United News of Bangladesh

The Trevi Fountain, one of the world’s most iconic landmarks, has captivated audiences in films from Fellini’s La Dolce Vita to Netflix’s Emily in Paris. Every year, millions of tourists navigate Rome’s narrow streets to marvel at the grand Titan god Oceanus, surrounded by cascading waterfalls that flow into the fountain’s striking turquoise basin. Yet, few ever get a glimpse behind the magnificent baroque structure to see the intricate system that keeps the water flowing. Tucked away behind wooden doors on a nearby street lies the control chamber managing the fountain’s water supply, fed by the ancient Aqua Virgo aqueduct, which stretches 16 kilometers (10 miles) to reach the city. Two electric pumps recycle 126 liters (33 gallons) of water per second, with Rome’s water management company, ACEA, overseeing the flow 24/7 to ensure its precision. The delicate balance of water movement is crucial for the fountain’s visual effect, explained Davide D’Alonzo, ACEA’s regional manager. Even the slightest deviation in water levels could disrupt the display. Inside the modern control chamber, metal tanks and illuminated panels manage the system, while the original arched chamber houses a rushing water pipe and an 18th-century hydrometer still used to measure water levels. A large, weathered spreadsheet on the wall lists the names of affluent Roman families who once received water from this chamber—along with records of when their supply was cut off due to unpaid dues. From the grated windows of the chamber, one can peer out at the bustling crowd gathered around the fountain, unaware of the hidden mechanics that sustain its beauty. Visitors eagerly toss coins over their shoulders into the water, following the legend that doing so will ensure their return to the Eternal City.

U.S. safety regulators on Thursday issued a recall affecting nearly all Tesla Cybertrucks on the road, marking the eighth recall since deliveries began in late 2023. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recalled 46,096 Cybertrucks from the 2024 and 2025 model years due to concerns that an exterior panel along the windshield could detach while driving, posing a road hazard and increasing the risk of crashes. Tesla will replace the panel free of charge, and owner notification letters are expected to be mailed by May 19, 2025. The issue involves a stainless steel cant rail assembly that was initially attached using structural adhesive, which regulators found could become brittle under environmental stress. The fix includes stronger adhesive and additional reinforcements. Videos of Cybertruck panels being pulled off by hand have gone viral on social media, drawing further scrutiny to Tesla’s futuristic electric pickup. Trump announces plans to buy a Tesla as sales decline A Troubled Launch for CybertruckThe recall adds to Tesla’s growing list of safety issues, including past recalls for: Faulty electric inverters causing drive wheels to lose power.Stuck acceleration pedals due to interior trim interference.Windshield wiper failures and display screen malfunctions. Tesla, owned by Elon Musk, has faced increasing challenges in 2025, including heightened competition from Chinese EV makers and declining sales. The company’s stock has dropped 42% this year amid growing investor skepticism. Attacks on Tesla Vehicles and Facilities Beyond its business struggles, Tesla has also been the target of attacks on showrooms, charging stations, and private vehicles in recent weeks: In Colorado, a woman was charged for vandalizing Tesla dealerships, throwing Molotov cocktails and spray-painting “Nazi cars” on a building. In South Carolina, federal agents arrested a man accused of setting fire to Tesla charging stations near Charleston. Investigators found anti-government writings in his belongings.Recall Contact Information Musk's embrace of right-wing politics risks turning off car buyers and sinking Tesla's stock Cybertruck owners can contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236, or visit nhtsa.gov for more details. Source: With input from agency 

China’s leading LiDAR manufacturer, Hesai Technology, has denied allegations of links to the Chinese military following a report from short-seller Blue Orca Capital. The company is currently challenging the U.S. Defense Department’s decision to list it as a supplier to China’s military. Hesai, the global leader in LiDAR technology, supplies laser sensors to major Chinese automakers, including BYD. Its Nasdaq-listed shares dropped about 10% on Tuesday after Blue Orca Capital released a report claiming the company misled investors about its military connections. “We strongly disagree with the allegations in the Blue Orca report and are of the view that they are without merit,” Hesai said in a statement. The company insists it has no ties to China’s military and is committed to ethical business practices. Hesai sued the U.S. government last year after