OpenAI partners with Google Cloud for AI infrastructure supply

OpenAI has expanded its computing power sources by partnering with Google Cloud, according to an update on its website. The deal, finalised in May after months of negotiations, marks a strategic shift as the ChatGPT maker diversifies beyond its primary backer, Microsoft.

You can use Rapid Pass on Hatirjheel buses from July 20

The Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA) plans to launch Rapid Pass, the smart ticketing system, on all Hatirjheel circular buses by July 20, 2025, following trial operations which began from July 14.

Microsoft’s AI just got eyes on everything you are doing

Microsoft is expanding the capabilities of its AI assistant, Copilot, with a feature called Copilot Vision, allowing the tool to see and interpret everything on a user’s screen. 

Starlink wants to launch its third-generation satellites in 2026

Starlink, the satellite internet division of SpaceX, is preparing to launch its third-generation satellites in the first half of 2026, with the promise of major performance improvements over its existing network.

Honor launches X6c smartphone in Bangladesh

Honor has officially launched the Honor X6c smartphone in Bangladesh at an event on July 15.

National Semiconductor Symposium 2025 kicks off

The inaugural session of the country's first Biotic Electronics AI and Robotics (BEAR) Summit and Bangladesh National Semiconductor Symposium 2025 was held at Dhaka on July 16.

TikTok-owner ByteDance developing lightweight mixed-reality goggles: report

TikTok’s parent company ByteDance is working on lightweight mixed-reality goggles through its VR subsidiary Pico, according to a recent report from The Information. The device aims to compete with Meta’s upcoming AR glasses, offering a lightweight alternative to bulkier VR headsets, states the report.

Infinix GT 30 Pro launched in Bangladesh

Infinix has officially launched the GT 30 Pro in Bangladesh.

Chinese AI models are "world-class", says Nvidia CEO  

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang called AI models from Chinese tech giants Alibaba, Tencent, and DeepSeek "world-class" during a Beijing supply chain expo on Wednesday. His visit comes just after Nvidia confirmed it will resume sales of its H20 AI chips in China, pending US government approvals for each order.

Meta to spend hundreds of billions on massive AI data centres

Mark Zuckerberg recently announced that Meta will invest hundreds of billions to build massive AI data centres, including two named Prometheus (launching 2026) and Hyperion (scaling to 5 gigawatts). The move escalates Meta's competition with OpenAI and Google in developing advanced AI.  

I used ChatGPT for therapy. Here's what happened

Therapy can be expensive, intimidating, or just hard to access when you need it most. So I turned to something many of us already use daily: ChatGPT. I wanted to see if AI could offer any real mental health support over a week. I tested it as a digital therapist for one week. I disclosed my ideas, sought emotional support, and discussed the possibility of it being truly helpful regarding my mental condition.

LATEST

LATEST

Bitcoin climbs to record $123,000

Bitcoin surpassed $120,000 for the first time on Monday, marking a milestone for the world’s largest cryptocurrency as investors bet on long-sought policy wins for the industry this week.

Govt declares esports as official sport; national guidelines in works

The Government of Bangladesh has formally recognised esports as an official sport, aligning the country with a growing global trend of legitimising competitive video gaming.

Meta acquires a startup that makes human-like voices with AI: Report

Meta has acquired Play AI, a startup specialising in generating human-like AI-powered voices, according to a recent report by Bloomberg. 

Microsoft to stop new Office features on Windows 10 by 2026

Microsoft has confirmed that it will cease rolling out new features for its Office apps on Windows 10 starting in August 2026.

Views / ChatGPT is making us forget how to think

Lately, I have found myself in conversations where people talk about ChatGPT and the productivity boost it has brought to their lives. I have used these models. And I have felt the shift; not in the speed of my sentences, but in the weight of them. They come faster, cleaner, and somehow emptier.

