Day: November 16, 2024

Anticipated Emojis Set to Debut on Smartphones in 2025

# Upcoming Emojis for 2025: Bigfoot, Trombone, and Landslide on the Horizon

As we near the conclusion of 2024, many are eagerly anticipating what 2025 will bring. While advancements in technology, trends, and innovations often take center stage in these conversations, one smaller yet equally thrilling development is the introduction of new emojis. Emojis have become a crucial component of digital interaction, and annually, the Unicode Consortium unveils new designs that capture the changing ways we communicate online.

This week, Unicode released a preliminary list of emojis under consideration for 2025, featuring some fun and quirky options that could soon grace your phone’s keyboard. These emojis are part of the proposal from the Unicode Emoji Standard and Research Working Group, which was presented to the Unicode Technical Committee (UTC) earlier this month.

## The Preliminary List: What’s on the Horizon?

According to a report from [Emojipedia](https://blog.emojipedia.org/draft-emoji-list-for-2025-2026-revealed/), there are a total of 164 emoji suggestions for Emoji 17.0, set to be finalized in 2025. While not all will make it to the final version, the working group has showcased sample designs for nine of the standout contenders:

1. **Distorted Face** – A new face emoji with a warped appearance, ideal for portraying confusion or disorientation.
2. **Fight Cloud** – A whimsical cloud of dust with limbs protruding, evoking memories of classic animated fight scenes.
3. **Ballet Dancer** – An elegant figure in a ballet position, adding grace to your emoji conversations.
4. **Apple Core** – A partially eaten apple, which could symbolize waste, completion, or hunger.
5. **Orca (Killer Whale)** – A splendid orca, perfect for ocean enthusiasts and environmental discussions.
6. **Hairy Creature (Bigfoot)** – An enigmatic, furry figure resembling Bigfoot, imparting a mythical touch to the emoji collection.
7. **Trombone** – A musical instrument sure to please musicians and music aficionados alike.
8. **Landslide** – An emoji depicting a natural disaster, useful for talking about environmental issues or metaphorical contexts.
9. **Treasure Chest** – A traditional treasure chest, perfect for dialogues about wealth, discovery, or adventure.

These emojis encompass a diverse range of themes, from nature and music to mythical beings and human emotions, providing users with additional means to convey nuanced feelings and ideas.

## Skin Tone Variants and More

Alongside the new emojis, the draft list incorporates various skin tone variants for existing emojis. For instance, the “People with Bunny Ears” and “People Wrestling” emojis will soon feature a wider array of skin tones, enhancing inclusive representation. The proposed ballet dancer emoji will also include five standard skin tone modifiers.

## What’s Next?

It’s essential to recognize that these 164 emojis are still in draft status, meaning they may change. Some could be added, omitted, or altered before the final version of Emoji 17.0 receives approval. The Unicode Consortium is anticipated to finalize the list in September 2025.

However, even post-approval, it may take some time for the new emojis to show up on your device. For instance, Emoji 16.0 was approved in September 2024, but numerous users are still waiting for those emojis to be incorporated into their phones’ keyboards.

## Custom Emojis for Now

While you await the official launch of these new emojis, iPhone users can try out

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“Novel Scientific Progress Ensures Safer X-Ray Imaging with Lower Radiation Exposure”

# Transforming X-ray Imaging: A Safer Tomorrow with Cascade-Engineered Detectors

X-rays have been essential to contemporary healthcare, offering crucial insights into the human anatomy. From assessing fractures to identifying diseases such as cancer, X-ray imaging has transformed medical diagnostics. However, along with their significant advantages, X-rays pose a potential risk: radiation exposure. Over time, worries have emerged regarding the long-term health hazards of repeated X-ray radiation exposure, especially for patients needing frequent imaging.

Now, a pioneering advancement from researchers at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) has the potential to greatly mitigate these risks. The team has unveiled an innovative “cascade-engineered” technique for X-ray detectors, aimed at enhancing the safety of X-ray imaging without compromising image integrity.

