Rise of esports in Bangladesh / From fringe hobby to national pride
For years, gaming in Bangladesh was seen as a waste of time -- often dismissed as a frivolous activity or a distraction from more “serious” pursuits. Traditional societal norms placed little value on gaming, perceiving it as an endeavour devoid of any real-world benefits.
9 Bangladeshis named in Forbes 30 under 30 Asia list
Forbes has announced the ninth edition of its '30 Under 30 Asia' list.
Ubisoft reveals new Assassin's Creed game set in feudal Japan
Ubisoft has unveiled the latest entry in its acclaimed Assassin’s Creed franchise, officially titled Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
Nokia relaunches the iconic Nokia 3210
The Nokia 3210, a mobile phone that left an indelible mark on a generation, is back after a quarter-century since its debut. Popularly known as the ‘brick phone’, the Nokia 3210 is making a comeback through Human Mobile Devices (HMD), a Finnish mobile phone manufacturer.
Google is going all AI: Biggest announcements from I/O 2024
Google's annual I/O developer conference 2024 hosted on May 14 has unveiled a series of transformative upgrades set to reshape the digital landscape. Here are the key highlights from Google I/O 2024.
The creative industry was already suffering. Then came AI
The rapid advancement in the field of AI, particularly in the creative sector, raises a multitude of questions Is AI truly more creative than humans? What are the ethical implications of AI-generated art that imitates existing styles? How will the rise of AI impact the job market for creative professionals?
Infinix Note 40 Pro: A well-balanced mid-range performer
Infinix has made a notable entry into the mid-range smartphone market with its latest release, the Infinix Note 40 Pro
Co-founder Ilya Sutskever leaves OpenAI
Ilya Sutskever, co-founder and chief scientist at OpenAI, has recently announced his departure from the AI tech startup. His leave was confirmed by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman in a public blog on OpenAI's official website and by Sutskever himself on a post in X.
OnePlus officially launched in Bangladesh
OnePlus also unveiled its first-ever made-in-Bangladesh smartphone, the Nord N30 SE 5G.
Sennheiser and Neumann showcase audio products in Dhaka
Sennheiser, a German audio equipment manufacturer, has teamed up with Melody & Co., a audio distributor in Bangladesh, to present a showcase of audio solutions in Dhaka. The event provided an opportunity for customers to experience the quality and innovations of Sennheiser and Neumann. Berlin products.
OpenAI launches GPT-4o, a free for all, faster GPT model
OpenAI has introduced GPT-4o, an updated version of its GPT-4 model.
EDITOR'S PICK
LATEST
Building a cybersecurity company from scratch
Security is one of the major aspects in our life that we think about on a daily basis. In today's environment, cyber risks are just as significant as physical ones. The demand for cybersecurity, a word used to describe defence against threats related to the internet, has grown dramatically as society becomes increasingly digitally oriented.
SBK Tech Ventures invests $7.1 million in 6 Bangladeshi startups
Currently, SBK has 46 startups in their portfolio
Sponsored Content / Grameenphone releases Lumière Season 2’s first episode featuring Shehzad Munim
Grameenphone has unveiled a new episode of the second season of the Lumière series, spotlighting Shehzad Munim, the former Managing Director of British American Tobacco Bangladesh. This episode delves into Munim's illustrious career, his philosophical approach to life and work, and his fervent passion for cricket, offering viewers a profound glimpse into the life of a remarkable leader.
Is AI already deceiving us? Experts believe so
Current AI systems, designed to be honest, have developed a troubling skill for deception, from tricking human players in online games of world conquest to hiring humans to solve “prove-you're-not-a-robot” tests, argues a team of scientists in the open-source data science journal Patterns.
Dubai launches “Gaming Visa”
Dubai has launched a Gaming Visa initiative aimed at attracting content creators, offering employment, and training opportunities through it. In collaboration with companies and academic institutions, Dubai is extending long-term cultural visas to welcome more individuals, artists, and creators under the Creative and Talented Accreditation Certificate.
TikTok begins advertising in Bangladesh
TikTok has launched advertising options in Bangladesh, selecting Aleph as its regional sales partner.
STARTUPS
Press Release / Interactive Cares receives $100k grant from Open Campus Accelerator
Bangladeshi edtech startup Interactive Cares has been awarded a $100,000 grant from Open Campus Accelerator, an international accelerator program focused on edtech companies.
