Press Release / Vivo Y28 released in Bangladesh
Vivo Y28 has been officially released in Bangladesh. The phone features a 6000 mAh battery with 44-watt flash charging support, 8 GB RAM, 256 GB storage, MediaTek Helio G85 processor, and FunTouch OS 14 operating system.
New 'Google AI' features coming in Pixel 9: report
A set of AI-centric features, collectively called 'Google AI', is rumored to be included in the upcoming Google Pixel 9 series, according to a recent report by the tech news publication Android Authority. Let's take a look at the speculated features in the new lineup of signature Google smartphones.
Japan officially stops using floppy disks
The Japanese government has stopped the use of floppy disks in all official capacities, in an ongoing effort to digitise its bureaucracy system. This takes place more than two decades since floppy disks were in their prime.
Meta to lift ban on the word "shaheed"
Meta, the company behind Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram, has recently announced that it will lift its blanket ban on the word "shaheed". The word, which stands for "martyr" in English, went through a year-long review by Meta's oversight board. It was recently decided that banning the word was an "overboard" approach.
The edtech dilemma: Understanding the pivot towards “offline” models
A hybrid model, offering both online and offline learning experiences, seems to be the answer. Online platforms provide interactive content and self-paced learning, while offline methods such as workshops, peer group discussions, and practical sessions foster hands-on learning and critical thinking.
Capitalising on market trends: the secret sauce to success
Nvidia's recent meteoric rise provides a compelling example of the power of capitalising on current market trends. Let’s take a look at how capitalising on market trends can be the secret sauce to your startup’s success.
AI tech firms win big in June's market value shifts
Tech companies focusing on AI-related products and services saw a substantial increase in market capitalisation at the end of June 2024. Particularly, success was seen from chipmakers, such as Nvidia, which briefly overtook Microsoft to become the most valuable company in the world.
Nvidia to face charges for 'anti-competitive practices': report
Nvidia is set to face charges from the French antitrust regulator for alleged anti-competitive practices, as per sources close to the matter. This makes the French regulator the first enforcer to act against the leading computer chip company.
'Google is broken': How an algorithm tweak cost livelihoods
Online businesses have been left considering layoffs and even site closures after Google's massive upgrade in March and April caused catastrophic drops in traffic.
Meta clashes with EU over 'pay or consent' advertising model
Meta Platforms, the company behind Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram, was recently charged by EU antitrust regulators for the company's newly introduced 'pay or consent advertising model', which goes against EU tech rules' user privacy concerns.
Business cybersecurity on the rise worldwide: report
Businesses around the world are becoming more adept at handling cybersecurity, thus leading to a global decrease in cyber insurance premiums, states a recent report by Howden Insurance, a global broker firm.
EDITOR'S PICK
LATEST
Watch the first-ever commercial ad made by OpenAI's Sora
Toys"R"Us, the US-based toy brand, has recently released a teaser trailer that, according to the company, has been created with OpenAI's video generation AI tool, Sora. The video, which depicts the story of Toys"R"Us founder Charles Lazarus, is being called the first-ever commercial ad made by Sora.
Two Bangladeshi teams reach finals of European Rover Challenge 2024
Project Altair from the Islamic University of Technology (IUT) and Team Interplanetar from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) has advanced to the final round of the international rover competition European Rover Challenge (ERC) 2024, to be held in Krakow, Poland, from September 6 to 8, 2024.
Bangladesh based startup Tiger New Energy secures USD 3.5mln funding
Tiger New Energy, a Bangladesh based startup established in 2021, has secured an additional USD 1 million in funding from ADB Ventures following Tiger's USD 2.5 million seed round led by Wavemaker Partners last year, propelling the rollout of its battery swapping technology across Bangladesh. Md. Ismail Hossain, Manager, Brand & Marketing of Tiger New Energy confirmed the funding to The Daily Star.
Press Release / Joe Levy becomes new Sophos CEO
Sophos, a cybersecurity solutions company, has announced the appointment of Joe Levy as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Levy, who has been acting CEO since February 15, will officially step into the role.
Amazon reaches $2 trillion valuation for the first time
Amazon.com, the US-based tech and e-commerce company, has reached a valuation of $2 trillion for the first time. This makes it the fifth US company to reach this market value, a rise that is being attributed to the recent AI boom.
BUET grad’s robotics startup secures USD 45mln in funding
GrayMatter Robotics, co-founded by BUET graduate Ariyan Kabir, has raised USD 45 million in Series B funding led by Wellington Management, a Boston-based investment firm.
STARTUPS
Palak appears as a guest shark on Shark Tank Bangladesh
Shark Tank Bangladesh aired a special cricket-themed episode over the weekend, showcasing four sports-related businesses. The episode also had the Minister of State for Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, Zunaid Ahmed Palak as a guest shark.
