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Nothing Phone (2a) To Launch In March: Here’s What We Know So Far
The company has confirmed that the budget-friendly handset is scheduled to be unveiled on March 5 at 11:30 GMT.
The debut of the Nothing Phone (2a) — the third smartphone from the disruptive brand — is on the horizon and slated for release next month. The device is tipped to be positioned as a more budget-friendly option compared to its predecessor, the original Nothing Phone 2, which made its debut last year.
In a video shared on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) earlier this week, Nothing officially confirmed the forthcoming launch of its next smartphone as March 5th at 11:30 GMT.
Fresh. Eyes.
The official Phone (2a) launch event is happening on 5 March 2024, 11:30 GMT. pic.twitter.com/eE6hPjXOeB
— Nothing (@nothing) February 13, 2024
Leaked images of a pre-production unit have already surfaced, showcasing a redesigned back panel. The forthcoming Nothing Phone (2a) is also set to feature a centrally positioned hole-punch for its front camera and a horizontally aligned 50-megapixel dual camera configuration on the rear panel, a departure from previous design iterations of Nothing smartphones.
In addition, rumors are circulating regarding the inclusion of a revamped Glyph Interface, offering similar Glyph controls as the Nothing Phone 2. Another insider has hinted at the integration of a trio of Glyph components inside the device.
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Based on the disclosed details and accompanying visuals, indications suggest that the Nothing Phone (2a) will debut with Nothing OS 2.5, which is based on Android 14.
In terms of hardware, rumors have been mixed: Many pundits suggested the phone would feature a 6.7-inch AMOLED screen, while others said a 120Hz OLED display would be more likely. Reports also suggest the Nothing Phone (2a) will be powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7200 SoC, paired with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage.
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UAE Prepares To Launch Two Satellites: Thuraya-2 And MBZ-SAT
HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum chaired the first meeting of the Supreme Space Council yesterday.
HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE, chaired the first meeting of the Supreme Space Council in Dubai on December 16, 2024. The session highlighted the UAE’s ambitious space plans and took stock of the sector’s economic progress.
The council emphasized the growing role of private companies in advancing space technologies, noting that their contributions are now equal to that of the public sector. Members also praised initiatives like the Space Economic Zones Programme, which are designed to fuel innovation and investment in the space industry.
خلال ترؤسنا الاجتماع الأول للمجلس الأعلى للفضاء، بحثنا الاستثمارات الوطنية والمشاريع المقبلة في قطاع الفضاء والذي يشهد تطوراً مستمراً… وجددنا التزامنا بدعم ومواصلة تنفيذ برامج طموحة لاستكشاف الفضاء الخارجي حيث وصل حجم الاستثمارات في هذا القطاع إلى 40 مليار درهم خلال السنوات… pic.twitter.com/etJ33OnuSu
— Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) December 16, 2024
Discussing the UAE’s space journey, HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum remarked, “The national space sector continues to grow and advance, and we take immense pride in the remarkable achievements we have accomplished over the years”.
Sheikh Hamdan also received updates on two upcoming satellite projects: Thuraya-2 and MBZ-SAT. Thuraya-2, developed by Space42, is slated for launch this December. Meanwhile, the MBZ-SAT, created by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), will soon follow. MBRSC, a major driver of the UAE National Space Programme, continues to lead the nation’s space-related developments.
Space42 took the opportunity to showcase its advancements, including ongoing collaborations between public and private entities. The company also outlined strategies to promote innovation, boost revenue streams, and create new opportunities for growth in the sector.
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The UAE’s current projects build on a growing legacy of space exploration. Back in 2020, the nation made headlines with its Mars mission, successfully sending a probe into the planet’s orbit in 2021. This mission, which is now in its second phase as of June 2024, has been collecting critical data to develop a comprehensive diurnal image of Mars.
The UAE also ventured into lunar exploration with an unmanned mission aimed at studying untouched regions of the Moon’s surface. While the probe ultimately crashed during its landing attempt after communication was lost seconds before touchdown, the effort represented a significant step in the country’s exploration ambitions.