Tech

iOS 18.5 Developer Beta 1 Update for iPhone Rolls Out With Minor Changes, Bug Fixes


Apple on Wednesday released the iOS 18.5 Developer Beta 1 update for the iPhone to developers and beta testers. Apple’s latest update is not a substantial introduction but still includes a handful of minor changes to the Mail app and AppleCare information. Further, it also introduces system stability improvements and resolves bugs and issues related to the Apple Vision Pro app, StoreKit, Writing Tools, and more on the iPhone.

iOS 18.5 Developer Beta 1 Update: Changes

iOS 18.5 Developer Beta 1 arrives two days after Apple released iOS 18.4, which introduced iPhone features such as Visual Intelligence on the iPhone 15 Pro models, new emojis, Image Playground styles, and more. As per MacRumors, users can now toggle Contact Photos directly from the Mail app’s interface by tapping the three-dot option in the top-right corner of the screen. It also allows for turning off the Group by Sender setting on the iPhone.

A new banner for AppleCare coverage now appears in the Settings app. Users need to navigate to Settings > General > AppleCare and Warranty. They can learn more about the coverage they’ve purchased by tapping the link. Alongside, the update introduces an option to manage the AppleCare plan by heading over to your Apple Account and selecting a device from the device list.

In addition to these features, the iOS 18.5 Developer Beta 1 update includes fixes for an issue related to the Apple Vision Pro app which the company debuted with its iOS 18.4 update. The app caters to the company’s mixed reality (MR) headset and enables users to download apps and games, discover films and shows, and get tips for the Vision Pro via the App Store. Users running iOS 18.4 Beta 1 reported an issue which caused the app to launch with a black screen. The latest update rectifies this problem.

Additionally, it brings a fix for a bug which resulted in the isEligibleForIntroOffer(for:) function returning false if the user is not signed in. The changelog says the update also fixes a function issue related to Apple’s Writing Tools. Apple is expected to release iOS 18.5 next month, in line with previous iterations.

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Sony Xperia 1 VII CAD Renders Reportedly Leak; Tipped to See Minimal Design Changes





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James Webb Space Telescope Reveals a Stunning Einstein Ring in Hydrus


James Webb Space Telescope has recently captured a detailed image of an unusual cosmic occurrence. The latest images released by European Space Agency shows a glowing ring in the depths of space. It also reveals an effect that is caused by a massive galaxy bending light from another galaxy hidden behind it. The phenomenon has been recorded in the constellation Hydrus. It has been observed that light from the background galaxy forms a ring due to gravitational bending.

Formation of the Einstein Ring

According to the European Space Agency and the Canadian Space Agency the sight captured is known as an Einstein ring. It was reported that the effect is caused when a massive object bends light from another galaxy located behind it. The report further highlights that the foreground galaxy shown in the images belongs to a cluster known as SMACSJ0028.2-7537. The light from a distant spiral galaxy is being curved by the gravitational pull of the elliptical galaxy in front.

As per the official statement from ESA, the effect is a classic case of Albert Einstein’s theory of general relativity. The agency highlighted that the large objects in space can warp space-time, which in turn, forces light to travel around them in curved paths. The report further mentioned that when the observer, the light source and the massive object align perfectly, the light appears as a full ring.

Significance of Gravitational Lensing

The image was shared as part of the March picture of the month initiative by the space agencies. The images were capture using the Near Infrared Camera instrument on the James Webb Space Telescope with the help of Hubble Space Telescope’s Wide Field Camera 3 and Advanced Camera for Surveys.

It is also reported that such lensing phenomena assist astronomers in studying distant galaxies that would otherwise be too faint to observe. The ESA further noted that the magnification effect helps reveal the structure and composition of galaxies that existed shortly after the Big Bang

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NASA Astronaut Zena Cardman Appointed to Lead SpaceX Crew-11 Mission to ISS


NASA astronaut Zena Cardman has been appointed to lead the upcoming SpaceX Crew-11 mission to the International Space Station (ISS). The mission is scheduled for launch in July. Cardman will take command of the four-member crew following her removal from a previous mission last year. She will be accompanied by Pilot Mike Fincke from NASA, Mission Specialist Kimiya Yui from Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Mission Specialist Oleg Platonov from the Russian space agency Roscosmos. Crew-11 will transport the team to the orbiting laboratory for an extended stay.

