Bangladeshis can now work remotely from S Korea with Nomad visa
South Korea has recently introduced a Digital Nomad visa to encourage foreigners to travel to the country for remote work. Also known as a 'workation' visa, this initiative officially commenced on January 1, 2024, and can include families, including spouses and children, of foreign workers seeking to work remotely in South Korea.
OpenAI surpasses $1.6 bln in annual revenue: report
OpenAI, the company behind the popular chatbot ChatGPT, has surpassed $1.6 billion in annual revenue as of the end of 2023, according to a recent report by the American tech news platform, The Information.
Bangladeshi blue-tech startup Seaqua raises USD six-figure investment
Seaqua, a Bangladeshi blue-tech startup, has raised USD six-figure foreign direct investment (FDI) from investors from the Middle East. Founded in 2022, Seaqua is a startup that aims to digitise Bangladesh's fisheries and aquaculture industry.
BracU student receives $2000 grant from National Geographic Society
Hasibul Hasan Ahmed, a final-year Computer Science and Engineering student at Brac University, received a $2000 seed grant for his research externship on 'Community and Conservation' from the National Geographic Society and The Nature Conservancy.
Samsung Galaxy A05 released in Bangladesh
Samsung has recently released the Samsung Galaxy A05 smartphone in Bangladesh. The device comes with a 5,000 mAh battery, 25W charging support, MediaTek G85 processor, One UI Core 5.1, and 6.7-inch HD+ display.
Microsoft unveils Copilot app for iOS with free access to GPT-4
In a swift follow-up to the recent introduction of the Copilot app on Android, Microsoft has extended its reach by launching the app for iOS and iPadOS. Both versions of the app are now available for download on the Apple App Store.
5 mobile app development trends to look out for in 2024
The realm of mobile app development is an ever-evolving domain in the tech sector. Looking forward to 2024, we delve into the most promising trends expected to redefine the mobile app experience in the upcoming year:
Internet and mobile network to be fully operational on election day: EC Secy
Election Commission (EC) Secretary Md. Jahangir Alam said that the mobile network and internet connection throughout the country will be fully operational on January 7, the day of the upcoming 12th National Assembly elections. He said this in a press briefing on ‘Smart Election Management Apps’ at the Election Commission Media Center on Monday.
Most talked about startup stories in 2023
In 2023, the country's startup sector, known for its agility and forward-thinking approach, has seen remarkable growth and diversification. Here are the biggest startup headlines from 2023:
Apps that made headlines in 2023
2023 was a year of technological marvels, marked by revolutionary progress of generative AI as well as being a tumultuous period for social media platforms. Before the year officially wraps up, let's take a look at some popular apps that have made the headlines in 2023.
Team from Bangladesh becomes runners-up at IIT Bombay Techfest
Team DUET Cogent, a robotics team from Dhaka University of Engineering and Technology (DUET), has recently earned second place in the 'Meshmerize' segment at IIT Bombay Techfest 2023. Held this year in Mumbai from December 27 to 29, IIT Bombay Techfest is among the largest college-level tech festivals in Asia.
LATEST
The New York Times sues OpenAI and Microsoft
The New York Times, the US-based news platform, has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI and Microsoft over copyright infringement, alleging the unauthorised use of millions of the newspaper's articles to train chatbots designed to deliver information to readers.
Tesla robot attacks engineer: reports
An engineer at Tesla was reportedly attacked by a robot, according to an injury report filed with regulators. The incident happened at Tesla's Giga Texas factory near Austin in 2021 but was discovered recently, as per a report by The Independent.
The year in review: Top tech events of 2023
As 2023 draws to a close, reflecting on the year's technological advancements provides insights into the shifting landscape of our digital world. The tech stories of 2023 have been marked by significant developments across a range of areas, from artificial intelligence (AI) to space technology, each contributing to the ongoing transformation of both business and society.
Microsoft to build AI for nuclear reactor approvals
Microsoft is delving into the world of artificial intelligence (AI) to ease the complex approval process for next-generation nuclear reactors. The tech giant aims to leverage small modular reactors (SMRs) to meet the escalating electricity demands driven by the widespread use of OpenAI's ChatGPT, with 100 million weekly users as of November 2023, according to techcrunch.
