Previously, when you asked Gemini to send a message or make a call you had to unlock your phone first. But now it lets you make calls and send texts without even unlocking your device. In this article, we’ll explore this new feature from Google and show you how to use it.
Gemini’s new feature
Google has introduced a new option called “Make calls and messages without unlocking” in the Gemini settings. As the name suggests, this feature allows you to make calls or send messages while your phone is still locked. It’s currently available in the beta version of the Google app. Once you activate this feature, you can request Gemini assistant to call or text someone without the device locked.
There are just a few simple steps to follow and you can get this feature:
Open your phone’s settings.
Navigate to Gemini Settings.
Find the “Gemini on Lock Screen” option.
Turn on “Use Gemini without unlocking” and enable both the “Phone” and “Messages” options.
That’s it!
Use Gemini without locking
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Final thoughts
While this feature is undeniably helpful, it does come with potential privacy concerns. Normally, the extra steps needed to unlock the phone help to protect the information. With this new feature, however, someone could ask Gemini to make a call or send a message without your knowledge, which might feel unsettling to those who prioritize safety. For privacy-conscious users like me, this may not seem like the best choice.
An SS7 attack is a security vulnerability that exploits weaknesses in the Signaling System 7 (SS7) protocol, allowing attackers to intercept data, eavesdrop on communications, track locations, and steal sensitive information. In this article, I’ll explain SS7 attacks in detail and offer tips on how to stay aware and protect yourself.
SS7 Attack Overview
Starting with the definition, SS7 (Signaling System 7), is a set of protocols that telecommunications networks use worldwide to manage and route phone calls, text messages, and other services. It’s more like behind-the-scenes technology that makes communication possible, even between networks in different parts of the world.
However, SS7 was developed in 1975, so you know it was not designed with the modern security mindset. As a result, the system has many weak points/loopholes that attackers can exploit which is basically SS7 attack.
How do SS7 attacks work?
To launch an SS7 attack, an attacker typically needs access to the SS7 network, or to a part of it. This is why in most cases insiders with knowledge of the SS7 infrastructure are involved with facilitating these attacks. So trusted from a telecom company who has access to SS7 can sell that access to a malicious actor. In this case, the attacker does not need to break into a telecom company, they can use the SS7 protocol directly to conduct attacks.
Other than that telecom companies use gateways to connect their SS7 networks to external networks. These gateways can be a weak point and if an attacker gains access to these, they can easily access the SS7 network and exploit the weaknesses in the protocol.
Last but not least, telecoms trust one another when connected to the SS7, and not all companies have high network security. In such cases, hackers make one of these companies a target, attack the whole system, and access the SS7 network.
What after that?
If the SS7 protocol of the communication channel you are connected to is a victim of the SS7 attack, the hacker could easily steal any of your information. With that I mean intercept call and text messages, track your real-time location or prevent you from receiving phone calls and text messages.
By far I have told you about the attack, now let me explain to you the ways you can protect yourself. To be honest, you cannot really stop the SS7 attack from happening but there are several steps you can take to protect yourself and minimize risk:
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Always enable 2FA on your online accounts to add an extra layer of security. If possible, use apps like Google Authenticator or Authy instead of relying on SMS-based 2FA, which can be intercepted via SS7.
Avoid Public Wi-Fi: Avoid using unsecured or public Wi-Fi networks, especially when conducting sensitive activities such as online banking. Public networks are often easier for attackers to intercept.
Keep Your Software Updated: Regularly update your phone’s software to patch known vulnerabilities. While individual phone updates may not directly address SS7-related issues, keeping your software up to date is still an important security measure.
Use a VPN for Added Security: When using mobile data or Wi-Fi, consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your internet traffic. This adds an extra layer of protection and helps prevent unauthorized interception.
Conclusion
Lastly, the SS7 system has a lot of flaws and an attack on one of these weak points is the SS7 attack. While you can not stop this from happening you can protect yourself by some of the ways like 2FA, avoiding public wi-fi, timely updating software, using VPN, and more. Stay alert, stay safe!
