New world record for internet speed by Japan

 Japan’s latest breakthrough is rewriting the rules of speed : 4 million times faster than the average speed in US

Japan has just crushed records with a new internet speed so fast, it’s almost hard to believe. Imagine streaming entire libraries, massive data collections or ultra-high-definition videos in mere minutes. This isn’t science fiction, it’s happening now thanks to a ground breaking achievement from Japanese researchers. A team in Japan set a new world record in fibre optics, reaching a data speed of 1.02 petabits per second over roughly 1,123 miles with a new kind of optical fibre. The achievement yielded a capacity–distance product of 1.86 exabits per second per mile. This rate is about 4 million times higher than the US median fixed broadband download speed of about 285 Mbps. Lead researcher Hideaki Furukawa of the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) in Japan guided the transmission experiments and system work. They’ve developed an optical fibre system which can transmit over the equivalent of traveling from New York to Florida. To put this into perspective, this speed would open doors to a future where data moves at incredible rates.

The team in Japan smashed the previous world record of just over 50,000 gigabytes per second, doubling this accomplishment in a matter of months. This remarkable leap was made possible by creating a new form of optical fibre cable. Unlike conventional cables, this advanced fibre bundles 19 standard fibres into a tiny strand barely thicker than a single human hair, roughly five-thousandths of an inch in diameter. The cable fits 19 light paths inside a cladding that measures about 0.005 inches, the same size used by most existing lines. This design allows it to slot into current routes without changing the outside diameter. The cores share a single glass cladding and are engineered to behave the same way, so the light follows a uniform path through each core. This uniform behaviour reduces power swings and lowers loss in both the C band and L band, the primary wavelength ranges for long-distance links. The design also avoids the spacing penalties of uncoupled multicore layouts, where engineers minimize crosstalk by spacing cores farther apart. Less data loss means stronger signals and the ability to send information much farther without interruption. This optical fibre is specifically designed to optimize long-distance transmission, making it a game-changer for telecommunications infrastructure.

Interestingly, the design fits into existing cable installations since it matches the typical thickness of conventional single-fibre cables. This means upgrades won’t require costly, large-scale overhauls of the current network, a clever way to increase capacity while keeping costs and disruptions low. In a coupled layout, the system allows mixing between cores and later corrects it using digital processing at the receiver. Low fibre loss across wide wavelengths, combined with predictable coupling, made long range and high rate possible at the same time. Earlier projects achieved fast signals over much shorter spans, but this approach pushes capacity and reach together. A petabit equals one million gigabits, a unit that marks a leap beyond the gigabit tier common to residential plans. The capacity–distance product multiplies data rate by distance to compare systems which go fast, far or both. Before this breakthrough, the same research team had achieved similar speeds but only across a short span, less than one-third of the 1,120 miles covered this time. The major obstacles were finding ways to reduce data loss and boost signal strength enough to maintain quality over longer distances. Their latest system transmits data 21 times through the cable, ensuring it reaches the receiver after traveling over a thousand miles without significant degradation.

A multicore fibre places several cores inside one cladding so that many signals travel in parallel. MIMO is a digital filter which separates mixed signals from different cores or modes, allowing the original data streams to emerge cleanly. Long-haul optical links use the C band and L band as their main wavelength windows because standard amplifiers operate efficiently in those ranges. The 16-state Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (16QAM) method stores more information per symbol than simpler formats, raising data rates when noise and distortion are controlled. Looking back, it’s incredible how far we’ve come in such a short time. Just remember the frustration of dial-up internet, where waiting several minutes just to open a single photo was normal. Now, we’re talking about speeds which make those early experiences feel like ancient history. The team built 19 synchronized recirculating loops, each fed by one core of a 53.5-mile spool that included splitters, combiners, amplifiers and a control switch. A switch sent the signal around the loop 21 times before it reached a bank of receivers, producing the full end-to-end distance. They lit 180 wavelengths across the C and L bands and modulated each with 16QAM, a higher-order format which increases bits per symbol when conditions are clean enough. Multiple wavelengths across two bands gave the system a wide runway for total throughput. At the end, a coherent 19 channel receiver separated spatial channels while a MIMO engine untangled the mixed signals introduced by the coupled cores. Error correction code finished the job and produced the net payload figure used to report the result.

This progress is timely. With global data use expected to multiply rapidly in the coming years, the demand for new, scalable high-capacity communication systems is exploding. Japan’s advancement provides a promising roadmap to meet this demand, potentially transforming how governments, businesses and everyday users interact with data. So, what does this mean for you? Imagine streaming 8K videos or engaging in highly immersive virtual experiences without buffering or delays. Large-scale scientific research, cloud computing and even personal data backups could proceed almost instantly, reshaping what’s possible in almost every digital endeavour. Short bursts in a lab are one thing; dependable hauls between cities are another. Long spans expose loss, amplifier noise, nonlinear effects and chromatic dispersion which often remain hidden on short test beds. Engineers track progress in optical fibre systems with the capacity-distance product, which multiplies rate by distance to summarize both speed and reach in a single number. A higher product means a system can carry more bits for longer without running out of margin. This demonstration shows that dense spatial channels inside a standard-sized fibre, combined with broad wavelength use and shared amplification, can lift that product. It achieves this without changing the outside fibre size, a practical way to scale, since networks care about what fits in ducts, trays and connectors.

