US to honour Bangladeshi women student protest leaders with 2025 Int’l Women of Courage Award

The United States has recognised the ‘Women Student Protest Leaders of Bangladesh’ with the ‘Madeleine Albright Honorary Group Award’ as part of the 2025 International Women of Courage (IWOC) Awards, according to the US Office of the Spokesperson.

How Eid nostalgia thrives in a tech-driven world

The world has changed, and with it, so has Eid. Yet, paradoxically, technology is bringing back the very elements we thought we had lost.

SUST team qualifies for Rice360 Global Health Tech Design Competition

A team of students from Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) has qualified for the Rice360 Global Health Technologies Design Competition. The team, named SignTalk, has been selected among the top 24 global teams to represent Bangladesh at this international competition, which will be held at the Rice University of USA this April.

How to turn on earthquake alerts on your phone

An earthquake of an alarming 5.2 magnitude jolted certain parts of Bangladesh around 9:35 am on December 2, 2023. While it may not be possible to accurately predict earthquakes, you can stay aware about ongoing earthquakes using your phone by enabling 'earthquake alerts' in your phone's settings. Here is how you can turn on the feature.

Elon Musk's Tesla diner reportedly near completion

Elon Musk's long-awaited Tesla Diner & Drive-In is finally taking shape at the former Shakey's Pizza site on Hollywood's Santa Monica Boulevard, though an opening date remains uncertain, according to a recent report by The New York Times.

How Netflix’s UGC is a masterclass in brand loyalty

Netflix has long been at the forefront of digital entertainment, leading the shift from DVD rentals to streaming dominance. But its latest move—integrating user-generated content (UGC) into its platform—is perhaps one of its most ingenious strategies so far.

Jobs of the week

Here are our picks for jobs of the week. Check out the article for more details.

Google Pixel 9a vs Apple iPhone 16e: Which one to go for?

Selecting the best midrange smartphone can be difficult, particularly with the two new options: the Pixel 9a and the iPhone 16e. Both phones offer great features, performance, and design, but which one best suits your requirements? Let's look at several aspects of both models to help you make an informed choice.

Eid tech gifts so good, they'll forget about Eidi money

This Eid, skip the crowded malls and go digital - the smartest way to gift. Digital presents deliver instantly (even last-minute), work across distances, and fit any budget without sacrificing thoughtfulness. We've got simple alternatives to help you send the perfect tech gift, from streaming subscriptions to gaming credits. These modern treats show you care while being wonderfully practical - and might just outshine traditional Eidi this year!

This university student refined a 100-year-old math problem

Divya Tyagi, a graduate student in aerospace engineering at Pennsylvania State University, has refined a century-old mathematical problem, simplifying its form and broadening its applications in aerodynamics, according to a blog by Penn State.

LATEST

LATEST

What to expect at the Bangladesh Investment Summit

The Bangladesh Investment Summit, set to take place from April 7 to 10 at Hotel InterContinental Dhaka, aims to strengthen investment opportunities in the country. 

Signal: The encrypted app that hosted Trump aides' war plans

When top aides to US President Donald Trump recently discussed military strikes against Yemen’s Houthi militants, they turned to Signal—a messaging app prized for its secrecy. Launched in 2014, Signal is a free, open-source app that promises ironclad privacy. It uses 'end-to-end encryption', meaning only the sender and recipient can read messages—not even Signal itself.

Press Release / Revoo unveils C32 electric bike in Bangladesh

Revoo Bangladesh has launched the Revoo C32, an electric bike.

Global investments, e-govt services, Hajj app: CA outlines major tech reforms

Chief Advisor of Bangladesh’s Interim Government Prof Muhammad Yunus outlined sweeping reforms aimed at accelerating foreign investment, digitalising government services.

OpenAI updates advanced voice mode with ‘better personality’ and less interruption

OpenAI has introduced updates to its advanced voice mode in ChatGPT on March 25, enhancing its ability to hold real-time conversations with a more natural flow and reducing interruptions during user pauses. 

