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Xiaomi 12 Series Redefines Flagship Category

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Xiaomi today announced the launch of the all-new flagship Xiaomi 12 Series for local markets, featuring two groundbreaking devices: Xiaomi 12 Pro and Xiaomi 12. Designed to empower users around the world with a cutting-edge videography studio and entertainment powerhouse, Xiaomi 12 Series delivers impressive advancements in Xiaomi’s AI algorithm, flagship processing power, and an all-round elevated experience. 

Capture cinematic shots at any time 

Xiaomi 12 Series enables users to record studio-quality shots no matter the scenario, be it challenging lighting conditions or moving objects. Both phones boast a pro-grade triple camera array for versatile shooting, starring a massive 50MP main wide angle camera, with 8K recording capabilities on both Xiaomi 12 Pro and Xiaomi 12.  Xiaomi 12 Pro stands out with its state-of-the-art triple 50MP array, which features a cutting-edge Sony IMX707 ultra-large main sensor. This sensor is capable of catching large amounts of light and empowers advanced imaging capabilities with faster focus speeds and increased color accuracy. Xiaomi 12 features a 13MP ultra-wide angle camera, along with a 5MP tele macro camera, for filming life from different perspectives.  

Beyond impressive hardware, Xiaomi 12 Pro and Xiaomi 12 also advance Xiaomi’s proprietary AI algorithms. These innovations make it easier than ever for users to record every moment the way they want to, even in low-light or moving subjects. Xiaomi ProFocus intelligently identifies and tracks objects, preventing blurring or out-of-focus shots of moving or veiled subjects. These advancements also include eye and face auto focus capabilities. Ultra Night Video uses Xiaomi’s proprietary algorithms to record video even under extreme low-light, meaning moody, atmospheric shots are clearer than ever.  

Available on both devices, One-click AI Cinema offers numerous creative options for show-stopping video editing, such as Parallel World, Freeze Frame Video, and Magic Zoom modes. 

Flagship processing, unprecedented performance and power-efficiency  

Flagship experience requires flagship performance. Xiaomi 12 Series features advanced Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ mobile platforms. Xiaomi 12 Pro and Xiaomi 12 boast a Snapdragon® 8 Gen 1 processor – Qualcomm’s most advanced mobile platform. Built on a 4nm process, this processor also boosts GPU graphic rendering capabilities by 30% and energy efficiency by 25% when compared to the previous generation. Both three devices come with UFS 3.1 exceptional loading and data transfer speeds, along with LPDDR5 RAM for memory speeds up to 6,400Mbps. For optimal product experience, Xiaomi 12 Series packs a high-performing cooling system, bolstered by a super-large vapor chamber and multiple layers of graphite to offer a leadingcooling capability. 

All-around elevated entertainment experiences 

Xiaomi 12 Series not only lets users capture every moment in exquisite detail, but also allows them to relive those moments in astonishing detail via an exceptional entertainment experience.  Both devices offer vivid viewing on an AMOLED Dot Display rated A+ by DisplayMate, and with TrueColor support. For added peace of mind, the display features scratch-resistant Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus®, and supports Dolby Vision®, industry’s leading imaging technology that brings your content to life with vibrant color and details. Xiaomi 12 Series also supports HDR 10+. Xiaomi 12 Pro is SGS Eye Care Display Certified, showing care for users’ long-term visual health during marathon sessions.  

Meanwhile, Xiaomi 12 Pro redefines flagship display with incredibly smooth viewing, scrolling, swiping, and sliding. The device’s highly power-efficient 6.73-inch WQHD+ display leverages AdaptiveSync Pro to intelligently adjust dynamic LTPO display between 1Hz and 120Hz based on content. 

Xiaomi 12 delivers Xiaomi’s most colorful smartphone display to date, with more than 68 billion colors on 6.28-inch full-HD+ displays. Both feature 120Hz AdaptiveSync, for an impressively high-definition, vibrant, and flicker-free display that conveys every detail.  

 No cinematic experience is truly complete without pro-grade audio. Xiaomi 12 Series features SOUND BY Harman Kardon, and creates an immersive audio experience powered by Dolby Atmos®, delivering spatial sound with rich detail, clarity, and realism across all your favorite entertainment. Xiaomi 12 Pro’s quad speakers – in the form of two tweeters and two woofers – deliver clear details and cover an astounding range of sound. Xiaomi 12 delivers balanced stereo sound ideal for immersive gaming or video.  To optimize core user experience further, Xiaomi 12 Series incorporates MIUI 13, released globally earlier this year. The update includes faster storage, higher background process efficiency, smarter processing, and longer battery life. New features in the upgraded experience include Xiaomi’s proprietary Liquid Storage, Atomized Memory, Focused Algorithms, and Smart Balance. 

Next-generation charging 

Xiaomi 12 Series delivers pro-grade cinematic and entertainment experiences all day, the devices deliver next-level charging speed and safety.  

 Xiaomi 12 Pro features an incredibly fast 120W Xiaomi HyperCharge. With a 4,600mAh battery fully charged in just 18 minutes using Boost mode, Xiaomi 12 Pro delivers next-generation charging capabilities that keep up with user demands.  Xiaomi 12 fits a 4,500mAh battery into compact body designs. Xiaomi 12 Pro and Xiaomi 12 also support 50W wireless charging and 10W reverse charging.  Both leverage Xiaomi AdaptiveCharge, a smart charging algorithm that learns and adapts to charging habits, which prolongs battery life. 

