Apple iPhone 16 launch: how to watch the special event
Apple is gearing up to unveil its latest iPhone, with the launch of the iPhone 16 set for Monday, September 9.
Agontuk delayed as developers focus on smaller projects to build experience
M7 Productions and Attrito, the developers behind the highly anticipated open-world game Agontuk, have announced a delay in the game’s development.
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.
Google unveils 5 new Android features
Google has recently announced five new Android features that aim to improve user experience across a variety of platforms, from accessibility tools to enhanced navigation.
OpenAI now has more than 1 million paid business users
OpenAI now has more than 1 million paying users across its business products, ChatGPT Enterprise, Team and Edu, according to an announcement made by the company on Thursday.
'99.999% of Telegram users have nothing to do with crime': Pavel Durov
Telegram, the messaging app, would address concerns of its content moderation and remove some features that had been abused for illegal activity, Telegram CEO Pavel Durov said on Friday.
Jobs of the week
Here are our picks for jobs of the week. Check out the article for more details.
AI on the new iPhone will use Arm's chip tech: Report
SoftBank-owned Arm's most recent V9 chip design was used in the development of the latest iPhone, which features the A18 chip and is scheduled to be introduced at Apple's upcoming iPhone 16 event later on September 9, 2024, at 11 PM Bangladesh time, according to a report by the Financial Times.
Zero Hour prepares for major update with new gameplay trailer
A new trailer for Zero Hour, the tactical first-person multiplayer shooter, has been released ahead of the game's upcoming version 1.0 launch on September 9.
Bill Gates optimistic about AI’s potential despite challenges
Bill Gates has expressed optimism about the future of artificial intelligence (AI), climate change solutions, and the role of emerging technologies in a recent interview with The Verge.
Telegram updates FAQ on moderation after CEO's arrest
Telegram has quietly revised its FAQ page, removing references to private chats being exempt from moderation, days after CEO Pavel Durov’s arrest in France over alleged criminal activity on the platform.
EDITOR'S PICK
LATEST
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.
BMW to launch first hydrogen vehicle by 2028
BMW announced on Thursday that it intends to use fuel cell technology developed in partnership with Toyota Motor Corp. to launch its first hydrogen-powered vehicle on the market in 2028.
Pakistan Govt. warns employees against expressing political and religious views on social media
The government of Pakistan has once again directed its employees to avoid expressing political or religious views on social media and sharing information with unauthorised officials or the media.
Nvidia faces record $279 bln market cap loss in one day
Nvidia, a leading player in artificial intelligence, experienced a steep 9.5% drop in its shares on Tuesday, marking the largest single-day loss in market value for a US company. As a result, the company lost $279 billion in market capitalisation.
Data centres to cause 2.5 bln tons of emissions by 2030: research
The rapid expansion of data centres worldwide is projected to generate approximately 2.5 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide-equivalent emissions by 2030, according to research by the multinational investment bank Morgan Stanley.
Shift / 10 interesting facts about BMW
Here are ten fascinating facts about BMW that you might not have heard before.
STARTUPS
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".
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.
Shikho was blacklisted from government funding, says CEO
Shahir Chowdhury, the founder and CEO of the Bangladeshi edtech startup Shikho, recently stated in a Facebook post that his company had been blacklisted from receiving government funding. According to Chowdhury, Shikho was close to securing an investment, which included BDT 5 crore from Startup Bangladesh Limited (SBL) as part of a larger USD 1.5 million funding round. However, SBL abruptly withdrew its support just before the agreement was to be signed, citing political reasons.
Startup ecosystem growth in Bangladesh: The role of international investment and local innovations
The startup landscape in Bangladesh is undergoing rapid transformation, spurred by significant inflows of international investments and the innovative prowess of local entrepreneurs. This growth is evident across various sectors, with mobile financial services and tech-based startups leading the charge.
Bangladesh Startup Summit 2024 begins July 27
The commencement of 'Bangladesh Startup Summit 2024' was officially announced today at a press conference held at the Bangladesh Computer Council Auditorium in Dhaka. Scheduled for July 27-28, this year’s summit is themed 'Smart Bangladesh: Endless Possibilities'.
TSMC becomes Asia's most valuable company
With a recent market valuation of over $1 trillion, the Taiwanese semiconductor manufacturer TSMC has cemented itself as the most valuable company in Asia. This achievement takes place after a strong second-quarter revenue from the company, thanks to the ongoing boom of AI chips.
APPS
X TV app officially released
The beta version of the X TV app has been officially launched on platforms such as LG TVs, Amazon Fire TV, Google TV, and the Google Play Store. As per X, this new app allows users to access video content directly from their televisions by logging in with their existing X (formerly Twitter) account.
Canva Teams to significantly increase subscription prices: report
Canva, a popular graphic design platform, is planning to significantly raise the prices of its Canva Teams subscriptions next year, as per a recent report by The Verge. This move comes after the company introduced several new generative AI features.
