Virtual reality (VR) is no longer just a futuristic concept—it's transforming industries and redefining how we interact with technology. As immersive technologies like VR, augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) continue to evolve, 2025 is poised to bring groundbreaking advancements. From revolutionizing gaming and education to reshaping healthcare and retail, VR is set to dominate the tech landscape. Here's a look at the top trends shaping the future of VR this year. Best VR Trends and Predictions for 2025 & Beyond The world has already witnessed the remarkable potential of virtual reality (VR) applications and devices, which can transport users into immersive virtual environments where they interact with digital objects. In 2025, VR technology is expected to become even more accessible, enhancing various aspects of everyday life. Here’s what we can expect this year: Immersive Classroom Applications VR is going to revolutionize our ways of learning things and the traditional education system. Applications featuring virtual classrooms and training environments will appear where students and learners can study and train themselves using different virtual materials. History, physics, and geography lessons will come alive to provide learners with real-time references. Doctors, electricians, and bomb diffusers will perform critical operations in risk-free, virtual environments without worrying about messing up. It will make learning more engaging and effective.  Read more: Top 10 Medical Breakthroughs and Healthcare Innovations of 2024 Hyper-reality Hyper-reality has been a phenomenal element of modern science fiction for the past centuries. It refers to a virtual place made with enhanced virtual reality technology that allows users to feel the sensory details of the place. That means users can touch, taste, smell, and see real-time interactive changes of different objects while being in the virtual realm. The immense potential of immersive technologies has enlivened the conceptual idea of hyper-realism and made it possible to achieve. Social VR Platforms Social VR platforms are shared virtual spaces where people can meet, talk, and interact with each other and get into virtual friendships. The technology sets to bring a new horizon to virtual reality, making it beyond a solo experience and creating scopes to share events and memories with friends. In 2025, these social VR platforms will be more streamlined for easier use and become popular among virtual nomads. Features like hosting parties, concerts, and ceremonies, joining them, taking photos, playing multiplayer games, and visiting spectacular places will turn these platforms into a mainstream lifestyle trend. AI Integration Artificial intelligence is becoming more prevalent in the virtual realm, making it incredibly interactive. VR platforms and applications are integrating AI to analyze user behaviors and patterns to offer a more personalized experience. Merging these technologies creates more dynamic layouts and provides more freedom to the users. Both technologies are set to undergo remarkable upgrades this year, projecting even more possibilities in their joint ventures in the future. Read more: 12 Most In-Demand Tech Skills for 2025: Stay Ahead in the Job Market Commercial Adoptions VR will be more influential in the business world, promising futuristic solutions for managing, training, and communicating with clients, employees, and consumers. Stakeholders will be able to arrange meetings and training sessions within virtual environments. Customer service offered via VR sessions will transcend the traditional ways, ensuring a space-age customer experience. Following the uprising wave of VR integrations, commercial institutions will adopt the trend, promoting the future technology to their consumers. Standalone Headsets Meta released the first VR-powered standalone headset, Quest, back in 2019. The headset took the tech world by storm, striking people with awe with its incredible features and VR gaming options. In 2025, users are expecting to see more of these standalone headsets at different price ranges, with more powerful features. These headsets come with built-in chipsets to process every functionality without requiring any external support. Apart from Meta Quest, Apple Vision Pro is also popular for its smooth performance and durability. Apple may introduce a new version of Vision Pro, packing it with a sleeker design and more robustness. Cloud Gaming Cloud gaming platforms provide cross-device gaming experiences, drawing massive attention from gamers worldwide. However, only a few of such platforms are featuring VR games. This scenario may change in 2025 due to constant demands from gamers and the rising popularity of VR gaming. Several mainstream cloud game platforms have hinted about their immersion with VR headsets, and fans are hoping for 2025 to be the year of their dreams coming true. Read more: 10 Best Free AI Infographic Generators for 2025: Transform Ideas into Stunning Visuals VR Content With the trending increase in active VR users, content creators are shifting their attention to making quality VR content. Many game developers have also announced that their next development game will be VR-supported. Till now, Resident Evil 4 is the only game from an acclaimed cult to be redesigned for Oculus Quest. However, games like Horizon Call of the Mountain, GTA San Andreas, and Just Dance are also under development to be VR-compatible. 2025 is about to bring a new era for VR content creators and consumers. Conclusion Virtual reality is an emerging technology with endless possibilities. Over the past few years, the technology has overcome its initial development phase. With the booming popularity of VR content, users are hopeful they will see major developments featuring and upgrading the power of immersive technologies in 2025. Read more: 10 Best Free AI Image Generators in 2025

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has sued billionaire Elon Musk, saying he failed to disclose his ownership of Twitter stock in a timely manner in early 2022, before buying the social media site. As a result, the SEC alleges, Musk was able to underpay “by at least $150 million” for shares he bought after he should have disclosed his ownership of more than 5% of Twitter’s shares. Musk bought Twitter in October 2022 and later renamed it X. Musk started amassing Twitter shares in early 2022, and by March of that year, he owned more than 5%. At this point, the complaint says, he was required by law to disclose his ownership, but he failed to do so until April 4, 11 days after the report was due. Musk's lawyer, Alex Spiro, said in a statement that the lawsuit “is an admission by the SEC that they cannot bring an actual case" since Musk has “done nothing wrong." He called the lawsuit a “sham.” "As the SEC retreats and leaves office — the SEC’s multi-year campaign of harassment against Mr. Musk culminated in the filing of a single-count ticky tack complaint against Mr. Musk under Section 13(d) for an alleged administrative failure to file a single form — an offense that, even if proven, carries a nominal penalty," Spiro added. Read: US TikTok users flock to Chinese app Xiaohongshu as TikTok ban looming After Musk signed a deal to acquire Twitter in April 2022, he tried to back out of it, leading the company to sue him to force him to go through with the acquisition. The has SEC said that starting in April 2022, it authorized an investigation into whether any securities laws were broken in connection with Musk’s purchases of Twitter stock and his statements and SEC filings related to the company. Before it filed the lawsuit, the SEC went to court in an attempt to compel Musk to testify as part of an investigation into his purchase of Twitter. The SEC's current chair, Gary Gensler, plans to step down from his post on Jan. 20 and it is not clear if the new administration will continue the lawsuit.

