Trump Security Adviser Open to Continued Chinese Ownership of TikTok Under Certain Conditions

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Incoming National Security Adviser Mike Waltz suggested that President-elect Donald Trump may consider allowing TikTok to remain under Chinese ownership if measures are implemented to ensure American users’ data is securely stored in the United States. Waltz’s comments came during an interview with CNN on Sunday, as TikTok ceased operations for its 170 million U.S. users due to a newly enacted ban over concerns of potential misuse of data by Chinese authorities.

Waltz stated that Trump is working to “save TikTok” and hinted at the possibility of establishing “firewalls” to safeguard U.S. data. Additionally, TikTok noted in a message to users that Trump had promised a likely 90-day reprieve once he assumes office on Monday. Waltz told CBS News that this extension would allow TikTok to address key issues and evaluate potential buyers.

Despite Waltz’s remarks, Republican leaders in Congress appear divided on the matter. House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed skepticism about continued Chinese ownership, advocating instead for TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to sell the app entirely. “It’s not the platform… It’s the Chinese Communist Party,” Johnson emphasized during an NBC “Meet the Press” interview.

Other Republican lawmakers, including Senators Tom Cotton and Pete Ricketts, strongly oppose any extension of TikTok’s ban. In a joint statement, they argued that there is “no legal basis for any kind of ‘extension’ of (the ban’s) effective date.”

The debate highlights ongoing tensions over TikTok’s ownership and data privacy concerns, with the future of the platform’s U.S. operations hanging in the balance.

 

Global Launch of Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra Confirmed for February 6

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Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra Set to Launch as Successor to Zenfone 11 Ultra
The much-anticipated Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra is slated for a global unveiling soon, following in the footsteps of the Zenfone 11 Ultra, which debuted in March 2024. Building on its predecessor’s success, the Zenfone 12 Ultra is expected to introduce advanced features while maintaining Asus’s reputation for cutting-edge technology. Rumors suggest the device will share similarities with the ROG Phone 9, which launched in select regions last November. Among its standout specifications are Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, a robust 5,800mAh battery, and a 50-megapixel triple rear camera setup.

Top-Notch Features Expected in Zenfone 12 Ultra
Speculation around the Zenfone 12 Ultra hints at premium hardware akin to the ROG Phone 9. The upcoming smartphone could feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC, paired with up to 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. Its triple camera system is expected to house a 50-megapixel Sony LYTIA 700 primary sensor, complemented by a 13-megapixel ultra-wide lens and a 5-megapixel macro camera. For selfie enthusiasts, a 32-megapixel front camera might be onboard. Additionally, the phone could support 65W wired and 15W wireless charging, ensuring quick power-ups for its sizable battery.

Display and Build: A Perfect Blend of Durability and Innovation
The Asus ROG Phone 9 set high standards with its 6.78-inch full-HD+ AMOLED LTPO display featuring a 165Hz refresh rate, Always-On capabilities, and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection. The Zenfone 12 Ultra is likely to follow suit with a similarly advanced display, ensuring vibrant visuals and smooth performance. It may also boast an IP68-certified build, offering dust and water resistance, making it a durable choice for daily use and outdoor adventures.

Anticipation Grows Ahead of Official Confirmation
With the launch date approaching, more details about the Zenfone 12 Ultra are expected to emerge. If priced similarly to the ROG Phone 9, which starts at EUR 1,099 (approximately Rs. 98,000), the Zenfone 12 Ultra could position itself as a premium device targeting tech enthusiasts. Fans of the brand and smartphone enthusiasts alike are eagerly awaiting Asus’s official announcement to confirm these exciting features and unveil any surprises the company may have in store.

iPhone 17 Series Expected to Feature Design Tweaks Over iPhone 16 Models

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The upcoming iPhone 17 series, expected to launch in the second half of this year, could bring some significant design changes compared to its predecessors. The lineup is anticipated to include the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Slim (or iPhone 17 Air), iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max models. Over the past few months, there have been numerous rumors surrounding the design and features of the iPhone 17, particularly the “Slim” variant. However, a recent leak suggests that Apple may introduce a revamped design for this new generation, marking a departure from the flat-sided design seen in the iPhone 16 series.

According to a tip from a trusted source on Weibo, Fixed Focus Digital, the iPhone 17 lineup could feature a design that incorporates more curved edges. This information hints that Apple may be shifting away from the sharp, flat sides of the current iPhone 16 models in favor of a smoother, rounded frame. The tipster mentioned that the connection area between the “Deco of the fuselage and the back shell” would have a slope rather than a step, indicating a more seamless transition between the front and rear of the phone. This change could signal a return to the curved design elements that Apple has used in previous iPhone models.

While it’s still unclear whether this design change will affect all iPhone 17 variants, including the base, Pro, and Pro Max models, it could represent a significant shift in Apple’s approach to smartphone ergonomics. The current iPhone 16 series features flat sides with rounded corners, which has received mixed reactions from users. The return of curved sides, a feature once seen in the iPhone 6 series and earlier, could enhance the in-hand feel of the device, providing a more comfortable grip. Users accustomed to the more ergonomic designs of earlier iPhones might find this change a welcome improvement.

Apple’s decision to reintroduce curved sides could also be influenced by the growing trend in the smartphone industry toward more organic, fluid designs. As other manufacturers continue to experiment with innovative shapes and form factors, Apple may look to differentiate itself by offering a refreshed, user-friendly design with improved comfort. If the rumors prove true, the iPhone 17 series could offer a more refined experience, combining sleek aesthetics with a functional design that better suits the way users interact with their devices.