Tech
Elon Musk says he may need surgery before proposed 'cage match' with Mark Zuckerberg
Elon Musk says he may need to get surgery before a proposed “cage match” with Mark Zuckerberg.
The two tech billionaires seemingly agreed to an in-person face-off in late June. It's unclear if a physical fight will actually end up happening, but Musk and Zuckerberg have continued to fuel interest in the potential match through online jabs at one another — most recently on Sunday, when Musk said the fight would be live-streamed on his social media site X, formerly known as Twitter.
Musk added that the fight's proceeds would go to a charity for veterans. On his Threads social media account, Zuckerberg responded: “Shouldn’t we use a more reliable platform that can actually raise money for charity?" In a follow-up post, the CEO of Facebook’s parent company Meta said he wasn't “holding his breath” for a fight.
READ: StarLink: What's special about Elon Musk's SpaceX satellite internet service?
“I’m ready today. I suggested Aug 26 when he first challenged, but he hasn’t confirmed," wrote Zuckerberg, who is actually trained in mixed martial arts and posted about completing his first jiu jitsu tournament earlier this year. "I love this sport and will continue competing with people who train no matter what happens here.”
Earlier Sunday, Musk said was training for the fight by lifting weights. He later addressed the timing of the fight — noting the date “is still in flux" due to a scheduled MRI and the potential of surgery.
READ: Zuckerberg looks shredded in photo with MMA fighters
"I’m getting an MRI of my neck & upper back tomorrow," Musk wrote Sunday night. "May require surgery before the fight can happen. Will know this week."
Talk of an in-person fight all started in June, when Musk, who owns X, responded to a tweet about Meta preparing to release a new Twitter rival called Threads. He took a dig about the world becoming “exclusively under Zuck’s thumb with no other options” — but then one Twitter user jokingly warned Musk of Zuckerberg’s jiu jitsu training.
“I’m up for a cage match if he is lol,” Musk wrote. After Zuckerberg appeared to agree to the proposal, Musk proposed the Vegas Octagon.
READ: Elon Musk imposes daily limits on reading posts on Twitter
Whether or not Musk and Zuckerberg actually make it to the Las Vegas ring has yet to be seen — especially as Musk often tweets about action prematurely or without following through. But, even if their cage match agreement is all a joke, the banter gained attention. An endless chain of memes and posts to “choose your fighter” sprung up in response.
The Associated Press reached out to Meta, X and Ultimate Fighting Championship, which owns the Octagon, for statements Monday morning.
realme narzo 60 5G Review: Does it live up to the hype?
The narzo line of smartphones from realme offers the perfect basic to mid-range smartphones in the Android platform. The line has brought incredible value-for-money deals in the budget-friendly category. Similar to last year, realme launched the narzo 60 on July 15, 2023 in India. Since the launch, the narzo 60 has created a hype. Let’s find out whether the specs, features and price of realme narzo 60 can fulfill the expectations of tech enthusiasts.
Key Features of realme narzo 60
Design and Build Quality
Like every other narzo iteration, the narzo 60 also brings a completely new design this year. The new design somewhat resembles the Huawei Mate series with a flat back and circular camera housing.
The phone itself is plastic all around. The frame has a chrome finish which looks like metal until it is held in hand. The back panel has an inner gradient texture that reflects and refracts light. There is also a version with an eco-leather back. The front glass is protected by Gorilla Glass 5 for added safety against drops and scratches. Dimension wise the phone is completely flat with flat edges. It helps a lot in holding or using the phone on a surface.
Read more: Walton Walpad 8G Review: Worth buying?
narzo 60 comes in at 159.8 x 72.9 x 7.9 mm with 182 gm weight. The dimension and weight make it an easily manageable device. It isn’t quite a one-handed phone but it's sufficiently small by today’s standards.
The ports and button choices are fairly standard. There’s a power and volume button on the right and a hybrid sim slot on the left. The top houses the secondary noise cancellation mic. The Type C port, primary mic, and headphone jack are located at the bottom. The choice of a hybrid sim slot means users will either have to forego the second sim or add micro SDXC. This shouldn’t be a problem considering the base variant comes in at 128 GB storage.
Overall, the design of the narzo 60 is new and refreshing. The build quality is also on par with the industry standards of this budget. But the lack of IP rating might be a deal breaker for some users.
Read more: iQOO Neo 7 Pro Review: Is it worth its price tag?
The Display
The display on the narzo 60 is a Super AMOLED panel with 1080P resolution and a 90 Hz refresh rate. Surprisingly, realme was able to pack in a high refresh rate AMOLED panel at this price point.
The display itself is a 6.43-inch panel with an 85.7% screen-to-body ratio. The 20:9 aspect ratio on the screen is good enough for 409 ppi. The panel itself looks crisp and sharp without noticeable color shifts at extreme angles.
Though the brightness could have been a bit better, especially for outdoor usage. There is also a large chin at the bottom which might be off-putting for many. But considering the price and the actual performance of the panel, this display is a very good bargain.
Read more: TECNO CAMON 20 Review: Is it worth buying?
The Camera
There is a dual camera setup on the large circular camera housing on the back. The main sensor is a 64 MP one with f/1.8 aperture and a 25 mm wide lens. There is only PDAF support on the camera module. No OIS or EIS is present.
