The much-anticipated political action drama Game Changer, starring Ram Charan and Kiara Advani, hit theatres on January 10, 2025. Directed by S. Shankar, the film was strategically released to coincide with the Sankranti festival, drawing audiences with its high-octane action and socially relevant storyline. Following a successful theatrical launch, Game Changer is set to stream on Amazon Prime Video, with OTT rights reportedly acquired for Rs. 105 crore. The streaming release date is yet to be confirmed.
When and Where to Watch Game Changer
According to reports, Game Changer might available on Prime Video after completing its theatrical run. The OTT release might cater to regional audiences, excluding Hindi, ensuring widespread accessibility. Although the exact streaming date remains unannounced, viewers can expect the film to be added to the platform in the coming months.
Official Trailer and Plot of Game Changer
The official trailer of Game Changer showcases an intense narrative revolving around Ram Nandan, an IAS officer portrayed by Ram Charan, who takes on corrupt politicians to clean up the electoral system. The film delves into themes of justice and reform, combining compelling drama with high-stakes action sequences. Audiences have praised the gripping visuals, directed by S. Shankar, and a screenplay crafted by Karthik Subbaraj, which is expected to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
Cast and Crew of Game Changer
Game Changer features a cast, led by Ram Charan in triple roles as Appanna, H. Ram Nandan IAS, and H. Charan IPS. Kiara Advani plays the role of Deepika, his wife, while notable performances are delivered by Anjali, SJ Suryah, Sunil, Jayaram, Srikanth, Samuthirakani, and Nassar. Directed by filmmaker S. Shankar, the movie's music is composed by S. Thaman.
The much-discussed film The Sabarmati Report, directed by Dheeraj Sarna, will soon be available for online streaming. This political drama, featuring Vikrant Massey in the lead, originally hit theatres on November 15, 2024. It revolves around the aftermath of the 2002 Godhra train incident in Gujarat, capturing the journey of a journalist determined to uncover hidden truths. From January 11, viewers can watch this film on Zee5.
When and Where to Watch The Sabarmati Report
The digital premiere of The Sabarmati Report is set for January 11 on Zee5. This platform brings the film to a wider audience after its theatrical release. The story follows Samar Kumar, portrayed by Vikrant Massey, a journalist who investigates the Godhra train tragedy. Through his findings, a deeper conspiracy involving powerful individuals comes to light, making his journey perilous. Years later, reporter Amrita Gill, played by Raashii Khann,a unearths Samar's suppressed report, reigniting the pursuit of justice and uncovering layers of corruption.
Official Trailer and Plot of The Sabarmati Report
The trailer of The Sabarmati Report highlights its tense narrative and gripping performances. The plot centres on Samar Kumar's investigation into the 2002 tragedy, with his revelations threatening the status quo. Despite efforts to suppress his findings, they resurface years later through Amrita Gill, who collaborates with Samar's work to expose a conspiracy that involves influential individuals willing to go to great lengths to conceal the truth. The film's narrative blends suspense, drama, and a critical look at political machinations.
Cast and Crew of The Sabarmati Report
The Sabarmati Report boasts a strong ensemble cast. Vikrant Massey stars as journalist Samar Kumar, while Raashii Khanna plays Amrita Gill, the reporter determined to bring his suppressed findings to light. Riddhi Dogra appears as Manika Rajpurohit, adding complexity to the narrative. Dheeraj Sarna directs the film, with production by Ekta Kapoor, Shobhaa Kapoor, and Zee Studios.
Reception of The Sabarmati Report
The film sparked significant conversations and controversies post-release. Declared tax-free in several states, it drew attention for its portrayal of sensitive events. While some praised its daring approach, others criticised its narrative choices. It had an underwhelming box office performance and currently has an IMDb rating of 6.6 / 10.
Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW2 were unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES 2025) on January 7. The TWS headset is claimed to offer a total battery life of up to 65 hours, together with the case. It is equipped with Magnetic Switch technology, which helps users conserve power without the charging case. Each earphone is equipped with a 9mm dynamic driver and customisable multifunctional buttons. The headset supports hybrid noise cancellation as well as multipoint connectivity. The case supports USB Type-C and Qi wireless charging.
Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW2 Price, Availability
Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW2 price is set at $149 (roughly Rs. 12,800) and they are currently available for purchase in the US via the company's website. The availability of the headset in other markets is yet to be announced. The wireless headset is offered in Beige and Black colour options.
The Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW2 is equipped with 9mm dynamic drivers and omnidirectional MEMS microphones. The headset supports hybrid noise-cancellation and ambience control features like hear-through and talk-through modes. It is compatible with the Audio-Technica Connect app, which allows users to manage low latency mode and noise cancellation modes as well as customise EQ settings. The customisable, functional button can also be personalised via the app.
The latest TWS headset from Audio-Technica offers Bluetooth 5.3 and multipoint connectivity. They support AAC, SBC, and LC3 audio codecs. It has an IP55 rating for dust and splash resistance. They are equipped with Magnetic Switch technology, where the two earphones turn off when they are attached to each other via inbuilt magnets, conserving power even without the charging case. The earphones turn back on when the headsets are pulled apart. This is similar to the feature we see in some neckband-style Bluetooth headsets.
Audio-Technica claims that the ATH-CKS50TW2 can last for up to 25 hours on a single charge, and the accompanying case can offer up to 40 hours of additional battery life. A five-minute quick charge is said to provide users with a playback time of up to 90 minutes. The charging case supports USB Type-C as well as Qi wireless charging. Each earbud weighs about 7.2g, while the case weighs approximately 51.5 g.
Google Pixel owners can now update their devices to the latest January 2025 patch, the company announced via its support page on Tuesday. The update, which is rolled out for the Pixel 9 series and several other older models running Android 15, brings fixes for issues related to audio, camera, display, graphics, and user interface. Further, it also includes patches for security vulnerabilities with moderate severity as well as functional improvements.
Google Pixel Update for January 2025
A Google community manager detailed the features of the Pixel update for January 2025 with the build number AP4A.250105.002 on the company's support page. As per the changelog, the patch fixes an audio issue which caused audio delay and stability problems in certain apps on the Pixel 9 series, the Pixel 8 series and the Pixel Tablet.
January 2025 update for Pixel rolling out
Pixel 9 series users reported two other bugs — a camera stability error when switching to a connected camera under certain conditions and flashing lines on the screen in certain conditions. Both of them have been rectified following the update. It also fixes a theme issue which caused problems in the Pixel launcher to display themed icon colour in certain conditions.
Apart from bug fixes, the changelog states that the January 2025 update also bundles security patches for several common vulnerabilities and exposures (CVE). This includes a fix for a vulnerability with the identifier CVE-2023-33111 which is reported in a Qualcomm audio component. Two other vulnerabilities, CVE-2023-28583 and CVE-2023-33038, were discovered in Qualcomm closed-source components and have been patched with the update. All of them were listed as moderate in severity.
Gadgets 360 staff members can confirm that the update has started to roll out. It is approximately 92MB in size on the Google Pixel 9 but may differ depending on the model. The following devices are eligible to receive it:
Ultrahuman Rare was unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025 in Las Vegas on Tuesday. The Bengaluru-based startup says it is a luxury smart ring crafted from hallmarked gold or silver with a variety of finishes available, depending on the model chosen. Ultrahuman Rare boasts features similar to other smart rings in the market, including photoplethysmography (PPG) and six-axis motion sensors, a heart rate tracker, and a sleep indicator. This luxury smart ring joins Ultrahuman Air in the company's lineup of smart wearables.
Ultrahuman Rare Price
Ultrahuman Rare price starts at GBP 1,500 (roughly Rs. 1,61,000) and goes up to GBP 1,800 (roughly Rs. 1,93,000). It will be available for purchase by mid-January in Printemps, Paris and Selfridges, London.
The luxury smart ring will be offered in three finishes — Desert Rose, Desert Snow, and Dune.
Ultrahuman Rare Specifications
According to Ultrahuman, the Desert Rose and Dune finishes of the Ultrahuman Rare are crafted from 18K rose gold and 18K gold, respectively. It is hallmarked by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and sourced from refineries approved by the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA). The Desert Snow finish features an intricate rose-like formation of crystal clusters of gypsum or baryte, forming a circular array of flat plates. Meanwhile, the Dune colourway has finely crafted grooves which bring a brushed finish.
Ultrahuman Rare's Desert Snow variant comprises 95 percent Platinum which is crafted from PT950 platinum, as per the company. It has a frosted finish which Ultrahuman claims resembles snowflakes.
For health and fitness tracking, the luxury smart ring features various sensors. It has a PPG sensor for heart rate monitoring and ix-axis motion sensors. The company claims with Ultrahuman Rare, users can keep a check on key health indicators such as sleep, movement, heart rate, heart variability (HRV), skin temperature, and stress.
