PUBG to launch local server for Bangladesh

Krafton’s Player Unknown's Battlegrounds (PUBG) Mobile has announced plans to launch a dedicated local server for Bangladesh on April 20. The local server is expected to go live in the coming months.

Global smartphone shipments increased 1.5% in Q1 2025

Global smartphone shipments rose modestly by 1.5 percent year-over-year (YoY) in the first quarter of 2025, reaching 304.9 million units, according to preliminary data from the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker published on April 14.

Next Step / Jobs of the week

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

Google is building an AI model to talk to dolphins

Google has recently unveiled DolphinGemma, an artificial intelligence model designed to analyse and mimic dolphin vocalisations. Developed in collaboration with the Wild Dolphin Project (WDP) and Georgia Tech, the AI processes decades of recorded dolphin sounds to identify patterns and predict communication sequences—much like how AI models anticipate text in human language.

Vivo launches V50 Lite in Bangladesh

Vivo has officially launched the V50 Lite smartphone in Bangladesh.

Humanoid robots take part in China half-marathon

Twenty-one humanoid robots joined thousands of runners at the Yizhuang half-marathon in Beijing yesterday, the first time these machines have raced alongside humans over a 21-km (13-mile) course.

Android will auto-reboot your phone if locked for three days: report

Android is rolling out a new optional security feature that automatically reboots devices if they remain locked for three consecutive days, according to a report by 9to5Google. The update, delivered via the upcoming Google Play services version 25.14, aims to enhance security by forcing devices into a 'Before First Unlock (BFU)' state, requiring a PIN or pattern instead of biometrics to regain access.

Xbox is making game purchases possible from mobile app

Xbox has recently announced that it is introducing the feature to purchase games and downloadable content (DLC) directly from its mobile app. The update, currently available to beta testers on iOS and Android, is expected to roll out more broadly in the near future.

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.

Huawei opens registration for Seeds for the Future Bangladesh 2025

Huawei has officially announced the registration opening for the 2025 edition of ‘Seeds for the Future’, the company’s flagship ICT talent development initiative, at a launching event held at the Huawei Bangladesh Academy on April, 19.

OpenAI making its own X-like social media platform: report

ChatGPT-maker OpenAI is developing its own social media platform, according to sources familiar with internal discussions reported by The Verge. While still in the early prototyping stages, the experimental project reportedly features a social feed integrated with ChatGPT's image generation capabilities—potentially positioning OpenAI against rivals like Elon Musk's X and Meta.

LATEST

LATEST

Press Release / Realme launches C75x in Bangladesh

Realme has officially launched the realme C75x in Bangladesh. 

Press Release / Huawei organises campus recruitment at CUET

Huawei has recently conducted a campus recruitment programme at Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET), offering employment opportunities to graduating students in the fields of information and communication technology. 

High school student discovers 1.5 million cosmic objects using AI

A California high school student has made an extraordinary contribution to astronomy by developing an artificial intelligence (AI) system that uncovered 1.5 million previously unknown objects in space. Seventeen-year-old Matteo Paz's work, conducted through Caltech's Planet Finder Academy, has now been published in 'The Astronomical Journal' – a remarkable achievement for a single-author paper by a teenage scientist.

Team Adamantine to fly Hong Kong in June to represent Bangladesh

Team Adamantine from Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP) has recently secured first place in the ‘Business Case Competition 2025’ and will represent Bangladesh at the HSBC/HKU Asia Pacific Business Case Competition in Hong Kong this June. 

Bangladeshi founders raise $2.6M to launch world’s first self-driving AI CRM

Bangladeshi-led startup Octolane secures $2.6M to launch the world’s first self-driving AI CRM, transforming how sales teams engage with customers.

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.  

STARTUPS

STARTUPS

Former OpenAI leaders join ex-CTO Mira Murati's AI startup

Two former OpenAI researchers have joined Thinking Machines Lab, the new artificial intelligence venture launched by ex-OpenAI CTO Mira Murati. Bob McGrew, OpenAI's former chief research officer, and Alec Radford, a key researcher behind the GPT technology, are now advising the startup, as per the company's official website.

Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025 / Bangladesh Bank announces Tk 800 crore equity fund for startups

Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr Ahsan H. Mansur today announced two major funds to support the country’s startup ecosystem during the ongoing Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025.

