United News of Bangladesh

Stocks were teetering Wednesday morning when Donald Trump posted some market advice on Truth Social. At 9:37 a.m., Trump wrote: “THIS IS A GREAT TIME TO BUY!!! DJT.” Just a few hours later, he announced a 90-day pause on nearly all tariffs. The market responded immediately, with stocks surging and the S&P 500 closing up 9.5%. That rebound recovered about $4 trillion in market value—roughly 70% of what had been lost over the previous four sessions. It appeared to be a remarkably well-timed post from the former president—perhaps too well-timed. “He enjoys having this kind of influence over the markets, but he’s playing with fire,” said Richard Painter, a former White House ethics attorney and Trump critic. Painter warned that securities laws forbid using or sharing insider information for trading advantage. “Anyone who acted on that post made significant profits.” Now the question is: Did Trump already know about the tariff pause when he made that post? Pressed on when he decided to suspend the tariffs, Trump gave a vague response: “I would say this morning. I’ve been thinking about it over the last few days.” He later said, “Fairly early this morning.” When the White House was asked to clarify the timeline, spokesperson Kush Desai didn’t give a direct answer but defended the post as part of Trump’s duty. “It’s the president’s job to reassure the public and markets amid constant fear-driven media narratives,” Desai said in an email. Adding to the intrigue, Trump signed off the post with “DJT”—his initials, but also the ticker symbol for Trump Media & Technology Group, which owns Truth Social. It’s unclear whether Trump was encouraging people to buy stocks in general or shares of his own company specifically. The White House didn’t respond to that question either. Trump often ends personal posts with “DJT.” Trump pauses reciprocal tariffs for 90 days, except for China Investors seemed to take the cue. Trump Media stock surged 22.67%—twice the jump of the broader market—despite the company having posted a $400 million loss last year and being unaffected by tariffs. Trump’s 53% stake in the company, held in a trust managed by Donald Trump Jr., gained $415 million in value on the day. Only one other stock slightly outperformed Trump Media—Tesla. Last month, Trump praised the company in a White House press event and his commerce secretary encouraged viewers to invest during a Fox News appearance. Tesla’s rally on Wednesday added $20 billion to Elon Musk’s net worth. Kathleen Clark, an expert in government ethics at Washington University, said other administrations would likely have launched an investigation into such a post. But in this case, she doubts anything will come of it—except maybe more users for Truth Social. “He’s signaling that he can move markets at will,” Clark said. “As if to say: Stay tuned for more financial tips.”

vivo's sub-brand iQoo has been known for delivering performance-driven smartphones under its Neo series. The latest addition, the iQoo Neo 10R, was officially released on March 19, 2025. In this review, we will explore its camera, processor, display, battery life, and gaming performance to see how it stacks up against its predecessors and competitors.  Features of vivo iQoo Neo 10R . Design and Build Quality The vivo iQoo Neo 10R boasts a sleek design, featuring a glass front shielded by Schott Xensation Up, complemented by a plastic back and frame. This combination offers a lightweight feel, weighing 196 grams and measuring 163.7 x 75.9 x 8 mm. The device comes in two colour options: Raging Blue and Moon Knight Titanium. Notably, it boasts an IP65 rating, providing dust and water resistance, which adds to its durability. ​ In comparison, the iQoo Neo 10 maintains similar design specs but lacks the IP65 rating, making the iQoo Neo 10R more resilient against environmental factors. The Honor GT also offers an IP65 rating but opts for a more compact form factor, measuring 161 x 74.2 x 7.7 mm and weighing 196 grams. Meanwhile, the realme 13 Pro+ emphasises a premium feel with its glass back and Gorilla Glass 7i protection on the front, with an IP65 rating, like the Neo 10R.  Read more: Best 10 Smartphones Releasing in April 2025 Display Quality The iQoo Neo 10R features a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 1260 x 2800 pixels (~452 ppi density) and supports 1 billion colours. It supports a 144Hz refresh rate and HDR10+, ensuring vibrant colours and smooth visuals. The display's peak brightness reaches up to 4500 nits, making it easily viewable even under direct sunlight. Additionally, the always-on display feature adds convenience for quick glances at notifications. ​ Comparatively, the iQoo Neo 10 offers a similar 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate but with the same peak brightness of 4500 nits. The Honor GT sports a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 4000 nits, making it slightly dimmer compared to the 10R. On the other hand, the rival realme 13 Pro+ comes with a 6.7-inch AMOLED display, 120Hz refresh rate, and a peak brightness of 2000 nits, making it the least bright among the competitors.​ Camera Performance The iQoo Neo 10R sports a dual-camera setup on the rear: a 50 MP primary sensor with an f/1.8 aperture, Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS), and an 8 MP ultrawide lens with an f/2.2 aperture. This combination delivers sharp and detailed images in well-lit conditions, with the OIS aiding in low-light scenarios to reduce blur.  Read more: itel Power 70 Review: Another budget-friendly gem The ultrawide lens, while useful for capturing expansive scenes, may exhibit some distortion at the edges. The device supports 4K video recording at 30/60 fps, ensuring high-quality video capture with OIS and gyro-EIS. The front-facing 32 MP camera with an f/2.5 aperture captures detailed selfies and also supports 4K video recording, catering well to vloggers and video callers.  In contrast, the iQoo Neo 10 features a similar dual-camera setup but with a slightly larger sensor size in the primary camera, potentially offering better low-light performance. It offers a similar rear setup but a 16 MP front camera (f/2.0) limited to 1080p video, resulting in less detail and dynamic range in selfies.  The Honor GT also offers a 50 MP (f/2.0) main sensor with OIS but includes a 12 MP (f/2.2) ultrawide lens, providing more versatility in shooting options. This phone features a 16 MP front sensor (f/2.4) with 1080p video, which performs decently in daylight but falls short in sharpness and versatility.  