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Facebook begins news subscription trials, only for Android users

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Ten publishers including Washington Post and The Economist sign up for trial but major publishers like Dow Jones, NYT opt out

Facebook Inc said on Thursday that it has signed up with 10 news publishers including the Washington Post and The Economist to take part in a trial that gives its mobile app users who have Android phones access to a limited number of articles a month and then the option to subscribe via the publishers’ own websites.

The move is a shift in strategy for the world’s largest social network, which previously has tried to keep users within its own service, and may help restore its image by strengthening ties to respected news organizations after the spread of false news stories on Facebook in the run-up to the 2016 U.S. presidential election.

It may also help soothe relations with some publishers, which often see their articles widely shared among Facebook’s more than 2 billion monthly users but have found it hard to translate Facebook readers into paying subscribers.

While publishers will own the data on users who buy a subscription, they will not have information on who reads the free articles on Facebook, a main point of contention for several publishers.

Under the trial, which includes the Boston Globe, Germany’s Bild and France’s Le Parisien, Facebook mobile users can read 10 articles under a publication’s paywall for free, or a selection of articles publishers allow access to, and will then be prompted to purchase a subscription on the publisher’s website for full access.

Facebook will not take a cut of the revenue from any subscriptions purchased, the company said in a blog post on Thursday.

Several major publishers have decided not to take part, largely because Facebook will not give access to reader data until they purchase a subscription.

An executive at Wall Street Journal publisher Dow Jones, a unit of News Corp (NWSA.O), told Reuters Facebook’s one-size-fits-all testing model would be a step back from the Journal’s paywall strategy.

“Ten free articles is quite a lot,” said the executive, who requested anonymity. “It’s more about the data and around remaining in control of our membership strategy.”

Britain’s Financial Times will not participate either, a source familiar with the matter said. The newspaper, which also charges for access to its articles online, wanted a registration process to get hold of reader data in exchange for free articles, said the source.

The New York Times has yet to commit to the trial and is still in discussions with Facebook, a Times spokeswoman said, declining to give further detail.

(Sourced from news agency Reuters)

Gadgets

Lenskart unveils phonic audio eyewear compatible with Android and iOS

Furthermore, the customizable nature of Phonic allows users to personalize their eyewear with either prescription lenses or sunglasses, making it adaptable to various visual needs and preferences.

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Lenskart, a prominent name in the eyewear industry, unveiled its latest innovation, Phonic, on Wednesday, January 29, 2025. This groundbreaking audio eyewear seamlessly blends style and technology, offering a unique hands-free experience for the modern individual navigating a busy lifestyle. Phonic’s sleek design caters to diverse preferences, with two distinct models—Navigator and Hustlr—each available in sophisticated Shiny Blue and Matte Black finishes.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Phonic boasts a range of impressive functionalities. The integrated speakers enable crystal-clear audio for calls, music streaming, and other digital interactions, providing a seamless blend of convenience and entertainment.

Powered by Bluetooth technology, Phonic ensures effortless hands-free connectivity, allowing users to stay connected without the hassle of holding a phone. A remarkable battery life of up to seven hours ensures users remain connected throughout their day.

Compatibility with both Android and iOS voice assistants further enhances Phonic’s versatility, enabling users to effortlessly manage their digital lives through simple voice commands. Whether needing to send a quick text, set a reminder, or access information, voice assistant integration provides an intuitive and efficient hands-free solution.

Furthermore, the customizable nature of Phonic allows users to personalize their eyewear with either prescription lenses or sunglasses, making it adaptable to various visual needs and preferences.

The intuitive smart button navigation system adds another layer of user-friendliness. Users can effortlessly switch between functions with a simple press of a button, ensuring a seamless and frustration-free experience. Priced affordably at ₹4,000, Phonic offers exceptional value for its advanced features and stylish design. Available for purchase both online and at select offline stores across India, Phonic promises to redefine the way individuals stay connected and experience the world around them.

Lenskart CEO and Founder Peyush Bansal expressed his enthusiasm for this new product, stating, “Phonic is for everyone who juggles multiple roles daily—whether it’s professionals in noisy offices, frequent drivers, or commuters who need hands-free convenience.