being placed on the Pentagon’s list of companies with alleged military connections. A hearing for its case was scheduled for Thursday in the District Court of the District of Columbia. Google agrees to pay $28m in racial bias lawsuit The Blue Orca report includes images of Chinese military tanks appearing to use Hesai’s LiDAR technology, citing footage from state-run media and defense industry exhibitions. It also referenced concerns from former U.S. President Donald Trump about Chinese tech firms with military ties posing national security risks. Hesai CEO David Li rejected the accusations, saying the Defense Department “falsely accuses us of associating with the Chinese military.” He added that the Pentagon had not claimed Hesai was owned or controlled by the military or directly sold products to military bodies but cited concerns over China’s “military-civil fusion” strategy. Hesai supplies LiDAR to Amazon’s Zoox robotaxi service and previously worked with General Motors' Cruise unit before GM scaled back its autonomous vehicle ambitions last year. Google Cloud to Acquire Wiz for Enhanced Cybersecurity Despite the controversy, Hesai recently reported a 14 million yuan ($1.9 million) profit for 2024, reversing a 241 million yuan loss in 2023. Source: With input from agency 

Amazon is discontinuing a little-used privacy feature that allowed some Echo users to keep their voice recordings from being sent to the company’s cloud. Starting March 28, the “Do Not Send Voice Recordings” option will no longer be available, Amazon informed affected users via email. The feature, which allowed voice commands to be processed locally on devices instead of Amazon's servers, was only available on three Echo models—the 4th generation Echo Dot, Echo Show 10, and Echo Show 15—limited to U.S. users with English settings. Less than 0.03% of customers used it, Amazon said. FTC withdraws request to delay Amazon trial, says it has sufficient resources The company cited the expansion of Alexa’s generative AI capabilities, which require cloud processing, as the reason for discontinuing the feature. However, users can still prevent Alexa from saving their voice recordings. Those who had opted into the “Do Not Send” setting will be automatically switched to the “Don’t save recordings” option. Amazon emphasized its commitment to privacy, stating: “The Alexa experience is designed to protect our customers’ privacy and keep their data secure. We’re focusing on the privacy tools and controls that our customers use most and work well with generative AI experiences.” Source: With input from agency 

Google has agreed to pay $28m (£21.5m) to settle a lawsuit that claimed white and Asian employees were given better pay and career opportunities than workers from other ethnic backgrounds, a law firm representing claimants says. The technology giant confirmed it had "reached a resolution" but rejected the allegations made against it, reports BBC. The case filed in 2021 by former Google employee, Ana Cantu, said workers from Hispanic, Latino, Native American and other backgrounds started on lower salaries and job levels than their white and Asian counterparts. The settlement has been given preliminary approval by Judge Charles Adams of the Santa Clara County Superior Court in California. The case brought by Ms Cantu against Google relied on a leaked internal document, which allegedly showed that employees from some ethnic backgrounds reported lower compensation for similar work. The practice of basing starting pay and job level on prior salaries reinforced historical race and ethnicity-based disparities, according to Ms Cantu's lawyers. The class action lawsuit was filed for at least 6,632 people who were employed by Google between 15 February 2018 and 31 December 2024, according to Reuters news agency. Google Cloud to Acquire Wiz for Enhanced Cybersecurity Cathy Coble, one of the lawyers representing them, praised the "bravery of both the diverse and ally Googlers who self-reported their pay and leaked that data to the media". "Suspected pay inequity is too easily concealed without this kind of collective action from employees," Ms Coble added. The technology giant denied that it had discriminated against any of its employees. "We reached a resolution, but continue to disagree with the allegations that we treated anyone differently, and remain committed to paying, hiring, and levelling all employees fairly," a Google spokesperson told the BBC. Earlier this year, Google joined a growing list of US firms that are abandoning commitments to principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in their recruitment policies. Meta, Amazon, Pepsi, McDonald's, Walmart and others have also rolled back their DEI programmes. It comes as US President Donald Trump and his allies have regularly attacked DEI policies. Since his return to the White House, Trump has ordered government agencies and their contractors to eliminate such initiatives.