A 2,300-year-old marble statuette discovered in Alexandria, Egypt, has offered new insights into how dwarves were perceived during the Ptolemaic period (332–150 B.C.). Depicting a muscular, nude dwarf in motion, the 4-inch sculpture reflects a combination of Egyptian and Greek artistic traditions. Despite missing its arms, legs, and part of the head, the craftsmanship of the piece indicates a highly skilled rendering of human anatomy. It is currently housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.
Depictions of Dwarves in Ptolemaic Art
According to information from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, as reported by Live Science, the statuette incorporates elements from Greek art, such as classical nudity and Hellenistic realism, blended with Egyptian cultural aesthetics. This synthesis points to the cultural exchange that characterised the Ptolemaic dynasty, a period when Egypt was ruled by Ptolemy I Soter, a general of Alexander the Great. The depiction of a dwarf engaged in dance suggests a significant societal role, unlike the exaggerated caricatures of dwarves often seen in Greek art.
Egyptian Perspectives on Dwarves
Historical records indicate that dwarves were highly regarded in ancient Egypt, often serving in the households of nobles and pharaohs. Their association with the god Bes, who was depicted as a short and muscular protector of families and women in childbirth, contributed to their societal acceptance. Bes, known as a dancer and tambourine player, symbolises strength and guardianship in Egyptian mythology. The statuette's design, which likely depicted the dwarf with a percussion instrument, aligns with this cultural significance.
A Glimpse into Cultural Integration
The artifact demonstrates the integration of different human forms into Egyptian society during the Ptolemaic era. The Met has emphasised that such depictions reflect a broader tradition of valuing diverse body types, setting the Egyptian approach apart from other ancient civilisations. This statuette, though small in size, offers a profound understanding of cultural dynamics during a transformative period in history.
The mechanics of hula hooping have been analysed by researchers, uncovering how body shapes and motions influence the ability to keep a hoop spinning against gravity. Insights from the study have raised intriguing questions about body dynamics, energy efficiency, and potential engineering applications. The findings, based on experiments and mathematical modelling, offer new perspectives on an activity often overlooked in scientific research. Key revelations include the role of body curvature and slope in maintaining the hoop's motion.
Study Details Dynamics of Hula Hooping
According to research published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, experiments were conducted using miniature robotic models at New York University's Applied Mathematics Laboratory. Different shapes, such as cylinders, cones, and hourglasses, were replicated at one-tenth human scale to examine their impact on hula hooping efficiency. Motorised motions were applied to these models, and high-speed cameras captured the behaviour of hoops launched onto the robotic forms.
Findings indicated that successful twirling could be achieved without significant variation based on body cross-section shapes, such as circles or ellipses. However, maintaining the hoop's height against gravity required specific physical attributes, particularly sloping hips and a curvy waist. These characteristics provided the necessary angles for upward thrust and stability, helping to keep the hoop in motion.
Mathematical Modelling and Broader Applications
Senior researcher and associate professor Leif Ristroph explained in a press release that mathematical models were developed to explain the physical principles observed. These models offered insight into the interaction between body motion and hoop dynamics, which could be extended to applications such as energy harvesting and robotics.
The researchers highlighted that the work bridges a gap in the understanding of a popular activity, while also demonstrating its relevance to technology. Ristroph noted that these findings could lead to improvements in robotic systems used in manufacturing, as well as innovative ways to utilise energy generated by vibrations.
This research sheds light on the science behind hula hooping, offering practical applications while enhancing the understanding of human and mechanical motion.
Huawei Enjoy 70X was launched in China last week as a successor to the Huawei Enjoy 60X, which debuted in April 2023. The new Enjoy series phone is offered in four different colour options and runs on HarmonyOS 4.2. Huawei offers a 6.78-inch screen with up to 120Hz on the Enjoy 70X. It supports satellite messaging in China and has a water-resistant IP64 build. The Huawei Enjoy 70X has a 6,100 mAh battery that supports 40W wired charging.
Huawei Enjoy 70X Price
Price of Huawei Enjoy 70X is set at CNY 1,799 (roughly Rs. 21,000) for the 8GB + 128GB variant. The 8GB + 256GB model is priced at CNY 1,999 (roughly Rs. 23,000), while the high-end 8GB + 512GB variant costs CNY 2,299 (roughly Rs. 27,000). The smartphone is currently available for purchase in China via Vmall. It is offered in Gold Black, Lake Blue, Snow White, and Spruce colour options.
