audience anticipation, making this release a notable digital event. Official Trailer and Plot of Pothugadda The trailer of Pothugadda offers glimpses of its intense and layered story...

The bright protostar T Tauri, situated 471 light-years away in the Taurus constellation, is expected to vanish from view for decades. This dimming phenomenon, triggered by a thick disk of gas and dust surrounding its companion stars, could last up to a century. Astronomers have been observing this system, comprising three growing stars, for decades due to its unpredictable brightness variations and significant role in understanding protostellar evolution. Great Dimming Expected in the T Tauri System According to research accepted by The Astronomical Journal, the disk encircling T Tauri South A and B is moving into a position where it will obscure T Tauri North, the only visible star of the trio. T Tauri North's light has already dimmed significantly since 2016, with brightness levels dropping to magnitude 12 by 2022–2023. Dr Tracy Beck from the Space Telescope Science Institute stated in an American Astronomical Society press conference that this dimming could continue for appr...

Realme could be working on a new smartphone that could see a launch soon. An unreleased Realme handset was recently listed on a Chinese certification website hinting towards its imminent launch.  Although the official moniker remains unknown, several key specifications of the purported phone were listed. The upcoming Realme smartphone may be equipped with a 6.67-inch display and a 13-megapixel rear camera. Realme Phone's TENAA Listing First spotted by MySmartPrice, the purported Realme phone has been listed on China's TENAA website sporting the model numbers RMX3946 and RMX3948. These are speculated to be the different variants of the same phone. The handset is listed with a 6.67-inch (720×1,604 pixels) HD screen with a power-button mounted fingerprint sensor and face unlock feature for biometric authentication. Renders of the Unreleased Realme Smartphone Photo Credit: TENAA The phone is said to have a 13-megapixel camera which headlines a triple rear camera unit. Mean...

Following the debut of the flagship Galaxy S25 series at the Galaxy Unpacked 2025 event last week, Samsung is expected to launch three more smartphones soon. The phones, Galaxy A56, Galaxy A36, and Galaxy A26, have now been spotted on a certification website, which suggests their imminent debut globally. The listing also sheds light on the charging capabilities of all three models; the Galaxy A56 and Galaxy A36 may support the same fast wired charging capability as the South Korean technology conglomerate's recent flagship S-series phones. Samsung Galaxy A56, Galaxy A36, and Galaxy A26 Listing According to a Gizmochina report , all three phones have surfaced on the TUV Rheinland website — a Cologne-based organisation for global testing, inspection, and certification of products. The Galaxy A56 reportedly appears bearing the model numbers SM-A566B/DS, SM-A566B, SM-A566E/DS, and SM-A566E. Meanwhile, the Galaxy A36 may be available in SM-A366B, SM-A336B/DS, SM-A366E, SM-A366E/DS...

Following the debut of the flagship Galaxy S25 series at the Galaxy Unpacked 2025 event last week, Samsung is expected to launch three more smartphones soon. The phones, Galaxy A56, Galaxy A36, and Galaxy A26, have now been spotted on a certification website, which suggests their imminent debut globally. The listing also sheds light on the charging capabilities of all three models; the Galaxy A56 and Galaxy A36 may support the same fast wired charging capability as the South Korean technology conglomerate's recent flagship S-series phones. Samsung Galaxy A56, Galaxy A36, and Galaxy A26 Listing According to a Gizmochina report , all three phones have surfaced on the TUV Rheinland website — a Cologne-based organisation for global testing, inspection, and certification of products. The Galaxy A56 reportedly appears bearing the model numbers SM-A566B/DS, SM-A566B, SM-A566E/DS, and SM-A566E. Meanwhile, the Galaxy A36 may be available in SM-A366B, SM-A336B/DS, SM-A366E, SM-A366E/DS...

