Category: TECH & STARTUP

A breakthrough in neurotechnology has allowed an ALS patient, Casey Harrell, to speak again using a brain implant. The device, developed by Blackrock Neurotech, uses microelectrode arrays to record neural activity associated with speech. Within two days, Casey could communicate using a 125,000-word vocabulary at 32 words per minute, with only a 2.5% error rate. This advancement shows significant progress in restoring communication for paralyzed individuals, allowing Casey to converse with family and friends using a voice similar to his pre-ALS one. Reuters

Saudi Arabian video game collector Ibrahim Al-Nasser has set a Guinness World Record by connecting 444 unique gaming consoles to a single TV. His collection spans from the 1972 Magnavox Odyssey to the 2023 PlayStation 5. Ibrahim’s setup is meticulously organized, with no visible cables, and includes consoles, controllers, arcade cabinets, and pinball machines. He uses a complex system of switchers and converters, allowing easy access to any console via a spreadsheet. Ibrahim’s favorite console is the Sega Genesis. Daily Star

TikTok has introduced a group chat feature for users aged 16 and older, allowing conversations with up to 32 participants. The feature includes safety measures for younger users, such as mutual follow requirements and manual approval of participants. Users can access group chats through the ‘Inbox’ menu. TikTok has also added moderation tools and restrictions on group creation and message forwarding. Additionally, a custom stickers feature is being rolled out for users 18 and above.

The US Department of Justice is considering breaking up Google following a recent court ruling that found the company had illegally monopolized the online search market. Options being explored include forcing Google to divest Android, AdWords, or Chrome, and sharing data with competitors. This comes as part of a broader crackdown on Big Tech monopolies, with similar actions taken against Meta, Amazon, and Apple in recent years. Reuters

Google unveiled its Pixel 9 series, including three slab phones and a foldable model, at its latest hardware event. The lineup features improved specs, AI capabilities, and a new satellite SOS feature. Prices start at $799. Google also introduced the Pixel Watch 3 with enhanced fitness features, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 with improved design, and Gemini Live, a voice chat option for Gemini Advanced subscribers. The new devices showcase significant AI integration across the board. Daily Star

Privacy group Noyb filed complaints against X (formerly Twitter) in eight European countries, alleging unlawful use of user data for AI training without consent. This follows Ireland’s Data Protection Commission’s recent action against X. Noyb claims X fed data from over 60 million European users into its Grok AI technology without informing them. The group seeks full compliance with EU’s GDPR and has requested an urgency procedure against X. AFP

Instagram has doubled its carousel post limit from 10 to 20 photos or videos. Announced on August 8, 2024, this update aims to enhance user experience and creativity. The expanded feature is expected to benefit collaborative posts and storytelling. This change brings Instagram closer to TikTok’s 35-photo limit and may encourage more photo-based narrative content on the platform. The update is being rolled out globally. Daily Star

Susan Wojcicki, former YouTube CEO and early Google employee, died on August 9 at 56 after battling lung cancer. She joined Google in 1999, led YouTube from 2014 to 2023, and was instrumental in Google’s growth. Wojcicki was known for her role in transforming YouTube into a global media powerhouse and as a pioneer for women in tech. Her passing was mourned by tech industry leaders, including Google CEO Sundar Pichai. Daily Star

Venezuela and Russia have blocked the encrypted messaging app Signal, amid government efforts to control dissent. In Venezuela, the block follows a contested presidential election, while Russia claims Signal violated legislation. Both countries have also restricted access to other platforms like X and YouTube. Signal has advised users to activate its censorship circumvention feature. These actions highlight growing tensions between governments and those seeking secure communication in restricted environments. Daily Star

An 11-year-old Chinese boy, Yan Hongsen, nicknamed “Rocket boy,” has gained internet fame for building his own rocket. After a failed launch in June 2023, he’s working on a second version. Yan, who has 440,000 followers on Douyin, developed over 600 lines of code for the flight control system. Inspired by a rocket launch centre visit at age four, he aims to study at a top defense institute and contribute to China’s space exploration efforts. Daily Star

Intel faces a shareholder lawsuit alleging fraudulent concealment of issues in its foundry business. The suit claims Intel misled investors about manufacturing capabilities, inflating stock prices. Following poor financial results, Intel announced 15,000 job cuts and dividend suspension. The company’s stock price plummeted 26% after the announcement. Intel struggles to compete with rivals like AMD and Nvidia, particularly in the AI market. Reuters

Google has informed customers that it may need to share confidential information with US government agencies when legally required. The company reviews official requests carefully, attempting to narrow broad requests or object when possible. However, if a request is legally valid and binding, Google must comply, even if it includes sensitive user data. Google will seek confidential treatment of any information shared and has provided contact details for customer inquiries.