TCL is one of the brands among many operating through CG Electronics in Nepal. The company offers various home appliances including possibly the largest TV you can get in the country. But here, we will be looking at the TCL washing machine available in Nepal and its price.
About TCL
TCL Technology Group Corp., better known as TCL is an abbreviation of Telephone Communication Limited. Two friends Li Dongsheng and Luca Situ founded the company in 1981 as a state-owned enterprise. Initially, it manufactured audio cassettes under the name TTK. The name was later changed after a lawsuit from TDK — a Japanese electronics manufacturer. The conglomerate is still partially state-owned and comprises five companies listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange.
The company has been active in Nepal since 2012. It was introduced by CG Electronics, a year after Godrej. They offer a variety of appliances like air conditioners, sound systems, fridges, water dispensers, washing machines, and so on.
TCL Washing Machine Price in Nepal [Updated 2025]
TCL washing machine falls higher on the price bracket, starting at over NPR 60,000. However, it does not cross the premium NPR 100,000 mark either. TCL has limited options for washing machines right now — three, to be exact. All of them are front-load machines, each with a different capacity.
You can get all the TCL washing machines at CG Digitial online or through physical stores nearby. Here are the CG Digital locations across the country:
Banepa, Kavrepalanchok: 011-665679, 01-665688
Basundhara, Kathmandu: 01-5911023, 01-5911024
Bharatpur, Chitwan: 056-538020, 056-538230
Gatthaghar, Bhaktapur: 01-5913182, 01-5913183
Hattigauda, Kathmandu: 01-4376815, 01-5901801
Hetauda, Makwanpur: 057-590778, 057-590779
Itahari, Sunasari: 025-581126, 025-581136
Jorpati, Kathmandu: 01-5134087, 01-5134187
Kirtipur, Kathmandu: 01-4331140, 01-4333241
Kumaripati, Lalitpur: 01-5008771, 01-5008772
Nayabazar, Kathmandu: 01-4964072, 01-4981029
Pokhara, Kaski: 061-591112, 061-591113
Radhe Radhe, Bhaktapur: 01-6638472, 01-6638871
Rabhibhawan, Kathmandu: 01-5376049, 01-5381749
Tangal, Kathmandu: 01-4531837, 01-4511269
Teku, Kathmandu: 01-5914179, 01-5914379
Tripureshwor, Kathmandu: 01-4117002, 01-4117114
Apart from CG Digital, you can also get TCL washing machines from other vendors. You can locate a nearby CG Partner vendor on their website.
MSI has introduced two new gaming handhelds, the Claw 8 AI+ and Claw 7 AI+. These devices offer similar internal specifications but differ in key areas such as display size, battery life, and connectivity. In this article, we will discuss everything about the latest MSI Claw 8 AI+ and 7 AI+, including their price in Nepal.
MSI Claw 8 AI+ and 7 AI+ Overview
Display
The MSI Claw 8 AI+ has an 8-inch Full HD+ (1920×1200) display, while the Claw 7 AI+ features a 7-inch Full HD (1920×1080) display. Both displays have a 120Hz refresh rate and 100% sRGB color coverage. The Claw 8 AI+ also has a higher resolution and larger screen.
Processor and Graphics
Both models use the Intel Core Ultra 7-258V processor with 8 cores and the Intel Arc 140V GPU. The performance is the same on both devices as they share the same hardware. Both handhelds come with 32GB of LPDDR5X RAM and up to 1TB of PCIe Gen4 SSD storage, providing similar performance in terms of memory and storage capacity.
The MSI Claw 8 AI+ has an 80Wh battery, while the Claw 7 AI+ comes with a 54.5Wh battery. Meanwhile, the Claw 8 AI+ supports Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and dual Thunderbolt 4 ports, while the Claw 7 AI+ has Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and dual Thunderbolt 4 ports. The Claw 8 AI+ offers newer connectivity options.