Phonic empowers users to stay connected, productive, and stylish, without adding complexity to their lives.” Phonic represents a significant leap forward in the world of audio eyewear, seamlessly merging functionality, fashion, and affordability to provide an unparalleled user experience.

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Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and iPhone 16 Pro Max: A comparative look at prices and specs in India

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Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra with car crash detection feature

Samsung has introduced its latest high-end flagship, the Galaxy S25 Ultra, in India, igniting a new chapter in its ongoing rivalry with Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro Max. Both phones represent the pinnacle of smartphone technology, but they come at distinct price points and offer different specifications that cater to various user preferences.

Price comparison in India

The Galaxy S25 Ultra is available in three variants: the base model with 256GB of storage is priced at Rs 1,29,999; the 512GB model at Rs 1,49,999; and the 1TB version at Rs 1,65,999. These variants are offered in four color options: Titanium Silver Blue, Titanium Gray, Titanium White, and Titanium Black.

In contrast, the iPhone 16 Pro Max starts at Rs 1,44,900 for the 256GB model, with the 512GB and 1TB versions priced at Rs 1,64,900 and Rs 1,84,900, respectively. Samsung’s offerings are notably less expensive across similar storage options, with the 1TB model being nearly Rs 19,000 cheaper than its Apple counterpart.

Specifications face-off

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra boasts a 6.9-inch display, slightly larger than its predecessor, and features a more contemporary design with rounded edges. Despite its larger size, it maintains a lightweight feel at only 218 grams and includes a robust 5,000mAh battery. The camera setup has been significantly upgraded, featuring a 200-megapixel primary sensor paired with a 50-megapixel ultra-wide and a 50-megapixel telephoto lens. It is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, enhancing both efficiency and performance.

The iPhone 16 Pro Max, also with a 6.9-inch display, utilizes Apple’s Super Retina XDR technology with Always-On and ProMotion features for a superior viewing experience. It includes a new gold color option and a novel Camera Control button, adding functionality exclusive to the Pro models. The device is equipped with the A18 Pro chipset and features a redesigned camera system with a 48-megapixel primary sensor and advanced video recording capabilities.

Performance and functionality

Both the Galaxy S25 Ultra and the iPhone 16 Pro Max are designed to offer top-tier performance. Samsung’s flagship includes 12GB of RAM, compared to the iPhone’s 8GB, potentially offering a smoother multitasking experience. The iPhone, however, continues to impress with its integration of hardware and software, leading to efficient performance in real-life usage scenarios.

This detailed examination highlights the strengths of each device, allowing consumers to make an informed decision based on their specific needs and preferences. Whether prioritizing camera technology, display features, or price, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and iPhone 16 Pro Max cater to all facets of premium smartphone requirements.

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Oppo Find N5 set to launch with 50W wireless charging and IPX9 water resistance

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Oppo Find N5 being tested underwater to showcase its IPX9 water resistance rating.

Oppo has officially confirmed that its latest innovation, the Find N5, will support 50W wireless charging and feature an IPX9 water resistance rating. The announcement comes as part of a series of teases highlighting the capabilities of this next-generation foldable smartphone, set to launch in February.

According to recent leaks, the Find N5 will be the first smartphone to incorporate the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC, signaling significant performance enhancements. Pete Lau, Oppo’s Chief Product Officer, has touted the device as the “thinnest foldable phone,” positioning it against leading competitors like the latest iPhone in terms of sleek design.

Zhou Yibao, head of the Oppo Find series, shared insights via Weibo about the Find N5’s advanced features. The device not only matches the wireless charging speeds of newly released models like the Oppo Find X8 Pro and OnePlus 13 but also integrates seamlessly with in-car systems from major electric vehicle brands such as BYD and NIO.

In a compelling demonstration of its durability, a recent video posted by Yibao showed the Find N5 being submerged underwater, showcasing its capability to withstand significant water exposure, evidenced by its IPX9 rating. This test included recording underwater videos, highlighting the phone’s versatile camera capabilities in extreme conditions.

The Find N5 also sports a refined design with slimmer borders and a larger overall form factor compared to its predecessors, which could attract users looking for a sleek yet robust foldable phone.

As anticipation builds, Oppo has begun sharing images of the Find N5, revealing a foldable design as thin as a USB-C port when opened. This device promises to merge aesthetic appeal with functional excellence, setting a new benchmark in the evolving foldable phone market.

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