United News of Bangladesh

Honor has launched its latest flagship foldable phone, the Magic V5, in Bangladesh on Monday introducing it as the world’s slimmest foldable smartphone. The foldable flagship was unveiled at an event at the Renaissance Dhaka Gulshan Hotel, attended by Honor Bangladesh officials including Country Manager Lang Guo, Business Head Abdullah Al Mamun, and Deputy Country Manager Muzahidul Islam, along with representatives from different telecommunication companies. Weighing 217 grams, the Magic V5 measures 4.1mm when unfolded and 8.8mm when folded,  setting a Guinness World Record for durability by lifting 104 kg while suspended. Xiaomi Redmi Note 15 Pro 5G Review: What’s New? “The Honor Magic V5 was built to combine elegance and power. With crease-free folding technology and a next-generation silicon-carbon battery, this product reflects our dedication to redefining mobile experiences,” Lang Guo said at the launch. The Magic V5 features a 7.95-inch inner display and a 6.43-inch outer display, both 120Hz LTPO OLED panels. Its hinge mechanism ensures near crease-free folding, while IP58 and IP59 ratings provide dust and water resistance. Powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, the phone offers up to 16GB RAM and 512GB storage. It debuts the world’s first 5,820mAh silicon-carbon battery with 25% silicon content, supporting 66W wired and 50W wireless Honor SuperCharge. For photography, the Honor AI Falcon Camera System includes a 64MP periscope telephoto lens, a 50MP wide camera, and a 50MP ultra-wide camera with AI-powered imaging. Xiaomi Redmi Note 15 Pro Plus Review: Robust processor with massive battery The Magic V5 is priced at BDT 219,999 for the 16GB RAM + 512GB storage model. Pre-order customers can buy it at a discounted price of BDT 199,999 until August 30, with gifts including Honor Choice Headphones Pro, a 100W Honor SuperCharge Wireless Charger Stand, and up to 12-month interest-free EMI facilities. Vivo Y400 4G Review: Worth It or Just Hype? Honor also launched the Pad 10, featuring 8GB RAM, 256GB storage, a Snapdragon 7 Gen chip, and a 10,100mAh battery with 35W SuperCharge support. Weighing 525 grams and measuring 6.29mm thick, the tablet is priced at BDT 39,999 and comes with a Smart Stylus Pen. More details about these devices are available at https://smart-honor.com.

UL Solutions Inc. (NYSE: ULS), a global leader in applied safety science, has opened its first commercial and service robot testing laboratory in Uiwang, South Korea, to provide testing and certification services for emerging safety risks, particularly in human-robot interactions. Located 39 kilometers south of Seoul in Gyeonggi Province, the new lab is situated in the heart of South Korea’s growing robotics ecosystem and will work closely with manufacturers to ensure the safe adoption of innovative technologies. “The robotics industry is entering a new era of growth, one where machines deliver room service in hotels, serve as companions at home, and assist shoppers in stores,” said Yun Chung, regional managing director at UL Solutions in South Korea. “Our new robot laboratory will play a critical role in addressing safety concerns while enabling businesses worldwide to harness the benefits of robotics.” The facility will focus on compliance testing under UL 3300, the Standard for Safety for Service, Communication, Information, Education and Entertainment Robots. The standard ensures that robots can operate safely alongside people in public and commercial spaces, with requirements including speed limits, object detection, and visual and audible signals. Elon Musk files antitrust case, accuses Apple and OpenAI of blocking competition The launch comes amid a surge in global demand for service robots. According to the World Robotics 2024 Service Robots report, sales of professional service robots jumped 30% worldwide last year, with nearly 80% of units sold in the Asia-Pacific region. Logistics, hospitality, healthcare, and retail industries are increasingly adopting robots to improve efficiency, address labor shortages, and enhance workplace safety. UL Solutions operates in more than 110 countries, providing testing, inspection, certification, and advisory services to support product innovation and sustainable growth. Source: Agency 

Elon Musk has filed an antitrust lawsuit against Apple and OpenAI, accusing them of colluding to block competition in artificial intelligence. The 61-page complaint, filed in Texas federal court by Musk’s companies xAI and X Corp., follows his earlier claims that Apple unfairly boosted OpenAI’s ChatGPT in iPhone app store rankings while pushing down rivals like his own Grok chatbot. Musk is seeking damages and a court order to stop what he calls illegal tactics. The lawsuit describes Apple and OpenAI as “two monopolists” working together to protect their dominance during a major AI revolution. It claims Apple sees AI as a threat to the iPhone’s success and struck a deal with OpenAI to give ChatGPT an unfair advantage. Musk has previously accused OpenAI of betraying its nonprofit mission and prioritizing profit over safety. OpenAI dismissed the new lawsuit as part of Musk’s “ongoing pattern of harassment.” Apple has not yet commented. At the center of the case is Apple’s decision to use ChatGPT as the iPhone’s AI-powered “answer engine,” which Musk says gives OpenAI exclusive access to valuable user data while sidelining competitors like Grok, DeekSeek, and Perplexity. The filing also notes that former Apple designer Jony Ive has joined OpenAI to develop a new AI-powered device that analysts believe could one day rival the iPhone.