Flagship capabilities packaged in an iconic design  

These portable pocket-sized studios fit comfortably in the palm of your hand thanks to Xiaomi 12 Series’ iconic and user-centered design. Slimmer high-capacity batteries and a narrower ridge gap save precious space within the device. Xiaomi 12 Pro’s 6.73-inch display is encased in a sleek middle frame with sophisticated 3D curves. Meanwhile, Xiaomi 12’s 6.28-inch display measures just 69.9mm in width and is accented by smooth curves for a perfect fit. Both devices are available in Gray, Purple, and Blue. 

Market Availability   

Xiaomi 12 Pro comes in one variant 12GB+256GB, and recommended retail price starts from PKR 208,999/-.

Xiaomi 12 comes in one variant, 12GB+256GB, and recommended retail price starts from PKR 179,999/-.

Purchase these devices and get a sweet bundle deal where you get a Mi Band 6 and a bag with the Xiaomi 12. Similarly with the Xiaomi 12 Pro, get a Mi Portable Bluetooth Speaker and a 10000mAh Mi Power Bank 3.  Available at top distributor partners such as Phonezo, Airlink, Smartlink etc. For those looking to purchase these online, we’ve news for you  too as these are also available on MiStore and Daraz. 

Quick Specs:

 Xiaomi 12Xiaomi 12 Pro
Display120Hz +  AMOLED DotDisplay120Hz 6.73” AMOLED Dot Display 
Rear Camera50MP main camera 13MP ultra-wide camera 2MP macro camera 5MP depth camera50MP wide angle, ultra-wide and tele macro camera
Front Camera32MP32MP in-display selfie camera
Dimension & Weight152.70mm x 69.90mm x 8.16mm – 180g163.60mm x 74.60mm x 8.16mm 205g
ProcessorSnapdragon ® 8 Gen 1Snapdragon ®r 8 Gen 1
Charging4500mAH – 67W charge4600mAH – 120W charge
Variant12GB + 256GB12GB + 256GB
Color AvailableGray, Purple & BlueGray, Purple & Blue

About Xiaomi Corporation  

Xiaomi Corporation was founded in April 2010 and listed on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on July 9, 2018 (1810.HK). Xiaomi is a consumer electronics and smart manufacturing company with smartphones and smart hardware connected by an IoT platform at its core.  

Embracing our vision of “Make friends with users and be the coolest company in the users’ hearts”, Xiaomi continuously pursues innovations, high-quality user experience and operational efficiency. The company relentlessly builds amazing products with honest prices to let everyone in the world enjoy a better life through innovative technology.  

Xiaomi is one of the world’s leading smartphone companies. The company’s market share in terms of smartphone shipments ranked no. 3 globally in the third quarter of 2021. The company has also established the world’s leading consumer AIoT (AI+IoT) platform, more than 400 million smart devices connected to its platform as of September 30, 2021, excluding smartphones and laptops. Xiaomi products are present in more than 100 countries and regions around the world. In August 2021, the company made the Fortune Global 500 list for the third time, ranking 338th, up 84 places compared to 2020.  

Xiaomi is a constituent of the Hang Seng Index, Hang Seng China Enterprises Index, Hang Seng TECH Index and Hang Seng China 50 Index. 

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TECNO to launch its new Spark phone in Pakistan soon

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TECNO to launch its new Spark phone in Pakistan soon

After massive success in the Pakistani Mobile market, TECNO is rumored to be preparing for a new addition to its Spark series. The globally eminent smartphone brand TECNO has been working tirelessly in Pakistan for quite some time now. The brand has brought forward some great phones over the years with advanced technologies, pocket-friendly prices, and stylish designs. 

Spark is TECNO’s famous mid-range series, bringing you quality devices at lower prices. Spark 8C is an entry mobile that is expected to be around PKR 19,499 to PKR 22,999. The price is not confirmed yet but we are expecting it around this segment. The phone is going to be a stunner in this range with Stylish Design and great Battery.

According to sources, Spark 8C will be equipped with better memory and memory fusion features than any other phone in this range. Memory Fusion Technology is specially designed to channel RAM operations by using unused read-only memory (ROM). This means it can expand the memory of 4+128GB to 7+128GB and that of 3+64GB into 6+64GB maximum. The RAM can be updated or expanded from 3GB to 6GB and 4GB to 7GB depending on the variant. If this is true, then Spark 8C shall be the only smartphone to provide such an amazing feature with 128GB in such an affordable price range.

Moreover, the phone is anticipated to provide efficient performance with a powerful processor and big battery. The 90Hz refresh rate, great display, and handy body design will make it a user-friendly device. The phone is expected to launch somewhere in mid-March 2022. Furthermore, the phone is being assembled in Pakistan to make it economical and pocket-friendly for the local consumers. 

So, fingers crossed for this new Spark device to be soon launched in Pakistan. Stay tuned for more updates and much more about tech!

Jazz appoints Atyab Tahir as CEO JazzCash

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Jazz appoints Atyab Tahir as CEO JazzCash

Jazz, Pakistan’s leading digital operator (part of VEON Group NASDAQ: VEON, Euronext Amsterdam: VEON), announces the appointment of Atyab Tahir as the CEO of JazzCash effective May 1 2022.

Atyab, currently serving as Country Manager MasterCard Pakistan & Afghanistan, has over two decades of international experience in banking and consulting. Atyab has also held senior positions at Fidelity Investments, HBL, Telenor Bank and easypaisa. He holds a BA from Dartmouth College and an MBA from Babson College.

Commenting on Atyab’s appointment Aamir Ibrahim, CEO, Jazz  said: “While mobile phones and payment solutions have accelerated financial inclusion in the country, a significant portion of Pakistan’s adult population remain unbanked. I am confident that under Atyab’s dynamic leadership JazzCash will help boost financial inclusion across the board through innovative and customer-centric products.”