As the threat of a TikTok ban looms, U.S. TikTok users are flocking to the Chinese social media app Xiaohongshu – making it the top downloaded app in the U.S. Some of the “TikTok refugees,” as they call themselves, say the TikTok alternative, a Chinese app, is being chosen in protest of the TikTok ban. The U.S. Supreme Court is due to rule on a law that stipulates TikTok must be divested from its Chinese parent company ByteDance by Jan. 19 or face a ban in the U.S. over national security concerns. After the justices seemed inclined to let the law stand, masses of TikTok users began creating accounts on Xiaohongshu, including hashtags such as #tiktokrefugee or #tiktok to their posts. Since Monday, Xiaohongshu has become the top downloaded free app on Apple’s App Store in the U.S. Xiaohongshu, which in English means “Little Red Book” is a Chinese social media app that combines e-commerce, short video and posting functions. The app has gained traction in China and other regions and countries with a Chinese diaspora such as Malaysia and Taiwan in recent years, racking up 300 million monthly active users, a majority of whom are young women who use it as a de-facto search engine for product, travel and restaurant recommendations, as well as makeup and skincare tutorials. The #tiktokrefugee topic has racked up over 160,000 posts on Xiaohongshu, many of which are videos of American users introducing themselves and asking for tips on how to navigate the app, which they are calling “RedNote”. Xiaohongshu did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Associated Press. Alexis Garman is a 21-year-old TikTok user in Oklahoma with nearly 20,000 followers. She joined Xiaohongshu on Tuesday after seeing others do the same. Garman said she is not particularly concerned about data privacy. “What I experienced on (Xiaohongshu) so far has been really great and inviting,” said Garman, who has left two posts on the platform. Read: TikTok’s future at US Supreme Court: Free speech vs security “I like your makeup,” a Xiaohongshu user from Beijing comments one of her posts, and Garman thanks them in a reply. A user from the southwestern province of Sichuan commented “I am your Chinese spy … please surrender your personal information or the photographs of your cat (or dog).” “TikTok possibly getting banned doesn’t just take away an app, it takes away jobs, friends and community,” Garman said. “Personally, the friends and bond I have with my followers will now be gone.” Other American users who have joined Xiaohongshu have been outspoken about joining the app in protest of the possible TikTok ban. An American user with the handle Definitelynotchippy made a video addressed to the Chinese users of Xiaohongshu, explaining why Americans are downloading the app. “The reason that our government is telling us that they are banning TikTok is because they’re insisting that it’s owned by you guys, the Chinese people, government, whatever,” she said. “And they’re trying to make us think that you guys are bad.” “A lot of us are smarter than that though so we decided to piss off our government and download an actual Chinese app,” she said. “We call that trolling … in short we’re here to spite our government and to learn about China and hang out with you guys.” Chinese users on Xiaohongshu have so far welcomed American users, with some offering to teach them Chinese. Others have offered tips on navigating the Chinese internet, warning the new users not to mention or discuss anything considered politically sensitive as they may get censored. In some cases, Chinese students have asked the Americans for help with their English homework. Like most apps and internet services in China, Xiaohongshu is subject to censorship. Platforms typically enforce censorship by deleting or shadowbanning content that Beijing deems politically sensitive. Large Western platforms, such as Google and Facebook, are blocked in China. Though Xiaohongshu has seen an influx of users, it is not clear if the app could replace TikTok, which has created an ecosystem that allows for e-commerce and advertising. Before TikTok was under threat, the overwhelming majority of Xiaohongshu's users were Chinese, and the app, which lacks translation features, is not optimized for an international user base. Even though U.S.-China tensions remain high over trade and national security, many Chinese and American Xiaohongshu users have pursued friendly cultural exchanges on the app. Those interactions range from live chat rooms to comments on posts. A TikTok refugee who goes by the name Amanda posted a video on how happy she was in finding the Xiaohongshu app, saying that Chinese users have been welcoming. Under her post, a Chinese user comments: “We are not enemy, we are human beings (living) in one world!” Read more: Small businesses brace themselves for potentially disruptive TikTok ban “We also never … had a chance to communicate with you foreign guys directly sharing the same app or platform, so the (feeling is) mutual since you come on this app,” another says. In a comment posted in Chinese, Amanda, the TikTok “refugee” said she would work on posting captions and subtitles in Chinese in the future. “I am so happy to talk to Chinese people and learn about your culture and experiences,” she said.