Bangladeshi scientist invents smart pill to track gut health

Dr Yasser Khan, Assistant Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Southern California (USC), is leading groundbreaking research in AI-enabled medical devices. His latest innovation? A GPS-like ingestible smart pill that could revolutionise how we understand the gut-brain connection.

STARTUPS

STARTUPS

10 biggest tech acquisitions of the decade

The tech world has seen some jaw-dropping deals over the past decade, with companies shelling out billions to dominate markets, expand their ecosystems, and stay ahead of the competition. Here’s a look at the largest tech deals that have reshaped the industry in the last decade.

Chip startup Celestial AI raises $250 million

Celestial AI, a Silicon Valley startup developing technology to speed up artificial intelligence (AI) systems, has recently raised an additional $250 million in venture capital, bringing the company’s total funding to $515 million.

Grubhub to fire 500 employees

Grubhub, the US-based food delivery company, has announced plans to lay off approximately 500 employees, representing more than 20% of its workforce, according to an official letter by Grubhub CEO Howard Migdal.

GP accelerator gala celebrates 20 startups

Grameenphone (GP) hosted the gala event for its GP Accelerator initiative, ‘Jelay Jelay Smart Uddyokta’, in Dhaka, celebrating the achievements of 20 startups. 

Former OpenAI CTO launches new startup; hires several OpenAI employees

Mira Murati, the former OpenAI Chief Technology Officer, has recently launched her new AI startup, Thinking Machines Lab, assembling a team of 30 top researchers and engineers. About 20 of these hires are former OpenAI employees, with additional experts coming from companies such as Meta and Mistral.

Startup Bangladesh invests BDT 11.10 cr in local startups

Startup Bangladesh Limited, the government-backed venture capital firm, has invested BDT 11.10 crore over the past six months, according to a recent press release. From September 2024 to January 2025, the organisation disbursed BDT 9.025 crore across nine startups.

OpenAI to turn for-profit: Here’s what’s happening

OpenAI, the company behind the popular AI chatbot ChatGPT, announced on Friday that it plans to restructure as a public benefit corporation (PBC) - shifting to a for-profit company from its previous non-profit structure. Here's what they have planned.

APPS

APPS

Relying on ChatGPT a lot? Study says you’re lonely

Imagine confiding in a chatbot about your bad day, only to end up feeling more alone. New research from OpenAI and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) suggests that while most people use ChatGPT for practical tasks, a small group of heavy users might be trading quick comfort for creeping loneliness—or even emotional dependency.

Adobe launches AI agents for online marketing

Adobe has introduced a new suite of AI-powered tools designed to help businesses improve online marketing and deliver personalised customer experiences. The announcement, made during the company’s annual developer conference, focuses on the 'Adobe Experience Platform (AEP) Agent Orchestrator', a system that allows businesses to build, manage, and coordinate AI agents from Adobe and third-party providers.

US Commerce Department bans DeepSeek on government devices: report

In a recent email to staffers that was seen by Reuters, the department warned against downloading or accessing any DeepSeek-related applications, websites, or desktop apps, stating the move is necessary to “keep Department of Commerce information systems safe.”

Google unveils new AI model, Gemma 3

Google has recently unveiled Gemma 3, a new family of lightweight, open AI models designed to run efficiently on devices like phones, laptops, and workstations. According to an official blog post, Gemma 3 is built on the same technology as Google’s Gemini 2.0 models and is available in four sizes (1B, 4B, 12B, and 27B) to suit different hardware and performance needs.

OpenAI launches new developer tool, Responses API

OpenAI has introduced a new developer tool called the Responses API, designed to simplify and enhance the creation of advanced AI agents. The tool, which replaces the Assistants API, aims to address key challenges developers face when building AI systems, such as managing multi-turn interactions, integrating hosted tools, and handling multiple data types like text, images, and audio.

TikTok sale talks underway, deal possible soon, says Trump  

US President Donald Trump has revealed that his administration is in discussions with four groups regarding the sale of Chinese-owned social media platform TikTok, as per a recent report by Reuters.