You can download and play Cyberpunk 2077 for free right now

Cyberpunk 2077, the futuristic role-playing game from CD Projekt RED, is currently available at no additional cost to PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium subscribers. The

STARTUPS

STARTUPS

Google snatches AI coders after OpenAI tried to buy their startup

Google has pulled off a strategic talent acquisition by hiring key executives and engineers from AI coding startup Windsurf, following failed acquisition talks between Windsurf and Google rival OpenAI. Google will pay $2.4 billion in licensing fees to access some of Windsurf's technology while allowing the startup to remain independent, according to a report by Reuters. 

RU student-led startup secures government funding

Biko All In One, a student-led startup from Rajshahi University, has secured BDT 10 lakh pre-seed funding from the iDEA Project under the ICT Division of Bangladesh. The funding was handed over at the ICT Tower in Dhaka on June 29.

Press Release / BIDA launches redesigned investor-centric website

The Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) launched a redesigned version of its official website on June 28, aiming to enhance investor experience and strengthen the country’s investment narrative. 

Shikho partners with Meta to launch AI literacy course in Bangladesh

Shikho, the edtech platform, has recently announced a partnership with Meta to develop and deliver a new AI literacy course aimed at broadening public understanding of artificial intelligence (AI). 

Former OpenAI CTO's new startup now valued at $10 billion: report

OpenAI's former chief technology officer Mira Murati has secured $2 billion in seed funding for her new AI startup, Thinking Machines Lab, valuing the six-month-old company at $10 billion, according to a recent report by Financial Times.

AI cheating tool startup raises $15 million in funding

AI startup Cluely has secured $15 million in seed funding led by Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), about two months after closing a $5.3 million seed round. Founded by suspended Columbia University students Chungin "Roy" Lee and Neel Shanmugam, the startup has drawn attention for its AI cheating tools and unconventional marketing campaigns.

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.

APPS

APPS

Press Release / TikTok rolls out flood misinformation filter in Bangladesh

TikTok has recently introduced a new in-app feature in Bangladesh aimed at limiting the spread of misinformation during the monsoon flood season. 

YouTube is getting rid of its Trending section

YouTube is getting rid of its Trending section, with the viral video showcase disappearing from the platform by July 21. The move marks the end of a popular feature, as the platform shifts toward personalised recommendations and specialised charts.

Microsoft Outlook faces global outage

Microsoft Outlook, the popular email app by Microsoft, is reportedly down, with users around the world experiencing issues accessing or sending emails since early today.

YouTube's new monetisation rule targets "mass-produced, inauthentic" content

YouTube has announced significant updates to its Partner Program (YPP) monetisation policies, set to take effect on July 15, 2025. The changes specifically target mass-produced and repetitive content - a move many believe aims to curb the growing problem of 'AI slop' flooding the platform.

Elon Musk's xAI launches Grok 4 AI model and $300/month premium plan

Elon Musk's artificial intelligence company xAI has recently introduced its newest AI model, Grok 4, alongside a premium $300-per-month 'SuperGrok Heavy' subscription plan.

Twitter co-founder launches Bluetooth-only messaging app

Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey has recently introduced Bitchat, a new peer-to-peer messaging app that operates entirely over Bluetooth, requiring no internet connection, phone numbers, or centralised servers. The experimental app, now in beta via Apple’s TestFlight, enables encrypted, ephemeral chats between nearby devices, even during internet blackouts or censorship attempts.

Trump says buyer found for TikTok

US President Donald Trump in a Fox News interview on Sunday said that a deal to buy the popular short-video app TikTok is underway and involves “very wealthy people”, whose identities he plans to reveal in about two weeks.

GADGETS

GADGETS

OnePlus officially launches Nord 5 series and IoT lineup in Bangladesh

OnePlus has officially introduced the Nord 5 series in Bangladesh, unveiling the OnePlus Nord 5 and Nord CE5 smartphones. With this launch, the brand also expanded its ecosystem by introducing a range of IoT products, including the OnePlus Watch 3, OnePlus Buds 4, and the OnePlus Pad 3.

