This Week in Tech: From GTA VI Delays to Android 16’s Revolution

April–May 2025 Recap

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1. GTA VI Launch Postponed to May 26, 2026

Fans eagerly awaiting Grand Theft Auto VI got disappointing news: Rockstar Games has officially delayed the release from 2025 to May 26, 2026. This marks the third announced launch window in as many years. While the extra development time promises a more polished open world, those holding off on older titles may need to find other ways to pass the time until Vice City’s return.

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2. Apple Doubles Down on “Make in India”

Apple’s global supply chain continues to shift away from China:

• Two new plants are coming online to boost local iPhone assembly.

• Tata Electronics in Hyderabad will add production lines for legacy iPhone models.

• Foxconn’s ₹2.6 billion Tamil Nadu mega-factory is gearing up to build the upcoming iPhone 16 lineup—and create 500 new jobs.

This expansion underscores India’s growing importance as an electronics hub—and sets the stage for even deeper manufacturing ties.

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3. Asus Unveils Premium “Scar” Laptop Series

Asus refreshed its gaming-focused lineup with four high-end models:

• ROG Strix Scar 16 & 18

• Strix G16

• Zephyrus G14 & G16

All start well above ₹100,000, packing the latest Intel Core HX CPUs, NVIDIA RTX 40-series GPUs, and 240 Hz+ displays—appealing to pro gamers and creators alike.

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4. OnePlus Nord C5: Dimensity 8350 & 7,100 mAh Battery

The mid-range OnePlus Nord C5 has just cleared BIS certification, hinting at an imminent launch. Key specs:

• MediaTek Dimensity 8350 (1.4–1.5 million AnTuTu)

• 7,100 mAh battery + 80 W fast-charging

Expect a price around ₹20,000 and a focus on endurance and performance in its segment.

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5. Android 16: A UI & Interaction Overhaul

Google’s next big OS drop, Android 16, is slated to reshape the look and feel of every phone it touches. Highlights include:

• Physics-based animations (e.g. elastic “squeeze” effects when pressing the power button)

• Redesigned Quick Settings tiles and animated volume slider

• Interactive lock-screen clock and notification behaviors

These UX tweaks aim to make every swipe, tap, and scroll feel more dynamic and alive.

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6. iQOO Neo 10 Global Variant on Geekbench

iQOO has quietly launched the Neo 10’s global edition on Geekbench, revealing:

• Dimensity 8s (Zen 4) chipset

• Single-core: 293 pts; Multi-core: 6,836 pts

• 12 GB RAM

This mid-ranger promises flagship-adjacent performance at a competitive price point—watch for a summer launch.

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7. Samsung’s “Modular Lens” Patent

Samsung has been granted a patent for a modular smartphone concept—allowing users to swap in different camera lenses (wide-angle, telephoto, macro) like interchangeable optics on a mirrorless camera. While still speculative, it shows Samsung exploring new ways to differentiate its Galaxy lineup.

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8. Nothing F 3 Rolling Out in July

Nothing CEO Carl Pei confirmed the F 3 will hit U.S. shelves first, with an India launch slated for July. Expect an AMOLED panel, high refresh rate, and the signature “Essential Button” for quick controls—bringing the minimalist design ethos to a wider audience.

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9. Deal Alert: Join “Track & Tech” on Telegram

Looking for the best bargains? Subscribe to our Track & Tech Telegram channel for 20–25 daily deals—from smartphones like POCO M7 Pro (₹11,999) to tablets and wearables. Check the video description for the join link.

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10. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Ultra-Flagship Success

Despite a staggered release, the Galaxy S25 Ultra has out-sold both the S25 and S25 Plus combined, moving 5.08 million units versus 4.08 million for its siblings. Clearly, consumers in 2025 still have a hunger for top-tier hardware—and a willingness to pay for it.

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Rapid Fire Updates

• Apple Store Expansion: Four new outlets coming to Pune, Noida, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.

• Galaxy Z Flip 7 Rumors: Likely outfitted with Exynos in one variant, Snapdragon in another—price expectations around $1,100.

• WhatsApp Web Calls: Soon you’ll be able to make audio & video calls directly from your desktop browser.