Xiaomi’s Redmi Note series has always stood out as one of the most popular mid-range smartphone lineups, combining affordability with high-end features. The Redmi Note 15 Pro, released on 21 August 2025 in China, continues this legacy, bringing exciting upgrades in performance, display, and camera capabilities. Let's dive into the main features, pros, cons, and pricing of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 15 Pro in Bangladesh. Key Specs of Redmi Note 15 Pro 5G (China Variant) . Design and Build Quality The Redmi Note 15 Pro 5G makes a strong impression with its refined design and durable build. Measuring 163.6 by 78.1 by 7.8 mm and weighing 211 g, it balances sturdiness and comfort. Xiaomi uses Dragon Crystal Glass on the front, offering premium scratch resistance while maintaining a slim profile that feels comfortable even with its massive battery. A key highlight is its IP68/IP69 rating, making it dust-tight, water-resistant against high-pressure jets, and capable of surviving submersion for up to 30 minutes at 1.5 m. The rare IP69K protection ensures durability in extreme conditions—something uncommon in mid-range devices. Available in Midnight Black, Cloud Purple, Sky Blue, and Cedar White, the phone looks stylish and modern, pushing the Redmi Note series closer to flagship territory. Read more: Xiaomi Redmi Note 15 Pro Plus Review: Robust processor with massive battery Display Quality The device sports a 6.83-inch AMOLED display that easily stands out in its segment. Supporting 68 billion colours, a 120 Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and 3200 nits peak brightness, it offers an exceptional viewing experience. Text and visuals appear sharp thanks to the 1220 x 2772 resolution (~443 ppi), while 3840 Hz PWM dimming minimises eye strain during long usage. Protected by Dragon Crystal Glass, the panel is resilient against scratches and accidental drops. Smooth scrolling, fluid animations, and vivid HDR playback make this screen comparable to flagships, offering superb clarity indoors and outdoors. Camera Performance The Redmi Note 15 Pro 5G comes with a dual rear camera setup, including a 50 MP wide sensor (f/1.5, OIS) and an 8 MP (112˚) ultrawide lens. While it lacks a telephoto lens, the main camera captures crisp photos with excellent colours, detail, and dynamic range. Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS) ensures stability in low light, and the night mode improves brightness and sharpness in darker shots. The 8 MP ultrawide lens is serviceable for landscapes and group shots but lacks fine detail.  Read more: realme P4 Pro Review: Mid-ranger gaming phone with huge battery and robust processor On the front, the 20 MP selfie camera performs well in portraits, offering HDR support for balanced lighting even in challenging conditions.  For video, the rear setup supports 4K at 30 fps and 1080p at 120 fps with gyro-EIS and OIS, keeping footage smooth. While not the most versatile camera system, it delivers reliable results for everyday users. The selfie sensor can shoot up to 1080p at 30/60 fps. Processor Performance Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7400 Ultra (4 nm) with an octa-core CPU and Mali-G615 MC2 GPU, the Redmi Note 15 Pro 5G performs smoothly across tasks like browsing, multitasking, and streaming. The chipset also handles AI-driven optimisations efficiently, improving photography, voice recognition, and system responsiveness. With 5G connectivity, the phone is future-ready for high-speed networks. Combined with UFS 2.2 storage, app launches and file transfers are quick, though not as fast as flagship-grade UFS 3.1/4.0. Still, performance remains excellent for its category, delivering a fluid experience to both casual and demanding users. Read more: realme P4 5G Review: A True Mid-Range Game Changer? Gaming Performance Gaming is one of this phone’s strong suits. The Mali-G615 GPU and 120 Hz AMOLED screen ensure smooth, immersive gameplay. Popular titles like PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty Mobile, and Asphalt 9 run at high settings with consistent frame rates, while the large display enhances the visual experience. Game Turbo mode intelligently manages resources, reducing lags and boosting performance, while the thermal system prevents overheating during extended sessions. The stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos add immersive sound, making gaming more engaging. For budget-conscious gamers, this phone offers excellent performance without compromise. Battery Life The Redmi Note 15 Pro 5G features a huge 7000 mAh battery, easily lasting two days of moderate use or a full day of heavy gaming and streaming. 