JazzCash is at the forefront of Pakistan’s digital revolution processing more than 5 million transactions every day and accounting for almost 7% of Pakistan’s GDP. Our aim is to build a world-class fintech serving every single Pakistani, from youth, SMEs, freelancers, with a very strong focus on the unbanked and the underbanked. I look forward to joining the Jazz family and collaborating with our partners in the telecommunications and financial services sector to unlock the true potential of Digital Pakistan.” said Atyab.

A division of Jazz, JazzCash has grown rapidly to become a leader in the country’s marketplace for digital financial services. As shown in VEON Group’s FY21 results that were released on 28 February 2022, JazzCash has 15.2 million monthly active users (+24.9% YoY) and 130,800 monthly active merchants (up by 2.3 times YoY). 

Jazz appoints Atyab Tahir as CEO JazzCash.

vivo V23 5G — The Best in Camera, Technology, Performance and Appearance

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Due to the constant development in the technology space for smartphones, there is always hype surrounding any new ‘firsts’ in the market. There is always excitement as to what will be introduced and how well it will be accepted by the audience. 

Keeping this in mind, Vivo’s latest smartphone vivo V23 5G finds itself in a similar situation. The day it was announced, it received a lot of attention for its color-changing design. The design itself represents a significant advancement in smartphone research and design. Making smartphones not only technologically superior but also cosmetically superior is a step forward.

The continual excitement and experience since the smartphone’s launch has not only solidified its market position but also demonstrated that it is a well-balanced phone that isn’t only focused on aesthetics.

Delving more into the device, the vivo V23 5G dons a high-resolution 50MP AF Portrait Selfie camera on the front. This device focuses heavily on the selfie experience which makes it stand out in the market. The latest ISOCELL 3.0 technology helps the camera increase light sensitivity to capture a more crystal-clear picture for the user. Furthermore, the Eye Autofocus feature enables the users to be the center of attention while clicking the picture as the camera focuses on the user, even if they are in motion. 

The dual front camera system offers a much larger field of view with the help of its 8MP Super Wide-Angle Camera. Furthermore, with modes like the AI Extreme Night Portrait mode, the front camera delivers an unparalleled experience in this price range. The phone also sports a 64 MP main rear camera with an 8MP wide-angle lens and a 2MP Macro that can handle wide natural landscapes very easily. The user experience is further increased with features like the Super Night Mode, Bokeh Flare Portrait, and Ultra Stabilization. It is only right to say that both, the front camera and the rear camera together offer a device that is picture-perfect. 

When it comes to the visual and performance aspects of this phone, there’s no doubt that it’s the best of what vivo has to offer. vivo has always been on the cutting edge of device design and aesthetics. It’s also fair to say that Vivo takes pride in its technological advancements and innovations. Every device that vivo introduces exemplifies this completion.

V23 5G brings out the result of Vivo’s extensive research which is the Color Changing Fluorite AG Design. This material changes its color upon exposure to ultraviolet light and after about 30 seconds under the sun. This switch goes back to normal once the phone is out of sun exposure. Talking more about the appearance of the device, it is the combination of the Metal Flat Frame Design and the Color Changing Fluorite AG Design that gives the device the aesthetic appeal that has been the talk in the industry for a while now. 

All these powerful features that the phone flaunts are powered by the powerful MediaTek Dimensity 920 processor. This processor offers powerful performance and a fast user experience. The Extended RAM 2.0 further enhances the user experience with its versatile features to expand RAM when required. The 90Hz refresh rate display, a Liquid Cooling System, and Ultra Game Mode make it possible for users to enjoy super smooth gameplay performance. This experience is mutually assisted by the 4200mAh battery that features a 44W FlashCharge that helps in interrupted experience and performance. 

To summarise it all, the vivo V23 5G is a proud and well-balanced device that fulfills the requirements of every smartphone enthusiast whether it is for work, casual, or professional usage.

 

Tech Giant XIAOMI launches anticipated Redmi Note 11 Pro – Packing major upgraded to hardwares & software!

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Xiaomi announced the Redmi Note 11 Pro for Pakistani markets, pushing forward the legacy of the Redmi Note series with two all-new devices: Redmi Note 11 Pro and Redmi Note 11. Rising to the challenge to bring even stronger specs and features, Redmi Note 11 series packs powerful upgrades to its camera system, charging speed, display, and SoC—making flagship-level smartphone performance more accessible than before. All this available in a bundle deal, with Redmi Buds 3 completely free.

Flagship-level 108MP quad camera to deliver outstanding photography

Boasting a rear quad camera setup, Redmi Note 11 Pro delivers an outstanding photography experience with zero compromise. Its 108MP main camera captures stunning images in high-resolution and vivid colors; an 8MP ultra-wide angle camera extends your perspective with a 118-degree viewing angle; a 2MP macro camera that captures fine details up close and a 2MP depth sensor that’s for capturing more natural looking portrait shots. Accenting the front of the phone is a 16MP front camera that can capture clearer and natural-looking selfies. The 108MP pro-grade main camera utilizes the Samsung HM2 sensor with a large sensor size at 1/1.52 inch, and supports 9-in-1 pixel binning technology as well as a dual native ISO to deliver incredible images in all lighting conditions, with spectacular results especially in dim light.

120Hz FHD+ AMOLED DotDisplay packed into trendy flat-edge body

Featuring a large 6.67′ FHD+ AMOLED DotDisplay with 120Hz display refresh rate, Redmi Note 11 Pro levels up the screen experience with smooth scrolling response and lag-free transitions. The beautiful display is packed into a body with a trendy flat-edge design. Plus, with the dual super linear speakers located at the top and bottom of the phone, Redmi Note 11 offers immersive stereo sound for gaming or watching videos.