Crew Composition and Mission Details

According to an announcement by NASA officials, Cardman’s appointment to Crew-11 comes after her removal from SpaceX’s Crew-9 mission in August last year. That decision had been taken to accommodate NASA astronauts Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams for their return to Earth following technical issues faced by Boeing’s Starliner capsule. These issues included thruster problems and helium leaks during its test flight to the ISS. The Starliner spacecraft had been returned without crew in September after safety concerns were raised.

Astronaut Experience and Background

As per NASA’s official statement, the Crew-11 mission will mark the first spaceflight experience for both Cardman and Platonov. Cardman had been selected by NASA in 2017. Platonov had been selected by Roscosmos in 2018. Mike Fincke, who will serve as the pilot, has already completed three space missions. He has spent a total of 382 days aboard the ISS during expeditions in 2004, 2008 and 2011. Kimiya Yui had served as a flight engineer during ISS Expeditions 44 and 45. He had remained aboard the station for 142 days from 2014 to 2015.

Changes Following Starliner Mission

According to reports, Cardman and astronaut Stephanie Wilson were removed from the Crew-9 assignment when NASA altered plans to facilitate the safe return of Starliner’s crew. Wilson’s reassignment has not been announced yet. Mike Fincke was earlier assigned to Boeing’s Starliner-1 mission. The launch date for Starliner-1 remains uncertain due to unresolved issues from previous flights. The Crew-11 mission is now expected to provide NASA with continued crew presence on the ISS. It will support ongoing research and operations.

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X-Class Solar Flare From Emerging Sunspot Causes Radio Blackouts



444-Million-Year-Old Inside-Out Fossil Without Head And Legs Found In South Africa





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444-Million-Year-Old Inside-Out Fossil Without Head And Legs Found In South Africa


Fossils of a 444 million-year-old marine creature, which is preserved in an unusual state, have been unearthed in South Africa. The remains belong to an extinct species of arthropod that lived long before dinosaurs, claims a new study. The fossils, which were discovered nearly 250 miles north of Cape Town in the Cederberg Mountains, shows an inside-out preservation technique. This means that the the soft tissues, such as muscles and guts, survived but the hard outer shell and limbs did not. This rare preservation offers a glimpse into ancient marine life and environments that existed during the Late Ordovician period.

Fossil Findings and Preservation

According to the study published in the journal Papers in Palaeontology, researchers have identified the specimens of the recently discovered fossils to be known as Keurbos susanae. The fossils were found in the Soom Shale, a geological formation recognised for preserving soft-bodied fossils. The researchers stated that the remains had been preserved without their shell and head while internal features like muscles and intestines remained intact. It has been reported that the species possibly lived in oxygen-deficient waters high in dissolved hydrogen sulphide which may have contributed to the unique preservation of soft tissues.

Challenges in Fossil Interpretation

Lead researcher Dr Sarah Gabbott, a Palaeontologist at the University of Leicester, told Live Science that the fossil was described as an “inside-out, legless, headless wonder”. She mentioned that muscles, tendons and even guts had been mineralised in remarkable detail while the outer shell and legs were missing due to decay. According to the report, the fossil dates back to a period when nearly 85 percent of marine life was wiped out by a mass extinction event. The absence of the exoskeleton has made it difficult for scientists to establish evolutionary links with other species from that time.

Limited Prospects of Further Discoveries

It has been reported that the fossil site where Keurbos susanae was discovered has been buried due to quarrying activity. Dr Gabbott mentioned that she had searched for additional specimens over the past two decades, but no new examples had been found. The species was named after her mother, Sue, who had encouraged her to pursue a career that brought her happiness. The research team noted that unless new specimens surface, the evolutionary significance of Keurbos susanae may remain unresolved.