Here’s the new price for heart rings
Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA) of Bangladesh has set a new price list for coronary stents, popularly known as heart rings.
Nvidia donates $15 million to aid civilians in Israel-Palestine War
Nvidia, the US-based graphics chip company, has recently donated $15 million to non-profits aiding civilians affected by the ongoing Israel-Palestine War. Among this $15 million is $5 million from Nvidia employees from over 30 countries.
STARTUPS
Startup Bangladesh invests BDT 1 crore in Alice Labs
Startup Bangladesh Limited, the government-backed venture capital firm, has recently invested BDT 1 crore in Alice Labs, an AI-based sales and support platform for online businesses.
OpenAI in plans to raise $100 bln funding
OpenAI, the company behind the popular chatbot ChatGPT, is planning on raising a new round of funding worth at least $100 billion, as per a recent report by Bloomberg News.
Internet Society Bangladesh Chapter elects new executive committee
Internet Society Bangladesh Chapter has elected a new executive committee for the term 2024-25. Mohammad Nadir Bin Ali, Registrar of Daffodil International University, was elected as President; and Md. Baraktul Alam, Head of Operations of Dour Broadband, was elected as General Secretary.
7 Bangladeshi startups in Holon IQ's top 100 edtechs in South Asia
Seven Bangladeshi startups have been named in Holon IQ's 2023 list of top 100 edtech startups in South Asia: 10 Minute School, Apar's, Shikho, and Sohopathi for the 'tutoring and test prep' category; Science Bee and CodersTrust for the 'STEAM' category; and Edutechs in the 'Management Systems' category.
Pathao co-founder Elius’ new startup raises USD 3.8 mln
Wind.app, a fintech startup founded by Hussain Elius, former CEO and co-founder of the Bangladeshi ride-sharing platform Pathao, has recently received USD 3.8 million in pre-seed funding.
Bangladeshi startup Drutoloan raises USD 125k in pre-seed round
Druto Fintech Limited, a Bangladeshi fintech startup, has recently secured USD 1,25,000 in a pre-seed funding round. The investment comes from both local and foreign backers such as Ridwan Hafiz, CEO of GoZayaan, and Razy Shah, co-founder of Singapore's 2Stallions Digital Marketing Agency, as well as other investors.
Orange Corners Bangladesh hosts investor meet
Orange Corners, an initiative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, has recently hosted its first-ever Investors Meet, jointly organised by the Embassy of the Netherlands in Bangladesh and SAJIDA Foundation.
APPS
TikTok releases year-end report on popular trends
TikTok, the popular short-video platform, has just released 'Year on TikTok 2023', its annual year-end report. As per TikTok, this report is a comprehensive reflection on the year's most influential trends, creators, and moments in Bangladesh and worldwide.
Twitter/X down for users worldwide
Elon Musk's X, formerly known as Twitter, encountered a significant disruption earlier today, rendering the service largely inoperative for over an hour. This widespread outage affected users across the globe, with both mobile and web versions of the platform showing signs of malfunction.
Google to restrict U.S. election-related queries by early 2024
Google has recently announced that it will restrict election-related queries in both Bard and AI-generated searches, before the 2024 United States presidential election.
Google unveils MedLM, the healthcare AI
Google has recently introduced MedLM, a suite of AI models designed for the healthcare sector. Built upon the foundation of Med-PaLM 2, Google's large language model (LLM) for the medical domain, MedLM will be made available on the Vertex AI platform for Google Cloud users in the United States.
TikTok announces measures to combat misinformation ahead of elections
TikTok has unveiled a series of measures aimed at upholding election integrity on its platform in anticipation of the upcoming parliamentary elections in Bangladesh, scheduled for January 2024. This initiative is part of TikTok's commitment to being a responsible source of information, particularly during critical events such as national elections.
