Apple dethroned as China's top smartphone brand in 2024

Apple has lost its position as China's leading smartphone seller in 2024, with Vivo and Huawei overtaking the iPhone maker, according to data from research firm Canalys, states a recent Reuters report.

Why are users shifting from TikTok to RedNote?

As the United States inches closer to a potential ban on TikTok, millions of American users are exploring alternatives, with RedNote emerging as a frontrunner. Known as Xiaohongshu, or 'Little Red Book', in its native China, RedNote has seen a sharp rise in popularity, driven by its resemblance to TikTok and its unique blend of short videos and e-commerce features.

78 mln job opportunities will be available by 2030: Report

A recent report titled “Future of Jobs Report 2025” by World Economic Forum (WEF), projects a net increase of 78 million jobs globally by 2030, as rapid technological advancements and demographic shifts reshape the global workforce. The report estimates that while 170 million new roles will be created, 92 million positions will be displaced, reflecting a net disruption of 22% of jobs over the next five years.

Battery recycling in Bangladesh: a discounted path to environmental risk

Beneath the surface of the seemingly harmless trade-in practice of old batteries lies a story of environmental risks and public health hazards that we need to uncover.

Which tech leaders are attending Trump's inauguration?

Several high-profile tech executives are expected to attend US President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration on January 20, according to media reports.

Grameenphone Academy: Bridging education gaps in Bangladesh

Moving into 2022 and beyond, the academy shifted its focus. Now, it’s about creating measurable impacts by providing hands-on training to develop highly competent freelancers capable of competing in a global marketplace. The aim was to deepen the impact of the academy's programs by linking in-house training with real freelancing opportunities and expanding its reach through strategic partnerships with various edtech firms. 

AI startups to watch out for in 2025

As we navigate through 2025, the startup ecosystem is experiencing a transformative era, with emerging technologies reshaping industries and daily life. Here are some of the most promising AI startups, from around the world, to watch out for in 2025.

2014 Sonali bank hacking should have been a wake-up call: NCSA DG

The Director General of the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA), Abu Sayed Md. Kamruzzaman, has expressed regret over the missed opportunity to strengthen cybersecurity in Bangladesh following the hacking of Sonali Bank in 2014. Speaking at the "Pre-Cyber Drill Conference 2025," held on 15 January at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) in Dhaka, Kamruzzaman highlighted the consequences of that incident.

Multi-year patent license agreement signed between Nokia and Samsung

Nokia has recently announced that it has signed a multi-year patent license agreement with Samsung, according to a report by Reuters.

Indonesia plans to follow Australia in setting social media age restrictions

Indonesia is preparing to introduce regulations that will establish a minimum age for social media users, a move aimed at safeguarding children online, according to recent announcements by the country’s communications minister Meutya Hafid.

China exploring possible sale of US TikTok to Musk: report

The report estimated the value of TikTok's US operations at between $40 and $50 billion.

LATEST

LATEST

Press Release / Realme launches Note 60x in Bangladesh

Realme has officially launched the realme Note 60x in Bangladesh.

Unused mobile data will carry forward: Here’s what it means

The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) released a comprehensive update to its ‘Guidelines for Data and Data Packages of Mobile Phone Operators-2024’, on January 13, 2025. This update introduces several new measures, with the highlight being the ability for users to carry forward unused mobile data.

Press Release / ASUS ROG unveils 2025 gaming laptop lineup at CES 2025

ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) has revealed its 2025 lineup of gaming laptops at CES 2025.

Honor X7c: a basic budget smartphone for clumsy users

Honor X7c impresses with durability and battery life, but falls short on display and camera performance in the competitive budget market.

Meta disbands its diversity hiring program

Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram, has announced the disbanding of its dedicated diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) team, marking a significant shift in its approach to workplace diversity initiatives.

Nvidia opposes Biden's AI chip export plan: report

Nvidia has voiced strong opposition to a reported plan by the Biden administration to impose new restrictions on AI chip exports. The leading AI chip company has called the policy potentially harmful to the US economy, urging the outgoing president to leave such decisions to the incoming Trump administration, states a report by Reuters.