With data flowing from continent to continent at lightning-fast pace, the potential for innovation grows exponentially. Developers of the Internet of Things, augmented reality, and smart cities will benefit immensely from the existence of stable, ultra-fast networks. This breakthrough isn’t just about raw speed, it’s a foundation for a more connected and intelligent world. A key choice was keeping the cladding diameter at about 0.005 inches, which matches the size used by most installed fibre and the tools built around it. “For fibre fabrication and deployment, it is highly beneficial to use fibres with a standard cladding diameter,” said Menno van den Hout from the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology. Keeping dimensions and interfaces familiar lowers the barrier to field trials and later deployment if costs align. It also enables step-by-step rollouts, where multicore spans boost capacity on tough segments while other spans remain single-core. The idea of space-division multiplexing has been studied for more than a decade, and its value has been demonstrated across many experiments. “This Review summarizes the simultaneous transmission of several independent spatial channels of light along optical fibres to expand the data carrying capacity of optical communications,” said Benjamin Puttnam of the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology. This record from Japan illustrates the relentless human pursuit of pushing boundaries. Each technological leap sparks new opportunities and redefines the limits of what our devices and networks can do. It’s exciting to think about the possibilities this opens up, but also a reminder that innovation never stops around the world.

A New Feature by Google Maps

 New Feature by Google Maps will get every Navigation app requirements   

While there are a plethora of navigation apps, Google Maps remains one of the most widely used options. It comes pre-installed on most Android smartphones, offers an easy-to-use and familiar interface, and works smoothly on Apple's iPhones as well. Over the past few months, Google has been rolling out several new features to Google Maps. While every update is not much useful, some new and existing features have genuinely improved daily commute and travel experiences. Google Maps will soon get a new feature which will significantly improve safety behind the wheel. Most people use navigation apps for turn-by-turn directions, as they can provide detailed guidance on a configured route and make the time spent behind the wheel more convenient. Google Maps also includes a  crowdsourcing component, but the app's wide adoption worldwide allows it to offer functionality which would only be possible with the involvement of local governments or traffic agencies.

However, navigation apps have evolved substantially in the last decade and now provide users with more advanced functionality besides basic guidance. Waze is the best example, as the Google-owned product relies on crowd sourced data to understand what happens on the road and generate warnings for its users. This means Waze users can report traffic hazards such as accidents and broken traffic lights, and mark their locations on the map. The application uses these reports to provide notifications to users whose routes include the flagged locations so they can anticipate hazards. This is the case of a feature announced. Local authorities initially needs to collaborate if they are looking into ways to reduce the number of crashes in accident-prone areas. These locations are known as black spots and local traffic authorities needs to compile and maintain a database of black spots. Now moving this database to Google Maps would let drivers know, running the app can see the location of black spots as they drive. No specifics were shared about how Google Maps will warn drivers about these accident-prone regions. However, the application will likely use an approach similar to other hazards and display the black spots directly on the map.

When drivers approach a flagged location, they might see a warning on the screen, prompting them to approach the area more cautiously and reduce speed. However, since collaboration work is in progress and Google Maps hasn't yet been updated with the black spot database, the exact design and configuration haven't been finalized. The black spots are typically intersections, but they can be located anywhere motorists might encounter missing or damaged road signs or poor road conditions. Google Maps won't be the first app to warn of black spots, albeit it'll be the first app to do so using official data. Waze, the other Google-owned navigation app, can also display notifications for roads with a history of crashes when navigation is enabled. The feature was announced in 2023 and relies on crowd sourced data to determine accident-prone intersections. With more data roaming between Waze and Google Maps, the black spot warnings could also make their way to both Google navigation apps. However, no such announcement has been made. 

Compared to official databases, where traffic authorities compile data based on accident reports, Waze uses information submitted by users and doesn't make a difference between crashes and fatalities. However, Waze's data is particularly useful because it can indicate a higher risk of a crash, so the objective is similar. Traffic authorities in most countries have already erected black spot signs on the side of the road indicating that a section of the road or an upcoming intersection has a history of crashes recorded over a specific period. This means they own a database of roads with a higher risk of crashes, so working with navigation app companies to make the data available digitally in their products is a no-brainer. Until Google Maps gets this update, Waze is the best solution for people who are specifically interested in accident-prone road warnings. The notifications are available on mobile devices and in cars with Android Auto and CarPlay. They are displayed when approaching a flagged location and drivers can disable them from the app's settings menu. However, keeping them enabled is the right approach, especially because these warnings are based on a collection of accident reports, therefore benefiting from higher accuracy.