Google Cloud has announced a definitive agreement to acquire Wiz, a leading cloud security platform, to offer businesses and governments enhanced protection. This move addresses the growing cybersecurity risks and the complexity of managing multi-cloud and hybrid environments. Why Google Cloud Is Acquiring Wiz Now Cyber threats are escalating, and traditional security approaches struggle to keep pace. Modern organizations require comprehensive cybersecurity solutions that span multiple cloud platforms, protect against AI-related threats, and integrate seamlessly with software development and operations. Current Security Solutions Offered by Google Cloud  Google Cloud provides the following services: Google Threat Intelligence – Actionable insights into security threats.Google Security Operations – Automated threat detection and response.Mandiant Consulting – Expert response to cyber incidents and breaches. Read more: Google acquires cybersecurity firm Wiz for $32 billion in its largest-ever deal What Are the Services of Wiz Wiz delivers a seamless cloud security platform that integrates across all major clouds, enabling businesses to detect and mitigate risks before deployment. It maps IT environments to identify attack paths and allows security teams to collaborate with developers to enhance security. Can Google Cloud and Wiz Offer Stronger Together Google promises that the acquisition will create a unified security platform combining Wiz’s expertise with Google’s AI-driven security innovation. This includes: End-to-end cloud security: Covering applications, infrastructure, and code.Advanced threat intelligence: Offering insight from an attacker’s perspective.New AI-driven protection: Addressing emerging threats.Cybersecurity professionals & AI agents: Enhancing security operations with automation and expert support. According to Google, Wiz’s solutions will remain compatible with AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Oracle Cloud, while Google Cloud will continue supporting an open ecosystem with partner integration opportunities. Bottom Line As Google Cloud acquires Wiz, it is expected that customers will benefit from improved enterprise security and reduced costs across multi-cloud and on-premises environments. Read more: Google to spend $32 bln for cybersecurity startup Wiz

The European Union outlined the actions Apple must take to improve the compatibility of its iPhone and iPad operating systems with competing technologies. This marks the first time the EU has enforced compliance with its Digital Markets Act (DMA), a digital rulebook introduced last year. Nvidia partners with Disney to propel generalist robotics forward The European Commission initiated two “specification proceedings” last year to detail the steps Apple needs to follow to meet the DMA requirements. The commission's decision outlined measures to enhance access to Apple’s iOS operating system for third-party devices, such as smartwatches. It also included steps to improve the transparency and efficiency of the process for software developers to request access to iPhone features. Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice President of the European Commission, stated in a press release that the measures provide “regulatory certainty” for both Apple and developers. She added that "effective interoperability" for third-party devices will offer consumers better choices in the rapidly expanding market for connected devices. Apple, however, expressed dissatisfaction with the decision, claiming it would harm the company's products and European users. The company argued that the new rules would create unnecessary bureaucracy, slowing innovation in Europe and forcing Apple to give away new features for free to companies not bound by the same regulations. Apple affirmed that it would continue to engage with the European Commission to address its concerns on behalf of users. The Commission also announced that Google had not done enough to comply with the DMA. Despite some changes, such as removing flight listings, Google continued to prioritize its own services in search results. Additionally, Google failed to allow app developers to direct users to cheaper alternatives outside its Google Play Store, according to preliminary findings. Google acquires cybersecurity firm Wiz for $32 billion in its largest-ever deal In response, Google stated that the EU's findings would require it to make further changes to how search results are displayed, which the company believes would hinder users from finding what they need and reduce traffic to European businesses. Google described this approach as "misguided."