The secondary sensor is a 2 MP depth sensor with f/2.4 aperture. The main camera does all the heavy lifting with the depth sensor aiding in the portrait shots. Pictures from the main camera came out pretty well under direct sunlight. The wide lens allows for better light and dynamic range capture.
Walton Walpad 8G Review: Worth buying?
In the rapidly evolving world of technology, tablets have become essential tools for individuals seeking seamless connectivity and unrivaled flexibility. If we think about a tab, iPad and Samsung Tab come to mind first. However, these two are expensive too. If you want a decent tablet that is not expensive, Walton’s Walpad 8G can be a good choice. This pad is a budget-friendly choice among Bangladeshi tech enthusiasts. Boasting an impressive design, the Walpad 8G is designed to elevate your digital experience to new heights. Equipped with the Android operating system, it offers a user-friendly interface and access to your daily useful apps.
Key Features & Specs of Walpad 8G
Design and Display
With an 8.0-inch IPS panel at its core, the tablet offers an expansive and immersive viewing experience. The display’s size, measuring 203.1 mm, strikes the perfect balance between portability and content consumption, making it ideal for both on-the-go use and watching multimedia content. At a resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels, the Walpad 8G ensures that images and videos come to life with reasonable clarity and vibrant colors. With a remarkable color depth of 16 million, every hue is rendered with close accuracy and depth, enriching your viewing pleasure to new heights. Whether you’re watching movies or browsing the web, the Walton Walpad 8G’s display ensures a clear visual experience.
It has a stylish design and comes in silver and blue colors. The semi-matte finish gives elegance with a premium feel. However, it is a bit heavy at about 380g weight. With 122*197.4*8.1mm dimension, the back part has a camera and flash on the top left. The rest of the back is clean and smooth. The branding and logo are located on the bottom part. The front has a camera in the top middle. Like other Android devices, the volume rocker and the power button are located on the right side. The left side of the pad contains a sim tray. It comes with a dual-box speaker, which is located at the bottom.
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Vivo Y27 now available for pre-booking
Vivo Y27 is now available for pre-booking in Bangladesh.
The Y27 has made its debut in Bangladesh recently with its elite dual ring design, smart outlook, 44-watt super-fast charging, and a 6.64-inch full HD+ Super AMOLED display, according to a press release.
The smartphone comes in two colours - Burgundy Black and Sea Blue. The camera module on the back sets it apart from the traditional box-shaped camera segments. Instead, the camera ring stands out with its golden accent, it said.
The phone features a 5,000 mAh battery and a 44-watt Type-C flash charger. With just one full charge, 16 hours of videos can be played. Even with regular daily usage, the battery will last for approximately one and a half days. Moreover, the vivo Y27 can reach 100% charge in less than an hour, the release also said.
Vivo Y27 has a 2.5D curved design with square dimensions of 164.06 x 76.17 x 8.07 millimeters and it weighs only 190 grams, providing a lightweight and comfortable grip. The 6.64-inch Full HD+ Sunlight display with a resolution of 2388 x 1080 pixels enhances the overall user experience, making it suitable for use even in bright daylight due to its sunlight display feature, added the release.
The vivo Y27 comes with the MediaTek Helio G85 processor and runs on the updated Funtouch OS 13 operating system, providing a smooth and efficient experience. It offers a boosted performance for tasks, and app switching and data storage will be effortless. With 6 GB of RAM.
There is the “Extended RAM Technology 3.0” which allows users to expand the available RAM to an additional 6 GB, giving the option to have a total of 12 GB of RAM on the device, making it even more powerful, said the release.
Vivo Y27 boasts has a 50-megapixel Ultra Clear camera. Additionally, it features an 8-megapixel front camera and a 2-megapixel Bokeh camera, along with various features like portrait mode, night mode, panorama, live photos, slow-motion, time-lapse, and more.
The Vivo Y27 is priced to sell at Tk 22,999.
iQOO Neo 7 Pro Review: Is it worth its price tag?
Earlier this year, vivo's subsidiary company iQOO released its Neo 7 range. The company has been committed to providing affordable yet performance-oriented smartphones since its inception. With that commitment, iQOO launched the Neo 7 Pro on July 4 in India. The device is meant to be a souped-up version of the existing Neo 7. Let’s look at its detailed specs and price to see whether iQOO Neo 7 Pro 5G worth the price tag.
Key Specifications of IQOO Neo 7 Pro
Design and Build Quality
The design of the Neo 7 Pro is the same as that of the Neo 7. The dimensions are almost exactly the same as well. It's pretty difficult to tell which is which just by holding them.
However, unlike the Neo 7, the 7 Pro has a plastic frame complemented by either glass or leather back. The device comes in at 164.8 x 76.9 x 8.5 mm or 8.9 mm depending on either the glass or leather back. The 193 gm or 202 gm (glass) weight makes for an impressive hand feel thanks to the even weight distribution. The curved back also helps to increase the grip on the device.
This time iQOO went with a uniform bezel design on the front. While it might not seem like much, it makes quite a difference while interacting with the display. The center punch-hole camera brings a sense of symmetry to the display. The dual-tone rectangular camera housing on the back looks unique. It adds to the overall aesthetic of the device, especially on the leather variant.
