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Microsoft Patents Foldable Phone With Adjustable Spine Hinge

Microsoft patents foldable phone with automatic spine hinge to reduce creasing, improve water protection and enable one-handed handling. Microsoft discontinued its Android-powered Surface Duo smartphone line following the Duo 2 but has not abandoned the foldable device market. A patent filing dated February 29 with the United States Patent and Trademark Office describes a new approach to foldable smartphones using a single-hinge technology branded as a "spine cover plate." The patented design follows a Galaxy Z Fold-style bookstyle format with a flexible display. The spine cover plate mechanism directly protects the central hinge by covering the structural element. The key differentiator is its automatic adjustment-as the phone opens and closes, the spine cover moves to eliminate gaps around the hinge, protecting against dust and water intrusion. Samsung's current foldable devices achieve only an IPX8 rating, making them water-resistant alone. Microsoft's patented design combines water and dust protection through the adaptive spine cover mechanism, suggesting an engineering advance over existing competitors. The spine cover plate addresses two persistent foldable smartphone problems. First, it could reduce the visibility of the hinge crease, a feature that remains visible on all current market foldables despite various design attempts. Second, the retracting spine cover plate when the device is folded reduces overall thickness, allowing more comfortable single-handed use and easier grip. However, the practical viability of the design remains uncertain. Adding a moving spine cover plate to an already complex foldable mechanism introduces additional points of potential wear and failure. While Microsoft's patent describes added durability benefits alongside the technical improvements, incorporating another movable component into a device with many existing moving parts raises legitimate concerns. The industry continues searching for a crease-free foldable, but no manufacturer has yet achieved this goal. foldable smartphone, Microsoft patent, spine cover plate, hinge technology, crease reduction, water resistant phone

Vance Trump's Kharg Island Post Was a Warning to Iran

JD Vance says Trump's viral post on Kharg Island was a signal to Tehran, as US forces strike Larak Island launchers and Hormuz fears grow. US Vice President JD Vance said Monday that President Donald Trump's social media claim about Kharg Island was intended as a warning to Tehran, not a factual battlefield update. Trump had posted a one-line message on Sunday, paired with an AI-generated video, asserting that Iran's key energy hub was being "blown to smithereens." A US official said Monday that American forces had not actually struck Kharg Island overnight. An Iranian official brushed off Trump's post as "laughable." Vance defended the post as a deliberate tactic, saying Trump "likes to switch it up on social media a little bit" and does not use such posts to announce real military operations, but was still "sending a message to the Iranians." Why Kharg Island matters Kharg Island handled roughly 90% of Iran's oil exports before the war began with US and Israeli attacks on February 28. A genuine strike there could choke off Iran's energy trade and deepen the pressure on its economy, which is why Trump's claim carried weight even though it proved untrue. Real strikes hit Larak Island Separately, American forces did carry out actual strikes, hitting two Iranian missile launchers on Larak Island, according to a US official. It was the first confirmed US military action in the conflict since late July, following more than a month with no major fighting. Iran responded by firing missiles at US sites in Jordan; all of them were intercepted. The combination of Trump's online claim and the confirmed Larak Island strikes has reignited worries over the safety of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical routes for oil and gas shipments. JD Vance, Donald Trump, Kharg Island, Iran, Strait of Hormuz, Larak Island, Iran oil exports, US Iran conflict