## The Challenge of Conventional X-ray Detectors

Standard X-ray detectors commonly depend on single-crystal devices for image capturing. Although they are effective, these detectors often necessitate higher radiation doses to yield clear, high-resolution images. This inefficiency arises because single-crystal detectors convert X-ray photons into electrical signals with limited effectiveness, which are then utilized to form the image. Consequently, patients and medical professionals encounter more radiation exposure than desirable.

The demand for safer X-ray imaging has intensified as the utilization of X-rays expands beyond medical diagnostics into areas like industrial monitoring and security screening. Balancing radiation exposure reduction with the quality of images has been a primary challenge for both researchers and engineers.

## The Cascade-Engineered Breakthrough

The KAUST team has come up with a new technique that has the potential to revolutionize X-ray detection. Their “cascade-engineered” concept incorporates connecting multiple single-crystal devices in a sequence, forming a cascade of linked detectors. This architecture greatly enhances the efficiency of X-ray detection, enabling clearer images at significantly lower radiation levels.

The crystals utilized in this advanced method consist of **methylammonium lead bromide (MAPbBr3) perovskite**, a material renowned for its exceptional charge transport characteristics. These crystals are pivotal to the improved performance of the updated detectors. By leveraging MAPbBr3 perovskite, the researchers have successfully enhanced the conversion of X-ray photons into electrical signals, resulting in superior image quality with reduced radiation exposure.

## Mechanism of Action

The cascade-engineered method operates by minimizing the radiation emitted from X-ray devices while concurrently boosting detection efficiency. This is accomplished by linking multiple crystals in series, which allows for more effective collection of X-ray photons. The interconnected crystals collaborate to amplify the signal, yielding clearer images even with reduced radiation exposure.

A significant benefit of this approach is its ability to diminish “dark current”—the background interference that can obscure X-ray visuals. Dark current refers to the electrical current flowing through the detector when no X-rays are detected, which can compromise image clarity. The cascade-engineered configuration lessens this unwanted noise while maintaining the core signal current produced during X-ray exposure, resulting in sharper, more precise images.

## Remarkable Enhancements in Detection Threshold

The outcomes of this innovative strategy are exceptionally promising. Based on a study conducted by the KAUST team, the detection threshold for the cascade-engineered devices has improved significantly compared to traditional single-crystal detectors. In conventional X-ray techniques, the detection threshold is approximately **590 nanograys per second (nGy/s)**. In contrast, with the new cascade-engineered devices, this threshold has been reduced to merely **100 nGy/s**—a considerable decrease.

This lowered detection threshold enables the new detectors to generate high-quality images with significantly less radiation. For patients, this results in safer diagnostic processes, while healthcare professionals can perform X-rays more frequently without concern over excessive radiation exposure.

## Broader Implications for Healthcare and Beyond

The possible uses of this cutting-edge technology are extensive. In healthcare, the capability to lower radiation exposure without sacrificing image quality could revolutionize medical diagnostics. Patients who need routine imaging, such as those receiving cancer therapy or managing chronic conditions, would greatly benefit from safer X-ray techniques. Additionally, healthcare staff operating X-ray equipment would also undergo reduced radiation exposure, enhancing safety within the workplace.

However, the implications reach further than healthcare. X-ray imaging is widely applied in industrial oversight, security assessments, and even scientific exploration. In these sectors, minimizing radiation exposure while preserving image fidelity is of equal significance. The cascade-engineered methodology could facilitate safer and more effective X-ray imaging across numerous industries.

## A Safer Tomorrow for X-ray Imaging

The creation of cascade-engineered X-ray detectors signifies a major advancement in making X-ray imaging both safer and more effective. By lowering the radiation dose required for clear images, this new technology tackles a crucial safety issue that has long been linked to X-ray practices. With the potential to enhance diagnostics in both medical and industrial environments, the influence of this innovation could be relevant.

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Samsung Set to Introduce Tri-Fold Galaxy Z Foldable Smartphone in 2024

# Samsung Galaxy Z Tri-Fold Foldable: Launch Date Scheduled for 2025

Reports indicate that Samsung is developing a fresh model for its Galaxy Z foldable range, anticipated to launch in 2025. This forthcoming device will showcase a tri-fold design, folding twice to present a more expansive display, introducing a novel form factor for foldable smartphones. The tri-fold Galaxy Z will signify a major advancement in foldable technology, leveraging Samsung’s established expertise in this sector.

