Bitcoin is now worth over $95,000
Bitcoin's value has soared to a record high of above $95,040, as excitement builds around a potentially supportive approach to cryptocurrencies under President-elect Donald Trump.
Australia launches 'landmark' bill to ban social media for children under 16
Australia plans to trial an age-verification system that may include biometrics or government identification to enforce a social media age cut-off, some of the toughest controls imposed by any country to date.
Microsoft planning voice cloning tool for Teams meetings
Microsoft has announced plans to introduce voice cloning for Teams, allowing users to simulate their voices in multiple languages during meetings.
7-year-old coding prodigy gets job offer from Russian IT firm
A seven-year-old from St Petersburg has received a job offer from a leading Russian IT firm.
US government commission pushes Manhattan Project-style AI initiative
The Manhattan Project was a large-scale collaboration between the US government and the private sector during World War Two that produced the first atomic bombs.
Apple vs Google: the next frontier of mobile computing
Two of the biggest players in the tech world, Apple and Google, are at the forefront with Apple Intelligence and Google Gemini AI to shape the future of mobile computing. Let’s dive into how these tech giants are redefining the boundaries of mobile computing.
Musk's SpaceX test launches Starship rocket; Trump attends
Elon Musk's SpaceX launched its massive Starship rocket system from Boca Chica, Texas, on Tuesday, in a test attended by President-elect Donald Trump. While the launch marked progress in spaceflight technology, the mission faced a setback when the rocket’s booster, Super Heavy, failed to land as planned.
Bluesky surpasses 20 million users
Bluesky, a growing social media platform launched by former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, has surpassed 20 million users.
Microsoft Teams to introduce real-time language interpreter
Microsoft Teams is set to launch a real-time AI-powered language interpreter, allowing participants to speak or listen in their preferred language during meetings, according to a recent blog post by Microsoft.
Popular Life Insurance hit by Sarcoma ransomware: 36GB of data at risk
Popular Life Insurance Co. Ltd., one of Bangladesh's leading public service companies, has fallen victim to a ransomware attack orchestrated by the emerging “Sarcoma” ransomware group.
Coca-Cola faces backlash over AI-generated Christmas ad
Coca-Cola has come under fire for its latest Christmas advertisement, created using artificial intelligence, with critics labelling it as “soulless” and lacking creativity.
EDITOR'S PICK
LATEST
GitHub launches $1.25 mln fund to boost open source security
GitHub has announced the launch of the "GitHub Secure Open Source Fund" with an initial investment of $1.25 million, a new initiative aimed at strengthening open source software security.
Nike introduces first-ever almost 3D-printed shoes
Nike has unveiled its first nearly fully 3D-printed shoe, the Air Max 1000, at ComplexCon in Las Vegas.
India fines Meta $25.4 million over WhatsApp data sharing
India’s Competition Commission (CCI) has fined Meta Platforms $25.4 million and restricted the company from sharing data between WhatsApp and its other apps for advertising purposes, according to a recent report by Reuters.
US Department of Justice may push Google to sell Chrome: report
The US Department of Justice (DOJ) may ask a federal judge to force Google to sell its Chrome internet browser, according to a recent Bloomberg News report. This move comes as part of the DOJ’s ongoing efforts to address Google's alleged monopoly in the search market.
Google Docs launches AI-powered image generator
Google has recently introduced a Gemini-powered AI image generation tool in Google docs, enabling users to create visuals for their documents.
Facebook users eligible for data breach compensation: German court
Germany's Federal Court of Justice (BGH) has ruled that Facebook users whose data was illegally accessed in 2018 and 2019 are eligible for compensation.
STARTUPS
Tally recognises 25 individuals in MSME Honours 2024
Tally Solutions, a business management software provider, concluded the fourth edition of Tally MSME Honours 2024 in Bangladesh announcing 25 winners in 5 categories on 14 November at Capital’s Raddison Blu Water Garden Hotel.
Co-founder Greg Brockman returns to OpenAI
Greg Brockman, co-founder of ChatGPT parent OpenAI, has rejoined the artificial intelligence powerhouse three months after stepping down from his role as president.
Perplexity to near $9 bln valuation in new investment round: report
Perplexity AI, a California-based search startup, is close to raising $500 million in new funding, which would value the company at around $9 billion. The latest funding round will be led by venture capital firm Institutional Venture Partners (IVP), which also has a seat in the startup.
OpenAI to shift from non-profit to for-profit company: report
OpenAI, the company behind the popular ChatGPT, is reportedly in discussions with the California attorney general’s office to change its corporate structure to a for-profit model, according to Bloomberg News. This potential shift would mark a significant change for OpenAI, which was originally established as a non-profit research organisation in 2015.
Actor Olivia Wilde launches VC firm
Actor and director Olivia Wilde, known for her roles in Tron: Legacy and Don’t Worry Darling, has taken on a new role as a venture capitalist, reports Bloomberg.
OpenAI Chairman's AI startup receives $175 mln funding
Sierra, a Silicon Valley-based AI startup co-founded by Bret Taylor, former Salesforce co-CEO and current OpenAI Chairman of the Board, has secured $175 million in a new funding round, giving the startup a $4.5 billion valuation.
Perplexity AI in talks to raise valuation to $8 billion in new funding round
Perplexity AI, the artificial intelligence company backed by Jeff Bezos, has entered fundraising talks to more than double its valuation to over $8 billion, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal.
