SpaceX catches reusable rocket with giant tower arms
SpaceX achieved a major milestone on Sunday by using mechanical arms on its launch tower to catch the first stage of its Starship rocket, marking a key step in developing a fully reusable space vehicle.
Next Step / Jobs of the week
Here are our picks for jobs of the week. Check out the article for more details.
TikTok to undergo mass layoffs; about 500 in Malaysia
TikTok is laying off hundreds of employees globally, including about 500 in Malaysia, as it shifts to AI-driven content moderation.
Elon Musk unveils Cybercab, Tesla's new robotaxi
Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently introduced the Cybercab, the company's new robotaxi prototype, at an event titled 'We, Robot' in Burbank, California. The vehicle is fully autonomous, designed without a steering wheel or pedals, and operates using artificial intelligence (AI) and cameras instead of lidar sensors commonly used by competitors, according to Musk.
Fake 'groom wanted' FB posts lure users to gambling sites, research finds
A recent investigation by digital security research firm Dismislab has uncovered a sophisticated scam on Facebook that uses fraudulent “groom wanted” posts to redirect users to online gambling, cryptocurrency trading, and foreign exchange sites.
Turkey blocks Discord after platform refusal to share data
Turkey has blocked access to the instant messaging platform Discord following the platform's refusal to comply with government requests for data.
Taking care of your mental health as a corporate employee
While many organisations now acknowledge the importance of mental health, the practical reality for employees navigating the corporate maze often paints a different picture. So, how can corporate employees protect their mental well-being without sacrificing their professional responsibilities? On the occasion of World Mental Health Day, here are a few strategies—tempered with a dose of realism—to help manage the pressures of office life.
Kashfia Arfa: Accelerating change for women in racing
Kashfia Arfa, a female Bangladeshi racer, recently made headlines after securing a position in the top six at the Asian Auto Gymkhana Championship 2024 Round 2, competing against seasoned racers from across Asia.
10 business lessons from Ratan Tata
Here are 10 lessons derived from Ratan Tata's remarkable journey.
Apple's silicon revolution: From mobile to AI data centres
Apple is now positioning itself as a key player in the future of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and edge computing infrastructure, leveraging its custom silicon to drive the next generation of data centres. Let's take a look at the tech giant's journey in the realm of custom silicon chip.
Nobel prizes for AI researchers raise concerns about prize categories
The recent awarding of Nobel Prizes in chemistry and physics to Google-affiliated AI pioneers has sparked controversy, raising questions about Big Tech’s growing influence in cutting-edge research and whether the Nobel Prize categories adequately reflect modern scientific breakthroughs, according to a recent report by Reuters.
EDITOR'S PICK
LATEST
Samsung India employee strike continues into second month
More than 1,000 workers at the Samsung Electronics factory in southern India have continued their strike into its second month, rejecting a recent settlement offer from the company. The workers, stationed at a facility near Chennai in Tamil Nadu, are demanding higher wages and official recognition of their union, as per a recent report by Reuters.
The lasting legacy of Ratan Tata, the business icon
Ratan Tata, the revered chairman emeritus of Tata Sons and one of India’s most respected business magnates, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 86 in a Mumbai hospital.
Shift / The final bombshell: Thank you and goodbye to Clarkson, Hammond, and May
After 22 years on the road, three of the world’s most recognisable motoring journalists – Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May – have finally reached the end of it. In the process, they have managed to make cars and everything about them more entertaining and palatable to a wider, more generalised audience.
Analysts worry about AI's profitability: report
The rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly in the realm of generative AI, is raising concerns about profitability and sustainability despite the overwhelming enthusiasm from investors and industry leaders, according to a recent report by AFP.
Press Release / Grameenphone launches Bangladesh’s first limitless internet packs
Grameenphone has introduced the country’s first speed-based limitless internet packs
13 US states sue TikTok over alleged harm to young users
TikTok is facing new legal challenges as 13 US states and Washington DC filed lawsuits accusing the platform of harming young users through addictive software and inadequate safety measures.
STARTUPS
Press Release / Bangladeshi startup Jatri enters Saudi and UAE markets
Jatri, a Bangladeshi multi-modal travel platform, is entering the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) market, beginning with Saudi Arabia and the UAE, through the launch of 'Saafir.'
Toyota invests $500 mln in electric air taxi startup
Toyota has made a $500 million investment in Joby Aviation, a California-based startup focused on developing electric air taxis, according to a recent blog post by Toyota.
“Godmother of AI” raises USD 230 mln for AI startup
An artificial intelligence researcher, Fei-Fei Li also nicknamed as the “Godmother of AI” has raised USD 230 million for AI startup “World Labs” along with her three colleagues to develop AI technology that can comprehend how the three-dimensional physical world works, the company announced on Friday.
Bangladeshi Stanford graduate’s AI startup receives $750K funding
Story Engine Inc., an AI startup co-founded by Bangladeshi Stanford graduate Sheikh Srijon, has received $750,000 in pre-seed funding from the reputed venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz (A16Z). The startup, founded by Sheikh Srijon, Zhizhuo Zhou, and Wanrong He, aims to revolutionise the realm of webtoon and anime creation through generative AI technology.