Nvidia, a leading AI technology firm, has launched a series of initiatives aimed at accelerating the development of humanoid robots. The company's CEO, Jensen Huang, revealed a groundbreaking collaboration with Disney Research and Google’s DeepMind AI lab during his keynote address at the 2025 GTC developers conference. The partnership focuses on the creation of Newton, an open-source physics engine that allows robots to refine their skills and tackle complex tasks with improved precision. Huang hailed the collaboration, declaring that "the age of generalist robotics is here." Disney Research will be one of the first organisations to implement Newton, using it to enhance its robotic character platform. Google acquires cybersecurity firm Wiz for $32 billion in its largest-ever deal This platform powers next-generation entertainment robots, including the Star Wars-inspired "BDX" droids that appeared during Huang’s presentation. Kyle Laughlin, Senior VP at Walt Disney Imagineering Research & Development, emphasised that the collaboration would enable the creation of more expressive and engaging robots, helping to deliver unique experiences for Disney guests. Alongside the Newton project, Nvidia introduced Isaac GR00T N1, a fully customisable foundation model designed for humanoid reasoning and skills. Available now, GR00T N1 is the first in a family of models that Nvidia expects to release to robotics developers globally. As AI reshapes hospital care, human nurses push back Huang demonstrated the robot's ability to perform domestic tasks autonomously using a "post-trained policy" based on GR00T N1, a result of Nvidia's AI training partnership with 1X. The GR00T N1 model is designed to generalise across common tasks such as object manipulation, as well as handle more complex, multi-step activities. Early adopters of GR00T N1 include Agility Robotics, Boston Dynamics, Mentee Robotics, and Neura Robotics, all of which are set to advance the next generation of AI-driven robotics.

The Samsung Galaxy 'F' series is known for delivering feature-rich smartphones at competitive prices, targeting budget-conscious consumers without compromising on quality. The Samsung Galaxy F15 5G, released on March 11, 2024, continues this tradition by offering a blend of performance and affordability. Let's dive into the key specs, pros, cons, and pricing of the Galaxy F15 in Bangladesh. Key Features of Samsung Galaxy F15 5G . Design and Build Quality The Samsung Galaxy F15 5G features a glass front, plastic back, and plastic frame, similar to its predecessor, the Galaxy F14. While it feels solid in hand, its 217g weight makes it heavier than the Oppo K12x (186g) and Poco M7 Pro 5G (190g). Unlike the Poco M7 Pro 5G, which has an IP64 rating, the Galaxy F15 5G lacks any official dust or water resistance.  The side-mounted fingerprint scanner is a convenient addition, though it is less advanced than the under-display fingerprint sensor on the Poco M7 Pro 5G. Overall, the design is functional, but the lack of premium materials and water resistance puts it slightly behind some competitors. Read more: Samsung Galaxy A56 5G: Know the pros and cons Display Quality Samsung has upgraded the display in the Galaxy F15 5G, equipping it with a 6.6-inch Super AMOLED panel with 1080 by 2340 resolutions and a 90Hz refresh rate. Compared to the PLS LCD on the Galaxy F14, the F15 brings a significant improvement, providing better contrast, deeper blacks, and improved energy efficiency.  However, it falls short when compared to the Poco M7 Pro 5G, which features a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, Dolby Vision, and HDR10+ support, making it the best display among the competitors. The Oppo K12x, on the other hand, has a 6.67-inch IPS LCD with a 120Hz refresh rate, but its 720p resolution is a major drawback.  In terms of display quality, the Galaxy F15 5G is a solid choice but is outshined by the Poco M7 Pro 5G. Camera Performance The Galaxy F15 5G features a 50 MP (f/1.8) main camera, a 5 MP (f/2.2) ultrawide sensor, and a 2 MP (f/2.4) macro lens. Compared to the Galaxy F14, which lacks an ultrawide lens, this is an upgrade. In daylight conditions, the 50 MP sensor produces sharp and detailed images, but low-light photography struggles with noise and limited dynamic range.  Read more: Honor X9c Review: What’s special about this midrange smartphone Against competitors, the Poco M7 Pro 5G has a similar 50 MP camera but with a larger f/1.5 aperture and OIS, making it superior for night photography. The Oppo K12x, with its 32 MP main sensor, falls behind in overall image quality.  