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An ancient Red Star almost as old as the Universe discovered

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Astronomers have detected one of the first stars to have emerged after the Big Bang birthed the universe 13.8 billion years ago. 

The star was found around 35,000 light-years away in the Milky Way.

The scientists discovered the star, an iron-poor red giant named SMSS J160540.18–144323.1, in a survey conducted with the SkyMapper telescope, a wide-field optical instrument at Siding Spring Observatory in northern New South Wales, Australia.

The star has the lowest iron levels ever found in star analyzed so far — indicating that it belongs to the second generation of stars after the Universe came into existence.

“This incredibly anaemic star, which likely formed just a few hundred million years after the Big Bang, has iron levels 1.5 million times lower than that of the Sun,” Astronomer Thomas Nordlander of the ARC Centre of Excellence for All-Sky Astrophysics in 3 Dimensions and the Australian National University elaborated on the newly found ancient star.

“That’s like one drop of water in an Olympic swimming pool,” he added.

This newly discovered star is probably one of the first ones to have been found which is almost as old as the Universe.

According to a report, the sun came approximately 100,000 generations from the Big Bang. Based on the red star’s metallicity and other stars that are found in the Milky Way scientists are claiming of an early age for the SMSS J160540.18–144323.1. 

Until now, only the object named 2MASS J18082002–5104378 B was found with the lowest iron content which is around 11,750 times less metallic than the Sun. Now this newly discovered red star has been found to be around 1.5 million times less metallic.

Early Universe had no metals and therefore the stars that existed in it used to be quite huge and hot at that time. They were usually made up of hydrogen and helium. These early stars which are called Population III are said to have not been discovered before.

The Population III stars used to be short-lived and therefore it is most unlikely for them to survive this long for humans to study but the stars that appeared after can still be discovered. 

The researchers believe that the star that gave SMSS J160540.18–144323.1 its iron was relatively low mass for the early Universe, only around 10 times the mass of the Sun. This is massive enough to produce a neutron star; and, after a comparatively weak supernova, the team believes this is what it did.

The team of researchers that found the ancient red star believes that further studying the red giant celestial body can help in digging out more details and information about Population III stars.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Gadgets

Sigma BF: A radically simple 24.6MP full-frame camera 

Sigma has unveiled the BF, a 24.6MP full-frame camera with a sleek unibody design, intuitive controls, and built-in storage, redefining photography.

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Sigma BF full-frame camera with minimalistic design

Sigma has unveiled the Sigma BF, a compact 24.6-megapixel full-frame interchangeable lens camera that emphasizes simplicity and an intuitive user experience. The L-mount camera, designed to “evoke the essence of photography,” features a radically simple layout with only three buttons, a dial, and a shutter release.

Compact yet powerful design

Measuring 5.1 x 2.9 x 1.4 inches and weighing just 13.7 ounces (388 grams), the Sigma BF eliminates unnecessary distractions, allowing photographers to focus entirely on capturing images. The camera introduces a new user interface, ensuring key photography settings—shutter speed, aperture, ISO, exposure compensation, and color modes—are accessible at the touch of a finger.

First mirrorless camera with haptic feedback

The Sigma BF makes history as the first mirrorless camera to integrate haptic feedback. Its dial, center button, option button, and playback button provide precise tactile responses, enhancing user comfort and accuracy.

The camera’s rear display (2.1 million dots resolution) showcases only the most essential information. Additionally, an optional secondary status monitor keeps the live view screen clutter-free.

A revolutionary unibody construction

Breaking new ground, the Sigma BF features a true unibody design, carved from a single block of aluminum in a seven-hour process. This ensures unmatched durability while maintaining an optimal weight balance for any attached lens.

To complement this solid build, Sigma has included built-in digital storage—a 230GB SSD, capable of storing:

  • 14,000+ JPEGs
  • 4,300 uncompressed RAW images
  • 2.5 hours of 6K video at the highest quality

Data can be transferred via USB-C connectivity.

High-performance sensor and advanced autofocus

The 24.6-megapixel sensor offers a native ISO range of 100 to 102,400, expandable to as low as ISO 6. The hybrid autofocus system combines phase detection and contrast detection, using advanced algorithms to ensure fast and accurate focusing on people, dogs, and cats.