Mahindra XUV 3XO: What Buyers Get in This Compact SUV

Mahindra XUV 3XO specs, engine options, safety features and financing details via Bajaj Finance New Car Loan for buyers upgrading from a hatchback. The Mahindra XUV 3XO is positioned as a compact SUV for buyers moving up from a hatchback or compact sedan, offering turbo-petrol and diesel engines, manual and automatic transmissions, and a set of safety and connected features across its variant range. The SUV carries a 364-litre luggage capacity and a split-folding rear seat, which allows owners to adjust the balance between passenger space and cargo room depending on the trip. On the powertrain side, Mahindra offers a 1.2-litre TGDi turbo-petrol engine producing 96 kW and 230 Nm, alongside a 1.5-litre diesel engine that develops 86 kW and 300 Nm. Both are available with manual or automatic transmission options, giving buyers a choice based on driving pattern and annual usage. The petrol suits mainly urban driving, while the diesel is aimed at those with higher annual running or frequent highway trips. A manual transmission carries a lower purchase cost and appeals to buyers who want more direct control, while an automatic reduces driving effort in heavy traffic. Safety and Higher-Variant Features The XUV 3XO comes with six airbags, electronic stability control, hill-hold control, and disc brakes on all four wheels as part of its safety package. Higher variants add a 360-degree camera and Level 2 ADAS (advanced driver-assistance systems). Parking assistance is pitched as more useful for buyers who drive mostly in crowded cities, while the driver-assistance features are aimed at those who cover longer highway distances regularly. Within Mahindra's broader SUV lineup, the XUV 3XO is presented as the more compact option for buyers who want SUV characteristics - higher road presence, added comfort - without moving to a larger vehicle. Mahindra positions a bigger SUV in its range as the better fit for buyers who need more seating capacity, greater luggage space, or more long-distance practicality, while the XUV 3XO is aimed at those whose journeys mostly involve fewer passengers and city roads with occasional highway use. Financing Through Bajaj Finance Buyers considering the purchase are advised to budget beyond the on-road price, factoring in fuel, insurance renewals, servicing, maintenance and parking costs before deciding on an upfront contribution. Bajaj Finance's New Car Loan is offered as a financing route for eligible buyers of the Mahindra XUV 3XO. The loan is available from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 10 crore, with a repayment tenure ranging from 12 months to 96 months. It offers up to 100% financing of the car's on-road price, along with what Bajaj Finance describes as simple eligibility criteria and minimal documentation requirements. Terms and conditions apply to the offer. Financing a larger share of the on-road price lowers the upfront payment required but increases the total amount to be repaid over the loan tenure. The loan amount and tenure are meant to be chosen based on the buyer's income, savings and existing financial commitments, rather than the reverse. The overall guidance is that variant and engine choice should be matched to actual driving habits and how often specific features will be used, rather than defaulting to the most powerful engine or the highest trim level available in the range. Mahindra XUV 3XO, compact SUV India, Mahindra XUV 3XO price, Bajaj Finance New Car Loan, XUV 3XO diesel petrol, Mahindra cars, SUV financing India