YouTube cracks down on gambling content

YouTube will enforce stricter policies on online gambling content, effective March 19, as part of its efforts to safeguard viewers, particularly younger audiences, from potentially harmful material, according to an official announcement by the company. 

GADGETS

GADGETS

Review / Oppo A5 pro: Tough on drops, easy on the wallet

We put the new Oppo A5 Pro to the test — literally. With military-grade shock resistance, a bright 6.67-inch display, and a capable 50MP camera, this budget-friendly smartphone handled drops and a full day’s use without breaking a sweat. Here's how it held up in real-world conditions.

Apple Watch may get built-in cameras by 2027: report

Apple is reportedly developing new Apple Watch models with built-in cameras, aiming to introduce advanced AI capabilities like Visual Intelligence by 2027, according to Bloomberg’s Apple analyst Mark Gurman.

Xiaomi launches Redmi Note 14 Pro and Redmi A5 in Bangladesh

Xiaomi, the global tech brand, has officially unveiled the Redmi Note 14 Pro and Redmi A5 at an event in Dhaka on March 20 where the company also showcased some of their gadgets outside smartphones.

Microwave ovens under BDT 30K

Whether it's quickly reheating leftovers, defrosting frozen foods, or even cooking complete meals, a good microwave oven can significantly cut down on kitchen time, making cooking very convenient. With the market flooded with options, here are some microwave ovens currently available in the local market that you can try out under the BDT 30,000 price tag.

Google unveils brand new Pixel 9a

Google has unveiled the Pixel 9a, its latest budget-friendly smartphone, featuring a redesign, upgraded camera capabilities, and the new Tensor G4 chip, all starting at $499. Set for release in April, Google says this new smartphone aims to deliver premium AI features and durability at an accessible price point.

Press Release / Honor X9c launched in Bangladesh

Honor X9c has been officially launched in Bangladesh. The smartphone comes with an anti-drop display with fall resistance of up to 2 meters, a three-layer waterproof structure, and IP65M dust resistance.

GUIDES

GUIDES

A beginner’s guide to buying graphics cards

For those seeking higher frame rates and better visual quality, upgrading the graphics card is often the most effective way to improve performance.

Five essential gears to begin your astrophotography journey

From capturing stunning shots of the Milky Way to photographing rare cosmic events, Bangladesh’s astrophotography community is growing, fuelled by curiosity and creativity. Here are five essential pieces of gear to help you embark on your own astrophotography journey.

How to save your Facebook Live videos before they are deleted

Starting February 19, Facebook will automatically delete live broadcast videos from Pages and profiles after 30 days, according to a recent announcement by the popular social media platform. Users who want to keep their live videos must download or transfer them before they expire. Here's how you do so.

How to save space on your phone

Running out of space on your phone can be frustrating, especially when you want to take a photo or download something important. Whether you're using an Android or iPhone, here are seven practical tips to help you reclaim storage and keep your phone running smoothly.

How to backup everything on your Google account

Our Google accounts hold a significant amount of data, from cherished photos and important documents to critical emails and contacts. Here are some ways in which you can backup valuable information and files from various Google apps.

How to stop ChatGPT from using your data for training

As AI tools like ChatGPT become an integral part of daily life, concerns about data privacy are growing. Here’s how you can update your settings to stop ChatGPT from using your data for training purposes.

Buying a new gaming headset? Here's what you need to know

A good gaming headset can make the difference between victory and defeat. But how do you pick the one that suits you best, with so many gaming headsets on the market, with so many factors to consider? This guide will present knowledge accumulated over the years along with recommendations to assist you in making an informed decision.

Videos and Podcasts

Videos and Podcasts

Starlink: Yunus asks Musk to come over, launch it within 90 days

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has extended an invitation to billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk to visit Bangladesh and oversee the launch of SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service in the country within the next 90 working days.

1m ago

Will DeepSeek become a major competitor to OpenAI?