Read more: Infinix Note 30 Pro 5G Review: Powerful camera at an affordable price
The power button and the volume rocker are placed on the left with the secondary noise cancellation mic at the top. The bottom of the device houses the Type C port, sim slot, and primary mic.
The Neo 7 Pro is definitely a breath of fresh air when it comes to designs in the upper mid-range segment. It might even help iQOO establish a new design identity in this segment.
The Display
The display on the iQOO Neo 7 Pro is an AMOLED 1080P display with 1B colors, 120 Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support, and 1300 nits of peak brightness. The 6.78-inch panel is stacked with features that would easily give flagship displays a run for their money.
The uniform front bezel means that the display has an 87.6% screen-to-body ratio. The pixel density comes in at 388 ppi making it a sharp and crisp panel. Viewing angles on the Neo 7 Pro is excellent with no color shifts or hazing. The high peak brightness makes for comfortable legibility even under direct sunlight.
Read more: Samsung Galaxy A54 vs realme 11 Pro+: Who wins the battle?
Overall, the display on the Neo 7 Pro makes for an impressive interaction all around. For anyone looking for a device with media consumption in mind, the Neo 7 Pro can be an easy pick.
The Camera
There is a triple camera setup on the Neo 7 Pro with a 50 MP main sensor, 8 MP ultrawide, and a 2 MP macro shooter. The main camera is equipped with an f/1.9 aperture and a 24 mm lens. There is no EIS so OIS and PDAF are all that the users will be getting.
In the test, the camera performs as expected from a 50 MP shooter. The pictures look sharp and detailed with a decent amount of dynamic range. It also does a great job at edge detection in portrait shots. iQOO has also fixed the fish eye effect on their ultrawide shots. It now looks much on par with the main sensor shots.
The night photography on the Neo 7 Pro is also great. Shots came out with good details though the exposure was a hit or miss at times. The front features a single 16 MP selfie shooter good enough for casual pictures.
Read more: Oppo Reno10 Pro+ 5G: Premium mid-ranger on the go
The videography on the 7 Pro is rated up to 4K at 30 fps. The lack of EIS is visible especially if it shakes too much. But overall it produces decent videos.
Processor and Performance
The processor on the iQOO Neo 7 Pro is Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 based on the 4 Nm architecture. iQOO has moved away from their usual collaborator MediaTek for the 7 Pro and opted for last year’s flagship processor from Snapdragon.
The switch has also bumped up the overall performance. The SoC has 1 3.19 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3 2.75 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4 2.0 GHz Cortex-A510 chip designs with Adreno 730 as the GPU. In our test, the device performed like any other flagship. The high refresh rate combined with the fast animations of the UI made it hard to differentiate from this year’s flagship devices.
Gaming on the Neo 7 Pro is also very smooth. The device gave a constant 60 fps on titles like COD, Asphalt 9, Genshin Impact, and PUBG. There were no noticeable frame drops or heating issues even after 30-odd minutes of continued gaming. It's safe to say that this is by far the best gaming smartphone on a mid-range budget.
Read more: Nothing Phone 2 Review: Can it outperform its predecessor?
Funtouch OS has also been significantly upgraded but the problem with bloatware remains. Overall, the performance of the Neo 7 Pro would be more than satisfactory for most users as well as gamers out there.
Battery and Charge Time
The battery on the iQOO Neo 7 Pro is 5000 mAh. However, the biggest feature in terms of battery is its charging capability. The device supports 120W wired fast charging. iQOO claims the device would be able to go from 0 to 50% in 8 minutes.
Pros and Cons of IQOO Neo 7 Pro
Pros:
- Great performance - Impressive primary camera - 120W fast charging - Excellent display - Leatherback model - Uniform front bezel.
Cons:
- Bloatware
- Plastic frame
Read more: realme C53 Review: Did it justify the hype?
Price of iQOO Neo 7 Pro
The official price of the iQOO Neo 7 Pro in India is 33,999 INR for the 8/128 GB and 37,999 INR for 12/256 GB variant. That roughly translates to 45,080 BDT and 50,384 BDT respectively (1 INR = 1.33 BDT). But expect the price to significantly differ once it becomes officially available in Bangladesh.
Final Words
The iQOO Neo 7 Pro is a refined version of their existing Neo 7. It brings some subtle changes in the processor and camera department which ends up making a meaningful impact in the overall experience of the device. It still boasts a decent camera, excellent display, and battery.
The only gripe would be that the frame is still plastic and Funtouch OS is still riddled with bloatware. If you can overlook these two aspects, then the iQOO Neo 7 Pro 5G can be an excellent buy at any price point.
Read more: Top 10 New Smartphones Available in Bangladesh in August 2023
StarLink: What's special about Elon Musk's SpaceX satellite internet service?
In today’s interconnected world, access to reliable and high-speed internet has become an essential aspect of modern life. The internet serves as the backbone of communication, information sharing, education, business, and countless other activities that shape our daily routines. However, despite the significant advancements in internet technology over the past few decades, a considerable part of the global population remains underserved or even entirely disconnected from the digital world. This digital divide is particularly evident in rural and remote areas, where traditional internet infrastructure is often impractical or prohibitively expensive to deploy.