Huawei Enjoy 70X Specifications
The dual-SIM (Nano) Huawei Enjoy 70X runs on HarmonyOS 4.2 and features a 6.78-inch full-HD+ (1,224x2,700 pixels) AMOLED display with 437ppi pixel density and up to 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. The screen has Aluminosilicate glass protection as well. As usual, Huawei hasn't officially revealed the processor of the Huawei Enjoy 70X. It is expected to have a Kirin 8000A 5G chipset under the hood.
For photos and videos, the Huawei Enjoy 70X flaunts a dual rear camera setup that includes a 50-megapixel primary sensor with an f/1.9 aperture and a 2-megapixel depth of field sensor with f/2.4 aperture. For selfies and video chats, there is a single 8-megapixel sensor on the front with an f/2.0 lens.
The Huawei Enjoy 70X comes in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, onboard storage options. The handset offers Beidou satellite messaging functionality in China that allows users to send and receive text messages and images through satellite connectivity.
Other connectivity options on the Huawei Mate 70X include Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.1, OTG, Skyline, BeiDou, Galileo, GPS, AGPS, QZSS, Glonass, NFC, and a USB Type-C port for charging. Sensors onboard include an ambient light sensor, colour temperature sensor, compass, gyroscope, gravity sensor, and proximity light sensor. There is also an in-display fingerprint scanner for authentication.
Huawei has packed a 6,100mAh battery in the Huawei Mate 70X that supports 40W fast charging. It is IP64-rated for dust and water resistance. The phone measures 164x74.88x7.98mm and weighs around 189 grams.
Gone are the days when air purifiers were considered a luxury product and something that was connected to home decor. We live in times when an air purifier is necessary for your family. Especially if you're living in north India, air purifiers are a must-have product in winter months as AQI spikes to over 500 and, at times, even 1,000 on the measuring charts. Unfortunately, in 2024, even the suburbs of Mumbai reported higher AQI levels based on multiple reports, so the problem is bigger. Thankfully, we have brands like Qubo that offer air purifiers of all sizes. Whether you need them to cover a small area (200 square feet) or up to 1,000 square feet, there's an option.
The Q600 Smart Air Purifier from Qubo is an ideal option for a two-room setup and costs Rs. 14,990. But is it the air purifier to choose this winter, or should you look at other options? Let me answer that in this review.
Qubo Q600 Smart Air Purifier Design: Simple but Efficient
Weight - 5.2 kg
Max noise - 55db
Dust sensor - Yes
Coverage area - 600 sq feet
The Q600 Smart Air Purifier is a great example of how to keep things simple. It features a basic design that houses the HEPA filter in the lower half of the purifier and the upper half housing the fan. The air outlet is towards the top, while the rear panel can be opened to clean or change the filter. In fact, the Qubo Q600 is one of the purifiers with a plug-and-play type HEPA filter setup. Convenience over complication is always preferred.
The Q600 packs a 4-in-1 filter featuring pre-filter, HEPA 13, carbon filter, and silver nanoparticle coating
The air purifier packs a bunch of touch-sensitive buttons on the top, which feature power, fan speed, auto mode, timer, and QSensAI. A small colour LED screen on the front panel displays the surrounding AQI with colour coding where red is higher pollution levels and green is under control.
Qubo has smartly fitted multiple indicators in this small screen, including filter life, child lock, and Wi-Fi indicators. For someone unfamiliar with the app ecosystem, the Q600 Smart Air Purifier can function without a proper app setup. Just plug the device after unboxing. However, one important thing to note is that Qubo air purifiers have a polybag around the HEPA filter. Users have to remove this polybag before they start using the air purifier.
The LED screen on the purifier shows the real-time AQI level in the room
Qubo Q600 Smart Air Purifier App, Features and Performance: Decent, Overall
App Compatibility - Qubo App
Works with Alexa
Hepa Filter - H13
Number of Filters - 4
For Q600 Smart Air Purifier, the Qubo app is the primary key. You get additional features alongside some functionality-related features that are not physically available on the purifier. The one-time setup is quick, and Qubo has added a nice touch by sending users a proper Quick Start guide on WhatsApp when signing in.
Qubo's proprietary AI tech, QSensAI, is part of the package, and it automatically analyses ambient air quality in real-time
The app interface is user-friendly and has most features a few taps away. The Qubo app's home screen will show you PM2.5 current levels in the room, and you can enable QSensAI, which automatically senses PM2.5 levels in the room and springs into action when needed. In the app, users can set it when they want the device to turn off, like once PM2.5 levels drop below 25 and turn it on when the level goes above 50. You also get Silent Mode in the app, which basically mutes the air purifier's fan sound. The app also lets you adjust the light intensity of the LEDs on the buttons on the Q600, which is a neat touch.