Kia Sorento Spotted at Dealer Yard Ahead of Sept 4 India Launch

Undisguised Kia Sorento diesel DCT units reach Indian dealer yards days before the September 4 launch, revealing cabin and feature details. Kia will launch the Sorento in India on September 4, and dealerships have already begun receiving fully undisguised units ahead of that date. Fresh photographs credited to Auto Helper Marathi offer the clearest look yet at the India-spec SUV, capturing its exterior, cabin layout, seating arrangement and equipment list. The images show the Sorento parked alongside rivals such as the Hyundai Creta and the Toyota Fortuner, giving a sense of its scale on Indian roads. The unit in these photos appears to be a lower variant than the fully-loaded version spotted earlier, featuring a seven-seat layout with a second-row bench rather than captain seats, and missing some of the higher-end equipment seen previously. Diesel DCT Powertrain Confirmed A DCT badge on the tailgate confirms this unit runs the 2.2-litre diesel engine, which puts out about 202 PS and 441 Nm and is mated to an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. This is the same powertrain that already does duty in the Kia Carnival sold in India. A hybrid petrol version is also planned, using a 1.6-litre engine paired with a 6-speed automatic, expected to produce around 240 PS and 380 Nm - a setup that will later be introduced in the Carnival MPV as well. The spotted test unit is finished in white and rides on 19-inch alloy wheels. Its design includes an upright front face, a large grille, vertically arranged headlamp elements, roof rails and a boxy tail section. Inside, this particular car has a light-coloured cabin theme, differing from the brown interior Kia showed in its earlier official TVC, indicating the Sorento may be offered with more than one interior colour scheme depending on variant. Seven-Seat Cabin and Equipment This unit's second row uses a 60:40 split bench that can slide and recline, with dedicated air-conditioning vents, Type-C charging ports and retractable sunshades on the rear doors. Up front sits Kia's curved panoramic display, combining the touchscreen infotainment and digital instrument cluster. Other features visible include leather upholstery, powered and ventilated front seats, a Bose audio system, soft-touch dashboard and door trim, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with controls for audio and driver-assistance functions. The centre console gets a rotary gear selector alongside controls for drive modes, the electronic parking brake and auto hold. Storage options include cupholders, a felt-lined armrest compartment and a sliding section that houses phone storage with wireless charging. Type-C fast-charging points and a 360-degree camera also feature on this unit. Third-Row Practicality The third row comes with its own AC vents, cupholders, a Type-C charging port and a 12V socket. These seats can be folded using straps accessible from the boot, while buttons in the cargo area allow the second row to be released and folded electrically, freeing up additional luggage space. Even with all three rows occupied, the boot retains usable cargo room, and the tailgate itself is power-operated. Earlier spy shots of the Sorento had shown a higher-spec version fitted with second-row captain seats, ventilated second-row seats and a brown interior. Taken together with the latest images, this suggests Kia may offer the Sorento in both six- and seven-seat configurations, spread across multiple equipment levels, when it goes on sale in India from September 4. Kia Sorento India, Kia Sorento launch, Kia Sorento diesel DCT, Kia Sorento price, Kia Sorento specifications, Kia Sorento 7 seater, Kia Sorento interior

