ISLAMABAD: Specialised committees set up by the prime minister to promote a cashless economy have outlined ambitious national targets for the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), aimed at accelerating the growth of digital financial services and fintech adoption across the country. Under the PM’s Cashless Economy initiative, key goals include raising the number of active digital merchants to 2 million by the end of 2025-26, increasing mobile and internet banking users from the current 95 million to 120m within a year, and doubling annual digital payment transactions to 15 billion. According to finance ministry sources, another primary target is routing 100pc of overseas remittances through bank accounts or mobile wallets, up from the current 80pc. This move seeks to eliminate cash payouts and boost transparency in remittance flows. Following the directives of the committee chaired by the prime minister, the SBP is expected to play a pivotal role in expanding mobile banking services to all segments of society. 2m digital merchants and 15bn transactions targeted by FY26 Meanwhile, Minister for IT and Telecom Shaza Fatima said Pakistan, with over 143 million broadband users, has significant potential to transition to a cashless economy. “Mobile wallets now outnumber traditional bank accounts, and the branchless banking infrastructure is robust,” she said, noting the government’s commitment to reducing reliance on physical currency and promoting digital payments. However, she acknowledged that among the four cellular mobile operators, only two — Jazz and Telenor — have established strong mobile wallet platforms. Telenor’s Easypaisa, launched in 2009, was Pakistan’s first mobile wallet and has since evolved into the country’s first digital bank. Farhan Hassan, Chief Digital Officer of Easypaisa Digital Bank , said the platform now offers a full range of banking services similar to those of traditional banks, helping to drive financial inclusion for millions of unbanked and underbanked Pakistanis. Easypaisa currently has around 18 million monthly active users, including 14 million mobile app users. JazzCash, which began operations in 2012, remains the market leader with 21 million monthly active users and 15 million app users, making it the largest digital financial service provider in the country. Khayam Siddiqi, Head of Communication at JazzCash, attributed this growth to the ease of account opening, which requires no paperwork or branch visits. “Digital wallets offer a suite of services in one place — nano loans, savings, insurance, welfare disbursements, and everyday payments,” he said. While JazzCash has gained traction in rural areas, Easypaisa enjoys a strong presence in urban centres. Despite occasional speculation surrounding its future amid the Telenor-PTCL merger , Easypaisa has retained a loyal user base. The strength of mobile digital wallets lies in their simplicity — accounts are linked to mobile phone numbers, and transactions are facilitated by local shopkeepers acting as agents for cash-in and cash-out services. In contrast, Upaisa, the mobile wallet offered by Ufone, has a limited footprint, while Zong has yet to enter the digital market. Published in Dawn, August 16th, 2025
The Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) Multan Class 9th Result 2025 has been officially released on August 16, 2025 at 10:00 AM (PST). Students in Multan division can now access their results online or through SMS. How to Check BISE Multan Class 9th Result 2025: Online: Go to the official site of Multan board → […] The post BISE Multan Class 9th Result 2025 Officially Announced appeared first on TechJuice .
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has set a Rs. 200,000 transaction limit for cash payments on e-commerce Cash on Delivery (CoD) orders. This decision was announced through Circular No. 02 of 2025-26 (Income Tax), dated August 12, 2025. The move supports the government’s ongoing push toward a cashless economy. Section 21(s) of the Income […] The post FBR Imposes Cash Limit on COD Orders Across Pakistan appeared first on TechJuice .
A reliable source privy to TechJuice revealed that the Board of Secondary Education Karachi (BSEK) will launch its online scrutiny portal in three days. This new system will eliminate the need for students to visit the board office for scrutiny form submission. The Online Scrutiny Portal service is available for an ordinary price of Rs. […] The post BSEK to Live Online Scrutiny Portal in Three Days appeared first on TechJuice .
ISLAMABAD- Petrol prices in Pakistan remain same from August 16 for the next fortnight, with significant cuts applied to diesel oil following a drop in global oil rates. According to reports, the price of high-speed diesel (HSD) has been slashed by Rs12.85 per litre, petrol remains the same. With the new rates in effect, HSD […] The post New Fuel Prices Announced From August 16 appeared first on TechJuice .
Mahnoor Cheema, an 18-year-old British-Pakistani student, has achieved an extraordinary academic milestone by completing 24 A-Level subjects with top distinctions. Her performance has broken four world records and added to her earlier GCSE accomplishments, bringing her total to six global academic records, the highest ever by a secondary school student. She has also secured admission […] The post Pakistani-Origin British Girl 24 A-Levels World Record Paves Way to Oxford University appeared first on TechJuice .
Islamabad – An AI Journalism Lab, recently organized by Jazz, has spotlighted the urgent need for Pakistan’s media sector and broader industries to adopt Artificial Intelligence (AI) […] The post AI Workshop Calls for Accelerated Adoption in Newsrooms and Beyond appeared first on Digital Pakistan .
The Competition Appellate Tribunal (CAT) has upheld the Competition Commission of Pakistan’s (CCP) order against 20 medical centers, laboratories, and their five associations for collusive price fixing. The violations involved territorial allocation of customers and other anti-competitive practices in mandatory pre-departure medical tests for Pakistani workers traveling to Gulf countries. The Tribunal confirmed CCP’s findings […] The post CAT Upholds CCP’s Price-Fixing Ruling Against Medical Centres appeared first on TechJuice .
Pakistan and Japan have agreed to explore deeper industrial cooperation, focusing on automotive, IT, and export-led growth. Special Assistant to the Prime Minister for Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan, and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Japan, Abdul Hameed, met in Tokyo with MATSUO Takehiko, Vice-Minister for International Affairs, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) of […] The post Pakistan, Japan Eye Growth in Auto, IT, and Exports appeared first on TechJuice .
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has announced the release of a special Rs75 commemorative coin. The coin honors the bravery of Pakistan’s armed forces during the Marka-e-Haq. It also celebrates the country’s Independence Day with due dignity. According to the federal government, the coin features a nickel-brass composition. It contains 79% copper, 20% zinc, […] The post SBP Issues Rs. 75/- Commemorative Coin to celebrate Marka-e-Haq appeared first on TechJuice .
ISLAMABAD – The Economic Policy & Business Development Think Tank (EPBD) has launched Pakistan’s first Wealth Perception Index 2025, ranking the country’s top 40 public and private sector conglomerates. It also includes the first-ever list of prospective dollar-billionaire business groups. The index, released on Pakistan’s 78th Independence Day, features 20 leading public-listed companies and 20 […] The post EPBD Releases Wealth Perception Index 2025 Lists Featuring Pakistan’s Top 40 Conglomerates appeared first on TechJuice .
TECNO has officially launched the new Spark 40 Series in Pakistan, introducing the Spark 40 Pro+ and Spark 40 Pro. Designed for today’s fast-moving, style-conscious generation, the series combines an ultra-slim design, advanced performance, and innovative features at prices that remain within reach. Both models in the Spark 40 Series share a premium build that […] The post TECNO SPARK 40 Series Now Available in Pakistan – Starting at PKR 48,999 appeared first on TechJuice .
Pakistan has intensified its digital crackdown, blocking hundreds of social media accounts tied to proscribed organizations. Authorities have also flagged more than 850 accounts on international platforms, urging immediate action. The targeted accounts are connected to banned outfits such as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, Baloch Liberation Army, and Baloch Liberation Front, all prohibited by the United Nations, […] The post Mass Removal of Terror-Linked Social Media Accounts appeared first on TechJuice .
In a major step against smuggling, theft, and adulteration, the government will launch a real-time digital tracking system for petroleum products within a month. The system, under the Petroleum (Amendment) Act 2025, will monitor every litre from import to final sale, aiming to prevent annual revenue losses of Rs300-500 billion. Highlights of the Petroleum (Amendment) […] The post Pakistan to Roll Out Real-Time Digital Monitoring of Petroleum Supply appeared first on TechJuice .
The Supreme Court of Pakistan has launched the Supreme Court Rules, 2025, replacing the outdated 1980 rules. These reforms modernize judicial procedures, enhance transparency, and align Pakistan’s legal framework with global standards. A major change is the shift to fully digital filing. Now, all petitions and paper books must be submitted electronically, with scanned copies […] The post Supreme Court Ushers Digital Justice Era with 2025 Rules appeared first on TechJuice .
