ChatGPT and Sora faced major outages this month

OpenAI experienced an outage affecting its popular services, including ChatGPT, Sora, and its developer-facing API, beginning at around 12.30 a.m Bangladesh time on 27 December.

bKash named best brand of 2024

The 16th edition of the Bangladesh Brand Forum's Best Brand Awards celebrated the achievements of 44 brands across distinct categories at a grand gala event held on 26 December 2024 at the Intercontinental Dhaka.

Cyber Security Ordinance 2024: Progress or pitfall?

The Bangladesh government’s draft of the Cyber Security Ordinance, 2024 has reignited debates surrounding digital rights and governance.

Year-end review: startup events that made the headlines in 2024

Bangladesh's startup ecosystem surged forward in 2024, gaining unprecedented global recognition. Alongside individual startup successes, the ecosystem demonstrated resilience and innovation through transformative programs, events, and partnerships.

Japan Airlines hit by cyberattack, flights delayed

Japan Airlines (JAL) confirmed on 26 December that it had experienced a cyberattack, causing disruptions to its network systems and delays to both domestic and international flights.

Toyota production drops 6.2% in November amid rising sales: Report

Toyota Motor Corporation reported a 6.2% decline in global production for November, marking the 10th consecutive monthly drop, despite achieving a second straight month of increased global sales driven by strong demand in the United States and China, according to a recent report by Reuters.

Apple seeks role in antitrust trial to defend Google over safari search deal

Apple has formally filed papers to participate in Google’s U.S. antitrust trial concerning online search practices, citing its reliance on revenue-sharing agreements that make Google the default search engine on Apple’s Safari browser.

Here are the top searched words on Google in 2024

Google has unveiled its annual “Year in Search” report, offering a snapshot of the key events, people, and interests that defined 2024.

Inspired by Iron Man: These researchers developed robot to aid paralysis patients

Inspired by the film series Iron Man, researchers in South Korea have unveiled a lightweight robotic exoskeleton designed to assist individuals with paraplegia, the paralysis of the lower half of the body including both legs, in walking, navigating obstacles, and climbing stairs.

Apple is closing in on $4 trillion valuation

Apple is nearing an unprecedented $4 trillion stock market valuation due to investor optimism surrounding its recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and hopes for a revival in iPhone sales, according to a recent report by Reuters.

Google reportedly planning 'AI Mode' for search engine

Google is reportedly working on integrating a new “AI Mode” into its search engine, offering users an experience akin to its Gemini AI chatbot, according to a recent report by The Information.

LATEST

LATEST

Press Release / BYD to train drivers on electric vehicles in Bangladesh

BYD, the Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer, has announced a training programme titled “Build Your Dreams NEV Training 2024,” in Dhaka aimed at equipping local drivers with the skills required to operate new energy vehicles (NEVs) which includes both electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid vehicles.

Press Release / Web and Data Summit 2025 to be held on January 3

Interactive Cares has announced the Web and Data Summit 2025, set to take place on 3 January 2025 at the KIB Complex in Dhaka. 

OnePlus introduces Pad 2, Watch 2, and Buds Pro 3 in Bangladesh

OnePlus has expanded its footprint in Bangladesh with the launch of three devices: the OnePlus Pad 2, OnePlus Watch 2, and the soon-to-be-released OnePlus Buds Pro 3. The move introduces fully integrated Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystems.

YouTube is doubling down on clickbaits starting with India

YouTube has recently announced plans to intensify its efforts against egregious clickbait, starting with a phased rollout in India over the coming months.

Next Step / Jobs of the week

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

Sega might launch game subscription service

Sega is evaluating the possibility of introducing a subscription-based gaming service, similar to existing platforms such as Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus.

STARTUPS

STARTUPS

Databricks reaches $62 bln valuation following $10 bln funding round

Databricks, an artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics firm, has reached a $62 billion valuation after completing a $10 billion funding round, one of the largest in venture capital history, according to a recent report by Reuters.