STARTUPS

STARTUPS

OpenAI to turn for-profit: Here’s what’s happening

OpenAI, the company behind the popular AI chatbot ChatGPT, announced on Friday that it plans to restructure as a public benefit corporation (PBC) - shifting to a for-profit company from its previous non-profit structure. Here's what they have planned.

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.

APPS

APPS

YouTube is working on a ‘Play something’ button: report

YouTube is experimenting with a new 'Play something' feature, a floating action button that lets users start a random video playback instantly, as per a recent report by tech news platform 9to5Google.

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.

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.

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.

GADGETS

GADGETS

Apple plans to launch thinnest iPhone yet, iPhone 17 Air: report

Apple is reportedly planning to launch its thinnest iPhone to date, the iPhone 17 Air, which is expected to be approximately 2 millimetres thinner than current models. A recent report by Apple analyst Mark Gurman from Bloomberg News suggests the device will debut at Apple’s upcoming September 2025 event.

Press Release / Honor X5b Plus launched in Bangladesh

Honor has recently launched the Honor X5b Plus in Bangladesh. The smartphone comes with a 5,200 mAh battery, a MediaTek Helio G36 processor, and an 8.7 mm chassis.

Samsung Galaxy S25 expected to be unveiled on January 22

Samsung has recently confirmed that its next Unpacked event will be held on January 22, 2025, where it is expected to launch the highly anticipated Galaxy S25 series.

Nvidia unveils Project DIGITS, desktop-sized AI supercomputer

Nvidia has announced Project DIGITS, a desktop-sized AI supercomputer featuring the new GB10 Grace Blackwell superchip. The device is designed to provide researchers, developers, and students with high-performance AI capabilities for prototyping, fine-tuning, and running large models, says Nvidia in an official press release.

Tablet or laptop: Which one should you buy?

For many, the decision between a tablet or a laptop depends on budget and daily usage needs. Both devices offer unique benefits, and understanding how each aligns with your lifestyle can help you make an informed choice.

We got our hands on the best budget drone yet. Meet the DJI Neo

We recently got ourselves one and after putting the Neo through its paces, here’s a detailed look at its design, features, and performance.

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.

4m ago

Introducing iPhone 16

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

4m 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

Tackling the saturation problem in Bangladesh's edtech industry

The edtech industry has come a long way since it boomed during and after the Covid-19 pandemic. This rapid expansion in the past decade has led to oversaturation in the market.

1m ago

5 helpful YouTube channels to learn video editing

Learning the ropes of video editing can be exciting (and sometimes messy) whether you want to create viral content, stunning reels, or just want to have fun with your personal videos. Here are some of the best channels out there to help you learn video editing.

1m ago

This pilot celebrated victory day drawing a map of Bangladesh in the sky

Fahim Chowdhury, a pilot, has drawn the map of Bangladesh in the sky using a Cessna 172 aircraft on the occasion of the 53rd Victory Day of Bangladesh.

1m ago

NASA Astronaut Joseph M. Acaba shares life insights at BRAC

BRAC University hosted an event on December 15 with NASA astronaut Joseph M. Acaba, whose life story of resilience and determination inspired students to dream big and overcome challenges.

1m ago

Realme launched C75 in Bangladesh

Realme has officially launched the realme C75 in Bangladesh.

1m ago

Suchir Balaji voiced serious concerns about OpenAI. He was found dead last month

Suchir Balaji, a former researcher at OpenAI known for his firm stance against the AI giant's policies, was found dead in his San Francisco apartment on November 26, 2024. The 26-year-old’s death was ruled a suicide by the San Francisco Police Department, with no indications of foul play.

1m ago

Watch the brand new trailer for the new Mafia game

The game is set in early 1900s Sicily and explores the origins of organised crime.

1m ago

Game of Thrones: King's Road announced as new mobile RPG

NetEase Games and HBO have revealed Game of Thrones: King's Road, a story-driven action-adventure RPG developed exclusively for mobile devices.

1m ago

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.

1m ago

Musk faces new deadline to settle Twitter takeover investigation

Elon Musk has until Monday to respond to a settlement proposal from the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which is investigating potential securities law violations tied to his $44 billion acquisition of Twitter in 2022.

1m ago