The 13 MP (f/2.0) front camera on the Galaxy F15 5G is decent for selfies, though the Poco M7 Pro 5G’s 20 MP front camera captures more details. Overall, while the Galaxy F15 5G delivers solid camera performance, it struggles in low-light scenarios compared to the Poco M7 Pro 5G. The Samsung Galaxy F15 5G can capture a maximum of 1080p footage at 30fps by the rear and front shooters. Processor Performance The Galaxy F15 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ 6nm chipset, which has an octa-core CPU (2x Cortex-A76 at 2.2GHz & 6x Cortex-A55 at 2.0GHz). While efficient for everyday tasks, it lags behind its competitors. The Galaxy F14’s Exynos 1330 (5nm) has higher clock speeds and performs slightly better, while the Poco M7 Pro 5G’s Dimensity 7025 Ultra (6nm) offers the best processing power in this segment.  Read more: OnePlus 13 5G Review: Flagship Killer with high-end features The Oppo K12x’s Dimensity 6300 (6nm) is marginally better than the Galaxy F15 5G’s chipset, particularly in multi-core performance. Although the Galaxy F15 5G handles daily usage smoothly, it falls behind its rivals in terms of raw processing power. Gaming Performance When it comes to gaming, the Mali-G57 MC2 GPU on the Galaxy F15 5G can handle casual gaming well, but it struggles with high-graphics games. Titles like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty: Mobile run at medium settings, but frame drops occur at high settings.  In comparison, the Poco M7 Pro 5G’s IMG BXM-8-256 GPU offers a better gaming experience, with smoother frame rates and fewer stutters. The Oppo K12x’s Mali-G57 MC2 performs similarly to the Galaxy F15 5G but benefits from its slightly better CPU. If gaming is a priority, the Poco M7 Pro 5G is the best choice in this category. Battery Life One of the strongest features of the Galaxy F15 5G is its massive 6000 mAh battery, which offers 1.5 to 2 days of usage with moderate use. This feature is the same as the Galaxy F14, but it surpasses the Poco M7 Pro 5G (5110 mAh) and Oppo K12x (5100 mAh) in terms of longevity.  Read more: OPPO A5 Pro 4G Review: Can it fulfil the expectations? However, the F15’s 25W charging speed is slower than the 45W charging on the Poco M7 Pro 5G and Oppo K12x, meaning it takes longer to recharge. If battery life is your main concern, the Galaxy F15 5G is an excellent choice, butfaster charging options exist in competing devices. Galaxy F15 lacks reverse wired and wireless charging option. Software and User Interface Running on Android 14 with One UI 6, the Galaxy F15 5G provides a clean and feature-rich user experience. Samsung’s software is well-optimized, ensuring smooth navigation and long-term software support. Compared to HyperOS on the Poco M7 Pro 5G, which has heavy customization and bloatware, One UI 6 feels more polished and user-friendly. T The Oppo K12x’s ColorOS 14 is also feature-packed but can feel cluttered for some users. Samsung’s track record for software updates is a key advantage, making the Galaxy F15 5G a strong option for those who prioritise long-term software support. Read more: Tecno Phantom V Fold 2 Review: Pros, Cons and Price in Bangladesh Storage Options The Galaxy F15 5G offers 128GB of internal storage and supports microSDXC expansion via a hybrid SIM slot. Compared to the Galaxy F14, which provides a dedicated microSD slot, this is a slight drawback.  The Poco M7 Pro 5G offers both 128GB and 256GB options with UFS 2.2 storage, which results in faster app loading times and better overall performance. The Oppo K12x also has 128GB/256GB options with expandable storage, making it more versatile than the Galaxy F15 5G’s hybrid SIM setup. While expandable storage is a plus, the lack of a dedicated microSD slot is a minor limitation. Pros and Cons of Samsung Galaxy F15 5G . Pros - Sturdy and modern design.- Long-lasting 6000 mAh battery.- 128GB storage with expandable option.- 4GB/6GB RAM for smooth multitasking.- 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display with vibrant colours- 90Hz refresh rate for fluid scrolling.- Triple-camera setup with a 50 MP main sensor.- Android 14 with One UI 6 for a clean and smooth experience. Read more: Top Smartphones Launching in March 2025: Flagship & Budget Models to Watch Cons - FM Radio is missing.- 25W charging is slower than some competitors.- Low-light camera performance is average.- Not the best for high-end gaming.- No official water or dust resistance.- Hybrid SIM slot limits microSD expansion.- Lack of 120Hz refresh rate.- No options for reverse or wireless charging. Price of Samsung Galaxy F15 5G in Bangladesh The Samsung Galaxy F15 5G is available at an approximate price of 24,000 Taka in Bangladesh. Pricing may vary based on RAM, retailer, and ongoing promotions.  Final Words The Galaxy F15 5G offers a Super AMOLED display, long battery life, and decent performance, making it a great option for casual users, students, and those needing a reliable daily driver. However, its slow charging, average low-light camera, and lack of FM radio may disappoint some users.  Read more:  vivo Y29 4G Review: What’s special about this budget-friendly phone? Gamers and photography enthusiasts should consider alternatives like the Poco M7 Pro 5G, which offers better performance and camera quality. If battery life, display quality, and software support are your priorities, the Samsung Galaxy F15 5G is a solid choice in its price range. 