To address this pressing issue and fulfill the growing necessity for internet services worldwide, innovative solutions have emerged. One of the most ambitious and groundbreaking ventures is Starlink, a satellite internet constellation project spearheaded by SpaceX, the private space exploration company founded by Elon Musk.
What is StarLink?
Starlink is a project created by SpaceX, a private company led by Elon Musk. They're putting a bunch of satellites up in space to make the internet work better for everyone. These satellites form a "constellation" and help bring the internet to even the remotest places on earth. Officially launched in 2019, the primary goal of Starlink is to provide global internet coverage by deploying a large number of small satellites into low earth orbit (LEO).
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Everything we know about Elon Musk’s Starlink Satellites and Future Internet Plans
As of May 2023, Starlink’s operational network encompasses more than 4,000 mass-produced, compact satellites positioned in LEO. These satellites maintain communication with specific ground transceivers. The ambitious project aims to deploy a total of nearly 12,000 satellites, with potential future expansion of up to 42,000 satellites. Notably, SpaceX celebrated reaching a significant milestone by acquiring over 1 million subscribers in December 2022, and within just a few months, that number surged to 1.5 million subscribers as of May 2023.
The Starlink Constellation: Size and Ambition
The Starlink constellation consists of thousands of satellites orbiting at altitudes between 340 km (210 miles) and 1,200 km (750 miles) above earth’s surface. These satellites work in a cycle to create a network that beams high-speed internet signals down to earth, making it accessible to users with compatible receiving terminals, commonly referred to as user terminals or satellite dishes.
Starlink’s internet is different from regular internet because it doesn’t use towers and cables on the ground. Instead, it has satellites that fly much closer to the earth. This closeness makes the internet faster because data doesn’t have to travel as far. It’s like having a shorter distance for messages to go back and forth between you and the satellite. This is really helpful in places that are far away from cities or places where getting good internet is hard. So, Starlink can provide better internet performance, especially in those remote and underserved areas.
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Beta Testing and Expansion
Starlink has conducted multiple phases of beta testing, known as the “Better Than Nothing Beta” program, where users in select regions were invited to test the service and provide feedback. During the beta phase, the system underwent improvements and optimizations based on user experiences.
As the beta testing progresses, SpaceX has gradually expanded the coverage area, reaching more users in different parts of the world. The company has been seeking regulatory approvals from various countries to operate its satellite internet service globally.
User Terminals (Satellite Dishes)
To access the Starlink internet service, users receive a phased-array satellite dish, commonly known as a user terminal or satellite dish. These user terminals are designed to automatically track and connect to passing satellites overhead, making it easy for users to set up and use the service.
Top 10 New Smartphones Available in Bangladesh in August 2023
As we step into August, the smartphone market may see a slightly quieter month compared to the plethora of releases in July. However, this doesn't mean there's a shortage of excitement! The upcoming smartphone lineup for August is still highly promising, offering a collection of innovative and feature-rich devices that are sure to captivate tech enthusiasts. From advanced gaming phones to foldable marvels, the new releases pack a punch, leaving us eagerly waiting for their arrival. Let's take a closer look at the smartphones set to make a splash this month.
Smartphones Coming to Bangladesh in August 2023
Redmi 12 5G
The Redmi 12 5G is highly anticipated to arrive in August. It is rumored to feature a large 6.79-inch FHD+ display, offering a smooth 90Hz refresh rate and a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels. The phone is expected to be powered by the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 SoC processor, which will be complemented by a powerful GPU. Users will have 8GB of RAM with an extra 8GB virtual RAM, coupled with an internal storage choice of 256G.
Running on Android 13-based MIUI 14 skin, the Redmi 12 is likely to deliver the latest software experience. On the camera front, the phone is expected to house a versatile setup comprising a 50MP primary camera. A 5MP front-facing camera is expected to be present for selfies and video chats. Powering the device will be a sizable 5,000mAh battery, with the added convenience of 18W fast charging support for quick top-ups.
Infinix GT10 Pro
The Infinix GT 10 Pro is an upcoming gaming-oriented smartphone set to launch in the first week of August, with India being the starting market. The phone boasts a unique design, featuring a Nothing-like semi-transparent back panel, giving it a distinctive and futuristic appearance. The camera island on the back houses three camera sensors, with the main sensor expected to offer an impressive 108 MP resolution.
Read more: TECNO CAMON 20 Review: Is it worth buying?
The device aims to provide high gaming features at an affordable price, and it will be powered by a Dimensity chipset, although the specific model has not been disclosed. The phone will run XOS 13 based on Android 13, and it will receive one major Android update and two years of security updates. The Infinix GT 10 Pro is expected to be available in at least two colors, and the package will also include a box that can be used to create an eco-friendly music amplifier.
Oppo K11
The Oppo K11 features a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support, and Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection. It runs on Android 13 with ColorOS 13.1, powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 782G chipset and Adreno 642L GPU. The phone offers multiple memory options: 256GB with 8GB RAM, 256GB with 12GB RAM, or 512GB with 12GB RAM (UFS 3.1).
