United News of Bangladesh

Tech billionaire Elon Musk has said Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robots will eventually take over every job but humans will no longer be required to work and can spend their time on activities like growing vegetables. Responding to a post on X about Amazon’s plan to replace over 1,60,000 workers with AI and robots by 2027, Musk wrote, “AI and robots will replace all jobs.” While the statement might sound alarming, Musk sees it as an opportunity for humans to gain more freedom. “Working will be optional, like growing your own vegetables, instead of buying them from the store,” he added. Musk is leading xAI to develop an AI-only software company named Macrohard, while Tesla is also advancing its Optimus robot project. He believes AI will allow humans to work only if they want to. He further predicted a world with “universal high income,” where people can maintain their lifestyles without needing jobs. Musk has previously outlined such a vision, noting at the VivaTech 2024 conference in Paris an “80 percent chance” of a future with no shortage of goods and services. Musk has also suggested that personal robots could make this lifestyle possible. In August 2024, he stated that every human may have “their own personal R2-D2 and C-3PO,” referencing the famous robots from the Star Wars series.

OpenAI has entered the web browser market with the launch of Atlas, a new browser designed to integrate artificial intelligence directly into the online search experience — setting up a major showdown with Google’s dominant Chrome browser. The San Francisco-based company behind ChatGPT hopes Atlas will turn its chatbot into a central gateway for browsing the web, potentially drawing more users and digital ad revenue. However, analysts warn it could further reduce traffic to traditional news outlets if users rely on ChatGPT’s summaries instead of visiting external websites. ChatGPT currently has over 800 million users, though most use it for free. Despite paid subscriptions, OpenAI continues to operate at a loss and is seeking new sources of revenue. Atlas is initially available on Apple laptops, with versions for Windows, iOS, and Android to follow soon. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman described Atlas as “a once-in-a-decade opportunity to rethink what a browser can be.” But Forrester analyst Paddy Harrington cautioned that going up against Google, which holds a massive market share with Chrome’s 3 billion users, will be an enormous challenge. Atlas includes a premium “agent mode” allowing the AI to browse autonomously, using a person’s search history to find and explain information — what Altman called “using the internet for you.” Amazon Cloud outage highlights internet’s hidden weak spots However, critics warn this could make users overly dependent on algorithms. “It’s taking personality away from you,” Harrington said, questioning how personalized or ad-free such browsing could remain. With AI-powered search growing rapidly — used by nearly 60% of Americans, according to an AP-NORC survey — OpenAI’s Atlas could mark a major shift in how people interact with the internet. Source: AP 

A widespread internet disruption caused by an Amazon Web Services (AWS) malfunction on Monday morning exposed just how dependent modern life is on Amazon’s cloud infrastructure — and how fragile that system can be. Despite being so essential, most people still have little understanding of what the cloud really is or where it operates. Here’s what you need to know about the outage, which originated in Northern Virginia, and what it reveals about the cloud computing industry. What is Cloud Computing? Cloud computing allows companies to access powerful computing systems and services remotely, rather than owning and managing physical servers themselves. This means businesses — from social media apps like Snapchat to global chains like McDonald’s — rent Amazon’s infrastructure to run their websites, store data, test software, and deliver services to users. Amazon dominates the global cloud infrastructure market, holding over 41% market share according to research firm Gartner. Microsoft and Google are its main competitors. Where the Outage Happened: Virginia’s Vital Cloud Hub While “the cloud” may sound abstract, it has very real physical locations. Speed and performance depend on how close users are to data centers. AWS runs four main cloud hubs in the U.S., located in California, Ohio, Oregon, and Virginia. The Northern Virginia region — called US-East-1 — is the largest and oldest, and handles far more data than any other AWS region. Even though Amazon encourages customers to spread workloads across multiple regions to avoid total service failures, in reality, many companies still rely heavily on US-East-1. “There’s an enormous concentration of global IT services in this one region,” said Doug Madory, director of internet analysis at Kentik. “If you use AWS, you’re probably using US-East-1 — no matter where you are in the world. That creates a vulnerability.” A Vast Network of Warehouses Amazon's data operations in Virginia aren’t limited to one building — the company has more than 100 data centers across the region, mostly in the outer suburbs of the Washington, D.C. metro area, according to Gartner analyst Lydia Leong. Northern Virginia is also rapidly growing into a hub for artificial intelligence computing. The rising use of AI tools — like chatbots and image generators — has driven massive demand for cloud power and sparked a surge in new data center construction. A recent report by TD Cowen revealed that in the third quarter alone, cloud companies leased more than 7.4 gigawatts of U.S. data center capacity — more than in all of 2024 combined — reflecting just how fast the sector is expanding. Bottom Line The outage serves as a wake-up call: as more of our digital lives rely on a handful of cloud providers, disruptions like this show how much risk comes with centralizing so much of the internet’s infrastructure in so few places.

