Tech and Gadgets

OnePlus is set to retire its iconic Alert Slider in favor of a customizable Action Button, as confirmed by CEO Pete Lau in a community post. This new button will offer more functionality beyond just silent mode, allowing users to personalize their experience while also optimizing device design. While Lau calls this an "evolution," it likely means the Alert Slider won't return, with the OnePlus 13 possibly being the last device to feature it.

A study by researchers from the University of Zurich and the University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich suggests that OpenAI’s ChatGPT may exhibit signs of "anxiety" when exposed to distressing prompts, leading to biased responses. While AI does not experience emotions like humans, its replies to traumatic narratives sometimes reflected anxious tendencies, including racial and gender biases. Researchers tested mindfulness-based prompts and found that relaxation techniques helped neutralize ChatGPT's responses.

Elon Musk's social media platform X (formerly Twitter) experienced a large-scale outage on March 10, leading Musk to suggest it was due to a massive cyber attack. Users reported login failures and glitches, with over 40,000 outage reports recorded. Speculations include a politically motivated attack or organized group involvement, prompting cybersecurity experts to investigate.

A viral video reveals how an AI-generated mistake led to nearly two dozen flawed research papers, sparking concerns about automation in academia. The error, originating from a mistranslation in a 1959 paper, went unnoticed by peer reviewers. This incident underscores the risks of unchecked AI in research and the necessity for rigorous human oversight.

Charging your iPhone to 100% can harm its battery life, advises Apple. Instead, limit the charge to around 95% to maintain battery health. Utilize the Optimized Battery Charging feature and stick to certified Apple chargers to extend your phone's lifespan. This easy adjustment takes just 20 seconds but can significantly benefit your iPhone's battery longevity.

Apple has unveiled the M3 Ultra with Mac Studio. The M3 Ultra improves efficiency over the M3. Mac Studio’s form factor is built for creators.

Meta AI is bringing advanced features to WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and Messenger. Users can enjoy benefits like AI-generated posts, personalized images, and creative editing tools. It enables game creation and editing enhancements without coding. Meta AI also offers language support in 22 countries. This integration is transforming social media experiences, making interactions more creative and dynamic.

Apple has launched the new iPad Air, now powered by the M3 chip, delivering up to 2x faster performance than its M1 predecessor. Available in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes, it supports Apple Intelligence, 5G connectivity, and accessories like the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil Pro. The M3 chip enhances graphics, AI-driven tasks, and overall efficiency, making it ideal for productivity and creativity. Apple also updated the standard iPad with the A16 chip, doubling its storage.

Nothing has launched the Phone (3a) and Phone (3a) Pro, featuring a Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor, Nothing OS 3.1 (Android 15), and a 6.77-inch 120Hz display with 3000-nit peak brightness. The Phone (3a) Pro includes a periscope telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom and 60x AI zoom, while the Phone (3a) has a 50MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom. Priced from Rs 24,999, both models offer AI enhancements, improved cameras, and long-term software support.

NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope has captured the birth of a star in the Herbig-Haro 30 system. The image offers a look into star formation, showing particles, dust, and light arcs. The discovery may provide crucial insights into how stars and planets form, potentially impacting our understanding of the solar system's origins.

Qualcomm launched its Dragonwing brand at Mobile World Congress 2025. Dragonwing focuses on industrial and embedded IoT, enterprise, and networking solutions. It integrates AI, high-performance computing, and advanced connectivity. Designed for scalability, speed, and reliability, it benefits industries like energy, utilities, retail, supply chain, manufacturing, and telecom. A demo showcased a drone solution for monitoring large facilities.

Apple CEO Tim Cook has teased the new Macbook Air on X; the new MacBook Air is expected to feature the M4 chip. The short teaser said there is something in the air

Google Pixel 9a is expected to launch in March 2025; the ‘a’ series Pixel device is generally a mid-year launch in the Pixel Cycle. The device is generally priced lower than the flagship variants

Noise Master Buds are priced at Rs.7,999 and the buds have been tuned by Bose Sound. The buds feature active noise cancellation