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What’s Next?

Subscribe and stay tuned—our deep dive on Android 16’s new features drops next week, along with hands-on reviews of the OnePlus Nord C5 and iQOO Neo 10. Keep tracking, and keep safe!

NASA answers, How would humanity respond if an asteroid headed for Earth?

 

Planetary Defense Overview 🚀🛡️🌎

Introduction 🛰️🔭🌠

Planetary defense is founded on an integrated sequence of detection, orbital characterization, kinetic deflection, and contingency planning designed to counter the existential threat of near‑Earth objects (NEOs). NASA’s Planetary Defense Coordination Office (PDCO) leads U.S. efforts and collaborates with international partners—particularly the International Asteroid Warning Network (IAWN) and the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS)—to synthesize observational data, impact‑probability models, and strategic decision‑making. 🛰️🔭🌠

1. Detection and Tracking 🔭🌐🪐

• Survey Instrumentation and Methods
  Optical and infrared survey programs such as NEOWISE and the forthcoming NEO Surveyor mission utilize wide‑field telescopes and thermal imaging to catalog objects within 0.05 AU of Earth’s orbit. High‑cadence observations combined with automated detection algorithms enable rapid identification and preliminary orbit estimation.

• Precision Orbit Determination
  Upon detection, candidates undergo astrometric refinement at NASA’s Center for Near‑Earth Object Studies (CNEOS), which integrates ground‑based and space‑based tracking data. Advanced orbit‑propagation software then calculates collision probabilities and predicted impact epochs, triggering PDCO alerts when risk thresholds are exceeded.

2. Early Warning and International Coordination 🌍📡🔔

• Governance and Response Architecture
  Established in 2016, PDCO governs threat assessment protocols, interagency communications, and contingency planning. Under NASA’s Planetary Defense Officer, PDCO liaises with FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security to integrate civil‑emergency procedures.

• Global Collaborative Networks
  Through IAWN and COPUOS, PDCO exchanges real‑time alerts, risk analyses, and simulation results with worldwide stakeholders. Joint exercises and data‑sharing agreements ensure coordinated authorization of deflection missions and evacuation strategies.

3. Deflection and Mitigation Strategies 💥🛰️🔧

• Kinetic Impactor Demonstrations
  The Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission successfully altered the orbit of Dimorphos via hypervelocity impact, proving that kinetic deflection is viable when executed with sufficient lead time. Post‑impact analyses confirmed significant changes to the asteroid’s trajectory.

• Computational Deflection Modeling
  The NEO Deflection app, developed with The Aerospace Corporation, offers parametric simulations across diverse asteroid masses, compositions, and approach vectors. These models inform mission design by optimizing spacecraft delta‑V requirements and impact geometry.

4. Civil Defense and Contingency Planning 🚨🗺️🏘️

• Risk Quantification and Scenario Analysis
  Hydrodynamic and Monte Carlo simulations predict blast overpressure, ejecta dispersion, and tsunami generation for oceanic impacts. The resulting hazard maps delineate evacuation zones and guide resource allocation.

• Emergency Response Integration
  PDCO coordinates with the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) and FEMA to incorporate asteroid impact scenarios into national emergency frameworks. Joint protocols cover logistics, resource staging, and public communications to minimize casualties and infrastructure damage.

5. Strategic Communication and Outreach 📢📊🔍

• Data Transparency and Public Portals
  NASA’s CNEOS Impact Risk Page provides continuously updated metrics on potentially hazardous objects, using interactive visualizations to counter misinformation and build public trust.

• Educational and Media Engagement
  PDCO leadership disseminates technical insights through peer‑reviewed publications, scientific conferences, and media briefings, clearly delineating between routine monitoring and imminent threat response.