A US judge ruled that Google violated antitrust law by creating an illegal monopoly in the search engine market. The decision paves the way for a second trial to determine potential remedies, including a possible breakup of Alphabet. Google plans to appeal. The ruling is seen as a significant win for US antitrust enforcers and could impact the online advertising landscape. The case, filed during the Trump administration, is part of a broader crackdown on Big Tech companies. Reuters

Political ad spending on Facebook in Bangladesh surged following recent protests. After an internet blackout, pro-government advertisers spent $33,732 on 1,928 ads, while opposition spent $219 on 58 ads. Over 80% of ads were pro-government, promoting official messages and depicting opposition involvement in violence. Top spending pages included ‘Call – Ahoban’, ‘My Leader My Pride’, and ‘Bangabandhu Online Archive’. The stark contrast in spending highlights the political divide in digital advertising. Daily Star

As privacy concerns grow, users seek Facebook alternatives in 2024. Instagram remains popular for friends and family connections, despite sharing Facebook’s privacy issues. Reddit offers a robust platform for community discussions, replacing Facebook Groups. Telegram, with over 500 million users, emphasizes privacy and replicates Facebook Messenger features. X (formerly Twitter) stands out as the best alternative for news, allowing direct interaction with journalists and quick access to breaking news. Daily Star

Bangladesh Startup Summit 2024, themed ‘Smart Bangladesh: Endless Possibilities’, is set for July 27-28 in Dhaka. Organized by Startup Bangladesh Limited, it expects over 100 international attendees and 55 venture capital firms. The event will cover topics like AI, fintech, and edtech, offering networking, training, and policy discussions. Various sponsors support the summit, which aims to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in Bangladesh. Daily Star

TSMC, the world’s largest contract chipmaker, has become Asia’s most valuable company with a market valuation exceeding $1 trillion. This surge is driven by strong demand for AI chips, with TSMC’s shares rising nearly 80% this year. The company’s success has boosted global chip stocks and attracted significant foreign investment to Taiwan’s stock market. TSMC’s performance reflects the broader AI-driven rally in the semiconductor industry, benefiting companies like Nvidia and Microsoft. Source Reuters

American Rounds, a US ammo distributor, has introduced AI-powered bullet vending machines in Alabama, Oklahoma, and Texas. These machines use facial recognition to verify customers’ age and identity, ensuring only those over 21 with valid IDs can purchase ammunition. Available 24/7, they eliminate the need for store hours and queues. The company plans to install a new machine in Colorado this week, expanding their automated ammunition sales network. Daily Star

A robot civil servant in Gumi City, South Korea, was found unresponsive at the bottom of a staircase in City Hall, sparking speculation of the country’s first “robot suicide.” The incident has raised questions about the use of robots in public service roles. While some reports suggest an “emotional breakdown,” experts believe it was likely due to technical malfunction from increased workload. The city has suspended plans to introduce a second robot officer and is reevaluating its automation strategy. Daily Star

Meta lifts ban on “shaheed” (martyr) after oversight board review. The word’s blanket ban led to over-censorship, especially affecting Arabic-speaking users. Meta acknowledges the word’s multiple meanings and will now remove content only when “shaheed” is paired with violating content. This change aims to reduce harmful content without disproportionately impacting users’ voices. The decision follows years of criticism over Meta’s content moderation in the Middle East. Source Reuters

Two Bangladeshi teams, Project Altair from IUT and Team Interplanetar from BUET, have reached the finals of the European Rover Challenge 2024, to be held in Krakow, Poland, from September 6-8. The teams are among 27 finalists selected from 69 global entries. Both teams are refining their rovers for tasks simulating Mars and lunar missions. The competition allows students to showcase their engineering skills in front of industry experts and space agency representatives. Daily Star

Amazon.com has reached a $2 trillion market valuation, becoming the fifth US company to achieve this milestone. The surge is attributed to the AI boom and potential interest rate cuts. Amazon’s stock rose 3.4% to $192.70, placing it among tech giants like Microsoft, Apple, Nvidia, and Alphabet. The company’s shares have climbed over 26% this year, boosted by its cloud services division and AI investments. Amazon recently joined the Dow Jones Industrial Average and unveiled new custom-designed chips for AI applications. Reuters

