Technology
Nothing Phone (3a) Pro preview: Know what is so “PRO” about the smartphone

In just four days, Nothing will officially launch its midrange series smartphones, the Phone (3a) and the new Phone (3a) Pro, which will likely replace the “Plus” variant. Over the past few days, people have been eagerly discussing the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro’s design due to its unusual camera module design. Across social media, the smartphone’s design is getting mixed reactions as many seem to like the refreshed design, whereas many are not very fond of the innovation. While the design of the smartphone remains a hot topic, the real question buyers should consider is what makes the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro model a “Pro” in the highly competitive mid-range smartphone market. Therefore, know about these 5 expected upgrades which could make the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro stand out among competitors.
Also read: Nothing Phone 3a design officially revealed with a new camera setup- All details
Nothing Phone (3a) Pro launch: What makes it so pro?
Fresh yet controversial design: The Nothing Phone (3a) Pro has been gaining much attention for its new design, especially for its camera module design. While the smartphone retains Nothing’s signature look with a faux transparent rear panel, customisable Glyph interface, and a circular camera module, its lens placement and bulkiness are being questioned. However, in our opinion, the design is quite innovative from what we have seen over the years, and it also matches the company’s quite identify which in my opinion a “Pro” move.
Periscope lens: Nothing has confirmed the inclusion of the new periscope lens on the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro models, and the design showcases a massive lens as well. Reports suggest that it may include a 50MP sensor that may offer 3x optical zoom and 70mm focal length, which is again a smartphone integration considering it’s a mid-range smartphone. However, we will have to wait until the launch to test the periscope lens performance and see if it’s really a game changer.
Essential Key: Nothing has confirmed the existence of a new physical button on the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro model, which is being called the “Essential Key.” The company said in a teaser that it will act as “Your second memory”, enabling users to “Capture, organise and take action.” Reports suggest that this new key could manage several AI-related tasks. If it’s true, then it could be a big leap for Nothing in the mid-range space, making it another Pro feature to forward.
Performance: This year, Nothing is going for a Snapdragon processor instead of a MediaTek chip to bring enhanced performance and capabilities to the smartphone. As of now, the Phone (3a) Pro is expected to be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, which may offer a better performance along with swift AI integration. Therefore, the performance segment could make a major difference in comparison to the predecessor model, the Phone 2a Plus.
Also read: Nothing Phone 3a series to be manufactured in Chennai, set for India launch on March 4
These are the four key areas which make the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro a worthy competitor. However, we are very eager to test the real-life experience of the smartphone after the launch on March 4.
Technology
Amazon Appliances Upgrade Days: Get up to 60% off on home appliances like AC, washing machine, microwave and more