Following are the some of the important features must be known to all drivers:-

Add home and work for quicker route access

No need to type them every single time

Setting up home and workplace in Google Maps

If you use Google Maps to navigate to your workplace or home every day, this feature is a must. Google Maps lets you save your home and work addresses directly in the app. Whenever you're on the road and need directions, you can simply tap Home or Work without manually searching.

To set your home and work locations in the Maps app, follow these steps:-

In Google Maps, tap your profile icon at the top right and go to Settings.

Select Edit home or work.

Choose the one you want to set or edit, then either type in or manually set the address.

Find places that match your dietary needs

Ideal for all type of selections

Setting dietary preferences in Google Maps

Google Maps is easily one of the best tools to find restaurants and cafes. You can filter locations by ratings, cuisine, accessibility and more. But one underrated Google Maps option is that you can also tweak Google Maps to automatically show only those restaurants and eateries around you which match your dietary preferences. This means if you're vegan, vegetarian or prefer halal, gluten-free or other options, Google Maps can filter results automatically. Here's how to set it up:-

In the Google Maps app, tap your profile icon at the top right.

Go to Settings.

Select Manage your preferences, then tap Dietary preferences.

Now choose from options like alcohol-free, halal, kosher and more.

Save your parking spot with just a single tap

Never worry about finding your car again

Saving parking location in Google Maps

This generally happens to all drivers. You enter a multi-storey parking lot, park your car and then completely forget where you parked, only to wander around until you finally remember. Thankfully, Google Maps includes a simple feature which lets you save your car's parking location easily. It's straightforward to use, and here's how:-

Open Google Maps on your phone after parking your car.

Tap the blue dot which shows your current location.

Select Save parking from the menu.

Optionally, you can also add details like notes (for example, "0 Level, Pillar J11") and even set a reminder to move your car later if needed.

Customize public transit with smart filters

Less walking, fewer transfers, lowest cost, it's your choice..

Setting public transport preferences in Google Maps

One of the best features of Google Maps is how easily it helps you get around using public transport, even in a completely new place. You don't need to download a separate transit app, since Google Maps can handle it for you. What many people miss, though, is that Maps also lets you customize your public transport journey based on your preferences. For example, if you prefer taking the metro over buses, you can set that. Similarly, if you'd rather take the fastest route, even if it means changing lines more often, you can do that too.

Filter locations with the "Open now" toggle

Perfect when you're rushing or it's late

Using the "Open now" filter in Google Maps

in a situation where you're traveling to a new place, and the restaurant opening hours aren't the same as what you're used to. You find a great spot to eat nearby, only to discover it's closed. In such cases, the "Open now" filter on Google Maps would save your time. This feature works when you search for things like "cafes" or "pharmacy." Once the Google Maps results show up, just tap the "Open now" filter. It will narrow down the list to only show places which are open at that moment, making it much easier to choose where to go. It's such a simple feature, but it's a total lifesaver when you're in a rush or when places are about to close. Follow these steps:-

Open Google Maps and enter your destination.

Tap the public transport tab.

Tap the gear icon to open transport settings.

Choose your preferences, such as fewer transfers or wheelchair access, and Maps will adjust your route accordingly.

You can also set an arrival time in Google Maps when planning your journey. Just tap the "Leave by" or "Arrive by" option after entering your destination. This way, Maps will tell you exactly when to leave to reach your destination on time. 

Send directions straight to your phone

Cross-device sync is underrated

Send Google Maps listing to phone from laptop

This is one of the most underrated features on Google Maps. Whenever you're searching or planning a trip itinerary on your laptop, you can directly send the Google Maps listing to your phone for quick access. Just make sure you're signed in to the same Google account on both devices. Once you find a route or location, you'll see an option to "Send to phone." Tap it, and you'll instantly get a notification on your phone that opens the location or route directly in the Maps app. It's a great way to plan ahead without having to retype anything later. You can use this all the time while trip planning or browsing places during work.

All in all, Google Maps offers a range of features which make both everyday travel and trips to new places or countries much easier. But these aren't the only useful tools. There are plenty of other features, such as offline maps and incident reporting, which makes Google Maps even more helpful for navigation.

Scientists Break Internet Speed Record in Japan

 Researchers in Japan create Internet so fast, you can download Netflix’s entire library in just 1 second

In a landmark achievement which could reshape the future of digital communications, Japanese researchers have set a new data transmission speed record of 1.02 petabits per second, highlighting the potential for unprecedented advancements in internet infrastructure and usage. The National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) in Japan has set a ground breaking record with a data transmission rate of 1.02 petabits per second (around 127,500 GB/s) over 1,802 km's (about 1,120 miles). Researchers have transmitted long-distance data at faster than 350,000 times the average US broadband internet speed. Following are the some of the important points:-

 Japanese researchers set a new data transmission speed record of 1.02 petabits per second.

