Oracle and Microsoft in talks to buy TikTok: report

Oracle and Microsoft are in talks to take over TikTok’s global operations, according to a report from National Public Radio (NPR), a US-based broadcasting platform. The plan would reduce Chinese ownership of the app and address security concerns tied to its parent company, ByteDance, states the report.

Banks plan to sell $3 billion in X debt: report

Wall Street banks are getting ready to sell $3 billion of debt tied to Elon Musk’s 2022 purchase of X, formerly known as Twitter, as per a recent report by The Wall Street Journal.

Next Step / Jobs of the week

Here are our picks for jobs of the week. Check out the article for more details.

Team Bangladesh wins 10 medals at Int’l Robot Olympiad 2025

Team Bangladesh has secured a total of 10 medals, including two golds at the 26th International Robot Olympiad (IRO) held from January 17 to 20 at the Busan Exhibition and Convention Centre (BEXCO) in Busan, South Korea.

Meta to invest over $60 bln in AI expansion for 2025: Mark Zuckerberg

Meta Platforms has announced plans to invest up to $65 billion in artificial intelligence infrastructure in 2025, a move aimed at strengthening its position in the competitive AI race alongside industry leaders such as OpenAI and Google.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra feels better in hand than S24 Ultra

Samsung has recently unveiled its S25 lineup at the Galaxy Unpacked 2025 event on 23 January 2025. We had the exclusive opportunity to use the Galaxy S25 Ultra for a short time, and here are our initial thoughts:

IUB, SUST qualify for international AUV competition

The teams have qualified for the Singapore AUV Challenge 2025 (SAUVC 2025).

ChatGPT is down for some users

ChatGPT, the popular AI chatbot by OpenAI, is currently down for some users, as per user-submitted reports at Downdetector. 

Apple Mac Mini M4: Small size, big power

Apple released a series of press updates during the last week of October 2024 to introduce their entire Mac lineup to the M4 chip. The base Mac Mini M4, with its combination of performance, efficiency, and value, is one of the most incredible deals in tech right now. Let's explore how.

OpenAI defends ChatGPT data use in Indian court: report

OpenAI has told an Indian court that removing the data used to train its ChatGPT AI model would go against US legal requirements, as per a recent report by Reuters. The case, brought by the Indian news agency Asian News International (ANI), accuses OpenAI of using ANI's content without permission to train its AI system and demands the deletion of any stored data.

LinkedIn sued for using private data in AI training

LinkedIn, the Microsoft-owned professional networking platform, is being sued by Premium customers who claim their private messages were shared without consent to train AI models.

LATEST

LATEST

Samsung unveils Galaxy S25 series with advanced AI integration

At the Galaxy Unpacked 2025 event, Samsung introduced its latest flagship smartphones, the Galaxy S25 series, which includes the S25 Ultra, S25+, and S25 models.

Samsung is unveiling the new Galaxy S25 series: Watch here LIVE

The Galaxy S25 is speculated to include improved camera systems, dynamic displays, and extended battery life.

Google fined $12.5 million in Indonesia

Indonesia’s antitrust agency has hit Google with a 202 billion rupiah ($12.4 million) fine, accusing the tech giant of unfair business practices in its Google Play Store payment system.

Musk can buy TikTok if he wants to, says Trump

US President Donald Trump has said he would support Elon Musk, the billionaire CEO of Tesla, if he decided to purchase the social media app TikTok. Trump’s remarks came as the platform, used by 170 million Americans, faces a potential ban unless its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, sells its US operations due to national security concerns.

Fact-checking reports increased by 58% in 2024: dismislab

The volume of fact-checking reports addressing misinformation in Bangladesh surged by 58% in 2024 compared to the previous year, according to a recent report by dismislab. The report identifies misinformation trends in 2024, highlighting people, countries, organisation and key narratives.

Malaysia allows crypto in zakat payments

Malaysia has become the first country in the world to permit the use of digital assets for zakat payments, according to a report by New Straits Times (NST), a Malaysian news outlet.

STARTUPS

STARTUPS

Startup Bangladesh invests BDT 11.10 cr in local startups

Startup Bangladesh Limited, the government-backed venture capital firm, has invested BDT 11.10 crore over the past six months, according to a recent press release. From September 2024 to January 2025, the organisation disbursed BDT 9.025 crore across nine startups.