X investors have lost billions in value: report
When Musk completed the $44 billion deal in 2022, he relied on a mix of his own wealth, bank loans, and investments from a network of friends and business associates. Two years later, the value of these investments has plummeted, with some investors facing staggering losses.
Bluesky gains a million users as Brazil bans X
Brazil's decision to ban X, formerly known as Twitter, has triggered a surge in users for Bluesky, a growing social media platform.
ChatGPT hits 200 million weekly users
The popular AI chatbot ChatGPT has hit over 200 million weekly users, as per a recent announcement by OpenAI. This number is reported to be double what it was last year around the same time.
How to share your YouTube channel with QR code
In a recent update, YouTube (YT) creators can easily share their YT channel with a QR code, a quick-response code that can be scanned online.
Microsoft update breaks Linux on dual-boot systems
Microsoft's latest security update has inadvertently caused significant disruption for users who run both Windows and Linux on the same machine. The update, which was designed to address a two-year-old vulnerability in the GRUB boot loader—a critical piece of software used by many Linux systems—has led to widespread issues with Linux installations failing to boot.
GADGETS
Apple's upcoming iPhone 16 event: what to expect
Apple's upcoming announcement event is set for September 9, 2024, at 11 PM Bangladesh time, live from the Steve Jobs Theater in Cupertino, California, US. With the tagline "It's Glowtime", this event promises exciting announcements, including the iPhone 16 series, Apple Intelligence, updates to the Apple Watch, and more.
Which MacBook should you buy in 2024?
If you’re thinking about buying a MacBook right now, you are at the right time. But with so many options, which MacBook is the right one for you? Let's break down each model, see what makes sense, and find out which one is the most 'bang for your buck'.
Mattel and HMD launches Barbie-themed flip phone
Mattel, Inc. has teamed up with Human Mobile Devices (HMD) to launch a Barbie-themed flip phone, named the HMD Barbie™ Phone. Set to be released on August 28, this device offers a unique blend of nostalgia and modern functionality to bring back the charm of simpler, pre-smartphone days, as per the official announcement.
Press Release / What is Microsoft Copilot?
Microsoft Copilot is being called a game-changing AI assistant that can transform the laptop experience. From accelerating your workflow to sparking creative breakthroughs, Copilot is considered a revolution in how we interact with our laptops.
iPhone 16 launch expected at Apple’s September event
Apple has officially set the date for its next major event on September 9, 2024, at 11 PM Bangladesh time.
iPhone 16 to be unveiled on September 10: report
Apple's upcoming addition to its signature lineup of smartphones, the iPhone 16 and its variants, are expected to be officially unveiled on September 10, according to a recent report by Bloomberg News. The report adds that on that date, Apple will launch its biggest product launch event of the year, where it will also announce new Apple Watches and AirPods.
GUIDES
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.
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.
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.
Japan is next level for retro game collectors
Around 70-80 percent of customers are foreign tourists, who have flocked to Japan in record numbers this year, store manager Komura, who only gave his surname, told AFP.
Workplace-based training: A new trend in training to upskill Bangladeshi youth
Bangladesh’s economy is in constant change and has the potential to grow to be worth $1 trillion in the decades to come.
Smart ways to explain your employment gap
To ensure the next time you aren't stuck when asked questions about unexplained time-offs in your resume, here are some smart ways to explain your employment gap to a potential employer.
Google to pay up to $250,000 to find bugs in Chrome
To keep Google Chrome safe, the tech giant has been running a program called the Chrome Vulnerability Rewards Program (VRP) for the past 14 years. This program rewards security researchers—people who find and report bugs or vulnerabilities in software—with cash prizes of up to $250,000.
Venezuela uses AI anchors to protect journalists from repression
In Venezuela, where the government is reportedly intensifying its crackdown on journalists and protesters, AI-generated news anchors have emerged as a protective measure, offering a way to continue delivering news while keeping human reporters out of harm's way, as per a recent report by The Guardian.
Kohli might appear on Ronaldo’s YT channel
Football star Cristiano Ronaldo might invite cricketer Virat Kohli to share the screen on UR Cristiano, the official YouTube channel of Ronaldo, according to Kohli's IPL franchise, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
Should other tech bosses worry after Durov's arrest?
With France charging Telegram's founder, Pavel Durov, for not stopping illegal activity on his platform, other tech executives like Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk might now reconsider any decision to travel to Europe. But, with Durov's arrest, should they worry about similar charges being dealt against them?
The enduring power of letter writing in the digital age
In an era where digital communication has become the norm, the practice of writing letters by hand might seem outdated, even quaint. However, as World Letter Writing Day on September 1st reminds us, this seemingly old-fashioned activity offers unique and powerful benefits. From nurturing mental well-being to enhancing critical communication skills, the act of putting pen to paper—or stylus to tablet—can still have a profound impact on our lives.
Japan is encouraging 4 day work week
Japan's government is encouraging a four-day work week with three days off for workers in Japanese offices.
Realme C61 launched in Bangladesh
Realme has recently introduced the C61 smartphone in Bangladesh.