Performance powered by 67W turbo charging and MediaTek Helio G96

Redmi Note 11 Pro comes with flagship 67W turbo charging, allowing you to charge up

to 51% of its 5,000mAh high capacity battery in just 15 minutes Powered by MediaTek Helio G96, Redmi Note 11 Pro also delivers a smooth and seamless performance.

Market availability:

Redmi Note 11 Pro comes in two variants – 6GB+128GB, and 8GB+128GB and are available at top distributor partners such as Phonezo, Airlink Communication, Smartlink and Tech Sirat. For those looking to purchase these online, we’ve news for you  too as these are also available on MiStore.

Redmi Note 11 Pro

6GB+128GB: PKR 51,999/-

8GB+128GB: PKR 59,999/-

Redmi Note 11 Quick Specs:

 Redmi Note 11
Display120Hz  6.67” FHD+ AMOLED DotDisplay
Rear Camera108MP main camera 8MP ultra-wide camera 2MP macro camera 2MP depth camera
Front Camera16MP in-display front camera
Dimension & Weight164.19mm x 76.1mm x 8.12mm 202g
ProcessorMediaTek Helio G96
Charging5,000mAh (typ) battery Supports 67W wired Pro fast charging
Variant6GB+128GB, 8GB+128GB
Available ColorGraphite Gray, Polar White, Star Blue

The Redmi Note 11 Pro is available at PKR 51,999/- for the 6+128GB variant and PKR 59,999/- for the 8+128GB variant. A bundle deal with Redmi Buds 3 absolutely free!

About Xiaomi Corporation

Xiaomi Corporation was founded in April 2010 and listed on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on July 9, 2018 (1810.HK). Xiaomi is a consumer electronics and smart manufacturing company with smartphones and smart hardware connected by an IoT platform at its core.

Embracing our vision of “Make friends with users and be the Coolest Company in the users’ hearts”, Xiaomi continuously pursues innovations, high-quality user experience and operational efficiency. The company relentlessly builds amazing products with honest prices to let everyone in the world enjoy a better life through innovative technology.

Xiaomi is one of the world’s leading smartphone companies. The company’s market share in terms of smartphone shipments ranked no. 3 globally in the third quarter of 2021. The company has also established the world’s leading consumer AIoT (AI+IoT) platform, more than 400 million smart devices connected to its platform as of September 30, 2021, excluding smartphones and laptops. Xiaomi products are present in more than 100 countries and regions around the world. In August 2021, the company made the Fortune Global 500 list for the third time, ranking 338th, up 84 places compared to 2020.

Xiaomi is a constituent of the Hang Seng Index, Hang Seng China Enterprises Index, Hang Seng TECH Index and Hang Seng China 50 Index.

Redmi K100 Pro Brings Xiaomi’s Best Display Yet

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Xiaomi has revealed new details about the upcoming Redmi K100 Pro series, confirming that the phones will feature a brand-new display technology designed to deliver sharper picture quality while using less battery power.

The company says the new screen combines improved OLED materials with a redesigned pixel layout to provide a better viewing experience for gaming, videos, and everyday use.

New M11 OLED Display Technology

The Redmi K100 Pro series will be the first Xiaomi phones to use the new M11 OLED light-emitting material.

According to Xiaomi, this new display technology improves brightness, color accuracy, and power efficiency compared to previous OLED panels.

The M11 OLED material is built using fourth-generation pTSF technology, which increases the efficiency of green pixels by 20%. Since green pixels consume a large amount of power in OLED displays, improving their efficiency helps reduce overall battery usage.

The company also says the new display covers 90% of the BT.2020 color gamut, allowing it to show richer and more accurate colors.

In addition, Xiaomi claims the new OLED panel has a 5.2% longer lifespan, making it more durable over time.

New Super Pixel Technology

Along with the M11 OLED material, Xiaomi has introduced its new Super Pixel technology.

Instead of using the traditional diamond-shaped pixel arrangement found in many OLED displays, Super Pixel uses a full RGB layout.

This means every pixel has its own red, green, and blue sub-pixels, which helps improve image sharpness, text clarity, and overall picture quality.

According to Xiaomi, the result is display quality similar to premium 2K screens, while using even less power than many 1.5K displays.

Redmi K100 Pro Max Display

The company has confirmed several display specifications for the Redmi K100 Pro Max.

The phone features a large 6.9-inch flat display with extremely thin bezels, giving users more screen space.

Some of the main display features include:

  • 6.9-inch OLED display
  • Peak local brightness of 4,500 nits
  • 185Hz refresh rate
  • 4,800Hz instant touch sampling rate

The extremely high refresh rate makes animations, scrolling, and gaming much smoother.

The high touch sampling rate also allows the screen to respond faster to finger movements, which is especially useful for competitive mobile gaming.

More Pixels Than Many 2K Screens

Xiaomi says the Redmi K100 Pro Max display contains around 9.389 million sub-pixels.

According to the company, this is more than many similarly sized 2K OLED displays that use a diamond-pixel arrangement.

This higher sub-pixel count helps produce sharper images and clearer text.

Built for Gaming

The Redmi K100 Pro Max is powered by Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor.

The phone also includes Xiaomi’s AI D2 graphics chip.

Together, these chips support advanced gaming features such as:

  • Frame interpolation for smoother gameplay.
  • Super-resolution technology that improves game graphics.
  • Better overall gaming performance.