APPS
Can Bluesky be the new (old) Twitter?
As thousands of X users flock to Bluesky to relive the old twitter days, the new social media platform faces an uphill battle in competing against X.
Apple introduces Final Cut Pro 11 with AI features
Apple has recently unveiled Final Cut Pro 11, with new AI features for video editing.
Chat.com now redirects to ChatGPT
OpenAI has taken a new branding step by turning the URL 'chat.com' into a direct access point for ChatGPT, its flagship AI chatbot. CEO Sam Altman recently announced this change by posting the domain name only on his official X account.
Canada orders TikTok to close Canadian operations
Canada has ordered TikTok to shut down its Canadian business, citing national security risks. Canadians will still be able to use TikTok, as the decision does not block general access to the app.
Blocked accounts on X can now see your public posts
In a recent update, X (formerly known as Twitter) has changed its blocking policy. While the option to block accounts remains, blocked accounts can now view your public posts, provided your account is not set to private.
Meta to keep ban on political ads after US election
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, recently announced it will keep its ban on new political ads even after the US Election Day, aiming to reduce misinformation during the post-election period.
Google Maps to get new AI-based features
Google has introduced a set of AI-powered updates to Google Maps, utilising its Gemini model to make location-based searches more responsive and contextually aware.
GADGETS
Press Release / Realme globally launches GT 7 Pro
Realme has globally launched Realme GT 7 Pro, the brand's latest flagship smartphone. The phone comes with a Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, 6500 mAh battery, and runs on realme UI 6.0.
Press Release / Infinix HOT 50 Pro+ launched in Bangladesh
Infinix has launched its latest smartphone HOT 50 Pro+ in Bangladesh.
Apple may unveil wall-mounted tablet in March: Report
Apple is planning to announce an AI-enabled wall-mounted tablet as soon as March, according to a recent report by Bloomberg News. The device, internally code-named J490, is designed to manage smart home functions, support video conferencing, and utilise artificial intelligence for app navigation.
Press Release / Honor X7c launched in Bangladesh
Honor has recently launched the Honor X7c in Bangladesh. The phone features a 6000mAh battery, 256 GB storage, and Snapdragon 685 processor.
Apple is now selling official parts for iPhone 16 DIY repair
Apple has rolled out do-it-yourself repair service for its latest iPhone 16 lineup, offering iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max owners the ability to perform their own repairs with official tools and parts. This update is part of Apple’s self-service repair program, which is available in the US and several countries in Europe.
iPhone 15 was the best-selling smartphone in Q3 2024
Apple's iPhone 15 led global smartphone sales in the third quarter (July, August, September) of 2024, according to a new report from Counterpoint Research, a global tech research firm. The iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Pro followed closely, showing strong demand for Apple’s latest models.
GUIDES
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.
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.
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.
Introducing iPhone 16
Apple has officially unveiled the iPhone 16, the latest version of its flagship smartphone.
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.
GP Accelerator's ‘Jelay Jelay Smart Uddyokta’ boot camp held
Hosted by Grameenphone’s GP Accelerator, the 17th session of the nationwide daylong boot camp ‘Jelay Jelay Smart Uddyokta’ recently took place at the National Institute of Youth Development in Savar, Dhaka.
This banana could sell for over $1 million
At the international arthouse Sotheby’s, Maurizio Cattelan’s famous artwork 'Comedian' is about to hit the auction block for an estimated price between $1 million to $1.5 million. But... why?
How to have effective performance conversations with your manager
In the frenzy of daily tasks, employees often prioritise performance conversations with their managers. Don’t let “crucial tasks” that perpetually pop-up take precedence over your self-growth and follow the below tips on having conversations that truly matter.
5 ice-breakers to make your next professional gathering less awkward
We’ve all been there: stuck in a professional meet-up, awkwardly lingering in a corner, unsure of how to jump into a conversation. Here are five practical ice-breakers to help you break the silence and get the conversation flowing.
Moons of Uranus may contain life, study suggests
Scientists have unveiled new research suggesting that Uranus and its five largest moons may harbour oceans beneath their icy crusts.
HackerOne Bug Hunt 2024 brings cybersecurity competition to Dhaka
The HackerOne Bug Hunt 2024, one of Bangladesh’s largest cybersecurity competitions, took place at the ICT Tower in Agargaon, Dhaka on November 16, 2024.
Bangladesh to compete in Asian eSports Games 2024
Bangladesh is set to participate in the LAN event of Asian eSports Games 2024, an Asia-based esports competition scheduled to take place in Bangkok, Thailand, from November 23 to December 2, competing in 'Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) - Female' and 'eFootball'.
Nvidia's new AI chips face overheating issues: report
Nvidia’s highly anticipated Blackwell AI chips are reportedly facing overheating issues, raising concerns about potential delays for customers relying on the technology. According to a report by global news platform The Information, the overheating occurs when the chips are installed in server racks designed to hold up to 72 units.
Single-band Wi-Fi routers to be phased out in Bangladesh by 2025
BTRC has recently issued a directive to ban the use of single-band Wi-Fi routers starting from April 1, 2025.
NASA and Microsoft to launch AI-based Earth Copilot
NASA has teamed up with Microsoft to create Earth Copilot, an AI tool designed to make it easier for people to access and understand the large amount of Earth Science data NASA collects from its satellites.