Microsoft expands its AI empire abroad
Microsoft, the tech titan most closely associated with AI, has announced nearly $10 billion in investments in artificial intelligence abroad in recent months, the price it is willing to pay to remain a top player in this crucial market
ByteDance says 'no plans' to sell TikTok after US ban law
Chinese tech giant ByteDance has said it has no plans to sell TikTok after a new US law put it on a deadline to divest from the hugely popular video platform or have it banned in the United States
India launches first multi-purpose green hydrogen pilot project in Himachal Pradesh
India's first multi-purpose (combined Heat & Power) green hydrogen pilot project at state-owned Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam’s 1,500 MW hydro power station (NJHPS) in Jhakri, Himachal Pradesh, was inaugurated today.
Dhruva Space partners with Indian government for space-grade solar array
In a step towards indigenisation in space sector, the Indian government’s Technology Development Board (TDB) has extended financial support for a fabrication of cutting-edge space-grade solar array and test facility by start-up Dhruva Space Private Limited in Hyderabad.
Bangladeshi scientist Zahid Hasan appointed visiting professor at MIT
Renowned Bangladeshi scientist M. Zahid Hasan has been appointed Visiting Professor of Physics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Professor Hasan announced today via his social media account that he will begin teaching classes at MIT in May, focusing on quantum matter and quantum topology. His new role at MIT follows a distinguished career at Princeton University, where he is a Professor of Physics and has led groundbreaking research in the field of quantum physics.
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.
Meet the world’s first AI beauty pageant: Miss AI
World AI Creator Awards (WAICA), in collaboration with Fanvue, a subscription platform for AI content, is set to organise ‘Miss AI’, the world’s first AI beauty pageant. In the competition, AI-generated contestants will compete for the title of ‘Miss AI’, showcasing a fusion of artificial intelligence and aesthetics.
How to stop your car engine from overheating
An overheating engine is one of the most concerning issues a car owner can face – right up there with having your vehicle totalled in an accident. When an engine overheats, it can lead to catastrophic damage like warped cylinder heads, cracked engine blocks, or blown head gaskets.
Tesla profits drop 55% in Q1
Tesla has reported a 55% decline in profits to USD 1.13 billion for the first quarter (Q1), marked by a lengthy electric vehicle (EV) price-cutting strategy and various obstacles affecting the automaker's financial performance.
Who are Chief Heat Officers and what do they do?
Bushra Afreen, the Chief Heat Officer (CHO) for North Dhaka, has recently come under intense scrutiny and online trolling amidst a surge in heatwaves across the city. After her recent remarks in some interviews, Afreen has become a target of online trolling due to her high-profile role. This spotlight has led to confusion about what a Chief Heat Officer is, what their role entails, and whether they're a government-created position.
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.
EDITOR'S PICK
LATEST
India develops lightest bullet-proof jacket against high-calibre ammo
India has successfully developed the lightest bullet-proof jacket in the country for protection against highest threat from ammunition 7.62 x 54 R API (Level 6 of BIS 17051).
CDOT and IIT Jodhpur collaborate for 5G and beyond
Centre For Development of Telematics (CDOT), the Indian government’s premier Telecom R&D Centre, and Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur today signed an agreement for “Automated Service Management in 5G and Beyond Networks Using AI”.
Sponsored Content / Grameenphone releases the season finale of Lumière featuring Kawshar Ahmed
Grameenphone has released the season finale of its Lumière series, this time focusing on Kawshar Ahmed, a name that stands out in the world of business and technology. Known for his innovative approach to entrepreneurship, Ahmed's episode in the Lumière series provides a unique insight into his life and career, revealing the journey that led him to become a leading figure in the tech industry.
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.
Palak visits Meta office in Singapore
Zunaid Ahmed Palak, the Minister of State for Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology of Bangladesh, recently visited the Meta office in Singapore. The visit, shared by Palak on his official Facebook page, included a discussion on artificial intelligence (AI) policy between Meta and Bangladesh.
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.
STARTUPS
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.
OpenAI opens its first Asia office in Tokyo
OpenAI, the company behind the popular AI chatbot ChatGPT, has recently announced the opening of its first Asia office in Tokyo, Japan. The move is being seen as the AI company's ongoing effort to grow revenue sources globally.
REVE Chat to participate in international AI summit
REVE Chat, a Bangladeshi-Singaporean venture, is going to showcase its AI-powered customer engagement platform at the upcoming Conversational AI & Customer Experience Summit 2024. The event will be held in Bangalore, India, on April 18 and 19.
Meet the app and browser extension made for halal internet experience
In an effort to combat cyber miscreants and ensure a safe and halal internet experience, a Turkish startup named Halalz has launched a new app and browser extension named Kahf Guard. This initiative aims to shield users, particularly Muslims, from exposure to inappropriate and morally objectionable online contents such as pornography, gambling, harassment etc.
End of the road: Ghost Autonomy, with OpenAI support, shuts down
Ghost Autonomy, a startup focused on developing autonomous driving software for automotive partners, has ceased operations, according to a company announcement.
APPS
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.
Google Photos to launch AI editing tools
Google Photos is set to launch a suite of AI-powered editing tools including Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, and Magic Editor, which will become available to all Google Photos users starting May 15. Users will be able to access these tools for free of cost on a wider range of devices, including Pixel tablets.
Instagram to add AI-powered search feature: report
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram, is planning to add a new AI-powered search feature on Instagram, according to a report by the global tech news platform TechCrunch. With this feature, users can initiate conversations with an AI chatbot and enter unique search queries to find photos and reels.