Xiaomi has also included:

  • A dedicated touch chip for faster screen response.
  • A gaming-focused antenna design for stronger signal performance.
  • Bose-tuned stereo speakers for improved audio quality while gaming, watching movies, or listening to music.

Massive Battery with Fast Charging

The Redmi K100 Pro Max is equipped with a huge 9,070mAh battery.

This large battery is designed to provide long-lasting usage even during heavy gaming or multimedia use.

The phone also supports:

  • 100W wired fast charging
  • 50W wireless charging

These charging speeds allow users to quickly recharge the large battery.

Powerful Camera System

For photography, the Redmi K100 Pro Max is expected to include a premium triple-camera setup.

According to current leaks, the phone may feature:

  • 200MP main camera
  • 50MP ultra-wide camera
  • 50MP periscope telephoto camera

This combination is expected to deliver high-quality photos, wide-angle shots, and powerful optical zoom for distant subjects.

Xiaomi Yet to Announce Launch Date

Although Xiaomi has confirmed many of the Redmi K100 Pro Max’s display features, the company has not yet announced the official launch date.

If the announced specifications remain unchanged, the Redmi K100 Pro Max could become one of Xiaomi’s most advanced smartphones, offering a next-generation OLED display, high-end gaming performance, a huge 9,070mAh battery, ultra-fast charging, and a powerful triple-camera system.

PTA Reviews Ufone-Telenor Merger Plans

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Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has asked the newly merged Ufone-Telenor company to provide complete information about its new business structure before making any major changes.

According to sources, the telecom regulator has directed the merged company to submit details about its legal, financial, administrative, and operational setup. PTA wants to review how the new company will operate after the merger and ensure that it complies with Pakistan’s telecom laws.

No New Brand Without PTA Approval

PTA has also made it clear that the merged company cannot launch a new brand name, logo, or advertising campaign without first getting official approval from the regulator.

The instructions were issued through a formal notice to Pak Telecom Mobile Limited (PTML), the company that operates Ufone and now includes Telenor Pakistan after the merger.

According to the regulator, any change in branding must be approved before it is introduced to customers.

PTA Wants Complete Records

Official documents show that PTA has requested all important records related to the merger.

The authority has asked the company to submit:

  • Details of its new corporate structure.
  • Legal approvals obtained under Pakistani laws.
  • Financial and administrative information.
  • Other relevant documents related to the merger.

The regulator wants to ensure that the newly merged company is operating according to all legal and regulatory requirements.

Merger Had to Be Reported

Sources said PTA had already instructed PTML and the merged company to inform the authority immediately after the legal merger was completed.

This notification allows PTA to review all post-merger arrangements before the company begins operating under its new structure.

The regulator says this process is necessary to protect consumers, maintain fair competition, and ensure that telecom companies continue to follow national regulations.

Company Seeks Approval for New Brand

After completing the legal merger of Telenor Pakistan into Pak Telecom Mobile Limited (PTML), the company has approached both the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to seek approval for a new brand identity.

The applications are currently under review by the relevant authorities.

Global “e&” Brand May Replace Ufone and Telenor

As part of its long-term integration plan, PTML has proposed adopting the global “e&” brand.

If the required approvals are granted, the company plans to gradually replace both the Ufone and Telenor consumer brands with the e& brand.

However, this change cannot take place until PTA and other regulators officially approve the new branding.

Waiting for Regulatory Approval

For now, the merged telecom operator must continue following PTA’s instructions while the regulator reviews its legal structure and branding plans.

Once all required approvals are granted, the company is expected to move forward with its post-merger integration and eventually introduce its new identity under the e& brand

DeepSeek Launches Fast and Low-Cost V4-Flash AI Model

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DeepSeek has officially released DeepSeek V4-Flash, a new lightweight artificial intelligence (AI) model that offers strong performance while costing much less than many leading AI models.

The company has also open-sourced the model, meaning developers, researchers, and businesses can freely download, modify, and use it under the MIT open-source license, even for commercial projects.

According to DeepSeek, V4-Flash performs better than several popular AI models, including GLM 5.2, and comes close to Anthropic’s Claude Opus 4.8 in many benchmark tests—all while costing only a small fraction of the price.

Built with a Massive AI Architecture

DeepSeek V4-Flash is based on a Mixture of Experts (MoE) architecture.

The model contains 284 billion parameters, although only 13 billion parameters are activated each time it processes a request.

This design allows the model to deliver powerful performance while reducing computing costs and improving response speed.

The complete model repository available on Hugging Face is listed at 304 billion parameters because it also includes DSpark, DeepSeek’s speculative decoding system that helps generate responses faster.

Supports One Million Tokens

One of the biggest features of V4-Flash is its one-million-token context window.

This means the AI can understand and remember a huge amount of information during a single conversation or task.

It can work with:

  • Long books
  • Large legal documents
  • Massive software projects
  • Research papers
  • Thousands of lines of code

without losing track of earlier information.

Better Performance Than Many AI Models

DeepSeek says the new V4-Flash-0731 version performs better than both the earlier V4-Flash Preview and V4-Pro Preview models.

According to the company, it also outperformed GLM 5.2 across all nine published benchmark tests.

The model performed especially well in coding, software engineering, AI agent tasks, and automation benchmarks.

In several tests, V4-Flash came very close to the performance of Claude Opus 4.8, including:

  • Terminal Bench
  • DeepSWE
  • Agents’ Last Exam
  • AutomationBench
  • DSBench-FullStack

Claude Opus 4.8 still achieved better results in some areas such as:

  • NL2Repo
  • Cybergym
  • Toolathlon
  • DSBench-Hard

However, DeepSeek noted that all benchmark results were measured internally using its own testing methods. Independent testing may produce different results.

