HMD Global has teamed up with Marvel to launch a special Venom-themed edition of its modular HMD Fusion smartphone. This collaboration ties in with the release of Marvel’s upcoming film, Venom: The Last Dance, and brings the “Ultimate Symbiotic Phone” to fans. The special edition will feature a design inspired by Venom’s dark and edgy persona while retaining the core specifications of the standard HMD Fusion.

Core Features of the HMD Fusion

The HMD Fusion, first revealed at IFA 2024 in September, comes with impressive specs:

• 6.56-inch HD+ LCD display with a 90Hz refresh rate
• Powered by a Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset
• Up to 12GB of RAM
• 108-megapixel dual rear camera and a 50-megapixel front camera
• Runs on Android 14
• 5,000mAh battery with 33W fast charging

Modular Design

One of the standout features of the HMD Fusion is its modular design, allowing users to easily repair or customize parts like the display, back cover, battery, and charging port. Additionally, it offers “Smart Outfits,” interchangeable cases that add hardware features such as a ring light or wireless charging capabilities.

Venom-Themed Edition

While specific design details of the Venom edition haven’t been fully disclosed, it is expected to reflect the sinister style of Marvel’s anti-hero. Fans can anticipate a Venom-inspired aesthetic that enhances the device’s appeal to both Marvel enthusiasts and smartphone collectors.

Unique Features

The Venom-themed HMD Fusion is set to release around the film’s premiere on October 25. It will likely include exclusive software features inspired by the character, such as custom ringtones and animations that resonate with the film’s themes.

Pricing and Availability

The price for the Venom-themed edition is yet to be confirmed but is expected to be in the same range as the standard HMD Fusion, which starts at EUR 249 (approximately ₹24,000). Further details on the design and availability will be revealed soon, making it a must-watch for fans of unique smartphone designs and Marvel collaborations.

Pre-Order Information

The standard HMD Fusion is now available for pre-order in various markets, including the United States for around $300. However, specific details regarding pre-orders for the Venom edition are anticipated closer to its release date.

Conclusion

The collaboration between HMD Global and Marvel represents an exciting intersection of technology and pop culture. By launching a Venom-themed version of its modular smartphone, HMD Global not only caters to fans of the franchise but also showcases its innovative approach to smartphone design.

As consumers increasingly seek personalized devices that reflect their interests, this partnership could set a precedent for future collaborations in the tech industry. With its unique features and strong branding tied to Marvel’s popular character, the Venom-themed HMD Fusion is poised to attract attention in both the smartphone market and among comic book fans alike.

At the NDTV World Summit, Sunil Bharti Mittal, Chairman of Bharti Enterprises, revealed a startling incident involving an AI-powered scam that nearly defrauded his company. The scam involved the use of artificial intelligence to clone Mittal’s voice, fooling one of his executives in Dubai into believing they were speaking with the chairman himself. The scammer demanded a substantial money transfer, and the AI-generated voice was so convincing that Mittal acknowledged, “It was perfectly articulated, just as I would speak.”

Quick Thinking Saves the Day

Fortunately, the vigilant executive quickly realized something was amiss. “The official, who was alert and sensible, immediately recognized it was a scam,” Mittal shared, stressing how close the company came to being defrauded. He noted that the AI-cloned voice was almost indistinguishable from his own, making the scam particularly difficult to detect.

Implications of AI Misuse

Mittal’s warning sheds light on the rising misuse of AI in sophisticated fraud schemes. Cybercriminals are increasingly employing AI to clone voices and deceive victims, posing significant challenges for companies and individuals alike.

“Anyone who wasn’t vigilant could have easily fallen for it,” Mittal cautioned, underscoring the complexity and effectiveness of these AI-driven scams.

Broader Concerns About AI Misuse

In addition to voice cloning, Mittal expressed concerns over other ways AI could be exploited for fraud. He warned that AI could potentially be used to forge digital signatures or create deepfake videos, allowing criminals to manipulate individuals during virtual meetings. This growing threat demands heightened awareness and caution as AI becomes more integrated into both business and personal interactions.

The Dual Nature of AI

However, Mittal emphasized the dual nature of AI, acknowledging its vast potential for innovation while warning against its misuse. “We must protect our societies from the evils of AI while also embracing its benefits,” he remarked. He called for a balanced approach where the advantages of AI are harnessed responsibly while safeguards are put in place to prevent its exploitation.