Additional features like child lock can be enabled using the app alongside a scheduling option where users can choose a routine for the air purifier to start and shut automatically. Moreover, users also get a countdown option that lets them set the time when the air purifier should shut down, for example, in an hour, two hours, four hours, and more. Users can manually adjust this. Of course, the app also offers filter life in terms of the total number of hours remaining. It's worth noting that Qubo claims up to 15,000 hours of filter life on its Q600 Smart Air Purifier, which may slightly differ depending on fan speed.
The Qubo app is feature-rich, and you can control the purifier efficiently through the mobile app
The best thing is that the Qubo app offers deep insights into PM2.5 levels in the last 24 hours or the last seven days or more. Thanks to Alexa integration, I could start the Q600 Smart Air Purifier with voice commands to my smart speaker at home.
Coming to raw performance, the Qubo Q600 Smart Air Purifier is an efficient and silent (comparatively) operator for everyday use. From a situation of over 200 AQI levels in the room to bringing it below 80, the Q600 took about 1.5 hours in auto mode. Compared to similarly priced air purifiers, the Q600 fares well. I set a schedule for the Q600 air purifier, which worked from 7am to 10pm with QSensAI enabled. Every time PM2.5 levels go below 25, the purifier automatically shuts and restarts when it goes over 30. Without anyone noticing, the purifier worked flawlessly.
Qubo claims that the HEPA filter has a life span of up to 15,000 hours
Qubo Q600 Smart Air Purifier Review: Verdict
The Q600 air purifier from Qubo is ideal for a flat with two rooms and can efficiently keep air quality at home in check. However, apart from being a silent operator, this is also a slow operator, so do not expect this to do some magic in a jiffy. At Rs. 14,990, the Q600 Smart Air Purifier is slightly expensive, especially considering that similar models are available at lesser price points. One such example is the Xiaomi Smart Air Purifier 4 Lite, launched recently and is available at Rs. 10,999.
Price: Rs. 14,990
Pros
Silent and efficient operator
Decent purification performance
Qubo app offers plenty of customisations
Cons
Only the basic buttons on the purifier
Overall, the package is slightly expensive
Ratings (out of 10):
Design: 7
Performance: 7
Value for money: 7
Overall: 7
Nothing Phone 2a Plus users can now download the latest Nothing OS 3.0 stable version, the company has announced. The update is based on Android 15 and has been released nearly a month after the first open beta was rolled out for the aforementioned smartphone. Nothing OS 3.0 introduces visual changes across the user interface (UI) including new home and lock screen customisation options. Further, it also bundles several artificial intelligence (AI) features related to productivity.
Nothing OS 3.0 Update Features
Nothing detailed the features of the latest Nothing OS 3.0 update in a post on its community forum. As per the British smartphone maker, the Nothing Phone 2a Plus gets an AI-powered smart drawer feature which can automatically categorise apps by analysing usage patterns. Users can also pin their most-used apps at the top of the app drawer. The update enables more direct editing of the lock screen by long-pressing on it which opens the customisation page. Additionally, there are new clock faces, expanded widget space, redesigned quick settings, and updated visuals across the user interface (UI) for a refreshed look.
Following the update, the Nothing Phone 2a Plus gets auto-archive functionality which is claimed to free up storage space without deleting apps or data from the device. The update also improves multi-tasking by introducing an enhanced pop-up view. Users can now drag pop-up windows anywhere across the screen, resize and pin them, and quickly open a pop-up view by swiping down on incoming notifications.
With Nothing OS 3.0, users can take advantage of the new Shared Widgets feature which displays the widgets of friends and family on the home screen of the user's device. They can link up and interact with others through reactions.
Meanwhile, the company has already confirmed that Google'sCircle to Search will now be available on Nothing Phone 2a Plus and other models post the update. It leverages AI to enable users to search for something on the web by highlighting it on the screen and enabling its visual lookup. The feature supports actions such as scribbling, circling or drawing over an object and text on the screen, and can be used to translate and copy text too.
Other features of the Android 15-based update include an updated setup wizard, improved lock screen charging status display, partial screen sharing, and predictive back animations. Nothing OS 3.0 also bundles the December 2024 security patch.