6K video recording and 13 creative color modes

Sigma BF supports 6K video recording in L-Log, with H.264 and H.265 encoding at 29.97 fps in 6K/4K and up to 119.88 fps in 1080p Full HD.

Additionally, 13 unique color modes unlock creative possibilities, including:

  • Standard
  • Rich
  • Calm
  • Powder Blue
  • Warm Gold
  • Teal
  • Orange
  • FOV Classic Blue
  • FOV Classic Yellow
  • Forest Green
  • Sunset Red
  • Cinema
  • 709 Look
  • Monochrome

Release date and price

The Sigma BF will be available in black and silver, with shipments starting in April 2025 at a retail price of $1,999.

Updates to Sigma I Series lenses

Alongside the BF, Sigma is expanding its I Series compact prime lenses. L-mount lenses will now be available in silver, perfectly complementing the silver BF. Meanwhile, the 45mm f/2.8 DG lens will be updated to support magnetic metal lens caps. These updates will roll out for L-mount in April and Sony E-mount in May, while maintaining the original optical performance.


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Gadgets

Apple launches iPhone 16e: A budget-friendly contender with a game-changing feature

Apple has introduced the iPhone 16e, an entry-level model featuring the A18 chip and Apple’s first in-house 5G modem. Priced at Rs59,900, it aims to attract cost-conscious buyers in India and beyond.

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Apple iPhone 16e with Apple-designed modem launched

Apple has launched the iPhone 16e, a new entry-level model in its iPhone 16 series, aimed at price-conscious consumers in markets like India and China. The phone, priced at Rs59,900, is nearly as powerful as the standard iPhone 16 but comes with a few trade-offs to keep costs down. Pre-orders begin this Friday, with sales commencing on February 28.

Performance and features: More power at a lower cost

The iPhone 16e is powered by the A18 chip, the same processor used in Apple’s flagship iPhone 16 lineup. It features a 6.1-inch OLED display, Face ID housed in a display notch, a customizable Action Button, and a USB-C port—first introduced with the iPhone 15. However, the biggest highlight of the iPhone 16e is Apple’s first-ever in-house cellular modem, marking a strategic shift away from reliance on Qualcomm’s 5G modems. Apple claims this new modem, paired with the A18 chip and iOS 18, delivers superior battery life.

The device comes with a 48MP single-lens camera instead of the dual-camera setup found on the standard iPhone 16. Additionally, it supports Apple Intelligence, making it the most affordable iPhone with AI capabilities.

Shifting strategies: Why Apple dropped the “SE” branding

Unlike previous budget-friendly models, Apple has moved away from branding the iPhone 16e as an “SE” model. The iPhone SE series has historically struggled to match the sales of mainstream iPhones, despite offering lower prices. By rebranding the device as part of the iPhone 16 series, Apple aims to make the 16e more appealing to consumers who may have previously overlooked the SE lineup.

Market data reveals that the third-generation iPhone SE underperformed compared to its predecessor, selling only 35.2 million units, significantly lower than the iPhone 13’s 137.4 million units. Apple appears to be shifting its approach to cater to consumers upgrading from older models like the iPhone XR and iPhone 11, rather than competing with mid-range Android devices.

Can the iPhone 16e succeed in India and Europe?

Apple has recently made significant inroads in India, becoming one of the top five smartphone brands in the country with a 9% market share in the last quarter of 2024. However, competition is fierce, with budget-conscious buyers often opting for premium second-hand models or flagship Android devices.

Meanwhile, in Europe, Apple needed a mid-range offering to replace older models like the iPhone 13, iPhone 14, and third-generation iPhone SE, which were phased out to comply with the EU’s USB-C mandate. With upcoming eco-design regulations set to take effect in June 2025, Apple appears to be aligning its strategy with evolving market demands.

Will the iPhone 16e find its audience?

While the iPhone 16e provides an affordable entry point into Apple’s ecosystem, its price remains higher than previous SE models, leading some analysts to question whether it can attract enough buyers. The growing trend of consumers opting for premium models through financing options may pose a challenge to the iPhone 16e’s success.