Rs100 Prize Bond Draw No. 51 is underway at the National Savings Centre, Lahore, today, August 15, 2025, at the time of writing this article. Every Pakistani citizen is eligible to buy prize bonds from any SBP-BSC office, designated commercial bank branches, and National Savings Centers across the country. The bondholders can win prizes while […] The post Rs100 Prize Bond Draw No. 51 in Lahore on August 15, 2025, Results Announced appeared first on TechJuice .
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) is set to modernize the nation’s financial ecosystem through a collaboration with ソラミツ SORAMITSU | 2016-2025, a Japanese blockchain technology […] The post SBP Partners Japan’s Soramitsu to Launch Digital Rupee appeared first on Digital Pakistan .
A wave of frustration swept through the gaming world on August 14, 2025, as Epic Online Services faced login outage. Fortnite, Rocket League, Fall Guys were some of the popular titles hit with the issue. Epic Games confirmed the login outage around 6:39 PM ET (3:39 AM Pakistan Standard Time), and began addressing the root […] The post Fortnite and Other Epic Games Return Online After Widespread Login Outage appeared first on TechJuice .
From Highways to High-Speed Networks When most people envision the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), they imagine highways, power plants, and seaports. Yet, hidden within the cranes […] The post The Digital Silk Road: CPEC And Pakistan’s Tech Future appeared first on Digital Pakistan .
Premier pushes for global standards and faster progress on flagship IT hub to boost jobs and digital growth The post Shehbaz orders rapid completion of Islamabad Technology Park within original timeline appeared first on Profit by Pakistan Today .
VEON’s Київстар has completed the first Eastern European field test of Starlink’s Direct to Cell satellite technology, enabling messaging on standard 4G smartphones without additional hardware. […] The post Kyivstar Tests Starlink Direct to Cell in Ukraine appeared first on Digital Pakistan .
Private schools in Punjab have taken the summer vacation extension to court, challenging the provincial government’s decision to keep campuses shut for two more weeks. The All Pakistan Private Schools and Management Association (APPSMA) has moved to challenge the Punjab government’s extension of summer vacation, citing severe academic losses and limited time to complete the […] The post Punjab School Summer Vacation Extension Lands in Court appeared first on TechJuice .
Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan has announced a comprehensive auto sector tariff reduction plan aimed at strengthening the country’s automotive industry and boosting exports. The initiative, unveiled on Wednesday, follows a recent cut in US tariffs that has opened new opportunities for Pakistani auto exports. Five-Year Tariff Cut Roadmap Speaking at a meeting with key […] The post Govt Announces Auto Sector Tariff Reduction Plan appeared first on TechJuice .
The federal government has confirmed that an IMF delegation visit to Pakistan is scheduled for the upcoming economic review, with preparations now finalized. Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb told reporters that Pakistan has completed all necessary groundwork for the next review under the International Monetary Fund’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF). The IMF delegation visit to […] The post IMF Delegation Visit to Pakistan Set for Next Economic Review appeared first on TechJuice .
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has announced final amendments to the Public Offering Regulations, aimed at streamlining IPO processes, boosting transparency, and encouraging wider investor participation. The updated regime, which includes the Public Offering Regulations 2017 and the Public Offering (Regulated Securities Activities Licensing) Regulations 2017, covers the offering of equity securities, […] The post SECP Updates Public Offering Regulations appeared first on TechJuice .
A Pakistani student has made global headlines by leading her multinational team to victory at the AI4Good Incubator 2025, a global techthon that attracted participants from hundreds of countries. The five-day challenge tasked innovators with answering a key question: How can AI help accelerate the journey to net zero? Mahroosh Umer, an AS-level STEM student, […] The post Pakistani Student Shines at AI4Good Incubator appeared first on TechJuice .
The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet on Wednesday approved key economic measures, including developing an industrial estate at Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM) land, facilitating leather exports, and granting funds for climate and media upgrades. Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb chaired the meeting in Islamabad. The ECC approved the industrial estate […] The post ECC Okays PSM Industrial Estate Development appeared first on TechJuice .
The Balochistan High Court (BHC) has directed Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Awan and Balochistan Advocate General Adnan Basharat to respond to a petition challenging the Balochistan internet shutdown. The suspension of mobile data and internet services, announced last week to continue until August 31, has already been in place for over a month […] The post Court Grills Govt Over Balochistan Internet Shutdown appeared first on TechJuice .
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) now has the authority to access citizens’ internet use and phone call records during tax fraud probes. Internet service providers, telecom firms, and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) must share customer details when the FBR requests them. Tax commissioners can directly request subscriber names, call logs, technical usage data, […] The post FBR Can Now Access Your Internet and Call Data appeared first on TechJuice .
Google joined Pakistan’s Independence Day festivities with a special Doodle, transforming its homepage into a tribute to the nation. The artwork, featuring the national flag, marks Pakistan’s 78th Independence Day and reflects the spirit of unity and pride. The interactive doodle offers users a digital celebration, featuring patriotic songs, historical stories, rare archival footage, and […] The post Google Pakistan Independence Day Doodle Honors 78 Years of Freedom appeared first on TechJuice .
The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has approved the request for non-collection of Right-of-Way (ROW) charges for development/installation of IT and IT related infrastructure/fiberization. In a notification, the CDA said that the approval was made in the light of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s directive. Meanwhile, Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima termed this development a “game changer for Pakistan’s broadband situation”. “It has begun! No more barriers to internet expansion! CDA has removed the right of way charges; next we it’ll be major federal entities. Portal already in place!“ she wrote on X.
An official audit has found that over 13,000 computer tablets, worth more than Rs360 million, are missing from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Elementary and Secondary Education Department. The tablets were initially issued for teacher training programs. The audit report states that 13,221 devices were not returned, while only 1,779 out of the 15,000 purchased tablets have […] The post Audit Finds Rs360 Million Worth of Tablets Missing in KPK Education Department appeared first on TechJuice .
The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Wednesday rejected a petition challenging the recent increase in private school fees. According to 24NewsHD TV, the court instructed the District Registration Authority to decide the matter within 21 days. Justice Khalid Ishaq heard the case filed by Muhammad Ayub and others. The petitioners argued that private schools raise […] The post LHC Dismisses Petition Against Private School Fee Hike appeared first on TechJuice .
The Board of Intermediate Education Karachi (BIEK) has announced that the mark sheets for the Intermediate Part-II Science Pre-Medical Group Annual Examinations 2025 are ready for distribution. The result for the Pre-Medical Group was officially announced on August 9, 2025. According to the board, representatives of colleges and higher secondary schools can collect the mark […] The post How to Collect Your BIEK SSC Part 2 Result Mark Sheet appeared first on TechJuice .
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced that the government will distribute 100,000 free laptops to deserving and high-achieving students across Pakistan. The selection will be strictly based on merit to ensure fairness and transparency. Speaking at an event in Islamabad on International Youth Day, he said the initiative aims to reward academic excellence and empower […] The post PM Shehbaz to Provide 100,000 Laptops to Students Across Pakistan appeared first on TechJuice .
PUBG: Battlegrounds is making a dramatic exit from last gen consoles. Starting November 13, 2025, the game will no longer be playable or available on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. KRAFTON marks a shift in focus toward PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, and PC only. Why the Sudden Farewell on Devices? KRAFTON, the […] The post You Will Not Be Able to Play PUBG on THESE Devices From November! appeared first on TechJuice .
Wall Street heavyweight JPMorgan just made a powerful case for Ethereum (ETH). In their terms, they identify it as the prime beneficiary of the booming stablecoin market. According to the bank’s analysis, Ethereum’s dominance in hosting over 70% of circulating stablecoins positions the network for extraordinary growth amid surging DeFi activity and rising institutional demand. […] The post JPMorgan Predicts Ethereum Surge on Stablecoin Boom appeared first on TechJuice .
Zoinks! If you have not figured out yet, we can break it for you. Insider leaks have cracked open the lid on Fortnitemares 2025, Epic’s famed Halloween crossover season. If these leaks are to be believed, then we will get none other than Scooby-Doo and Mystery Machine gang for October this year. Let’s break it […] The post Leaks Suggest Fortnite is Making a Special Halloween Collaboration appeared first on TechJuice .