The rear triple-camera setup includes a 50 MP wide lens, 8 MP ultra-wide lens, and 2 MP macro lens, supporting 4K@30fps video recording. The front camera is 16 MP with 1080p@30fps video.
It has stereo speakers, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, GPS, and a 5000 mAh battery with 100W wired charging. Sensors include an under-display fingerprint, accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity, and compass. The phone will be available in Moonshadow Gray and Glacier Blue colors. Model: PJC110.
Read more: Walton NEXG N70 Review: Unlocking the Budget-Friendly Phone
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 is a sleek, foldable smartphone with a plastic front, glass back, and aluminum frame. It boasts a Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, 6.7 inches in size, with a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ support. The phone runs on Android 13 with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset and Adreno 740 GPU. It offers memory options of 8GB/12GB RAM and storage of 128GB/256GB/512GB.
The dual-camera setup includes 12 MP wide and ultrawide lenses, while the selfie camera is 10 MP. The device features NFC, a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, and a 3700 mAh battery with 25W wired and 15W wireless charging.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 is an innovative foldable smartphone with a 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display and a 6.2-inch Cover display, both featuring a 120Hz refresh rate. It runs on a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset with 12GB of RAM and offers a versatile 50MP wide, 10MP telephoto, and 12MP ultrawide triple-camera setup with 8K video. The phone has a 4 MP under-display front camera and a 10 MP cover camera.
It is IPX8 water-resistant and protected by Gorilla Glass Victus+. The device supports stylus input, has a 4400 mAh battery with 25W wired/15W wireless charging, and can do 4.5W reverse wireless charging. Additional features include a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Bixby support, Samsung DeX, Samsung Pay, and NFC connectivity.
Read more: Infinix Note 30 Pro 5G Review: Powerful camera at an affordable price
realme GT Neo 6
The realme GT Neo 6 is an upcoming smartphone with two versions, one featuring Dimensity 9200 and the other Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset. However, recent speculation suggests both may run on Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. The main difference is in battery capacity and charging speed, with one having a 4,600 mAh battery and 240W charging, and the other a 5,200 mAh battery with 150W charging.
Key features include a 6.67-inch OLED display with 1.5K resolution and 144Hz refresh rate, 8/12/16GB RAM, and 128/256/512GB/1TB storage. The main camera is rumored to be 50MP with OIS, accompanied by an 8MP ultrawide and a 2MP snapper. It will have an IR blaster, an x-axis haptic motor, and run Android 13.
OnePlus Open
The OnePlus Open, the upcoming foldable phone from OnePlus, may have its own unique design; it is expected to adopt the form factor of the Oppo Find N2, which means users can anticipate similar dimensions and feel. According to previous leaks and rumors, the OnePlus Open is anticipated to boast a 6.3-inch AMOLED display featuring FHD+ resolution and a swift 120 Hz refresh rate.
The device will also sport a 20 MP front-facing camera positioned neatly within a hole-punch cutout for taking selfies. Moving on to the primary screen, it is expected to be a 7.8-inch LTPO AMOLED panel, likely offering a resolution of 1,900 x 2,100 and the same impressive 120 Hz refresh rate. Rumors suggest that the front camera for this screen will be 32 MP.
Read more: Samsung Galaxy A54 vs realme 11 Pro+: Who wins the battle?
Under the hood, the OnePlus Open is expected to be powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC, which will be paired with a substantial 16GB of RAM and a capacious 512GB of storage, providing ample power and space for various tasks and applications. As for the camera setup, both the main and ultrawide cameras are rumored to be identical to the ones found in the OnePlus 11, ensuring top-notch photography capabilities. Moreover, the device will likely feature a 64 MP telephoto camera as its third module, further enhancing its photography versatility.
The phone is speculated to house a sizeable 4,800 mAh battery, ensuring extended usage periods. Additionally, it supports 67W fast charging, enabling quick battery replenishment for added convenience.
POCO M6 Pro 5G
The POCO M6 Pro 5G is a mid-range smartphone with a 6.79-inch IPS LCD display and a 90Hz refresh rate. It is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 processor, 4GB RAM, and 128GB internal storage (expandable up to 1TB). The phone features a dual-camera setup with a 50MP primary camera, a 2MP depth sensor, and a 5MP front camera. It has a large 5000mAh battery with 18W fast charging via USB Type-C.
The device supports 4G in India and 5G in other regions and has a side-mounted fingerprint sensor. The phone is splash-proof (IP53 rated) and weighs 199 grams. Overall, it offers a feature-rich experience at an affordable price point.
Read more: Oppo Reno10 Pro+ 5G: Premium mid-ranger on the go
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is an eagerly anticipated smartphone slated for launch in August 2023. According to some reports, the device will have the Exynos 2200 SoC at its core, paired with AMD's Xclipse 920 GPU, ensuring powerful performance across all regions, as the Exynos 2200 will be used globally. The phone is rumored to feature a 50MP primary camera for high-quality photography. It is expected to be equipped with a 4,500mAh battery with 25W charging support, ensuring extended usage and quick recharging.
The Galaxy S23 FE is speculated to come in two RAM variants: 6GB and 8GB, with storage options of 128GB and 256GB for ample storage space. While there is no official word from Samsung yet, the smartphone may be unveiled sometime next month, possibly ahead of the Galaxy Z Fold5 and Galaxy Z Flip5, at an event in Seoul, South Korea. Excitement is building around the Galaxy S23 FE, and fans are eagerly awaiting its launch to experience its promising features and capabilities.