Costs More Than 100 Times Less Than Claude

One of V4-Flash’s biggest advantages is its low price.

DeepSeek charges:

  • $0.14 per million input tokens
  • $0.0028 per million cached input tokens
  • $0.28 per million output tokens

According to the company, this makes V4-Flash over 100 times cheaper than Claude Fable 5 for many AI tasks.

Compared to DeepSeek’s own V4-Pro model, V4-Flash’s output is also around three times less expensive.

Designed for Developers

The API supports:

  • Up to 2,500 simultaneous requests per account
  • One-million-token context
  • Outputs of up to 384,000 tokens
  • Both reasoning and standard response modes

Developers can also use:

  • Function calling
  • Responses API compatibility
  • Codex support
  • Thinking mode
  • Non-thinking mode

These features make the model useful for software development, AI agents, coding assistants, and automation tools.

Smarter AI Reasoning

V4-Flash includes three reasoning modes:

  • Low
  • High
  • Maximum

The higher reasoning settings allow the AI to spend more time solving difficult problems before producing an answer.

DeepSeek recommends:

  • Temperature: 1.0
  • Top-p: 0.95 for AI agent tasks
  • Top-p: 1.0 for general tasks

Faster Response Generation

The model includes DSpark, a speculative decoding system that predicts multiple words ahead before verifying them.

According to DeepSeek, DSpark improves response speed by 60% to 85% compared to the company’s previous decoding system without reducing overall performance.

Training and Efficiency

DeepSeek trained V4-Flash using more than 32 trillion tokens, making it one of the largest AI training efforts announced so far.

The company says the model is much more efficient than earlier versions.

At a one-million-token context, V4-Flash reportedly uses:

  • Only 10% of the computing power
  • About 7% of the memory cache

required by the previous DeepSeek V3.2 model.

This allows the AI to process huge amounts of information while using significantly fewer computing resources.

Self-Hosting Requires Powerful Hardware

Although anyone can use the hosted API without special hardware, running the model locally is much more demanding.

DeepSeek says self-hosting requires powerful servers because all of the model’s experts must remain loaded in memory.

For example:

  • A reference setup uses four NVIDIA GB300 GPUs.
  • The 8-bit GGUF version of the model is about 162GB.
  • The 3-bit version is around 103GB.

Because of these large memory requirements, self-hosting is mainly suitable for companies, research labs, and organizations with high-end multi-GPU systems.

Open Source for Everyone

DeepSeek has released V4-Flash under the MIT license, allowing anyone to:

  • Download the model.
  • Modify it.
  • Use it for commercial products.
  • Deploy it on private servers.

This makes it one of the most accessible high-performance AI models currently available.

V4-Pro Still Coming

DeepSeek also confirmed that the final version of V4-Pro is still under development.

The company has not announced when it will be released.

A Powerful Yet Affordable AI Model

With its 284-billion-parameter Mixture of Experts architecture, one-million-token context window, low operating costs, strong benchmark performance, and open-source availability, DeepSeek V4-Flash is designed to offer powerful AI capabilities without the high costs of many commercial models.

However, DeepSeek also noted that its benchmark results are based on the company’s own testing. Developers are encouraged to evaluate the model on their own workloads before deciding whether it meets their needs.

Hisense Launches Budget 180Hz Gaming Monitor

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Hisense has introduced a new budget gaming monitor called the N24 2027 Edition in China. The monitor is priced at 499 yuan, which is around $74, making it an affordable option for users who want a smooth display for everyday work, entertainment, and gaming.

At the moment, Hisense has only launched the monitor in China. The company has not announced whether it will be available in other countries.

23.8-Inch Full HD Display

The Hisense N24 features a 23.8-inch IPS display with a Full HD (1920 × 1080) resolution.

The monitor uses a 16:9 aspect ratio, which is the standard size for watching videos, browsing the internet, office work, and gaming.

One of its biggest highlights is the 180Hz refresh rate. A higher refresh rate allows the screen to update more times every second, making games look smoother and improving the overall viewing experience.

The IPS panel also provides 178-degree viewing angles, so the picture remains clear even when viewed from the side.

Bright Screen and Good Color Quality

The Hisense N24 has a 300-nit brightness, making it suitable for indoor use in homes and offices.

It also offers a 1500:1 contrast ratio, helping produce deeper blacks and better image quality.

According to Hisense, the monitor supports:

  • 99% of the sRGB color space
  • 90% of the DCI-P3 color space

This means it can display accurate and vibrant colors, making it suitable not only for gaming but also for watching movies, editing photos, and basic content creation.

The monitor can display 16.7 million colors, resulting in more natural and detailed images.

Built for Smooth Gaming

Hisense has included several gaming features to improve the experience.

The monitor supports AMD FreeSync, a technology that matches the monitor’s refresh rate with the graphics card. This helps reduce:

  • Screen tearing
  • Stuttering
  • Lag during gameplay

The on-screen settings also allow users to adjust the monitor’s response time for smoother motion.

Another useful feature is Dark Scene Enhancement, which makes darker parts of games brighter. This helps players spot enemies or important objects more easily in dark environments.

Eye Protection Features

Hisense has designed the N24 to be more comfortable for long hours of use.

The monitor includes:

  • DC Dimming, which reduces screen flickering.
  • Hardware-level Low Blue Light technology, which lowers harmful blue light to reduce eye strain.

Unlike many software blue light filters that make the screen look yellow, Hisense says its hardware solution reduces blue light while keeping colors more natural.

