United News of Bangladesh

Apple has removed a mobile app that allowed users to track and anonymously report sightings of U.S. immigration officers, reportedly under pressure from authorities. The app, known as ICEBlock, was taken down from the App Store on Friday. The free, iPhone-only platform had relied on crowdsourced reports to flag Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity and, according to its developer, had already reached more than one million users. “We just received a message from Apple’s App Review that #ICEBlock has been removed due to ‘objectionable content.’ The only thing we can imagine is this is due to pressure from the Trump administration,” the developer wrote on social media, vowing to appeal the decision. Apple iPhone 17 Review – “More Than Just a Better Camera?” Although new downloads have been halted, existing users will still be able to access the app. Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment but told other outlets that the app posed safety concerns. “Based on information from law enforcement about the risks associated with ICEBlock, we have removed it and similar apps,” the company said. The removal comes amid heightened immigration enforcement in the U.S. and rising criticism of technology used to monitor ICE activity.

Uncertainty persists over Afghanistan’s internet connectivity after some networks were partially restored on Wednesday following a nationwide outage that began Monday. Earlier reports cited a statement allegedly from the Taliban denying that the blackout was deliberate, claiming worn-out fiber optic cables were being replaced. However, the statement was later confirmed as false. It had been forwarded individually to members of an official Taliban WhatsApp media group by an Afghan user whose name resembled the group’s official account. The sender’s identity remains unverified, and the same message appeared on X from a Taliban sympathizer, not the group itself. Hours later, the official Taliban WhatsApp group issued a genuine statement, saying cellphone services are gradually being restored. Officials from the telecommunications technical department said teams are working continuously to fully restore connectivity. UN urges Taliban to restore internet across Afghanistan Internet watchdog Netblocks reported partial restoration on Wednesday, noting that the blackout had disrupted banking, commerce, aviation, and humanitarian operations. Afghan carrier Kam Air halted flights since Monday but may resume later Wednesday. Aid groups, including Save the Children, urged authorities to restore reliable communications for critical operations. U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said the Taliban implemented the cut “without clear explanation” and reversed it similarly without explanation, warning that such actions negatively affect economic stability, access to information, and the rights of Afghan citizens, particularly women and girls. Source: AP

Snapchat will start charging users to store older photos and videos, prompting backlash from those with large archives of past posts. Since the introduction of its Memories feature in 2016, the app has allowed users to save content previously shared for 24 hours or less. Under the new rules, users with more than 5GB of saved Memories will need to pay to retain them. Snap, the parent company, has not disclosed UK pricing but said the change will be implemented as part of a “gradual global rollout.” The company said the move will help it continue investing in the Memories feature, which has seen users save over one trillion items to date. Users exceeding the limit will be offered a 100GB storage plan, with higher tiers available through Snapchat+ or Snapchat Premium subscriptions. Existing content can be downloaded, and Snap will provide 12 months of temporary storage for those affected. In the US, the 100GB plan is priced at $1.99 per month, with 250GB included in the $3.99 Snapchat+ subscription. Most users, who have less than 5GB of Memories, will not be affected. However, some longtime users expressed frustration on social media, calling the move “unfair” and “greedy,” as they now face additional costs to preserve years of saved content. Snapchat has over 900 million monthly active users, while competitors such as Instagram and TikTok have billions. Drew Benvie, CEO of social media consultancy Battenhall, said charging for storage is an “inevitable” evolution as platforms adapt to changing user behavior, where people save more content for longer periods.   Source: BBC

The growing shift to hybrid work is transforming how offices in Singapore are designed and used. Workplaces are no longer just desks and meeting rooms but spaces that support collaboration, individual focus and flexibility. Raw Design Consultants, a Singapore-based interior design studio, has been at the forefront of this change, developing office projects that balance practical needs with cultural shifts. Rethinking the role of the officeSingapore ranks among the top adopters of hybrid work in Asia Pacific. With high rental costs and limited space, businesses must make careful choices in planning offices. A basic fit-out costs between $60 and $75 per square foot (psf), mid-range $75–100 psf, and premium $100–150 psf. Designers now focus on efficiency, flexibility and cost control while ensuring the workplace remains relevant and collaborative. Raw Design’s approachFounded over a decade ago, Raw Design Consultants set out to streamline office design by avoiding unnecessary delays. “We wanted to deliver inspiring spaces on schedule. Being self-funded gives us flexibility to act quickly and prioritise clients’ needs,” said founder Gary Teo. Nvidia invests $5 billion in Intel to boost AI and PC collaboration The studio focuses on employee well-being, using natural light, better acoustics and ergonomic layouts. Space efficiency is a key priority in Singapore’s costly property market. The firm also stresses budget transparency—directing more resources to collaborative and client-facing zones while keeping back-end areas practical. A case in practiceAt Monks Singapore’s APAC headquarters, Raw Design created a workplace around a central “social sanctuary”—a hub for seminars, team sessions and informal gatherings. Surrounding it are open workstations and enclosed rooms for brainstorming, video calls and hybrid meetings, supported by integrated technology. Looking aheadRaw Design believes Singapore’s offices will continue to evolve as hybrid models take hold. Future workplaces will blend local character with global connectivity, acting as cultural as well as functional anchors. “Every office tells a story, but it begins with the people who use the space,” said Teo. “What matters to them shapes every space we create.” Source: AP 