Samsung has set a new standard by introducing three new revolutionary devices in its flagship Galaxy S lineup in India. The brand new Samsung Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25+, and the Galaxy S25 Ultra smartphones are the company's most advanced, true AI companion devices till date. Built on the concept of Galaxy AI from last year, the new Galaxy S25 series are more natural, intuitive, and context-aware. These new smartphones will help users interact with their devices more naturally and effortlessly, while ensuring privacy.    Samsung Galaxy S25 series smartphones come with One UI 7, which is built for more personalized mobile experiences unlike any other premium smartphone. Galaxy S25 series smartphones use powerful AI agents with multimodal capabilities to enable a more natural interaction be it text, speech, or images.  A True AI Companion Is Finally Here: Transforming Digital Interactions The Galaxy S25 series introduces a massive shift in how we interact with technology t...

Samsung has set a new standard by introducing three new revolutionary devices in its flagship Galaxy S lineup in India. The brand new Samsung Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25+, and the Galaxy S25 Ultra smartphones are the company's most advanced, true AI companion devices till date. Built on the concept of Galaxy AI from last year, the new Galaxy S25 series are more natural, intuitive, and context-aware. These new smartphones will help users interact with their devices more naturally and effortlessly, while ensuring privacy.    Samsung Galaxy S25 series smartphones come with One UI 7, which is built for more personalized mobile experiences unlike any other premium smartphone. Galaxy S25 series smartphones use powerful AI agents with multimodal capabilities to enable a more natural interaction be it text, speech, or images.  A True AI Companion Is Finally Here: Transforming Digital Interactions The Galaxy S25 series introduces a massive shift in how we interact with technology t...

A groundbreaking propulsion method has been proposed by scientists that could make interstellar travel achievable within a human lifetime. The vast distances between stars, coupled with the limitations of modern spacecraft, have made this a long-standing challenge for space exploration. Current chemical rockets and gravitational assists lack the capability to reach the speeds required for meaningful interstellar missions. Researchers are now exploring alternatives that can generate and transfer energy more efficiently, addressing the limitations of onboard propellant and energy storage. Relativistic Electron Beams as a Solution According to a study published in Acta Astronautica , researchers Jeff Greason, Chief Technologist at Electric Sky, Inc, and Gerrit Bruhaug, physicist at Los Alamos National Laboratory, have proposed the use of relativistic electron beams to propel spacecraft. These beams, consisting of electrons accelerated close to the speed of light, could deliver sufficie...

Finland has officially become the 53rd country to sign the Artemis Accords , joining the international framework aimed at promoting responsible and peaceful space exploration. The agreement was signed on January 21, 2025, during the Winter Satellite Workshop in Espoo, Finland. This milestone underscores the Nordic nation's commitment to advancing its role in collaborative lunar exploration and space activities, with its government emphasizing the importance of this step for its space sector. According to the Artemis Accords Framework The Accords were established in October 2020 to encourage transparency, safety, and international cooperation in space exploration, as reported by space.com. Principles outlined in the 1967 Outer Space Treaty form the foundation of these guidelines. Finnish Minister of Economic Affairs Wille Rydman noted that Finland's decades-long contributions to space technologies would be strengthened through this collaboration. Comments by Finnish and NAS...

Engineers and materials scientists have achieved a major advancement in battery technology, developing a lithium-sulfur battery that retains 80 percent of its charge capacity after 25,000 charging cycles. The new design, which uses a specially formulated electrode, represents a significant improvement over conventional lithium-ion batteries. The breakthrough could pave the way for smaller, lighter, and longer-lasting energy storage solutions, addressing critical demands in electronics and electric vehicles. Key Innovations in the Study According to a study published in Nature, sulfur was utilised as a core component for the battery's solid electrode. Despite being abundant and cost-effective, sulfur has historically posed challenges due to issues such as ion loss and expansion during reactions with lithium . These problems were tackled by incorporating a glass-like mixture composed of sulfur, boron, lithium, phosphorus, and iodine. The iodine element was found to enhance electro...

