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.

Bitcoin hits record high; tops $120,000 first-time ever

Bitcoin broke through $120,000 for the first time on Monday, reaching a new all-time high before settling just below $122,000, according to a recent report by Reuters. The big jump comes as US politicians get ready to vote on new laws that could make life easier for cryptocurrency companies.

Musk says no to Tesla-xAI merger

Elon Musk has clarified that he opposes merging his electric car company Tesla with his artificial intelligence startup xAI, the company behind the Grok chatbot.

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

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. 

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. 

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.

AI therapy chatbots can be harmful and dangerous: Stanford study

A new Stanford University study reveals significant concerns about AI-powered therapy chatbots, finding they may reinforce harmful stereotypes and provide dangerous responses to vulnerable users. The research, set to be presented at an upcoming academic conference, tested five popular mental health chatbots, including Pi (7cups) and Therapist (Character.ai).

Jobs of the week

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

Job sites axe 1,300 roles due to AI

Indeed and Glassdoor, two popular job searching platforms, are laying off around 1,300 employees as their parent company, Japan’s Recruit Holdings, accelerates its shift towards artificial intelligence (AI), according to a recent report by CNBC.

AI-powered coding? Study finds it may take more time than it saves

A new study published by METR, a non-profit AI research organisation, has found that using AI-powered coding tools may actually slow down experienced developers despite expectations that such tools would speed up software development.

LATEST

LATEST

Press Release / Huawei announces winners of Seeds for the Future Bangladesh 2025

Huawei has named eight Bangladeshi university students as winners of its Seeds for the Future 2025 programme who will travel to China later this year for further training and competition.

Grameenphone launches ‘One’

Grameenphone (GP) has launched a new platform called 'Grameenphone One', introducing a suite of digital tools and services at an event in Dhaka on July 11.

Dubai to open restaurant featuring AI chef

A new restaurant called WOOHOO will open in September 2025 in Dubai's Downtown district, featuring what its developers claim to be the world's first AI chef. The establishment will operate with a hybrid human-AI system where recipes, menus, and dining ambience are created by an AI program called 'Chef Aiman', while human staff will handle food preparation and service.

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.

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.

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.

STARTUPS

STARTUPS

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.

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.

APPS

APPS

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.

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.

US House bans WhatsApp service from staff devices

Meta Platforms' WhatsApp messaging service has been banned from all US House of Representatives devices, according to a memo sent to all House staff on Monday.

WhatsApp will now have ads

Meta has announced it will begin showing advertisements in WhatsApp's Status feature, marking a significant shift for the messaging platform that has remained largely ad-free since its acquisition by Facebook in 2014. 

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.

GADGETS

GADGETS

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.

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.

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.

1w 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

Microsoft's next-gen AI chip production faces delay

Microsoft's plans to produce its next-generation Maia AI chip have hit significant delays, with mass production now pushed to 2026—at least six months behind schedule—according to a report by The Information. 

2w ago

Jobs of the week

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

2w ago

Nvidia insiders sold over $1 bln in stock amid surge: report

Nvidia insiders have sold more than $1 billion worth of company stock over the past year, with over half of those sales occurring in June as the chipmaker's shares reached record highs, according to a recent Financial Times report. The selling activity comes as Nvidia's market valuation recently surpassed Microsoft to become the world's most valuable company.

2w ago

Meta poaches more OpenAI researchers: report

Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram, is reportedly hiring four additional artificial intelligence researchers from OpenAI, according to a Saturday report by The Information. The latest recruits—Shengjia Zhao, Jiahui Yu, Shuchao Bi, and Hongyu Ren—will join Meta's AI division as the company expands its artificial intelligence capabilities.

2w ago

AI is learning to lie, scheme, and threaten its creators

Meanwhile, ChatGPT-creator OpenAI's o1 tried to download itself onto external servers and denied it when caught red-handed.

2w ago

Germany is banning DeepSeek from app stores: Report

Germany’s data protection commissioner has asked Apple and Google to remove DeepSeek, the Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) application from their app stores, citing concerns over the illegal transfer of personal data to China, according to a recent report by Reuters.

2w ago

A hacker group is targeting the aviation industry, warns Palo Alto executive

A hacker group known as "Scattered Spider," is targeting the aviation industry, according to Sam Rubin, SVP of Consulting and Threat Intelligence at Unit 42 by Palo Alto Networks.

2w ago

Reflective Teens Trust announces Rakin Absar as Goodwill Ambassador

Reflective Teens Trust (RTT), a non-profit organisation, has recently announced the appointment of Rakin Absar as its Goodwill Ambassador for the next year.

2w ago

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. 

2w ago

Internet by the people, for the people: Naveed Haq on digital inclusion

Naveed Haq, Senior Director of Infrastructure and Connectivity at the Internet Society (ISOC), has dedicated his career to bridging the digital divide—especially in Asia-Pacific. From the mountainous trails of Nepal to the remote villages of Papua New Guinea, Haq’s work exemplifies how inclusive and community-led innovation can transform lives. In an exclusive interview, he discusses ISOC’s vision, the role of grassroots networks, and the future of digital inclusion.

2w ago