Read more: Samsung Galaxy A36 5G Review: A Mid-range marvel with standard features The realme 13 Pro+ stands out with its triple-camera setup, including a 50 MP wide lens and a 50 MP periscope telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, offering greater flexibility for photography enthusiasts.​ It also has HDR, panorama features. realme 13 Pro+ packs a 32 MP front camera (f/2.4) with good photo quality with 4k video recording capacity. Though the iQoo Neo 10R ties in selfie and video performance, the realme 13 Pro+ appears as a better all-rounder for content creators with its versatile photography.  Processor Performance Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset built on a 4nm process, the iQoo Neo 10R delivers robust performance across various tasks. The octa-core CPU configuration includes a high-performance Cortex-X4 core clocked at 3.0 GHz, ensuring smooth multitasking and responsiveness. The Adreno 735 GPU complements the CPU, providing efficient graphics rendering for applications and games. Benchmark tests reflect impressive scores, indicating the device's capability to handle demanding applications with ease. ​ Read more: ZTE Nubia Red Magic 10 Pro Golden Saga Special Edition Review The iQoo Neo 10 utilises the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, which offers slightly higher clock speeds and may provide marginally better performance in intensive tasks. The Honor GT is equipped with the same Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, ensuring comparable performance to the iQoo Neo 10. The realme 13 Pro+ features the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset, which, while capable, does not match the performance levels of the Snapdragon 8 series, making it less suitable for power users.​ Gaming Performance The combination of the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset and Adreno 735 GPU in the iQoo Neo 10R ensures a smooth gaming experience. The 144Hz refresh rate display enhances gameplay fluidity, and the device maintains stable frame rates even in graphics-intensive titles. An advanced cooling system effectively manages heat dissipation, preventing thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions. ​ Similarly, the iQoo Neo 10 and Honor GT, both equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, offer excellent gaming performance, with the Honor GT's slightly smaller display potentially providing a higher pixel density for sharper visuals. The realme 13 Pro+, with its Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset and 120Hz display, delivers a competent gaming experience but may not achieve the same high frame rates as the other devices.​ Read more: realme P3 5G Review: Is it a value-for-money smartphone Battery Life The iQoo Neo 10R is equipped with a substantial 6400 mAh Si/C Li-Ion battery, providing ample power for a full day of heavy usage, including gaming, streaming, and multitasking. The device supports 80W wired fast charging, achieving a 50% charge in approximately 26 minutes and a full charge in about 55 minutes. Additionally, it offers bypass charging, 55W PD and 7.5W reverse-wired charging, allowing it to serve as a power source for other devices.  In contrast, The iQoo Neo 10 packs a 6100mAh battery with 120W fast charging (50% in 15 min), 100W PPS+PD, and reverse wired (not specified), offering quick top-ups and solid endurance. Honor GT features a 5300mAh battery with 100W fast charging (60% in 15 min), and 5W reverse wired slightly ahead in capacity.  Realme 13 Pro+ includes a 5200mAh battery with 80W fast charging (50% in 19 min, 100% in 49 min), delivering reliable battery life but same charging speeds. In comparison, the iQoo Neo 10R’s 6400mAh battery with 80W charging stands out by balancing capacity and ultra-fast charging for heavy users.  Read more: Home Safety Digital Lockers and Vaults: Popular Models with Price Ranges in Bangladesh Software and User Interface The vivo iQoo Neo 10R runs on Android 15 with Funtouch 15 (up to 3 major Android upgrades), offering a highly customised and smooth user interface. It provides several features for personalisation, including dark mode, custom themes, and a gaming mode. The UI is intuitive, making navigation easy and efficient.  When compared to the vivo iQoo Neo 10, which also runs Android 15 but with OriginOS 5, the Neo 10R provides a slightly more feature-rich interface suited for a broader range of users, especially with its emphasis on performance optimisation.  The Honor GT runs Android 15 MagicOS 9 and the Realme 13 Pro+ runs Android 14 Realme UI 5.0, but the Funtouch 15 on the Neo 10R offers a more responsive experience, especially in multitasking scenarios, thanks to its Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset. Read more: Samsung Galaxy F15 5G Review: Decent budget-friendly smartphone with large battery Storage Options In terms of storage options, the Neo 10R offers UFS 3.1 storage (128GB) and UFS 4.1 (256GB) with either 8GB or 12GB of RAM. This is a good setup for the average user, though it does not have expandable storage.  Comparatively, the vivo iQoo Neo 10 features UFS 4.0 with 256GB/512GB/1TB storage (UFS 4.1 with a future SW update) and RAM options ranging from 12GB to 16GB. This provides much more internal storage, making it a better choice for users who need more space.  The Honor GT offers ample storage with UFS 4.0 in configurations from 256GB up to 1TB of storage and 12GB to 16GB of RAM. The realme 13 Pro+ competes with 256GB and 512GB variants with 8GB to 12GB RAM. In storage, vivo iQoo Neo 10 is the clear winner for those who need extensive space. Read more: Samsung Galaxy A56 5G: Know the pros and cons Pros and Cons of vivo iQoo Neo 10R . Pros - 6.78-inch AMOLED display with 144Hz refresh rate.- Powered by Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, 8/12GB RAM.- Dual rear camera setup with 50MP primary and 32MP selfie.- Stereo speakers and infrared port.- 6400mAh battery with 80W fast charging.- IP65 dust/water resistance.- Android 15 OS with Funtouch 15 UI.- 4K video recording with OIS and gyro-EIS. Cons - No 3.5mm audio jack.- No NFC connectivity.- No wireless charging.- No optical zoom camera.- No secondary card slot- Lack of 500GB and 1TB storage options.  Read more: Honor X9c Review: What’s special about this midrange smartphone Price of vivo iQoo Neo 10R in Bangladesh The iQoo Neo 10R’s 8/128 GB variant is unofficially priced at approximately around BDT 43,500. However, the vivo iQoo Neo 10R’s official price in Bangladesh may vary due to tax and other issues. Final Takeaways The vivo iQoo Neo 10R offers excellent performance, a standard display, and a large battery with fast charging but lacks a 3.5mm jack, NFC, and extensive memory options. It is ideal for gamers and media enthusiasts but not recommended for users who prioritise these missing features or prefer a more compact design.  Read more: April 2025 Video Games: 8 Exciting Virtual Games Scheduled for Launch