The monitor has also received TÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light and Flicker-Free certifications, confirming that it meets recognized eye comfort standards.

Ports and Connectivity

The Hisense N24 includes two display connection options:

  • 1 HDMI port
  • 1 VGA port

This allows the monitor to work with both modern computers and older desktop systems that still use VGA connections.

Adjustable Stand

The monitor comes with a tool-free quick-release stand, making it easy to assemble without using any tools.

The stand supports tilt adjustment from -5 degrees to 20 degrees, allowing users to find a more comfortable viewing angle.

For users who prefer mounting the monitor on a wall or monitor arm, it also supports 100 × 100mm VESA mounting.

Affordable Gaming Monitor

With its 23.8-inch Full HD IPS display, 180Hz refresh rate, AMD FreeSync support, eye protection features, and affordable price of around $74, the Hisense N24 2027 Edition is aimed at users looking for a budget-friendly monitor for gaming, work, and everyday entertainment.

Hisense has not yet confirmed whether the monitor will be released in international markets.

Redmi Turbo 6 Max May Get a 10,000mAh Battery

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Xiaomi is expected to launch its new Redmi Turbo 6 smartphone series in the coming months. According to recent leaks, the lineup will include two models:

  • Redmi Turbo 6
  • Redmi Turbo 6 Max

While Xiaomi has not officially confirmed the phones, several well-known tipsters have revealed possible details about the Redmi Turbo 6 Max. The biggest highlight is its massive battery, which could become the largest battery ever used in a Xiaomi smartphone.

Huge 10,000mAh Battery

According to tipster Smart Pikachu, Redmi is currently testing the Turbo 6 Max with a 10,000mAh battery.

If this information is accurate, the phone could offer exceptional battery life, allowing users to use the device for much longer on a single charge. It may easily last two days or more with normal use, depending on usage habits.

However, Xiaomi has not confirmed the final battery size, so the company could still make changes before the official launch.

There are also rumors that the upcoming Chinese version of the Redmi Note 17 Pro Max may include a similar 10,000mAh battery, so it is still unclear which phone will have the biggest battery in Xiaomi’s lineup.

New Camera Design

The leak also suggests that the Redmi Turbo 6 Max will have a dual rear camera setup instead of multiple camera sensors.

The phone is expected to feature a clean and simple camera design, giving it a more modern appearance.

Some reports claim Xiaomi may switch to a horizontal camera module, which would be different from the camera layout used on previous Redmi Turbo models.

Expected Launch in January

According to Smart Pikachu, Xiaomi is planning to launch the Redmi Turbo 6 Max in January.

Another well-known tipster, Digital Chat Station, has also mentioned the same launch timeframe in a separate leak, adding more support to the January launch rumor.

However, Xiaomi has not officially announced a release date.

Large 2K OLED Display

Previous leaks from Digital Chat Station suggest that the Redmi Turbo 6 Max will feature a large 7-inch flat OLED display.

The screen is expected to have a 2K resolution, offering sharper images, better colors, and improved viewing quality for videos, gaming, and everyday use.

A large OLED display combined with a huge battery could make the phone especially attractive for users who watch videos, play games, or spend long hours on their smartphones.

Powerful New Processor

The Redmi Turbo 6 Max is also expected to be powered by a 3nm MediaTek Dimensity 9-series processor.

Although MediaTek has not officially announced the chipset, reports suggest it could be called the Dimensity 9600s.

A 3nm processor would provide better performance while using less power, helping improve both speed and battery efficiency.

Premium Build Quality

Leaks suggest that Xiaomi will give the Redmi Turbo 6 Max a metal middle frame, making the phone feel stronger and more premium.

The phone is also expected to receive IP68 and IP69 ratings, which means it should offer excellent protection against dust and water.

These ratings indicate that the device could survive water splashes, heavy rain, and even temporary water immersion under certain conditions.

Ultrasonic Fingerprint Scanner

For security, the Redmi Turbo 6 Max is rumored to include an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner built into the display.

Compared to traditional optical fingerprint sensors, ultrasonic technology is generally faster, more accurate, and works better even when users have slightly wet or dirty fingers.

Xiaomi Has Not Confirmed the Details

Although the leaks suggest the Redmi Turbo 6 Max could offer a massive battery, a large OLED display, a powerful next-generation processor, and premium build quality, Xiaomi has not officially confirmed any of these specifications.

The company is expected to reveal more information closer to the phone’s launch, so for now, all of these details should be considered rumors and leaks rather than confirmed features

Microsoft Raises Xbox Prices in Europe and UK

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Microsoft has significantly increased the prices of its Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X consoles across Europe and the United Kingdom. The new prices became effective on August 1, making Xbox consoles much more expensive for customers in these regions.

The latest price hike is even larger than the increases Microsoft previously announced for the United States and several other countries.

Xbox Prices Increase Across Europe

Microsoft has updated the prices of all current Xbox console models in Europe.

The new prices are:

  • Xbox Series S 512GB: €499.99 (previously €349.99)
  • Xbox Series S 1TB: €599.99 (previously €399.99)
  • Xbox Series X Digital 1TB: €749.99 (previously €549.99)
  • Xbox Series X 1TB: €799.99 (previously €599.99)

This means:

  • The Xbox Series S 512GB is now €150 more expensive.
  • The other three models have each increased by €200.

According to reports, the entry-level Xbox Series S now costs the equivalent of around $575 after currency conversion, making it much more expensive for European buyers than in some other markets.

Xbox Prices Also Rise in the UK

Customers in the United Kingdom are also facing major price increases.