Two young stars have been captured in a new image taken by the Hubble Space Telescope , located in the Orion Nebula, a well-known region for star formation. The stars, named HOPS 150 and HOPS 153, are situated approximately 1,300 light-years from Earth. The Orion Nebula is considered the closest massive star-forming region to Earth and contains hundreds of newly forming stars. The image provides insight into the ongoing process of star birth, showing the stars in their early stages as they gather material from their surrounding environment. Protostars Observed in Orion Nebula As reported by space.com, according to the European Space Agency's (ESA) statement, the stars were identified through the Herschel Orion Protostar Survey conducted using the Herschel Space Observatory. HOPS 150, which consists of two stars, a forming a binary system, is seen glowing in bright golden red in the image's upper-right corner. The binary stars are surrounded by a large cloud of gas and dust...

Two young stars have been captured in a new image taken by the Hubble Space Telescope , located in the Orion Nebula, a well-known region for star formation. The stars, named HOPS 150 and HOPS 153, are situated approximately 1,300 light-years from Earth. The Orion Nebula is considered the closest massive star-forming region to Earth and contains hundreds of newly forming stars. The image provides insight into the ongoing process of star birth, showing the stars in their early stages as they gather material from their surrounding environment. Protostars Observed in Orion Nebula As reported by space.com, according to the European Space Agency's (ESA) statement, the stars were identified through the Herschel Orion Protostar Survey conducted using the Herschel Space Observatory. HOPS 150, which consists of two stars, a forming a binary system, is seen glowing in bright golden red in the image's upper-right corner. The binary stars are surrounded by a large cloud of gas and dust...

A mechanism involving a slow, creeping movement without seismic activity has been identified as a critical precursor to earthquakes . This discovery sheds light on how stress builds up along tectonic faults before a rupture occurs. Researchers have linked the process to the physical dynamics of materials under stress, which could transform understanding of earthquake triggers and potentially aid in predicting seismic events. Mechanics of the Discovery According to the study published in Nature, experiments recreated earthquake-like fractures using sheets of polymethyl methacrylate, commonly known as plexiglass. These sheets were subjected to forces similar to those experienced at tectonic fault lines, such as California's San Andreas Fault. Jay Fineberg, a physicist at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, explained to Live Science that the fracture dynamics of plexiglass closely resemble those of tectonic faults. The Role of Nucleation Fronts Reports indicate that cracks begin ...

A mechanism involving a slow, creeping movement without seismic activity has been identified as a critical precursor to earthquakes . This discovery sheds light on how stress builds up along tectonic faults before a rupture occurs. Researchers have linked the process to the physical dynamics of materials under stress, which could transform understanding of earthquake triggers and potentially aid in predicting seismic events. Mechanics of the Discovery According to the study published in Nature, experiments recreated earthquake-like fractures using sheets of polymethyl methacrylate, commonly known as plexiglass. These sheets were subjected to forces similar to those experienced at tectonic fault lines, such as California's San Andreas Fault. Jay Fineberg, a physicist at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, explained to Live Science that the fracture dynamics of plexiglass closely resemble those of tectonic faults. The Role of Nucleation Fronts Reports indicate that cracks begin ...

The Max Original documentary Sons of Ecstasy dives into the volatile ecstasy drug trade that gripped Arizona during the 1990s. Directed by Julian P. Hobbs and Elli Hakami, this gripping story unravels a rivalry between two unlikely opponents. English stockbroker Shaun Attwood and Gerard Gravano, son of infamous mobster Salvatore "Sammy the Bull" Gravano, find themselves locked in a battle for dominance over the ecstasy empire. Through firsthand accounts, the documentary promises an immersive exploration of guns, gangsters, and the underground rave culture that shaped this deadly clash. When and Where to Watch Sons of Ecstasy Sons of Ecstasy can be exclusively streamed online on Jio Cinema Premium in India. Official Trailer and Plot of Sons of Ecstasy The trailer sets the stage for a dramatic confrontation in the Arizona desert, where the clash between Shaun Attwood's established drug enterprise and the Gravano family's ambitions unfolds. The film brings to lig...