Launched in October 2024, the Honor X5b aims to redefine affordability in the budget smartphone market. Packed with modern features and a competitive price point, this device is poised to challenge its rivals. In this review, we explore the key specifications, standout features, drawbacks, and pricing details of the Honor X5b, with a focus on its availability in Bangladesh. Main Features of Honor X5b . Design and Build Quality The Honor X5b boasts a sleek design with 163.9 mm by 75.8 mm by 8.7 mm dimensions and a weight of 194g. Its plastic body feels sturdy and durable, complemented by modern aesthetics and color options such as Ocean Blue, Starry Purple, and Midnight Black. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor adds convenience, offering quick and secure access. Compared to the Honor X5, the X5b has a slightly more refined build, with improved ergonomics. However, in comparison to its competitors like the Walton ZENX 1 and Lava Yuva 4, the Honor X5b holds its ground in terms of design but is marginally lighter than its rivals, which might appeal to users seeking portability. Read more: Best Air Purifiers in Bangladesh: Price Guide, Top Models, and Buying Tips Display Quality The Honor X5b features a 6.56-inch TFT LCD with a 90Hz refresh rate, delivering smooth visuals and a better scrolling experience than its predecessor, the Honor X5, which lacked a high refresh rate. With 530 nits of brightness, it’s display performs decently indoors but struggles slightly under direct sunlight. The X5b offers a 720 by 1612 pixels resolution, a standard for entry-level smartphones. However, its panel falls behind the similarly priced competitors like Walton ZENX 1 and Lava Yuva 4, which feature IPS LCDs. Camera Performance The Honor X5b is equipped with a 13 MP (f/1.8) rear camera and a 5 MP (f/2.2) front camera. The rear camera produces good results in daylight, with decent sharpness and natural colors, but struggles slightly in low-light conditions. The 5 MP front camera is serviceable for selfies, though details may appear soft in challenging lighting. Read more: Honor GT Review: A Power-Packed Mid-range Smartphone for Gamers Compared to the ancestor Honor X5, the X5b provides better color reproduction and detail. However, it falls short of the Walton ZENX 1, which boasts a 52 MP primary sensor capable of capturing sharper and more vibrant images. The Lava Yuva 4’s 50 MP camera also outperforms the X5b in versatility and low-light performance. Processor Performance Under the hood, the Honor X5b is powered by the MediaTek Helio G36 12nm chipset, paired with 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of internal storage. This configuration ensures smooth performance for everyday tasks such as web browsing, video streaming, and messaging. The Helio G36 is a step up from the Helio G25 in the ancestor Honor X5, offering improved performance in multitasking and light gaming. However, when pitted against competitors, the Unisoc T606 chipset in the Walton ZENX 1 and Lava Yuva 4 delivers better performance, especially for heavier apps and gaming. Read more: Top Smartphones Launching in January 2025: What to Expect Gaming Performance The Honor X5b handles casual games like Candy Crush and Subway Surfers well, providing smooth gameplay with minimal frame drops. However, resource-intensive games such as PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty: Mobile can only run on low settings, with noticeable stutters during extended sessions.  While it offers an upgrade over the Honor X5 in gaming, it lags behind the Walton ZENX 1 and Lava Yuva 4, which are better equipped to handle more demanding gaming scenarios due to their superior GPUs. Battery Life The Honor X5b packs a 5,200 mAh battery, providing excellent longevity for a full day of moderate usage. Whether streaming videos, browsing, or engaging in light gaming, the battery life is more than sufficient for most users. Read more: ZTE Nubia Z70 Ultra Review: Is It Really a Flagship Killer? This is a slight improvement over the 5,000 mAh battery in the Honor X5, which already delivered respectable endurance. However, the Honor X5b lacks fast-charging capabilities, limited to 10W charging, which can be a drawback compared to competitors like the Walton ZENX 1 and Lava Yuva 4, which offer similar battery life and charging speeds. Software and User Interface Running on Android 14 with Magic OS 8, the Honor X5b delivers a user-friendly interface with minimal bloatware. The software is responsive and provides useful customization options, making it a good fit for those seeking simplicity and functionality. This is a notable improvement over the Honor X5, which shipped with the lightweight Android 12 Go Edition. While the Honor X5b provides a smoother and richer software experience, it is on par with the Walton ZENX 1 and Lava Yuva 4, both of which run Android 14 with equally polished interfaces. Read more: Best Projectors to Create Home Theaters in Bangladesh in 2025 Storage Options The Honor X5b offers 64 GB of internal storage, expandable via microSDXC, and is paired with 4 GB of RAM. This configuration is a solid upgrade from the Honor X5, which came with 32 GB of storage and 2 GB of RAM. However, the Walton ZENX 1 outshines the X5b with its 8 GB of RAM with 64GB internal storage featuring up to 256GB expandable storage, offering significantly better multitasking capabilities. Additionally, the Lava Yuva 4 provides a 128 GB variant, making it more appealing to users with higher storage demands.  