## The Advancement of Foldables

Samsung has been at the forefront of foldable smartphones, beginning with the inaugural Galaxy Fold, succeeded by the Galaxy Z Flip and Galaxy Z Fold models. These gadgets have transformed the smartphone landscape, giving users the option to carry a compact device that can expand into a larger display. However, the tri-fold Galaxy Z takes this innovation a step further by offering a device that folds twice, potentially morphing into a tablet-sized screen.

The tri-fold design is not a completely new concept in the market. Other brands, like Huawei, have already launched tri-fold devices such as the Huawei Mate XT. Nonetheless, Samsung’s take is expected to vary in both design and functionality. While Huawei’s Mate XT features both inward and outward folds, Samsung’s tri-fold is said to fold inward on both sides, which may enhance durability by shielding the screen when folded.

## The Importance of Tri-Fold Devices

Tri-fold devices present numerous benefits over conventional foldable smartphones. For starters, they offer enhanced screen real estate, making them perfect for productivity tasks, media viewing, and gaming. When entirely unfolded, the screen size could approach that of small tablets, providing a more immersive experience.

Furthermore, the advancement of tri-fold devices pushes technological limits. Manufacturers must innovate in battery design, display technology, and hinge mechanisms to produce a device that is both thin and robust. These developments could extend to other gadgets, such as super-slim laptops or tablets, positively impacting the wider tech ecosystem.

## Samsung’s Tri-Fold Galaxy Z: Anticipated Features

Per reports, Samsung’s tri-fold Galaxy Z will feature a screen size ranging from 9 to 10 inches when fully opened, akin to an iPad’s dimensions. When closed, the device will operate as a conventional smartphone, equipped with a cover display on the rear for everyday functions. This configuration differs from Huawei’s Mate XT, which utilizes one portion of the screen as a cover display when folded.

Samsung’s choice to fold the screen inward from both sides may enhance the device’s durability by shielding the display from external harm. This aspect is vital for foldable devices, as flexible OLED screens tend to be more prone to scratches and other types of damage than standard smartphone displays.

## The Competitive Landscape

Samsung is not alone in investigating tri-fold designs. Huawei, Tecno, and other Chinese brands are also venturing into the foldable market, frequently unveiling innovative features that challenge Samsung’s preeminence. For instance, Huawei’s Mate XT is impressively slim, even with its tri-fold configuration, and Tecno has introduced its own tri-fold concept phone.

Samsung’s foray into the tri-fold arena is likely a response to the intensifying competition. By launching a tri-fold Galaxy Z, the company seeks to uphold its leadership in the foldable sector while pushing the limits of what foldable devices can accomplish.

## Looking Ahead

Samsung is anticipated to complete the design of its tri-fold Galaxy Z by late 2024, aiming for a 2025 launch. While specifics regarding pricing remain undisclosed, the device is expected to be marketed as a premium offering, considering the intricacies of its design and advanced technology intertwined.

The introduction of a tri-fold Galaxy Z may also herald a broader transformation in the smartphone landscape. As foldable devices gain traction, consumers may start to anticipate larger, more adaptable screens capable of catering to various use scenarios. Samsung’s tri-fold product could represent the next phase in this evolution, providing a preview of the future of mobile computing.

In summary, Samsung’s tri-fold Galaxy Z foldable appears set to be one of the most thrilling smartphone launches of 2025. With its groundbreaking design and potential to reshape the foldable market, it will be intriguing to observe how this device performs and the impact it will have on the future of mobile technology.

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Best Buy Cuts $130 From Our Highly Rated Last-Gen Smartwatch in Anticipation of Black Friday

# A Previous-Generation Smartwatch at an Incredible Price: Samsung Galaxy Watch 6

As Black Friday approaches, gadget lovers are anxiously looking for the top bargains on tech items and wearables. Fortunately, you don’t need to wait for the big day to grab an amazing deal on one of the top smartwatches from last year. Best Buy has already discounted the **Samsung Galaxy Watch 6** by **$130**, bringing its price down to **$169.99**—a substantial reduction from its original cost of **$299.99**.