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X-Class Solar Flare From Emerging Sunspot Causes Radio Blackouts



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X-Class Solar Flare From Emerging Sunspot Causes Radio Blackouts


A powerful X-class solar flare was unleashed by an emerging sunspot region leading to radio blackouts over large parts of North and South America. The flare was classified as X1.1 and was reported to have erupted from sunspot region AR4046. This unexpected solar event was recorded on March 28. The flare impacted shortwave radio signals across the sunlit areas at the time of eruption, which disrupted communication in several regions.

Solar Flare Triggered By Sunspot AR4046

Reportedly, according to the Space Weather Prediction Center under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the solar flare originated from sunspot region AR4046. It was reported that the flare was accompanied by a filament eruption and a coronal mass ejection. A coronal mass ejection refers to an expulsion of plasma and magnetic field from the sun’s corona. Reports have stated that this specific ejection is not expected to directly affect Earth because of the sunspot’s location on the eastern limb of the sun during the flare.

Potential For Future Solar Activity

Solar physicist Halo CME, in a post shared on X social media platform, stated that the coronal mass ejection observed after the flare may not impact Earth due to the sunspot’s position. Solar astrophysicist Ryan French also posted on X saying that the sunspot region responsible for the flare is expected to rotate towards Earth in the coming days. Space weather forecasters are currently monitoring the region for possible future eruptions that may impact Earth.

Impact On Communication Signals

The Space Weather Prediction Center reported that shortwave radio blackouts were detected across much of North and South America. These blackouts occurred when intense X-rays and extreme ultraviolet radiation from the flare ionised Earth’s upper atmosphere. The increased ionisation resulted in disturbances in high-frequency radio communication across the affected regions.

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Two New Exoplanets Found Orbiting a Star in Draco Constellation


Two planets outside the solar system have been identified orbiting a star located nearly 250 light-years away from Earth in the Draco constellation. These planets are categorised as a super-Earth and a sub-Neptune. Both types are commonly observed in the Milky Way galaxy yet neither is present in our solar system. The host star, known as TOI-1453, is slightly cooler and smaller compared to the Sun. These planets were found around a binary star system which features two stars orbiting each other.

Details of the discovery

According to the study published in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics these exoplanets have been named TOI-1453 b and TOI-1453 c. Their detection was carried out using data from NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite and the High Accuracy Radial Velocity Planet Searcher for the Northern hemisphere spectrograph based in Spain. The TESS satellite identified these planets through the transit method which monitors reductions in a star’s brightness when a planet passes in front of it. Complementary measurements were obtained through the HARPS-N spectrograph which detects shifts in a star’s light caused by the gravitational pull of orbiting planets.

Characteristics of TOI-1453 b and TOI-1453 c

As per information shared by the University of Liège astrophysicist Manu Stalport, TOI-1453 b is categorised as a super-Earth slightly larger than Earth and believed to be rocky. It completes an orbit around its star in just over four days suggesting that it is extremely close to its host star. The planet’s proximity is likely to make its surface temperature very high.

In contrast, TOI-1453 c has been classified as a sub-Neptune and is nearly twice the size of Earth. Its mass is comparatively low at approximately 2.9 Earth masses which has raised questions about its density and composition. Astronomers believe that it may contain a hydrogen-rich atmosphere or a water-dominated interior.

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Racharikam OTT Release Date: When and Where to Watch it Online?


Telugu political drama Racharikam is arriving on Lionsgate Play on April 11. Directed by Suresh Lankalapalli, the film is set in the 1980s and revolves around love and political turmoil in the village of Rachakonda. Bhargavi Reddy and Shiva find themselves entangled in a conflict that stems from family, politics, and social hierarchies. With themes of male power and caste oppression, the narrative explores the complexities of political ambition and personal relationships.

When and Where to Watch Racharikam

Racharikam will premiere exclusively on Lionsgate Play on April 11. Viewers with an active subscription can watch the film on the streaming platform.

Official Trailer and Plot of Racharikam

The trailer shows the intense political rivalries which causes emotional struggles. Among all of this is a love story set against a backdrop of these very power struggles. The plot follows Bhargavi Reddy who is an aspiring politician and Shiva who is a youth leader from the Mana Sakthi Party. Bhargavi’s and her brother, Vivek Reddy’s political ambitions gets tangles with her father’s opposition to her love story. Political motivations are shown intertwining with personal relationships, as tensions arise. All of this ends up leading to a dramatic confrontation.