Sankranthiki Vasthunnam has emerged as a major success at the box office, registering impressive earnings across multiple territories. The digital streaming rights for the film have reportedly been acquired for an unprecedented amount, underscoring its popularity and appeal. According to sources close to the production, Zee5 has finalised the deal, marking the highest figure ever for a Venkatesh-led film. Following its theatrical success, the film's OTT release is expected to draw significant attention in the coming weeks. When and Where to Watch Sankranthiki Vasthunnam The digital streaming platform Zee5 has secured the rights to Sankranthiki Vasthunnam, with the film scheduled to premiere in the second week of February 2025. This deal follows the movie's robust box office performance, which saw it earn substantial returns within days of release. The makers are optimistic that the digital debut will sustain the momentum and further extend the audience reach. Official Trail...

A discovery has been made in the ancient city of Pompeii, buried under layers of volcanic debris for two millennia. Archaeologists have uncovered a luxurious private bathhouse, believed to be one of the largest ever found in the region. The complex features distinct hot, warm, and cold rooms, intricate frescoes, a vast plunge pool, and marble-inlaid mosaics, reflecting the opulence enjoyed by its wealthy owners. This find is part of a broader excavation effort that has been ongoing for two years. Unique Bathing Spaces Highlight Roman Lifestyle According to the Archaeological Park of Pompeii, led by Dr Gabriel Zuchtriegel, the bathhouse is situated within a grand residence. The layout includes vibrant red walls in the changing room, a heated hot room with an underfloor heating system, and a cold room featuring a large plunge pool. Dr Zuchtriegel, in a statement to the BBC, mentioned that private bathhouses were exclusive to the elite, underlining the residence's significance. ...

Extreme droughts lasting several years have become increasingly frequent and severe over the past four decades, leading to significant disruptions in agriculture, energy production, and natural ecosystems . These prolonged dry periods have covered larger areas each year, as highlighted by recent meteorological assessments. The findings underscore the rising threats posed by climate change, with regions like northern Chile enduring a 14-year drought and southern Australia and parts of the United States also experiencing extensive dry spells. This intensification of droughts presents a growing challenge for environmental and economic sustainability worldwide. Drought Trends and Contributing Factors According to a study published in Science by the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research, drought-affected areas have expanded by 50,000 square kilometres annually since 1979. This change is attributed to increased temperatures and shifting precipitation patterns. A...

For years, scientists have sought methods to predict solar flares, the intense energy bursts from the Sun capable of disrupting technology and posing risks to astronauts. Using NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, researchers have identified brightness fluctuations in coronal loops—arch-like plasma structures in the solar atmosphere—that may provide advance warning of strong solar flares. These findings could enhance safety measures for space missions and safeguard technology affected by space weather disturbances. Findings on Coronal Loops and Solar Flares According to a study published in Astrophysical Journal Letters and presented at the American Astronomical Society meeting, the research led by Emily Mason of Predictive Sciences Inc. analysed coronal loops in areas preceding 50 major solar flares. Significant brightness variations in extreme ultraviolet light were observed in loops above active regions compared to those in non-flaring zones. This flickering reportedly intensif...

The Poco X7 series is finally here and tries to capture the brand's ethos quite nicely: performance, aspirational brand for the Gen Z audience, and challenger mindset. Both these devices offer a perfect balance of performance and value, which is tough to get in this price bracket, and I will break down both these phones in a bit. But before deep diving into these products, let me talk about some hero features that make both these phones special on paper. Starting with the Pro model it packs the biggest battery you will probably see on any smartphone in 2025. Under the hood, it is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 8400 Ultra processor, debuting globally with this device. It is the first to launch with HyperOS 2.0-based Android 15 out-of-the-box - from the house of Xiaomi. The base model comes with a shock-absorbing structure that can offer users peace of mind. It packs a decent 5500mAh battery and is powered by MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Ultra SoC. While the Poco X7 looks like a great...