Pros and Cons of Honor X5b . Pros  - 6.56-inch TFT LCD with 90Hz refresh rate.- 64GB storage with a microSDXC slot.- Runs on Android 14 with Magic OS 8.- Large 5200mAh battery for extended use.- OTG support for external devices.- Side-mounted fingerprint scanner for quick access.- Audio jack support for wired headphones.- Smooth daily performance with MediaTek Helio G36. Read more: Vivo X200 Pro Mini Review: A Compact Flagship Smartphone with Powerful Features Cons  - Low 720p display resolution.- Basic 13MP rear and 5MP selfie cameras.- No gyro-EIS for video stabilization.- Lacks fast charging, limited to 10W.- No reverse charging or NFC support.- Single RAM and storage configuration (4GB/64GB).- Not suitable for heavy gaming or multitasking.- No 5G support, limited to 4G networks. Price of Honor X5b The Honor X5b is priced at around 12,000 BDT, making it a strong contender in the budget smartphone segment.  Final Words The Honor X5b is ideal for budget-conscious users seeking a reliable phone for daily tasks, casual gaming, and long battery life. However, this smartphone is not suitable for heavy gamers, photography enthusiasts, or users needing advanced features like 5G or high-resolution displays. Choose it if affordability and basic functionality are your priorities. Read more: ZTE Nubia Red Magic 10 Pro Review: Is It a Value-for-money Gaming Smartphone?

The Biden administration has introduced a proposed framework for regulating the export of advanced computer chips crucial for artificial intelligence (AI) development. The initiative seeks to balance U.S. national security interests with global economic concerns, particularly those of chip manufacturers and allied nations. The proposed rules, unveiled Monday, could restrict chip exports to 120 countries, including Mexico, Portugal, Israel, and Switzerland. Although much of the policy's focus targets China, European Union (EU) officials have also voiced concerns about the potential impact on trade and innovation. “If China, rather than the United States, defines the future of AI, the implications are profound,” said Jake Sullivan, the White House national security adviser. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo emphasized the importance of preserving U.S. leadership in AI while ensuring advanced technology does not reach foreign adversaries. Raimondo described the framework as a mechanism to safeguard cutting-edge AI technology while enabling collaboration with trusted international partners. Top 10 Medical Breakthroughs and Healthcare Innovations of 2024 The proposed framework builds on existing restrictions on adversaries like China and Russia, aiming to close loopholes in current regulations. It also expands controls to data centers in regions like the Middle East and Southeast Asia, which, according to analysts, have been used by Chinese firms to bypass export restrictions. Industry Resistance and Global Concerns The plan has drawn criticism from the semiconductor industry and tech executives. The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) expressed concerns that the rushed policy could harm the U.S. economy and global competitiveness. SIA President John Neuffer warned that the measures could fragment supply chains and hand strategic advantages to competitors. Nvidia, a leading chipmaker, also criticized the framework. “These rules will stifle innovation without enhancing national security,” said Ned Finkle, Nvidia’s vice president of external affairs, adding that the policy could affect chips already widely available for gaming and consumer electronics. EU officials questioned the decision to limit chip exports to some member states, arguing that selling such technology to EU countries does not pose a security threat. 10 Best Free AI Image Generators in 2025 Specific Provisions Under the framework, approximately 20 allied nations, including Australia, Canada, Japan, and the UK, would face no restrictions. Other countries, however, would encounter caps on imports, with provisions allowing for adjustments based on specific agreements or national needs. Smaller orders of up to 1,700 advanced graphics processing units would not require export licenses, with exceptions designed to support universities and medical institutions rather than commercial data centers. Larger data center developments by U.S.-based firms like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft are expected to continue unhindered, given exemptions for trusted companies. Broader Context and Implications The Biden administration’s proposal is part of a long-standing U.S. effort to counter China’s technological advancements. While some see the framework as a continuation of Trump-era trade policies, others view it as a challenge for the incoming Republican administration to navigate. “This began with Trump, expanded under Biden, and now leaves critical decisions for the next administration,” said analyst Ed Mills. Despite bipartisan support for stricter controls on China, the proposal has sparked debate over the best approach to maintain U.S. dominance in AI while supporting global innovation and economic growth. 