OnePlus Nord CE3
The OnePlus Nord CE3 is a recently announced smartphone set to be released in August 2023. It supports 5G connectivity along with GSM, HSPA, and LTE networks. The device features a sleek design with dimensions of 162.7 x 75.5 x 8.2 mm and weighs 184g. Its Fluid AMOLED display measures 6.7 inches, offering a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ support, providing vibrant colors and smooth visuals.
The phone runs on Android 13 with OxygenOS 13.1 and is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 782G chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU and Adreno 642L GPU, ensuring efficient performance. It comes with options of 128GB/8GB RAM or 256GB/12GB RAM configurations.
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The main camera setup consists of a 50 MP wide lens with OIS, an 8 MP ultrawide lens, and a 2 MP macro lens, delivering versatile photography capabilities. The selfie camera has a 16 MP wide lens with HDR support. Other notable features include stereo speakers, a fingerprint sensor under the display, NFC, and an infrared port. The phone has a 5000 mAh non-removable battery and supports rapid charging at 80W, offering 1-61% charging in just 15 minutes. The OnePlus Nord CE3 will be available in Aqua Surge and Gray Shimmer colors.
Conclusion
The smartphones set to release in August 2023 hold great promise, with highly anticipated devices bringing innovative camera tech, processing power, and user experiences. Advancements in 5G, foldable displays, and AI features are set to elevate communication, productivity, and entertainment. Whether you are a photography buff, power user, or seeking seamless experiences, the upcoming phones cater to diverse needs.
Staying informed with the latest developments and reviews is crucial to making the best choice. With continuous industry innovation, the future promises even more advancements, making it an exciting time for mobile technology. The smartphones mentioned above have not released yet. So, after official release there might be changes in speciations and features. Buckle up for an extraordinary lineup of smartphones that will leave us in awe!
Read more: realme C53 Review: Did it justify the hype?
realme C53 Review: Did it justify the hype?
realme C53 is another budget-friendly device from the youth-focused smartphone brand. The phone was officially released in the Bangladesh market on July 23, 2023. This smartphone stands out from its competitors with its segment's first 108 MP camera, offering users an incredible photography experience. Let’s find out more on C53 key specs, pros, cons, and price in Bangladesh.
Key features and Specs of realme C53
Design
The realme C53 sports a design that may look familiar to those who have followed the brand's smartphone releases. The overall dimension of the phone is 167.3 x 76.7 x 7.5 mm. The phone weighs only 182g.
Constructed with plastic material, the phone features a dual-tone design at the back, with the top portion boasting a glossy finish and the bottom has a matte texture. The device comes in various colors, and while the Champion Gold variant may be too glittery for some, the Champion Black variant would have been a preferred choice for many due to its more subdued appearance.
Although the camera rings for the 108MP+B&W sensors and LED flash add a distinct look to the device, they protrude significantly from the surface, causing some instability when typing on a flat surface. Despite this, the realme C53 feels ergonomic to hold with its flat edges and lightweight design.
Read more: Nothing Phone 2 Review: Can it outperform its predecessor?
Display
The realme C53 boasts a 6.74-inch IPS LCD LCD screen, offering a resolution of 1080 x 2400. The display features a refresh rate of 90 Hz and a teardrop notch at the top.
The C53's screen exhibits brightness and vividness, but this holds true only when viewed head-on. Upon tilting or observing it from different angles, there is an apparent decline in color reproduction and overall quality.
The 1080 x 2400 IPS LCD resolution results in a mere 390 ppi density. In 2023, it has almost become customary for smartphones to have, at the very least, a 1080p display. It becomes even more perplexing to consider that the C53's sibling, the realme C55, offers a higher FHD+ resolution.
In real-world usage, pixels are more discernible on the C55's lower-resolution screen. One does become accustomed to both the slightly less sharp display and the less-than-stellar viewing angles over time, but in all honesty, it is an oversight on realme's part.
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Nevertheless, the realme C53 boasts a high refresh rate display, reaching 90 Hz. This imparts a smoother and more responsive experience when navigating the phone and the UI, exceeding expectations.
Transformed country into Digital Bangladesh despite harsh criticism, ridicule from certain quarters: PM
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday said her government has transformed the country into Digital Bangladesh despite “harsh criticism, insults and ridicule from certain quarters.”
“Yes, we have transformed the country into Digital Bangladesh. But we had to face harsh criticism, insults and ridicule initially. Whenever there were problems or issues, many ridiculed us, saying it happened due to Digital Bangladesh,” she said.
Also read: PM to attend BIMSTEC Summit later this year in Thailand
The prime minister said this while addressing the inaugural session of Bangladesh Startup Summit 2023.
Startup Bangladesh Limited, the flagship venture capital company of the Information and Communication Technology Division of the Government of Bangladesh, is hosting the two-day event at InterContinental Dhaka.
Sheikh Hasina said that during the election campaign when Awami League declared their manifesto, ‘Digital Bangladesh’ was included.