  Google-owned YouTube has agreed to a $24.5 million settlement to resolve a lawsuit filed by former President Donald Trump. The suit stemmed from YouTube’s decision to suspend Trump’s account following the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot, which occurred shortly after his loss in the 2020 presidential election. According to court documents filed Monday, $22 million of the settlement will go toward Trump's contributions to the Trust for the National Mall and the construction of a White House ballroom. The remaining $2.5 million will be distributed to other plaintiffs, including author Naomi Wolf and the American Conservative Union. YouTube is now the third major tech company to settle with Trump after similar lawsuits against Meta (Facebook’s parent company) and Twitter, now known as X following its acquisition by Elon Musk in 2022. Meta agreed to a $25 million settlement, while X settled for $10 million. Legal experts had initially predicted Trump was unlikely to win any of the cases. However, after Musk acquired Twitter and supported Trump’s successful 2024 re-election campaign, the dynamics shifted. Musk also later clashed with Trump after assisting in cutting down government payroll costs during the early months of Trump’s second term. Notably, both Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg attended Trump’s second inauguration in January, signaling a more collaborative stance from Big Tech compared to his first term. In addition to the YouTube case, Trump has reached other high-profile settlements: ABC News paid $15 million in December 2024 to help fund Trump’s presidential library, settling a defamation suit over anchor George Stephanopoulos’ false claim that Trump had been found liable for raping E. Jean Carroll. In July, Paramount agreed to a $16 million settlement over editing disputes involving CBS’ “60 Minutes.” The settlement with YouTube does not admit any wrongdoing, according to the filing. Google confirmed the agreement but declined to provide further comment. Trump’s YouTube account was reinstated in 2023. Despite the sizable payout, the settlement is minor for Alphabet, whose market value has soared to nearly $3 trillion, a $600 billion increase since Trump returned to office. Details of the settlement surfaced just a week before a scheduled October 6 court hearing before U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez-Rogers in Oakland, California.

Lufthansa Group announced Monday that it will eliminate 4,000 jobs by 2030 as part of a restructuring plan driven by artificial intelligence, digitalization, and greater integration across its member airlines. The company said most of the cuts would take place in Germany, primarily in administrative roles rather than operational functions. Lufthansa noted that it is assessing “which activities will no longer be necessary in the future, for instance due to duplication of work,” as it seeks closer cooperation among its carriers, which include Austrian Airlines, Swiss, Brussels Airlines, and Eurowings. The group said the “profound changes brought about by digitalization and artificial intelligence” will help improve efficiency across its business operations. The announcement came during an investor presentation in Munich, where the company highlighted strong passenger demand despite supply chain constraints affecting new aircraft and engine availability. Lufthansa said the tight market was supporting high load factors and revenue growth. Looking ahead, the airline group projected “significantly increased profitability” by the end of the decade and confirmed plans for the largest fleet modernization in its history. More than 230 new aircraft, including 100 long-haul planes, are set to join the fleet by 2030. In 2024, Lufthansa employed 101,709 people and reported revenue of 37.6 billion euros ($44 billion). The aviation group, headquartered in Cologne with operational offices in Frankfurt, runs both network airlines and point-to-point carrier Eurowings alongside other aviation services.

