EU commission requests algorithm data from YouTube, TikTok, and Snapchat
The EU Commission has formally requested detailed information from YouTube, TikTok, and Snapchat about the algorithms they use to recommend content to their users on October 2, according to a recent report by Reuters.
Toyota invests $500 mln in electric air taxi startup
Toyota has made a $500 million investment in Joby Aviation, a California-based startup focused on developing electric air taxis, according to a recent blog post by Toyota.
Bangladeshi video game invited at Game Industry Conference
Silent Scream 2, a horror-adventure puzzle game developed by Studio 23, a subsidiary of Dhaka-based software company Brain Station 23, has been selected for a meetup event at this year's Game Industry Conference (GIC) in Poland.
OpenAI unveils new tool to simplify AI voice assistant development
OpenAI has recently unveiled the 'Realtime API' in public beta, a tool designed to help developers create low-latency, voice-interactive applications.
Meta to begin mixed-reality headset production in Vietnam
Meta has announced plans to begin production of its latest mixed-reality headsets in Vietnam in 2025. The tech giant made this announcement during a visit by Nick Clegg, Meta’s President for Global Affairs, to Vietnam, a week after he met with the country’s president, Tô Lâm, in New York.
The Daily Star signs MoU with AKIJ iBOS for HR solution
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between The Daily Star and AKIJ iBOS Limited, a concern of AKIJ Group at the Azimur Rahman Conference Hall, The Daily Star centre in Dhaka on Tuesday.
Leaks suggest Google Pixel 9A might lose camera bar
Google's upcoming Pixel 9A may see a significant design shift, with recent leaks hinting that the device could lose its signature camera bar, according to a recent report by Android Headlines.
Infinix launches Note 40S in Bangladesh
Infinix has officially launched the Note 40S in Bangladesh.
TikTok parent ByteDance shifts AI development to Huawei: report
ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, is accelerating its AI model development by turning to domestic suppliers like Huawei Technologies, according to a recent report by Reuters.
Top five tools for product management
To manage these responsibilities efficiently, product managers need the right tools in their arsenal. Here is a guide to some essential tools and platforms that can help stay organised, streamline workflows, and enhance collaboration.
Redmi 13 5G: Affordable innovation with a few compromises
The Redmi 13 5G continues Xiaomi’s tradition of offering feature-packed phones at a competitive price point, aiming to appeal to the budget-conscious buyer.
EDITOR'S PICK
LATEST
Google announces $1 bln in Thai data centre
Alphabet Inc's Google announced on Monday an investment of $1 billion to establish a new data centre and cloud region in Thailand, according to a recent report by Reuters.
Epic Games to take legal action against Google and Samsung for unfair competition
Epic Games, the creator of the popular game "Fortnite," has announced plans to file a lawsuit against tech giants Google and Samsung, alleging conspiracy to restrain competition in the app market.
Press Release / Vivo launches V40 in Bangladesh
Vivo V40 5G has been officially launched in Bangladesh.
Apple to leave OpenAI's funding round: report
Apple has stepped away from negotiations to invest in OpenAI's latest funding round, which is expected to raise about $6.5 billion, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal.
OpenAI for-profit shift: Sam Altman to get 7% equity
OpenAI is planning on granting CEO Sam Altman a 7% equity stake as part of a broader shift towards becoming a for-profit entity, according to a recent report by Bloomberg.
Trump plans to prosecute Google if re-elected
In a recent post on his social media platform, Truth Social, former US President Donald Trump pledged to seek the prosecution of Google if he wins the upcoming presidential election on November 5, 2024, as per a recent report by Reuters.
STARTUPS
“Godmother of AI” raises USD 230 mln for AI startup
An artificial intelligence researcher, Fei-Fei Li also nicknamed as the “Godmother of AI” has raised USD 230 million for AI startup “World Labs” along with her three colleagues to develop AI technology that can comprehend how the three-dimensional physical world works, the company announced on Friday.
Bangladeshi Stanford graduate’s AI startup receives $750K funding
Story Engine Inc., an AI startup co-founded by Bangladeshi Stanford graduate Sheikh Srijon, has received $750,000 in pre-seed funding from the reputed venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz (A16Z). The startup, founded by Sheikh Srijon, Zhizhuo Zhou, and Wanrong He, aims to revolutionise the realm of webtoon and anime creation through generative AI technology.
