APPS
OpenAI launches GPT-4o, a free for all, faster GPT model
OpenAI has introduced GPT-4o, an updated version of its GPT-4 model.
TikTok begins advertising in Bangladesh
TikTok has launched advertising options in Bangladesh, selecting Aleph as its regional sales partner.
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.
US bans TikTok, unless ByteDance sells it
US President Joe Biden signed a new law on Wednesday, potentially leading to a ban on TikTok, the Chinese-owned video streaming app, unless its ownership is sold within a year. This law represents the most significant threat to TikTok's future in the United States and heightens the ongoing tech conflict between the US and China.
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.
TikTok removes over 75 lakh videos in Bangladesh
TikTok has removed a total of 7,599,349 (over 75 lakh) videos in Bangladesh for violating Community Guidelines in Q4 2023. Comparatively, in Q3 2023, 8,147,484 (over 80 lakh) Bangladeshi videos were removed by TikTok, showing a notable decrease in total videos removed from quarter-to-quarter.
You can now use ChatGPT without signing up
Users can now access the free version of ChatGPT without requiring to sign up via a Google, Microsoft, or Apple account. Instead, the popular AI chatbot can be directly accessed from OpenAI's official website without needing to log in.
Canada school boards sue social media giants for affecting students' mental health
Four Canadian school boards have filed a lawsuit against major social media companies, including Meta Platforms and Snap, seeking damages totalling over $2.96 billion USD. The legal action alleges that the companies' products, designed to foster compulsive usage, have negatively affected students' mental health and learning processes.
YouTube removes over 152K videos in Bangladesh
In the fourth quarter of 2023, YouTube, the video streaming platform owned by Google, removed over nine million videos worldwide. In the same period, YouTube removed 2.25 million videos in India, making it the country with the highest number of video removals on the platform during this period. Bangladesh ranked 8th globally with 152,051 videos removed for failing to adhere to YouTube's community guidelines.
LinkedIn working on short-form video feed: report
LinkedIn, the professional networking platform, is reportedly developing a short-form video feed in the app, according to TechCrunch, an international tech news platform.
LinkedIn to launch games on its platform: report
LinkedIn, the professional networking platform owned by Microsoft, is planning to launch games on its platform. Among the early titles in development are games such as "Queens," "Inference," and "Crossclimb", according to a report by tech news platform, TechCrunch.
Microsoft Teams to integrate personal and work accounts
Microsoft is planning to introduce a unified version of Teams that combines both personal and work accounts. Currently undergoing testing, the new unified Microsoft Teams app is set to debut for commercial users in April.
U.S. passes bill that could potentially ban TikTok
The U.S. House of Representatives has recently approved a bill that requires ByteDance, the Chinese company that owns TikTok, to sell off its American assets within six months or risk being banned from operating in the country.
Spotify introduces music video feature
Spotify, the global music streaming giant, has announced the introduction of a music video feature, exclusive to its premium subscribers. This strategic expansion, part of a limited beta launch, is aimed at enriching the user experience by offering full-length music videos. Initially, this feature will be available to users in a select group of countries.
AI tools create misleading election images: Researchers
AI-based image generation tools such as OpenAI's DALL-E, Microsoft's Gemini, Stability AI's DreamStudio, and Midjourney, can produce misleading election-related images, according to researchers from the Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH), a nonprofit organisation.