Like every month, in October 2025, it brings a broad array of devices from reputed brands like OnePlus, Vivo, and Oppo under diverse price segments, from budget to ultra-premium, covered. This diverse lineup enriches the smartphone market in Bangladesh. Let’s dive into the key specs and features of the top 10 upcoming smartphones in Bangladesh this October. Top 10 Upcoming Phones in October 2025 . Honor Magic 8 Series The Honor Magic 8 Pro is launching first in China and then reaching the global markets. This device has already created a buzz with its 200 MP periscope telephoto camera, 120 W fast charging, and a huge 7000 mAh battery.  It also supports satellite messaging for enhanced connectivity. Rumours suggest Honor could combine a 200 MP main sensor with the periscope lens, taking mobile photography to new heights. With its Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, sleek build, and advanced AI integration, the Magic 8 Pro stands out as one of the most anticipated flagships of the year.  Read more: iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max Review : Apple’s Bold Leap into the Future OnePlus 15 The OnePlus 15 is bringing a major leap in performance with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset and up to 16GB RAM. It will sport a 6.78-inch 1.5K display with a blazing 165 Hz refresh rate, ideal for gaming.  The device may include a 7,300 mAh silicon-carbon battery with 100 W wired and 50 W wireless charging. A redesigned vertical camera island houses triple 50 MP sensors, including a periscope telephoto lens. With Android 16, OxygenOS 16, and long-term updates, it is a flagship to watch.  Honor X9d The Honor X9d is all set to arrive in Bangladesh on October 9, 2025. Designed to be both sleek and tough, the device weighs just 193 grams and has a slim 7.8 mm frame. Its 6.79-inch AMOLED screen supports a 120 Hz refresh rate and can reach an impressive 6000 nits peak brightness, making it ideal for outdoor use and vibrant content viewing. Read more: Apple iPhone Air: The Ultra-Thin Revolution – A Complete Review It has Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 processor, paired with 12GB of RAM and storage options going up to 512GB. The dual rear setup features a 108 MP primary lens, while the huge 8300 mAh battery ensures long-lasting use with 66 W fast charging. The handset also offers IP68/IP69K certification, guaranteeing resistance to dust, water, and even high-pressure sprays.   Vivo V60 Lite 4G Expected to arrive later in the month, the Vivo V60 Lite (4G) prioritises style, display quality, and charging speed. Its 6.77-inch AMOLED screen supports a 120 Hz refresh rate and 10-bit colours, ensuring vibrant clarity. Driven by the Snapdragon 685 chipset, the phone comes equipped with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage.  The photography package includes a 50 MP main sensor, an 8 MP ultrawide lens, and a crisp 32 MP selfie camera. Powering the device is a substantial 6,500 mAh battery, which utilises remarkably quick 90 W fast charging. It also adds daily protection with IP65 water resistance.   Read more: Apple iPhone 17 Review – “More Than Just a Better Camera?” Nothing Phone 4 The Nothing Phone 4 is expected to arrive in Bangladesh in this October following its initial debut in India. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, it will run Android 14 with the Nothing OS skin for a clean, minimal interface.  The device sports a 6.55-inch AMOLED display with Gorilla Glass protection and a rumoured high refresh rate for smooth visuals. It offers 8GB/12GB RAM and up to 512GB storage. With a 64 MP triple rear camera, a 32 MP selfie shooter, a 4500 mAh battery, and 33 W fast charging, it blends style, performance, and value.  Motorola Moto G06 Power Set to launch in Bangladesh in October 2025, the Motorola Moto G06 Power is built for affordability and endurance. Its large 6.88-inch IPS LCD features a fluid 120 Hz refresh rate and is shielded by Gorilla Glass 3.  Read more: realme 15T Review with Price in Bangladesh Powering daily performance is the MediaTek Helio G81 Ultra chipset, paired with up to 8 GB RAM and 256 GB expandable storage. The phone’s headline feature is a massive 7000 mAh battery with 18W charging. Combining a 50 MP rear camera, an eco-leather finish, and IP64 splash resistance, it successfully blends toughness with practical, long-lasting capability.   Xiaomi 17 Expected to debut in Bangladesh in October 2025, the Xiaomi 17 positions itself as a high-performance flagship. It features a 6.3-inch LTPO AMOLED display capable of Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and an impressive 3500 nits peak brightness.  Performance is anchored by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, supported by configurations of up to 16 GB RAM and 512 GB UFS 4.1 storage. For photography, users get a triple 50 MP Leica-tuned setup with advanced 8K video recording. A 7000 mAh battery backs the device with 100 W wired, 50 W wireless, and 22.5 W reverse wireless charging. With IP68 certification, it confidently balances elegance and resilience.  Read more: Samsung Galaxy S25 FE Review: Perfect Balance of Power, Performance realme 15x (India) The upcoming realme 15x, expected around October 2025, is shaping up to be an affordable yet durable 5G option for Bangladeshi buyers. Rumoured to feature a 6.81-inch 120 Hz LCD display, it balances smooth visuals with a practical design.  Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300, paired with up to 8GB RAM and 128GB storage, it aims to deliver solid performance in daily use. Photography highlights include dual 50 MP cameras for both rear and front. A massive 7000 mAh battery with 60 W fast charging ensures long-lasting reliability, making it a great mid-range contender.  Oppo A6 Pro Oppo A6 Pro is preparing to launch a new mid-range powerhouse in Bangladesh this October 2025, designed for users who demand both style and stamina. Sporting a 6.57-inch 120 Hz AMOLED display with AGC DT-Star D+ protection, it offers smooth visuals and durability.  Read more: Oppo A6 Max Review with Price in Bangladesh Powered by the Dimensity 6300 chipset with up to 12GB RAM and 256GB storage, the phone ensures reliable multitasking. The 50 MP dual rear camera and 16 MP selfie shooter promise clear photography. Backed by a 7000 mAh battery and 80 W fast charging, it is built for heavy daily use. Symphony Max 60  The upcoming Symphony smartphone Max 60 will cater to budget-conscious buyers who want everyday reliability. Featuring a 6.56-inch HD+ display, this phone runs on Android 15 with the Unisoc SC9863A1 chipset and 2GB RAM + 32GB storage, expandable via microSD.  The dual rear cameras (5MP + 2MP) and a 5MP selfie lens handle casual photography. A 5000 mAh battery ensures long usage, though charging is modest. With its low price, 4G support, and practical features, the Max 60 targets entry-level smartphone users.  Read more: 10 Best Smartphones Releasing in September 2025 Final Words These 10 most-anticipated smartphones releasing in October 2025 include affordable entry-level handsets to premium flagships. With brands like Symphony, Oppo, Vivo, Honor, OnePlus, etc., in the mix, buyers can expect diverse choices. Whether you value performance, photography, or battery life, there is an option arriving to match your needs. However, these expected smartphones are not officially released yet in Bangladesh. After the official release, the exact specifications of these phones will be known. Read more: Best 10 Smartphones Releasing in August 2025