Bangladeshi-Australian CEO gives $65K to employees as year-end bonus

AirTrunk, the data centre company founded by Bangladeshi-Australian entrepreneur Robin Khuda, is distributing $22 million in bonuses to over 300 employees, with each receiving up to $65,000.

Bangladeshi-born Australian named 'Business Person of the Year' by Australian Financial Review

Robin Khuda, a Bangladeshi-born entrepreneur and founder of the data centre company AirTrunk, has been named The Australian Financial Review’s (AFR) Business Person of the Year for 2024.

Elon Musk’s xAI secures $6 bln in equity financing: Report

Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence venture, xAI, has raised $6 billion in equity financing as it intensifies efforts to compete with industry leaders in the AI sector, according to a recent report by Reuters.

Straight out of Shark Tank: Vibe Gaming secures investment from Adcomm

Vibe Gaming, a Bangladesh-based video gaming and electronics retailer, has secured strategic investment from Adcomm Holdings on November 28 following their pitch on Shark Tank Bangladesh.

India’s Zomato raises $1 billion to strengthen quick-commerce leadership

Zomato, one of India's leading food delivery and quick-commerce companies, has raised $1 billion through institutional investors in its first major funding round since its 2021 IPO.

AI firm Nebius secures $700 mln investment from Nvidia and others

Nebius Group, an artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure company, has recently announced that it has raised $700 million in a private funding round led by Nvidia, venture capital firm Accel, and accounts managed by Orbis Investments, according to a recent report by Reuters.

APPS

APPS

Albania bans TikTok for a year

Albania announced a one-year nationwide ban on TikTok, the popular short-video app owned by China's ByteDance, on December 21, citing concerns over the app's influence on children following the fatal stabbing of a teenager last month.

Threads has more than 100 million daily active users: Mark Zukerberg

Meta’s microblogging social media platform, Threads, has exceeded 100 million daily active users, CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced on December 17.

Google to bring Android-like system for headsets and glasses

Google has recently announced the launch of Android XR, a new operating system designed for the next generation of extended reality (XR) devices, including headsets and glasses.

xAI's Grok-2 AI chatbot now free for X users

xAI, the AI company created by Elon Musk, has announced that its new Grok-2 AI chatbot is now free for all users on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.

Video camera app Kino wins Apple’s 'iPhone App of the Year'

Kino, a video creation app by Lux Optics Inc., has been named 'iPhone App of the Year' in Apple’s 2024 App Store Awards. Apple’s annual awards celebrate standout apps and games for their design, functionality, and cultural impact. This year, 17 winners were selected from 45 finalists by App Store editors.

OpenAI officially launches Sora

OpenAI has officially launched Sora, its text-to-video AI model, in a recent livestream, marking the latest in its 12-day “Ship-mas” series of product announcements.

Microsoft 365 is facing outage again

Microsoft is grappling with another outage affecting its Microsoft 365 services, marking the second disruption in two weeks.

GADGETS

GADGETS

Water heaters for this winter: our recommendations

Winter is now here in Bangladesh, and with it, the rising necessity of accessible hot water. Here are our recommendations for five water heaters available in the local market. Please keep in mind that prices and availability may vary across stores. 

Our top picks for premium smartphones

Although all high-budget smartphones come with advanced features, selecting the best depends on understanding their features, pros, and cons, as well as balancing specs with personal preferences. To help you out, here are our picks for premium smartphones currently available in the local market. Please keep in mind that pricing and availability may vary across stores.

Press Release / Realme launched C75 in Bangladesh

Realme has officially launched the realme C75 in Bangladesh.

Mid-range smartphones under 50K: our picks

To help you in your search for a brand new smartphone under the affordable BDT 50,000 price tag, check out our list below. Please keep in mind that pricing and availability may vary across stores.