Kieran Culkin and Jesse Eisenberg playing mismatched cousins in the acclaimed “A Real Pain” and Mac Miller’s second posthumous full-length album “Balloonerism” are some of the new television, films, music and games headed to a device near you. Also among the streaming offerings worth your time as selected by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists: the sci-fi dystopian drama “Severance” premieres its second season and Aaron Schimberg’s “A Different Man" lands on Max. NEW MOVIES TO STREAM JAN. 13-19 — While Kieran Culkin keeps picking awards for his standout performance, Jesse Eisenberg’s acclaimed “A Real Pain” arrives Thursday on Hulu. Eisenberg, who wrote and directed the film, and Culkin play mismatched cousins who travel to Poland in honor of their late grandmother. Culkin's awards haul includes a Golden Globe and numerous other trophies. In her review, AP’s Jocelyn Noveck wrote that the “miracle” of the film “is how it pulls off the most delicate of balancing acts.” — “Unstoppable,” on Prime Video beginning Thursday, is based on the true story of Anthony Robles, who despite having one leg, rose to become one of the top wrestlers in the country. The film, directed by William Goldenberg stars Jharrel Jerome as Robles, though it also features Robles acting as Jerome’s stunt-double on the mat. Co-stars include Jennifer Lopez, Bobby Cannavale and Don Cheadle. In her review, AP Film Writer Lindsey Bahr wrote that while the film is a conventional sports drama, “You’d have to be a certain kind of grinch not to get swept up in the hurdles and triumphs.” — Aaron Schimberg’s “A Different Man,” on Max beginning Friday, Jan. 17, is a beguilingly tangled tale of identity and representation. Sebastian Stan stars as a disfigured man whose neurofibromatosis is cured by an experimental surgery. When he begins acting in a role very much like his prior self, he’s upstaged by someone authentically with neurofibromatosis (Adam Pearson). In her review, Noveck called “A Different Man” “fascinating, genre-bending, undeniably provocative and occasionally frustrating.” — Cameron Diaz and Jamie Foxx star as retired CIA agents whose suburban cover is exposed in the action comedy “Back in Action” (streaming Friday, Jan. 17 on Netflix). The film, which reunites the “Any Given Sunday” co-stars, is Diaz’s first film in more than a decade. Seth Gordon (“Horrible Bosses”) directs a cast including Glenn Close, Kyle Chandler and Andrew Scott. — AP Film Writer Jake Coyle NEW MUSIC TO STREAM JAN. 13-19 — The details around Mac Miller’s second posthumous full-length, “Balloonerism” are limited. Fans have known about the project for several years now; Miller recorded the album around the time he released his “Faces” mixtape in 2014. According to a statement provided by his family, Miller commissioned artwork for the project, though other releases took precedent, and it never saw the light of day. On Friday, Jan. 17, fans will finally get to experience “Balloonerism” in all its glory. It will no doubt be a reminder of the platinum hip-hop star’s sharp raps and bright spirit. Read: Top 10 Medical Breakthroughs and Healthcare Innovations of 2024 — If the genre terms “post-punk,”“indie” “indie pop” “jangly guitar pop” are a listener’s personal favorites, the English band Television Personalities, originally formed in 1977, are considered a formative group. If not, well, allow us to introduce you to your favorite band’s favorite’s band favorite band. A new collection, “Tune In, Turn On, Drop Out: The Television Personalities Radio Sessions — 1980-1993” is a cheeky, ramshackle representation of their clever pop songs, led by frontman Dan Treacy’s undeniable schoolboy charms. Treasures abound. But our recommendation? Start with “Salvador Dali’s Garden Party,” as captured at the Andy Kershaw BBC session in Feb. 1986. Everybody was there! — AP Music Writer Maria Sherman NEW SHOWS TO STREAM JAN. 13-19 — It’s been three years since “Severance” debuted on Apple TV+ and the sci-fi dystopian drama premieres its second season Friday, Jan. 17. Adam Scott (“Parks and Recreation”, “Big Little Lies”) stars as an office employee of a mysterious company who has elected to keep his work and home life separate — thanks to an implanted chip. “Severance” also stars Patricia Arquette, John Turturro and Christopher Walken. Ben Stiller is an executive producer and directs some of the episodes. — The TV spinoff to the Netflix teen film trilogy “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” called “XO, Kitty” returns for a second season Thursday. It stars Anna Cathcart as Kitty, a Korean American attending a prestigious boarding school in Seoul. The show also stars Korean-born actors Choi Min-young and real-life siblings Gia Kim and Sang Heon Lee. Noah Centineo, the co-star of “To All the Boys” also makes an appearance. — A new Peacock docuseries takes viewers behind-the-scenes of “Saturday Night Live,” now airing its 50th season. “SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night” goes inside the writers’ room as sketches are hashed out, shows cast member audition tapes and features dozens of interviews. All four episodes drop Thursday. Read more: VAT hike on mobile, internet services sparks protests — “Outlander” actor Sam Heughan has a new limited series on Starz playing another sexy character, but this one doesn’t time travel. “The Couple Next Door” is about what happens when two married couples — who are neighbors -- swap partners after an evening of partying. No spoilers but let’s just say complications arise. The show premieres Friday, Jan. 17. Starz originals stream on its app and website. — Alicia Rancilio NEW VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY — Koei Tecmo returns to 3rd century China in Dynasty Warriors: Origins, the latest chapter in its long-running retelling of the classic “Romance of the Three Kingdoms.” The protagonist is a nameless amnesiac who doesn’t know which