Also read: Sheikh Hasina: A legend in her own lifetime
“At that time we had to face immense ridicule,” she said, adding, “Now, I can proudly say, we have transformed the country into Digital Bangladesh.”
The PM said that the government has emphasised on developing skilled human resources to build a cost-effective, sustainable, intelligent and knowledge-based smart and prosperous Bangladesh by 2041.
“To meet the challenges of the fourth industrial revolution, skilled human resources should be developed in modern technologies like artificial intelligence, internet of things, blockchain, medical scribe and cybersecurity,” she said.
Referring to her government’s initiatives to develop skilled human resources to face the challenges of the fourth industrial revolution (4IR), she said they are setting up vocational and technical educational institutions in each upazila and arranging training facilities for the future.
She said that with the government's efforts, Startup Bangladesh Limited has completed 30 investments so far while 100 startup investments are underway under the "Shoto Borshe Shoto Asha" campaign.
Also read: Boost research on agriculture to increase production: PM Hasina tells scientists
In this connection, she mentioned that more than 15 lakh direct and indirect employment have been created through this.
The prime minister said that 92 lakh people have received services and training through Startup Bangladesh Limited till December 2022, of whom 55 percent are women.
Sheikh Hasina said that her government has formulated the National Startup Policy and the Smart Bangladesh Startup Fund, and through these she hoped that the venture capital ecosystem will develop in the country.Stating that USD 924 million has been invested in the startup ecosystem so far, the PM said, the goal is to support the creation of five unicorns by 2025 and to create 50 unicorns by 2041.
She explained that a startup company worth at least one billion US dollars is called a unicorn and a unicorn startup will create employment opportunities for millions of people.
She called upon domestic and foreign investors to invest more in startups, mentioning that skilled, smart and knowledgeable manpower is being created in the IT sector.
Stating that two million people have been employed in the IT sector under the e-commerce masterplan, the prime minister said freelancers in rural areas are earning more than 500 million dollars.
Sheikh Hasina said that the country's youths would be the key force in building ‘Smart Bangladesh’.
“Our youths would be the most skilled manpower in each field, in developing Smart Bangladesh,” she said.
State Minister for ICT Division Zunaid Ahmed Palak delivered the keynote presentation.
ICT Division Secretary Md. Shamsul Arefin and Managing Director of Startup Bangladesh Limited Sami Ahmed also spoke at the programme.
Nagad Managing Director Tanvir A Mishuk and SBK Tech Venture Managing Director Sonia Bashir Kabir expressed their reactions on behalf of the award recipients.
The two-day event aimed at bringing together startups, enterprises, venture capitalists, angel investors, regulators, think tanks, and experts from various countries.
Earlier, the Prime Minister unveiled the Smart Bangladesh Accelerator Programme, inaugurated India-Bangladesh Startup Bridge website and launched Smart Bangladesh Startup Fund.
She also gave away the Bangabandhu Innovation Grant and Bangladesh Startup Award among the winners.
A documentary was also screened at the function.
How AI Can Improve Education
Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionising numerous sectors and industries, including the realm of education. AI can potentially address significant global challenges and opportunities in education, encompassing aspects like accessibility, quality, equity, personalisation, and lifelong learning. This article explores how AI can lend support to educators, learners, and policymakers in creating more efficacious and all-encompassing learning environments. AI is causing a revolution in various industries, like medicine and finance. However, its impact on education is equally remarkable. Let's delve into some instances where AI is enhancing the educational landscape.
10 Ways AI Can Help Students Learn
Personalised Learning
One theory in pedagogy suggests that individuals have diverse learning styles, such as visual, aural, or kinesthetic learners. Although this theory has been debated, it is generally acknowledged that people learn differently, varying in work and study styles, learning pace, and ease with specific subjects or concepts. Given this understanding, personalising the learning experience becomes essential. However, manually tailoring lesson plans for every student is impractical due to time constraints. This is where AI-powered personalised learning comes into play.
AI's strength lies in its ability to quickly analyse vast amounts of data and identify patterns, making it the perfect tool for developing personalised learning plans. AI-based learning systems can provide teachers with detailed insights into students' learning styles, abilities, and progress, enabling them to customise their teaching methods accordingly. For instance, AI can suggest more advanced work for some students and offer extra attention to others.
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Furthermore, AI can enhance accuracy in predicting results, assisting teachers in ensuring their lesson planning meets learning targets.
AI's role in planning, scheduling, and creating unique learning experiences for students can free up teachers' time, allowing them to focus on high-value tasks such as individual student support. Several universities have tested the use of chatbots for repetitive tasks typically handled by professors, providing 24/7 assistance to students.
Adaptive Learning
Adaptive learning employs AI to tailor resources and learning activities to suit each learner's unique needs, especially in online learning.
This method involves rigorous analysis of a student's performance data, enabling the AI algorithm to adjust the course material's pace and difficulty, optimising the learning process.
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Adaptive learning not only improves the learning process but also saves time and resources by eliminating unnecessary repetition and focusing on areas where a student may struggle. The teacher can offer support where needed, while the student can learn at a comfortable pace.
Many companies are embracing adaptive learning to improve content delivery. A notable example is Duolingo, a language-learning app that provides personalised exercises for learning various languages. The app uses AI to ensure lessons are paced and levelled according to each student's performance.