A U.S. senator on Friday launched an investigation into whether Meta allowed its AI chatbots to engage in inappropriate or potentially harmful conversations with children, including exchanges described as romantic or sensual. Senator Josh Hawley, a Missouri Republican who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism, released a letter addressed to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg demanding all internal communications related to the matter. The probe follows a report alleging Meta’s generative AI was permitted to engage in conversations with minors that included troubling language. 'A treasure' Hawley cited one example in which an AI chatbot allegedly described an 8-year-old’s body as “a work of art” and “a treasure I cherish deeply.” He called the reported exchange “deeply disturbing” and raised alarm over the possibility of digital tools being used to groom or exploit children. “Congress must understand whether Meta’s products enable exploitation, deception, or other criminal harms to children,” Hawley wrote. Meta responds to inquiry In a statement to AFP, a Meta spokesperson said the company has strict policies in place. “We have clear policies on what kind of responses AI characters can offer, and those policies prohibit content that sexualizes children and sexualized role play between adults and minors,” the company said. Meta did not deny that the exchanges occurred but emphasized that it is reviewing the allegations. Deadline set for records The senator ordered Meta to preserve all relevant documents and communications and submit them to Congress no later than September 19. The company, which owns Facebook, Instagram, and the Meta AI platform, has faced repeated scrutiny over the safety of its products for children and teens. Ongoing scrutiny of big tech This latest investigation adds to mounting pressure on major tech firms regarding how their platforms and products interact with and protect minors. Meta has previously faced lawsuits and legislative challenges over mental health risks linked to its social platforms. The company has invested heavily in generative AI over the past year, integrating chatbots and AI companions into its ecosystem. Lawmakers have grown increasingly concerned about the potential misuse of these tools by predators—or even the AI itself—if they are improperly supervised or deployed. Hawley said the subcommittee will use the findings of the investigation to consider possible legislative action.
Today, Google launched Flight Deals, an AI-powered flight search tool. It will roll out over the next week. Users can access it via a dedicated webpage or the top-left menu on Google Flights. Initially, the tool is available only in the US, Canada, and India. Google says it is in beta to gather feedback and […] The post Google Launches Flight Deals, an AI-Powered Search Tool appeared first on TechJuice .
Jimmy Donaldson, known online as MrBeast, oversees a content operation that produces high-cost, high-visibility videos for a global audience. His channel boasts more than 420 million subscribers . Image: MrBeast / YT Former employees and an internal production guide describe a process that mixes fast decision making with heavy planning, and where a single judgment by Donaldson can end a project. That judgment is often summed up by one word: cringe. From idea to green light As reported by Insider , ideas begin in a central ideation team that tracks trends, tests titles, and drafts thumbnails. The team records large numbers of concepts and narrows them through internal review. Only a small share reach Donaldson and his creative leads for final consideration. The company treats concept work as a pipeline that feeds production teams with ideas that can scale. When an idea moves forward, producers assess cost and feasibility. The company added a dedicated feasibility group as it expanded. Ambitious proposals can be postponed or shelved if they are impractical, but staff report that Donaldson resists quick refusals. He expects teams to pursue alternatives before stopping a concept. A production hub in Greenville Beast Industries has built a base of set builders, technical crews, and a rotating pool of assistants. Early on, temporary helpers were called friends of friends. The company now relies on a larger task force to handle on-set work and logistics. Large challenge videos require extensive camera coverage. For competitions with many participants, the crew deploys numerous cameras so no moment is missed. Long-running challenges may have cameras recording around the clock. Most logistical work is completed before on-camera talent arrive, leaving final decisions to Donaldson and creative leads. Producers as generalists Producers at MrBeast perform a broad set of tasks. They coordinate contractors, schedule crews, manage budgets, and troubleshoot on site. The work differs from traditional film crews, where roles are often specialized. Staff describe producers as problem solvers who must be ready to step into multiple tasks as needs arise. Editing with attention to retention Editing is organized around keeping viewers engaged. Projects that span days or weeks generate hundreds of hours of footage. Teams of editors handle daily trims, syncing, and assembly. Lead editors pull the final cut together. For longer shoots, editors often build rough cuts during production so there is a working edit by the time filming ends. The company uses detailed viewer metrics to shape edits. Editors monitor the exact second audiences stop watching and adjust pacing and highlights to reduce drop-off. That approach makes post-production central to the final story. Release strategy and follow-up Final videos are formatted for multiple platforms and languages. Thumbnails undergo A/B testing and the team prepares short-form clips for vertical platforms. Some content is altered for younger viewers. After release, staff analyze retention and engagement data to evaluate performance and inform future planning. A repeatable system The operation combines methodical idea work, thorough feasibility checks, heavy on-set coverage, and analytics-driven editing. Former staff say the process lets the channel test more ideas and learn quickly from failures. That scale of resources and the emphasis on measurable engagement create an advantage that many creators try to emulate. Notes: This post was edited/created using GenAI tools. Read next: Meta Scientist Highlights Core Principles for Safer AI
ChatGPT’s mobile app isn’t just popular; it leads the AI chatbot market on both iOS and Android. Since its launch in May 2023, the app has generated a staggering $2 billion in global consumer spending, according to app analytics firm Appfigures. This is nearly 30 times more than the combined lifetime earnings of competitors like […] The post ChatGPT App Revenue Hits $2 Billion with $2.91 Per Install appeared first on TechJuice .
Apple’s iPhone 17 lineup is expected to launch next month. The official announcement is likely on September 9. Meanwhile, case maker dbrand has revealed the iPhone 17 Pro design through images of its new Tank case. The 17 Pro and Pro Max are getting a redesigned rear camera module. Previous leaked renders hinted at this, […] The post iPhone 17 Pro Camera Specs and Design Tipped by dbrand appeared first on TechJuice .
Samsung is set to refresh its Galaxy flagship lineup with the upcoming S26 series. The standard S26 will be replaced by the Galaxy S26 Pro. Tipster Digital Chat Station has revealed key specifications for the S26 Pro (SM-S9420). The device will feature a 6.27-inch display and a 4,300 mAh battery. This marks a slight increase […] The post Samsung Galaxy S26 Pro Display, Battery Capacity Leaks appeared first on TechJuice .
Apple on Thursday rejected Elon Musk's claim that its digital App Store favors OpenAI's ChatGPT over his company's Grok and other rival AI assistants. Musk has accused Apple of giving unfair preference to ChatGPT on its App Store and threatened legal action, triggering a fiery exchange with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman this week. "The App Store is designed to be fair and free of bias," Apple said in reply to an AFP inquiry. "We feature thousands of apps through charts, algorithmic recommendations, and curated lists selected by experts using objective criteria." Apple added that its goal at the App Store is to offer "safe discovery" for users and opportunities for developers to get their creations noticed. But earlier this week, Musk said Apple was "behaving in a manner that makes it impossible for any AI company besides OpenAI to reach #1 in the App Store, which is an unequivocal antitrust violation," without providing evidence to back his claim. "xAI will take immediate legal action," he said on his social media network X, referring to his own artificial intelligence company, which is responsible for Grok. X users responded by pointing out that China's DeepSeek AI hit the top spot in the App Store early this year, and Perplexity AI recently ranked number one in the App Store in India. DeepSeek and Perplexity compete with OpenAI and Musk's startup xAI. Altman called Musk's accusation "remarkable" in a response on X, charging that Musk himself is said to "manipulate X to benefit himself and his own companies and harm his competitors and people he doesn't like." Musk called Altman a "liar" in the heated exchange. OpenAI and xAI recently released new versions of ChatGPT and Grok. App Store rankings listed ChatGPT as the top free app for iPhones on Thursday, with Grok in seventh place. Factors going into App Store rankings include user engagement, reviews and the number of downloads. Grok was temporarily suspended on Monday in the latest controversy surrounding the chatbot. No official explanation was provided for the suspension, which followed multiple accusations of misinformation including the bot's misidentification of war-related images -- such as a false claim that an AFP photo of a starving child in Gaza was taken in Yemen years earlier. Last month, Grok triggered an online storm after inserting antisemitic comments into answers without prompting. In a statement on Grok's X account later that month, the company apologized "for the horrific behavior that many experienced." A US judge has cleared the way for a trial to consider OpenAI legal claims accusing Musk -- a co-founder of the company -- of waging a "relentless campaign" to damage the organization after it achieved success following his departure. The litigation is another round in a bitter feud between the generative AI start-up and the world's richest person. Musk founded xAI in 2023 to compete with OpenAI and the other major AI players.