Conclusion 🌟🌏🛡️

Advances in survey instrumentation, orbit‑refinement algorithms, and kinetic deflection experiments over the past decade have profoundly enhanced our ability to detect, characterize, and mitigate asteroid threats. Sustained international collaboration and integrated civil defense planning now underpin a resilient planetary defense posture, ensuring that any credible impact scenario can be addressed with scientific rigor and operational coordination. 🌟🌏🛡️

Apple has released iOS 18.5 Beta 2

 April 22, 2025 — Cupertino, CA

Apple has released iOS 18.5 Beta 2 to developers (April 14) and public testers (April 22), giving iPhone 16 users an early look at minor but welcome tweaks ahead of the full release expected in mid-May. This update focuses on refining core apps, polishing the interface, and squashing bugs to ensure a smoother experience on Apple’s latest hardware. (Apple Releases New iOS 18.5 and macOS Sequoia 15.5 Public Betas - MacRumors, iOS 18.5: Features, release date, and more - 9to5Mac)

Mail App Customization

Beta 2 continues Apple’s iterative adjustments to the Mail app, responding to user feedback on the new design introduced in iOS 18.2. Two key changes stand out for iPhone 16 users:

• Toggle Contact Photos: You can now disable the enlarged contact photos directly within Mail by tapping the three-dot menu in the top-right corner and switching off “Show Contact Photos,” rather than digging into Settings.

• All Mail Tab: The previously hidden “All Mail” section now appears as a dedicated fifth tab alongside Primary, Transactions, Updates, and Promotions, making it far easier to access your unfiltered inbox. (Everything New in iOS 18.5 Beta 2 - The Mac Observer, iOS 18.5: Features, release date, and more - 9to5Mac)

Streamlined AppleCare Display

In Settings → General → AppleCare & Warranty, Beta 2 introduces a refreshed banner that puts your warranty status front and center. A new link takes you straight to detailed coverage information, and you can manage your AppleCare plan more seamlessly by selecting devices from your Apple Account list. (Everything New in iOS 18.5 Beta 2 - The Mac Observer, Apple Releases New iOS 18.5 and macOS Sequoia 15.5 Public Betas - MacRumors)

Bug Fixes & Performance Improvements

Under the hood, iOS 18.5 Beta 2 fixes several issues affecting newer hardware:

• Vision Pro App: The bug causing the app to launch to a black screen on iPhone has been resolved.

• HVF Framework: A system-level fix ensures iOS correctly checks for certain C APIs in the hvf (Hypervisor Framework), restoring reliable access to hardware features for developers.

• General Stability: Additional tweaks optimize background tasks and reduce crashes for a snappier feel on A16-powered devices. (Everything New in iOS 18.5 Beta 2 - The Mac Observer, Apple Releases New iOS 18.5 and macOS Sequoia 15.5 Public Betas - MacRumors)

What iPhone 16 Users Should Know

• Beta Disclaimer: As with all pre-release software, Beta 2 may impact battery life and exhibit unforeseen bugs. Apple recommends installing it on a secondary device rather than your daily driver. (iOS 18.5 Public Beta 2 Just Dropped. Don't Get Too Excited - CNET)

• Release Timeline: Following Beta 2, Apple is expected to seed iOS 18.5 Beta 3 in late April, with the public release likely landing in the third week of May—consistent with past .5 updates. (iOS 18.5: Features, release date, and more - 9to5Mac)

• Looking Ahead: iOS 18.6 developer betas should begin in May, but the next headline features will arrive with iOS 19 at WWDC in June. (iOS 18.5: Features, release date, and more - 9to5Mac)

Russia strikes missiles on Ukraine indicates the strong warning to West

Friday, Russia's striking of missile on Ukraine with hypersonic ballistic missile gives a strong note to the West that they will respond harshly to any support from them to the Kyiv.

Spokesperson of Kremlin Mr. Dmitry Peskov said "The main message is that the reckless decision and actions of Western Countries that produce missiles, supply them to Ukraine, and subsequently participate in strikes on Russian territory cannot remain without a reaction from the Russian side."

Also he said that " The Russian side has clearly demonstrated its capabilities, and the contours of further retaliatory actions in the event that our concerns are not taken into account have been quiet clearly outlined." 

Russia strikes missiles on Ukraine indicates the strong warning to West

These statements are coming from him after the President Vladimir Putin said they fired the hypersonic ballistic missile - the Oreshnik and  Hazel tree at a Ukrainian military bases in the response of Ukraine striking Moscow with US and British made missiles this week for the first time after the US granted its approval.