Nvidia announces GeForce RTX 5050 gaming GPU, starts from $249

Nvidia has unveiled its latest entry-level gaming GPU, the GeForce RTX 5050, bringing its new Blackwell architecture to a wider audience. The GPU will be available in desktop and laptop variants, priced from $249 and $999 respectively.

Meta and Oakley introduces AI-integrated smart glasses with camera

Meta has partnered with sports eyewear brand Oakley to unveil a new line of AI-integrated smart glasses called Oakley Meta HSTN glasses, designed to blend wearable technology with performance sportswear on June 20. 

Press Release / Tecno launches SPARK Go 2 in Bangladesh

Tecno has officially launched its new smartphone, the SPARK Go 2, in Bangladesh.

The Trumps are entering telco

Trump Mobile, a new wireless provider affiliated with the Trump Organisation, has recently launched a national mobile service and announced its own Android-based smartphone, marking the company’s entry into the telecommunications market.

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.

GUIDES

GUIDES

How to use Google Pay

Google has streamlined its mobile payments service, merging Google Pay into the Google Wallet app. For users across regions, this rebrand simplifies how people store cards, pay contactlessly, and organise digital passes - all within one app.

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.  

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

Who, how, and under what rules gets a firearm license?

A gun magazine was found in Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan's bag during a recent search at the airport.

2w ago

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.

4m 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.

5m 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.

10m ago

Introducing iPhone 16

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

10m 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

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.

3m ago

Microsoft pauses several data centre projects

Microsoft has announced it is "delaying" or "pausing" several data centre projects, including a planned $1 billion facility in Ohio, signalling a potential cooling of the infrastructure boom driven by artificial intelligence demand.

3m ago

How youth-led startups are solving real-world problems

From revolutionising education to transforming underwater inspections, youth-led startups in Bangladesh are making waves with bold innovations and creative solutions..The potential and passion of these entrepreneurs were on full display at the Youth Entrepreneurship Expo 2025, organised as

3m ago

Investment Summit: Young entrepreneurs pitch businesses

The Youth Entrepreneurship Expo 2025 took place on April 9 as part of the ongoing Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025 at the InterContinental Hotel in Dhaka. The event spotlighted 30 youth-led ventures from across the country, offering a platform for entrepreneurs to present their innovations and business models to investors and industry observers.

3m ago

Facebook launches new podcast series

Facebook has launched a new podcast series titled '#FacebookIRL Stories'.

3m ago

Kawasaki unveils concept for a four-legged robot that you can ride

Kawasaki has unveiled a concept that offers a glimpse into the future of off-road personal mobility at the Osaka Expo 2025. Named the Corleo, the vehicle concept resembles a robotic horse and is powered by hydrogen.

3m ago

Microsoft fires employees who protested Israel military AI deals

Microsoft has terminated two software engineers who disrupted company events last week to protest the tech giant’s artificial intelligence contracts with the Israeli military, according to internal documents viewed by CNBC. The employees—Ibtihal Aboussad, based in Canada, and Vaniya Agrawal, an Indian-American engineer—interrupted speeches during Microsoft’s 50th-anniversary celebrations in Redmond, Washington.

3m ago

Users test out Starlink internet speed at Bangladesh Investment Summit

Starlink, the satellite-based internet service provider founded by Elon Musk, has begun its operations in Bangladesh with a trial service. Starlink is being showcased today on the third day of the Bangladesh Investment Summit, held at the InterContinental Hotel in Dhaka.

3m ago

Read the email of the fired Microsoft employee who protested Microsoft's role in Gaza war

A Microsoft employee, Ibtihal Aboussad, disrupted the company’s 50th anniversary event on April 4, 2025, accusing Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman of being complicit in genocide.

3m ago

TikTok rolls out updates to its Family Pairing tool

TikTok has announced the introduction of enhanced features to its Family Pairing tool, aiming to improve parental control and support the digital well-being of young users. The updates provide parents with more transparency and control over their child's use of the platform, while also promoting healthier screen time habits for teenagers.

3m ago