Google working on feature to identify unknown callers: report
Google is reportedly developing a new ‘Lookup’ button that allows users to quickly search phone numbers directly from their recent calls screen, therefore identifying unknown callers. The discovery was first made by an X user named AssembleDebug, who found this upcoming feature in the latest beta version of the Google Phone app, as reported by PiunikaWeb, an India-based tech news platform.
Spotify to let users craft playlists with text prompts
Spotify, the music streaming platform, is releasing its new AI playlists feature into beta. This new functionality allows users to generate custom playlists based on written prompts.
Google to add fees for premium AI search features: report
Google is planning on introducing fees for premium features on its generative AI-driven search engine, according to a recent report by the Financial Times. The report adds that the traditional search engine would remain free of charge, with ads continuing to appear alongside search results even for subscribers.
GADGETS
Next Step / 5 apps to make your everyday work easier
Do you struggle to manage a heavy workload? Are you finding it difficult to prioritise tasks amidst overflowing calendars and scattered notes? If you're looking to optimise your workflow and maintain focus throughout the workday, consider incorporating these five helpful productivity apps into your routine.
Vivo V30: Striking looks, capable cameras, mid-range muscle
Vivo's V30 arrives as a contender in the crowded mid-range arena, offering a feature set that aims to impress without breaking the bank. We spent two weeks with the V30, and here's what we discovered.
Air conditioner or air cooler: Which one should you buy this summer?
Summer in Bangladesh is a scorcher. With temperatures soaring and humidity reaching uncomfortable levels, staying cool becomes a priority. As such, when it comes to choosing a cooling solution, you are faced with two main options: air conditioners (AC) and air coolers. But, which one should you go for?
A beginner's guide to Cudy routers
As we have arrived at the age of AI, it has become quite evident that to remain seamlessly connected to the digital world, we need a high-speed broadband connection, and a superior router is non-negotiable.
Apple to launch AI-powered Macs later this year: report
Apple is nearly done with the production of AI-powered M4 computer processors and plans to update every Mac model with them, according to a recent report by Bloomberg News. These updated models are planned to be released later this year or early next year, the report states, citing people close to the matter.
India issues high-risk vulnerability warnings for Apple devices
India’s cybersecurity agency CERT-In today sent out a warning about a 'high' severity flaw that allows remote code execution attacks on a wide range of Apple products. The warning has been issued for several Apple products including iPhones, iPads, MacBooks running on various operating systems, Apple Watch and other devices.
GUIDES
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.
How to stay safe from the 'job offer' scam message
One particular scam that has become common lately is the 'job offer' scam message, in which unknown phone numbers offer jobs or money to unsuspecting mobile phone users. If you have recently received such scam messages, then be careful. Follow these ways to stay safe from this ongoing scam.
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.
Apple loses top phonemaker spot to Samsung
Xiaomi, one of China's top smartphone makers, occupied the third position with a market share of 14.1% during the first quarter.
How Switzerland is preparing for the quantum computing revolution
Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator Foundation (GESDA), an independent research foundation based in Switzerland, is already looking beyond AI, with the belief that quantum computing is going to be the next big technological disrupter.
Why the culture of glorifying over-work needs to stop
The glorification of overworking and the expectation to stay late in the office have become long-ingrained in the corporate culture of many countries, including Bangladesh. But in this modern age, while many countries across the world are doing away with this culture, staying late is still often seen as a sign of dedication and hard work in Bangladesh.
Indian startup's maiden rocket launch postponed again
The debut launch of the Indian aerospace startup Agnikul Cosmos' rocket, named the Agnibaan, was postponed last week due to technical complications, according to people on the launch site.
bKash reportedly takes back mistakenly sent BDT 50 coupons from users
bKash has reportedly retrieved mistakenly sent BDT 50 coupons from users, as detailed in posts circulating on Facebook. Several users shared screenshots from 'bKashNotice', alleging that bKash had erroneously distributed BDT 50 coupons, only to retract them subsequently.
Bangladeshi Aydha Mehnaz in Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe
Aydha Mehnaz, a 29 year old Bangladeshi, has been featured in the Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe list under the Media and Marketing category. Aydha is VIP and Media Relations Lead at fashion brand Mugler, a French luxury fashion house owned by L’Oréal Group. Under her leadership, Mugler's media impact value soared from $58 million pre-Covid to now over $200 million, states Forbes.
Microsoft to open new London-based AI hub
Microsoft has unveiled plans to open a new artificial intelligence (AI) hub in London, UK, with a primary emphasis on researching large language models and associated infrastructure. The Microsoft AI Hub team will be led by AI scientist and engineer Jordan Hoffmann, with Mustafa Suleyman, co-founder of Google DeepMind, as EVP and CEO.
Jobs of the week
Here are our picks for jobs of the week. Check out the article for more details.
Bangladeshi all-female Valorant teams qualify for international tournament
Two all-female Valorant teams from Bangladesh, Team Hexagon and Team Celestials, have secured qualification for the South Asian round of the VCT Game Changers tournament, an esports event officially hosted by Riot Games, the maker of Valorant.
Tesla reportedly drops plan to build low-cost EV
Tesla has reportedly scrapped its plan to develop a lower-cost electric vehicle (EV) estimated to be priced around USD 25,000, according to a report by Reuters. Marking a significant shift in the company's strategy, this decision comes despite the perceived importance of such a low-cost vehicle for Tesla's broader growth trajectory.