Users complain of messenger glitches after iOS update
Following the much-anticipated iOS 17.2 update, users within the Apple ecosystem have encountered disruptions in their Messenger applications, prompting concerns among iPhone users seeking seamless communication. Reports indicate issues such as message delays, freezing interfaces, and unexpected app closures.
How to edit sent messages in Messenger
Meta has recently rolled out a highly-coveted feature for Messenger, the ability to edit sent messages. With this new update, users can now freely edit any messages they have sent within 15 minutes of sending that message.
GADGETS
Air purifiers for this winter: our recommendations
In Bangladesh, where air quality has become a growing concern, the quest for efficient air purification solutions has intensified. As the demand for healthier indoor environments surges this hazy winter, here is our list of air purifiers you can try out to make the air in both your home and office more breathable.
Which Logitech mouse should you go for?
This review will evaluate four popular Logitech productivity mice: the Signature M650, MX Anywhere 3S, M720 Triathlon, and MX Master 3S, based on design, build quality, comfort, performance, usability, features, connectivity, and battery life.
Hands-on review / Asus ROG Ally: Power in your palms
Asus's ROG Ally jumps into the ring as a strong contender among handheld gaming consoles like the Steam Deck, Lenovo Legion Go, and Aya Neo - promising a feature-packed mobile gaming experience with considerable computational muscle. In our hands-on review, we took the brand new Asus ROG Ally for a spin, digging into its build and performance.
Our recommendations for laptops under BDT 70k
Finding the ideal laptop for yourself in a market flooded with options can be a daunting challenge. Whether you need to buy a brand-new laptop for your job, education, or personal use, here are some choices within the budget of BDT 70,000, that should help you strike the balance between performance and affordability.
Indian govt. warns Apple and Samsung users of security flaws: reports
The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), under India's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), has recently issued a high-risk alert for users of Apple and Samsung products, flagging multiple vulnerabilities that could pose a significant threat to data and device security - as per the Indian news media The Indian Express.
Our picks for wireless earbuds under BDT 5000
In a world where convenience and quality go hand in hand, finding the perfect wireless earbuds within a budget can be daunting. Check out our recommendations for wireless earbuds under BDT 5,000, which will let you enter the realm of high-quality audio without breaking the bank.
GUIDES
How to stay safe from the 'job offer' scam message
One particular scam that has become common lately is the 'job offer' scam message, in which unknown phone numbers offer jobs or money to unsuspecting mobile phone users. If you have recently received such scam messages, then be careful. Follow these ways to stay safe from this ongoing scam.
How to use credit cards the right way
Credit cards, a cornerstone of modern financial management, offer a convenient way to make purchases, build credit, and reap rewards. However, the path to maximising their benefits while maintaining financial health is nuanced, requiring strategic use and understanding. Here's a guide to the best practices for credit card usage, addressing the selection of the right card, management strategies, and the pros and cons of holding multiple cards.
How to turn on earthquake alerts on your phone
An earthquake of an alarming 5.2 magnitude jolted certain parts of Bangladesh around 9:35 am on December 2, 2023. While it may not be possible to accurately predict earthquakes, you can stay aware about ongoing earthquakes using your phone by enabling 'earthquake alerts' in your phone's settings. Here is how you can turn on the feature.
Here’s how to find your Spotify Wrapped
As the year draws to a close, Spotify Wrapped has become a much-anticipated annual tradition for music enthusiasts. This feature of Spotify compiles a comprehensive summary of your musical journey throughout the year, presented in vibrant and engaging graphics. From top songs to unique listening habits, Spotify Wrapped offers users an insightful reflection of their year in music.
Degree or coding skills not a must to get hired by Apple: Tim Cook
In a recent interview, Tim Cook provided insights into the qualities he deems essential for prospective employees. Beyond the conventional requirements of degrees and coding skills, Cook emphasised the significance of collaboration, inquisitiveness, and creativity. Looking to get into Apple? You would do well to cultivate these traits.
Things you need to know before buying Intel motherboards
When it comes to building or upgrading your PC, the motherboard you choose plays a pivotal role in determining your system's performance and capabilities. Whether you're eyeing a 14th Gen, 13th Gen, or 12th Gen Intel CPU, these are some of the key things you need to know before buying an Intel motherboard for your PC.
