OpenAI receives $200 million contract from US Defense

The US Department of Defense has awarded OpenAI a $200 million contract to develop artificial intelligence tools for national security applications, according to a Pentagon announcement on Monday. The agreement calls for the ChatGPT creator to build prototype AI systems addressing both military and government operational challenges.

Next Step / Juggling academics and work life as a computer science major

The world of computer science, as saturated as it is, still allures fresh faces by the minute. The usual roadmap is to go through the motions of a degree, choosing a specialisation in the final year, and then opting to conduct thesis work or land an internship. It’s an age-old blueprint that’s been tried and tested.

Press Release / Phoenix Summit 2025 highlights Bangladesh’s cybersecurity ambitions

The Phoenix Summit 2025, a flagship cybersecurity conference hosted by NCC, concluded on 24 May after three days of extensive dialogue, technical insight and cross-sector collaboration. Held in the capital, the summit brought together more than 3,500 participants, including experts, policymakers, academics and private sector representatives, reinforcing Bangladesh’s commitment to building a robust digital security framework.

Washington Post hit by cyberattack targeting journalists' emails: Report

The Washington Post is investigating a cyberattack that targeted the email accounts of several of its journalists, according to a recent report by Reuters.

UIU team ranks 2nd in Asia and 7th globally at CanSat 2025

Team UIU secured seventh place globally, and second place among Asian teams.

New York passes AI safety bill to prevent "catastrophic risks to humanity"

New York state lawmakers have recently approved a first-of-its-kind bill requiring major AI developers to implement safety measures preventing catastrophic misuse of their technology. 

Jobs of the week

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

Scientists build a fully 2D, non-silicon computer

A team of researchers at Penn State University have created a working computer using ultra-thin, two-dimensional materials instead of silicon, potentially paving the way for thinner, faster, and more energy-efficient electronics. 

This company introduced a hotline for calling its CEO’s AI clone

Klarna, a Swedish fintech company, has recently launched an artificial intelligence-powered hotline allowing users to provide feedback directly to a virtual version of its CEO and co-founder, Sebastian Siemiatkowski.

Meta invests $14.8 bln in Scale AI, hires its 28-year-old CEO

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has invested $14.8 billion in Scale AI, a data-labeling startup, in a deal that values the company at $29 billion. As part of the agreement, Scale AI’s 28-year-old CEO, Alexandr Wang, will step down to join Meta’s artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives.

Bangladeshi-born scientist among top 0.5% in global scholarly rankings

Dr Md Manjurul Ahsan, a Bangladeshi-born scientist and current Research Assistant Professor at the University of Oklahoma, has been ranked among the top 0.5% of scholars worldwide, according to the 2024 Top Scholar rankings by ScholarGPS , a global scholarly analytics platform.

LATEST

LATEST

Sam Altman’s orb is watching to check if you are human

A biometric identity verification project co-founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Alex Blania is launching in the United Kingdom this week. The initiative, known as ‘World’, relies on a device called the ‘Orb’ to scan people's eyes to confirm whether users are human.

Meta and TikTok to begin legal battles with EU on tech fees: Report

Meta Platforms and TikTok have challenged a supervisory fee imposed by the European Union (EU), arguing that the levy is disproportionate and based on flawed calculations, according to a recent report by Reuters.

Self-driving delivery vehicles company backed by OpenAI CEO raises $80 mln

Coco Robotics, a Los Angeles-based startup developing self-driving delivery vehicles, has raised $80 million in new funding, the company announced on June 11.

EU plots energy saving rules for power-hungry data centres: Report

The European Union (EU) is preparing new rules aimed at improving the energy efficiency of data centres, said the bloc’s energy commissioner, as the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) places increasing strain on electricity supplies.

France eyes to ban social media for users under 15 following school stabbing

French President Emmanuel Macron has announced plans to push for a ban on social media access for teens under 15 across the European Union (EU), following a deadly stabbing at a middle school in north-east France.

Liquid glass design, iOS 26 and major announcements at Apple’s WWDC 2025

At its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on June 9, Apple lifted the veil on iOS 26, unveiling a refreshed design called ‘Liquid Glass’.

STARTUPS

STARTUPS

Student-led edtech joins four global startup hubs

Rectify Learn, an edtech startup founded by three students from Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP), has been accepted into four global entrepreneurship support programs: Microsoft for Startups, GitHub for Startups, Notion for Startups, and Miro for Startups, while still in its early development phase.

Salesforce to acquire data management firm Informatica for $8 billion

Salesforce has announced plans to acquire data management firm Informatica for about $8 billion, marking its largest deal since purchasing Slack for $27.7 billion in 2021. According to a recent Reuters report on the matter, this all-cash offer of $25 per share represents a 30% premium over Informatica's recent stock price.  

Press Release / Startup Bangladesh pushes 7-pillar strategy to fix ecosystem gaps

Startup Bangladesh Limited (SBL) has unveiled a strategic roadmap focused on strengthening the country’s innovation ecosystem on May 24.