Global brokerage firm FBS has unveiled its latest innovation — the FBS AI Assistant — a smart feature within the FBS app designed to help traders filter out market noise and focus on meaningful insights that drive better trading decisions. Navigating financial markets can be overwhelming, with constantly changing charts, shifting trends, and differing analyses. The FBS AI Assistant simplifies this process by transforming complex data into concise, actionable information. Powered by OpenAI technology, it enables traders to analyze markets faster, spot emerging patterns, and make confident decisions in real time. Microsoft warns Russia, China using AI to intensify cyberattacks on US With just a few taps, the AI Assistant studies charts, timeframes, and indicators to produce clear summaries that save traders valuable time. The tool helps users: Streamline technical analysis;Identify clear market trends and trading opportunities;Make informed, data-backed decisions; andMaintain composure during volatile conditions.“The FBS AI Assistant replaces chaos with clarity,” said an FBS spokesperson. “It turns data overload into structured insights, helping traders act with confidence and strategy.” Each AI-generated report includes key trend analyses, indicator readings, price patterns, and trade ideas based on both historical and real-time data. Users can access up to five reports daily, while accounts with balances above $20 can generate as many as 15 reports per day. FBS emphasizes that the AI Assistant is not a signal provider, but rather a strategic companion designed to guide traders toward better decision-making. By prioritizing clarity and discipline, it encourages users to trade with awareness instead of emotion. Through tools like the AI Assistant, FBS continues to support traders in cutting through the noise, identifying clear trends, and trading with greater confidence. Source: AP 

Artificial intelligence is no longer confined to classrooms or offices — it’s now entering temples, churches, and mosques. Around the world, worshippers are beginning to use AI chatbots for prayer, guidance, and even confession, blurring the line between technology and spirituality. In Rajasthan, 25-year-old student Vijay Meel found comfort in GitaGPT, an AI program trained on the Bhagavad Gita. When he failed his banking exams, he turned to the chatbot for advice. Its message — “Focus on your actions and let go of the worry for its fruit” — rekindled his motivation. “It felt like hearing Krishna’s voice directly,” Meel said. Microsoft warns Russia, China using AI to intensify cyberattacks on US AI-powered tools like Text With Jesus and QuranGPT are drawing millions seeking spiritual insight through digital means. Experts say the trend reflects a growing sense of disconnection from traditional institutions. “Talking to AI about God isn’t just about faith — it’s about belonging,” says anthropologist Holly Walters. “AI has already become our new spiritual mediator.” Source: BBC 