MSI Claw 8 AI and 7AI+ Price in Nepal and Availability
Both models are priced starting at $799. But if it ever makes it here, we expect the MSI Claw 8 AI and Claw 7 AI+ price in Nepal to start at no less than NPR 130,000.
Devices
Price in the USA (Official)
Price in Nepal (Expected)
MSI Claw 8 AI+
USD 799
NPR 130,000
MSI Claw 8 AI+
USD 799
NPR 130,000
Meanwhile, check out our review of the Vivo X200 Pro
On September 7, 2022, Apple announced the new iPhone 14 series at the “Far Out” event making iPhone 14 Pro the successor of iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max the successor of iPhone 13 Pro Max. However, because of the import ban, the iPhone 14 series only made its way to Nepal in December 2022. The flagship offerings have undergone multiple price drops. So, let’s go over the specifications, features, availability, and latest official price of the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max in Nepal.
iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max Overview:
Design
The highest-end iPhone 14 Pro models bring some of the most significant changes to iPhones in recent years. First off, we now have a new front design for iPhones. Apple has replaced the iPhone 13’s large bathtub notch with a pill-shaped cutout on the Pro models. And the most exciting aspect is that the notifications and alerts can make use of this notch with a feature called Dynamic Island.
For example, when using Face ID, the authentication widgets gradually expand and contract from the pill. Similarly, when you play music, you will have the album art on the top and have the timer sit next to the notch. This is certainly a cool idea to turn an eyesore into something that’s useful. And it sounds fun too.
Moving on to the screen, the standard Pro model has a 6.1-inch panel, while the 14 Pro Max flaunts a 6.7-inch display. Except for the size, both models feature similar display features. It has Ceramic Shield protection, ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate, HDR, and a P3 color gamut.
Up to 2000 nits of max brightness!
The iPhone 14 Pro model’s brightness has also been increased to 2000nits, making it the brightest display on the market right now. Apple has also included always-on display (AOD) support for the first time ever on iPhone. This will take advantage of iOS 16’s new lock screen.
Design-wise, apart from the larger camera bump and redesigned notch on the front, it remains unchanged for the most part. Apple has provided a stainless steel build, glass back and IP68 certification for protection against dust and water.
Furthermore, this year’s iPhone 14 Pro models pack Apple’s all-new A16 Bionic chip. This new 6-core CPU has two high-performance cores and four high-efficiency cores, resulting in 20% lower power consumption than the competition. This translates to longer battery life than previous models.
Apple claims up to 29 hours of video playback time with the 14 Pro Max and 23 hours with the 14 Pro. These iPhones, as usual, support Qi wireless and MagSafe wireless charging. If you prefer a wired medium, you can recharge their batteries with a Lightning cable that transmits 20W of power.
Connectivity
In terms of connectivity, both devices support 5G. And interestingly, US models of iPhones will now only support eSIM. The Nepali variant of the iPhone 14 Pro series will have one physical SIM and one eSIM. With both NTC and Ncell launching eSIM in Nepal, users can finally enjoy dual SIM on their iPhones. Likewise, United States and Canadian users also use the satellite-based Emergency SOS feature, but this feature will not be available for the Nepali market as of now.
For starters, it is an emergency messaging service that uses communication satellites to deliver messages when you are out of cell signal range. The phone’s antennas, along with specialized software, will assist you in connecting your phone to satellite frequencies. You will then be able to send messages or contact an emergency service.
This technology allows users to manually share their location with Find My via satellite. After Apple rolls out the service in November it will be free for two years. However, it is still unknown how much it will cost after that.
Speaking of emergencies, a new Crash detection feature has also been added. It detects impacts using sensors and automatically connects the person wearing it to emergency services, relaying their location information. It will also notify the person you saved as an emergency contact of the status.
Cameras
In terms of optics, Apple has now increased the resolution of the primary lens from 12MP to 48MP. In addition, its wide camera now supports a quad-pixel sensor, which improves low-light performance.
For most photos, the sensor will take 12-megapixel binned photos to maximize light capture. This also allows Apple to crop the sensor in a variety of ways, allowing for true 2x zoom at a focal length of 48mm. The new sensor even optimizes details in Apple’s ProRAW format, which could result in an improved photography experience.