Microsoft has announced it is “slowing or pausing” certain data centre construction projects, including a $1 billion development in Ohio, amid signals that the surge in demand for artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure may be levelling off. The company confirmed it is halting early-phase work on rural sites it owns in Licking County, near Columbus, Ohio. Two of the three properties will now be retained for agricultural use, AP reports. “In recent years, demand for our cloud and AI services grew more than we could have ever anticipated and to meet this opportunity, we began executing the largest and most ambitious infrastructure scaling project in our history,” said Noelle Walsh, Microsoft’s president of cloud operations, in a LinkedIn post.  Walsh added, “Any significant new endeavour at this size and scale requires agility and refinement as we learn and grow with our customers. What this means is that we are slowing or pausing some early-stage projects.” While the tech giant has not disclosed details of other affected sites beyond Ohio, it had already paused later phases of a major data centre development in Wisconsin last December.  Earlier this year, analysts at TD Cowen noted Microsoft had been scaling back some international expansion and cancelling data centre leases in the US. Industry watchers have linked these adjustments to shifts in Microsoft’s partnership with OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT. Microsoft fires employees protesting AI technology contracts with Israel “OpenAI was moving in one direction” by focusing on more powerful AI systems requiring vast computing capacity, while “Microsoft may not have been moving that same direction,” said Craig Ellis, research director at B Riley Securities. In January, Microsoft and OpenAI revised their agreement, which had made Microsoft the exclusive provider of OpenAI’s computing infrastructure. The updated deal allows OpenAI to develop its own capacity, primarily for training and research. Despite the pause, Microsoft still intends to spend over $80 billion globally on AI infrastructure in this fiscal year, which ends in June. The company says it has already doubled its data centre footprint in the past three years. “While we may strategically pace our plans, we will continue to grow strongly and allocate investments that stay aligned with business priorities and customer demand,” said Walsh. The decision disappointed some local officials in Licking County, which has also drawn investment from Google, Meta, and chipmaker Intel — although Intel has delayed its planned factory to 2030.

April will close the first quarter of 2025 with a few notable smartphone releases, ranging from budget to high-end. The upcoming lineup of smartphones will reflect the global trend of embracing AI and opting for more powerful processors and batteries. Here is a list of the top brands' smartphones to be released in this April.  Top 10 Smartphone Launches in April 2025 . vivo iQOO Z10 Series Vivo has announced two new smartphones, the iQOO Z10 and iQOO Z10x, to be released on April 11, 2025. The iQOO Z10 will be bigger and more powerful than its sibling, the Z10x, featuring a 6.77-inch AMOLED display, a 4nm Qualcomm SM7635 Snapdragon 7s Gen 3, a 32MP front lens, a 7300 mAh battery, and a 90W charger. The iQOO Z10x will be more budget-focused than the vanilla Z10 and feature a 6.72-inch IPS LCD display, a 4nm Mediatek Dimensity 7300, a 16MP selfie camera, a 6500 mAh battery, and a 44W charger. Read more: itel Power 70 Review: Another budget-friendly gem Though the phones will come in unique design choices, they both will run on Android 15 and have the same 50MP primary dual camera setup. Infinix Note 50x The Infinix Note 50X features a 6.67-inch IPS LCD display that is touch responsive at a 120Hz refresh rate and renders visuals at 720 by 1600 resolutions. It runs Android 15 with XOS 15 and is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Ultimate chipset. The device offers 128GB of storage with 6GB or 8GB RAM (UFS 2.2) and supports microSD cards via a shared SIM slot. It includes a 50MP rear camera capable of 4K video and an 8MP front camera. Other features include a 5500 mAh battery with 45W wired and 10W reverse wired charging. CMF Nothing Phone 2 The CMF Nothing Phone 2 is reported to reappear in April with a revamped design and features. Rumours suggest it could be a compact device with a 6.3-inch OLED display, powered by a Dimensity 7400 chipset—a step up from the previous 7300—and equipped with a 5,000mAh battery supporting 33W charging. These contrasts, particularly the smaller display size compared to the original CMF Phone’s 6.67 inches, hint that there might be a separate non-Pro variant yet to be confirmed. Read more: Samsung Galaxy F15 5G Review: Decent budget-friendly smartphone with large battery Motorola Edge 60 Fusion Expected release on April 15, 2025, this phone features a 6.67-inch LTPO P-OLED display with a resolution of 1220 by 2712p, pixel density of 446 ppi, and a refresh rate of 120 Hz. It sports a Gorilla Glass 7i front and an eco-leather silicone back. In Europe, it uses a MediaTek Dimensity 7300. Storage options include 256GB with 8GB RAM or 512GB with 12GB RAM. The dual-camera system comprises a 50MP wide and 13MP ultrawide lens with a 32MP selfie camera. It offers a 5500 mAh battery and 68W wired charging. vivo V50e Key specifications include a 6.77-inch AMOLED display (1080 × 2392, ~388 ppi, 120Hz, HDR10+ with Diamond Shield Glass) running Android 15 with Funtouch 15. It’s powered by a 4nm MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chipset with an octa-core CPU and a Mali-G615 MC2 GPU. The camera setup features dual rear lenses—a 50MP wide and an 8MP ultrawide—and a 50MP front camera. Storage options are 128GB or 256GB UFS with 8GB RAM. It supports dual Nano-SIM, has IP68/IP69 certification, and offers wired plus reverse wired charging. Read more: Samsung Galaxy A36 5G Review: A Mid-range