Nonetheless, with its competitive specs, Apple’s first-ever in-house modem, and a strategic repositioning away from the SE branding, the iPhone 16e has the potential to carve out its niche in the mid-range smartphone market.

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Gadgets

Realme P3 Pro, P3x launched in India: Price, features, and all you need to know

Realme P3 Pro and P3x have been launched in India, featuring a 6,000mAh battery, powerful cameras, and advanced durability with IP69 certification.

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Realme P3 Pro smartphone featuring Quad-Curved EdgeFlow display and Snapdragon chipset.

Realme has expanded its P-series lineup in India with the launch of two new smartphones – Realme P3 Pro and Realme P3x. The Realme P3 Pro, succeeding the P2 Pro, brings several upgrades, while the Realme P3x is a fresh addition with a stylish design and robust specifications.

Both smartphones boast a massive 6,000mAh battery, IP69 water and dust resistance, and advanced AI-powered features. The P3 Pro, in particular, features a glow-in-the-dark design that sets it apart. Here’s a detailed look at the latest Realme smartphones.

Realme P3 Pro and Realme P3x price in India

The Realme P3 Pro and P3x come in multiple storage variants and are priced competitively:

VariantRealme P3 ProRealme P3x
6GB + 128GBNot Available₹13,999
8GB + 128GB₹23,999₹14,999
8GB + 256GB₹24,999Not Available
12GB + 256GB₹26,999Not Available

Availability

  • Realme P3 Pro: Available from February 24th
  • Realme P3x: Available from February 28th
  • Both phones will be sold via Realme’s official website and Flipkart.

Color options

  • Realme P3 Pro: Saturn Brown, Galaxy Purple, and Nebula Glow
  • Realme P3x: Midnight Blue, Lunar Silver, and Stellar Pink

Realme P3 Pro specifications: Flagship-grade performance

The Realme P3 Pro comes with top-tier specifications designed to offer a seamless user experience.

  • Display: 6.83-inch 1.5K quad-curved AMOLED display, 120Hz refresh rate, 1500 nits brightness
  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3
  • Cameras: 50MP Sony IMX896 primary sensor with OIS, 2MP secondary sensor, and 16MP front camera
  • Battery: 6000mAh, 80W SUPERVOOC fast charging
  • Software: Realme UI 6.0 based on Android 15
  • Other Features:
    • IP66, IP68, and IP69 certifications for water and dust resistance
    • In-display fingerprint sensor
    • AI Erase 2.0, AI Reflection Remover, AI Snap Mode
    • VC cooling system for better heat dissipation
    • Wet Touch technology for seamless usage in wet conditions

Realme P3x specifications: Balanced performance with a stylish design

The Realme P3x introduces a fresh design approach while offering balanced performance.

  • Display: 6.7-inch LCD display, 120Hz refresh rate
  • Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 6400
  • Cameras: 50MP AI rear camera, 8MP front camera
  • Battery: 6000mAh, 45W SUPERVOOC fast charging
  • Software: Realme UI 6.0 based on Android 15
  • Other Features:
    • IP68 and IP69 ratings for durability
    • Realme GT gaming mode for enhanced performance
    • 18GB Dynamic RAM expansion
    • Rainwater Smart Touch for improved touch response in wet conditions

Realme P3 Pro vs. Realme P3x: What’s new?

Realme P3 Pro: Upgraded power and durability

  • More powerful Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset compared to its predecessor
  • Glow-in-the-dark design for a futuristic look
  • Bigger, brighter display with 1.5K resolution
  • Improved battery and charging speed
  • Stronger water and dust resistance (IP69 certified)

Realme P3x: Stylish and tough

  • New “Stellar Icefield” design with a vegan leather back
  • ArmorShell Glass and Military-Grade Shock Resistance
  • Lightweight yet powerful with MediaTek Dimensity 6400

Should you buy Realme P3 Pro or P3x?

Both the Realme P3 Pro and P3x cater to different needs. If you want a premium experience with a powerful processor, high-end display, and flagship-grade features, the Realme P3 Pro is the way to go. On the other hand, if you are looking for a stylish, budget-friendly option with decent performance and great battery life, the Realme P3x is a great choice.

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