Future 6G standards could be influenced by this technology, promising unprecedented speeds for consumers globally.

The innovation relies on a special fibre optic architecture and wavelength-division multiplexing to maximize data throughput.

Potential applications span multiple sectors, including artificial intelligence and virtual reality, with near-instantaneous data exchanges. 

A team of Japanese researchers has set a new data transmission speed record, potentially revolutionizing telecommunications. This extraordinary leap could drastically change how we interact with digital technologies. The research, conducted by the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT), achieved a staggering transmission speed of 1.02 petabits per second. Such a rate would allow an entire Netflix library to be downloaded in just one second, showcasing the potential for transformative shifts in data usage and internet infrastructure. It’s around 3.5 million times faster than the average US fixed broadband internet connection, which was around 289 Mbps according to Speedtest as of May 2025. At this new record-breaking speed, you could download the entire Netflix library in under a second. The cornerstone of this achievement lies in a special type of fibre which allows for an unprecedented multiplication of transmission channels. This innovative architecture enhances capacity without increasing the physical bulk of the cables. The process relies on wavelength-division multiplexing, a technique which uses different colours of light to carry data. Over 800 channels were combined, maximizing throughput while minimizing energy loss. This remarkable performance was validated over a distance of 1,800 km's, demonstrating its feasibility for long-distance applications. Unlike previous records, this technology is designed to be compatible with existing network infrastructures, presenting a practical path forward for widespread implementation.

The key to the record is a new optical fibre with 19 cores, which are installed in a cable with a diameter of just 0.125 mm's (the standard size for existing networks). Compared to conventional cables with one core, this fibre transmits 19 times more data with minimal data loss due to uniform light conduction. For transmission over the 1,120-mile distance, comparable to New York to Chicago, the signal was amplified 21 times. The implications of this technological breakthrough are vast, with potential applications spanning multiple sectors. Such a data rate could enable the transfer of entire data libraries in mere seconds, providing a significant advantage to research centres and businesses engaged in massive data processing. Fields like artificial intelligence and virtual reality stand to benefit immensely from this advancement. The environmental impact of deploying new fibre optic systems at this scale must also be considered. Balancing technological advancement with sustainability will be crucial to the responsible implementation of these innovations. The long-term success of this technology will depend on addressing these challenges while continuing to push the boundaries of what is possible in telecommunications.

Data exchanges between remote servers could become nearly instantaneous, eliminating current latency constraints. Although this technology is presently reserved for professional infrastructures, it holds the promise of influencing the evolution of public networks. Future 6G standards might draw inspiration from these developments to offer unprecedented speeds to consumers. The new record more than doubles the previous year’s figure of 50,250 GB/s. In 2023, the NICT team achieved similar speeds but only over a third of the distance. Advances in signal amplification and reduction of data loss are what made this new range possible. While the potential benefits are immense, the path to widespread adoption of this technology is not without challenges. Integrating such high-speed data transmission into existing infrastructures will require significant investment and collaboration across industries. There is also the matter of ensuring data security at such high speeds, necessitating advancements in cyber security measures.

The technology could meet the growing demand for data worldwide, as data volumes have been increasing by about 50% annually according to Nielsen’s Law. This record-breaking achievement marks a significant milestone in the evolution of telecommunications. As researchers continue to refine and expand upon these technologies, the future of data transmission looks increasingly promising. The ability to transfer massive amounts of data at unprecedented speeds could redefine how we connect, communicate and conduct business. As the world becomes more interconnected, the demand for faster, more reliable internet will only grow. This breakthrough offers a glimpse into what the future could hold, with the potential to reshape industries and enhance global connectivity. How will societies and industries adapt to harness the full potential of these technological advancements, is still to be seen. In general, the new technology is exciting and also interesting for countries where fibre optic expansion is stagnating.

Samsung Galaxy A56 5G

 Samsung Galaxy A56 5G 

The smartphone landscape has witnessed a significant shift in 2025, with Samsung’s Galaxy A56 5G emerging as a compelling mid-range option which challenges traditional boundaries between premium and affordable devices. The smartphone manufacturers working hard to offer high-end features at reasonable prices. Samsung has joined this trend with their Galaxy A56 5G, a phone which proves you don’t need to spend a fortune to get an excellent smartphone experience. After being delayed in some markets, this device has finally arrived to show how advanced technology can be made accessible to more people without cutting corners on important features. This device demonstrates how advanced technology can be combined without compromising on essential features. 