The new UK prices are:

  • Xbox Series S 512GB: £429.99 (previously £299.99)
  • Xbox Series S 1TB: £519.99 (previously £349.99)
  • Xbox Series X Digital 1TB: £619.99 (previously £449.99)
  • Xbox Series X 1TB: £669.99 (previously £499.99)

The increases range from £130 to £170, depending on the model.

Microsoft’s official UK online store has already updated the prices to reflect these changes.

Earlier Price Increase in Other Countries

These new European and UK prices follow Microsoft’s earlier announcement in June, when the company said Xbox console prices would increase globally.

For customers in the United States:

  • The 512GB Xbox models became $100 more expensive.
  • The 1TB models received a $150 price increase.

The latest European price hikes are even larger than those announced for the US.

Why Are Prices Going Up?

Microsoft says one of the biggest reasons behind the price increase is the rising cost of storage and memory components used inside modern gaming consoles.

According to the company, the cost of storage chips has already:

  • More than doubled once.
  • Then doubled again after that.

Microsoft also expects storage prices to rise further before the 2027 holiday shopping season.

The company added that memory chips are also becoming more expensive, increasing the overall manufacturing cost of Xbox consoles.

Other Console Makers Are Also Raising Prices

Microsoft is not the only gaming company increasing prices.

Earlier this year:

  • Sony raised the prices of the PlayStation 5 in several markets.
  • Nintendo also announced price increases for some of its gaming products.

These price hikes reflect the growing cost of electronic components, manufacturing, and global supply chains.

Xbox Becomes More Expensive

With the latest changes, Xbox consoles have become significantly more expensive for buyers in Europe and the UK.

Although Microsoft says rising production costs are responsible for the increases, the higher prices could make it more difficult for some gamers to buy a new Xbox console, especially as competition in the gaming market continues to grow.

New Drone Becomes Hard to See While Flying

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Engineers at Northwestern University have created a new experimental drone that is much harder for people to see while it is flying. Instead of using camouflage, transparent materials, or special light-bending technology, the drone hides itself by spinning very quickly.

The researchers call the drone “Phantom Twist.” Its unique design takes advantage of the way the human eye sees fast-moving objects. When something spins very fast, our eyes cannot clearly see its shape. This is the same reason why the blades of a fast-spinning fan or propeller appear almost invisible.

Drone Spins 25 Times Every Second

The Phantom Twist can spin 25 times per second while flying.

Because it rotates so quickly, people cannot clearly see the drone’s body. Instead of looking like a normal drone, it appears as a faint, blurry, semi-transparent shape that blends into the background.

The drone does not become completely invisible, but it becomes much more difficult to notice, especially from a distance.

Designed for Less Disturbance

The researchers believe this technology could be useful in situations where regular drones might disturb people or animals.

For example, the drone could be used for:

  • Monitoring wildlife without scaring animals.
  • Surveying forests, wetlands, and natural habitats.
  • Inspecting bridges, power lines, and other infrastructure.
  • Conducting environmental research with less visual distraction.

Because the drone is harder to notice, animals are less likely to run away, and people are less likely to change their behavior when it is flying nearby.

A Different Drone Design

Unlike most drones, which have four propellers attached to a fixed body, Phantom Twist has a completely different design.

It uses:

  • One motor
  • One propeller

The propeller spins in one direction, while the rest of the drone rotates in the opposite direction.

Since there are no large stationary parts, the entire drone becomes a moving blur during flight, making it much harder to see.

AI Helped Design the Drone

Artificial intelligence played a major role in creating Phantom Twist.

The research team first used computer software to generate around 20,000 possible drone designs that could fly safely.

AI and optimization algorithms then tested different positions for important parts such as:

  • The motor
  • The propeller
  • The batteries
  • The circuit board
  • The counterweight

The goal was to find a design that was both stable in the air and difficult for humans to notice.

Tested Against Real Backgrounds

After generating thousands of designs, the researchers tested the most promising ones using computer simulations.

The drones were shown spinning in front of 100 different real-world backgrounds, including natural environments and urban scenes.

The researchers used a computer model that mimics human vision to measure how noticeable each drone looked.

They selected the 500 least visible designs and continued improving them until they found the best balance between stability and low visibility.

Once the final design met all requirements, they built a real working prototype and tested it in flight.

Around 10 Times Harder to Notice

According to the research team, the finished Phantom Twist is about 10 times less visible than a traditional quadcopter.

The drone’s components are placed at different heights and angles so that, while spinning, they visually blend together instead of standing out.

This creates a motion blur effect that makes the drone much less noticeable to the human eye.

Still a Prototype

Although the Phantom Twist performs well, it is still an experimental project.

The researchers say the drone still has a few limitations.

For example:

  • Its propeller is still quite noisy.
  • Some wires and support rods remain visible during flight.

Future versions are expected to use:

  • More transparent materials.
  • Quieter motors and propellers.
  • Improved designs that make the drone even harder to notice.

Research Presented in Australia

The research was presented on July 16 at the Robotics: Science and Systems 2026 conference held in Sydney, Australia.

The study was titled “Computational Design of a Low-Visibility UAV Using a Human-Aligned Perceptual Metric.”

The project was led by Michael Rubenstein, an associate professor of computer science and mechanical engineering at Northwestern University’s McCormick School of Engineering and a member of the university’s Center for Robotics and Biosystems.

Other members of the research team included Emma Alexander, Sam Kriegman, David Matthews, Jingxian Wang, and Chen Yu.

The research was supported by the National Science Foundation.

If future improvements are successful, drones like Phantom Twist could become valuable tools for wildlife research, environmental monitoring, scientific studies, and infrastructure inspections by carrying out their work while attracting much less attention than traditional drones.