The competition in the world of artificial intelligence, or AI, is getting more intense day by day. Along with powerful models like OpenAI's ChatGPT, China's DeepSeeK AI is also gaining popularity. How is this new AI startup surprising the whole world? Let's find out in today's Star Explains.

2m ago

Apple Intelligence on iPhone in 5 minutes

After months of speculation, Apple officially introduced its Apple Intelligence platform during the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024 in June.

6m ago

Introducing iPhone 16

Apple has officially unveiled the iPhone 16, the latest version of its flagship smartphone.

6m ago

Youngsters who showed the world what our robots can do

Competing against 451 teams from 77 countries, the Bangladeshi robotics team "Robonium Bangladesh" clinched the 5th position in the World Robot Olympiad 2023 in the "Future Innovators (Senior)" category, held in Panama

11m ago

Apple iphone Event in 12 Minutes

The essentials from tonight's Apple Event

1y ago

Developing Games in Bangladesh

Game development in Asia has largely been taking place in East Asia since the creation of video games. Is this about to change ? We talked to Mehnaz Irtika from The Daily Star, who told us about the challenges Bangladesh's game industry faces if it wants to compete with the big dogs.

1y ago

Augmenting Schools - AR Learning

We explore the use of Augmented Reality in education. With us to discuss how deployment of AR could affect Bangladesh's education and consumer sector is Md. Ridwan Sakib Anjum, an in-house contributor for the Tech and Startup section of The Daily Star.

1y ago

How Eid nostalgia thrives in a tech-driven world

The world has changed, and with it, so has Eid. Yet, paradoxically, technology is bringing back the very elements we thought we had lost.

2d ago

How Netflix’s UGC is a masterclass in brand loyalty

Netflix has long been at the forefront of digital entertainment, leading the shift from DVD rentals to streaming dominance. But its latest move—integrating user-generated content (UGC) into its platform—is perhaps one of its most ingenious strategies so far.

3d ago

US to honour Bangladeshi women student protest leaders with 2025 Int’l Women of Courage Award

The United States has recognised the ‘Women Student Protest Leaders of Bangladesh’ with the ‘Madeleine Albright Honorary Group Award’ as part of the 2025 International Women of Courage (IWOC) Awards, according to the US Office of the Spokesperson.

4d ago

SUST team qualifies for Rice360 Global Health Tech Design Competition

A team of students from Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) has qualified for the Rice360 Global Health Technologies Design Competition. The team, named SignTalk, has been selected among the top 24 global teams to represent Bangladesh at this international competition, which will be held at the Rice University of USA this April.

4d ago

Elon Musk's Tesla diner reportedly near completion

Elon Musk's long-awaited Tesla Diner & Drive-In is finally taking shape at the former Shakey's Pizza site on Hollywood's Santa Monica Boulevard, though an opening date remains uncertain, according to a recent report by The New York Times.

4d ago

Google Pixel 9a vs Apple iPhone 16e: Which one to go for?

Selecting the best midrange smartphone can be difficult, particularly with the two new options: the Pixel 9a and the iPhone 16e. Both phones offer great features, performance, and design, but which one best suits your requirements? Let's look at several aspects of both models to help you make an informed choice.

5d ago

Jobs of the week

Here are our picks for jobs of the week. Check out the article for more details.

6d ago

Eid tech gifts so good, they'll forget about Eidi money

This Eid, skip the crowded malls and go digital - the smartest way to gift. Digital presents deliver instantly (even last-minute), work across distances, and fit any budget without sacrificing thoughtfulness. We've got simple alternatives to help you send the perfect tech gift, from streaming subscriptions to gaming credits. These modern treats show you care while being wonderfully practical - and might just outshine traditional Eidi this year!

6d ago

This university student refined a 100-year-old math problem

Divya Tyagi, a graduate student in aerospace engineering at Pennsylvania State University, has refined a century-old mathematical problem, simplifying its form and broadening its applications in aerodynamics, according to a blog by Penn State.

1w ago