The new ultrawide camera also improves macrophotography and provides a 3x improvement in low light. Apple has also enhanced the flash on the iPhone 14 camera system, making it twice as bright and responsive to photo focal length.
For videography, you can now shoot 4K videos at 30fps and 24fps, even in cinematic mode. The new Action mode, on the other hand, allows you to shoot videos that are incredibly smooth and stable without the use of gimbal stabilizers.
Rest of the specs
Aside from that, Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 are supported for wireless connectivity on the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max. NFC is also supported for contactless payment. Both devices will be available in Space Black, Silver, Gold, and Deep Purple with up to 1TB of storage.
Warranty and MDMS for iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max in Nepal
Purchasing the iPhone 14 Pro series from official channels is automatically registered in MDMS. Likewise, you also get benefits like one one-year warranty on the phone, a six-month warranty on the battery, and one-time breakage insurance for one year.
iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max Specifications:
iPhone 14 Pro
iPhone 14 Pro Max
Material
Glass back, Stainless steel frame
Body
147.5 x 71.5 x 7.85 mm, 206 g
160.7 x 77.6 x 7.85 mm, 240 g
Display
6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, (2556 x 1179 pixels), 460ppi, ProMotion technology (120Hz), True Tone, Always-On Display, Dynamic Island, 2,000 nits (peak)
6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display, (2576 x 1290 pixels), 460ppi, ProMotion technology (120Hz), True Tone, Always-On Display, Dynamic Island, 2,000 nits (peak)
iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max Price in Nepal Summary
The official price of the iPhone 14 Pro in Nepal begins at NPR 172,990 for the 128GB model, while the iPhone 14 Pro Max is priced at NPR 191,990 for the same storage capacity. Following the release of the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, official imports of the iPhone 14 Pro models have ceased. However, you can still find the iPhone 14 Pro series in Nepal in few of the stores or second-hand marketplaces.
Vivo Y35, the latest mid-range device from Vivo, is now available for a discounted rate in Nepal. It boasts Snapdragon 680 SoC, Full HD+ display, and 44W charging. In this article, we will go through the specs, features, availability, and official price of the Vivo Y35 in Nepal.
Vivo Y35 Overview:
Design, Display
The Vivo Y35 is a slim and lightweight phone that measures 8.28mm thick and weighs 188 grams. The back of the device has a gradient finish with 2.5D curvature, and it comes in Dawn Gold and Agate Black. Vivo also claims that the smartphone is scratch and fingerprint-resistant.
On the front, you are looking at a 6.58-inch screen with Full HD+ resolution. Similarly, the display has a 90Hz refresh rate and 550 nits of brightness. It also covers 96% NTSC color gamut.
Under the hood, it is powered by the Snapdragon 680 SoC. It’s an octa-core chipset built on a 6nm process. Likewise, there is only one memory option for the Vivo Y35: 8GB RAM and 128GB storage. The device also supports memory expansion up to 8GB and you can expand the storage up to 1TB via a microSD card.
The phone has a 5000mAh battery and supports 44W fast charging. The Vivo Y35 ships with Funtouch OS 12, which is based on Android 12.
Cameras
In terms of optics, the device has a triple camera setup on the back led by a 50MP primary lens. Accompanying it are two 2MP macro and depth sensors. The water-drop notch on the front houses an 8MP selfie camera. Both the rear and selfie cameras can only record 1080p@30fps video.
Rest of the specs
Moving on, the Y35 comes with a single bottom-firing speaker with support for Hi-Res Audio. The biometric option includes a side-mounted fingerprint scanner.
Vivo Y35 Specifications:
Body: 164.3 × 76.1 × 8.28 mm; 188g
Display: 6.58-inch IPS, 90Hz refresh rate
Resolution: FHD+ (2400 x 1080 pixels), 20:9 aspect ratio
The latest Vivo Y35 price in Nepal is NPR 28,999. It was priced at Rs. 30,999 before. You can purchase the phone from authorized retailers such as Hukut.