Google has agreed to purchase cybersecurity startup Wiz for $32 billion, marking its most significant acquisition to date as the company faces mounting regulatory scrutiny and the threat of antitrust actions. Announced Tuesday, the all-cash deal is part of Google's push into cloud computing amid the ongoing artificial intelligence boom. As demand for AI-driven data centers increases, competition has intensified among Google, Microsoft, and Amazon. If approved by regulators, Wiz will become part of Google Cloud, a division that has gained prominence despite the company’s reliance on search and advertising, which generate most of its $350 billion in annual revenue. The cloud segment has seen rapid growth, with revenue surging from $26.3 billion in 2022 to $43.2 billion in 2023. Founded in 2020 by four Israeli army veterans, Wiz has grown into a major cybersecurity player with operations headquartered in New York. The company, which specializes in cloud security, is expected to generate $1 billion in revenue this year. “Wiz and Google Cloud share a vision of making cloud security more accessible, intelligent, and user-friendly,” said Wiz CEO Assaf Rappaport in a blog post. Google CEO Sundar Pichai emphasized that Wiz’s integration would enhance security while reducing costs. His remarks appeared aimed at regulators likely to scrutinize the deal’s impact on competition and pricing. Reports suggest Google had been in talks with Wiz for some time, with an earlier $23 billion bid rejected in July 2023. At the time, Wiz was considering an initial public offering but ultimately opted for the Google acquisition amid stock market volatility. BYD unveils ultra-fast EV charging system comparable to fuel refueling Analysts at Wedbush Securities described the acquisition as a bold move against Microsoft and Amazon, both of which have made significant investments in cybersecurity to strengthen their cloud services. They noted that Google has lagged in the cloud market but suggested the Wiz deal could shift the competitive landscape. The $32 billion purchase far surpasses Google’s previous record acquisition—the $12.5 billion Motorola Mobility deal in 2012. It also ranks as the largest cybersecurity acquisition in history and among the 20 costliest software deals ever, according to financial intelligence firm Mergermarket. While some of Google’s past acquisitions, such as YouTube and DoubleClick, have been highly successful, others, like Motorola, did not meet expectations. The $5.4 billion acquisition of Mandiant in 2022, however, has contributed to Google Cloud’s growing profitability, which reached $6.1 billion last year. Regulatory Hurdles Loom The acquisition comes as Google faces intense regulatory scrutiny. The U.S. Justice Department has filed multiple antitrust cases against the company, including one targeting its dominance in digital advertising. Another case concluded that Google unlawfully monopolized internet search, with potential penalties under discussion. The Wiz deal is expected to face close examination from antitrust regulators, especially amid growing concerns over tech industry consolidation. While the Trump administration has signaled support for corporate mergers, FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson has expressed skepticism about allowing Big Tech to expand further. Telegram CEO Durov in Dubai amid France's criminal probe Last year, antitrust concerns reportedly led Wiz to abandon discussions with Google. However, analysts at Mergermarket suggest that Google and Wiz are now more confident in regulatory approval under the new administration. Despite this, the watchdog group Demand Progress Education Fund has urged regulators to block the acquisition, warning of further market concentration. “This is a test of whether regulators will stand up to Big Tech,” said Emily Peterson-Cassin, the group’s corporate power director. If approved, Google and Wiz expect to finalize the deal by 2026, pending regulatory clearance and other conditions outlined in the agreement. Source: With input from agency