OpenAI has made the ChatGPT Mac app available to all users, not just Plus subscribers. The app is designed to integrate seamlessly with macOS, offering features like quick access via Option + Space, screenshot capture, file uploads, and voice commands. It’s compatible with macOS 14+ devices using Apple Silicon. The app allows users to easily search past conversations and interact with ChatGPT’s AI model. OpenAI plans to release a Windows version later this year. Daily Star

Samsung has announced its next Galaxy Unpacked event for July 10, 2024, in Paris. The event will showcase “the next frontier of Galaxy AI” and new AI features in the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Flip 6. Rumors suggest minor design changes for the Fold 6 and a larger battery for the Flip 6. The Galaxy Ring may also be officially launched at the event. The livestream will be available on Samsung’s website and YouTube channel. Source Daily Star

Nvidia, the AI and microchip giant, has experienced the largest three-day stock value loss in history, dropping 13% or $646 billion. This follows its recent rise to become the world’s most valuable company. The decline includes a 6.7% fall on Monday, the biggest single-day drop since April. Analysts suggest investor fatigue with AI hype or concerns about index concentration may be contributing factors. Source: BBC

Metallica will hold a virtual concert in Fortnite on June 22 and 23, featuring a custom-built stage and iconic hits. As part of Fortnite Festival Season 4, players can earn character icons of band members and access Metallica-inspired content across various game modes. The collaboration includes limited-edition cosmetics and special quests. This event offers fans a unique opportunity to experience Metallica’s music in the popular video game environment. Daily Star

The US government has banned the sale of Kaspersky antivirus software, citing national security concerns due to the company’s Russian base. The ban starts July 20, with support for existing customers ending September 29. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo urged Americans to switch to alternative providers immediately. The move follows a 2017 ban on Kaspersky for federal agencies. Kaspersky serves over 400 million individual and 240,000 corporate clients globally, including critical US infrastructure organizations. Daily Star

Nvidia, founded in 1993, has become the world’s most valuable company with a market cap of $3.34 trillion. Initially focused on GPUs for gaming, Nvidia’s technology has become crucial for AI development. The company’s success is driven by its dominance in the discrete GPU market and the increasing demand for AI processing power. Nvidia’s stock has tripled in 2024, reflecting its pivotal role in the AI industry and continued technological innovations. Daily Star

Ilya Sutskever, co-founder and former chief scientist at OpenAI, has launched a new AI company called Safe Superintelligence. The company, based in Palo Alto and Tel Aviv, aims to create a safe AI environment amidst the generative AI boom. Sutskever is joined by former OpenAI researcher Daniel Levy and Apple’s former AI lead Daniel Gross as co-founders. His departure from OpenAI followed the dramatic firing and rehiring of CEO Sam Altman last year. Reuters

Social media has transformed Eid celebrations in Bangladesh, bringing people together virtually. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp have become digital spaces for exchanging greetings, sharing festive moments, and promoting community initiatives. From personalised wishes with visuals to Eid-themed filters and engagement posts, social media captures the joy and unity of the festival. It has also enabled fashion influencers to showcase their Eid looks and recipes for traditional delicacies to be shared widely, blending tradition with modern connectivity during the celebrations.

Jensen Huang, Nvidia’s CEO, has become the 11th richest person globally with a net worth of $119 billion, thanks to an AI-driven surge that made Nvidia the world’s most valuable public company. Huang’s wealth increased by over $4 billion as Nvidia’s shares rose 3% on June 18. The company executed a stock split, reducing its share price below $130 after trading above $1,200.  HindustanTimes

Turkey secured a thrilling 3-1 victory over debutants Georgia in their Euro 2024 opener on Tuesday. Real Madrid’s Arda Guler scored a brilliant goal, while Mert Muldur and Kerem Akturkoglu were also on the scoresheet for Turkey. Georges Mikautadze had briefly equalized for the brave Georgians, who impressed despite the defeat at a rain-soaked Westfalenstadion in Dortmund.

Researchers have unveiled LignoSat, the world’s first wooden satellite made primarily from magnolia wood. Set to launch in September 2024, this innovative project aims to test the potential of wood as a sustainable material for space applications. Unlike metal satellites, LignoSat is designed to burn cleanly upon re-entry, reducing space debris and promoting eco-friendly practices in space exploration.