Tecno has officially introduced the Megapad 11, a budget-friendly tablet built on the standard Megapad, which was unveiled earlier in October, now offers improved performance and display upgrades. This article will discuss everything about the latest Tecno Megapad 11, including its expected price in Nepal.
Tecno Megapad 11 Overview
Display and Design
The Megapad 11 features an 11-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 1200 x 1920 pixels and a 90Hz refresh rate. The tablet features a quad-speaker setup with Dolby Atmos placed inside a metallic build.
Performance and Storage
The tablet is powered by the MediaTek G99 processor and offers two storage configurations with 8GB RAM and up to 256GB of storage. Both variants support expandable storage via a microSD card.
Battery and Charging
The device includes a large 8,000mAh battery, supported by 18W fast charging. Meanwhile, the Megapad 11 comes with a 13MP rear camera for capturing photos and videos. On the front, there is an 8MP camera for video calls and selfies.
Tesla is rumored to be launching its own phone, which could challenge tech giants like Apple and Samsung. You’ve probably heard the buzz around this, right? Is it actually true or yet another fan theory? In this article, I will explain in depth the rumours surrounding this topic and whether this news is fact or fiction.
Is the Tesla Phone real?
The internet has been whispering with talk of Tesla’s upcoming phone. As per the hearsay, this device will come with some futuristic features, like solar charging, Starlink internet connectivity, and even neural integration that will allow users to control the phone with their minds. But, for any of these features to be real, the phone itself would need to exist, right?
Elon Musk is no doubt a notorious guy, and his name often sparks curiosity, especially when the headlines are about him. This is one of the reasons a few years ago, a random social media post claimed that Tesla would soon be releasing a Pi phone, and before long, the rumor spread across the internet. Well, Musk is good at pushing the boundaries of technology, but this time, he has not given an official statement on this particular news. Most of the talk surrounding the Tesla phone comes from unverified sources or fan speculation.
At the moment, Tesla is primarily focused on revolutionizing electric vehicles, space exploration, ambitious projects, and everything else BUT a smartphone. That being said, it’s impossible to predict what Musk is planning behind closed doors. The smartphone market is already highly competitive, so it’s unlikely that Tesla would want to dive in just yet. However, this doesn’t mean that the rumor is entirely out of the question for the future.
As of now, the news about the Tesla Pi phone is likely fake, but the future remains uncertain. Personally, I’d love to carry a Tesla phone one day – especially if it lives up to the rumored features. Who knows what could happen down the road?
Honor is on the spree of launching new products. The Honor 300 Series was unveiled some days ago and the Chinese company has also launched two new laptops. Dubbed the Honor X16 Plus and X14 Plus, the duo share the same chip Intel Core i5-220H processor. In this article, we’ll walk through the specs, features, and expected price of Honor Magicbook X16 Plus and X14 Plus in Nepal.
Honor MagicBook X16 Plus and X14 Plus Overview
Design and Display
The 2025 iterations of the Magicbook X Series bring a familiar design with Honor branding on the rear. The X16 Plus model weighs 1.79kg with an 18mm profile. Meanwhile, the 14-inch model (X14 Plus) bears a 26mm profile and a 1.34kg weight. As for the display, you get a 16-inch and 14-inch IPS LCD panel on the X16 Plus and X14 Plus models respectively. Likewise, the bigger model boasts a 2,560 x 1,600 pixels resolution, 120Hz refresh rate and 430nits of brightness. On the other hand, the X14 Plus bumps the res to 2,880 x 1,800 but there is no fast refresh rate.
Performance
On the performance side, both models pack the same processor: Intel Core 5-220H. This Raptor Lake refresh CPU boasts a 12-core architecture (4P + 8E) and 16 threads which is pretty equivalent to the Core i5-13600H CPU. Honor has paired it with 16/32GB of RAM and 1TB of SSD storage. Booting these laptops is Windows 11 Home, out of the box.
