technology 19 - The Latremie Post

OnePlus’s OxygenOS 16 arrives on October 16: What to expect

**OnePlus’s OxygenOS 16 Arrives on October 16: What to Expect**

*By Mudit Dube | Oct 06, 2025, 05:33 PM*

OnePlus has officially announced the launch of its latest user interface, OxygenOS 16, in India. Based on Android 16, the new software is set to debut on October 16. The announcement was made via a post on X (formerly Twitter), teasing advanced artificial intelligence (AI) features that will be integrated into the new UI.

### Redesigned Elements and AI-Powered Features

OxygenOS 16 will bring a host of redesigned elements to OnePlus devices, incorporating a range of AI-powered functionalities. Users can expect tools that allow querying an AI chatbot about items displayed on their phone’s screen or seen through the camera viewfinder. The update will also introduce a “Circle to search” feature, alongside several other capabilities designed to enhance user experience.

### Device Compatibility

The upcoming OnePlus 15 is likely to be the first smartphone to come pre-installed with OxygenOS 16. For older OnePlus models, the update may be rolled out over-the-air (OTA) depending on device compatibility.

### AI Integration with Google’s Gemini Models

OnePlus has confirmed that its Android 16-based OxygenOS 16 will integrate Google’s Gemini AI models, enabling powerful on-device generative AI tasks. During demonstrations, OnePlus showcased how users can ask the Google AI chatbot to plan a five-day trip to Paris, utilizing relevant information from the Mind Space app. This example highlights how personalized and advanced the new AI features will be.

With OxygenOS 16, OnePlus aims to offer a smarter and more intuitive user experience, pushing the boundaries of AI integration on mobile devices. Stay tuned for the official rollout starting October 16.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/oneplus-oxygenos-16-launches-in-india-on-october-16/story

MAGGIE PAGANO: Cash is still king, right? Wrong

If you have heard reports of a rather sweaty woman in gym gear running around the streets of Saffron Walden brandishing a crisp £50 note and cursing under her breath, that was me.

After the gym, I had stopped off at the health food shop to stock up on a few things, giving the assistant the £50 tucked into my leggings. The assistant refused my money.

“But surely it’s legal tender,” I cried, “you can’t refuse it!”

She didn’t budge, saying that head office had told them not to take £50 notes because of fakes.

Off I went to the butcher’s shop opposite, where I know the staff, asking if they could break the note. Same again—no £50 notes accepted. But they suggested I try a bank.

Not such a bad idea. However, my bank, Barclays, closed long ago and now there are only two banks left in town.

So, I ran to Nationwide, where there was a long queue. Explaining the problem, I asked the waiting customers if I could ask the cashier to change the note. They all said yes, of course.

One gentleman took one look at my Queen’s-headed note and said with great confidence that it wasn’t a fake. That felt like a small victory.

There was so much chatter that the cashier stepped out to take a look at the offending note. He agreed it was genuine. Yeah, another victory.

“But are you a Nationwide customer?” he asked.

It felt like a trick question — and it was. Nationwide does not change money if you are not a customer.

As you can imagine, by then I was ready to raise an Essex peasants’ revolt against shops that don’t take money and banks that don’t change banknotes.

As luck would have it, one of the kind ladies in the queue opened her wallet, checked her cash, and offered to change my £50.

My first call is to the Bank of England.

**Can vendors refuse to take cash?**

Yes, says the press officer, they can. Even though cash is legal tender, it’s a concept with a narrow technical definition in law related to contracts, and no one is obliged to accept it in exchange for goods.

But why is cash usage shrinking so fast?

Is it because vendors find cash messy to deal with? Are business owners being forced by payment giants to go digital so they can be charged more? Or do people simply prefer using cards or, increasingly, mobile payment apps?

Probably a bit of each — chicken and egg.

Whatever the reason, cash is under the kibosh.

It made up just 9 per cent of payments last year, compared to being used for half of all transactions a decade ago. It is predicted to fall to 4 per cent over the next ten years.

Yet here’s the thing: what happens in emergencies?

Imagine if a cyber hack or indeed cyber warfare brings down the banks? Or if there are blackouts, as happened in Spain and Portugal recently? Or other crises, such as another lockdown or war?

Being resilient is why countries such as Norway, Sweden, and the Netherlands have warned their citizens to always keep cash in reserve. They are also introducing new legislation ensuring vendors must accept cash.