## Reasons to Consider the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6

Launched in 2023, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 quickly garnered popularity among Android users, especially for its sleek aesthetic, vibrant display, and flawless integration with the Galaxy ecosystem. Although the Galaxy Watch 7 has now launched, the Watch 6 is still a fantastic choice for anyone seeking a feature-rich smartwatch at a budget-friendly price.

### Noteworthy Features of the Galaxy Watch 6:
– **1.5-inch AMOLED Display**: The Watch 6 features a stunning AMOLED screen offering rich colors and sharp imagery, positioning it among the best displays in the smartwatch segment.
– **Capacitive Bezel**: The capacitive bezel facilitates smooth navigation through the watch’s interface, adding convenience and flair.
– **Health Monitoring**: The Watch 6 comes equipped with an array of health tools including heart rate monitoring, sleep analysis, passive AFib detection, and blood pressure tracking.
– **GPS Tracking**: Although the Watch 6 is equipped with GPS, it’s important to note that its accuracy isn’t as refined as that of newer models like the Galaxy Watch 7, which boasts dual-band GPS for enhanced precision.
– **Rapid Charging**: The Watch 6 supports ultra-fast charging, allowing you to quickly recharge your battery as needed.

### Health and Fitness Tracking Capabilities
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 features a wide range of health and fitness tracking options, making it an ideal companion for individuals keen on maintaining their well-being. Highlights include:
– **Sleep Analysis**: Monitor your sleep patterns and gain insights on how to enhance your rest.
– **Heart Rate Zones**: Tailored heart rate zones enable you to maximize your exercise sessions.
– **Passive AFib Monitoring**: The device can detect irregular heart rhythms, providing reassurance for individuals with heart-related concerns.
– **Blood Pressure Tracking**: Keep tabs on your blood pressure with this useful feature, though it requires calibration with a standard blood pressure cuff.

### Software and Ecosystem Compatibility
A significant benefit of the Galaxy Watch 6 is its seamless integration with Samsung’s Galaxy ecosystem. If you own a Galaxy smartphone or other Samsung gadgets, the Watch 6 will effortlessly sync with them, creating a unified user experience. Furthermore, the watch operates on **Wear OS**, and Samsung has pledged **three years of software updates**, ensuring your device remains updated with the newest features and security enhancements.

## Is the Galaxy Watch 6 Worth Buying?

### ✅ **Ideal for:**
– **Those seeking an exceptional display**: The 1.5-inch AMOLED screen ranks among the best in the smartwatch arena, showcasing vivid colors and crisp details.
– **Individuals in need of health features**: With passive AFib detection, sleep tracking, and heart rate monitoring, the Watch 6 is equipped with valuable health resources.
– **Fans of last-gen smartwatches**: While it’s not the latest version, the Watch 6 still carries a lot of benefits, particularly at its reduced price.

### ❌ **Pass on this deal if:**
– **Long-lasting battery is a priority**: While the Watch 6’s battery life is respectable, it doesn’t stand out in the market. If you require a smartwatch that can last several days on one charge, you might want to explore other options.
– **Top-notch GPS accuracy is essential**: The GPS performance of the Watch 6 is adequate, but it doesn’t match the precision of the dual-band GPS found in the Galaxy Watch 7.
– **You have a larger budget available**: If you’re willing to spend more, the Galaxy Watch 7 has numerous enhancements, including better GPS accuracy and upgraded health sensors.

## Price Breakdown

If you are thinking about buying the Galaxy Watch 6, here are some of the best current offers:
– **Best Buy**: $169.99 (originally $299.99)
– **Amazon**: $169.99
– **Samsung**: $219.99
– **Walmart**: $250

## Final Thoughts

Although the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 is a previous-generation model, it remains a superb choice for anyone in search of a feature-laden smartwatch at a more accessible price. With its exceptional AMOLED display, extensive health tracking capabilities, and seamless integration with the Galaxy ecosystem,

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Google Docs Launches Imagen 3 for Personalized Image Creation, Accessible to Premium Users

# Google Docs Launches Imagen 3 for Tailored Image Creation: Key Information

Google has launched a fresh feature for its Workspace suite, targeting paid enterprise, education, and Google One AI Premium subscribers. The tech behemoth is embedding its sophisticated image creation model, **Imagen 3**, into **Google Docs**, enabling users to produce custom inline images straight within their documents. This innovation is poised to transform how users integrate visuals into their work, facilitating the development of photorealistic images without exiting the platform.