side he’s fighting for but remembers how to swing a deadly sword. Origins continues the franchise’s “hack-and-slash” mayhem, in which you’re thrust into battle and expected to kill hundreds of opponents, but adds some tactical tweaks that let you rally your comrades to unleash large-scale assaults. The war resumes Friday, Jan. 17, on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S and PC. — In 1998, the glamorous Roottree sisters and their parents were worth over a billion dollars. But their private jet crashed and now, well, The Roottrees Are Dead. Your job is to distribute their huge inheritance, but first you need to sort out who their true relatives are, using an old-fashioned dial-up modem for research. The Roottree saga became a favorite on the itch.io website, and now developers Jeremy Johnston and Robin Ward have beefed it up with graphics, voice acting and a friendlier user interface. Fans of interactive mysteries like Return of the Obra Dinn and The Case of the Golden Idol can dig in Wednesday on PC, Mac and Linux.

AI has revolutionized digital image processing, providing users with limitless creative freedom. With generative AI understanding and following text and visual prompts, a simple text description can turn any idea into an image and modify an existing one. Here is a list of top AI image generators to create visual magic on screen and give life to your idea without spending money. Top 10 Free AI Image Generators to Visualize Your Idea Most free AI tools come with a limited trial period or offer basic features as a freebie to entice premium sales. However, with properly articulated instructions, free AI tools can render visual elements at an expected quality. Stable Deffusion Stable Deffusion, developed by stability.io, has redefined the experience of AI image generation with its completely free and downloadable software. Stability.io has made stable deffusion an open-source project and provided an easy-to-integrate API. Several AI service providers offer modified versions of Stable Deffusion with extra functionalities on top of the core software’s features.  Read more: 10 Best Free AI Infographic Generators for 2025: Transform Ideas into Stunning Visuals The installation process of the downloadable version requires users to have a little technical knowledge. Once installed, the completely free software opens up an intriguing, hard-to-master interface. But investing a few minutes in learning it will let users have unlimited AI image creation ability at no cost. PicLumen PicLumen, developed by CHENGDU Yiwo Tech Development Co. Ltd, is a completely free text-to-image AI generator that uses advanced AI models. It offers versatile generative and editing features, such as a prompt-to-image generator, image upscaler, background remover, image colorizer, and image reference.  With the right prompt, PicLumen can achieve nuanced detailing in its images, capturing impressive aesthetics and compositions. However, it might still come short of delivering hyper-realistic textures and complex scene integration. Read more: How to Detect an AI-generated Image Meta AI Meta AI comes packed with diverse AI-powered virtual accessories to streamline the creative journey of designers, artists, and developers. Its free AI image generator enables users to customize their images with the power of generative image manipulation technology.  Meta developed Meta AI to let users access generative AI through different meta applications like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram. It is easy and fun to use, and its simple integration and usability help it quickly sip into users’ habits. Leonardo Leonardo is a cross-platform AI-empowered service that unpacks a spectrum of functionalities to automate the design and development process. Leonardo offers free AI solutions to photographers, architects, designers, and marketers. AWS Startups, Blackbird Ventures, Gaorong Capital, Goodwater Capital, and Piton Capital are the top companies behind the development of Leonardo.ai. Read mmore: Best Text-to-Speech Software The AI image generator on the Leonardo platform gives access to all the features essential to achieve creative freedom. A simple traversable layout and effortless manipulation system make Leonardo a great choice for less tech-savvy users. ChatGPT ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI, pioneers the age of artificial intelligence, providing the most used generative AI chatbox to date. After its recent integration with its sibling image generator, DALL.E, ChatGPT can create images based on given text instructions. The free version of the ChatGPT generates 15 free images daily, requiring a premium subscription for further trial. At the current stage, the photo-generative feature doesn’t include modification functionalities, so users can’t use it for editing purposes. Read more: Craft a Job-Winning Resume with AI: Step-by-Step Guide to Stand Out Microsoft Copilot Microsoft Copilot, developed by Microsoft Corporation, offers versatile AI assistance for tasks like research and data analysis. Its recent integration with DALL.E has made Microsoft Copilot capable of generating free images. Embodying ChatGPT-like functionalities, Microsoft Copilot adds the power of large language models (LLMs) to Microsoft 365 apps like MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams. Users can now generate context-based free AI images on their Word files and PowerPoint presentations. Blue Willow Blue Willow was first developed by Blue Willow Developments Ltd. and later sold out to LimeWire, a renowned AI service provider. Blue Willow follows the pioneering AI image generator Midjourney.ai’s path in creating AI-powered images from a given text prompt.  Read more: Free Online AI Courses by Harvard University from Basic to Advanced Levels Blue Willow offers 25 free daily image prompts, including prompts for revising a generated image. To facilitate the image processing service, it uses Discord’s chat interface, requiring users to sign in to their Discord accounts.  