Our picks for budget smartphones within BDT 20,000

Here is a list of 5 smartphones within the BDT 20,000 price range available in Bangladesh. Please keep in mind that pricing and availability may vary between stores.

Laptops under BDT 50,000: our top picks

Here are our top picks for five laptop models available in the local market right now, under the BDT 50,000 price tag. Please keep in mind that pricing and availability may vary across stores.

GUIDES

GUIDES

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.

What you need to know about picking the right monitor

A right monitor is more than just a screen—it's a gateway to your work, entertainment, and creative expression. But with so many options, how do you pick the best one for you?

Why do processor sockets keep changing?

At the heart of your computer’s performance lies the processor socket, which acts as the critical bridge between the processor and the motherboard. Let’s explore why companies keep changing sockets and how it impacts you as a user.

How to repurpose your old computer

With a little creativity and the right tools, you can repurpose your old computer for a variety of useful tasks. Here’s how to give your old PC or laptop a second life.

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.

Videos and Podcasts

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.

3m ago

Introducing iPhone 16

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

3m 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

8m 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

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.

1y ago

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.

1y ago

Amazon unveils Nova, new set of AI models

Amazon has introduced Nova, a collection of advanced AI models designed for tasks like analysing text, generating images, and creating videos. These models, announced at the AWS conference in Las Vegas on Tuesday, aim to help businesses reduce costs, speed up processes, and customise AI for their specific needs, says Amazon in an official blog post.

3w ago

Top transferable skills in today’s job market

Transferable skills, a common term in the world of modern job hunting, are best described as proficiencies you can carry from one job to another. If you're considering shifting jobs soon, you should ensure you have sufficiently honed these essential skills, so you stand out as a strong candidate in today’s competitive job market.

3w ago

Revitalising Bangladesh’s jute industry through pioneering worker training

Bangladesh, historically known as a major player in the global jute industry, has long depended on the "Golden Fibre" as a key economic driver. Yet, in recent years, the sector has faced substantial challenges, ranging from reduced demand for raw jute exports to outdated processing techniques. 

3w ago

Apple accused of spying on employees' personal devices

Apple is facing a new lawsuit alleging that the company illegally monitors employees’ personal devices and prevents them from discussing their working conditions. The complaint was filed in the California state court by Amar Bhakta, an employee at Apple's digital advertising division.

3w ago

Intel CEO Patrick Gelsinger retires amid company struggles

Intel CEO Patrick Gelsinger has stepped down after less than four years, as the company struggles to compete with industry leaders like Nvidia and TSMC. The decision followed a board meeting where directors expressed concerns about the slow progress of Gelsinger’s turnaround plan.

3w ago

Brain rot is Oxford’s 2024 word of the year. What does it even mean?

Oxford's 2024 word of the year, 'brain rot,' spotlights growing concerns over the mental toll of endless social media scrolling.

3w ago

Robot dog successfully completes full-course marathon

A robot dog in South Korea has made history by becoming the first four-legged robot to complete a full-length marathon without needing to recharge its batteries. Named RAIBO2, the advanced quadrupedal robot, developed by researchers at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), covered the 42-kilometer distance of the Sangju Dried Persimmon Marathon in a time of 4 hours, 19 minutes, and 52 seconds.

3w ago

Ever wanted to take a space selfie? Now you can

Imagine a selfie with Earth as the backdrop—not a digitally generated image, but a photograph taken in orbit. This is the concept behind the Space Selfie project, launched by CrunchLabs, an initiative founded by Mark Rober, a former NASA engineer and YouTube content creator.

3w ago

Talking with AI can help reduce stress: studies show

Two peer-reviewed studies, one published in November 2024 and one in October 2023, shed light on how interacting with AI chatbots can help people manage stress, express emotions, and even improve their overall emotional health.

3w ago

Avik Anwar shines at Renault Clio Cup Middle East

Avik Anwar, along with his all-Bangladeshi team, has delivered a stellar performance at the Renault Clio Cup Middle East.

3w ago