45W fast charging powers it fully in about 90 minutes, while 22.5W reverse wired charging lets it double as a power bank for other devices. Although rivals boast faster charging speeds, Xiaomi prioritises battery health and long-term reliability. Paired with HyperOS 2’s power optimisations, the phone is perfect for travellers, heavy users, and gamers who need dependable endurance. Read more: Vivo Y400 4G Review: Worth It or Just Hype? Software and User Interface Running Android 15 with HyperOS 2, the Redmi Note 15 Pro 5G provides a refined and smooth user experience. The interface is customisable, offering themes, gesture navigation, and privacy controls. A standout feature, Circle to Search, allows quick information lookups directly from the screen. Bloatware has been reduced compared to older Xiaomi software, though a few pre-installed apps remain. Performance and power efficiency have been optimised, ensuring stability even under heavy usage. With promised updates and security patches, HyperOS 2 feels modern and polished. Storage Options The phone offers three storage variants: 256GB with 8GB RAM, 256GB with 12GB RAM, and 512GB with 12GB RAM, all on UFS 2.2 storage. While it lacks a microSD card slot, the generous options provide enough space for apps, media, and games. The 512GB model is ideal for power users who store large offline content libraries, while UFS 2.2 ensures decent read/write speeds and reliable multitasking. Though not flagship-fast, storage performance is more than sufficient for everyday use. Read more: Best 10 Smartphones Releasing in August 2025 Pros & Cons of Redmi Note 15 Pro (China Variant) . Pros - Strong IP68/IP69 water and dust resistance- Large 6.83-inch AMOLED display with Hz and HDR10+- Powerful Dimensity 7400 Ultra processor with 8GB/12GB RAM- Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support- Includes NFC and infrared port- Huge mAh battery with 45 W fast charging- Smooth performance with HyperOS 2 and Android 15 Cons - Lacks a microSD card slot- No 1TB memory option- Only dual rear camera setup- No telephoto lens for zoom shots- No 3.5mm headphone jack- UFS 2.2 storage is slower than newer standards- A bit heavy at 211 g due to the large battery.  Read more: Apple iPhone 17 Series: Leaks, Rumours and Probable Release Date Price of Redmi Note 15 Pro (China Variant) It starts at CNY 1,999 ($278) for the 12/256 GB trim and goes up to CNY 2,399 ($334) for the 16/512 GB version. The Satellite Edition (16/512GB) will cost CNY 2,499 ($348). 4 days ago The expected price of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 15 Pro 5G in Bangladesh starts at approximately BDT 28,000 for the 8 GB/256 GB model version. Final Thoughts The Xiaomi Redmi Note 15 Pro 5G's China variant is a well-rounded smartphone that blends design, performance, and endurance impressively well. Its premium build, excellent gaming capabilities, and outstanding battery life make it one of the strongest contenders in the mid-range category. While it lacks a few things, the overall package offers exceptional value. For users seeking a reliable, powerful, and durable 5G phone without breaking the bank, this device is one of Xiaomi’s best releases yet. Read more: Vivo X200 FE Review: The Compact Champion Featuring Zeiss Cameras and a Massive Battery

Dynamic Map Platform (DMP), a global leader in high-definition mapping and software for the automotive industry, has announced that it has extended its North American coverage to more than 950,000 miles (1.5 million km) across the top four road classes. Each mile has been mapped with features designed to support safe and reliable automated driving. Since 2023, DMP’s Mobile Mapping Systems have added 400,000 miles of secondary and other roads in the US and Canada, using precision LiDAR and imaging. These secondary roads, often maintained by state and local governments, play a vital role in linking small towns and cities to the major highway network. From this data, the company extracted key road elements such as lane dividers, crossings, and roadside objects, and augmented them with virtual features including turn trajectories, virtual edges, and light-to-lane assignments. Such detailed LiDAR mapping, DMP says, is essential to enable confident autonomous driving on busy, non-divided roads. “Our exceptional road coverage and accuracy provide a critical foundation for innovation in the automotive industry as AI evolves,” said Shuichi Yoshimura, CEO and President of DMP. “We are progressing on our mission to model the Earth.” Read more: W Energy returns AI Energy forecasting to Australia with simble partnership Chris Thibodeau, CEO and President of DMP North America, added that the expansion demonstrates the company’s commitment to offering precise maps to enhance user experience. “The ability to safely operate hands-free driving on non-divided roads essentially unlocks the vast majority of roads in any country,” he said. DMP also noted that 99% of the 28,000 car dealerships in North America are within one mile of a DMP-mapped road, ensuring easier test drives and broader adoption of advanced driver assistance systems. About DMPDynamic Map Platform is a leading geospatial measurement and mapping company, providing HD maps and software for advanced driver assistance systems and autonomous vehicles, with the goal of building a high-precision digital infrastructure worldwide. Source: Agency 