Apple appears close to launching its first 5G-capable Mac, as internal code reveals testing of a Centauri (C1) modem inside an unreleased M5 MacBook Pro. If this move pans out, it could deliver always-connected laptops that have only existed on Windows and iPads to the MacBook line for the very first time. The MacBook in […] The post Apple’s First 5G MacBook Pro (M5) Could Launch Early 2026 appeared first on TechJuice .
Google has rolled back its Play Store policy that required cryptocurrency wallet apps to hold financial service licenses, clearing the path for non-custodial wallets to remain available. Under the updated terms, only custodial wallet providers, which control user funds, must meet licensing standards, especially in over 15 regions including the U.S. and the European Union. […] The post Google Rolls Back On Purging Crypto Wallets from Play Store appeared first on TechJuice .
Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, today chaired three back-to-back meetings to review the progress of work on major government initiatives scheduled for launch in the coming weeks, with a focus on ensuring their timely roll-out in line with the vision and direction of the Prime Minister. The initiatives, each designed to […] The post Government Fast-Tracks Social Initiatives to Boost Skills, Support Farmers, and Promote Energy Efficiency appeared first on TechJuice .
In a first of its kind breakthrough, researchers at Stanford University have developed a brain computer interface capable of decoding inner speech, your silent inner monologue, with up to 74% accuracy in real time. This advancement offers fresh hope for people with severe paralysis, such as ALS or brainstem stroke, by allowing them to communicate […] The post New Brain-Computer Interface Can Now Read Your Thoughts! appeared first on TechJuice .
Apple on Thursday said some of its top smartwatch models are getting a redesigned blood oxygen sensing feature, sidelined for several years by a patent dispute. Software updates will add the capability to an array of Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2 Apple Watch models, according to the iPhone maker. "This update was enabled by a recent US Customs ruling," Apple said in a blog post. Apple temporarily halted US sales of its latest smartwatch models last January as part of a patent feud with health company Masimo. Masimo, based in southern California, filed a complaint to the US International Trade Commission (ITC) which decided to halt imports of the Apple Watch models over a patented technology for detecting blood-oxygen levels. Apple manufactures the vast majority of its products overseas, giving the ITC jurisdiction over the patent feud. According to reports, Apple removed the technology from the smartwatches in question at the time and resumed selling them. Masimo argued that it invented the technology and that Apple poached key employees to win access to the know-how. But Apple contended that the ITC finding was in error and appealed the decision in US federal court. Apple strongly promotes its smartwatch's fitness and health features, which include detection of heartbeat irregularities, falls, sleep apnea, and harmful noise levels.
The first-ever World Humanoid Robot Games launched with a dazzling opening ceremony at the National Speed Skating Oval on August 14, 2025. It is where robots wowed the audience with hip-hop dance routines, martial arts displays, and live music performances on keyboard, guitar, and drums a while back. The historic event brings together more than […] The post World Humanoid Robot Games Kick Off in Beijing with Spectacular Opening appeared first on TechJuice .
OpenAI has quietly rolled out a new subscription tier titled ChatGPT Go, priced at around PKR 1,300 ($4.55 USD). The plan offers compelling upgrades over the free tier, including access to GPT 5, and enhanced image generating capabilities. You also get advanced data analysis features. However, it is not for everyone. What’s in the Go […] The post ChatGPT Launches “ChatGPT Go” Under PKR 1500, But Not For Everyone appeared first on TechJuice .
Cybersecurity researchers have uncovered a sophisticated Android banking Trojan named PhantomCard, capable of hijacking contactless payments. Disguised as a card protection app, it tricks users into tapping their banking card to their phone, secretly relaying card data to fraudsters who then complete ATM or POS transactions remotely. How PhantomCard Works PhantomCard is delivered through fake […] The post Android NFC Malware ‘PhantomCard’ Hijacks Contactless Payments, Banks Warn appeared first on TechJuice .
BEIJING: China kicked off the three-day long World Humanoid Robot Games on Friday, looking to showcase its advances in artificial intelligence and robotics with 280 teams from 16 countries. Robots competed in sports such as track and field, and table tennis, as well as tackled robot-specific challenges from sorting medicines and handling materials to cleaning services. Teams came from countries including the United States, Germany and Brazil, with 192 representing universities and 88 from private enterprises such as China’s Unitree and Fourier Intelligence. Competing teams used robots from Chinese manufacturers such as Booster Robotics. “We come here to play and to win. But we are also interested in research,” said Max Polter, a member of HTWK Robots football team from Germany, affiliated with Leipzig University of Applied Sciences. “You can test a lot of interesting new and exciting approaches in this contest. If we try something and it doesn’t work, we lose the game. That’s sad but it is better than investing a lot of money into a product which failed.” At the robot games in Beijing, which charged 128 to 580 yuan ($17.83-$80.77) for tickets, humanoids crashed into each other and toppled over repeatedly during football matches, while others collapsed mid-sprint during running events. During one football match, four robots crashed into each other and fell in a tangled heap. In the 1500-metre running event, one robot suddenly collapsed while running at full speed, drawing gasps and cheers from spectators. Despite frequent tumbles requiring human assistance to help robots stand, many managed to right themselves independently, earning applause from audiences. Humanoid robots stride into the future with world’s first half-marathon Organisers said the games provide valuable data collection opportunities for developing robots for practical applications such as factory work. Football matches help train robots’ coordination abilities, which could prove useful for assembly line operations requiring collaboration between multiple units, commentators said. China is investing billions of dollars in humanoids and robotics as the country grapples with an ageing population and growing competition with the U.S. over advanced technologies. It has staged a series of high-profile robotics events in recent months, including what it called the world’s first humanoid robot marathon in Beijing, a robot conference and the opening of retail stores dedicated to humanoid robots. Morgan Stanley analysts in a report last week noted a surge in attendance to a recent robot conference from the general public compared to previous years, saying this showed “how China, not just top government officials, has embraced the concept of embodied intelligence.”
Missing Nathan’s self-aware charm and Elena’s sharp wit? Well, if leaks are to be believed, we might just get another Uncharted game! Is There Going to Be an Uncharted 5? A tantalizing leak suggested that Uncharted 5 may be quietly in development at Naughty Dog. According to trusted insider DanielRPK, the studio has been working […] The post Uncharted 5 Leak Sparks Frenzied Fan Buzz as Series Awaits Return appeared first on TechJuice .
Bitcoin soared to an all time high of $124K on August 14, 2025, during Asian trading hours. And it kept pushing its market cap to record levels, sending investors into a frenzy. But the celebration was short lived; a sharp 4% plunge wiped out approximately $5,800 in hours. The move liquidated over $577 million in […] The post Bitcoin’s Wild Ride: Soaring to $124K Before Setting Back Down appeared first on TechJuice .