The European Central Bank (ECB) is also alert to the dangers.

All households have been advised by the ECB to store cash at home in case digital systems fail — because they will.

In contrast, the Bank of England does not have the mandate to give such warnings; that’s up to the Government.

Interesting, though, that its Governor, Andrew Bailey, told a recent Citizens’ Panel in Wolverhampton that he always carries cash with him in case of emergencies.

Does that include any £50 notes, I wonder?
https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/comment/article-15164391/MAGGIE-PAGANO-Cash-king-right-Wrong.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490

‘Mirai’ OTT version to feature multiple deleted scenes: Report

The hit Telugu film *Mirai* is all set for its OTT premiere on October 10.

Fans can catch the much-awaited release exclusively on JioHotstar.

Mark your calendars and get ready to enjoy *Mirai* from the comfort of your home!
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/mirai-ott-version-to-include-deleted-scenes/story

Shubhanshu Shukla appointed brand ambassador of ‘Viksit Bharat Buildathon’

**Shubhanshu Shukla Appointed Brand Ambassador of ‘Viksit Bharat Buildathon’**

*By Dwaipayan Roy | Oct 05, 2025, 06:41 PM*

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian to reach the International Space Station (ISS), has been officially appointed as the brand ambassador for the “Viksit Bharat Buildathon.” This nationwide innovation movement targets students from classes 6 to 12, encouraging them to create innovative solutions that drive India’s development.

**A Nationwide Innovation Movement for Students**

The “Viksit Bharat Buildathon” is set to be the largest school hackathon in India. Organized by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Atal Innovation Mission, over one crore students from approximately 1.5 lakh schools across the country are expected to participate.

This extensive initiative invites young minds to ideate, design, and develop prototypes focusing on four vital themes:

– **Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India)**
– **Swadeshi (Indigenous Products)**
– **Vocal for Local (Promoting Local Products)**
– **Samriddhi (Prosperity)**

Through these themes, the Buildathon aims to nurture creativity and problem-solving skills while fostering a spirit of national pride and self-sufficiency among students.

**Shubhanshu Shukla’s Role and Vision**

Group Captain Shukla, a 39-year-old Indian Air Force officer and test pilot, completed his maiden space voyage with the Axiom-4 mission, becoming only the second Indian to travel to space after Rakesh Sharma’s iconic 1984 flight.

Recently, Shukla met with School Education Secretary Sanjay Kumar to discuss the vision for the Buildathon, emphasizing the importance of empowering young innovators to contribute toward building a developed India.

**Event Timeline and Participation Details**

The “Viksit Bharat Buildathon” was officially launched on September 23, with registrations open until October 6. The live hackathon event is scheduled for October 13, and winners will be announced in December.

Students from classes 6 to 12 are encouraged to form teams and participate actively, developing creative ideas and prototypes that tackle real-life challenges aligned with the four national themes.

Don’t miss the chance to be part of this exciting journey toward innovation and progress. Register before the deadline and help build a Viksit Bharat!
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/space-traveler-becomes-viksit-bharat-buildathon-brand-ambassador/story

‘Mirai’ OTT version to feature multiple deleted scenes: Report

The hit Telugu film *Mirai* is all set for its OTT premiere on October 10.

Fans of the movie can catch it exclusively on JioHotstar from this date.

Get ready to experience the gripping story of *Mirai* from the comfort of your home!
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/mirai-ott-version-to-include-deleted-scenes/story

Shubhanshu Shukla appointed brand ambassador of ‘Viksit Bharat Buildathon’

**Shubhanshu Shukla Appointed Brand Ambassador of ‘Viksit Bharat Buildathon’**

*By Dwaipayan Roy | Oct 05, 2025, 06:41 PM*

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian to reach the International Space Station (ISS), has been appointed as the brand ambassador for the **”Viksit Bharat Buildathon”**—a nationwide innovation movement targeting students from classes 6 to 12.

### Largest School Hackathon in India

The “Viksit Bharat Buildathon” is poised to be the largest school hackathon in India, with over **one crore students** from around **1.5 lakh schools** expected to participate. This ambitious initiative is organized by the **Ministry of Education** in collaboration with the **Atal Innovation Mission**.