Optimizely earns 'Great Place To Work' certification
Optimizely earns 'Great Place To Work' certification, celebrates culture of innovation and employee well-being
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".
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.
APPS
When is Apple Intelligence coming out?
Apple Intelligence, the tech giant’s next big innovation for iPhones, iPads, and Macs, is almost here—and it’s expected to change how we interact with these devices. But when exactly will it arrive?
Criminal networks in Southeast Asia exploit Telegram: UN report
Criminal networks in Southeast Asia are extensively using the messaging app Telegram to facilitate large-scale illegal operations, according to a report released by the United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
Google testing new 'verified check mark' feature
Google is testing a new feature that displays verified check marks next to certain businesses in its search results, aiming to help users identify trustworthy sources.
OpenAI unveils new tool to simplify AI voice assistant development
OpenAI has recently unveiled the 'Realtime API' in public beta, a tool designed to help developers create low-latency, voice-interactive applications.
Top five tools for product management
To manage these responsibilities efficiently, product managers need the right tools in their arsenal. Here is a guide to some essential tools and platforms that can help stay organised, streamline workflows, and enhance collaboration.
Google Maps will restrict business profiles for fake reviews
Google Maps is tightening its grip on businesses engaging in fake reviews by imposing restrictions on profiles that violate the platform’s Fake Engagement policy, according to the support page of the company.
YouTube tests new feature allowing creators to edit videos without takedowns
YouTube is testing a new feature that allows creators to edit their videos in order to remove age restrictions or restore content that has been flagged for violating the platform's Community Guidelines, according to a recent post on its support page.
GADGETS
Press Release / 'X' launches new smartwatches in Bangladesh
A new smartwatch featuring a 3D interface has been launched in Bangladesh by the Hong Kong-based brand ‘X.’
Press Release / Heilo 90 launched in Bangladesh
Edison Group has officially launched the helio 90 smartphone in Bangladesh.
Meta to begin mixed-reality headset production in Vietnam
Meta has announced plans to begin production of its latest mixed-reality headsets in Vietnam in 2025. The tech giant made this announcement during a visit by Nick Clegg, Meta’s President for Global Affairs, to Vietnam, a week after he met with the country’s president, Tô Lâm, in New York.
Leaks suggest Google Pixel 9A might lose camera bar
Google's upcoming Pixel 9A may see a significant design shift, with recent leaks hinting that the device could lose its signature camera bar, according to a recent report by Android Headlines.
Press Release / Infinix launches Note 40S in Bangladesh
Infinix has officially launched the Note 40S in Bangladesh.
Press Release / Vivo launches V40 in Bangladesh
Vivo V40 5G has been officially launched in Bangladesh.
GUIDES
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.
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 not handle a crisis communication: A lesson from Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola's botched ad campaign highlights the pitfalls of crisis communication.
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.
Could AI win a Nobel Prize?
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to revolutionise industries from banking to content creation, it has also begun to influence scientific research, raising the question: Could AI one day win a Nobel Prize? While this may seem far-fetched today, a recent report by AFP highlights how researchers and scientists are working to develop AI systems potentially worthy of such recognition in the future.
Jobs of the week
Here are our picks for jobs of the week. Check out the article for more details.
Meta announces Movie Gen, AI video generator
Meta has announced an AI-powered video generator, dubbed “Movie Gen”, capable of producing high-definition footage complete with sound, according to a recent blog post by the company.
4 Bangladeshi startups selected for Accelerating Asia Ventures’ 10th cohort
Accelerating Asia Ventures has announced its 10th cohort of startups, selecting nine companies from Southeast Asia, with four from Bangladesh.
Bangladesh’s Ifty becomes 1st runner-up at IEEE R10-HTC 2024 Innovation Challenge
Project AgriSage Tech by Rashedul Arefin Ifty from Bangladesh secured the 1st runner-up position at the 12th IEEE Region 10 (Asia-Pacific Region) - Humanitarian Technology Conference 2024 Innovation Challenge held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on October 1.
BRACU alumni-led startup redefining possibilities underwater
The goal of DuboTech is to make life efficient, safer, and easier, especially when it concerns underwater research and other industrial purposes.
Amazon to hire 250,000 workers for upcoming holidays
Amazon has announced plans to hire 250,000 transportation and warehouse workers for the upcoming holiday shopping season, matching its hiring efforts from last year, as per a recent Reuters report.
Tesla plans new battery designs for Cybertruck and robotaxis: report
Tesla is working on four new battery designs, including ones for its upcoming Cybertruck and robotaxis, according to a recent report by The Information. As per the report, this plan is part of a broader strategy to reduce reliance on suppliers and cut costs.
SWIFT prepares for digital currency transactions in 2025
SWIFT, the global bank messaging network, is set to trial live transactions involving tokenised assets and digital currencies next year, according to a recent report by Reuters.
OpenAI raises $6.6 bln funding from Microsoft, Nvidia, and others
OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, has raised $6.6 billion in new funding, attracting major investors including Microsoft, Nvidia, Thrive Capital, and Khosla Ventures, according to a recent Reuters report.