OpenAI to turn for-profit: Here’s what’s happening

OpenAI, the company behind the popular AI chatbot ChatGPT, announced on Friday that it plans to restructure as a public benefit corporation (PBC) - shifting to a for-profit company from its previous non-profit structure. Here's what they have planned.

Databricks reaches $62 bln valuation following $10 bln funding round

Databricks, an artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics firm, has reached a $62 billion valuation after completing a $10 billion funding round, one of the largest in venture capital history, according to a recent report by Reuters.

Bangladeshi-Australian CEO gives $65K to employees as year-end bonus

AirTrunk, the data centre company founded by Bangladeshi-Australian entrepreneur Robin Khuda, is distributing $22 million in bonuses to over 300 employees, with each receiving up to $65,000.

Bangladeshi-born Australian named 'Business Person of the Year' by Australian Financial Review

Robin Khuda, a Bangladeshi-born entrepreneur and founder of the data centre company AirTrunk, has been named The Australian Financial Review’s (AFR) Business Person of the Year for 2024.

Elon Musk’s xAI secures $6 bln in equity financing: Report

Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence venture, xAI, has raised $6 billion in equity financing as it intensifies efforts to compete with industry leaders in the AI sector, according to a recent report by Reuters.

Straight out of Shark Tank: Vibe Gaming secures investment from Adcomm

Vibe Gaming, a Bangladesh-based video gaming and electronics retailer, has secured strategic investment from Adcomm Holdings on November 28 following their pitch on Shark Tank Bangladesh.

APPS

APPS

Instagram announces Edits, video editing app to rival CapCut

Instagram has announced a new video editing app called Edits, aimed at creators who produce videos on their phones. The app, unveiled by Instagram head Adam Mosseri in a video on Instagram, is positioned as a competitor to CapCut, the video editor app owned by TikTok's parent company ByteDance.

Now you can post 3-minute long reels on Instagram 

Instagram has recently extended the maximum length of its Reels feature to three minutes, doubling the previous limit of 90 seconds, according to a recent announcement by Adam Mosseri, Head of Instagram.

Perplexity AI proposes merger with TikTok US: report

Perplexity AI, a US-based search engine company, has submitted a bid to merge with TikTok US, as per a recent report by Reuters. The proposal, submitted to TikTok’s parent company ByteDance on Saturday, was first reported by CNBC and confirmed by a source familiar with the discussions.

Why are users shifting from TikTok to RedNote?

As the United States inches closer to a potential ban on TikTok, millions of American users are exploring alternatives, with RedNote emerging as a frontrunner. Known as Xiaohongshu, or 'Little Red Book', in its native China, RedNote has seen a sharp rise in popularity, driven by its resemblance to TikTok and its unique blend of short videos and e-commerce features.

YouTube is working on a ‘Play something’ button: report

YouTube is experimenting with a new 'Play something' feature, a floating action button that lets users start a random video playback instantly, as per a recent report by tech news platform 9to5Google.

ChatGPT and Sora faced major outages this month

OpenAI experienced an outage affecting its popular services, including ChatGPT, Sora, and its developer-facing API, beginning at around 12.30 a.m Bangladesh time on 27 December.

YouTube is doubling down on clickbaits starting with India

YouTube has recently announced plans to intensify its efforts against egregious clickbait, starting with a phased rollout in India over the coming months.

GADGETS

GADGETS

Press Release / Redmi Note 14 launched in Bangladesh

The smartphone Redmi Note 14 has been launched in Bangladesh. 

Apple dethroned as China's top smartphone brand in 2024

Apple has lost its position as China's leading smartphone seller in 2024, with Vivo and Huawei overtaking the iPhone maker, according to data from research firm Canalys, states a recent Reuters report.

Press Release / Realme launches Note 60x in Bangladesh

Realme has officially launched the realme Note 60x in Bangladesh.

Honor X7c: a basic budget smartphone for clumsy users

Honor X7c impresses with durability and battery life, but falls short on display and camera performance in the competitive budget market.

Apple plans to launch thinnest iPhone yet, iPhone 17 Air: report

Apple is reportedly planning to launch its thinnest iPhone to date, the iPhone 17 Air, which is expected to be approximately 2 millimetres thinner than current models. A recent report by Apple analyst Mark Gurman from Bloomberg News suggests the device will debut at Apple’s upcoming September 2025 event.