### Themes and Participation

The hackathon encourages young minds to ideate, design, and develop prototypes based on four key national themes:

– **Aatmanirbhar Bharat** (Self-reliant India)
– **Swadeshi** (Indigenous products)
– **Vocal for Local** (Promoting local products)
– **Samriddhi** (Prosperity)

Students from classes 6 to 12 are invited to form teams and creatively address real-life challenges through this platform.

### Shubhanshu Shukla’s Vision

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, a 39-year-old Indian Air Force officer and test pilot, recently completed his maiden space voyage aboard the Axiom-4 mission. He became only the second Indian to travel to space, following Rakesh Sharma’s iconic flight in 1984.

On October 4, Shukla met with School Education Secretary Sanjay Kumar to discuss the vision and objectives of the Buildathon, underlining the event’s national significance and potential impact.

### Event Timeline

– **Registration Deadline:** October 6, 2025
– **Event Date:** October 13, 2025
– **Winners Announcement:** December 2025

With registration closing soon, students are encouraged to participate actively and showcase their innovative solutions that contribute towards building a developed and self-reliant India.

—

For more details and registration, visit the official Buildathon website. Join the movement to build a **Viksit Bharat!**
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/space-traveler-becomes-viksit-bharat-buildathon-brand-ambassador/story

‘Mirai’ OTT version to feature multiple deleted scenes: Report

The hit Telugu film **Mirai** is all set for its OTT premiere on **October 10**.

Fans can catch the much-anticipated release exclusively on **JioHotstar**.

Mark your calendars and get ready to enjoy this film from the comfort of your home!
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/mirai-ott-version-to-include-deleted-scenes/story

Shubhanshu Shukla appointed brand ambassador of ‘Viksit Bharat Buildathon’

**Shubhanshu Shukla Appointed Brand Ambassador of ‘Viksit Bharat Buildathon’**

*By Dwaipayan Roy | October 5, 2025, 6:41 PM*

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian to reach the International Space Station (ISS), has been named the brand ambassador for the “Viksit Bharat Buildathon.” This nationwide innovation movement targets students from classes 6 to 12 and is organized by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Atal Innovation Mission.

### Massive Student Participation Expected

The “Viksit Bharat Buildathon” is set to become the largest school hackathon in India, with over one crore students from around 1.5 lakh schools participating across the country. The initiative inspires young minds to ideate, design, and develop prototypes based on four key themes:
– **Aatmanirbhar Bharat** (Self-reliant India)
– **Swadeshi** (Indigenous)
– **Vocal for Local** (Promoting local products)
– **Samriddhi** (Prosperity)

### A Visionary Discussion

Shubhanshu Shukla, a 39-year-old Indian Air Force officer and test pilot who recently completed his maiden space mission aboard the Axiom-4, is only the second Indian to go into space after Rakesh Sharma’s historic flight in 1984.

On Saturday, Shukla met with School Education Secretary Sanjay Kumar to discuss the vision and objectives of the Buildathon, reinforcing the event’s emphasis on innovation and national development.

### Important Dates and Participation Details

The “Viksit Bharat Buildathon” was officially launched on September 23, with registrations open until October 6. The live event is scheduled for October 13, and winners will be announced in December.

Students from classes 6 to 12 are encouraged to form teams and collaborate creatively to develop innovative ideas and prototypes addressing real-world challenges aligned with the four national themes.

—

For more information and to register, students and educators can visit the official Buildathon website before the registration deadline. Join this exciting movement to contribute to a developed and self-reliant India!
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/space-traveler-becomes-viksit-bharat-buildathon-brand-ambassador/story

We finally know when Musk’s alternative to Wikipedia will launch

Elon Musk has confirmed the early beta launch of Grokipedia, a new platform that could become a competitor to Wikipedia.

The launch is scheduled to take place in two weeks, marking an exciting development in the world of online information and collaborative knowledge sharing.

Stay tuned for more updates as the beta version goes live and we learn more about what Grokipedia has to offer.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/grokipedia-launch-confirmed-what-we-know-about-wikipedia-s-alternative/story

We finally know when Musk’s alternative to Wikipedia will launch

Elon Musk has confirmed the early beta launch of Grokipedia, a new platform that could emerge as a competitor to Wikipedia.

The beta version is scheduled to be released in two weeks, marking the initial step toward what many anticipate will be a significant development in the realm of online knowledge sharing.

Stay tuned for more updates as Grokipedia prepares to enter the digital encyclopedia space.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/grokipedia-launch-confirmed-what-we-know-about-wikipedia-s-alternative/story