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un personally supervised the test-firing of two newly developed antiair missiles, state media reported Sunday, in a show of advancing military capabilities as South Korea and the United States conduct joint exercises. According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Saturday’s test demonstrated the missiles’ effectiveness against aerial threats, including drones and cruise missiles. Kim reportedly gave defense scientists unspecified “important” assignments ahead of a major political conference set for early next year. The report did not disclose details about the types of missiles tested or the location of the launch, nor did it cite any direct comments from Kim toward Washington or Seoul. The test coincided with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung’s visit to Tokyo for talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. The two leaders pledged closer bilateral ties and stronger trilateral cooperation with the United States to counter shared challenges, particularly North Korea’s nuclear ambitions. Lee is scheduled to travel to Washington on Sunday for a summit with U.S. President Donald Trump. Despite repeated calls from Seoul and Washington to resume nuclear talks, Pyongyang has focused on deepening its partnership with Russia. Since Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, Kim has sent thousands of troops and large consignments of weapons — including artillery and ballistic missiles — to bolster President Vladimir Putin’s war effort. North Korea slams South for ‘serious provocation’ after border warning shots South Korean assessments suggest around 15,000 North Korean troops have been deployed to Russia since last fall, with some 600 killed in combat. Pyongyang has also agreed to dispatch construction workers and deminers to Russia’s Kursk region, a move South Korean intelligence believes could take place soon. Last week, Kim presided over a ceremony in Pyongyang honoring soldiers returning from Ukraine, awarding state “hero” titles to survivors and laying medals beside 101 portraits of the dead, hailing them as “great men, great heroes and great patriots.” Source: Agency 

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 15 Pro Plus has been officially launched in China on August 21, 2025. While the initial launch is exclusive to the Chinese market, global availability is expected to follow a few months later, with regions like India anticipated to receive the device around October 2025. The global variant is rumoured to feature slight modifications compared to the Chinese version, including changes to the battery capacity and camera sensor. Let’s take a look at the main features, specifications, strength, weakness and pricing of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 15 Pro+ (China Version) in Bangladesh. Key Features of Xiaomi Redmi Note 15 Pro+ (China Version) . Display and Design The Xiaomi Redmi Note 15 Pro Plus presents a refined and premium design that breaks away from its predecessors with a modern, flat-edged aesthetic. It features a 6.83-inch micro-curved AMOLED display, delivering a satisfying blend of immersion and practicality. This panel boasts a 1.5K resolution (2,772 by 1,280 pixels), a 120 Hz refresh rate, and peak brightness of up to 3,200 nits. Its screen is shielded by Xiaomi’s Dragon Crystal Glass, which, combined with a fibreglass-coated rear panel, significantly enhances durability, a clear nod toward ruggedness without sacrificing style. The display comes with minimal bezels and a sleek flat border, giving the phone a clean and contemporary profile. Despite its generous screen size, the overall frame remains slender, at around 7.9 mm thickness. Weighing approximately 211 grams, the device feels substantial yet still manageable and portable. Read more: realme P4 Pro Review: Mid-ranger gaming phone with huge battery and robust processor Processor and Memory The Xiaomi Redmi Note 15 Pro Plus is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 4, a modern 4 nm chip. The processor is built with an 8-core configuration that includes a performance-focused Kryo Prime (Cortex-A720) core clocked at 2.7 GHz, supported by 3 additional Kryo Gold (Cortex-A720) cores at 2.4 GHz and four energy-efficient Kryo Silver (Cortex-A520) cores at 1.8 GHz.  