marvel with standard features OnePlus 13 Mini The OnePlus 13 Mini is expected to be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, ensuring top-tier performance in a compact design. It will feature a 6.31-inch LTPO OLED display with 1.5K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, providing smooth, vibrant visuals. The dual-camera setup includes a 50MP primary sensor and a 50MP telephoto lens offering 2x optical zoom, enhancing its photography capabilities. Additionally, the device is rumoured to be equipped with a robust 6,000 mAh battery for extended usage. As of now, there is no confirmation regarding whether the OnePlus 13 Mini will be released in India. Oppo Find X8s The Oppo Find X8s is expected to launch in April and brings a premium design with a 7.7 mm slim profile and a weight of 179 g. It features a glass front and back with an aluminium frame. The 6.3-inch AMOLED display delivers 1B colours, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and a 120Hz refresh rate with a resolution of 1080 x 2412 pixels. Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9400+ (3 nm) chipset paired with an octa-core CPU and Immortalis-G925 GPU, it comes with various UFS 4.0 storage options up to 1TB. The triple-camera system consists of three 50MP sensors and a 32MP selfie shooter. Additional features include stereo speakers, comprehensive connectivity options, and a 5700 mAh battery. Read more: ZTE Nubia Red Magic 10 Pro Golden Saga Special Edition Review vivo X200 Ultra The vivo X200 Ultra, expected to be released in April, features a premium glass front and back with an aluminium frame and IP69/IP68 dust and water resistance. It sports a 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a 1440 x 3200 resolution and a high pixel density of 518 ppi. Running Android 15 with OriginOS 5, it is powered by a 3nm Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite octa-core chipset. Storage options include 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB. Its triple camera setup offers a 50MP wide, 200MP periscope telephoto, and 50MP ultrawide, plus a 50MP selfie camera. A 6000 mAh battery supports fast charging options. Honor 400 Lite Released on April 08, 2025, the Honor 400 Lite features a compact 161 x 74.6 x 7.3 mm body weighing 171 g. It supports dual Nano-SIM plus eSIM and carries an IP65 rating. The device offers a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and peak brightness of 3500 nits at 1080 x 2412 resolution and 394 ppi pixel density. Running on Android 15 with MagicOS 9 on a MediaTek Dimensity 7025 Ultra chipset, it is available with 256GB storage alongside 8GB or 12GB RAM. The dual-camera setup includes a 108MP wide sensor plus a 5MP ultrawide lens. Read more: realme P3 5G Review: Is it a value-for-money smartphone ZTE Nubia Neo 3 GT The ZTE Nubia Neo 3 GT is expected to launch in April, featuring gaming-focused enhancements like pressure-sensitive zones and an RGB light on the back. The device sports a 6.8-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 1300 nits, delivering a resolution of 1080 x 2392 pixels. Running Android 15, it is powered by a Unisoc T9100 chipset with an octa-core CPU and Mali-G57 GPU paired with 12GB RAM. It is available in Electro Yellow and Interstellar Grey, which features a 6000 mAh or 5000 mAh battery with 80W wired charging and bypass charging. Conclusion The April 2025's latest smartphone lineup offers something for every smartphone lover. The Vivo iQOO Z10 series impresses with performance and advanced displays, while the Infinix Note 50x provides reliability with a smooth IPS LCD and powerful chipset. The revamped CMF Nothing Phone 2 Pro emphasises innovative design and upgraded cameras. The Motorola Edge 60 Fusion combines premium materials with robust specs, and the vivo V50e delivers dynamic audio and performance. The OnePlus 13 Mini offers compact power, while flagship models like the Oppo Find X8s, vivo X200 Ultra, Honor 400 Lite, and ZTE Nubia Neo 3 GT showcase unique features for users. Read more: Home Safety Digital Lockers and Vaults: Popular Models with Price Ranges in Bangladesh

Instagram users under 16 won't be able to livestream or unblur nudity in direct messages they've received without parental approval, owner Meta Platforms said Tuesday as it widened its safety measures for teenagers. The social media company also said it was extending safeguards for users under 18 to Facebook and Messenger. Microsoft fires employees protesting AI technology contracts with Israel Meta launched its teen account program for Instagram in September to give parents more options to supervise their children's online activity amid a growing backlash against how social media affects the lives of young people. The latest changes will roll out first to users in the United States, Britain, Canada and Australia, before going out to global users in the following months. Under the changes, teens under 16 are blocked from using Instagram Live unless parents give permission. They also need permission to “turn off our feature that blurs images containing suspected nudity” in direct messages, Meta said in a blog post. In another major update, Meta said it's extending the teen account safeguards to its Facebook and Messenger platforms.  China’s schools to teach AI to children as young as six These will include protections already in place for teen Instagram users, including setting teen accounts to private by default, blocking private messages from strangers, strict limits on sensitive content like fight videos, reminders to get off the app after 60 minutes and notifications that are halted during bedtime hours. “Teen Accounts on Facebook and Messenger will offer similar, automatic protections to limit inappropriate content and unwanted contact, as well as ways to ensure teens’ time is well spent,” Meta said. The company said at least 54 million teen accounts have been set up since the program launched in September. Source: With input from agency 