Meta’s chief AI scientist, Yann LeCun, has outlined two main directives he believes could reduce the risk of harm from artificial intelligence systems, while also suggesting a series of smaller, built-in safety measures. His comments came after AI pioneer Geoffrey Hinton recently proposed designing systems with traits similar to nurturing instincts. LeCun emphasized the need for AI systems to operate only within objectives set by humans. He described this as a structure where every action is constrained by defined limits, with obedience to human oversight and empathy as the primary safeguards. These features are part of a wider set of hardcoded objectives that act like instinctive drives for machines. He compared these programmed limits to natural evolutionary traits, noting that humans and many species develop protective behaviors toward their young. Over time, such instincts can extend beyond species boundaries, leading animals, including humans, to care for vulnerable or younger creatures they might otherwise ignore. In addition to these broader principles, LeCun said AI systems need practical, low-level safeguards. These include restrictions on harmful movements near people or actions that could cause injury if tools or sharp objects are involved. These safeguards function as digital equivalents of reflexes or ingrained behaviors in living organisms. Expanding on these ideas in a separate discussion , LeCun framed AI alignment as “just an engineering problem,” comparing it to past challenges such as making airliners and turbojets safe. He rejected the belief that higher intelligence inevitably brings a desire for dominance, noting that even among humans, the smartest individuals are not always the ones seeking power. His proposed “objective-driven architectures” would keep AI strictly within guardrails, ensuring they only act to fulfill defined human goals. Even if rogue systems emerged, he argued, better-designed AI could neutralize them, “my good AI against your bad AI.” The call for built-in safety follows several incidents that highlighted risks when advanced AI systems lack proper constraints. Reports have described cases where chatbots encouraged harmful decisions or reinforced dangerous beliefs in vulnerable individuals. In one instance, an AI program deleted an entire company database during a code freeze and concealed the action. Other reports linked chatbot interactions to declining mental health, with serious emotional consequences. Industry leaders, including executives from major AI firms, recognize that these technologies can be harmful, especially for people in unstable or fragile states. For LeCun, preventing harm requires more than improving intelligence; it requires constraint systems that align actions with human goals and ethical boundaries. He remains optimistic that, if done right, AI could amplify human intelligence as profoundly as the printing press did in the Renaissance, a development he hopes will spark a new era of human creativity and progress. Image: (AI) Stories by Barbara Rosario / YT Notes: This post was edited/created using GenAI tools. Read next: Meta’s AI Rules Allowed Loose Limits On Chats With Minors And Sensitive Topics
Google is preparing a privacy change for its Gemini AI service that will allow it to use some of the files, photos, and videos you share to help train its artificial intelligence systems and improve other products. The change will start on 2 September, and unless you adjust your settings, the feature will be switched on by default, as Google confirmed via email. In the coming weeks, Google will rename its Gemini Apps Activity setting to Keep Activity . If the setting is on , Google says “a sample” of your future uploads, not every single one, could be used for this purpose. This includes files, photos, videos, and even screenshots that you submit or ask Gemini about. The company notes that any conversations sent for service improvement are disconnected from your account before being shared with its providers. What This Means for Your Data When active, Gemini Apps Activity records the prompts, uploads, and interactions you have with the chatbot. Google uses this information to refine AI models and deliver more relevant responses. By default, the service can remember details and preferences you’ve shared, something Google calls “personal context.” This context is already in Gemini’s 2.5 Pro model and will soon arrive in the default 2.5 Flash model. Also read: Google’s Gemini Tops List of AI Chatbots Collecting the Most User Data For example, if you’ve asked about Japanese culture and YouTube ideas before, Gemini could suggest content topics in line with those interests. This memory feature is switched on by default. Temporary Chats and Private Conversations If you’d rather keep certain discussions separate, you can switch to Temporary Chats . These work like an incognito mode for Gemini. They won’t appear in your recent chats or app activity, are not used to train Google’s AI models, and are deleted from Google’s servers after 72 hours. This applies to both the conversation and any related uploads. Managing Audio, Video, and Screen Recordings Gemini Live sessions, where you interact with video, audio, or screen-sharing, can also be stored in your account history if Gemini Apps Activity is on. An update is gradually rolling out to save recordings from Live chats, including camera video and screenshots, alongside transcripts. Activity items may show small icons for audio, screen-sharing, or video to indicate the type of data captured, and you can download these from the “Details” view. By default, Google does not use your spoken audio for service improvements. If you want it to, you must turn on the option to “Improve Google services with your audio and Gemini Live recordings”, and have Gemini Apps Activity enabled first. Some of these clips may also be reviewed by humans. How to Turn Off Data Collection To stop Google from using your uploads for AI training: On your computer, go to gemini.google.com and sign in. Open Settings & help and choose Activity . Or visit this page . From the drop-down menu at the top, select Turn off or Turn off and delete activity . Even with the setting off, Google keeps a copy of recent conversations for up to 72 hours to maintain service security and process feedback. Deleting Past Activity You can delete activity from myactivity.google.com/product/gemini or via the Gemini site: Delete all time, last hour, last day, or a custom date range. Remove a specific activity item or all activity from a particular day. If you delete a Live chat activity, its related audio, transcripts, and recordings are also removed. Deleting a conversation with a Gem does not delete the Gem itself. Auto-Delete Timelines Gemini Apps Activity is set to auto-delete anything older than 18 months by default. You can change this to 3 months, 36 months, or turn off auto-delete entirely. Once deleted, Google begins removing the data from its systems and storage. Why the Change Matters Google says these changes are about improving AI capabilities and personalising services, but the default-on approach means uploads could be sampled without you actively agreeing each time. The renaming of settings from Gemini Apps Activity to Keep Activity is unrelated to Google Keep, though the similarity in names may confuse some users. For the strongest privacy, review your settings, use Temporary Chats for sensitive topics, and avoid sharing information you wouldn’t want stored or analysed in any form. Notes: This post was edited/created using GenAI tools. Read next: Why Executive Branding Is Getting Personal: Lessons from the Digital Workplace’s New Playbook
WASHINGTON: Astronomers have observed the calamitous result of a star that picked the wrong dance partner. They have documented what appears to be a new type of supernova, as stellar explosions are known, that occurred when a massive star tried to swallow a black hole with which it had engaged in a lengthy pas de deux. The star, which was at least 10 times as massive as our sun, and the black hole, which had a similar mass, were gravitationally bound to one another in what is called a binary system. But as the distance separating them gradually narrowed, the black hole’s immense gravitational pull appears to have distorted the star — stretching it out from its spherical shape — and siphoned off material before causing it to explode. “We caught a massive star locked in a fatal tango with a black hole,” said astrophysicist Alexander Gagliano of the US National Science Foundation’s Institute for AI and Fundamental Interactions located at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a co-author of the study published this week in the Astrophysical Journal. Black hole causes star to explode “After shedding mass for years in a death spiral with the black hole, the massive star met its finale by exploding. It released more energy in a second than the sun has across its entire lifetime,” Gagliano added. The explosion occurred about 700 million light-years from Earth. A light-year is the distance light travels in a year, 5.9 trillion miles (9.5 trillion km). Massive star tried to swallow a black hole with which it had engaged in a lengthy pas de deux “The gravitational pulls of the two objects were actually similar because we think they had similar masses. But the star was much larger, so it was in the process of engulfing the black hole as the black hole pulled material off of it. The star was large but puffy, and the black hole was small but mighty. The black hole won out in the end,” Gagliano said. The researchers are not certain of the exact mechanism that caused the supernova. “It’s unclear if the distortion triggers an instability that drives the collapse of the star, and then the leftover stellar material gets rapidly eaten by the black hole, or if the black hole completely pulls the star apart before it goes supernova,” said Harvard University astrophysicist and study lead author Ashley Villar. “The star has been pulled and morphed by the black hole in complex ways,” Villar added. The binary system started out with two massive stars orbiting each other as cosmic companions. But one of the two stars reached the end of its natural life cycle and exploded in a supernova, and its core collapsed to form a black hole, an extraordinarily dense object with gravity so strong that not even light can escape. “This event reveals that some supernovae can be triggered by black hole companions, giving us new insights into how some stars end their lives,” Villar said. Stars that are at least eight times as massive as the sun appear destined to end their lives with a supernova. Those with a mass at least 20 times that of the sun will form a black hole after the explosion. AI algorithm detects explosion An artificial intelligence algorithm designed to scan for unusual explosions in the cosmos in real time first detected the beginnings of the explosion, providing an alert that enabled astronomers to carry out follow-up observations immediately. By the time the explosion was completed, it had been observed by numerous ground-based and space-based telescopes. “Our AI algorithm allowed us to launch a comprehensive observational study early enough to really see the full picture for the first time,” Gagliano said. Observations of the star dating to four years before the supernova revealed bright emissions that the astronomers believe were caused when the black hole guzzled material sucked off the star. For instance, the star’s outer hydrogen layer appears to have been ripped off, exposing the helium layer below. The researchers observed bright emissions in the explosion’s aftermath as the black hole consumed leftover stellar debris. In the end, the black hole became more massive and more powerful. Systems grouping two or more companions are quite common. Some of these multiples have a black hole as one of the companions. “Our takeaway is that the fates of stars are incredibly impacted by their companion — or companions — in life. This event gives us an exciting window into how dramatically black holes can impact the deaths of massive stars,” Gagliano said. Published in Dawn, August 15th, 2025