10 biggest tech acquisitions of the decade

The tech world has seen some jaw-dropping deals over the past decade, with companies shelling out billions to dominate markets, expand their ecosystems, and stay ahead of the competition. Here’s a look at the largest tech deals that have reshaped the industry in the last decade.

Chip startup Celestial AI raises $250 million

Celestial AI, a Silicon Valley startup developing technology to speed up artificial intelligence (AI) systems, has recently raised an additional $250 million in venture capital, bringing the company’s total funding to $515 million.

Grubhub to fire 500 employees

Grubhub, the US-based food delivery company, has announced plans to lay off approximately 500 employees, representing more than 20% of its workforce, according to an official letter by Grubhub CEO Howard Migdal.

GP accelerator gala celebrates 20 startups

Grameenphone (GP) hosted the gala event for its GP Accelerator initiative, ‘Jelay Jelay Smart Uddyokta’, in Dhaka, celebrating the achievements of 20 startups. 

Former OpenAI CTO launches new startup; hires several OpenAI employees

Mira Murati, the former OpenAI Chief Technology Officer, has recently launched her new AI startup, Thinking Machines Lab, assembling a team of 30 top researchers and engineers. About 20 of these hires are former OpenAI employees, with additional experts coming from companies such as Meta and Mistral.

APPS

APPS

OpenAI releases GPT-4.1 models with improved coding capabilities

OpenAI has recently launched its latest AI models, GPT-4.1, GPT-4.1 mini, and GPT-4.1 nano, which the company claims to offer improvements in coding, instruction following, and long-context comprehension. These models are currently only available through OpenAI's API (Application Programming Interface). 

Meta releases latest multimodal AI models, Llama 4

Meta has just released Llama 4, its newest set of artificial intelligence models, designed to process and generate text, images, audio, and video. The first two publicly available versions—Llama 4 Scout and Llama 4 Maverick—are now open for download, while a more advanced model, Llama 4 Behemoth, remains in development.

How Netflix’s UGC is a masterclass in brand loyalty

Netflix has long been at the forefront of digital entertainment, leading the shift from DVD rentals to streaming dominance. But its latest move—integrating user-generated content (UGC) into its platform—is perhaps one of its most ingenious strategies so far.

Signal: The encrypted app that hosted Trump aides' war plans

When top aides to US President Donald Trump recently discussed military strikes against Yemen’s Houthi militants, they turned to Signal—a messaging app prized for its secrecy. Launched in 2014, Signal is a free, open-source app that promises ironclad privacy. It uses 'end-to-end encryption', meaning only the sender and recipient can read messages—not even Signal itself.

Relying on ChatGPT a lot? Study says you’re lonely

Imagine confiding in a chatbot about your bad day, only to end up feeling more alone. New research from OpenAI and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) suggests that while most people use ChatGPT for practical tasks, a small group of heavy users might be trading quick comfort for creeping loneliness—or even emotional dependency.

Adobe launches AI agents for online marketing

Adobe has introduced a new suite of AI-powered tools designed to help businesses improve online marketing and deliver personalised customer experiences. The announcement, made during the company’s annual developer conference, focuses on the 'Adobe Experience Platform (AEP) Agent Orchestrator', a system that allows businesses to build, manage, and coordinate AI agents from Adobe and third-party providers.

US Commerce Department bans DeepSeek on government devices: report

In a recent email to staffers that was seen by Reuters, the department warned against downloading or accessing any DeepSeek-related applications, websites, or desktop apps, stating the move is necessary to “keep Department of Commerce information systems safe.”

GADGETS

GADGETS

Press Release / Tecno introduces Camon 40 and Camon 40 Pro

Tecno has recently introduced the Camon 40 and Camon 40 Pro smartphones in the Bangladesh market. 

Press Release / Infinix launches Note 50 Series in Bangladesh

Smartphone manufacturer Infinix has launched its new Note 50 series in Bangladesh, featuring a combination of AI-enabled tools, AMOLED displays, and a national 0% EMI instalment offer. The series includes three models: the Note 50, Note 50 Pro, and Note 50 Pro+.