Press Release / Honor X5b Plus launched in Bangladesh

Honor has recently launched the Honor X5b Plus in Bangladesh. The smartphone comes with a 5,200 mAh battery, a MediaTek Helio G36 processor, and an 8.7 mm chassis.

GUIDES

GUIDES

How to stop ChatGPT from using your data for training

As AI tools like ChatGPT become an integral part of daily life, concerns about data privacy are growing. Here’s how you can update your settings to stop ChatGPT from using your data for training purposes.

Buying a new gaming headset? Here's what you need to know

A good gaming headset can make the difference between victory and defeat. But how do you pick the one that suits you best, with so many gaming headsets on the market, with so many factors to consider? This guide will present knowledge accumulated over the years along with recommendations to assist you in making an informed decision.

What you need to know about picking the right monitor

A right monitor is more than just a screen—it's a gateway to your work, entertainment, and creative expression. But with so many options, how do you pick the best one for you?

Why do processor sockets keep changing?

At the heart of your computer’s performance lies the processor socket, which acts as the critical bridge between the processor and the motherboard. Let’s explore why companies keep changing sockets and how it impacts you as a user.

How to repurpose your old computer

With a little creativity and the right tools, you can repurpose your old computer for a variety of useful tasks. Here’s how to give your old PC or laptop a second life.

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 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.

Videos and Podcasts

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.

4m ago

Introducing iPhone 16

Apple has officially unveiled the iPhone 16, the latest version of its flagship smartphone.

4m ago

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

9m ago

Apple iphone Event in 12 Minutes

The essentials from tonight's Apple Event

1y ago

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.

1y ago

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.

1y ago

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.

1y ago

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.

1y ago

Tech giants skip Brazil disinformation hearing

The snub also followed a decision last year by Brazil's Supreme Court to block Elon Musk's X platform for 40 days for failing to comply with a series of court orders against online disinformation.

3d ago

What's next for Digital Financial Services in Bangladesh?

The habit of using digital payments, enforced by the pandemic, has become deeply ingrained for many, indicating a fundamental shift in consumer behaviour. Amidst pandemic-induced lockdowns and restrictions, the reliance on digital payments, including mobile money, has surged globally, contributing to the rapid expansion of registered accounts and active usage.

4d ago

5 free courses to start your machine learning journey

Curious about the buzz around AI breakthroughs and wondering how to dive in? Don’t worry—you can start with a bit of curiosity, beginner-friendly courses, and plenty of passion. Whether you’re keen to understand algorithms or eager to teach machines how to learn, these five courses are perfect for getting started stress-free

4d ago

EU strengthens hate speech rules on Facebook, YouTube, X

The European Union (EU) has updated its code of conduct on online hate speech, requiring social media platforms like Meta’s Facebook, Elon Musk’s X, and Google’s YouTube to step up efforts to tackle harmful content. The European Commission announced the changes on Monday, integrating the code into the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA).

5d ago

Trump repeals Biden's AI safety order

US President Donald Trump has repealed a 2023 executive order issued by his predecessor Joe Biden, which aimed to mitigate the risks associated with artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.

5d ago

Donald Trump wants to put astronauts on Mars

Donald Trump, the newly sworn-in 47th President of the United States, stated that he wants to put American astronauts on Mars, during his inauguration speech at the Capitol building in Washington, D.C.

5d ago

How to watch the second inauguration of Donald Trump online

Donald Trump will be sworn in for his second term as the 47th President of the United States on 20 January around 11.00 PM Bangladesh time in front of the Capitol building in Washington, D.C. 

6d ago

Young filmmaker launches podcast for tech

Nahian Khan, a young filmmaker, has recently launched a podcast series named ‘TechShow’ featuring the journeys and insights of the Bangladeshi tech content creators.

6d ago

Chinese electric bikes Luyuan MOK and MYC launched in Bangladesh 

Chinese electric bikes Luyuan MOK and Luyuan MYC have recently been launched in Bangladesh.

6d ago

Docking, growing vegetables, and manufacturing in space

On January 16, India’s national space agency, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), conducted a successful space docking (SpaDeX) operation by bridging two satellites in space, after overcoming hiccups twice.

6d ago