Adobe Firefly Adobe, the acclaimed creative software developer company, introduces Adobe Firefly, a cross-platform AI image processing. Adobe Firefly supports easy integration with Adobe Suit applications like Photoshop, Illustrator, In Design, Premiere Pro, and After Effects. The free version of Adobe Firefly unpacks diverse features to create, modify, and play with images. Boasting straightforward accessibility and simple workspaces, Adobe Firefly upholds Adobe’s reputation. Read more: Humane’s Ai Pin: Incredible Features of the ‘Smartphone Killer’ Ideogram Ideogram, developed by Ideogram.io, features the most simplistic user interface of this list. After an easy sign-in process, users can enter a text field to describe their needs. Ideogram gives away 10 free points daily, and users need to subscribe to access premium features and extended uses. Flux Flux, developed by Flux Development Ltd, is popular for its unique take on the AI image generation process. The platform has a generative model that users can access through their API.  Several renowned web services like freepik, together.ai, fal.ai, and Replicate have integrated Flux into their systems. Users can have a taste of Flux by accessing it through these platforms.  Conclusion AI image-generative technology is still in its natal phase. The above-mentioned free AI image generators can efficiently give life to any concept. With the rapid advancements in technology and immense support from industry leaders, generative image technology will bring more exciting advancements soon. Read more: GPT-4o: What’s OpenAI’s latest version really capable of?

The last year, 2024, was a monumental one for medical science, bringing transformative innovations that have redefined healthcare as we know it. From cutting-edge technologies to groundbreaking treatments, these advancements not only enhance the quality of life but also offer hope for a healthier future. This article looks at the top 10 medical breakthroughs of 2024, highlighting their impact and potential benefits for humanity. 10 Best Innovations in Medical Science and Healthcare Research in 2024 . RNA-Based Pesticides The FDA-approved Calantha, an RNA-based pesticide, to combat the Colorado potato beetle, marked a breakthrough in sustainable pest control. Unlike traditional insecticides, these RNA sprays target specific pests by interfering with their genes while leaving other species unharmed.  This innovation addresses the growing issue of pesticide resistance and minimizes environmental damage. Protecting crops like potatoes, reduces food waste, secures farmer incomes, and promotes ecological balance. The technology’s precision and sustainability offer a safer, greener approach to agriculture, paving the way for a revolution in pest management.  Read more: Best Air Purifiers in Bangladesh: Price Guide, Top Models, and Buying Tips Lenacapavir for HIV Prevention Lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable drug, transforms HIV prevention with just two shots per year. Clinical trials demonstrated unprecedented success, nearly eliminating new infections among high-risk groups. This approach solves challenges like the need for daily pills, which often fail due to stigma, forgetfulness, or access barriers.  Lenacapavir’s extended protection makes it a game-changer, especially in regions hardest hit by HIV. By simplifying preventive care and enhancing accessibility, this innovation offers new hope in the global fight against HIV, potentially saving millions of lives and reducing the spread of the virus.  Non-Invasive Platform for Stillbirth Prevention Imperial College London developed a blood test using miRNA biomarkers to detect risks of small-for-gestational-age (SGA) births, a key factor in stillbirths. This platform offers early detection through routine maternal blood samples, allowing doctors to monitor and intervene before complications arise.  Read more: How To Make Money Playing Video Games Affordable and non-invasive, the test can integrate seamlessly into prenatal care. Identifying at-risk pregnancies reduces the likelihood of stillbirth and improves neonatal outcomes. This innovation provides a powerful tool for protecting the vulnerable lives of unborn children and expectant mothers while empowering healthcare providers with actionable insights. Cobenfy: A New Schizophrenia Medication Cobenfy, a revolutionary drug for schizophrenia, introduces a new way to manage the disorder by targeting muscarinic receptors instead of traditional dopamine pathways. This approach significantly reduces side effects like weight gain and movement disorders, which often discourage patients from continuing treatment. With improved tolerability, Cobenfy increases medication adherence, reducing relapses, and enhancing overall mental health management.  Although more research is needed for long-term efficacy, this drug represents a turning point for the 24 million people living with schizophrenia worldwide, offering hope for better symptom control and an improved quality of life.  Read more: Top 8 Free High Graphics Winter Games for Android and iOS in 2025 Enzyme-Based Treatment for Chronic Wounds Texas Tech University researchers developed an enzyme-based solution to tackle biofilm-associated infections in chronic wounds. These infections resist traditional antibiotics due to protective biofilms, causing delayed healing and increased healthcare costs. The new treatment dismantles these barriers, enhancing the effectiveness of antibiotics while avoiding tissue damage.  Patients benefit from faster recovery, reduced pain, and fewer complications. This innovation addresses a critical gap in wound care, combating antibiotic resistance and improving outcomes for millions with chronic wounds. It is a major step forward in making wound treatment safer and more efficient.