Unrealistic valuations to sweet deals: Shark Tank Bangladesh episode 1
The much anticipated first episode of 'Shark Tank Bangladesh' saw three startups secure over 1 crore taka in investments and introduced viewers to some innovative ideas. But it also had its share of eyebrow-raising moments.
Startup Bangladesh announces BDT 1 cr. investment in Pulse Tech
Startup Bangladesh Limited, the government-backed venture capital firm under the ICT Division, has announced a strategic investment of BDT 1 crore in Pulse Tech Ltd. to enhance retail pharma operation in Bangladesh. The official announcement took place during a signing ceremony in Dhaka.
Startup investment in Bangladesh sees 70% drop in Q1 2024
The startup funding landscape in Bangladesh experienced a significant downturn in the first quarter of 2024, mirroring broader global trends.
Shark Tank Bangladesh episode 1 airs on April 26
Shark Tank Bangladesh, the Bangladeshi version of the reality show Shark Tank, is set to premiere on April 26. The show will feature entrepreneurs pitching their business ideas to a panel of investors, known as "Sharks". The investors can choose to invest in the businesses they find promising.
Byju's India CEO steps down; co-founder takes over
Byju's, the Indian ed-tech startup, has recently announced that its India CEO Arjun Mohan is officially stepping down from his position. After seven months in the CEO role, Mohan will be replaced by co-founder and CEO Byju Raveendran as the new "hands-on" leader in charge of the company's daily operations.
Bangladeshi startup wins 2nd place at BobCat Ventures 2024
Bangladeshi startup EdBridge Scholars has recently won second place at BobCat Ventures, a grant competition in the State of Maine, United States of America. The startup, founded by Tanvir Thamid, a student at Bates College, won USD 4,000 and professional mentor support for their second-place victory.
APPS
Press Release / Imo receives Google Play security recognition
Imo, the instant messaging app, has been given the 'Independent Security Review' badge under the 'Data Safety' section on the Google Play Store.
Press release / Bangladeshi users made 3,580 cr. international calls on Imo in 2023
Imo, a messaging and calling app, has reported a significant surge in usage among Bangladeshi users in 2023, with 3,580 crore international calls made over the platform. Bangladesh saw a total of 247.9 billion interactions on Imo in 2023, with each Bangladeshi user communicating approximately 730 times on average, equivalent to about twice a day.
How does TikTok's algorithm work?
The algorithm behind TikTok's content recommendations has once again drawn mainstream attention following the recent US ruling for ByteDance, its Chinese owner, to divest its US assets or risk a nationwide ban of the app. Here is a breakdown of how TikTok's algorithm operates and why it is generating so much discussion recently.
WhatsApp tests offline file sharing and in-app dialing features
Meta-owned messaging platform WhatsApp is reportedly testing new features for its app, including offline file sharing and an in-app dialer.
Apple removes WhatsApp and Threads from China App Store
Apple announced the removal of Meta Platforms' WhatsApp and Threads from the Chinese App Store on Friday, following directives from the Chinese government citing national security concerns.
Messenger launches HD photo sharing feature
Meta’s Messenger has recently launched a high-definition (HD) photo sharing option on the platform. While Messenger is known for decreasing photo quality, with the recent update, clear high-definition (HD) photos can be sent in chats.
TikTok launches photo-sharing app to compete against instagram
TikTok, the short-form video platform, is venturing into new territory with the launch of TikTok Notes, a photo-sharing app, as a competitor to Meta’s Instagram. The new app is currently being introduced in Canada and Australia, and is available for download on both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
GADGETS
Press Release / Oppo A60 launched in Bangladesh
Oppo has recently launched their latest smartphone, A60, in Bangladesh. The phone features a 7.68 mm design, 5000 mAh battery, and 45 W SUPERVOOC charging support.
Press Release / OnePlus to officially launch in Bangladesh
OnePlus plans to showcase its range, including the flagship models and the OnePlus Nord Series.
Asus launches 6 new laptops in Bangladesh
Asus has recently launched six new laptops in Bangladesh, including the new dual-screen Zenbook DUO (UX8406) model. The other laptops recently released are ZenBook 14 OLED (UX3405), ROG Zephyrus G14 (GA403), ROG Zephyrus G16 (GU605), ROG Strix G16 (G614), and ROG Strix SCAR 18 (G834).