Press Release / iFarmer selected for Visa Accelerator Program 2024
iFarmer, a Bangladesh-based agri-tech startup, has been selected for Visa's Accelerator Program in Asia Pacific for 2024. According to a press release, the other selected startups were from Hong Kong SAR, Singapore, the United States, and Vietnam.
Bangladesh moves up 6 spots in global startup ecosystem index 2024
Bangladesh has ascended 6 places to rank 83rd in the recently published 'Global Startup Ecosystem Index 2024' report by StartupBlink, a global startup map and research centre. In the report, Dhaka also climbed 71 spots to secure the 140th position among top 1,000 listed cities. Dhaka was also ranked 7th in South Asia for the Agtech industry.
Fintech startup Elevate secures investment worth $5 million
Elevate, a fintech startup based in London and Dubai, has secured an investment of $5 million aimed at expanding its presence in South Asian markets, including Bangladesh. The startup offers a simplified method for receiving USD payments from international employers and platforms such as Upwork, Fiverr, Paypal, Deel, and Toptal.
ShareTrip partners with Malaysian Health Tourism Council
ShareTrip is partnering with the Malaysian Health Tourism Council (MHTC) to offer Bangladeshi patients medical tourism services in Malaysia. According to a press release, this partnership aims to provide patients with healthcare facilities, specialised treatments, and wellness programs at affordable rates.
AamarPay unveils new fintech super app
AamarPay, an online payment gateway company in Bangladesh, has introduced a new fintech super app. The announcement was made at an event held at the BASIS Auditorium in BDBL Bhawan, Kawran Bazar, Dhaka, on Saturday.
Elon Musk's AI startup xAI now worth $24 bln
Elon Musk's AI startup, xAI, has recently raised $6 billion in Series B funding, culminating in a total post-money valuation of $24 billion, according to the company.
APPS
ChatGPT Mac app now available for everyone
The Mac app for ChatGPT, previously only available for ChatGPT Plus subscribers, has now been made available to everyone. As per OpenAI, the ChatGPT Mac app is specifically designed to work natively on Mac, able to "integrate seamlessly" into any type of work on the OS.
Bored during Eid trip? Some time-pass apps you can try out
Instead of endlessly scrolling through social media feeds, why not try out some fun-filled applications? From brain-teasing trivia to relaxing colouring, here are five apps that should make those idle moments more enjoyable during your Eid trip.
Apple finally unveils its own AI: Meet, Apple Intelligence
At this year's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024, Apple just announced "Apple Intelligence," a new suite of AI features designed for the iPhone, Mac, and other devices.
Apple is unveiling iOS 18, Siri AI and more: Watch LIVE here
Apple's annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) is currently underway, with the tech giant unveiling iOS 18, a major update to its mobile operating system.
Cyberattack on TikTok targets certain 'high-profile' accounts
A recent cyberattack on TikTok, the popular short-form video-sharing platform, has targeted an undisclosed number of 'high-profile' accounts, including brand and celebrity accounts such as CNN and Paris Hilton. According to Jason Grosse, a spokesperson for TikTok's privacy and security team, the platform has taken steps to stop the attack.
ChatGPT is down, again
OpenAI’s ChatGPT service is facing significant issues today, with users experiencing a second major outage following an earlier disruption. The outage, which has affected both the ChatGPT mobile apps and the web service, has left many users without responses to their queries.
Canva announces 'Enterprise' edition alongside new features
Canva, the popular graphic design platform, has recently unveiled new features and updates, including a new Enterprise version. Additionally, it is introducing a new editor, a revamped homepage for easier access to projects, and a new look with enhanced collaboration features.
GADGETS
Samsung's new foldables may be unveiled next month
Samsung has announced the date for its next Galaxy Unpacked event, set to be held in Paris on July 10, 2024. As per the official announcement, this Unpacked event will feature "the next frontier of Galaxy AI", as well as the inclusion of the new AI system in the upcoming Galaxy Z series; expected to be the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Flip 6.
Press Release / Redmi 13 launched in Bangladesh
Xiaomi Redmi 13 has been officially launched in Bangladesh. The smartphone features a 6.79-inch FHD+ display, a 90 Hz AdaptiveSync refresh rate, MediaTek Helio G91-Ultra chipset, Xiaomi HyperOS, and a 5030 mAh battery with 33 W fast charging support.
Our picks for refrigerators under BDT 50k for Eid-ul-Adha
Here are our picks for refrigerator models you can buy for Eid-ul-Adha 2024 under the BDT 50,000 price tag. Please keep in mind that pricing and availability may vary across stores.
Deep freezers under BDT 40k for this Eid-ul-Adha
Read on for our picks of deep freezers you can buy for Eid-ul-Adha 2024 within the price range of BDT 40,000. Please keep in mind that pricing and availability may vary across stores.