The graphics unit sports the Adreno 810 GPU, delivering smooth visuals and gaming performance across demanding tasks. Memory-wise, the Redmi Note 15 Pro Plus comes with generous RAM options, either 12 GB or 16 GB of LPDDR5, ensuring seamless multitasking and future-proof performance. Storage configurations are equally flexible, ranging from 256 GB and 512 GB up to a massive 1 TB of UFS 2.2 internal storage, accommodating even the heaviest users. However, today many similarly priced rivals are offering UFS 3.1 mechanisms, which is disappointing for the Redmi Note Series fans. Gaming Performance Powered by Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 7s Gen 4, the Redmi Note 15 Pro Plus delivers a modest yet notable enhancement over its predecessor, offering around a 7 per cent uplift in both CPU and GPU performance, resulting in smoother gameplay and improved overall responsiveness. The chipset also introduces Snapdragon Elite Gaming features such as Game Super Resolution, which intelligently upscales visuals for sharper graphics, and Adaptive Performance Engine 3.0, which optimises thermal and load balancing to help sustain high frame rates during extended sessions. Read more: Vivo Y400 4G Review: Worth It or Just Hype? Benchmarks from AnTuTu 10 confirm that the Redmi Note 15 Pro Plus scores around 849,756 points, with the GPU contributing 236,053 points, a strong indicator of its capable graphical performance in this range.  To enhance thermal management further, Xiaomi has equipped the device with an innovative “ice-sealed” cold-pump cooling system, featuring a substantial 5,200 mm² heat-dissipation area that helps reduce thermal throttling and maintain stable frame rates during demanding gameplay. Camera and Video Capacities The Xiaomi Redmi Note 15 Pro Plus delivers a compelling photographic setup.  It comes with a 50 MP OmniVision Light Fusion 800 (OV50E) primary sensor with an f/1.6 aperture that employs intelligent light-fusion technology along with optical image stabilisation (OIS), enabling smooth and vibrant shots even in low-light or dynamic conditions.  Read more: Best 10 Smartphones Releasing in August 2025 Its 50 MP telephoto lens offers approximately 2.5× optical zoom and an f/2.2 aperture. Its 8 MP ultra-wide-angle sensor further broadens the framing options with a 112-degree field of view, perfect for sweeping landscapes and group shots. On the front, a 32 MP wide-angle camera equips the 15 Pro Plus with crisp, detailed selfies and video calls, complete with HDR and panorama support.  Its rear setup can capture footage in up to 4K at 30 fps, with additional recording options at 1080p up to 120 fps and even high-speed 720p slow-motion capture, enhanced by both OIS and electronic image stabilisation (EIS) for steadier video. Meanwhile, the front camera supports smooth 1080p recording at 30 or 60 fps to ensure clean and reliable video calls and selfies. Battery and Charging Capacity The Xiaomi Redmi Note 15 Pro Plus packs an impressively large 7,000 mAh battery, marking a significant leap in endurance for the Redmi Note lineup. Xiaomi claims that this cell is designed to remain robust over time, boasting a long lifecycle of up to 1,600 charge cycles. When it comes to recharging, the phone supports 90 W wired fast charging, enabling rapid power recovery when you're short on time. In addition, it offers 22.5 W reverse wired charging, allowing the device to act as a power source for accessories like earbuds or other phones. Read more: Apple iPhone 17 Series: Leaks, Rumours and Probable Release Date Pros & Cons of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 15 Pro+ (China Version) Pros - Sleek and resilient with certified IP68/69K water and dust protection and a fiberglass-reinforced design- Immersive 6.83-inch curved AMOLED display featuring a 1.5K resolution, 120 Hz refresh rate, and peak brightness up to 3,200 nits- Exceptional camera setup with a dual 50 MP system (wide and telephoto) and an 8 MP ultra-wide for versatile, high-quality shots- Strong performance thanks to the Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 chip, offering improved AI, graphics, and efficiency- Enduring power with a massive 7,000 mAh battery, enhanced by rapid 90 W fast charging, promising both longevity and quick recharge- Innovative BeiDou satellite messaging capability, a rare feature in this segment, for communication in remote areas. Read more: Vivo X200 FE Review: The Compact Champion Featuring Zeiss Cameras and a Massive Battery Cons - No wireless charging support, limiting convenience for users who prefer cable-free charging- UFS 2.2 data transfer mechanism is outdated compared to similar priced rivals- Lacks a microSD slot, so storage cannot be expanded post-purchase. Price of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 15 Pro+ (China Version) in Bangladesh At launch, the base 12/256 GB storage variant of the Redmi Note 15 Pro Plus has been priced at 1,999 yuan, while the 12 GB/512 GB version is available at 2,199 yuan. The upper variant, the 16/512 GB model, has been listed at 2,299 yuan, and the top-tier Satellite Messaging Edition (16/512 GB with BeiDou satellite support) costs about 2,499 yuan. As of now, the device hasn’t been officially released in Bangladesh, but multiple reliable sources anticipate that the base model (12/256 GB) of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 15 Pro+ will likely be priced around 45,000 TK.  Read more: realme P4 5G Review: A True Mid-Range Game Changer? Conclusion The blend of cutting-edge cameras, display tech, battery life, and rugged build makes the Redmi Note 15 Pro Plus (China Version) one of the most compelling mid-range devices in 2025. At the same time, it comes with some limitations, including the lack of certain premium conveniences like expandable storage, a faster data transfer mechanism, and wireless charging, combined with a less-polished software experience, which are worth considering.