China is introducing artificial intelligence (AI) education to children as young as six in a bold move to nurture the next wave of tech innovators. Starting this September, primary and secondary schools in Beijing will offer at least eight hours of AI lessons each academic year, according to a Fortune report. Young students will learn about chatbots, basic AI tools, the technology’s fundamentals, and its ethical implications. The Beijing Municipal Education Commission announced that schools may integrate AI lessons with existing subjects such as science or IT, or teach them as standalone courses. The city also plans to establish a comprehensive AI curriculum, build a supporting education and training framework, and promote the subject nationwide. This initiative follows China's increasing investment in AI, especially after the rapid rise of DeepSeek, co-founded by Zhejiang University graduate Liang Wenfeng. The eastern university also produced Unitree’s founder Wang Xingxing, reinforcing hopes that early exposure to AI will yield a new generation of tech giants. Instagram bans livestreaming for under-16s without parental consent Beijing’s efforts are part of a broader national strategy. In December, the Ministry of Education selected 184 schools to pilot AI-focused programmes, aiming to set a model for wider implementation. Education Minister Huai Jinpeng called AI the “golden key” to advancing China’s education system.

Instagram users under 16 won't be able to livestream or unblur nudity in direct messages they've received without parental approval, owner Meta Platforms said Tuesday as it widened its safety measures for teenagers. The social media company also said it was extending safeguards for users under 18 to Facebook and Messenger. Meta launched its teen account program for Instagram in September to give parents more options to supervise their children's online activity amid a growing backlash against how social media affects the lives of young people. The latest changes will roll out first to users in the United States, Britain, Canada and Australia, before going out to global users in the following months. Under the changes, teens under 16 are blocked from using Instagram Live unless parents give permission. They also need permission to “turn off our feature that blurs images containing suspected nudity” in direct messages, Meta said in a blog post. In another major update, Meta said it's extending the teen account safeguards to its Facebook and Messenger platforms, Microsoft fires employees protesting AI technology contracts with Israel These will include protections already in place for teen Instagram users, including setting teen accounts to private by default, blocking private messages from strangers, strict limits on sensitive content like fight videos, reminders to get off the app after 60 minutes and notifications that are halted during bedtime hours. “Teen Accounts on Facebook and Messenger will offer similar, automatic protections to limit inappropriate content and unwanted contact, as well as ways to ensure teens’ time is well spent,” Meta said. The company said at least 54 million teen accounts have been set up since the program launched in September.

Microsoft has dismissed two employees who interrupted the company's 50th anniversary event to protest its provision of artificial intelligence technology to the Israeli military, according to a workers' advocacy group. In a termination letter issued on Monday, Microsoft accused one of the employees of engaging in misconduct "intended to gain attention and create maximum disruption" at the highly anticipated event. The other employee had previously announced her resignation but was instructed to leave five days earlier than planned on Monday. The protest began on Friday when Microsoft software engineer Ibtihal Aboussad approached the stage where an executive was discussing new product features and Microsoft's long-term AI vision. Aboussad shouted, "You claim that you care about using AI for good, but Microsoft sells AI weapons to the Israeli military. Fifty thousand people have died, and Microsoft powers this genocide in our region," forcing the executive, Mustafa Suleyman, to pause his talk during the livestreamed event from Microsoft's Redmond, Washington campus. The event was attended by co-founder Bill Gates and former CEO Steve Ballmer. Microsoft said Suleyman attempted to calm the situation, thanking Aboussad for her protest and acknowledging her message. However, Aboussad continued shouting that Suleyman and "all of Microsoft" had blood on their hands. She also threw a keffiyeh scarf, a symbol of support for Palestinians, onto the stage before being escorted out. A second protester, Vaniya Agrawal, interrupted the event later. Aboussad, who is based at Microsoft's Canadian headquarters in Toronto, was invited to a meeting on Monday with a human resources representative, during which she was informed of her immediate termination, according to the advocacy group No Azure for Apartheid, which has protested Microsoft's Azure cloud services being used by Israel. Earlier this year, an Associated Press investigation revealed that AI models from Microsoft and OpenAI were used in an Israeli military program to select bombing targets during recent conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon. The report also highlighted a 2023 Israeli airstrike that mistakenly hit a vehicle carrying members of a Lebanese family, killing three young girls and their grandmother. Microsoft's termination letter to Aboussad stated that she could have raised her concerns privately with a manager but instead made "hostile, unprovoked, and highly inappropriate accusations" against Suleyman and the company. The letter also mentioned that her actions were so disruptive that security had to escort her out. Agrawal had already submitted her resignation, scheduled for April 11, but on Monday, a manager informed her that her resignation would be effective immediately. This protest was the most public, but not the first, against Microsoft's work with Israel. In February, five Microsoft employees were removed from a meeting with CEO Satya Nadella for protesting the company’s contracts. Microsoft issued a statement on Friday, saying, “We provide many avenues for all voices to be heard,” but emphasized that protests should not disrupt business. The company also reiterated its commitment to maintaining high standards in its business practices. While Microsoft had not commented on additional actions following the protest, both Aboussad and Agrawal noted that they lost access to their work accounts shortly after the incident. Last year, dozens of Google employees were fired after internal protests regarding a contract with the Israeli government. Employees at Google offices in New York and Sunnyvale, California, had protested the $1.2 billion Project Nimbus, a deal providing AI technology to Israel. The Google workers later filed a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board to try to regain their jobs.