Display 

The heart of the Galaxy A56 5G experience lies in its impressive 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display. The device features a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display with FHD+ resolution (1080×2340) and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, complemented by HDR10+ support. This combination delivers visual experiences previously reserved for much more expensive devices. This screen offers from scrolling through social media to playing games feels incredibly smooth and responsive. The display also ensures that videos and photos look vibrant and detailed with excellent colour accuracy. One of the most impressive aspects of this display is its brightness capabilities. The screen can reach 1,200 nits in normal high brightness situations and an incredible 1,900 nits when you’re using it in direct sunlight. This means you’ll never have trouble seeing your screen clearly, even on the brightest summer days. While some competing phones might have slightly brighter displays, the A56 5G’s display proves more than adequate for daily usage scenarios, particularly when considering its price. Protection comes courtesy of Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both front and rear surfaces, providing durability. This premium protection generally found on expensive devices helps ensure your phone will survive the inevitable drops and scratches which come with daily use. This attention to build quality demonstrates Samsung’s commitment to delivering premium experiences across its product range.

Camera 

Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the A56 5G’s well-thought-out camera system. The main camera features a 50MP sensor with optical image stabilization, which helps ensure your photos and videos stay sharp even if your hands aren’t perfectly steady. The rear camera system includes a 50MP main sensor with f/1.8 aperture, complemented by a 12MP ultra-wide lens (f/2.2) and a 5MP macro camera (f/2.4). This versatile setup enables users to capture various scenarios, from expansive landscapes to detailed close-up shots. The main camera benefits from optical image stabilization (OIS), ensuring steadier shots and smoother video recording. The optical image stabilization feature is particularly valuable for video recording, as it helps create smooth, professional-looking footage. The phone can record 4K video at 30 frames per second and 1080p video at 60 frames per second, giving content creators plenty of options for their projects. AI-driven photography enhancements represent a significant selling point, with features like Object Eraser, enhanced portrait mode and improved low-light performance. These computational photography capabilities help bridge the gap between hardware limitations and user expectations, enhanced portrait mode for professional-looking shots with blurred backgrounds and improved performance in low-light situations where photography typically becomes challenging.

Performance 

Under the hood, the Galaxy A56 5G utilizes Samsung’s Exynos 1580 processor, manufactured using a 4nm process for improved efficiency and performance. Samsung claims this chipset delivers 18% better CPU performance and 16% better GPU performance compared to the Exynos 1480 found in the previous Galaxy A55. Notably, Samsung has eliminated microSD expandability, reflecting industry trends toward fixed storage configurations. This decision, while potentially limiting for some users, allows for more streamlined device design and improved performance optimization. These improvements translate to more responsive everyday performance. While this phone isn’t designed for intensive gaming like some flagship devices, it handles everyday tasks like browsing the internet, using social media apps and running productivity software with ease. The device comes with either 8GB or 12GB of fast LPDDR4X memory, paired with either 128GB or 256GB of internal storage. 

Charging 

Power management receives a substantial upgrade through enhanced charging capabilities. While the Galaxy A56 5G maintains a standard 5,000mAh battery which easily lasts a full day of normal use, Samsung has significantly upgraded the charging speed. The phone now supports 45W fast charging, a major improvement from the previous generation’s 25W charging. This faster charging speed actually matches what Samsung offers in their most expensive flagship phones, showing their commitment to bringing premium features to more affordable devices. Real-world charging performance delivers approximately 8% charge in 5 minutes, nearly 30% in 15 minutes and over 55% in 30 minutes, with full charging completed in around 85 minutes. These speeds prove more than adequate for daily usage patterns. In practical terms, this means it eliminates the worry about running out of power during busy days.

Price 

The Galaxy A56 5G represents Samsung’s answer to increasingly sophisticated consumer demands within the mid-range segment. Samsung has positioned the Galaxy A56 5G at $499 in the US and £499 in the UK, placing it squarely in competition with other popular mid-range phones like Google’s Pixel 9a. This pricing strategy shows Samsung’s understanding of what consumers want: flagship-quality features without the flagship price tag. The company made the strategic decision to skip releasing the A55 model in certain regions to avoid confusion with their more expensive Galaxy S24 FE, demonstrating careful planning in their product line up. This thoughtful approach to market positioning means consumers get a clear choice without overlapping products which might create confusion. The A56 5G fills an important gap in Samsung’s line up while offering genuine improvements over previous models, making it an attractive option for people who want quality without breaking their budget. The A56 5G’s arrival offer meaningful improvements over its predecessor, establishing a clear value proposition which extends beyond simple specifications.

Software Support 

Perhaps the most compelling aspect of the Galaxy A56 5G lies in its software longevity promise. Samsung commits to providing six years of both Android OS upgrades and security updates, extending device utility. This means your phone will continue receiving important updates and new features until 2031, making it a smart long-term investment which will stay current and secure for years to come. This unprecedented support duration for a mid-range device demonstrates Samsung’s confidence in the hardware and commitment to customer satisfaction. The device launches with Android 15 and One UI 7.0, offering users access to the latest interface improvements and security enhancements. While not including the complete Galaxy AI suite found in flagship models, the A56 5G features “Awesome AI” capabilities including Circle to Search, Google Gemini integration and various productivity enhancements.