President Donald Trump announced Friday that the U.S. government now owns 10% of tech giant Intel, turning $11.1 billion in government funds and commitments into a major stake in the struggling chipmaker. The deal comes just weeks after Trump publicly criticized Intel’s CEO, questioning his loyalty and leadership. Trump declared the move in a post, saying: “The United States of America now fully owns and controls 10% of INTEL, a Great American Company that has an even more incredible future.” The government acquired 433.3 million non-voting shares at $20.47 each — below Intel’s closing price of $24.80 — giving it an immediate paper profit of $1.9 billion. This investment makes the U.S. government one of Intel’s largest shareholders, just as the company is undergoing significant restructuring, including laying off over 20,000 employees, to recover from years of decline and strategic missteps. Intel’s CEO, Lip-Bu Tan, who took the helm just five months ago, faced pressure earlier this month after lawmakers raised concerns about his previous financial ties to Chinese firms. Trump initially demanded his resignation but reversed course after Tan wrote a letter affirming his loyalty to the U.S. and visited the White House. On Friday, Trump praised Tan as a “highly respected” CEO. Tan thanked Trump for the investment, calling it a vote of confidence in Intel’s future and a boost to American tech leadership. Intel’s stock has barely moved since Tan took over in March and remains over 60% below its all-time high of around $75. The company’s current market value is approximately $108 billion — far behind Nvidia, now worth $4.3 trillion. Investment Tied to CHIPS Act, Despite Prior GOP Criticism The 10% stake comes largely from funding tied to the CHIPS and Science Act, originally passed under President Joe Biden to boost domestic semiconductor manufacturing. Despite Trump and his administration previously criticizing the CHIPS Act as excessive government spending, they have now used it to secure a financial stake in Intel — aiming to turn it into a profitable venture. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick justified the move by saying: “It’s obvious that it’s the right move to make. America should benefit from this investment.” Of the $11.1 billion, around $7.8 billion had already been pledged to Intel, but only $2.2 billion had been disbursed so far. Another $3.2 billion came through a different program called “Secure Enclave.” While the government will not hold voting power or board seats at Intel, critics warn the move could blur the lines between public policy and private enterprise. Some fear it could distort the market — for example, tech firms may feel pressure to favor Intel’s products to stay on good terms with the administration. Scott Lincicome of the Cato Institute warned that the deal could damage the U.S. tech sector and overall economy, calling it a “horrendous move.” The new stake may also increase scrutiny on Tan, particularly if Trump begins to focus on Intel’s performance or stock price, as he’s known for highlighting his own business successes. Nancy Tengler, CEO of Laffer Tengler Investments, expressed skepticism, saying the deal doesn’t appear beneficial to taxpayers or the chip industry. She warned against political interference in corporate affairs and emphasized the private sector should remain independent. Not Without Precedent While rare, government stakes in large corporations have happened before — notably during the 2008 financial crisis when the U.S. invested nearly $50 billion in General Motors, acquiring a 60% stake. The government later sold its shares at a loss of about $10 billion. Strategic Goals: AI, Chips, and China Trump’s move aligns with his broader effort to bring manufacturing back to the U.S. and reduce reliance on foreign chip production — a key concern amid competition with China over artificial intelligence and advanced tech. The administration has already imposed a 15% commission on U.S. chipmakers like Nvidia and AMD for sales in China, linking export licenses to compliance with the policy. Even before the Intel deal, Trump had been actively reshaping the chip sector’s global operations — and with this new stake, the government now has a more direct interest in one of America’s oldest and most iconic tech companies.