Renowned Chinese smartphone company itel has earned a reputation by offering robust handsets at an affordable price. On March 10, 2025, it released a super affordable handset, the itel Power 70, in Bangladesh. Here is a detailed feature-by-feature review of the smartphone compared with its rivals. Key Features and Specs of the itel Power 70 While the low-end smartphone market is brimming with options from reputed brands, given its unique features and specifications, the itel Power 70 has become a part of a lineup comprised of phones like the Xiaomi Redmi A5 4G and the vivo Y04. Design The itel Power 70 looks premium at its price, showcasing a minimal and modern design. It is a plastic-built handphone that feels sleek due to its polished edges and slim at a 7.9mm thickness. Both the Xiaomi Redmi A5 4G and the vivo Y04 offer minimal design, but they are thicker than the itel Power 70. Read more: Samsung Galaxy A36 5G Review: A Mid-range marvel with standard features On the rear, three circular lens holders are placed vertically by the side-mounted fingerprint sensor and volume rockers. The phone’s aesthetic is set up by delineating a few slant and horizontal lines on the glossy-finished back panel. It creates a resemblance to the look of the Nothing Phone, excluding a few features like light diodes and transparent panels. Among additional design aspects, the IP54 water splash and dust resistance and a 3.5mm audio jack are notable. Users may find the phone a little heavy, as it weighs 192.4g, which is kind of similar to its peers from Xiaomi and Vivo. Display The itel Power 70 features a 6.67-inch IPS LCD with a 120Hz refresh rate, noticeably fluid during scrolling and basic gameplay. With a peak brightness of 700 nits, the display handles indoor lighting comfortably, though it may require a hand shade in harsher sun. Read more: ZTE Nubia Red Magic 10 Pro Golden Saga Special Edition Review While the resolution remains HD+ at 720 by 1600 pixels with a pixel density of around 263 PPI, the visuals appear reasonably sharp for everyday usage like messaging, web browsing, and video streaming. The 20:9 aspect ratio adds a tall, immersive feel to content consumption. When compared to its rivals, the Redmi A5 4G edges ahead with its larger 6.88-inch panel and a higher 1500 nits peak brightness, making it more suitable for outdoor visibility. On the other hand, the vivo Y04 offers a slightly bigger 6.74-inch screen but with a lower 90Hz refresh rate and 570 nits brightness, which falls behind the Power 70 in terms of smoothness and brightness clarity. Cameras The itel Power 70 is equipped with a single 13 MP rear camera, supported by LED flash, HDR, and panorama features. It captures reasonably clear photos in daylight, with balanced exposure and decent detail for casual photography. The 8 MP front camera delivers passable selfies, suitable for social sharing and day-to-day video calls. Read more: realme P3 5G Review: Is it a value-for-money smartphone When stacked against the competition, the Redmi A5 4G offers a higher-resolution 32 MP main sensor. Its front-facing 8 MP camera is similar in resolution to the Power 70 but benefits from a wider aperture. The vivo Y04 matches the Power 70 with a 13 MP main sensor but adds phase detection autofocus (PDAF) and a secondary 0.08 MP auxiliary lens. While the extra lens offers minimal real-world improvement, the PDAF aids in quicker focus locking. However, the front camera drops to 5 MP, which might result in slightly softer selfies compared to the itel and Xiaomi offerings. Hardware, Software and Performance The itel Power 70 runs on Android 14 with itel OS 14 layered on top. Under the hood, it’s powered by the MediaTek Helio G50 Ultimate chipset paired with an octa-core Cortex-A53 CPU clocked at 2.2 GHz. The PowerVR GE8320 GPU handles graphics duties. Read more: Home Safety Digital Lockers and Vaults: Popular Models with Price Ranges in Bangladesh Comparatively, the Xiaomi Redmi A5 4G holds a performance edge with its newer Unisoc T7250 chipset based on a 12nm process. The combination of Cortex-A75 and Cortex-A55 cores ensures smoother app transitions and more capable multitasking than the itel’s older CPU setup. It also runs Android 15 (Go edition) and promises up to two major Android upgrades, making it a better pick for long-term software support. On the other side, the vivo Y04 comes close to Xiaomi’s configuration with a Unisoc T7225 processor and a stronger octa-core setup including Cortex-A75 cores clocked up to 2.0 GHz. Its performance feels more responsive than the Power 70 during app launches and lightweight gaming. It runs Android 14 with Funtouch OS 14, offering smooth transitions and a more refined UI than earlier versions. Memory The itel comes with several variants: 128/4GB, 128/8GB, 256/6GB, and 256/8GB. The RAM power ranges from 4 to 8 GB, while the internal storage reaches up to 256 GB, starting from 128GB. Read more: Samsung Galaxy F15 5G Review: Decent budget-friendly smartphone with large battery The redmi A5 and Vivo Y04 offer 128/6 GB and 256/4GB configurations, respectively, at maximum. Battery and Charging The itel Power 70’s battery and charging system set it apart even from many high-end phones by combining a 6000mAh cell with a customised back cover that stores up to 4000mAh charge, offering users the experience of having a 10000mAh giant battery.  