Press Release / Optimizely earns 'Great Place To Work' certification
Optimizely earns 'Great Place To Work' certification, celebrates culture of innovation and employee well-being
AI startup by OpenAI co-founder raises $1 bln
Safe Superintelligence (SSI), a new AI startup co-founded by Ilya Sutskever, former chief scientist and co-founder at OpenAI, has raised $1 billion in cash. In an interview with Reuters, SSI announced its goal to build "safe AI systems that far surpass human capabilities".
Bangladeshi-born founder’s Australian startup acquired for $16 bln
AirTrunk, a data centre group founded by Bangladeshi-Australian entrepreneur Robin Khuda, is set to change hands in a USD 16.1 billion (AUD 23 billion) deal.
Footsteps co-founder Shah Rafayat named Asia 21 Next Generation Fellow
Shah Rafayat Chowdhury, co-founder of the social venture organisation Footsteps, has been selected as one of the 38 young leaders to join the Asia 21 Next Generation Fellows for 2024.
2 Bangladeshi startups in Forbes Asia 100 To Watch list
Two Bangladeshi startups - Tiger New Energy, a company offering battery-swapping technology for electric vehicles (EV), and iFarmer, an agritech platform - has recently made it to the Forbes Asia's 100 to Watch list for 2024.
APPS
Google Maps will restrict business profiles for fake reviews
Google Maps is tightening its grip on businesses engaging in fake reviews by imposing restrictions on profiles that violate the platform’s Fake Engagement policy, according to the support page of the company.
YouTube tests new feature allowing creators to edit videos without takedowns
YouTube is testing a new feature that allows creators to edit their videos in order to remove age restrictions or restore content that has been flagged for violating the platform's Community Guidelines, according to a recent post on its support page.
From lip-syncs to #BookTok, how TikTok has moved on
TikTok has evolved from a platform primarily associated with entertainment into a space where education and creativity are increasingly intertwined. This shift is particularly evident in regions like Bangladesh, where TikTok is playing a role in reshaping how educational content is consumed. Initiatives such as the #BookTok campaign highlight the platform’s potential as a medium for disseminating knowledge through short-form videos, combining entertainment with educational value.
Redefining iPad creativity: Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro 2
Built from the ground up with touch in mind, Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro on iPad are about to level up the game for both seasoned Mac pros and the next generation of creators. Let's take a look at both these apps, and dive into the benefits they provide to iPad users.
Apple's iOS 18: Key updates you need to know
Apple has just rolled out their latest operating system iOS 18, and it is packed with new features that aim to give iPhone users more control, customisation, and functionality. Here is a quick breakdown of the key features of iOS 18.
TikTok faces crucial court hearing that may decide its future in the US
TikTok and its parent company, ByteDance, will face a key court hearing on Monday that could determine whether the popular app remains available to 170 million American users. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia will hear arguments challenging a law that could ban the app as soon as January 19, placing TikTok’s fate in the spotlight just weeks before the 2024 presidential election.
Adobe unveils generative AI-based video creation tool
Adobe has announced the upcoming release of its latest generative AI-powered video creation and editing tool, Firefly Video Model, which will be available in beta later this year.
GADGETS
Asus launches Copilot-enabled Vivobook S 15 in Bangladesh
Asus has launched the Asus Vivobook S 15, the company's first Copilot+ PC, in Bangladesh. The laptop notably features a dedicated Copilot key, with which users can directly access Microsoft's Copilot AI assistant.
Hands-on review / Honor 200: A stylish all-rounder
Despite its recent entry, Honor seems eager to make a statement with the Honor 200, which promises to be a high-end device with near-flagship qualities. Let's take a closer look.
What to expect from Meta's upcoming event
Meta’s annual Connect developers conference is set to take place from September 25 to 26, 2024, and is expected to unveil the tech giant's developments in virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and artificial intelligence (AI). This year, eyes are on Meta’s hardware releases, alongside potential updates to their AI capabilities. Here’s what to look out for at the event.
iPhone 16 pre-orders surge in Russia despite higher prices
Pre-orders for the new iPhone 16 in Russia have surged, with demand rising by 15% compared to its predecessor, according to a recent report from Reuters. Despite the significant price increase—Russian consumers are paying at least 50% more than their counterparts in the West, states the report.
Why have pagers become relevant?
Recently, pagers have reached the headlines around the globe as hundreds of pagers used by Hezbollah members exploded across Lebanon, killing at least nine people and wounding around 2,800 in blasts.
7 reasons to buy the iPhone 16
The iPhone 16 looks similar to the iPhone 15 models but with subtle design changes. However, there are some new features as well. Let's discuss seven reasons why you might want to upgrade your current iPhone to this latest version.