Moving on, the Honor Magicbook X16 Plus gets its juice from a 75Wh battery while the X14 Plus has a 60Wh battery under the hood. Regardless of the battery sizes, both models rely on the same 65W fast charging support. Furthermore, the duo consists of WiFI 5, Bluetooth 5.1, and NFC for wireless connectivity. Port options include 2x USB-C, 2X USB-A (Gen 1 and Gen 2), 1X HDMI, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Honor MagicBook X16 Plus and X14 Plus Price in Nepal
In China, Honor MagicBook X16 Plus and X14 Plus are currently up for pre-order, starting at CNY 4,899 and CNY 5,099 respectively. Likewise, we expect the price of Honor MagicBook X16 Plus price in Nepal and Honor Magicbook X14 Plus price in Nepal to start at NPR 99,999 and NPR 104,999 when they become available.
Honor MagicBook X Series (2025)
Price in China (Official)
Price in Nepal (Expected)
Magicbook X14 Plus, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD
CNY 4,899
NPR 99,999
Magicbook X14 Plus, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD
CNY 5,199
NPR 105,999
Magicbook X16 Plus, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD
CNY 5,099
NPR 104,999
Magicbook X16 Plus, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD
CNY 5,399
NPR 110,999
Meanwhile, you can check our Acer Swift Go 14 OLED (2024) review.
Alongside its 300 series that housed the Honor 300, Honor 300 Pro, and Honor 300 Ultra, Honor also announced a pair of buds simply dubbed ‘EarBuds X8’. These are affordable TWS earbuds that don’t bring any kind of noise cancellation or fancy codec support but they do have a few tricks up their sleeves. In this short coverage, let’s take a quick look at the Honor EarBuds X8, their features and specifications, and the expected price in Nepal.
Honor Earbuds X8 Overview
Design
These budget buds are half-in-ear in design presenting a mix of potential attractions as well as drawbacks. On the one side, they don’t seal your ears completely which some find to be more comfortable but on the other hand, there’s a possibility for sound leakage and the immersion might not be as good. Regardless, the buds are pretty typical in design with an IP54 dust and water rating and 3.8 grams weight (each).
The Honor Earbuds X8 is available in Purple and Cream color options with touch control support and AI noise cancellation for calls.
Equalizer Party
For sound, the Honor EarBuds X8 earbuds feature 10mm composite titanium-plated drivers with support for basic AAC and SBC codecs. They have also earned the ‘China Electronic Audio Industry Association’s Golden Ear Product’ certification although it’s unclear what that exactly entails for the likes of you and me.
Unlike other affordable EarBuds, there’s some level of customizability to the sound profile of the Honor EarBuds X8. You can toggle between 4 different presets that include: ‘Powerful Bass’, ‘Warm Vocals’, ‘Classic’, and ‘Bright’. This feature alone might propel the Honor Buds to the spotlight in what is generally considered a very competitive landscape.
Other Features and Battery
There are several other useful features as well. For example, you can customize the controls on the Earbuds X8 via a companion app or use Google Fast Pair for a seamless setup experience. There’s even dual-device connection support, which is something rare even in more expensive price brackets, and Bluetooth 5.3 for a wide and stable connection.
For endurance, Honor claims up to 9 hours of juice on a single full charge and up to 40 hours of total playtime with the case. The earbuds also support fast charging for quick refills providing plenty 3 hours of music with just a 10-minute plug-in.
Features: Touch controls, Find Headphones, Support YOYO voice assistant, EQ sound effects, Low latency gaming, Near Discovery Pop-up window (only on devices running on Magic UI 4.0+)
Color Options: Purple, Cream
Honor Earbuds X8 Price in Nepal and Availability
The new Honor Earbuds are available in China with a price tag of CNY 299. When it makes it here, we expect the Honor Earbuds X8 price in Nepal to be around NPR 6,900.
TWS Earbuds
Price in China (Official)
Price in Nepal (Expected)
Honor Earbuds X8
CNY 299
NPR 6,900
Meanwhile, check our video on the best TWS buds under INR 2000 (2024):