The Samsung Galaxy M series is famous for offering massive battery life and vivid AMOLED displays at a budget-friendly price. The new Samsung Galaxy M17 5G, announced in October 2025, continues this legacy while adding premium features like on-device AI, targeting consumers who are looking for endurance and smart functionality. Let's take a look at the main specs, features, merits, demerits and pricing of the Samsung Galaxy M17 5G in Bangladesh. Key Features of Samsung Galaxy M17 5G . Design and Build Quality The design of the Samsung Galaxy M17 5G strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and sophistication. With a 7.5mm slim profile, the phone feels light yet sturdy in hand. The back panel has a soft matte finish that resists fingerprints quite well, giving it a refined look. The IP54 rating ensures protection against dust and minor splashes. M17 5G is not just about looks—it is built for everyday life, and the side-mounted fingerprint sensor is quick and responsive. Even though it is a plastic frame, it does not feel cheap at all. Available in a classy Black color (with more options expected), the M17 5G gives off a subtle premium vibe—ideal for users who want elegance without the extra cost.  Read more: Top Flagship Smartphones Released in 2025 So Far Display Quality Samsung's expertise in displays shines through with the M17 5G. It sports a spacious 6.7-inch Super AMOLED panel with FHD+ resolution (1080x2340), which translates to deep, inky blacks and vibrant, punchy colours that make media consumption a treat. Crucially, the screen peaks at an impressive 1100 nits of brightness, ensuring excellent visibility even under harsh midday sun.  While the 90 Hz refresh rate is not the cutting-edge 120 Hz found on some higher-end models, it represents a very noticeable jump in smoothness over a standard 60 Hz screen. Scrolling, swiping, and general interface animations feel fluid and responsive, providing a premium experience that enhances daily interaction without excessively draining the battery. Camera Performance The Galaxy M17 5G enters the ring with a very competitive triple-camera setup on the back. The highlight is undoubtedly the 50 MP primary sensor, which, thankfully, includes Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS). In the mid-range segment, OIS is a game-changer, dramatically reducing camera shake when shooting photos or videos, resulting in sharper images, especially in challenging low-light conditions.  The primary camera captures excellent detail in good daylight, producing high-quality, well-exposed images. Complementing the main sensor is a standard 5 MP ultrawide camera, which is decent for fitting more into the frame but lacks the sharpness of the main lens.  Read more: Best 10 Smartphones Releasing in Bangladesh in October 2025 There is also a 2 MP macro sensor, which, while functional for close-up shots, is largely a checklist item. For selfies, the 13 MP front camera is sharp and reliable, though video recording is capped at 1080p and 30 fps across both the front and rear cameras, which is adequate but not stellar. Processor Performance Under the hood, the M17 5G is powered by the 5 nm Exynos 1330 chipset. Fabricated on an efficient 5nm process, this octa-core processor, with its two high-performance Cortex A78 cores clocked at 2.4 GHz, is a capable and power-conscious engine.  This chip is explicitly designed to offer robust performance for daily multitasking, application switching, and general web browsing. It is a workhorse that handles typical phone usage—social media, streaming, and light productivity—with great stability and speed. It sits firmly in the upper mid-range of budget chipsets, prioritising energy efficiency and solid daily reliability over raw, unbridled speed. Gaming Performance For those interested in mobile gaming, the combination of the Exynos 1330 and the Mali-G68 MP2 GPU offers a respectable experience. Casual games run flawlessly, and popular, graphically moderate titles like Brawl Stars or Candy Crush are handled easily. Even demanding games like COD Mobile or Genshin Impact are playable, provided you stick to moderate or low graphics settings.  Read more: iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max Review : Apple’s Bold Leap into the Future The 90 Hz display provides a competitive edge in fast-paced games by reducing motion blur. However, the one significant bottleneck here is the standard 4 GB of RAM. For heavy-duty, sustained gaming or running multiple complex apps in the background, this limited RAM configuration is likely to cause stutters and force background apps to reload more frequently than a device with 6 GB or 8 GB. Battery Life While the M-series title of "Battery King" often conjures images of ultra-capacity cells, the 5000 mAh battery in the M17 5G is still very respectable. It easily promises a full day of heavy use and, for moderate users, should comfortably stretch into a second day.  The combination of the efficient 5 nm Exynos chip and the 90 Hz AMOLED display helps conserve power effectively. The main critique in this department is the charging speed; the 25W wired fast charging, while present, feels quite slow when topping up a 5000 mAh cell, meaning you will need to set aside a couple of hours for a full charge from empty. Software and User Interface Running on Android 15 with Samsung’s One UI skin, the software experience feels clean and user-friendly. The UI is intuitive, smooth, and packed with customisation options. From colour themes to home screen layouts, Samsung gives users enough flexibility to personalise their experience. Read more: Apple iPhone Air: The Ultra-Thin Revolution – A Complete Review Samsung has also refined animations and improved app responsiveness in this iteration. Multitasking, split-screen use, and app pairs all work flawlessly. While there is a bit of pre-installed bloatware, most of it can be easily removed. Security updates and OS upgrades are expected for at least three years, which is impressive for a mid-range device. Storage Options The phone comes with a single main configuration offering 128 GB of internal storage. For most users, this is adequate for storing thousands of photos, dozens of apps, and videos. The inclusion of USB OTG support is a great addition for easily transferring files to external drives.  However, the device features a hybrid SIM slot, meaning the user must choose between using a second SIM card for connectivity or expanding the 128 GB storage via a microSD card. Coupled with the 4 GB of RAM, while the 128 GB of storage is fine, the RAM capacity is certainly the weak point in the memory section and might be the first thing a power user finds limiting. Read more: Apple iPhone 17 Review – “More Than Just a Better Camera?” Pros & Cons of Samsung Galaxy M17 5G . Pros  - Sleek and lightweight design (7.5mm thickness)- Bright 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display with 90Hz refresh rate- Smooth performance with Exynos 1330 (5nm) chipset- Reliable 5000mAh battery with 25W fast charging- Good camera quality (50MP triple rear setup)- Decent gaming performance for mid-range users- Android 15 with clean and user-friendly One UI- Gorilla Glass Victus protection for better durability- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor is quick and accurate- IP54 rating for dust and splash resistance. Read more: realme 15T Review with Price in Bangladesh Cons  - Only 4GB RAM may limit heavy multitasking- Plastic body feels less premium- No 4K video recording option- No stereo speakers- Lacks wireless charging- Slight bloatware in One UI- No official IP68 water resistance- Fast charging could be faster for 2025 standards- Average low-light camera performance- Limited color options available. Read more: Samsung Galaxy S25 FE Review: Perfect Balance of Power, Performance Price of Samsung Galaxy M17 5G The Samsung Galaxy M17 5G is expected to be priced at around BDT 20,000 in Bangladesh. Final Words The Samsung Galaxy M17 5G is a solid mid-range phone with a great display, reliable battery, and smooth performance. It is perfect for casual gamers, students, and everyday users. However, heavy multitaskers or those seeking premium builds and flagship-level cameras might want to explore higher-end options instead. Read more: Oppo A6 Max Review with Price in Bangladesh