Toyota Hilux 2026 Launched in India from Rs 31.99 Lakh

Toyota Kirloskar Motor launches the next-gen Hilux pickup at Rs 31.99-36.69 lakh with a new 4x2 variant, updated styling and cabin tech; deliveries from August. Toyota Kirloskar Motor has launched the new-generation Hilux pickup for the Indian market, setting prices from Rs 31.99 lakh up to Rs 36.69 lakh, ex-showroom. The updated truck is being sold purely in Double Cab form, underpinned by the current IMV ladder-frame architecture. Buyers can pick from three variants: the base GX 4x2 AT priced at Rs 31.99 lakh, the GX 4x4 AT at Rs 33.69 lakh, and the flagship VX 4x4 AT at Rs 36.69 lakh. The company is accepting reservations through its website as well as at showrooms, and initial deliveries to customers are slated for August's second week. The most significant change on the engineering front is a fresh 4x2, rear-driven variant introduced alongside the carryover 4x4 range, which hands customers a cheaper starting point than earlier. Meanwhile, the 4x4 models retain their off-road kit, such as a low-range transfer case, an electronic locking differential, an auto limited-slip differential, downhill assist, traction control and several terrain settings. Powering the Hilux is the same 2.8-litre four-cylinder diesel unit, calibrated to make 204hp along with 500Nm. This is paired solely to a six-speed torque-converter automatic transmission, as no manual is available for this generation. Exterior updates Up front, the design brings narrow LED headlamps, a honeycomb-pattern grille wearing bold Toyota lettering, plus a redesigned bumper trimmed with black inserts, LED fog lamps and a silver skid plate below. The sides feature black cladding surrounding the wheel arches, roll bars, side steps, power-folding ORVMs, a shark-fin antenna and new 17-inch alloys. Toward the rear, the tail-lamps stack in a vertical layout with C-shaped illumination signatures, the tailgate wears a Toyota script of its own, and the rear bumper houses an integrated step to help load the bed. Six colours are on the menu: Sulphur Metallic, Platinum Pearl White Metallic, Attitude Black, Ash, Emotional Red and Super White. Cabin and equipment The interior sees a reworked dashboard centred on a 12.3-inch touchscreen plus a 7-inch instrument display, matched to a fresh three-spoke steering wheel carrying the Toyota lettermark. Kit fitted as standard covers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, connected-car features, cruise control, powered and ventilated front chairs, an 8-speaker audio setup, a rear armrest with cupholders, a PM 2.5 cabin air filter and a 360-degree camera, plus Eco, Normal and Sport driving modes. The upholstery blends leatherette with hard plastics, and rather than shifting everything into the touchscreen, Toyota has retained physical buttons for the main functions. Compared with the overseas Hilux, the version for India drops a handful of features: it lacks an ADAS suite, the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and dual-zone automatic climate control. Instead, customers here receive the 7-inch instrument readout and manual air-conditioning. For safety, the pickup gets seven airbags, Vehicle Stability Control, ABS with Brake Assist, parking sensors at both ends, a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System and ISOFIX child-seat mounts. Toyota Hilux, 2026 Toyota Hilux price, Toyota Hilux India, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, Hilux 4x2, pickup truck India, Hilux specifications