Cast and Crew of Racharikam

The film stars Apsara Rani and Vijay Shankar in lead roles. The film has Varun Sandesh, Srikanth Iyengar, Vijay Ram Raju, Esshwar and Hyper Aadi in supporting roles. The music has been composed by Vengi.

Reception of Racharikam

Upon its theatrical release on January 31, Racharikam received strong reviews, with an IMDb rating of 9.3/10. The film’s storytelling, performances, and political themes were well received.

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Nintendo Switch 2 With 7.9-Inch LCD Display, Magnetic Joy-Cons Fully Unveiled; Will Launch June 5


Nintendo fully unveiled the Nintendo Switch 2 in a Direct presentation on Wednesday, finally providing a closer look at its next console. As seen in the first-look trailer in January, the Switch 2 is bigger and better, bringing upgrades to the original Switch in every department. The Nintendo Switch 2 features a 7.9-inch 1080p LCD screen that supports up to 120Hz refresh rate. The console also supports up to 4K resolution in the docked mode. As previously hinted, the Nintendo Switch 2 is confirmed to come with redesigned magnetic Joy-Cons that can also be operated as a mouse.

Nintendo Switch 2 Price, Availability

The Nintendo Switch 2 is priced at $449.99 (roughly Rs. 38,500) in the US for the sole 256GB storage option. The console will also be available in a bundle with a brand-new Mario Kart title, called Mario Kart World. The Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle will sell for a suggested retail price of $499.99 (roughly Rs. 42,725) in the US.

The Nintendo Switch 2 will launch on June 5, 2025. Pre-orders for the hybrid console will go live across participating retailers in North America on April 9, 2025. It‘s worth noting that just like the original Nintendo Switch, the Switch 2 will not officially launch in the Indian market. Import units of the console, however, should be available after launch on online retailers like Amazon.

Nintendo Switch 2 Specifications, Features

The Nintendo Switch 2 boasts powerful new hardware, redesigned Joy-Cons, and new game communication systems that support Discord-style voice and video chat while gaming, screen sharing, and game sharing across Nintendo consoles.

The Switch 2 features a 7.9-inch 1080p LCD display that supports HDR and 120fps gameplay. The console supports up to 4k resolution in docked mode. The Switch 2 sports the same thickness as its predecessor, coming in at 13.9mm thick.

The Switch 2 will come with 256GB of internal storage, which will be expandable via microSD Express cards. As confirmed earlier, the console will be backwards compatible with Nintendo Switch digital and physical games.

As was hinted and rumoured earlier, Joy-Con 2 controllers attach to the system magnetically. The new Joy-Cons also support mouse controls and can be slid on surfaces for input.

While Nintendo has not revealed specifics yet, a press release confirms the Switch 2 will feature “significantly improved CPU and GPU performance over Nintendo Switch.” The console’s upgraded internals will lead to faster processing speed and enable new visually advanced gameplay, the press release said. The Switch 2 will support more detailed graphics and faster loading times. The hybrid console will also support 3D audio in handheld and tabletop modes.

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The Nintendo Switch 2 comes with ‘C’ button for GameChat
Photo Credit: Nintendo

The Nintendo Switch 2 also boasts of a host of social features, all of which can be accessed via a new dedicated ‘C’ button on the right Joy-Con. The new online communication feature, dubbed GameChat, will allow players to talk to other players online while gaming, much like Discord and native chat options available on PlayStation and Xbox consoles.

The ‘C’ button will bring up the GameChat menu and will allow up to four players to share their gameplay screens. Nintendo will also sell a Nintendo Switch 2 camera separately that connects to the console via USB Type-C port to enable video chat.

The Switch 2 sports a new adjustable stand on the rear and two USB Type-C ports — one at the bottom and the other at the top of the console. The Nintendo Switch 2 comes with the same game card slot present on its predecessor.

Nintendo also announced a host of first and third-party games, both old and new, coming to the Nintendo Switch 2 when it launches on June 5. We’ll take a closer look at all the game announcements from Nintendo Direct separately.