At this price range, the vivo Y04 offers a 5500mAh battery, and the Xiaomi Redmi A5 4G offers a 5200mAh battery, which is less than the basic cell capacity of the itel Power 70. Read more: Honor X9c Review: What’s special about this midrange smartphone To cement its fame as one of the most energy-efficient phones in the low-budget segment, the itel Power 70 features a reverse charging system and an 18W fast charger. It takes around 6 to 7 hours to fully recharge a depleted phone. What’s more, the reverse-wired charging feature makes the itel Power 70 a more attractive deal. Pros and Cons of the itel Power 70 Pros - Sleek, premium-looking design with slim 7.98mm profile- 6.67" IPS LCD with 120Hz refresh- Decent brightness at 700 nits- 6000mAh battery with additional 4000mAh backup via custom back cover- Reverse charging support- 18W fast charging included- Android 14 with clean itel OS 14- Affordable pricing. Read more: OnePlus 13 5G Review: Flagship Killer with high-end features Cons - Plastic build- Heavier than competitors at 200g- Outdated CPU architecture (Cortex-A53)- Single 13 MP rear camera- Display resolution is only HD+, not Full HD Price of itel Power 70 in Bangladesh The itel Power 70 is available in a single 6GB of RAM and 256GB of ROM variant in Bangladesh at BDT 10,990. Conclusion The itel Power 70 stands out as a strong, budget-friendly contender in the low-end smartphone market with a mix of modern design and long-lasting battery life. Its standout 6000mAh battery—expandable to a massive 10000mAh with a custom back cover—alongside a 120Hz refresh rate and clean Android 14 experience make it a smart pick for users prioritising endurance and daily usability over raw performance. Read more: OPPO A5 Pro 4G Review: Can it fulfil the expectations? While its camera setup and processing power may trail behind the likes of the Redmi A5 4G and vivo Y04, the Power 70 compensates with its unmatched battery innovation and generous storage offering at a competitive price. For users who want extended power, a smooth screen, and modern essentials on an entry-level smartphone, the itel Power 70 delivers real value.

The Samsung Galaxy 'A' series has long been celebrated for delivering premium features at accessible prices, striking a balance between performance and affordability. Continuing this legacy, the A36 was first released on March 10, 2025. Let’s delve into the key specs, pros, cons, and pricing of the Samsung Galaxy A36 5G in Bangladesh. Key Features of Samsung Galaxy A36 5G . Design and Build Quality The Samsung Galaxy A36 5G impresses with its sleek, premium look and feel. At 7.4mm thick and weighing 195g, it is slightly lighter and thinner than the Galaxy A35, which measures 8.2mm in thickness and weighs 209g. The A36 also features Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both the front and back with a plastic frame, mirroring its predecessor but in a more refined form. Both phones sport IP67 water and dust resistance, which adds to their durability.  Compared to the realme 14 Pro and vivo Y300 Pro+, the A36 falls somewhere in between. The realme model is lighter at 179g and features a MIL-STD-810H rating along with IP68/IP69 certification, making it more rugged. Meanwhile, the vivo Y300 Pro+ offers an elegant form but only IP64 splash resistance. Overall, the A36 strikes a balance between elegance and robustness, with modern colours like lavender, lime, and white. Read more: ZTE Nubia Red Magic 10 Pro Golden Saga Special Edition Review Display Quality Samsung's Super AMOLED display in the A36 is a highlight, offering 6.7 inches of vivid display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 1900 nits peak brightness. It is a solid upgrade from the A35’s 6.6-inch panel that maxes out at 1000 nits. The jump in brightness and screen-to-body ratio (86.5% vs 84.8%) makes for a more immersive viewing experience, especially under sunlight. When stacked against the realme 14 Pro and vivo Y300 Pro+, the A36 still holds its own. realme boasts a 6.77-inch OLED panel with a whopping 4500 nits peak brightness, the highest in the category, which is impressive for outdoor usage.  Vivo’s Y300 Pro+ is not far behind with 5000 nits peak brightness and AMOLED technology. Despite slightly lower peak brightness, Samsung's colour tuning, sharpness, and Always-on Display feature give it an edge in everyday usability and visual appeal. Read more: realme P3 5G Review: Is it a value-for-money smartphone Like the ancestor A35, the latest A36 features a resolution of 1080 by 2340 pixels with ~385 ppi density, which is close to the realme 14 Pro and vivo Y300 Pro+, featuring 1080 by 2392 with ~388 ppi density. Camera Performance The Galaxy A36 features a triple camera setup: a 50MP (f/1.8) main shooter with OIS, an 8MP (f/2.2) ultrawide, and a 5MP (f/2.4) macro lens. This setup mirrors the A35’s cameras, but the A36 benefits from improved image processing thanks to the newer Snapdragon chipset. It captures better detail in low light and handles HDR more effectively. Against competitors, the realme 14 Pro offers a dual setup with a similar 50MP sensor and a depth lens. It lacks an ultrawide camera, which limits its versatility. The vivo Y300 Pro+ also has a dual setup with a 50MP primary and 2MP depth sensor. While both realme and vivo benefit from solid hardware, the absence of a dedicated ultrawide limits their camera flexibility. Read more: Home Safety Digital Lockers and Vaults: Popular Models with Price Ranges in Bangladesh Selfie performance gets a slight bump in the A36 with a 12MP (f/2.2) sensor featuring 10-bit HDR, better than the A35’s 13MP selfie cam with no HDR. The Vivo Y300Pro+ does stand out here with its 32MP front-facing camera. Capable of 4K recording with the front sensor, the Samsung Galaxy A36 outperforms the realme 14 Pro and Vivo Y300 Pro+, limited to 1080p video. Processor Performance Under the hood, the Galaxy A36 5G is powered by the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chip, a 4nm