Upgrade your home this season with Amazon’s Appliances Upgrade Days, offering up to 60% off on a wide range of essential home appliances! If you’re looking to beat the summer heat with a new air conditioner, simplify chores with a high-efficiency washing machine, or elevate your cooking game with a feature-packed microwave, now is the perfect time to shop.
With top brands and cutting-edge models on sale, you can enjoy unmatched performance, energy efficiency, and advanced features at unbeatable prices. Transform your living space into a smart, modern haven without breaking the bank. Don’t miss out. Hurry and grab these limited-period deals to make your home smarter, cooler, and more efficient!
Get up to 50% off on air conditioners during the Amazon Appliance Upgrade Days
In India, air conditioners are a lifesaver during the scorching summer months when temperatures often soar beyond 40°C. Beyond just cooling, ACs help maintain indoor air quality by filtering dust and pollutants, ensuring comfort and health. They also prevent dehydration and heat-related illnesses by stabilizing room temperatures.
With erratic power cuts and rising heatwaves, an energy-efficient AC becomes essential for uninterrupted comfort. Investing in one during sales like Amazon’s Appliance Upgrade Days, with discounts up to 50%, makes it a smart choice for every home.
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Discounts of up to 43% on premium refrigerator models on Amazon
A refrigerator is a must-have kitchen appliance, keeping food fresh and drinks cold while preserving their nutritional value. It helps organize groceries efficiently, reduces food waste, and saves time by storing prepped meals. Modern fridges come with advanced features like frost-free tech, adjustable shelves, and energy efficiency to cut electricity bills.
Whether you’re storing leftovers or chilling desserts, a reliable fridge ensures convenience and hygiene. Investing in one means ensuring freshness, saving money, and making your kitchen life smoother—because nobody likes spoiled milk or warm soda!
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Avail 39% off on washing machine during the Amazon Appliance Upgrade Days
Upgrade your laundry game with Amazon’s Appliance Upgrade Days, offering 39% off on top-notch washing machines. Modern machines come equipped with advanced features like inverter technology, quick wash cycles, and smart connectivity, ensuring efficiency and convenience.
With summer here, handling bulky laundry becomes effortless. Don’t miss this chance to bring home a durable, energy-saving washing machine at unbeatable prices during this limited-time sale!
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Want to save 48% on chimneys and microwaves? Amazon Appliance Upgrade Days
Craving a kitchen that’s as smooth as your dance moves? Amazon’s got you covered with 48% off on chimneys and microwaves. Time to make your cooking space sizzle ! Whether it’s a chimney with suction superpowers to banish smoke or a microwave with smart cooking modes to zap meals in minutes, these deals are too hot to ignore.
Say goodbye to greasy counters and hello to effortless meals. With summer heat creeping in, upgrading your kitchen gear is the ultimate power move. Grab these funky deals before they vanish!
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What size or capacity do I need for my space?
For air conditioners, choose between 1 Ton (small rooms) or 1.5 Ton (medium rooms). Refrigerators should match your family size—single-door for small families, double-door for larger ones. Washing machines depend on laundry load frequency (6-7 kg for small families, 8+ kg for bigger households). Microwaves and chimneys should fit your kitchen size and cooking habits—compact microwaves for small kitchens and high-suction chimneys for heavy frying.
How energy-efficient is the appliance?
Energy efficiency impacts long-term savings. Look for star ratings (3-Star, 5-Star) in ACs and refrigerators to reduce electricity bills. For washing machines, check for inverter technology. Microwaves with eco-modes and chimneys with auto-clean features save power and maintenance effort. Higher efficiency appliances may cost more upfront but pay off over time.
Do I need advanced features or basic functionality?
Decide if you want smart features like Wi-Fi control (ACs), frost-free tech (refrigerators), inverter tech (washing machines), or sensor-based suction (chimneys). For microwaves, consider options like convection vs. grill. Advanced features enhance convenience but come at a premium—evaluate if they align with your lifestyle and budget.
What’s the warranty and durability of the product?
Long warranties ensure peace of mind—look for extended coverage like 10-year compressor warranties (ACs), rust-proof copper coils (refrigerators, ACs), and corrosion-resistant materials (chimneys). Check customer reviews for reliability and service quality. A durable product minimizes repair costs and ensures consistent performance, especially for high-use appliances like washing machines and chimneys.
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Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.
Technology
Historic Bug Story: How fiery hell ants pierced their prey 113 million years ago | – The Times of India

In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists in Brazil have discovered the world’s oldest known ant fossil of a 113-million-year-old specimen of a fearsome predator known as a “hell ant.” Unearthed from limestone in northeastern Brazil, this fossil dramatically reshapes our understanding of ant evolution, pushing back their known history by over 13 million years. Published in Current Biology, the study reveals that ants were already diverse and widespread during the time of dinosaurs. With scythe-like jaws used to impale prey, this ancient insect highlights how complex and specialised ants were, even in their earliest forms.
What are hell ants
Hell ants are an extinct subfamily of ants known scientifically as Haidomyrmecinae. They lived during the Cretaceous period, between 145 and 66 million years ago. What makes them especially fascinating is their unique jaw structure: instead of moving side to side like modern ants, their scythe-shaped jaws curved upward and were likely used to impale or pin down prey. This brutal hunting method gives them their dramatic nickname.
These ants are among the most anatomically distinct ever discovered and are considered one of the most intriguing ant groups in evolutionary history.
What does the 113-year-old hell ant fossil reveal
The newly discovered fossil is a winged female ant, possibly a queen, and was found in limestone deposits from the Crato Formation in northeastern Brazil. It has been named Vulcanidris cratensis, combining “Vulcano,” the name of the family who donated the rock, and “idris,” a suffix commonly used in ant taxonomy meaning “the provident one.”
At 113 million years old, the fossil predates the previously oldest known ant specimens, found in amber in Myanmar and France, by approximately 13 million years.
How scientists peek into the fiery preying technique of hell ants
Lead researcher Anderson Lepeco and his team at the Museu de Zoologia da Universidade de Sao Paulo used a high-resolution 3D imaging technique called micro-computed tomography to examine the fossil trapped in limestone. This allowed scientists to study the insect’s internal structures, particularly its jaws, in extraordinary detail. when a small insect came close, the hell ant would quickly snap its jaws shut in an upward motion, trapping the prey against its horn. This action would pierce or pin the prey in place, like a fork stabbing food against a plate.
This style of attack was very different from modern ants, whose jaws usually move side to side. Hell ants’ upward-striking jaws gave them an evolutionary edge in ambushing and killing prey.
“When I started to look at it and compared it to fossils from Myanmar, I was just shocked,” said Lepeco. “I was very, very excited. I was jumping through the lab.”
The incredible world of ants
Ants have fascinated scientists for decades, not only because of their ancient origins but also due to their incredible capabilities today. These tiny insects are among the most ecologically dominant animals on Earth, with an estimated population of nearly 20 quadrillion. Found on every continent except Antarctica, that’s about 2.5 million ants for every human on the planet.
They are known for their complex social organisation, advanced communication systems, and even medical skills. Some species can perform amputations to save wounded nestmates. Others can be trained to use their keen sense of smell to detect diseases such as cancer. Their sex lives and reproductive strategies also surprise researchers, making ants a truly remarkable group in the animal kingdom.
Why this discovery matters
The fossil offers the earliest undisputed evidence of ants in South America and pushes back the known presence of ants on the continent by over 60 million years. According to Corentin Jouault, an evolutionary biologist at the University of Oxford, this is a breakthrough in paleomyrmecology, the study of ancient ants. It also supports the theory that ants were already widespread during the time of Gondwana, the ancient supercontinent that included present-day South America, Africa, India, and other landmasses.
What lies ahead
Scientists now plan to expand their research by building a larger database of ancient ant fossils to better understand how ants evolved. This discovery also highlights the importance of museum collections, as the fossil was found in rocks that had been stored for years, unnoticed.
As researchers continue to explore both field sites and forgotten drawers in collections, the fiery story of hell ants serves as a reminder that some of Earth’s most historic secrets are still waiting to be uncovered.
Technology
Motorola launches Moto Buds Loop powered by Bose audio and Swarovski ‘luxury’