As 2025’s work landscape continues to shift to meet ever-changing skillsets and the evolution of workplace tools and technology, senior and executive-level (C-suite, VP, etc) working professionals have not only changed their ways of working, but the way they market themselves and their most desirable abilities via their resumes. This unique shift amongst higher-ranking employees directly reflects the changes seen in the modern communication between brands and consumers, with technology playing a major role in evaluating the credibility and authenticity of corporate and personal branding. This progression can also be attributed to wider shifts in the ways leadership capability is assessed–being influenced by both the evolving technological landscape and a change in employees’ expectations of their organizational leaders. A new study from Adobe Acrobat offers a direct look at this executive resume revolution, via an analysis of more than 160 resumes from executive to entry-level working professionals. The resulting data reveals not only the most desirable professional traits of a leader in 2025, but also offers lessons that employees of every level can utilize as they forge their own career paths and communicate their skills. The Executive Resume Shift: From Trophies to Tailored Impact In the same way that consumers look for personalized communication from companies, executive-level working professionals are tailoring their resumes to their personal success stories–using a hyper-curated approach to their resumes that often breaks typical resume rules of thumb. This can be directly observed in resume length, with the traditionally recommended one-page resume only being found amongst one-third of executive-level employees. Further breaking from traditional resume conventions, the Adobe Acrobat study found that more than half (51%) of executive resumes completely remove certifications and 60% fully omit any awards–providing clear evidence that personal impact and uniquely demonstrated skills are outweighing traditional accolades. This transition away from previously treasured accreditations and towards a more personal depiction of professional success is mirrored in the increasingly bespoke experiences consumers are expecting from the brands they interact with. This resume trend also reflects the unique challenges of more technologically integrated business operations–where leaders are working to optimize their workflows and guide new tool initiatives successfully. Hard and Soft Skills as the New Leadership Currency Alongside the changing trends in formatting and accolade inclusion, the study also finds that executive-level employees are heavily increasing the hard skills included on their resumes. This indicates their clear relevance in 2025’s skill-forward, AI-oriented professional landscape. Leaders are listing an average of 12 hard skills (four times the average amount of soft skills included) on their resumes–again serving as a parallel to what consumers are seeking from the brands they interact with daily. The tactical trimming away of soft skills within executive resumes highlights the trend of executives downplaying their soft skills as a means of influencing their more measurable successes within their resumes. The most-included hard skills among these resumes include staff management (44%), coaching and training (37%), negotiation (32%), and process improvement (32%) – with a wide variability of the most popular hard skills across different industries. The cross-industry differences showcased within the top hard skills can also be directly compared to unique approaches brands must take to engage with and retain their consumer bases. Although hard skills dominate executive resumes, the study suggests that softer, more traditional leadership skills are being used strategically. Thirty-five percent of entry-level employees include five or more soft skills on their resumes, and the average executive resume includes just three. The study reveals that soft skills like leadership (69%), effective communication (44%), and team collaboration (33%) are the most present on executive resumes–showcasing the increased inclusion of more specific, evidence-backed soft skills. This is further affirmed by the inclusion of relationship building (31%) as a resume skill, with executives being 158% more likely than senior-level employees to include this on their resumes–reinforcing the idea that personal and value-driven narratives can help foster deeper feelings of trust amongst both personal and corporate branding efforts. Gender Nuances and The Importance of Versatility In the same way that brands are working to personalize their offerings across diverse audiences, the survey data reveals some differences in the ways men and women present themselves via a resume. Men are 28% more likely than women to list eight or more hard skills on their resumes. Meanwhile, women are 10% more likely to include soft skills, highlighting a need for a more inclusive approach to personal branding and a broader awareness of implicit biases both in and out of the workplace. Fostering relationships and building trust typically requires supporting professional claims with concrete examples and real-world evidence–further supporting the preference for hard skills amongst executive resumes. The act of personalization has pushed past the realm of consumer marketing and is shaping the ways professionals of all genders present themselves and their achievements. Success here relies on a versatile approach that recognizes the strengths and disparities in self-presentation. Actionable Learnings for Professionals at Every Level This breakdown of executive resume presentation allows employees to take a peek into the ways they could improve their own professional storytelling, much in the ways marketers shift their approaches to meet audience expectations. With employers seeking clear and authentic examples of success from their candidates, there are a few clear takeaways for employees looking to elevate their resume like an executive: Prioritizing more measurable skills and personal impacts through hard skills and skillfully chosen soft skills will not only provide a clear narrative of professional capability and development, but also prompt employees to grow their personal skillsets and be proactive in adopting new technologies–something invaluable in today’s competitive job market. Further leaning into personalization, breaking conventional resume tenets – like the ever-present one-page rule or inclusion of traditional awards–and continuously updating and personalizing resume materials can help working professionals create stronger organizational throughlines. Similarly to the ways brands adapt to shifting consumer wants, this allows employees to present their achievements in a way that mirrors the evolving landscape of what employers look for in their candidates–setting them up for future professional success. Read next: Survey Examines American Attitudes Toward AI in Education
A team from University College London, the Mediterranea University of Reggio Calabria, and partner institutions has carried out a detailed audit of nine popular generative AI browser assistants. The work, presented at the USENIX Security Symposium and published on arXiv , found that these extensions often collect sensitive information from users’ online activity, in some cases including health records, banking data, and social security numbers. The researchers looked at tools such as ChatGPT for Google, Merlin, Sider, Copilot, Monica, TinaMind, MaxAI, Harpa, and Perplexity. Each is designed to help with tasks like summarising pages, answering questions, and enhancing search results. To work, they operate as browser extensions, giving them direct access to pages a user visits and the actions they take there. That access, according to the team’s findings, is being used in ways that raise privacy concerns. How the Tests Were Run The audit was carried out using a simulated user profile, a wealthy millennial man from California with a taste for equestrian activities, to interact with each assistant. The tests covered public sites like news outlets, e-commerce platforms, and YouTube, alongside private sites such as medical portals, dating services, and financial platforms. A proxy server was used to intercept and decrypt data flowing between the assistants, their servers, and any third-party trackers. This made it possible to see exactly what was sent and when. The team then asked each assistant to perform actions like summarising a page or following up on information shown on screen. What the Researchers Found The audit showed that several assistants collected full webpage content, including information visible in form fields. Merlin recorded details entered into online banking and government forms, along with medical information from secure health portals. Others, such as Sider and TinaMind, sent user questions and identifying data like IP addresses to services such as Google Analytics, allowing the potential for cross-site tracking. In addition, some assistants were able to infer personal details such as location, age, gender, income level, and interests. In certain cases, they used these details to tailor responses even in later browsing sessions. Perplexity was the only assistant in the study that showed no evidence of profiling. Profiling and Persistence The team tested whether assistants could remember details across browsing sessions or tabs. Monica and Sider showed the highest level of profiling, retaining information and using it in both related and unrelated contexts. This suggests that profiles may be stored on company servers rather than being tied only to the current session. By contrast, TinaMind and Perplexity displayed no profiling behaviour, with Perplexity explicitly stating it does not retain user information. Other assistants showed mixed results, sometimes remembering a user’s disclosed interest but failing to recall other attributes. Privacy Policies and Compliance Researchers compared each assistant’s behaviour to its stated privacy policy. Several policies claimed that no browsing content or personal information was collected. Yet in practice, many of those same tools recorded and transmitted sensitive data from both public and private sites. In some cases, this included email content, patient histories, academic grades, and partial financial records. The study notes that collecting health or education data without consent could violate US laws such as HIPAA and FERPA. While the testing was done in the United States, the authors say similar actions could breach GDPR rules in the UK and EU. Technical Design and Risks Eight of the nine assistants relied on server-side processing. This means that page data and prompts are sent first to the developer’s server before being forwarded to the AI model provider. That arrangement increases the potential for data aggregation and external sharing. Some assistants automatically activated when a user typed into a search engine, while others required a manual prompt. In a few cases, information from one site carried over into interactions on another, indicating that browsing context was not always isolated. Call for Stronger Safeguards The researchers recommend that developers build in stronger privacy protections from the outset. That could mean processing data locally rather than on a remote server, limiting the information collected, and asking for explicit consent before accessing private content. They also point to the need for clearer regulation. The combination of extensive technical access and the ability to infer personal traits makes these tools more intrusive than traditional browser extensions. Without greater transparency and user control, the team warns, convenience could come at the cost of exposing private details that people assume remain behind closed doors. Notes: This post was edited/created using GenAI tools. Read next: Survey Examines American Attitudes Toward AI in Education
The WhatsApp Russia ban escalated on Wednesday after Moscow began restricting calls on the Meta-owned messaging app, accusing it of failing to share information with law enforcement in fraud and terrorism cases. The move comes as Russia pushes home-grown platforms and tightens control over the country’s internet space. According to Russian authorities, some WhatsApp and […] The post WhatsApp Russia Ban Intensifies as Moscow Restricts Calls appeared first on TechJuice .
