For the last few days, reports are coming that the prices of all devices using memory chips including smartphones and laptops are going to increase. Now a recent analysis has revealed that the biggest price hike is going to come in the smartphone and PC industries after 26 years. That means, if you want to buy a new smartphone or laptop in 2026, then the burden on your pocket is going to increase. The biggest reason behind this is the lack of memory chips. These days, even the biggest companies are facing shortage of chips, due to which the prices of devices are ready to skyrocket. In today’s explainer, we are going to tell you how the shortage of memory chips started and how the situation reached here.

Why did memory chips start becoming expensive?

In August this year, America had imposed tariffs on China. Due to this, imports of various things became expensive and due to uncertainties, new investments also came to a halt. After this, in early December, Micron, one of the world’s largest companies making data storage and computer memory components, said that it will not make chips for the consumer market and will keep its entire focus on making chips for AI data centers. After this, only two big companies remained in the market, Samsung and SK Hynix, which manufacture high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips along with the consumer market. There are other companies in this field including Kingston, but they also depend on suppliers like Samsung and SK Hynix.

This is not the first time there has been a shortage

The shortage of memory chips is not being felt for the first time. If we look at the background, this industry has been full of ups and downs. Here, along with over supply, shortage of supply is also common. The supply of wafer glass required for making chips keeps increasing or decreasing depending on the demand etc. There was a shortage of memory chips during 2012-13 and after that the situation became normal. Then there was a shortage of supply in 2018-19, which was completed only in 2021-22. Now once again the demand for memory chips is increasing, but due to lack of supply the prices are skyrocketing.

How much role does AI play in this?

Most experts believe that the biggest reason behind the shortage of memory chips is AI. The trend of AI has increased in the last few years and AI companies are spending money like water to build data centers. In October, OpenAI joined hands with Samsung and SK Hynix to supply HBM for the data center. In view of this, Micron also decided to separate itself from the consumer RAM market and make chips solely for AI data centers. Actually, chip makers are also getting huge money and long contracts from AI companies. Due to this, chip making companies are also seeing an opportunity to fill their pockets and they are busy capitalizing on this opportunity without the worries of AI bubble.

How will this affect customers?

The shortage of memory chips will not only affect customers buying premium phones. Due to this, smartphones, tabs, laptops, TVs, gaming consoles and other IoT devices will also be affected and customers will have to pay higher prices for them. Many companies have decided to reduce the RAM in their phones to prevent the price from increasing. Apart from this, businesses dependent on servers, cloud services and data processing will also have to face its impact. Now the costs of companies will increase, due to which the pace of ongoing work in the field of software upgrades, digital services and cyber security will slow down.

Where is the highest demand for memory chips at this time?

AI data centers are currently consuming the most resources. A high-powered GPU requires 1TB of high-bandwidth memory (HBM), and every data center contains thousands of GPUs. From this, it can be estimated how many memory chips are required by AI companies at present. Also, AI companies require big servers for their services. Apart from this, new equipment for 5G/6G, edge computing, IoT devices, autonomous vehicles and medical devices as well as memory chips for computers and smartphones are needed.

What are companies doing to deal with this?

Recently, Google fired one of its officers because he could not ensure the supply of chips. Now the company is looking for a person who can get it chips in Korea. At the same time, Taiwanese company Asus is considering making DRAM itself. The company can start its new plant next year. Even Samsung has not been able to keep itself away from this effect. The cost of the upcoming Galaxy S26 series has increased for the company and it wants to avoid launching its phones at an expensive price. To keep the price low, Samsung has also compromised on some features. Xiaomi has started making its products expensive due to the increased price due to the chip. Other companies have also indicated that their upcoming products will be launched with increased prices.

When will the situation become normal?

This situation will continue for the next 2-3 years. It has been said in many reports that the situation is not likely to become normal before 2028. Now some companies have planned to set up new plants, but it may take a long time to get output from them. Till then customers will have no other option except buying expensive devices.

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You must have heard the name of spyware. From time to time, mobile companies also issue alerts to protect their users from spyware. The threat of spyware is not only on mobiles. Any device can be infected with this and is usually used to steal passwords, banking details and digital identity. In recent years, many cases of spyware have come to light, which have affected people all over the world. In today’s explainer, we will try to answer all the questions related to spyware.

