Oppo Find N5 vs. Apple iPad Pro M4: A Glimpse into the Next-Gen Ultra-Thin Foldable

Oppo is gearing up to launch its next-generation foldable phone, the Oppo Find N5, next month in China, with a global release expected under the name OnePlus Open 2. As anticipation builds, the company has started teasing key features of the device, with a strong focus on its ultra-slim profile. A recent teaser compared the Oppo Find N5’s thickness to the Apple iPad Pro M4, Apple’s thinnest tablet to date, suggesting that the foldable could set new records for slimness in its category. However, Oppo has yet to officially disclose the exact dimensions of the device.

Billy Zhang, Oppo’s President of Overseas Marketing, shared an image on X (formerly Twitter) showcasing the Oppo Find N5 placed alongside the iPad Pro M4. He emphasized the engineering breakthroughs that allowed Oppo to achieve an optimal user experience, both in folded and unfolded states. The teaser image shows a noticeable difference in thickness, with the Find N5 appearing significantly thinner than Apple’s latest tablet. Given that the iPad Pro M4 is just 5.1mm thick, speculation suggests that the Find N5 could measure around 4mm when unfolded, potentially making it the world’s thinnest foldable phone.

Beyond its design, the Oppo Find N5 is expected to bring several high-end features, including support for 50W wireless charging—an improvement over previous foldables—and an IPX9 rating for water resistance. These additions position the device as a strong contender in the premium foldable phone market, promising durability alongside cutting-edge technology. With foldable smartphones becoming more mainstream, Oppo is clearly aiming to push the boundaries of both form and function.

The official launch of the Oppo Find N5 is set for February, with the global variant likely debuting as the OnePlus Open 2. As more details emerge, industry watchers will be keen to see how the device stacks up against rivals like Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series. If Oppo delivers on its promises, the Find N5 could redefine expectations for foldable smartphones, offering a combination of sleek design, powerful features, and everyday usability.

French Authorities Launch Fraud Investigation into Crypto Giant Binance

French authorities have launched a judicial investigation into Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, over allegations of money laundering, tax fraud, and other financial crimes. The probe, led by the economic and financial crime section of the Paris public prosecutor’s office (JUNALCO), was announced on Tuesday. Binance has denied the accusations, stating that it remains committed to compliance with financial regulations.

According to JUNALCO, the investigation is particularly focused on alleged money laundering activities linked to drug trafficking. Authorities suspect that illicit funds may have been processed through the platform, raising concerns about the exchange’s role in facilitating criminal activities. While Binance has previously faced regulatory scrutiny in several countries, this marks a significant legal challenge within the European Union.

The probe covers the period from 2019 to 2024, with investigators examining Binance’s operations in France and across other EU member states. French regulators have been tightening oversight of cryptocurrency platforms, emphasizing the need for compliance with anti-money laundering laws and tax regulations. The case highlights ongoing global efforts to regulate digital asset exchanges and prevent financial crimes within the crypto industry.

Binance, which has repeatedly stated its commitment to transparency and legal compliance, has faced increasing regulatory pressure worldwide. The outcome of this investigation could have broader implications for the cryptocurrency sector, influencing future policies and enforcement actions in Europe and beyond.

Microsoft Investigates Possible Unauthorized Access to OpenAI Data by DeepSeek-Linked Group

Microsoft and OpenAI are conducting an investigation into whether a group associated with Chinese AI startup DeepSeek improperly accessed OpenAI’s data. According to sources familiar with the matter, concerns arose when Microsoft’s security team detected unusual activity involving OpenAI’s application programming interface (API). The group in question allegedly extracted large amounts of data in a manner that may not have been authorized, prompting further scrutiny from both companies.

The suspicious activity was first observed in the fall when Microsoft researchers noticed individuals believed to be linked to DeepSeek transferring significant volumes of data via OpenAI’s API. While OpenAI allows developers to license its API to integrate its AI models into their own applications, excessive data extraction could indicate an attempt to bypass OpenAI’s built-in usage restrictions. If confirmed, such actions may violate OpenAI’s terms of service, raising legal and ethical concerns over the security of proprietary AI models.

DeepSeek recently introduced its own AI model, R1, an open-source system that claims to rival or surpass leading AI models from OpenAI, Google, and Meta on key industry benchmarks. The model, designed to replicate human reasoning, has positioned DeepSeek as a formidable competitor in the AI sector. Notably, R1 was developed at a fraction of the cost of its Western counterparts, further intensifying competition in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence.

The potential unauthorized access and the emergence of a strong competitor have already had significant market repercussions. Following the news, AI-related stocks, including Microsoft, Nvidia, Oracle, and Google’s parent company, Alphabet, saw a sharp decline, collectively losing nearly $1 trillion in market value. As Microsoft and OpenAI continue their investigation, the case underscores growing tensions in the AI race, particularly as global competition heats up between U.S. tech giants and emerging players from China.