Robolink, one of Inc. 5000’s fastest-growing private companies in 2025, has teamed up with Texas Instruments (TI) Education Technology to launch a new way of teaching coding and STEM skills—allowing students to program drones directly from Python-capable TI-Nspire™ CX II graphing calculators. Starting this school year, students will be able to control Robolink’s award-winning CoDrone EDU in math and science classrooms nationwide, combining flight, physical computing, and core instruction through a tool already familiar to teachers and learners. Robolink, known for its strong presence in coding, robotics, and aerial drone education, has been the official drone partner of the REC Foundation’s annual Aerial Drone Competition for three consecutive years, engaging more than 10,800 students last season. “By partnering with Texas Instruments, we’re making hands-on drone coding accessible to tens of thousands of classrooms,” said Hansol Hong, CEO and Founder of Robolink. “This collaboration integrates the excitement of drone flight with core subjects, helping schools keep students engaged while teaching future-ready skills.” Ukrainian startup develops long-range drones and missiles to strike deep into Russia Harshal S. Chhaya, TI’s Product Manager for K-12 STEM and robotics, said the initiative will transform STEM learning. “Programming drones through the TI-Nspire CX II brings real-world applications of coding and math into classrooms in a way that’s both fun and practical,” he added. Educators can access a step-by-step guide at education.ti.com/codrone, while CoDrone EDU and required USB connectors are available at robolink.com. Source: Agency 

Police arrested 18 people Wednesday during worker-led protests at Microsoft’s Redmond, Washington, headquarters as the company vowed an “urgent” review of the Israeli military’s use of its technology amid the ongoing war in Gaza. The demonstrations, which followed a similar protest the day before, demanded that Microsoft immediately sever business ties with Israel. Unlike Tuesday, when around 35 protesters left after being asked by the company, Wednesday’s demonstrators “resisted and became aggressive,” the Redmond Police Department said. Protesters also splattered red paint resembling blood over a landmark Microsoft sign. “We said, ‘Please leave or you will be arrested,’ and they chose not to leave so they were detained,” police spokesperson Jill Green said. Microsoft said last week it hired a law firm to investigate allegations reported by The Guardian that the Israeli Defense Forces used Microsoft’s Azure cloud platform to store phone call data obtained through mass surveillance of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. “Microsoft’s standard terms of service prohibit this type of usage,” the company said, calling the report “precise allegations that merit a full and urgent review.” Earlier, The Associated Press revealed Microsoft’s close ties with Israel’s Ministry of Defense, including a nearly 200-fold increase in military use of its AI products after the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack. While Microsoft acknowledged military applications, a company-commissioned review reportedly found no evidence that Azure or its AI technologies were used to target or harm people in Gaza. Microsoft said the latest review, conducted by Covington & Burling, will be shared when completed. Israel approves E1 settlement, risking West Bank split The employee-led No Azure for Apartheid group, which has long protested Microsoft’s technology supply to the Israeli military, said Wednesday that the tools are “being used to surveil, starve and kill Palestinians.” Microsoft previously fired employees who protested CEO Satya Nadella’s speeches and the company’s 50th anniversary celebration. Tuesday, protesters called for a “worker intifada,” invoking language from the Palestinian uprisings against Israeli occupation. The Redmond Police Department said the 18 detainees face multiple charges, including trespassing, malicious mischief, resisting arrest, and obstruction. It was unclear how many are Microsoft employees. No injuries were reported. Microsoft said after the arrests that it “will continue to do the hard work needed to uphold its human rights standards in the Middle East, while supporting and taking clear steps to address unlawful actions that damage property, disrupt business or that threaten and harm others.”   Source: Agency