Apple Watch alerts save New Zealand woman from rare cancer

NZ psychiatrist Amanda Faulkner credits her Apple Watch for saving her life after its heart rate alerts revealed rare blood cancer. The persistent warnings from her Series 10 model caught what she'd dismissed as fatigue, leading to an emergency leukemia diagnosis.

Apple transports 1.5 million iPhones from India to avoid US tariffs: report

Apple has transported approximately 1.5 million iPhones from India to the United States via chartered cargo flights in recent months, according to a recent Reuters report. The tech giant's logistical push comes as it seeks to avoid steep tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on Chinese imports, with India offering a more favourable trade alternative.

Apple may expand iPhone production to Brazil to avoid US tariffs: report

Apple is considering increasing iPhone assembly in Brazil to reduce the impact of new US tariffs on Chinese imports, according to a recent report by Apple-centric news platform 9to5Mac. US President Donald Trump recently announced steep tariffs on goods from several countries, including a 34% levy on Chinese products—a major concern for Apple, which manufactures most of its devices in China.

Google Pixel 9a vs Apple iPhone 16e: Which one to go for?

Selecting the best midrange smartphone can be difficult, particularly with the two new options: the Pixel 9a and the iPhone 16e. Both phones offer great features, performance, and design, but which one best suits your requirements? Let's look at several aspects of both models to help you make an informed choice.

GUIDES

GUIDES

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.

How to backup everything on your Google account

Our Google accounts hold a significant amount of data, from cherished photos and important documents to critical emails and contacts. Here are some ways in which you can backup valuable information and files from various Google apps.

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.

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.

1m 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.

2m 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.

7m ago

Introducing iPhone 16

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

7m 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

12m 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

Meta to train AI models using public content in the EU

Meta has announced on April 14, that it will begin training its artificial intelligence models using public content shared by adults on its platforms within the European Union, including posts and comments. 

5d ago

Intel to sell 51% stake in Altera chip business to Silver Lake

Intel has announced on April 14, that it will sell a 51 percent stake in its Altera semiconductor division to private equity firm Silver Lake, in a deal that values the business at $8.75 billion. 

5d ago

Tech startups win big at 'Future of Capitalism' competition

The grand final of 'The Future of Capitalism', a startup competition, took place on April 11, organised by the Institute of Business Administration (IBA). Airwork.ai, a local talent platform, won the overall competition, with agritech startups iPage Global Ltd. and Dr. Chashi emerging as the first and second runners-up respectively.

6d ago

Postal workers to get e-bikes for smooth delivery services: Faiz Taiyeb

Bangladesh’s postal service is introducing a series of reforms aimed at improving delivery efficiency, including the allocation of electric bikes to postmen, according to Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser at the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunication and Information Technology.

1w ago

Google lays off hundreds of employees including Android, Pixel teams: report

Alphabet’s Google has laid off hundreds of employees across its platforms and devices unit, which includes team members responsible for Android, Pixel smartphones, and the Chrome browser, according to a recent report by The Information. 

1w ago

Tecno introduces Camon 40 and Camon 40 Pro

Tecno has recently introduced the Camon 40 and Camon 40 Pro smartphones in the Bangladesh market. 

1w ago

Infinix launches Note 50 Series in Bangladesh

Smartphone manufacturer Infinix has launched its new Note 50 series in Bangladesh, featuring a combination of AI-enabled tools, AMOLED displays, and a national 0% EMI instalment offer. The series includes three models: the Note 50, Note 50 Pro, and Note 50 Pro+.

1w ago

Apple Watch alerts save New Zealand woman from rare cancer

NZ psychiatrist Amanda Faulkner credits her Apple Watch for saving her life after its heart rate alerts revealed rare blood cancer. The persistent warnings from her Series 10 model caught what she'd dismissed as fatigue, leading to an emergency leukemia diagnosis.

1w ago

Apple transports 1.5 million iPhones from India to avoid US tariffs: report

Apple has transported approximately 1.5 million iPhones from India to the United States via chartered cargo flights in recent months, according to a recent Reuters report. The tech giant's logistical push comes as it seeks to avoid steep tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on Chinese imports, with India offering a more favourable trade alternative.

1w ago

Trump pushes coal to power AI data centres

US President Donald Trump has recently signed an executive order directing federal agencies to explore using coal to power energy-intensive AI data centres, calling it part of a broader effort to revive the struggling coal industry.

1w ago