Elon Musk, CEO of X, SpaceX, Tesla and Starlink, met with the leadership of the BRIDGE Summit at Tesla’s headquarters in Palo Alto, California, to explore collaboration on the future of technology, media and artificial intelligence. During the meeting, Musk was formally invited to participate in the inaugural BRIDGE Summit, set to be held in Abu Dhabi from December 8-10, which is billed as the world’s largest debut gathering for media, content and entertainment. The delegation was led by H.E. Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the UAE National Media Office, the UAE Media Council and BRIDGE. The discussions focused on AI, data centres and content integrity as key drivers of transformation. Musk underscored that the success of innovation will hinge on countries’ ability to provide clean and affordable energy for data centres, noting the UAE’s strong positioning in this field. Al Hamed affirmed that the UAE’s low-cost, large-scale clean energy capabilities underline its readiness to lead in AI and advanced technologies. Musk praised the UAE’s forward-looking vision under President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and acknowledged the role of His Highness Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence in strengthening the country’s global standing as an innovation hub. Tesla shares jump as Musk buys $1B stake ahead of shareholder vote on record pay package During a tour of Tesla’s Optimus robotics lab, both sides discussed balancing innovation with ethical frameworks and stressed the importance of a global framework for responsible AI use in content creation, regulation and distribution. The talks also explored opportunities for cooperation in media and technology, including youth-focused educational content, green tech-driven narratives, and initiatives linking AI innovation with media ecosystems. “The UAE believes that media is a powerful force capable of reshaping knowledge and building awareness,” said Al Hamed. “Collaboration with leading institutions accelerates innovation, fosters expertise exchange and ensures sustainable impact.” Organizers said the BRIDGE Summit will provide “an exceptional platform for testing bold and unconventional solutions” to rebuild trust in media and shape a shared future. Source: Agency 

