Apple is reportedly planning extensive chip upgrades and design changes for its Mac lineup through 2027, including a new MacBook Neo with A19 Pro, M5/M6 chip updates for iMac and MacBook Pro this fall, and a MacBook Ultra with an OLED touchscreen by early 2027. OLED screens are also set to gradually arrive on iPads and other Macs.
Samsung has launched its Z Flip 8 foldable smartphone, featuring a thinner, lighter design, a stronger Flex Titanium hinge, and new AI-powered camera and software features including MyFan cam and Gemini integration. Priced at $1,200, it also offers customizable front display panels and chipset variations by region.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra offers subtle design tweaks, a thinner profile, improved displays, a new titanium layer for crease reduction, faster charging, a larger 5,000mAh battery, and an upgraded ultra-wide camera. However, its $2,100 starting price and the existence of the base Z Fold 8 raise value concerns for the reviewer.
Samsung's new Z Fold 8 Ultra features an "invisible" crease thanks to Flex Titanium display tech, upgraded Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, a 5,000mAh battery, 45W charging, and a 50MP ultrawide camera. The device starts at $2,099.99, a $100 increase from its predecessor.
Samsung has launched the Galaxy Watch 9, featuring minor improvements over its predecessor, including Google's Wear OS 7, a new Snapdragon Wear Elite chip for enhanced speed and efficiency, and larger batteries. It retains AI-enhanced health-tracking features and starts at $380, with general availability on August 7.
Meghalaya's government launched a homestay subsidy scheme, offering up to 70% support, to boost accommodation for the National Games 2027 and foster long-term community-owned tourism. The initiative aims to address temporary housing needs while creating entrepreneurship and livelihoods.
India's consumption patterns have dramatically shifted from basic needs to experiences and lifestyle choices, now driving nearly 60% of the country's GDP. While this boom is visible across urban and rural areas, fueled by rising incomes and aspirations, it also raises concerns about increasing household debt and financial insecurity, particularly among younger generations who prioritize immediate gratification over long-term savings.
South Korea upgraded a flood alert for the Imjin River near the North Korean border to a full warning due to heavy rains and North Korea's unannounced release of water from the Hwanggang Dam, prompting safety warnings for residents.
Apple's rumored iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, expected September 2026, may feature significant camera upgrades, a new A20 Pro chipset, and potential price increases due to rising component costs, with US prices possibly starting around $1,099-$1,299.
President Trump will temporarily use an older Air Force One for about a month while the new Qatari-gifted jet undergoes upgrades. The new aircraft has faced scrutiny over its foreign origin and perceived lack of advanced security systems, prompting a recent switch during a NATO summit.
Malaysia enhances surveillance in its eastern waters with a new long-range radar on Swallow Reef and operational drones in Labuan. This move aims to counter threats amid revived Philippine claims over Sabah and persistent Chinese patrols near offshore energy fields, as announced by Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
The iPhone 17e, starting at £599, offers a faster A19 chip, double storage, automatic portraits, and MagSafe, providing core Apple experience at a lower cost, despite an older design and single-camera limitation.
A new image shows China's J-16 fighter jet equipped with 8 PL-15 and 2 P-10 missiles, dubbed 'Beast Mode.' Analysts see this as a display of the PLAAF's focus on maximizing firepower and sustained air-combat capability, transforming the J-16 into a long-range 'missile truck.'
The White House is undergoing renovation of its north portico, using a "Trump l'oeil" tarp printed with a realistic image of the structure to hide ongoing work. Officials state it's standard restoration, but a Trump ally hinted at potential changes to columns.
The White House is using a photorealistic tarp, dubbed "Trump l'oeil," to cover ongoing renovations on the north portico. The covering accurately depicts the architectural feature it hides, maintaining the appearance of an untouched facade. The project involves restoring plaster and potentially replacing historic Doric columns with Corinthian ones.
The White House is undergoing renovation of its north portico, using a "Trump l'oeil" tarp printed with an accurate rendering of the architectural feature to hide ongoing work. The project aims to restore plaster and potentially replace historic Doric columns with Corinthian ones, a change advocated by a Trump ally.
Ferrari's aggressive development of its SF-26 car has raised eyebrows at Mercedes, with Toto Wolff questioning the pace of their upgrades. Fred Vasseur defended Ferrari's progress, highlighting a recent filming day at the Madrid circuit.
Sony's new RX10 V superzoom camera, launching in early August for $2,299.99, features a 20.1MP stacked sensor enabling 30fps burst shooting, improved autofocus, and 4K video. It retains the 24-600mm lens but adopts an Alpha mirrorless body style and battery.
The Orlan-10 and Orlan-30 unmanned aerial vehicles are being upgraded to adapt to the evolving challenges of the special military operation in Ukraine, according to a representative from the Special Technology Center (STC). The modernization process is ongoing and directly influenced by the adversary's actions.
The IMF has upgraded its forecast for Iran's economy, projecting a 5.4% contraction this year, an improvement from the previously estimated 6.1%. This revision reflects better oil export performance and eased export restrictions.
The IMF has raised its UK growth forecast to 1% for this year, making it the third fastest-growing G7 economy in 2026. This upgrade comes amid hopes the economic impact of the Iran conflict may be less severe than feared, with oil prices stabilizing and inflation easing.
Russia's Uralvagonzavod defense manufacturer announced ongoing comprehensive upgrades to the T-80BVM main battle tank, focusing on firepower, protection, mobility, and crew control. The upgrades aim to increase the vehicle's effectiveness, building on previous versions like the T-80BV and T-80U with advanced armor systems.
Sharjah motorists face temporary traffic diversions between University City and Institutes Land due to Etihad Rail construction. The changes, expected until August, aim to improve connectivity for the national passenger railway network, which is set to enhance travel and sustainability.
Uzbekistan plans to boost electricity generation to over 120 billion kWh in five years, with 54% from renewables by 2030. The country seeks $6B in green energy investment and $4B for transmission networks, also starting its first nuclear power project.