Apple launches the thinnest iPad ever
Apple has launched its latest iPad Pro models at the Apple event on May 7, featuring an incredibly slim design and cutting-edge technology. The 11-inch model measures just 5.3 mm thin, while the 13-inch model is even thinner at 5.1 mm, making it the thinnest iPad ever produced by Apple.
Here are the biggest announcements from Apple’s iPad event
Apple has unveiled a new line up of products at the Apple’s iPad event on May 7. Here are the announcements from Apple’s iPad event:
Vivo V30 Lite launched in Bangladesh
Vivo has introduced the V30 Lite smartphone in Bangladesh. The device was unveiled earlier today at a lunching ceremony in the capital.
GUIDES
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.
Choosing the right NVMe SSD: a user-guide for PC builders
If you are building a PC, you probably have already picked your motherboard, CPU and RAM. But what about the NVMe SSDs? These are storage devices that use flash memory to store data. NVMe stands for Nonvolatile Memory Express, and SSD stands for Solid State Drive. NVMe SSDs are faster, quieter, more reliable, and more energy efficient than other storage options. However, picking the right NVMe SSDs for your PC can be tricky because you need to consider myriad factors. You might also get confused by their technical terms or even by marketing labels like creator or gaming. This guide will explain the basics of NVMe SSD and what a new buyer should look out for.
How to check election results online on the EC app
Bangladesh Election Commission Secretariat has released the 'Smart Election Management BD' app, which is intended to help voters to stay updated online. Voters can see their polling centres and their addresses, voter numbers, and voting serial numbers by providing NID information and birth date in the designated sections of the app.
Here’s the new price for heart rings
Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA) of Bangladesh has set a new price list for coronary stents, popularly known as heart rings.
How to edit sent messages in Messenger
Meta has recently rolled out a highly-coveted feature for Messenger, the ability to edit sent messages. With this new update, users can now freely edit any messages they have sent within 15 minutes of sending that message.
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.
Looking to get hired? You may have to fight it out with AI first
The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) in the hiring process has ushered in an era of both promise and peril. As employers and job seekers adapt to increasingly sophisticated AI tools, the landscape of recruitment is undergoing a profound transformation, raising essential questions about fairness, efficiency, and the future of work.
6 platforms that offer free online courses to boost employability
In the dynamic job market of today, continuous learning is essential to stay competitive. The good news is that you don't have to spend a fortune to acquire valuable skills. Numerous websites offer free online courses that can greatly enhance your employability. Here are some platforms providing such courses.
Mongol-Tori Phoenix: BRAC University’s next-generation Mars rover
Mongol-Tori’s Phoenix, a next-generation Mars rover from BRAC University (BRACU), has secured a spot in the finals of the University Rover Challenge (URC) 2024.
RUET students develop bomb-disposal robot for Bangladesh Army
The robot, named Hades-X-ZeroThree, draws inspiration from Greek mythology.
Meet Victoria Shi, Ukraine foreign ministry's AI spokeswoman
Ukraine has recently unveiled Victoria Shi, an AI-generated spokeswoman, who has been appointed to deliver official statements on behalf of its foreign ministry. According to Ukraine, this is the first time they are using a digital representative to read the ministry's messages, although the statements themselves will continue to be written by human writers.
Goodbye Subscene: Popular subtitles platform shuts down
The popular subtitles platform Subscene is now closed.
Our picks for air coolers under BDT 20,000
Looking for an eco-friendly and budget-conscious way to beat the heat this summer? Consider air coolers, also known as evaporative coolers, which offer a natural cooling method without the high energy consumption of traditional air conditioners.
IEEE AUST Student Branch organises 7th IEEE PES Day 2024
The IEEE AUST Student Branch recently organised 7th IEEE Power and Energy Society (PES) Day 2024, featuring a seminar titled "Empowering Electric Mobility Innovation: Challenges and Opportunities Towards Sustainable Transportation," presented in collaboration with the IEEE Power and Energy Society AUST SB Chapter.
Jobs of the week
Here are our picks for jobs of the week. Check out the article for more details.
Do inverter ACs really save money?
With the rising concern for energy efficiency and costs, the debate between inverter and non-inverter air conditioners has recently gained momentum. Do inverter ACs truly save money in the long run? Let's find out.
