10 tech trends to look out for in 2025

Following the tech advancements of 2024, the year 2025 promises more advancements in technology across various domains. From regulatory changes in artificial intelligence (AI) to breakthroughs in quantum security, here are seven trends you should look out for which might shape 2025:

AI chatbots show early signs of dementia: study finds

AI chatbots are showing signs of early dementia-like cognitive impairment, according to a recent study published in The BMJ, a peer-reviewed medical journal. Researchers tested leading chatbots, including ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini, using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), a tool designed to spot early signs of dementia in humans.

Next Step / How to not be pretentious on LinkedIn

The moment you start searching for a way to earn money, the pressure to create a LinkedIn profile kicks in. Here are some things you should be wary of if you want to keep a fresh, clean image on LinkedIn.

Realistic work resolutions to make 2025 your best year yet

It is important to keep realistic goals in mind when charting out your New Year's resolutions, especially when it involves your work. Here are some down-to-earth career resolutions you could work towards to boost your professional life - one small step at a time - in 2025.

Gen Beta begins baby steps tomorrow, following Gen Alpha and Gen Z

A new generational cohort, Generation Beta, will officially begin on 1 January 2025, marking the emergence of a cohort expected to grow up in a world defined by rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), digital connectivity, and pressing environmental challenges.

Chinese hackers stole sensitive U.S. documents: Report

Chinese state-sponsored hackers infiltrated the U.S. Treasury Department's systems this month, gaining access to sensitive, unclassified documents, according to a letter shared with lawmakers and obtained by Reuters.

Budget gadgets to stay cosy this winter: our picks

Winter is now upon us, bringing cold nights and crisp days, reminding us to stay warm and cosy. Whether you're stepping out into the chilly air or relaxing indoors, the right gadgets can help you stay comfortable and beat the winter chill.

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.

Nvidia acquires Run ai for $700 mln

Nvidia, the chipmaker, announced on 30 December that it has finalised its $700 million acquisition of Run:ai, Israeli AI startup.

EU finally mandates USB-C chargers for all devices

The European Union (EU) has officially announced the implementation of its long-awaited mandate for USB-C chargers, requiring all new portable electronic devices sold in the EU to adopt the standardised charging port.

Hackers attacked several Chrome extensions: Report

A series of cyberattacks has compromised multiple Google Chrome browser extensions, impacting several companies since mid-December, according to a recent report by Reuters.

LATEST

LATEST

AI data centres are 'distorting' U.S. power grid: Report

The rapid expansion of data centres catering to artificial intelligence (AI) demands is raising concerns about its impact on the U.S. power grid, according to a recent report by Bloomberg.

Ukraine to get Starlink's direct-to-cell satellite service

Ukraine’s leading mobile operator Kyivstar has signed an agreement with Elon Musk’s Starlink to introduce direct-to-cell satellite connectivity, its parent company VEON announced on Monday, according to a recent report by Reuters.

AT&T, Verizon secure from Salt Typhoon cyber espionage operation: Report

Two American telecom companies, AT&T and Verizon, have confirmed the security of their U.S. networks following cyber espionage attempts linked to the Chinese-backed Salt Typhoon operation.

Russian court fines TikTok 3 mln roubles

A Moscow court has fined TikTok three million roubles (around $28,930) for failing to comply with Russian legal restrictions on the distribution of specific types of information, according to a recent report by Reuters.

10 AI buzzwords that defined 2024

Here is a glimpse into ten of the most pivotal AI terms that have not only defined discussions in technology, policy, and everyday life this year but are also transforming industries and society at large.

World's first carbon-14 diamond battery unveiled; may last a thousand years

Researchers have developed a groundbreaking carbon-14 diamond battery, offering a potential energy source that could last thousands of years.

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

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.

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.

GADGETS

GADGETS

Our picks for 2024's most unique gadgets

2024 has brought forth a storm of mind-boggling and innovative gadgets, with AI (artificial intelligence) and VR (virtual reality) being especially prevalent. Here are some of the most notable gadgets that debuted internationally in 2024.

Press Release / Vivo X200 launched in Bangladesh

Vivo X200 has been launched in Bangladesh. The phone comes with ZEISS telephoto capabilities, a 5,800 mAh BlueVolt battery, and a 6.67-inch ZEISS Master Colour display with 4,500 nits peak brightness.

Review / Realme GT 7 Pro: Setting new standards for flagship smartphones

The Realme GT 7 Pro redefines flagship standards with a premium design, powerhouse performance, and seamless gaming experience

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.

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.

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

10 tech trends to look out for in 2025

Following the tech advancements of 2024, the year 2025 promises more advancements in technology across various domains. From regulatory changes in artificial intelligence (AI) to breakthroughs in quantum security, here are seven trends you should look out for which might shape 2025:

2w ago

AI chatbots show early signs of dementia: study finds

AI chatbots are showing signs of early dementia-like cognitive impairment, according to a recent study published in The BMJ, a peer-reviewed medical journal. Researchers tested leading chatbots, including ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini, using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), a tool designed to spot early signs of dementia in humans.

2w ago

How to not be pretentious on LinkedIn

The moment you start searching for a way to earn money, the pressure to create a LinkedIn profile kicks in. Here are some things you should be wary of if you want to keep a fresh, clean image on LinkedIn.

2w ago

Realistic work resolutions to make 2025 your best year yet

It is important to keep realistic goals in mind when charting out your New Year's resolutions, especially when it involves your work. Here are some down-to-earth career resolutions you could work towards to boost your professional life - one small step at a time - in 2025.

2w ago

Gen Beta begins baby steps tomorrow, following Gen Alpha and Gen Z

A new generational cohort, Generation Beta, will officially begin on 1 January 2025, marking the emergence of a cohort expected to grow up in a world defined by rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), digital connectivity, and pressing environmental challenges.

2w ago

Chinese hackers stole sensitive U.S. documents: Report

Chinese state-sponsored hackers infiltrated the U.S. Treasury Department's systems this month, gaining access to sensitive, unclassified documents, according to a letter shared with lawmakers and obtained by Reuters.

2w ago

Budget gadgets to stay cosy this winter: our picks

Winter is now upon us, bringing cold nights and crisp days, reminding us to stay warm and cosy. Whether you're stepping out into the chilly air or relaxing indoors, the right gadgets can help you stay comfortable and beat the winter chill.

2w ago

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.

2w ago

Nvidia acquires Run ai for $700 mln

Nvidia, the chipmaker, announced on 30 December that it has finalised its $700 million acquisition of Run:ai, Israeli AI startup.

2w ago

EU finally mandates USB-C chargers for all devices

The European Union (EU) has officially announced the implementation of its long-awaited mandate for USB-C chargers, requiring all new portable electronic devices sold in the EU to adopt the standardised charging port.

2w ago