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Sony Online Store Begins Accepting USDC via Crypto.com Pay in Singapore


Sony Electronics recently announced that it has begun accepting the USDC stablecoin for payments in Singapore. The electronics giant has teamed up with Crypto.com to facilitate USDC transactions on its online store, it said in an announcement on Wednesday. Crypto.com is an exchange for virtual digital assets (VDAs), headquartered in Singapore. Sony is continuing its foray into its Web3 sector — it recently launched its own Soneium blockchain. For now, only Sony Store Online customers in Singapore will be able to access the USDC payment option.

In a press release, Sony acknowledged that crypto payments are growing in popularity, especially with a younger generation of tech-savvy customers. The company also said that its decision to accept USDC payments aligns with its efforts to keep up with Web3-focussed advancements in the fintech sector.

Crypto.com General Manager Chin Tah Ang said such initiatives can push crypto into more mainstream uses. He noted that Sony could use the opportunity to raise awareness around crypto-related payments to its large customer base. “This payment integration will not only benefit our users by giving them another way to utilise their crypto in the real world, but we believe adding a new and streamlined crypto payment method will also broaden SES’ customer base,” he said.

Sony says it plans to include other cryptocurrencies to its list of accepted tokens. It remains unclear if the company will explore support for crypto payments in other regions.

Stablecoins like USDC are gaining the attention of corporations and governments in several parts of the world to be used for everyday payments. USDT and Binance USD are other popular stablecoin options in the market.

Sony Block Solutions Labs (Sony BSL) and Circle entered a partnership in September 2024. Sony SBL oversees the Soneium blockchain, whereas Circle is the issuer of the USDC token. Under the collaboration, the USDC was positioned as a key token within the Soneium network. At the time, Jeremy Allaire, Co-Founder and CEO at Circle, had called this partnership a “milestone” moment for his crypto firm.

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Microsoft Uses Security Copilot to Identify 20 Flaws in Open-Source Bootloaders





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Microsoft Uses Security Copilot to Identify 20 Flaws in Open-Source Bootloaders



Microsoft Security Copilot, an artificial intelligence (AI) cybersecurity tool, was used to discover several previously unknown vulnerabilities in open-source bootloaders. The Redmond-based tech giant recently revealed a list of the security flaws discovered in three commonly used bootloaders. One of the bootloaders is the default for many Linux-based systems, while the other two are typically used for embedded systems and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Notably, Microsoft has informed the bootloader maintainers about the exploits, and they have released security updates to fix them.

Microsoft Showcases Its AI System’s Vulnerability Discovery Process

In a blog post, Microsoft detailed the discovery process and extent of risk with these vulnerabilities. The company used Security Copilot, an AI-powered security analysis tool that can assist in protecting organisations from threat actors as well as discovering security flaws. These vulnerabilities were detected in GRand Unified Bootloader (GRUB2), U-Boot, and Barebox, commonly used bootloaders for operating systems and devices.

GRUB2 is the default bootloader for many Linux-based systems, whereas U-Boot and Barebox are generally seen in embedded systems and IoT devices. Notably, a bootloader is a small program that runs before the operating system (OS) starts. It is responsible for loading the OS into memory and initiating the boot process.

By using AI, Microsoft Threat Intelligence discovered 11 vulnerabilities in GRUB2, including issues like integer overflows, buffer overflows, and a cryptographic side-channel flaw. These security flaws could allow threat actors to bypass the Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) Secure Boot, which is designed to prevent unauthorised code from running during the boot process.

Security Copilot also discovered nine vulnerabilities in U-Boot and Barebox. These were primarily buffer overflows that affected file systems such as SquashFS, EXT4, CramFS, JFFS2, and symlinks. Notably, the threat actor would need to have physical access to the device to exploit these flaws, however, the security risk still exists.

In the case of GRUB2, Microsoft explained that the vulnerabilities could be exploited by attackers to install stealthy bootkits remotely. This is concerning, as such bootkits can persist even after reinstalling the operating system or replacing the hard drive.

The teams behind GRUB2, U-Boot, and Barebox have already released security updates in February to address these vulnerabilities. Users are advised to update their systems to the latest versions to protect themselves from potential cyberattacks.

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