OpenAI acquires iPhone designer Jony Ive's startup for $6.5 bln

OpenAI has struck a deal to acquire io Products, the hardware startup founded by former Apple design chief Jony Ive, in a transaction valued at $6.5 billion, as per a recent report by Reuters. Additionally, OpenAI will bring Ive on board to lead design and creative development of new devices tailored for the AI era, according to OpenAI's official website.

Three Bangladeshis featured in Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2025

Three entrepreneurs from Bangladesh have been named in the latest Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list for 2025: Arefin Zaman in the 'Healthcare & Science' category, Sakib Hossain in the 'Industry, Manufacturing & Energy' category, and Sayed Zubaer Hasan in the 'Social Impact' category. 

Instacart CEO Fidji Simo is joining OpenAI

Fidji Simo, the current CEO of Instacart, is set to join OpenAI as CEO of Applications, the company announced on May 7. 

SBL announces new investment in Shikho

Startup Bangladesh Limited (SBL), the government-backed venture capital arm of the ICT Division, has announced a strategic investment in Shikho, an EdTech startup, in a move aimed at accelerating the adoption of AI-driven learning tools across Bangladesh on May 7.

APPS

APPS

X rolls out new encrypted messaging feature, XChat

X has begun rolling out a beta version of XChat, a redesigned messaging system for its paid subscribers, according to a recent post by X owner Elon Musk. The new feature includes end-to-end encryption, file sharing, and audio-video calling capabilities without requiring phone numbers, as per official statements.

WhatsApp status is becoming similar to Facebook story

WhatsApp has announced a series of updates to its Status feature on May 29, bringing it closer in style and function to Facebook Stories.

DeepSeek quietly updates its R1 reasoning model

Chinese AI startup DeepSeek has released an update to its R1 reasoning model. The new version, named R1-0528, was published on developer platform Hugging Face on May 29, although the company has not yet issued an official announcement.

Vietnam plans Telegram block; app says it’s “surprised”

Vietnam’s Ministry of Information and Communications has instructed domestic telecommunication service providers to block access to the messaging platform Telegram, citing the app’s alleged failure to cooperate with authorities in addressing criminal activities, according to a recent report by Reuters. 

YouTube will use Gemini to place ads in ‘peak’ video moments

YouTube has announced on 14 May that it will begin using Google's Gemini artificial intelligence (AI) model to identify the most engaging segments of videos for advertising placements. 

TikTok to use AI-generated text to describe images

TikTok has announced that the company is testing a new feature that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to generate image descriptions, in an effort to make the platform more accessible for users with visual impairments. 

Meta admitted Facebook was "losing badly" to TikTok: court filings

Meta executives, including CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Instagram head Adam Mosseri, openly acknowledged TikTok's dominance over Facebook and Instagram in key areas of social media engagement, during discussions dated February 2022, filed as part of the US Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) antitrust lawsuit against Meta, according to a recent report by TechCrunch.

GADGETS

GADGETS

Ditch the mug. Dad deserves a cool gadget this Father's Day

Finding the perfect gift for Dad isn’t always easy - especially when he’s not big on gadgets. But the right piece of tech can still make his life easier, more enjoyable, and even a little more fun. Here are our top picks for tech gifts to consider this Father’s Day.

Snap announces new AR glasses for 2026 release

Snap Inc., the company behind the social media app Snapchat, has revealed plans to launch its newest augmented reality (AR) glasses, called Specs, in 2026. The announcement was made at the Augmented World Expo 2025, marking the company's latest attempt to establish itself in the wearable AR market after mixed results with previous iterations of its 'Spectacles' line.

Review / Realme GT 7 Dream Edition: a high-speed tribute to Aston Martin and F1 fans

The Realme GT 7 Dream Edition arrives with an unmistakable sense of occasion. More than just a design refresh, this limited-edition model is a co-branded collaboration with the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team.

iPhone 17 Air leak reveals ultra-slim 5.5 mm body

A new video regarding iPhone leaks posted online by a well-known leaker, known by the handle MajinBu, claims to show a dummy unit of the upcoming iPhone 17 Air, a device that, if the footage is authentic, could represent a significant design shift for Apple.

Press Release / Asus launches NVIDIA RTX 5090 gaming laptops in Bangladesh

Asus has officially launched the ROG Strix SCAR 18 series laptops equipped with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 and RTX 5090 GPUs in Bangladesh. 

Press Release / Samsung Galaxy A26 5G and A36 5G launched in Bangladesh

Samsung has recently launched its Galaxy A26 5G and A36 5G smartphones in Bangladesh. 

GUIDES

GUIDES

How to use tap to pay with Google Wallet

Google Wallet, formerly known as Google Pay, includes a 'tap to pay' function, allowing users to complete transactions by unlocking their device and holding it near a compatible point-of-sale terminal. This system is designed to facilitate payments without the need for physical cards. Here's how to use it.

You can get up to $100,000 for hacking Starlink's network

Want to get paid big bucks for hacking satellites? Elon Musk's Starlink is offering security researchers and ethical hackers up to $100,000 if they can crack its global satellite internet network - legally. As of February 11, 2025, the company's bug bounty program on Bugcrowd has already paid out for 118 vulnerabilities, with an average reward of $1,466.66 per bug over the last three months.