Market Impact 

The Galaxy A56 5G’s arrival signals important shifts in smartphone market dynamics. The four-month delay in US availability, finally launching in July 2025 after the initial March announcement, reflects complex market considerations and supply chain optimization strategies which affect global device rollouts. Early user feedback suggests strong satisfaction with the device’s overall experience, with particular praise for its premium design feel, capable cameras and excellent battery performance. The combination of metal and glass construction creates a tactile experience reminiscent of much more expensive devices.

Future Implications 

The Samsung Galaxy A56 5G represents more than just another mid-range smartphone release; it demonstrates how advanced technologies can be effectively democratized without significant compromise. By incorporating flagship features like 45W charging, premium display technology and extensive software support, Samsung has created a template for future mid-range development which other manufacturers must now consider. As the smartphone market continues evolving toward more sophisticated consumer expectations, devices like the Galaxy A56 5G prove that premium experiences need not require premium pricing, fundamentally reshaping how we evaluate smartphone value propositions in an increasingly competitive marketplace. The device’s success will likely influence competitive responses, potentially accelerating the pace at which premium features migrate to more affordable price segments around the world. 

SAMSUNG GALAXY Z FOLD 7

 SAMSUNG GALAXY Z FOLD 7 Review

In this era of iterative updates, it gets increasingly hard to get impressed by anything. But the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is the one phone in years that looks outstanding. On the side of the phone, you have your standard volume rocker and a combination lock button and fingerprint sensor. The fingerprint sensor is tiny and it's possible that you have to re-scan your fingerprint a second time to unlock the device. What’s more surprising, given the phone’s dimensions, is that on the top of the phone there’s still a physical SIM slot. That’s good if your carrier doesn’t support eSIM for some reason, but that’s becoming rare these days. Down on the bottom you have a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, but because each side of the phone is just over 4mm thick, the edges of the port are almost flush with the device.

Performance     

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite, the fastest mobile chip on the market right now, and the same SoC which powers the Galaxy S25 line up, including the Edge. And it's the same throttling performance we saw in the S25 Edge, the peak performance of this chip is not much good in the Galaxy Z Flip 6. And to be fair, the Fold 7’s performance profile does seem to benefit AI workloads a lot. It was observed with an actual use for AI that playing around with the nifty ‘Circle to search’ feature is quick and snappy, and even works in games now. Still not sure how useful feature actually is, however looks cool it is to play with once or twice. In Geekbench, which purely tests CPU performance, the Z Flip 7 put up a multicore score of 8,041 points, compared with the Flip 6’s 6,598. That’s a 22% lead, but it comes at the cost of single-core performance. The new phone only gets 1,756 points in the single core test, which is significantly slower than the Flip 6’s 2,112 points in that test. But given that this phone is basically purpose-built for multitasking. Instead, this performance profile is much better attuned to productivity work, which is what Samsung seems to be aiming for. Samsung is willing to absorb some of the costs to “democratize AI experiences”, something the Fold 7 is really trying to do.  

Display    

While a thin phone is cool and all, perhaps the biggest improvement is with the display, and in particular the outer display. Biggest complaint with the Fold 6 and the Fold 5, was the extremely narrow aspect ratio on the outer screen. That 22:9 aspect ratio made games like Hearthstone and Marvel Snap borderline unplayable, but this year’s model updates the screen to a much more standard 21:9 ratio. It sounds like a minor update, but it’s really night and day, and puts it more in line with competitors like the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold and the One Plus Open. The new resolution when closed is 2,520 x 1,080, which unfolds to a 2,184 x 1,968 screen when it's in tablet mode. These are both gorgeous AMOLED panels, with bright colours and deep blacks. 

 Battery      

For a phone with multiple displays and the most powerful mobile chip on the planet, it might be surprising that Samsung stuck with the same 4,400mAh battery which powers the S25 Ultra. That’s not ideal, especially if you plan on doing a lot of heavy work on it, but actually it usually lasts all day. If you observe closely on the battery page in the settings just to get an idea of what battery drain looks like, you would find that the phone typically lasts around 22 hours, and that’s with approximately four hours of gaming. It’s still not a phone that’ll last for multiple days between charges, but it should last all day, and some of the way into the next morning if you forget to place it on the charger overnight.          

Camera

While the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 has probably the most pronounced camera bump ever seen, it does seem to pay off. Samsung has included a similar 200MP main camera to the one found in the Galaxy S25 Ultra, though with only three sensors. This is a huge improvement over the 50MP shooter in last year’s foldable, and is capable of much sharper shots. The front facing camera is also improved, but Samsung replaced the somewhat hidden design found in the Fold 6 with a more apparent cut out. This will be a bit more than expected. It’s not going to break away from DSLR any time soon, but the photos taken are rich and vibrant. The camera also supports a 30x digital zoom, which works much better than you expect it would. 

Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is everything you want out of a foldable: It’s faster, easier to use, and no longer has a weird aspect ratio which makes everything look like it's getting squeezed. However, the high price tag and throttle-friendly performance profile means this continues to be a niche smartphone, even if it’s the foldable that’s the closest to being a normal phone yet. Quite attractive for the folks around the world. Samsung to stay #1 in foldable, but its lead over Huawei might shrink. 

Huawei Mate XT 2

 Expected upgrades in the upcoming Huawei Mate XT 2

Last year Huawei stunned the world when it launched the first-ever tri-fold device, the Mate XT and now the company is allegedly working on its successor.  Huawei Mate XT 2 is said to feature an upgraded periscope telephoto shooter. Huawei Mate XT Ultimate Design debuted in China in September 2024 and Huawei Mate XT 2 could launch in September this year. The upcoming tri-fold is tipped to offer satellite connectivity.

According to rumours from China, this won't be a huge upgrade compared to the original one, but there will still be some tweaks. The Mate XT 2 will be powered by the Kirin 9020 SoC, and it will have satellite connectivity. Huawei Mate XT Ultimate Design was launched in September last year as the world's first triple-fold smartphone with dual hinges. The handset featured a Kirin 9010 chipset and housed a 5,600mAh battery. Now, the Chinese smartphone brand appears to be aiming to launch a sequel to its triple-folding phone, most likely named the Huawei Mate XT 2. Ahead of any formal confirmation, leak suggests several details about the upcoming tri-fold handset.

Chinese tipster Digital Chat Station took to Weibo to suggest the key specifications of the Huawei Mate XT 2. It is said to run on the Kirin 9020 5G SoC. This would be an upgrade over the existing model, which has the Kirin 9010 chipset under the hood. The main camera will be new, still 50 MP resolution and with variable aperture. There will also be an upgraded periscope telephoto shooter. The Huawei Mate XT 2 is tipped to offer satellite connectivity. The screenshots included in the post suggest that Huawei have filed for regulatory approval for the upcoming tri-fold with model number GRL-AL20.

Huawei Mate XT 2 is tipped to offer the same screen size and battery capacity as the Mate XT Ultimate Design. Previous leaks pointed out a September launch window for the phone. It is likely to rival Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Z Tri-Fold smartphone. The Huawei Mate XT Ultimate Design is priced at CNY 19,999 for the 16GB RAM + 256GB storage model. It was later launched in select global markets in February this year. It ships with HarmonyOS 4.2 and features a 10.2-inch flexible LTPO OLED main screen. Folding it once reveals a 7.9-inch display, and folding it again shows a 6.4-inch smartphone-like form. The camera unit of the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate Design features a 50-megapixel camera with OIS and variable aperture, a 12-megapixel ultra wide camera and a 12-megapixel periscope telephoto camera. It has a 5,600mAh battery with 66W wired and 50W wireless charging support. The handset offers 16GB of RAM and up to 1TB of on board storage.

And this is the entire list of changes from the Mate XT. Everything else should remain the same, including the folding screen and battery capacity. Samsung is rumoured to be joining the tri-fold fray this year, and the small iteration of the Mate XT is definitely Huawei's answer. Following are the key specifications:-

RAM                        16GB

OS                                   HarmonyOS 4.2

Front Camera           8-megapixel

Rear Camera                50-megapixel + 12-megapixel + 12-megapixel

Resolution                 1008x2232 pixels

Storage                        256GB

Battery Capacity        5600mAh

Display (Primary)         6.40-inch

Threaded Replies for iOS

 WhatsApp beta for iOS 25.19.10.80 : Threaded Replies for iOS under testing  

WhatsApp has released a new iOS update through the TestFlight beta Program, bringing the version up to 25.19.10.80. WhatsApp has begun testing support for threaded message replies on iOS, expanding a feature previously only available on Android. It's a feature to organize message replies into structured threads, and it will be available in a future update. As reported, the feature is now under active development in the WhatsApp for iOS beta, which is available to users through TestFlight. While the feature is not yet functional for end users, its appearance in the latest beta indicates that a public release could be in the near future.

In the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.7.7 update, it was announced that a feature to organize message replies into threaded conversations is under development. This feature will allow users to view and follow replies grouped under the original message, enabling a more structured and coherent chat experience. By keeping related responses connected in a dedicated thread, users can easily navigate conversations without losing context, especially in busy group chats. It appears that WhatsApp now intends to bring the same message reply functionality to iOS users in the future, ensuring a consistent experience across both platforms. Following the release of the latest WhatsApp beta for iOS 25.19.10.80 update, which is available on the TestFlight app, WhatsApp is working on a feature to organize message replies into structured threads. Threaded message replies will allow users to respond to specific messages in a structured format, separate from the main chat feed. This is different from inline replies, which still show in the main feed. The feature should enable clearer conversation tracking when multiple discussions occur simultaneously in the same chat.  WhatsApp is exploring the implementation of a feature that will display a dedicated screen showing all replies associated with a specific message, scheduled for release in a future update. Each message bubble will include a small indicator showing the number of replies contained in its associated thread. This detail will allow users to understand how many responses are connected to a particular message, without needing to open the thread.