What is spyware?

Spyware is a type of malware, which enters your device and steals all your information and tracks online activities. These are so dangerous that they can copy your typed text as well as monitor the apps and websites you use and can also see what you are reading or doing on your device. Many spyware can secretly turn on your device’s camera and microphone and watch and record you. Spyware is a kind of virtual stalkers, which keep an eye on your every digital activity.

How many types of spyware are there?

Getting spyware onto your device is no longer a difficult task. It can be integrated with the malicious files and downloaded in your system. Apart from this, it can be installed in your device through missed call or even a simple text message. Talking about the way it works, once it enters the system, it starts silently recording your activities. There are many types of spyware and they are designed for different purposes.

Adware- As the name suggests, it is used to show ads. As soon as the user goes to the internet, it will start showing him ads according to his browsing history.

Keyloggers- This type of spyware is used to copy the text you type on the infected device. It saves all the input you give to the device in an encrypted log file. Through this, hackers can trace all your sent messages, mails and typed passwords etc.

Infostealers- Such spyware is used to steal information from the user’s device. Keyloggers are also a type of this. Through infostealers, hackers can scan the information stored in your device. Some infostealers even disappear from the infected device after doing their work.

Red Shell Spyware- Such spyware installs itself on the PC with some games etc. and then tracks the online activities of the gamers. It is said that developers use such spyware to improve their games.

Rootkits- With the help of this type of spyware, cyber criminals gain access to any computer or mobile device. They are usually installed by taking advantage of security bugs and can log in to a machine as an administrator. It is very difficult to detect them.

Is all spyware malicious?

The answer to this is no. Some spyware can be used to keep information safe. Many companies use spyware to protect their proprietary information or to keep their company networks secure. These are installed in the employees’ systems.

Who is most at risk from spyware?

Cyber ​​crimes have increased in recent times and a large number of people are being targeted by different types of malware. Whether you are using a mobile or a tab, you have a laptop or any other smart gadget, one wrong tap can make you a victim of malware. If we talk about spyware, people using online banking are especially the target of hackers. Apart from this, many governments have also been accused of targeting journalists, judges, human rights activists and opposition leaders through spyware.

How to detect malware in a device?

Spyware is difficult to detect, but due to this, some signals start appearing in the infected device, from which it can be estimated that a system may contain spyware. These signs are-

• The speed of the infected device slows down.
• The device stops working or starts crashing repeatedly.
• Pop-ups start appearing again and again on the device.
• The homepage of the browser changes automatically again and again.
• On searching the web, the user is redirected to some other search engine.
• While using the apps, random error messages start appearing, which were never seen before.

How to avoid spyware?

Many spyware are very advanced and can enter your device without you doing anything. Nevertheless, its risks can be reduced by taking some precautions.

• Do not open links sent in messages or emails from unknown numbers.
• Do not get lured by tempting advertisements seen on social media and do not click on pop-up banners.
• Avoid interacting with unknown people on the internet.
• Always keep your device’s software and apps updated.

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Whenever mobile companies talk about any of their new smartphones, they place a lot of emphasis on screen size. Generally, screens of 6.2 inches to 6.9 inches are mostly seen in phones, but have you ever wondered how the phone screen is measured and how the length and width of the screen are defined by a single number? Today we have brought answers to all these questions for you and will also tell you which screen size phone should you buy according to your needs?

How is screen size measured?

Whenever someone tells you the size of the phone screen, he is telling the diagonal length of the display. This size is neither the width nor the length of the screen. This shows the diagonal of the phone, i.e. the distance between one corner and the other. The corners and bezels etc. of the phone are not included in this. This is simply the diagonal length of the screen shining with light on the front of the phone.