Chennai suitcase murder: Lover killed pregnant woman after she sought marriage, refused abortion; shaved, smashed her head to hide identity

A pregnant woman was allegedly murdered by her lover in Chennai after refusing an abortion. Investigators found her dismembered remains packed inside a suitcase on a train. The accused, Manik Uddin Laskar and his wife, were arrested in Manipur. They allegedly dismembered the victim's body and mutilated her head. Police are working to recover all remaining body parts from the crime scene.

Chennai suitcase murder: Lover killed pregnant woman after she sought marriage, refused abortion; smashed head to hide identity

A pregnant woman was allegedly murdered by her lover in Chennai after refusing an abortion. Investigators found her dismembered remains packed inside a suitcase on a train. The accused, Manik Uddin Laskar and his wife, were arrested in Manipur. They allegedly dismembered the victim's body and mutilated her head. Police are working to recover all remaining body parts from the crime scene.

Drone Strikes Push Russia to Import Petrol From India

Ukrainian refinery strikes cut Russian fuel output by up to 70%, forcing Moscow to import a record 1 million barrels of gasoline from India in two months. Russia, one of the world's largest crude oil exporters, brought in seaborne gasoline at a record pace of roughly 125,000 barrels per day in August, equal to about 470,000 tonnes for the month. Indian refiners accounted for a large share of that total, shipping close to 1 million barrels of gasoline to Russia over the past two months, according to ship-tracking data cited by energy analytics firm Vortexa. The reversal has an unusual backdrop: India, itself among the world's biggest oil importers, has become a key gasoline supplier to a country that ranks among the top holders of crude reserves globally. Vortexa said repeated Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian refineries have knocked out domestic fuel-making capacity, cutting output by as much as 70% and forcing Moscow to source petrol from abroad even as it keeps tight curbs on fuel sales at home. Most of the Indian cargoes originated at the Vadinar refinery in Gujarat, run by Nayara Energy, a company half-owned by Russia's Rosneft. That link reflects a broader shift in India's crude sourcing since 2022, when Russian oil began displacing other suppliers in Indian refiners' import mix after European buyers pulled back. India's Russian crude purchases have since climbed to unprecedented volumes, driven partly by tighter supply from the Gulf amid regional conflict. The country imported more than 2.6 million barrels per day of Russian crude in both June and July, up from about 1 million bpd in February, with Russian barrels making up over half of India's total crude imports across those two months. Some of the gasoline India sent to Russia may itself have been refined from Russian-origin crude. India was not alone in filling the gap. Turkey and Morocco also supplied gasoline to Russia in August as the country's domestic shortfall widened. Moscow has responded by extending its blanket ban on gasoline exports, covering both producers and non-producers, through the end of January 2027, while a separate ban on diesel exports runs through September 1, 2026. Sanctioned Ships and Dark Transfers A significant share of the fuel reaching Russia is moving through opaque channels. Vortexa estimated that about 55%, or roughly 260,000 tonnes, of Russia's August gasoline imports arrived on sanctioned vessels. Every India-origin gasoline cargo received in August traveled on sanctioned ships and involved covert ship-to-ship transfers in the Mediterranean, the firm said. Across all of Russia's gasoline imports that month, roughly 40% moved through such ship-to-ship transfers, many carried out with vessels' automatic identification system signals switched off. The damage to Russian refining capacity has been sustained rather than a one-off event. Vortexa tallied 32 attacks on Russian refineries across July and August, averaging one roughly every other day. Diesel has followed a different trajectory: Russia's seaborne diesel and gasoil exports stood at about 150,000 bpd through August 25, little changed from the prior month but 610,000 bpd below year-earlier levels and 81% under the five-year seasonal average, squeezed by the export ban, refinery damage and terminal disruptions. Vortexa expects Russia to keep importing some gasoline in the near term, given the country's historically lower ratio of gasoline output relative to diesel. A Looming Tariff Threat The trade is unfolding as the Trump administration advances the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, which would let the US president impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries buying large volumes of Russian crude and gas. Under the bill, the US Trade Representative would identify the five largest importers of Russian energy every 180 days, after which the president would decide whether to apply tariffs, grant exemptions, or take no action. Countries drawing less than 15% of their total energy needs from Russia, and actively cutting that reliance, could qualify for an exemption. The legislation would also add secondary sanctions on shipping firms, insurers and vessels tied to Russia's so-called shadow fleet. Based on current import patterns, the five largest buyers of Russian energy are likely to be China, India, Slovakia, Hungary and Azerbaijan. India was not a major buyer of Russian crude before the war in Ukraine; steep discounts after European buyers exited the market changed that, and its reliance on Russian oil has kept climbing since. Russia gasoline imports, India Russia oil trade, Nayara Energy Vadinar refinery, Russian crude imports India, Ukraine drone strikes refineries, Russia sanctions shadow fleet, US tariffs Russian oil  

Man City sign Fernandez, Ndiaye as Premier League spending hits record

Premier League clubs smashed the £3.1 billion transfer-spending record on a dramatic deadline day, with Manchester City leading the frenzy by signing Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea for a British-record £125 million and adding Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye for £65 million. The spending spree capped a remarkable window of big-money deals as clubs across England reshaped their squads.

TN govt to shift assembly, secretariat out of Fort St George; 3 sites shortlisted

Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay will announce the relocation of the assembly and secretariat soon. Three sites have been shortlisted for the proposed move, including Guindy and Nandambakkam. Officials have visited these potential locations for the government's new administrative hub. Fort St George, a historic structure, faces space constraints for its growing needs. The government aims to finalize a new location after further discussions in the coming weeks.