GUIDES
How to find transparent background images and avoid fakes
Finding images with transparent backgrounds is an essential task for designers, marketers, and web developers, but it can sometimes lead to confusion, especially when dealing with misleading or fake images.
How to improve your laptop battery's health
The rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that most laptops use aren't immortal. Over time, they naturally degrade, holding less charge and delivering shorter battery life. But with a few simple strategies, you can extend your laptop battery’s life and keep it performing well for longer.
How to track floods online
With water levels rising at an alarming rate, it is important to stay aware and cautious. Here are two ways users can track the flood.
Why you might still want to use VPN
We live in a world where our digital privacy and online security are at a constant risk. A VPN app is a valuable tool to protect your data and maintain your anonymity, adding some much-needed layers to your online protection.
Uncovering internet addiction
Are you the sort of person whose hands immediately reach for the phone at the slightest hint of boredom? Do you feel bored when having to eat a meal without watching YouTube? Congratulations, you are gradually riding the slippery slope that is internet addiction.
Preparing your car for a safe Eid-ul-Adha journey
Eid-ul-Adha is approaching, and many of us have already planned to celebrate this occasion with our loved ones. As a result, many car owners will travel outside the major cities to be with family and relatives. To ensure a safe journey, it's crucial to check that your car is in good condition. Sadly, we often hear about accidents during the Eid period. To ensure safety and a smooth trip, car owners should check the following:
Where to buy sacrificial animals online
With Eid-ul-Adha approaching, the Muslim community in the country is eagerly preparing to purchase animals for sacrifice or Qurbani. Here are some reliable online platforms where you can buy sacrifical animals.
Videos and Podcasts
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.
Introducing iPhone 16
Apple has officially unveiled the iPhone 16, the latest version of its flagship smartphone.
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
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.
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.
Data Thieves - Stolen Identity
Whether it's putting a photo of a drivers license #online, or going to a sketchy #website, we can all make mistake that compromise our #identity. It's even more unfair when even when we've done everything right, our #data are being #stolen. We talked with Zarif Faiaz from ANN's The Daily Star to tell us about how this is happening in Bangladesh, and how we may minimise the impact.
iPhone 15 to be released officially on September 12
Apple has officially announced its annual event, scheduled for 12 September at Apple Park. The invitation, titled "Wonderlust," indicates that the company plans to unveil its iPhone 15 series, among other products.
From intern to CEO: The career journey of Nike's Elliott Hill
Elliott Hill’s rise from intern to CEO at Nike stands out as an inspiring and rare example of loyalty and career growth. Starting in 1988 as an intern, Hill now prepares to assume leadership as President and CEO of Nike on October 14, 2024, marking the culmination of a 32-year journey with the company.
Jobs of the week
Here are our picks for jobs of the week. Check out the article for more details.
Honda launches Hornet 2.0
Honda, the motorcycle manufacturer, has recently launched the Hornet 2.0 motorcycle in Bangladesh.
EU hits Meta with $101.5 mln fine over unsecured password storage
The European Union's lead privacy regulator has recently imposed a 91 million euro ($101.5 million) fine on social media giant Meta for inadvertently storing user passwords without proper protection or encryption.
Fire halts operations at iPhone plant in India
Tata Electronics said in a statement it was investigating the cause of the fire and would take necessary steps to safeguard the interests of its employees and other stakeholders.
Starlink reaches 4 million users
Starlink, the satellite internet service owned by Elon Musk's aerospace company SpaceX, has gained over 4 million subscribers, according to a recent post by the company on X (formerly, Twitter).
Internet disruptions expected for 4 hours on Saturday
Internet users may experience temporary slowdowns or interruptions early on Saturday, 28 September.
OpenAI CTO Mira Murati to step down
Mira Murati, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at OpenAI and an important figure behind the development of ChatGPT and DALL-E, the platform’s text-to-image generator, has announced she will be stepping down from her role.
MIST secures first place in Formula Bharat 2025 Engineering Design CRM
MIST Blitz secured the first place in the Engineering CRM Combustion Category.
World's first 3D-printed hotel being built in Texas
El Cosmico, an existing hotel and campground in Marfa, Texas, is expanding in a unique way. By 2026, it plans to become the world’s first 3D-printed hotel, thanks to a collaboration between hotelier Liz Lambert from Icon, a Texas-based 3D printing company, and the design company Bjarke Ingels Group.