Automated Grading
Grading assignments and exams is among the most time-consuming tasks in education. AI-powered tools, utilising machine learning algorithms, can evaluate essays, multiple-choice tests, and programming assignments with remarkable accuracy and efficiency, thus saving teachers considerable time.
Using computers for grading ensures consistency and reduces bias, including unconscious bias that teachers may have, while also providing personalised feedback to students. This encourages students to take ownership of their learning and improve in problem areas.
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Although automated grading has significant advantages, it is crucial to address biases that may persist in AI due to the underlying data used to train the algorithms. China has been experimenting with AI auto-grading platforms, with around 1 in 4 schools using machine-learning auto-grading platforms.
Intelligent Tutoring Systems
Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITS) are computer systems powered by machine learning algorithms that offer personalised and adaptive lesson plans based on individual students' learning needs and pace. Similar to other AI tools, ITSs analyse student data to understand learning patterns, enabling them to provide customised suggestions, feedback, and exercises tailored to each student's requirements.
ITS benefits both students and teachers, allowing educators to monitor students' progress and modify their teaching approach for effective lesson delivery. Students can learn at their own pace while receiving support when needed and engaging in more advanced concepts when ready.
A study by the U.S. Department of Education revealed that existing ITS can enhance student literacy by improving their reading comprehension and writing skills. Implementing these systems in classrooms poses challenges, and natural language processing techniques have been suggested for scoring student responses.
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Smart Content Creation
Creating lesson plans presents a significant challenge for teachers, as each student has unique learning requirements. "Smart content creation" refers to the use of AI to automate and enhance the generation of educational content. AI platforms analyse student data to create personalised and engaging educational material.
This customised content can then be used to create tailored environments catering to different learning outcomes. Students can select lesson plans that align with their needs. AI can generate interactive quizzes, simulations, and experiments using chatbots, augmented reality, or virtual reality, enriching the learning experience.
Coursera is a prime example of successful smart content creation, using AI to curate multiple educational and professional courses and suggest appropriate courses based on students' learning performance, pace, and individual needs.
Learning Analytics
Analysing large amounts of student data can be a tedious task, but AI-powered automated analytics make the process easier. Teachers can use the data to track student performance and engagement, enabling timely interventions and additional support as required. Students can also leverage analytics to monitor their own progress and request help when needed.
Read more: Ai and Future of Content Writing: Will Artificial Intelligence replace writers?
For instance, the University of Michigan offers a dashboard called "My Learning Analytics," allowing students to visualise and track their grade distribution, assignment planning, and resources.
Implementing learning analytics in education may face ethical and privacy issues, as well as challenges related to data collection and analysis. Addressing these concerns with the help of AI is essential to ensuring responsible usage.
Virtual Assistants
Virtual assistants powered by AI can automate administrative tasks such as lesson planning and scheduling, freeing up teachers' valuable time to focus on essential duties like lecturing and engaging with students.
Virtual assistants also provide customised feedback to students, monitor their progress, and offer additional resources based on individual needs. Interacting with AI-powered virtual assistants has even shown positive correlations with students' academic performance.
Read more: Top 5 AI Chatbot Platforms and Trends in 2023
Natural Language Processing
Natural Language Processing (NLP) is an AI field focused on making computer systems capable of understanding and interpreting human languages. NLP has various applications, such as text generation, chatbots, and information extraction. For instance, ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI, serves as a language model used by students for homework help, exam preparation, and learning in general. Teachers can also use ChatGPT to prepare lesson plans and check assignments for grammar and information.
It is important to view NLP and AI as assistive technologies, not absolute sources of knowledge, as they may have limitations and potential biases. Careful consideration of the technology's impact on the education sector is essential.
Predictive Modelling
AI-powered predictive modelling analyses large amounts of data to predict various outcomes, such as student performance. This information is valuable to teachers, parents, institutions, governments, and students, as it can greatly enhance the learning experience and set benchmarks. Predictive modelling allows teachers to offer timely guidance based on students' predicted performance and previous test or exam results.
Data-driven analysis helps improve individual student performance and provides additional support when needed, enriching the learning experience. Governments can also utilise predictive modelling for planning educational goals.
Read more: Google's AI Chatbot Bard: All You Need to Know
Augmented and Virtual Reality
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies have gained popularity in recent years. AR overlays computer-generated content onto real-world objects, while VR creates a simulated virtual environment. These immersive technologies hold immense potential for education.
Students can interact with AR and VR learning materials to enhance their understanding of complex concepts and their overall learning experience. VR can simulate labs for conducting chemistry experiments or virtual dissections, while AR enables studying stars and galaxies up close.
AR and VR technologies have promising applications in enhancing STEM courses, medical simulations, arts and humanities materials, and technical education. They are already being utilized by various institutions, like Arizona State University (ASU), to offer unique learning experiences.
Conclusion
Artificial Intelligence presents promising advancements for the education sector, benefiting both teachers and students. However, it cannot replace human interaction and empathy, and addressing biases and data privacy concerns remains crucial. Integrating AI responsibly is essential for leveraging its potential while understanding its limitations. The future of education could be revolutionised with AI's continued implementation, shaping the learning experiences of future generations.
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