The Competitive Edge of AI

Despite the risks, Mittal also highlighted the strategic importance of AI for businesses and nations. He warned that those who fail to adopt AI could fall behind in terms of innovation and competitiveness.

“Companies and nations that do not embrace AI will be left behind,” Mittal stressed, urging swift and responsible adoption of AI technologies.

A Rising Threat: AI-Powered Scams

The attempted fraud at Bharti Enterprises is part of a broader trend of AI-enabled scams that have been on the rise. AI technologies are increasingly being used to replicate voices and impersonate individuals, often to extract money or sensitive information.

Notable Incidents

In some instances, scammers are using AI to conduct “digital arrest” scams, impersonating law enforcement officials in virtual settings to pressure victims into making payments. Mittal’s warning follows several high-profile cases of AI-driven fraud. One such incident involved SP Oswal, Chairman of Vardhman Group, who lost ₹7 crore after scammers posing as government officials used fake documents and AI-generated virtual environments to trick him into making a payment.

Conclusion

As AI continues to evolve, so too do the methods used by cybercriminals. Mittal’s experience serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of vigilance and the need for robust security measures to protect against the growing threat of AI-powered scams.

Call for Action

The incident emphasizes the necessity for businesses and individuals alike to adopt advanced security protocols and maintain awareness regarding emerging technologies. As cyber threats become more sophisticated with advancements in AI, proactive measures will be essential in safeguarding against potential frauds in an increasingly digital world.

X, formerly known as Twitter, has rolled out a new feature called Radar, available exclusively to its Premium+ subscribers. Designed to enhance real-time engagement, Radar aims to revolutionize how users track live content by offering powerful, real-time search capabilities. This feature is poised to transform how people stay updated on trending topics, breaking news, and live events.

What Is X’s New Tool, Radar?

Radar is a cutting-edge tool that provides Premium+ users with instant access to up-to-the-second updates on everything from viral moments to major events. Unlike conventional search functions that rely on historical data or general algorithms, Radar focuses on delivering real-time results. Whether it’s the latest political developments, sports updates, or breaking news, users can access fresh content as it happens.

Evolution of the Tool

Originally known as “Insights” and initially offered to Verified Organizations for monitoring trends, the tool has been rebranded and expanded to Premium+ subscribers. Radar is particularly useful for those who need immediate access to the latest information—journalists, content creators, marketers, or even casual users eager to stay ahead of social conversations will find it invaluable.

How Radar Works

Leveraging X’s massive and constantly updating data stream, Radar surfaces relevant content based on live events. By entering keywords or hashtags, users can access the latest posts related to their query, with results filtered by both time and relevance. This functionality allows Premium+ subscribers to follow discussions in real time, offering a more dynamic and immersive experience compared to what regular users receive.

Example Use Cases

For example, during a high-stakes sports match or an election night, Radar provides continuously updated posts, images, and videos, ensuring that users don’t miss out on key moments. This constant refresh of information gives Premium+ subscribers a competitive edge in staying informed.

A Premium Feature for Premium Users

By limiting Radar to Premium+ subscribers, X is positioning the tool as a high-value feature for its top-tier members. This move aligns with the platform’s strategy of offering exclusive tools to its paying user base. Alongside Radar, Premium+ members already enjoy perks such as an ad-free experience, longer post visibility, and the ability to edit posts.

Subscription Details

The Premium+ subscription is priced at $16 per month or $168 per year when purchased via the web. It also includes a verified checkmark. The introduction of Radar could attract more users to upgrade their subscriptions as the demand for real-time information continues to grow in today’s fast-paced digital landscape.

Competitive Landscape

As X continues to evolve its platform and introduce new features, Radar represents a significant step in the company’s effort to monetize its offerings more effectively. By catering to the needs of users who rely on immediate access to information, X is solidifying its position as a go-to platform for real-time updates.

Market Context

The launch of Radar comes at a time when competition in the social media space is intensifying with platforms like Bluesky and Threads emerging as alternatives. By providing enhanced functionalities like Radar, X aims to retain existing users while attracting new ones who seek timely insights into current events.

Conclusion

With the introduction of Radar, X is not only enhancing user experience but also reinforcing its commitment to providing valuable tools that meet the demands of modern digital communication. The focus on real-time engagement positions X favorably in an increasingly competitive market where timely information is paramount.

As this feature rolls out and evolves further, it will be interesting to see how it impacts user engagement on the platform and whether it successfully converts more users into paying subscribers.