How to choose the right Intel motherboard for your PC
Selecting the right motherboard is crucial for optimising Intel CPU performance. Depending on your needs, whether you're focused on gaming, content creation, or cost efficiency, there's a motherboard out there that perfectly suits your requirements. Read on to find out about our recommendations of motherboards for 14th-gen Intel processors as well as their compatibility with 13th-gen unlocked CPUs.
Videos and Podcasts
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.
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.
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.
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.
Why should you use eSIM?
eSIM is being introduced in Bangladesh. A private telecommunication company is set to bring eSIM to the market. But what is eSIM? What is the difference between a regular SIM card and an eSIM?
$5 billion export from ICT industry by 2025?
Bangladesh aims to achieve exports worth $5 billion from its ICT industry by 2025. The Daily Star's Tech section editor Shahriar Rahman speaks to former BASIS President Syed Almas Kabir on how it can be achieved in this episode of Star Connects.
What will solve the complications in e-commerce deliveries?
The Daily Star editor of Toggle Shahriar Rahman discusses possible solutions to the complications in e-commerce behind stagnating deliveries with Saifur Rahman, Senior IT Specialist, Australian Public Service, in Star Connects.
HerWILL Communication Program wraps up with showcase of cross-cultural communications excellence
The HerWILL Communication Program has successfully completed its series of workshops, transforming participants from Bangladesh, the USA, and beyond through a journey spanning diverse cultures and communication facets. The program included expert-led workshops, virtual exchanges, and interactive projects with the goal of improving cross-cultural communication abilities, targeted specifically for tech students and professionals.
Global EV sales increased in November
Global sales of battery electric vehicles (BEV) and plug-in hybrids (PHEV) has experienced a 20% growth in November compared to 2022, as per a report by Reuters. The finding stems from Rho Motion, a market research firm, which adds that North America and China has seen more EV sales than Europe this year.
Government slashes prices of heart rings
The government has reduced the price of coronary stents, popularly known as heart rings, for patients. Prices of per stent will drop up to 46% depending on the coronary stent and its manufacturer.
Government plans to launch ‘Saathi’, a Bangladeshi version of Siri
The government is planning to launch ‘Saathi’, a Bangladeshi virtual AI assistant app, according to an official press release.
Grameenphone launches Club Lumière's first episode featuring Rubaba Dowla
Grameenphone has unveiled Club Lumière, a platform designed to celebrate and explore the human stories behind notable successes. The first episode, spotlighting Rubaba Dowla, has been released, offering an intimate glimpse into her life and career journey.
TikTok acquires 75% of Gojek parent's e-commerce unit
TikTok, the popular short-video-sharing platform owned by ByteDance, has agreed to invest USD 1.5 billion for 75.01% of the controlling stake in Tokopedia, the e-commerce unit owned by the Indonesian tech conglomerate GoTo Group. GoTo will retain the other 24.99% stake.
Machine unlearning: Making AI 'forget' instead of 'learning'
With machine learning-based chatbots comes the ever-present worry of inaccuracies and unreliable information. As such, a new type of discipline within the realm of AI is being introduced: machine unlearning, which aims to make AI-generated output more reliable and safe by making the model 'forget' information instead of 'learning' new ones.
Fostering mental health resilience in climate-vulnerable communities
SAJIDA Foundation organised a discussion session titled ‘Fostering Resilience: The Path to Bottom-Up Mental Health Support in Climate-Affected Communities’ at the Bangladesh Pavilion of COP28.
Electric room heaters under BDT 4000: our picks
As the chill of winter sets in, the need for a cosy and warm living space becomes crucial. To help you find an electric room heater within a budget, check out picks for five room heaters available under BDT 4,000.
Women in Digital arranges cyber security session for women entrepreneurs
Women in Digital (WID), an organisation dedicated to women entrepreneurs, has organised a special session on cyber security and cyber-related crimes on Saturday in Dhaka.