10 prompt engineering tips to get better AI responses

Ever wondered why some people get brilliant results from AI tools like Gemini, while others receive gibberish? The secret lies in prompt engineering, the craft of designing clear, practical instructions for AI systems. Here are 10 essential prompt engineering tips to dramatically improve your AI interactions.  

A beginner’s guide to buying graphics cards

For those seeking higher frame rates and better visual quality, upgrading the graphics card is often the most effective way to improve performance.

Five essential gears to begin your astrophotography journey

From capturing stunning shots of the Milky Way to photographing rare cosmic events, Bangladesh’s astrophotography community is growing, fuelled by curiosity and creativity. Here are five essential pieces of gear to help you embark on your own astrophotography journey.

How to save your Facebook Live videos before they are deleted

Starting February 19, Facebook will automatically delete live broadcast videos from Pages and profiles after 30 days, according to a recent announcement by the popular social media platform. Users who want to keep their live videos must download or transfer them before they expire. Here's how you do so.

How to save space on your phone

Running out of space on your phone can be frustrating, especially when you want to take a photo or download something important. Whether you're using an Android or iPhone, here are seven practical tips to help you reclaim storage and keep your phone running smoothly.

Videos and Podcasts

Videos and Podcasts

Starlink: Yunus asks Musk to come over, launch it within 90 days

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has extended an invitation to billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk to visit Bangladesh and oversee the launch of SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service in the country within the next 90 working days.

3m ago

Will DeepSeek become a major competitor to OpenAI?

The competition in the world of artificial intelligence, or AI, is getting more intense day by day. Along with powerful models like OpenAI's ChatGPT, China's DeepSeeK AI is also gaining popularity. How is this new AI startup surprising the whole world? Let's find out in today's Star Explains.

4m ago

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.

9m ago

Introducing iPhone 16

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

9m 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

1y 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

SpaceX VP meets Yunus; says Starlink technical launch by May

Lauren Dreyer, Vice President for Global Engagement at SpaceX, met with Bangladesh's Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on the sidelines of the Earthna Summit in Doha, Qatar on Wednesday. Their discussion centred on the final stages of the collaboration that is set to bring SpaceX's Starlink satellite services to Bangladesh.

1m ago

OpenAI is interested in buying Google Chrome

Could OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, soon own Google Chrome? That possibility emerged during Google’s high-stakes antitrust trial in Washington, where an OpenAI executive testified that the AI firm would be interested in acquiring Chrome if regulators force Google to sell the browser as part of efforts to restore competition in online search.

1m ago

Intel to fire over 21,000 employees: report  

Intel is planning to cut over 20% of its workforce, amounting to over 21,000 employees, this week as part of a drastic restructuring effort under new CEO Lip-Bu Tan, according to a recent Bloomberg report citing sources familiar with the matter.

1m ago

Kicked from Columbia, backed by VCs: AI cheating tool raises $5.3 mln

A controversial artificial intelligence (AI) startup that began as a tool for cheating in job interviews has secured $5.3 million in seed funding, despite its founders being suspended from Columbia University over its creation.

1m ago

Microsoft enforces stricter rules for underperforming employees

Microsoft has rolled out stricter performance management policies that could make it harder for low-scoring employees to remain with or return to the company, according to a recent report by Business Insider. In an internal email, Chief People Officer Amy Coleman outlined new measures designed to streamline accountability, including a two-year rehire ban for employees who exit due to poor performance.

1m ago

Shahir Chowdhury on how ed-tech could transform Bangladesh

Ed-tech—education technology—is more than digitised classrooms; it’s a comprehensive reimagining of teaching and learning at scale. ed-tech democratises education, making top-quality teachers, resources, and tools accessible regardless of geography or income.

1m ago

Vibe coding: what is it?

If you’ve been browsing tech news or developer forums lately, you might’ve come across a curious term: 'vibe coding'. At first glance, it sounds simple—maybe even a bit mysterious—but it’s gaining traction among beginners and seasoned developers alike. But what is it, and why are so many developers embracing the vibe? Let's take a look.

1m ago

WhatsApp is rolling out in-app translation services

WhatsApp has announced that it is introducing a new in-app translation feature that enables users to translate messages and channel updates directly within the app, using entirely on-device processing to maintain privacy and preserve end-to-end encryption. 

1m ago

Saying ‘Please’ and ‘Thank you’ to ChatGPT is costing millions in electricity: OpenAI CEO

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has suggested that users’ politeness toward AI may be having a tangible financial impact, revealing that simple expressions such as "please" and "thank you" could be contributing to electricity costs amounting to tens of millions of dollars.

1m ago

Chrome on trial: Google faces historic antitrust showdown

Google is set to face a historic antitrust trial in Washington this week, as the US Department of Justice (DOJ) moves to compel the tech giant to divest its Chrome browser in order to reintroduce competition into the online search market.

1m ago