A group of South Koreans suspected of participating in online scam operations in Cambodia arrived back in South Korea on Saturday aboard a chartered flight to face criminal inquiries. Their return comes in the wake of the death of a South Korean student who was allegedly forced to work at a scam center in Cambodia, sparking outrage at home. In response, the South Korean government sent officials to Phnom Penh to coordinate efforts with Cambodian authorities. Cambodian Interior Ministry spokesperson Touch Sokhak had earlier confirmed that 64 South Koreans were being sent back late Friday. Upon arrival at Incheon International Airport, the returnees—wearing handcuffs and flanked by police—were taken to waiting security vehicles for transport. Most of those repatriated were arrested during Cambodian crackdowns on online fraud hubs. They now face police investigations in South Korea, said national security director Wi Sung-lac. Authorities are working to determine whether the individuals voluntarily joined the scam operations or were coerced under false pretenses, such as fake job offers. South Korean officials estimate that roughly 200,000 people are working in scam centers across Cambodia, including around 1,000 South Koreans. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, online fraud schemes have surged. Victims include not only those deceived by fake investments, gambling sites, and romance scams, but also people forced to carry out the scams under threat of violence. Watchdog groups say international crime networks earn billions annually through these operations. South Korea recently imposed a travel ban on parts of Cambodia, including Bokor Mountain in Kampot province, where the deceased student was found. Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet has urged Seoul to reconsider the restrictions, according to South Korea’s Foreign Ministry. President Lee Jae Myung has instructed authorities to take swift action to crack down on illegal job advertisements targeting vulnerable individuals — not just in Cambodia, but throughout Southeast Asia. Online scam networks were once mainly concentrated in Southeast Asia, particularly in Cambodia and Myanmar. However, a June Interpol report noted that in the past three years, victims have also been trafficked from regions such as South America, Western Europe, and Eastern Africa. Scam centers have also been identified in areas like the Middle East, West Africa, and Central America.

Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea are increasingly using artificial intelligence (AI) to conduct cyberattacks and online deception campaigns targeting the United States, according to a new Microsoft report released Thursday. The company detected over 200 instances of foreign adversaries using AI-generated content in July — more than double the cases recorded in 2024 and ten times higher than in 2023. Microsoft’s annual digital threats report said hostile states are rapidly adopting AI to automate espionage, disinformation, and hacking operations. “AI can now translate phishing emails into perfect English or even generate realistic digital clones of government officials,” the report warned. Microsoft pushes AI-powered Windows 11 as Windows 10 support ends Amy Hogan-Burney, Microsoft’s vice president for customer security and trust, said attackers are increasingly targeting governments, businesses, hospitals, and transport systems, while many U.S. organizations still rely on outdated cyber defenses. “This is the year when you absolutely must invest in your cybersecurity basics,” Hogan-Burney said. The U.S. remains the top global target for cyberattacks, followed by Israel and Ukraine. Microsoft said AI-enabled operations by adversaries are reshaping the digital battlefield. Source: AP 

Microsoft is urging users to upgrade to Windows 11 as it ends free security support for Windows 10, while unveiling new artificial intelligence features that make laptops more interactive through voice commands. The tech giant announced Thursday that its Copilot AI chatbot is now more deeply integrated into Windows 11, including a new “Hey, Copilot” voice mode that lets users talk directly to their computers. Microsoft says the shift toward conversational computing will be “as transformative as the mouse and keyboard.” Windows 10, introduced in 2015, still runs on hundreds of millions of PCs, many of which can’t upgrade to Windows 11 due to hardware limits. Critics warn the end of free updates could leave users vulnerable to cyberattacks or push them to discard older devices, worsening e-waste problems. Microsoft is offering paid extended support through October 2026, while some users may qualify for free security extensions via cloud services.

OpenAI has teamed up with Walmart to allow shoppers to purchase products directly through ChatGPT, marking another step in the company’s effort to transform its popular chatbot into a virtual shopping assistant and strengthen its revenue base. In a statement on Tuesday, Walmart said the new feature will enable customers to “simply chat and buy,” meaning users can instantly check out items — from groceries and household goods to any product they might be discussing with the chatbot — without leaving ChatGPT. “For many years, e-commerce shopping experiences have relied on a search bar and a long list of items,” Walmart CEO Doug McMillon said. “That is about to change.” OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said the partnership will “make everyday purchases a little simpler.” The companies have not yet confirmed when ChatGPT users will be able to start buying Walmart products directly through the platform, but Walmart said the feature will roll out “soon.” The collaboration represents OpenAI’s latest expansion into online commerce, following similar partnerships launched recently with Shopify and Etsy. Working with Walmart — the largest retailer in the United States — marks a significant leap for OpenAI as it looks to compete with major players such as Amazon and Google for a share of the digital shopping market. OpenAI has yet to turn a profit and continues to rely on investor funding to cover the costs of developing and operating its advanced AI systems. When announcing its Shopify and Etsy partnerships last month, the company said it was working with payments firm Stripe to build the technical framework for purchases via its “Instant Checkout” system. Walmart, meanwhile, has been integrating AI across its operations and consumer platforms. On Tuesday, the Bentonville-based retail giant highlighted its AI shopping assistant “Sparky” and other uses of artificial intelligence at both Walmart and Sam’s Club. Members of Sam’s Club, owned by Walmart, will also be able to shop through ChatGPT once the new feature launches. “AI is transforming everything we do, from smarter catalogs to faster delivery — and it only works if people trust it,” said Daniel Danker, Walmart’s executive vice president of AI Acceleration, Product and Design, in a statement to the Associated Press. Shares of Walmart rose nearly 5% at market close on Tuesday following the announcement.   Source: AP