octa-core processor that brings considerable improvements over the 5nm Exynos 1380 in the A35. Multitasking, app launches, and AI tasks feel noticeably faster and smoother. It is a much-needed boost and helps the A36 stay relevant through future Android updates (6 major upgrades promised vs. 4 in the A35). Compared to the Dimensity 7300 of the realme 14 Pro and the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 of the vivo Y300 Pro+, the A36 offers good competition. The Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 matches realme’s chip in efficiency but slightly lags behind vivo’s newer 7s Gen 3 in raw benchmarks. However, the A36 delivers stable thermal performance and handles day-to-day tasks without stutters, keeping it highly competitive. Read more: Samsung Galaxy A56 5G: Know the pros and cons Gaming Performance Gaming on the A36 is a treat for casual and semi-heavy gamers. The Adreno 710 GPU and 120Hz refresh rate offer fluid gameplay in titles like PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty: Mobile, and Genshin Impact at medium-high settings. It maintains frame rates well without significant heating, unlike the A35, which struggled during extended gaming sessions due to its older GPU. The realme 14 Pro, with its Mali-G615 GPU, delivers marginally better frame rates in graphics-intensive titles, while the vivo Y300 Pro+’s Adreno 710 clocked at 940MHz offers similar performance with a bit more efficiency thanks to better thermal handling. In real-world usage, all three phones deliver respectable gaming performance, but realme edges out slightly for hardcore gamers. Battery Life Battery life is a strong suit of the Galaxy A36, thanks to its 5000 mAh cell and efficient processor. It easily lasts a full day with moderate to heavy use. Samsung has also improved charging with 45W wired support, filling the battery to 66% in 30 minutes and a full charge in just over an hour. Read more: Honor X9c Review: What’s special about this midrange smartphone This is a major leap over the A35’s 25W charging, which feels sluggish in 2025.  Still, the realme 14 Pro and vivo Y300 Pro+ outperform the A36 in this department. realme supports 45W charging but has a 6000 mAh battery that delivers more screen time. Vivo takes the crown here with a massive 7300 mAh battery and 90W fast charging that powers the phone in record time. For power users and frequent travellers, vivo clearly leads. However, the Samsung Galaxy A36 lacks demanding features like reverse charging and wireless charging features, which many competitors like the vivo Y300 Pro+ are offering in similar price ranges. Read more: OnePlus 13 5G Review: Flagship Killer with high-end features Software and User Interface Samsung's One UI 7, based on Android 1515, offers a smooth, intuitive, and feature-rich user experience on the A36. Samsung has committed to 6 major Android updates, which is outstanding and surpasses even some flagship brands. The interface is bloat-free, customisable, and integrates features like Circle to Search and enhanced virtual proximity sensing.  In contrast, the A35 ships with One UI 6.1 and Android 14 with only 4 years of updates. The realme 14 Pro runs realme UI 6.0, which is clean but slightly behind Samsung in polish and support. The Vivo Y300 Pro+ uses OriginOS 5, which is vibrant and feature-packed, though a bit cluttered for first-time users. In terms of longevity and overall software experience, the A36 is the clear winner. Storage Options Samsung offers a wide range of configurations for the A36, starting at 128GB with 6GB RAM and going up to 256GB with 12GB RAM. However, there is no microSD card support, which might disappoint some users. The A35 does offer expandable storage, which gives it a niche advantage. Read more: OPPO A5 Pro 4G Review: Can it fulfil the expectations? realme and vivo also skip the SD card slot but offer higher internal storage variants—up to 512GB with 12GB RAM. Power users and media hoarders might lean toward those options, but for average users, the A36 provides enough flexibility in its current options.  Pros and Cons of Samsung Galaxy A36 5G Pros  - Large 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate.- Bright screen with up to 1900 nits peak brightness.- Powered by Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 for smooth performance.- Available in 6GB, 8GB, and 12GB RAM options.- Triple rear camera setup with 50MP main lens.- 12MP selfie camera supports 4K video and HDR.- Stereo speakers for better audio experience.- In-display fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking.- 45W fast charging, 100% in about 68 minutes.- IP67 rated for dust and water resistance.- One UI 7 with Android 15 and long software support. Read more: Tecno Phantom V Fold 2 Review: Pros, Cons and Price in Bangladesh Cons - Plastic frame, not as premium as metal.- No 3.5mm headphone jack.- FM radio not supported.- No microSD card slot for storage expansion.- Slightly higher price compared to rivals with similar specs- No wireless charging option- No reverse charging option. Price of the Samsung Galaxy A36 5G in Bangladesh The Samsung Galaxy A36 5G is priced at approximately BDT 37,000 for the base variant.  Final Words The Samsung Galaxy A36 5G shines with its AMOLED display, strong performance, and fast charging. However, the plastic build and lack of a headphone jack may disappoint some. Ideal for users seeking a balanced mid-range phone with reliable performance and camera quality. Not recommended for those needing expandable storage, a wireless or reverse charging option, or a more premium build.  Read more: Top Smartphones Launching in March 2025: Flagship & Budget Models to Watch