The Moto Buds Loop are equipped with 12mm drivers, tuned by Bose technology, which the company claims gives users a clear and more balanced sound. The earbuds also support spatial audio for a more immersive listening experience. Additionally, the dual-microphone setup and AI-powered noise reduction on the earbuds ensure high-quality calls by minimising background noise, making these earbuds a practical option for both listening and communication.
Motorola has designed the earbuds to easily switch between devices with its “Smart Connect” feature. This allows users to connect seamlessly to other Motorola and Lenovo devices via Bluetooth, which offers a quick and simple pairing process.
Also read: Sony WH-CH720N and WH-CH520 launched in new Pink colour: All details
In terms of battery life, the Moto Buds Loop offers up to eight hours of use on a single charge, while the included charging case provides an additional 37 hours of battery life, making it ideal for extended use without frequent charging, claims the company. Whether commuting, exercising, or on a long trip, the Moto Buds Loop promises to keep you powered for days.
Design and Built Quality
The earbuds are designed for all-day wear and feature a lightweight and secure fit. Motorola also highlights the water-repellent design of the earbuds that ensures they are resistant to sweat, splashes, and general wear and tear. This makes them suitable for various activities, from daily use to outdoor adventures.
Also read: Sennheiser HD 505 Copper Edition headphones launched in India: Check features, price and more
The Moto Buds Loop also includes the CrystalTalk AI technology, which further enhances call clarity. When paired with compatible Motorola phones, users can activate Moto AI voice actions, such as requesting meeting summaries or controlling media playback through Smart Connect.
Wear Like Jewellery
Motorola is tapping into the luxury market with a special edition of the Moto Buds Loop, which features Swarovski crystals for an elegant touch. This premium version comes in the “Pantone French Oak” colour, while a more understated Trekking Green option is also available for those who prefer a simpler aesthetic.
Moto Buds Loop: Price and Availability
While the Moto Buds Loop shows promise in both audio quality and style, Motorola has not yet announced a specific price or release date. The company has only stated that the earbuds will be available “in the coming months.”
Also read: Samsung Galaxy S25 FE may not be as powerful as we expected it to be, this may be the reason
Moto Watch Fit: Key Features

In addition to the Moto Buds Loop open-ear earbuds, Motorola has also unveiled the Moto Watch Fit, a sleek smartwatch designed for Android users. The Moto Watch Fit features a 1.9-inch OLED display with a brightness of up to 1000 nits, which allows users to easily read in direct sunlight. The watch is built with a slim aluminium frame and is protected with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 for durability.
The Moto Watch Fit is packed with features like over 100 workout modes, built-in GPS, advanced heart rate monitoring, and sleep tracking, making it a solid fitness companion. With 16 days of battery life and IP68 and 5ATM water resistance, the watch is ready for a variety of activities. Users can also personalise their watch faces with custom wallpapers generated via Moto AI. Additionally, it has a long-lasting 16-day battery life and is compatible with 22mm watch bands, claims the company.
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