Earlier this year, scientists reported a breakthrough in biotechnology. A common bacterium was genetically engineered to convert plastic waste into the widely used painkiller paracetamol. The bacterium, Escherichia coli (E. coli), was modified by Stephen Wallace, professor of chemical biotechnology at the University of Edinburgh, to digest a plastic-derived molecule and transform it into the drug. While E. coli is often associated with food poisoning, non-pathogenic strains are widely used in laboratories as the field’s main “workhorse.” Prof Wallace has previously engineered E. coli to turn plastic waste into vanilla flavoring and sewer “fatberg” waste into perfume. “If you want to prove something is possible with biology, E. coli is a natural first stage,” he said. Beyond laboratories, vats of engineered E. coli serve as living factories, producing vital substances such as insulin, which is essential for diabetes treatment, as well as chemicals for fuels and solvents. Why E. coli dominates biotechnology According to Princeton University professor Thomas Silhavy, E. coli’s dominance began with its use as a model organism to understand basic biology. First isolated in 1885 by German pediatrician Theodor Escherich, its rapid growth and ease of handling made it a natural choice for research. In the 1940s, studies using a harmless E. coli strain revealed that bacteria could exchange genes through a process akin to “bacterial sex,” reshaping the understanding of microbial genetics. Since then, E. coli has been central to major discoveries, from deciphering the genetic code to becoming the first organism genetically engineered with foreign DNA in the 1970s. The bacterium was also behind a breakthrough in 1978, when synthetic human insulin was first produced using E. coli, eliminating the reliance on animal-derived insulin that sometimes caused allergic reactions. Nearly two decades later, in 1997, E. coli was among the first organisms to have its entire genome sequenced. E. coli’s strengths Adam Feist, professor at the University of California, San Diego, highlights the bacterium’s speed, reliability, and versatility. It thrives on a wide variety of substrates, can be frozen and revived easily, and efficiently hosts foreign DNA. “The more I work with other microorganisms, the more I appreciate just how robust E. coli is,” he said. Cynthia Collins of Ginkgo Bioworks notes that while more organisms are now available for industrial use, E. coli remains cost-effective and adaptable. Even when producing potentially toxic substances, scientists can often engineer tolerance into the bacterium. Calls for alternatives Some experts warn that E. coli’s dominance may limit exploration of other promising microbes. Paul Jensen, a microbiologist at the University of Michigan, argues that undiscovered bacteria in landfills or natural environments might naturally perform valuable processes, such as breaking down plastics or even producing new materials like cement or rubber. One emerging alternative is Vibrio natriegens (V. nat), first isolated in the 1960s but largely overlooked until recently. With a growth rate twice as fast as E. coli and superior ability to absorb foreign DNA, V. nat could offer significant industrial advantages. Cornell University’s Buz Barstow, who is developing tools to engineer it, compares the leap from E. coli to V. nat as “going from a horse to a car.” His team has launched a company, Forage Evolution, to advance its applications, with ambitions ranging from producing jet fuel from carbon dioxide to extracting rare earth metals. “Simply put, E. coli won’t get us to any of these visions. V. natriegens might,” Dr Barstow said. Still, experts like Prof Feist caution that V. nat is not yet ready to replace E. coli at scale, as the essential genetic tools and industrial track record are still lacking. “E. coli is a tough thing to replace,” he said. Source: Agency

President Donald Trump on Thursday signed an executive order supporting a proposed deal that would place TikTok under majority U.S. ownership, a move he said addresses national security concerns while allowing the app to keep operating in the United States. The order gives American investors — including Oracle, Silver Lake Partners and others — a controlling stake of around 80% in a new U.S.-based venture, with ByteDance holding less than 20%. The arrangement still requires Beijing’s approval and final negotiations. The order also grants a 120-day reprieve for TikTok to continue operating. At a White House signing ceremony, Trump said Chinese President Xi Jinping had agreed to move forward with the deal. Vice President JD Vance added that the agreement ensures “Americans’ data privacy is protected” and that U.S. investors will control TikTok’s powerful recommendation algorithm. TikTok’s new board will be controlled by U.S. investors, though ByteDance will hold one seat, excluded from security matters. Notable investors include Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, Rupert Murdoch and Michael Dell, raising questions over potential political influence. TikTok’s algorithm to be licensed to US Joint venture led by Oracle and Silver Lake Trump’s order specifies that a licensed copy of ByteDance’s algorithm will be “retrained” exclusively with U.S. data to prevent Chinese interference. Analysts caution that even subtle changes could affect how TikTok operates and how its users — especially young people — engage with content. The app’s fate has been closely watched, with about 43% of U.S. adults under 30 relying on TikTok for news, according to a new Pew Research Center report. Beijing had initially denounced U.S. demands for TikTok’s divestment as “robbery,” but analysts say Chinese officials are now willing to compromise amid broader trade talks. Source: Agency