Logitech releases MK220 wireless Bangla keyboard and mouse combo
Logitech has launched the MK220 wireless Bangla keyboard and mouse combo in Bangladesh. The combo offers a compact keyboard and a mouse, both of which come with 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity that works up to 10 meters away, as per the company.
Apple WWDC 2024: What to expect
This year, Apple's WWDC (Worldwide Developers Conference) event is scheduled to take place from June 10 to 14, 2024. Let's take a look at what you could expect to be announced in WWDC 2024.
GUIDES
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.
How to not handle a crisis communication: A lesson from Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola's botched ad campaign highlights the pitfalls of crisis communication.
How to track Cyclone Remal
As Cyclone Remal approaches Bangladesh, staying informed about its trajectory, intensity, and potential impact is crucial for ensuring safety and preparedness. Thanks to advancements in technology, tracking cyclones has become more accessible and accurate. Here are some of the best tools and resources available for monitoring Cyclone Remal and other severe weather events.
Does keeping your AC at 27° with fan turned on really save money?
Dhaka's scorching summers inevitably lead to a surge in air conditioner (AC) usage. While escaping the heat is essential, the resulting spike in electricity bills can be a significant concern. Fortunately, a data-driven approach to AC settings, combined with the strategic use of fans, offers a solution that prioritizes both comfort and cost-effectiveness.
How to choose the right power supply unit for your PC
You can think of the PSU as the heart of your computer, pumping electricity to different organs. Whether you're a seasoned PC enthusiast or a beginner looking to learn more, this guide will explain the basics of PSUs.
Choosing the right fire extinguisher, and how to use them
There are five main types of fire extinguishers, each designed for specific types of fires, marked by distinct colour codes and suitable for various materials like paper, wood, textiles, flammable liquids, and electrical equipment.
Videos and Podcasts
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.
Why should you use eSIM?
eSIM is being introduced in Bangladesh. A private telecommunication company is set to bring eSIM to the market. But what is eSIM? What is the difference between a regular SIM card and an eSIM?
$5 billion export from ICT industry by 2025?
Bangladesh aims to achieve exports worth $5 billion from its ICT industry by 2025. The Daily Star's Tech section editor Shahriar Rahman speaks to former BASIS President Syed Almas Kabir on how it can be achieved in this episode of Star Connects.
Jobs of the week
Here are our picks for jobs of the week. Check out the article for more details.
Registration for the bdNOG18 Conference & Workshop is underway
The eighteenth conference and workshop of Bangladesh Network Operators Group (bdNOG) is going to be held in Cox’s Bazar from July 12 to 15, 2024, under the joint arrangement of Bangladesh Network Operators Group (bdNOG) and Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh (ISPAB).
Cisco appoints Atiqur Rahman as Country Leader for Bangladesh
Cisco has announced the appointment of Atiqur Rahman as Country Leader for Bangladesh. In a recent LinkedIn post, Shiva Kumar Yadagiri, Managing Director, Commercial and SMB, Cisco India & SAARC, made this announcement.
In conversation with Paul Wilson, DG of APNIC
Paul Wilson, the Director General of the Asia Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC), recently shared his views on the Internet Infrastructure and Operational Community of Bangladesh in an exclusive interview.
OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite launched in Bangladesh
OnePlus has recently introduced the Nord CE4 Lite 5G smartphone in Bangladesh.
Grameenphone launches latest episode of Lumière featuring Navidul Huq
Grameenphone has launched a new episode in its acclaimed Lumière series, this time spotlighting Navidul Huq, the visionary Co-founder of Bongo. Known for his groundbreaking contributions to the digital content industry in Bangladesh, Huq's episode provides an engaging and personal look into his entrepreneurial journey, background, habits, and philosophies.
AI is making way for a new era of soft skills. Here's how
With AI gaining popularity across various workplaces, there arises a demand for skilled professionals capable of effectively operating AI models to yield the most desirable outcomes. Moreover, beyond these roles, there is a growing need for positions that AI simply cannot replicate, owing to its inherently non-human nature.
Apple and Meta might form AI partnership: report
Facebook's parent company Meta Platforms has talked about incorporating its generative AI model into Apple's newly revealed AI system for iPhones, reveals a report from The Wall Street Journal on Sunday. These discussions are reportedly in preliminary stages and could still be abandoned.
Why is NASA's Boeing Starliner stuck in space?
NASA's Boeing Starliner spacecraft, currently docked at the International Space Station (ISS), is facing a series of technical issues that have significantly delayed its return to Earth. This unexpected situation has extended the stay of NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who were scheduled to return on June 26. The updated return date of the spacecraft has not yet been announced by NASA.
Sadia's cross-country adventure on a motorbike
Sadia Afrin, a textile engineer and a leading figure in the female biking community "Yamaha Riders Club-Girls," recently completed a solo cross-country motorcycle trip across Bangladesh. Her journey not only showcased her determination but also highlighted the potential of female riders in the country.