The feature works by displaying a small reply counter on any message which has received responses. By tapping, users will be able to open a new screen which displays all replies related to the original message in an organized view. This makes it easier for users to track discussions, especially when conversations become lengthy or fragmented. Within this new screen, users will not only be able to read all the replies but also send a new reply directly, which will automatically be added to the same thread. This ensures continuity and keeps related messages neatly grouped together. This feature will helps users track conversations more efficiently. Instead of scrolling through an entire chat history to find all responses to a particular message, users can just open the thread and focus on the specific discussion. Additionally, this functionality is especially useful in group chats, where a high volume of messages can make it difficult to follow individual replies. When several participants respond to the same message, threads will help avoid confusion by organizing responses in one place.

Users will no longer have to scroll through the entire chat history or search for the original message manually just to understand what a reply is referring to. Instead, they will be able to open a dedicated thread view which clearly displays the full sequence of responses connected to the initial message. This organized view will help preserve the flow of conversation and reduce confusion, particularly in situations where several users are replying simultaneously. A feature to organize message replies into structured threads is under development and it will be available in a future update of the app. WhatsApp typically conducts staggered rollouts for major features, and further beta releases are likely before full public availability.

World-first "HBM" DRAM smartphone

 Huawei expected to launch world-first "HBM" DRAM smartphone            

Huawei rumoured to beat Apple in bringing HBM DRAM to Smartphones. Technology will be based on a 3D stacking approach. Forget LPDDR5X, smartphones will start upgrading to the same HBM DRAM found in Nvidia's highest-end GPUs soon - according to the latest leaks. Mobile device OEMs are thought to switch to that advanced form of memory in order to keep up in the AI race. The trailblazer in its adoption may not be the company many might expect, though. High-bandwidth memory (HBM) is mostly reserved for the most AI-forward hardware from AMD or Nvidia. However, it is coming to devices which can fit into the palm of the user's hand soon, according to the latest reports available. 

Huawei could adopt HBM DRAM to smartphones earlier than Apple. The US trade sanctions might have pushed Huawei into a corner, but the former Chinese giant decided that it would not just rise to these challenging circumstances, but it would one-up the competition by adopting various technologies quicker than other giants. For instance, Mate XT was the world’s first tri-fold smartphone, and now rumours claim that the company will proceed to adopt HBM DRAM to smartphones earlier than Apple, resulting in a multitude of advantages. Currently, the world's highest-end smartphones have RAM based on low-power DDR5X (or LPDDR5X) for its speed and efficiency. Even its potential for ~68 gigabyte per second (GB/s) performance might not be enough soon, which might drive manufacturers to make a significant upgrade.

Apple was previously rumoured to introduce HBM DRAM to iPhones for its 20th-anniversary launch in 2027, but Huawei could have bragging rights by introducing the first device to feature such technology. Currently, Huawei’s Achilles’ Heel is being unable to leverage advanced manufacturing processes from the likes of TSMC and Samsung, which is why it is limited to the 7nm node from its local foundry partner SMIC. However, reports available reveal that in other advancements, the company has an edge, particularly Apple, who is severely lagging behind in the generative AI space. One particular component that will effortlessly boost artificial intelligence performance is HBM (High Bandwidth Memory) DRAM. The alleged next step forward in mobile device RAM technology may be necessary to keep up with the demands of ever more powerful artificial intelligence (AI) in the near future.

Currently, the most cutting-edge memory used in smartphones and tablets is LPDDR5X technology, with a rumour claiming that LPDDR6 RAM production will kick off in the second half of 2026 by Samsung, with Qualcomm’s said to adopt this technology for its future chipsets. Huawei will take things one step further, with its HBM DRAM based on 3D stacking technology, which will boost bandwidth and efficiency while reducing the memory chip’s size. These attributes make this DRAM the apparent choice for smartphones. Then again, smartphone HBM (or 'mobile HBM') will not be true up-to-~2TB/s bandwidth memory at all, but more like the new kind of low-latency wide I/O DRAM (or LLW DRAM) also recently developed to support AI functionality. It is touted to achieve next-gen processing speeds of up to 128GB/s in its current form nonetheless. In terms of first-mover 'HBM smartphone' makers, Apple and its iPhones might be a prime candidate. The Cupertino giant is thought to be beaten to the punch by another, however.

The company might be Huawei,  although, as a maker of HBM and LLW RAM itself, Samsung is also well-positioned to become a pioneer in making this supposed upgrade. However, Apple will reportedly adopt HBM DRAM in iPhones in 2027, when it unveils the 20th-anniversary version. Huawei could introduce a similar device before its competitor, gaining a significant edge against the Cupertino giant and obtaining a competitive ground in the generative AI category. Unfortunately, the rumour does not specify which specific smartphone series from Huawei will be the first to be treated to this technology, so we must wait and see the result in the near future.