## Key Information

– **Imagen 3 functionality** is now accessible in Google Docs for paid Workspace users and Google One AI Premium members.
– This feature enables users to produce **custom inline images** that can be placed anywhere within a Google Doc.
– Prior to this, Google Docs supported only the creation of **full-bleed cover images**, but now inline images can also be crafted.

## A New Chapter in Image Creation within Google Docs

With the incorporation of **Imagen 3**, Google is making significant progress in improving its Workspace tools. This AI-driven image generation model allows users to create photorealistic images directly within their Google Docs, removing the need to search for or import stock images from outside sources.

### How Is It Done?

To utilize Imagen 3 in Google Docs, users can adhere to these straightforward steps:

1. **Open the Insert Menu**: Access your Google Doc, and head to the **Insert** menu.
2. **Choose Image or Cover Image**: Decide whether you want to insert an inline image or a full-bleed cover image.
3. **Request Help to Create an Image**: Click on the option titled **Help me create an image**.
4. **Input a Text Prompt**: Type a text prompt detailing the image you desire. Imagen 3 will generate the image based on your description.
5. **Fine-tune the Image**: You can select a style to further enhance the image.
6. **Select Aspect Ratio**: After the image is produced, choose from three aspect ratios to best suit your document.

This streamlined method allows users to swiftly generate and insert images without interrupting their workflow.

### Cover Images in Pageless View

For those aiming to create full-bleed cover images, Google Docs accommodates this feature when viewed in **Pageless Mode**. This mode enables the AI-generated image to span the entire document, offering a visually appealing introduction to your material.

To activate Pageless Mode:
– Go to **File > Page setup > Pageless** or **Format > Switch to Pageless format**.

## Who is Eligible for This Feature?

Sadly, this robust image generation tool is not accessible to all users. Only individuals with the following subscriptions can utilize the feature:

– **Gemini Business**
– **Gemini Enterprise**
– **Gemini Education**
– **Gemini Education Premium**
– **Google One AI Premium** (for individual Workspace users)

Free users of Google Docs will not be able to access the image generation capabilities of Imagen 3. The feature is in the process of being rolled out, but it may take a while to reach all eligible users, particularly for organizations adhering to a scheduled release timeline.

## Advancing AI-Enhanced Efficiency

The rollout of Imagen 3 in Google Docs aligns with Google’s larger initiative to weave AI into its productivity tools. Previously, Google had trialed AI-driven image generation in **Google Slides** and for **full-bleed cover images** in Docs. The introduction of inline image generation signifies a notable upgrade, offering users enhanced flexibility and creative authority over the visuals in their documents.

The AI-generated images are characterized as “photorealistic,” providing a viable substitute for traditional stock images in numerous cases. Whether you’re crafting a business proposal, an educational paper, or a creative endeavor, this new feature can assist you in producing professional-quality documents with minimal effort.

## Final Thoughts

Google’s integration of **Imagen 3** into Google Docs marks a pivotal advancement for paid Workspace and Google One AI Premium subscribers. By permitting users to generate custom inline images directly within their documents, Google is refining the creative process and boosting productivity. While this feature is currently restricted to paid users, it signifies a substantial stride forward in leveraging AI for everyday tasks.

As AI technology progresses, we can anticipate even more groundbreaking features like this being incorporated into Google’s toolkit, making it simpler for users to create, collaborate, and communicate efficiently.

For the moment, if you’re a paid Workspace user or a Google One AI Premium subscriber, you can begin exploring **Imagen 3** and elevate your Google Docs experience to the next level.

**Image Credit**: Andrew Myrick / Android Central

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