The Bangladesh Mobile Phone Consumers Association organised a human chain protest in the capital on Sunday strongly opposing the newly imposed Value Added Tax (VAT) and supplementary duty on mobile and internet services. Arranged in front of the Jatiya Press Club, the participants at the protest warned the government of further action, including laying siege to the National Board of Revenue (NBR) office, if the decision is not withdrawn within a week. Speaking at the demonstration, Aminul Hakim, President of the Bangladesh Internet Governance Forum and Internet Infrastructure Gateway (IIG), expressed concern over the impact on broadband services. "Broadband internet, entirely driven by local entrepreneurs, is now under threat. With the imposition of a 10% supplementary duty and VAT, both consumers and the industry will suffer,” he said, adding that a failure to reverse the decision would result in a larger protest. Imdadul Haque, President of the Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh (ISPAB), highlighted the potential harm to small entrepreneurs and consumers alike. “This tax increase will discourage internet use and widen the digital divide,” he warned. Read: Nagorik Committee demands resumption of sales in TCB trucks, VAT rollback Former director of the Bangladesh Competition Commission, Khalid Abu Naser, criticised the decision, saying that it would not only inconvenience citizens but also create unnecessary challenges for the government. “Hasty decisions like this must be reversed promptly,” he said. Fahim Mashroor, a technologist and former president of the Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS), condemned the lack of stakeholder consultation before the tax hike. “This unilateral decision reflects an authoritarian approach. Increased taxes will hurt the telecom and internet sectors, stifle new entrepreneurship, and make these services unaffordable for ordinary citizens,” he said. Presiding over the protest, Mohiuddin Ahmed accused corrupt revenue officials of influencing the decision for their own benefit. “We believed our days of street protests were over, but such inconsiderate actions forced us back onto the streets. If the government does not act within a week, we will organise a sit-in in front of the NBR office,” he alleged. Read more: Mobile internet shut down again Other speakers included technologist Fida Haque, freelancer representative Anis, and representatives from the Recharge Business Association and Pathao. The protest reflected growing discontent among stakeholders across sectors, urging the government to reconsider the decision in the interest of consumers and the country's digital economy.

Scammers stole millions of dollars in cryptocurrency from people seeking remote work opportunities as part of an elaborate scheme, according to New York's attorney general. Attorney General Letitia James said Thursday that she's filed a lawsuit in order to recover more than $2 million that she said was stolen from New Yorkers and others around the country. James said the unknown network of scammers used unsolicited text messages to target people looking for remote work. They told victims that the job involved reviewing products online in order to help generate "market data,” James’ office said. But in order to begin earning money, victims were told they had to open cryptocurrency accounts and had to maintain a balance equal to, or greater than, the price of the products they were reviewing. The victims were assured they would get their investments back plus commission, but the funds simply went into the scammers' crypto wallets, James' office said. The product reviews were also conducted on a website set up as part of the scheme. The suit cites seven victims, identified by pseudonyms, residing in New York, Virginia and Florida. One New York victim lost over $100,000, according to the suit. A Florida woman lost over $300,000. “Deceiving New Yorkers looking to take on remote work and earn money to support their families is cruel and unacceptable,” she said in a statement. “Scammers sent text messages to New Yorkers promising them good-paying, flexible jobs only to trick them into purchasing cryptocurrency and then stealing it from them." James’ suit seeks to return the stolen funds. Read: ‘Worst in Show’ CES products put users' data at risk, cause waste: Privacy advocates Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said her office's cryptocurrency unit traced over $2 million in stolen crypto and identified the digital wallets where the coins were being held. Then, working with James' office, they were able to have the currency frozen until they could be returned to victims. “Work scams that prey on those seeking legitimate employment not only rob victims of their hard-earned money but also shatter their trust in the job market,” she added.