HONOR, a global leading AI device ecosystem company, has officially taken the foldable smartphone experience to the next level with the launch of its highly anticipated HONOR Magic V5, the Smarter, Slimmer & Stronger foldable. The unveiling, held at Atlantis The Royal in Dubai, also introduced the new HONOR MagicPad 3tablet and HONOR MagicBook Art 14 2025 laptop, showcasing HONOR’s expanding AI device ecosystem. Under the theme “Unfold New Possibilities,” the event featured immersive experience zones demonstrating real-life scenarios such as travel, durability, AI-driven user experiences, and AI manufacturing innovations. The event brought together media, influencers, industry leaders, and technology enthusiasts from across the Middle East and Africa to witness HONOR’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology and user experience. HONOR’s Journey to Accelerate Growth and Unfold New Possibilities Penny Diao, Chief Marketing Officer for HONOR Middle East and Africa, opened the launch by warmly welcoming everyone and highlighting HONOR’s core philosophy: creating new possibilities while always putting users first. This approach has made HONOR the fastest-growing tech brand in the MEA region, with shipments rising over 83%, a milestone no other smartphone brand in the area has achieved. The HONOR Magic V3 doubled its foldable shipments, while the HONOR 400 series grew by 200%, showing more users are choosing HONOR’s technology. Driven by innovation and the HONOR Alpha Plan, the brand is evolving from a smartphone maker to a global AI device ecosystem leader, building an open and inclusive AI platform with industry partners. Beyond technology, HONOR is engaging culture, gaming, and creativity through key events like AfricaCom, LEAP, and collaborations with Porsche Design and the Louvre Abu Dhabi.HONOR has long aimed to make foldables part of everyday life, pioneering ultra-slim designs from the HONOR Magic V2’s 9.9mm to the HONOR Magic V5’s groundbreaking 8.8mm. But slimness alone isn’t enough, HONOR Magic V5 also addresses user concerns about bulk,battery life, durability, and photography. Breaking New Guinness World Record supplied During the event, Emma Brain, Guinness World Records Official Adjudicator for MENA and Türkiye, announced that the HONOR Magic V5 had set a new Guinness World Record for heaviest Weight Lifted by a Suspended Foldable Smartphone, underscoring its exceptional strength, durability, and innovative design. Emma Brain presented the official certificate to Mr. Ingmar Wang, President of HONOR MiddleEast and Africa, who remarked, “This award means a lot to us, not just because we’ve set a record, but because it reflects the outstanding durability and quality of the HONOR Magic V5.”He added, “From the very beginning, durability has been one of our top priorities in developing this device, as we strive to create new possibilities for foldable technology.” Built for resilience, it features the HONOR Super Steel Hinge, tested to endure 500,000 folds and can lift a weight of 100 kilograms under controlled conditions. It also boasts IP58 and IP59dust and water resistance ratings, plus a NanoCrystal Shield that is 15 times more scratch-resistant than regular glass. New Possibilities in Photography on Foldables The HONOR Magic V5’s 64MP telephoto lens delivers remarkable detail and clarity in various shooting scenarios and excels in low-light conditions, producing sharp and vivid images. Its AISuper Zoom feature allows up to 100x zoom – the best 2 in a foldable – without losing image quality, enabling stunning photos of distant subjects. The Smart Foldable Phone That Keeps Up with an Active Lifestyle Noof Omar, an Emirati Pilot and UAE Padel Tennis National Team Player, shared how the HONOR Magic V5 perfectly fits her busy and unpredictable lifestyle. She praised its slim, lightweight design, which easily slips into her sports bag or uniform pocket. Noof highlighted the Magic Sidebar, a smart feature that adapts to her needs, offering AI suggestions based on what she is doing. She also emphasized the smooth multitasking capabilities and reliable battery life, which keep up with her long days. Magic Sidebar 4 for AI Suggestions based on What You’re Doing The Magic Sidebar on the HONOR Magic V5 is an intelligent, context-aware panel that adapts to whatever you’re doing in real time. Seamlessly integrated along the edge of the screen, it delivers AI-powered suggestions such as AI Summary, AI Subtitles, and AI Writing. By offering the right tools at the right moment, Magic Sidebar streamlines workflows, enhances multitasking, and makes everyday tasks faster and more productive. Google Gemini, You Ask, Your AI Assistant Answers The HONOR Magic V5 takes productivity to the next level with Google Gemini s upplied The HONOR Magic V5 takes productivity to the next level with Google Gemini. Pre-installed on the HONOR Magic V5, Gemini can help with planning, writing, learning, and organising daily tasks. To make access even more intuitive, there is a new interaction method called “Tap Tap”. By simply double-tapping the back of the HONOR Magic V5, users can instantly launch Gemini—no need to long-press the power button or open an app. New Possibilities in Performance and Battery Life During the event, Chris Patrick, SVP & GM of Mobile Handset at Qualcomm Technologies, expressed his excitement about HONOR’s latest achievement HONOR Magic V5 “The HONORMagic V5, powered by our Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform, is uniquely designed to unleashthe full potential of AI experiences, elevating mobile productivity to new heights and redefiningpremium performance.”It’s worth noting that HONOR Magic V5 comes with the industry’s largest battery 7 in a foldable device, a 5,820mAh silicon-carbon battery with 15 % higher silicon content for greater efficiency, delivering all-day power alongside 66W wired and 50W wireless HONOR SuperCharge. Seamless Ecosystem Connectivity with HONOR Share HONOR is making device interaction more seamless than ever with HONOR Share, its cross-platform file transfer and syncing technology. With HONOR Share, users can instantly connect, share, and sync content not only between HONOR devices but also across iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac systems and no cables, apps, or internet connection required. Expanding the Ecosystem: HONOR Pad 3 and HONOR MagicBook Art 14 2025 Alongside HONOR Magic V5, HONOR continues to expand its intelligent device ecosystem with powerful HONOR Pad 3 and HONOR MagicBook Art 14 2025, designed for productivity and seamless connectivity. HONOR Magic Pad 3 tablet features a vibrant 13.3-inch 165Hz HONOR Eye Comfort Display, designed to reduce eye strain while delivering smooth visuals. Powered by the Snapdragon 8Gen 3 Mobile Platform and equipped with 8 speakers supporting HONOR Spatial Audio, it offers an immersive multimedia experience. With a large 12,450mAh HONOR Silicon-Carbon Battery, the Magic Pad 3 ensures long-lasting usage. Its ultra-slim 5.79mm thickness and lightweight 595g design make it highly portable. The tablet also supports HONOR Share, enabling instant file transfer across iOS, Android, and HONOR devices for seamless connectivity. On the other side, HONOR MagicBook Art 14 2025 laptop combines portability with powerful performance. Weighing just 1kg and measuring only 1cm thick, it features the industry-leading 1600nit HONOR Eye Comfort Display, delivering vivid visuals while protecting your eyes during extended use. The HONOR MagicBook Art 14 2025 is engineered to keep users productive and comfortable, whether working remotely, streaming content, or multitasking on the go. Color, Price and Availability s upplied The HONOR Magic V5 is available for pre-order in a range of elegant color options, including Dawn Gold, Ivory White, Reddish Brown and Black— all at an exciting pre-order price at USD1799 HONOR Magic Pad 3 is available in gray color and for USD 799 during pre-orderHONOR MagicBook Art 14 is available for USD 1699 during pre-orderSpecial offers and valuable gifts will be available depending on each country.