Full Moon and New Moon Energy How Lunar Phases Shape Your Week

Explore how lunar phases influence your energy and well-being. Learn the astrological significance of full and new moons to guide your week ahead. Have you ever noticed how your energy shifts with the moon? Whether you're an astrology enthusiast or simply curious about lunar cycles, understanding how the full moon and new moon influence your week can be a powerful tool for self-awareness and personal growth. For thousands of years, cultures across the globe-from India's lunar calendar systems to Western astrology-have recognized the profound connection between celestial bodies and human experience. While modern science focuses on the moon's gravitational effects on tides, astrology explores the symbolic and energetic dimensions of lunar phases. In this guide, we'll explore how these ancient traditions suggest the moon shapes our emotional landscape, creativity, and decision-making throughout the week. Understanding Moon Phases in Astrology In astrological tradition, the moon is believed to govern emotions, intuition, and the subconscious mind. The lunar cycle-roughly 29.5 days-is divided into distinct phases, each carrying its own energetic signature. The two most significant phases are the new moon and the full moon, occurring approximately two weeks apart. Between these peaks lie the waxing phases (building energy) and waning phases (releasing energy). According to astrological beliefs, each phase encourages different types of activities and reflection. Think of it as nature's rhythm-just as seasons shift, so too does the lunar energy available to us each week. The Full Moon Illumination and Release The full moon occurs when the Earth sits directly between the sun and moon, fully illuminating the lunar surface. In astrology, this is considered a time of culmination, clarity, and heightened emotion. Full moon energy is traditionally viewed as expansive and revealing. Many practitioners suggest this is an ideal time for: - Releasing what no longer serves you: Full moons are associated with letting go-whether that's old patterns, relationships, or limiting beliefs. - Gaining clarity: The illumination symbolism makes full moons popular for reflection and seeing situations from new perspectives. - Honoring completion: If you set intentions during the new moon, the full moon marks a natural checkpoint to evaluate progress. For those following lunar practices, full moon weeks often call for gentler self-care, journaling, and introspection rather than launching new projects. Many people report heightened sensitivity and emotional intensity during this phase-something worth noting if you're managing important decisions. The New Moon: Setting Intentions and Fresh Starts The new moon is the opposite: the moon lies between Earth and the sun, invisible from our perspective. Astrologically, this represents potential, new beginnings, and inward focus. New moon energy encourages: - Setting intentions: Many lunar practitioners use new moons to clarify what they want to manifest in the coming cycle-career goals, relationships, personal development. - Starting fresh projects: The darkness symbolizes a blank canvas, making it an auspicious time in astrological tradition to launch new ventures. - Inner work: With less external illumination, attention naturally turns inward, making this ideal for meditation, planning, and self-assessment. The week following a new moon tends to feel energetically lighter and more action-oriented for many people who follow lunar cycles. It's when the waxing phases begin, building momentum toward the full moon's peak. The Lunar Phases Through Your Week While the full and new moons are landmarks, the entire lunar cycle influences the week ahead: - Waxing Moon (New to Full): Energy builds. This is when to pursue goals, socialize, and take action on projects. Many traditions view this as favorable for business launches and personal endeavors. - Full Moon Week: Peak energy, heightened emotions, and natural completion points. Rest and reflect here. - Waning Moon (Full to New): Energy gradually decreases. This is the time for rest, completion of loose ends, and gentle release. Practical Tips for Lunar Living Whether you're a committed astrology follower or experimenting with lunar awareness, here are some grounded ways to work with the moon's cycle: 1. Track your patterns: Keep a simple journal noting your mood, energy, and productivity alongside the lunar phase. After a few months, you might notice personal correlations. 2. Align habits with phases: Use new moons to set wellness goals, and full moons for reflection on what's working. 3. Create lunar rituals: Light a candle during the full moon for release work, or write intentions on new moon nights. The ritual itself can deepen your connection to the cycle. 4. Check your natal chart: In astrology, your personal moon sign (not just your sun sign) holds significance. Many practitioners find their moon sign offers deeper insights into emotional patterns. 5. Respect the tradition, not the superstition: View lunar astrology as a symbolic guide for self-reflection rather than absolute truth. The value lies in the awareness and intentionality it cultivates. Final Thoughts The moon has captivated humanity for millennia-not because it controls our fate, but because it invites us to pause, reflect, and attune ourselves to natural cycles. Whether you embrace full moon rituals or simply enjoy observing how your energy shifts with the lunar phases, there's wisdom in honoring these rhythms. This week, take a moment to check the lunar phase. Notice how you feel, what you're drawn to, and what might feel natural to release or begin. The moon isn't here to tell you what to do-it's here to help you listen to yourself more deeply. full moon astrology, new moon energy, lunar phases, moon astrology, lunar energy, astrology guide, lunar cycle, moon influence