These are the common sizes of phone screens

• small (Up to 6.2 inches): These phones are small and can be easily handled with one hand. These fit well in the pocket, but gaming, video streaming and multitasking are a bit difficult on them.
• medium (Up to 6.3-6.5 inches): These provide good screen space along with portability. Pockets are friendly, but it becomes a bit difficult to handle with one hand.
• large (6.6-6.8 inches): This size is perfect for streaming and gaming and provides immersive visuals. However, it becomes a bit difficult to carry them in hand and pocket.
• very large (Larger than 6.9 inches): These provide a great experience in multitasking, gaming and video streaming. However, due to its large size, it can be difficult to operate with one hand and keep in the pocket.

Now, with the advent of foldable phones, new size categories have also arrived. When completely unfolded, the flip phone has a screen of 6.7-6.9 inches and a screen of about 4 inches on the cover. If we talk about foldable, then the size of the main screen in these phones goes up to 9-10 inches and the cover screen is also up to 6.4 inches.

How do phones with the same screen size look big or small?

Sometimes even phones with the same screen size may appear smaller or bigger. There are many reasons behind this. Actually, the size of the screen alone does not define the size of the phone. Apart from the screen size, the size of phones with the same screen size can also vary due to the aspect ratio, bezels and shape of the screen.

Aspect Ratio- This is the ratio between the width and height of the screen like 20:9 and 18:9 etc. These days 19.5:9 and 20:9 ratio is more in trend. This makes scrolling easier and leaves space for more text on the screen. In wider ratio it is easier to use split screen apps and watch videos.

Screen to body ratio- This tells how much of the front of the phone is taken up by the display. Higher screen to body ratio means that it has thinner bezels and it will give an immersive look. If the screen to body ratio of a phone is low then it would mean that its bezels are thick.

How to choose the phone screen size according to your need?

If you are going to buy a new phone, then keep your needs in mind while deciding the screen size. If you need a phone for social media scrolling then a 6.2-6.5 inch phone will be right for you. However, keep in mind that it becomes a little difficult to control a phone with a screen larger than 6.3 inches with one hand. If you handle the phone with only one hand then you can go for a flip-style foldable phone.

Keep these things in mind also

It is also important to keep in mind that larger screens consume more battery. Therefore, if you need a long battery life phone, then you can choose a medium screen size phone, which comes with moderate refresh rate support. Similarly, if you have to use the phone more for outdoor activities then it becomes necessary to get a phone with a bright display. Higher brightness makes it easier to see the screen even in sunlight. Apart from this, before buying the phone, visit the store and see the demo units. In this you will be able to get a correct idea as to how well the phone you are going to buy will fit in your hand.

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If you have ever searched something on a website, have tried to download something or have filled a form, then you must have seen a small checkbox ‘I’m not a robot’. The simple as this line looks, the more smart and complex the system behind it is.

But have you ever thought that just by clicking, how does the website know whether the user sitting in front is a human or an automated bot?

Not just clicks, your full behavior is seen

When you click on that checkbox, the system is actually making your actions i.e. the movement of your mouse, the way to scroll on the screen and the time taken to click.

A human mouse movement is never straight, it is a little curved and random. At the same time, computer programs ie bots behave absolutely accurate and equally. By catching this difference, the system decides whether you are a real human being or not.

Your device is also examined

Apart from this, your browser and device are also scanned. This is called browser fingerprinting in technical language. It is seen that it is seen what your IP address is, how much is your screen size, which plugins you have installed, which time you are in which time zone and much more.

If anything in these information is suspected, such as the use of VPN, or the headless browser used by bots, then the system is alerted.

Sometimes the challenge with image is found

If your activity looks normal, then you move forward in one click. But if the system is also a little suspicious, then you are given a visual test like ‘Choose bus pictures’, ‘Show traffic lights’ etc.

These challenges are easy for humans, but bots have problems in this. Because most of the bots so far are not very good in identifying the image.

Google account also helps

If you are logged in from Google account in your browser, then Recaptcha (Google’s security tool) also takes into account your previous browsing history. This makes it easier to decide whether you are already a reliable user.

So finally, what does this checkbox do real work?

The direct answer is that it examines your identity. But not just with clicks, but seeing your entire digital body language. This is a kind of concierge that decides that only the right people come in on the website, not spam -spread bots.

So the next time you click on ‘I’M Not A Robot’, then understand that you are crossing a high -tech security system, not just a checkbox!