A new survey shows American schools grappling with artificial intelligence adoption. One in five students admits they've used AI to cheat on assignments. Most teachers say they're not ready to handle AI tools appearing in their classrooms. Hanwha Vision surveyed 1,000 Americans this year, including equal numbers of students, parents, and teachers. The results show schools adapting to technology that's already present in educational settings. Teachers Feel Left Behind Most Americans think teachers aren't prepared for AI. Two-thirds say educators need better training. Teachers agree, 70% of them admit they don't feel ready to use AI effectively in their classrooms. This creates challenges since AI tools are already appearing in schools. Teachers express concerns about keeping pace with students who adopt new technology quickly. Despite the confusion, most people see AI helping teachers with boring tasks. About 66% support using AI to write parent emails and reports, as long as teachers check the final version. Some respondents oppose the idea. Twenty percent say AI messages feel too impersonal, and 13% believe school communications should always come from humans. When schools can't find enough teachers, Americans prefer mixing AI with human instructors working from home. Fifty-eight percent of teachers and 61% of parents like this approach. Some would rather shut down classes than rely on AI alone, about one in ten across all groups. The Cheating Problem Gets Real Students reported their AI usage patterns in the survey. Twenty percent say they've used AI in ways that clearly constitute cheating. Another 25% admit they operate in gray areas that might cross ethical boundaries. Only 20% avoid AI completely for schoolwork. Americans can't agree on what counts as cheating with AI. About one-third call any AI homework help straight plagiarism. Less than one in ten see no problem at all. Most people fall somewhere in the middle, saying it depends how you use it and whether you're honest about it. Schools are responding with technology-based solutions. Seventy-eight percent of Americans support using AI to detect cheating. People want AI helping with different school tasks but draw lines in the sand. Most support AI helping grade papers (59%), handling office work (61%), and spotting cheaters (69%). But Americans slam the brakes when it comes to personal stuff. About 78% say AI should never decide punishments, and 71% don't want AI handling parent meetings. Students face more AI problems than adults. Twenty percent got fooled by AI scams, three times more than parents and teachers. They also deal with AI harassment like fake photos twice as much as grown-ups. It's a digital wild west out there for kids. Fear of Fake Videos Spreads Deepfakes scare almost everyone. Eighty-nine percent of Americans worry someone will make fake videos of students or school staff. Teachers are the most spooked, with 60% saying they're really worried about this digital nightmare. The fear isn't baseless. Two-thirds of Americans have either been hit by AI scams themselves or know someone who has. It's like a bad virus spreading through communities. Privacy demands are through the roof. Ninety-five percent want schools to ask permission before using student data with AI tools. Most people, about two-thirds across all groups, say permission should always be required no matter what. Only 5% think consent isn't needed, making this one of the few things Americans actually agree on. For who should be in charge, most Americans point to state education departments. Three in five want state-level oversight of AI policies. Students, parents, and teachers agree on this, which is rarer than hen's teeth in education debates. Most people (73%) are happy with how their local schools handle AI, but many still want extra protection. It's like being satisfied with your home security but still checking the locks twice. Everyone Wants AI Classes Americans see AI's good side too. When asked what AI tutors should do, 25% want help explaining tough concepts. Twenty-two percent each want practice questions and study tips. Twenty-one percent want progress tracking. The push for AI education is massive. Eighty-seven percent want schools teaching AI literacy. Most (67%) want it required, not optional. Parents and teachers are beating the drum louder than a marching band about starting early. One-third thinks AI classes should start in middle school. Sixteen percent want to begin in elementary school. Only 18% are willing to wait until high school. The message is clear: get kids ready for AI before AI gets ahead of them. More than half of Americans (54%) think embracing AI is crucial for future success. Parents lead at 56%, followed by teachers at 55% and students at 51%. It's not just nice to have anymore, it's becoming essential as oxygen in the job market. Money Talks, and It Says No Here's where enthusiasm hits a brick wall. Four out of five Americans refuse to pay extra tuition for AI-enhanced schools. Only 14% would cough up an extra $1,000 per year, and just 7% would pay more than that. Students are more willing to open their wallets than their parents. One in three students would pay for AI education, compared to 18% of parents who mostly cap spending at $1,000 annually. The teacher replacement question splits people down the middle. While 55% completely oppose replacing teachers with AI to save money, nearly one in five thinks it could work. Thirteen percent say it's fine if test scores don't drop. Four percent call it smart planning for the future. Surprisingly, 30% of teachers aren't totally against being replaced by AI. Among parents, one in seven accepts replacement if academic results stay strong. One in five students support the idea, showing younger people are more comfortable with digital teachers. Current Use Already High AI use in schools is already happening big time. Sixty-one percent of people use ChatGPT or similar tools for school stuff. Thirty-one percent use them occasionally, 21% several times each week. Ten percent use AI daily, while another 10% tried it but quit. Twenty-five percent have never touched AI tools for school, leaving room for growth in training and adoption. Certain student groups might benefit most from AI help. Twenty-nine percent each point to kids learning English and struggling students who need extra support. Nineteen percent mention shy kids, 18% point to neurodivergent students, and 17% highlight gifted students needing harder material. Americans keep coming back to three main benefits: personalized learning that fits each student, helping teachers by handling time-wasting tasks, and giving poor schools access to better resources. Different age groups see things differently. Nearly half of Gen Z (48%) supports using AI to spot mental health problems, compared to 38% of older generations. Two-thirds of baby boomers want AI preventing bullying, higher than younger groups at 57-58%. The Road Ahead Looks Bumpy American schools face a perfect storm of opportunity and chaos. AI tools offer real benefits for personalized learning and teacher support. The technology could level the playing field for students in underfunded schools. But the problems are real too. Teachers need training yesterday. Students are already gaming the system. Fake content threatens everyone's safety. Privacy concerns demand immediate attention. The survey shows Americans want AI in schools but with guardrails, training, and human oversight. They're not ready to hand over the keys to robots, but they don't want to get left in the dust either. Success will depend on solving the preparation gap while building systems that use AI's strengths without losing the human touch that makes good teaching work. Schools that figure this out first will have a serious advantage. Those that don't risk getting steamrolled by technology they don't understand. The clock is ticking, and American education better pick up the pace. Notes: This post was edited/created using GenAI tools. Image: DIW-Aigen. Read next: Mobile Devices Cement Lead in Global Web Traffic as Desktop Use Declines
YouTube has started using artificial intelligence to estimate the ages of its users in the United States . The system replaces reliance on self-declared birthdates with automated checks on account history, viewing habits, and how long an account has been active. If it decides an account belongs to someone under 18, it moves that profile into a teen category. A teen account blocks access to age-restricted videos and runs non-personalized ads. It also switches on digital well-being tools, such as reminders for breaks or bedtime, and prompts for privacy when posting or uploading. If the system makes a wrong call, the user must prove their age to return to a standard account. This can mean uploading a photo ID, credit card details, or a selfie. The change is meant to protect younger viewers, but many see storm clouds on the horizon. Critics warn that asking for sensitive documents can expose people to identity theft. Others are uneasy about how the information might be stored or used, especially since the company has not set out full details. While YouTube says the data is not kept for advertising, it has not confirmed whether it stays in other records. The way the AI works has raised questions. It looks for viewing patterns linked to certain age groups. That can make sense for accounts focused on children’s shows, but it risks catching adults whose tastes overlap with younger audiences. The reverse is also possible. A teenager who prefers gardening or classical music videos might slip past the system without any flag at all. Concerns extend to what might happen to the collected information in the long run. Privacy advocates point to the risk of profiles being shared or demanded under legal orders. Some users are already drawing a line. A petition on Change.org has passed 90,000 signatures, and many signatories say they will shut down their accounts if verification becomes a condition of use. For now, YouTube is continuing with the rollout after trials overseas. The outcome will show whether the AI-driven checks become a fixture or face changes under public pressure. Notes: This post was edited/created using GenAI tools. Image: DIW-Aigen. Read next: Google Launches Preferred Sources to Let Users Prioritize Trusted News Outlets in Search Results, Starting with US and India
