Tech-News
Walton brings new mechanical keyboards
Walton Digi-Tech Industries has brought two new models of affordable mechanical keyboards.
Modelled as KM02 and KM03, the keyboards have advanced features, according to a media statement.
Released in black and grey, KM02 and KM03 have 104 keys among which 25 are anti-ghost keys.
Read Mechanical Keyboard Buying Guide with the Price Range in Bangladesh
The keyboards' special features include a backlight breathing function, 50 million times button life, US layout, USB interface, mechanical axis button, blue switch, and 1.5M exposed head USB cable.
Priced at Tk2,050 and Tk2,250, the new Walton mechanical keyboards can be purchased at Tk1,742 BDT and Tk1,912 from E-Plaza.
Read Asus ROG Phone 6D Review: Worth the price tag?
TikTok launches dual camera feature TikTok Now
TikTok has brought a dual camera feature, TikTok Now, to enable its users to share their "most authentic moments with the people who matter the most" using their devices' front and back cameras.
Users will receive a daily prompt to capture a 10-second video or a static photo to quickly and easily share what they are up to.
TikTok Now can be accessed from both TikTok and the new TikTok Now app. In some countries, TikTok Now may be available within TikTok, downloadable as a new TikTok Now app, or available in both formats.
TikTok will continue to enhance the user experience as it learns more about how the TikTok community embraces this new format.
In TikTok Now, creators are in control of deciding who can view or engage with their content. They can block others and choose which comments appear on their content.
Read: Tap teams up with Sonali Bank to launch inter-banking transaction services
And if someone comes across behaviour they believe may violate the community guidelines, they can report it for review. If someone under the age of 16 creates an account to use the TikTok Now app, just like TikTok, their account will be private by default.
Those under the age of 18 will not be able to share their content on the "explore" feed. People aged between 13 and 15 will have commenting options limited to "friends only."
No more than 15 SIM cards under 1 NID: BTRC to deactivate extras
Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) is going to deactivate additional SIM (subscriber identity module) cards of those who have more than 15 registered under a national identity (NID) card soon.
As per the recent BTRC decision, a subscriber is allowed to register maximum 15 SIM cards against his/her NID, BTRC Vice Chairman Subrata Roy Maitra told UNB today.
Read:BTRC places indefinite suspension on GP SIM card sale
Additional SIM cards are registered against one NID – analogue and digital, he said.
The telecom regulator has urged subscribers to deactivate additional SIM cards against one NID from the respective customer care centres.
Read: BTRC launches new unlimited data packages
Besides, BTRC is collecting data of such SIM cards registered with one NID to take action.
On June 20, 2016, BTRC decided that 20 SIM cards can be registered against one NID card and later it reduced the number to five on August, 2017.
On October 24, 2017, the commission revised its decision and set the number at 15.
iPhone 14: Cheapest in which countries?
Apple unveiled the new iPhone 14 at their September event. The new phone features emergency satellite connectivity and car crash detection technology. The company released four versions (iPhone 14, 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max) of the new handset at their headquarters in Cupertino. All these variations come with different storage capabilities and features. Hence, the price is also different.
The base price of the iPhone 14 is $799 in the USA, while the maximum price will be around $1,600 for the 14 Pro Max. If you want to buy from other countries, you will need to spend a bit more depending on the tax and conversion rate. Let’s look at which countries' iPhone 14 models are the cheapest.
Read Apple's iPhone 14 Review: A revamped iPhone 13?
9 Countries to Buy Cheapest iPhone 14 from
The iPhone is a dream phone for many, especially for those who live outside the USA. People often buy iPhones from a country where they can get it at a cheaper price. If you’re excited about the latest iPhone 14, you can try buying it from the following countries.
USA
In the United States, iPhones are usually cheaper than other countries. There are a number of reasons for this, but the two most important are no import duties, and it is a US-based company.
Economies of scale also play a role in making the iPhone cheaper in the US. Apple is able to produce more iPhones in the US than it can in other countries due to the greater demand and availability of manufacturing resources. As a result, Apple is able to spread the cost of production over a larger number of units, resulting in lower prices for consumers.
Read iPhone 14 Series Launch: What are the new features?
For all these reasons, you can get the cheapest iPhone 14 in the USA for $799. So, if you can buy it from the USA, the price will be BDT 83,458 ($1= BDT 104.45). The iPhone 14 Pro Max will cost $999, which is BDT 1,04,349.55 ($1= BDT 104.45).
Canada
Canada is another cheapest country to get an iPhone 14. You can get it for CAD 1099. So, if you can bring it from Canada to Bangladesh, you can get it for BDT 87,047 (CAD 1= BDT 79.20). The iPhone 14 Pro is priced at CAD 1,399 in Canada, which will cost you BDT 1,10,812.87 (CAD 1= BDT 79.20).
Hong Kong
The iPhone 14’s price in Hong Kong is comparatively less in Hong Kong than in Bangladesh. You can buy an iPhone 14 for HK$6,899 which will be BDT 91,816.10 (HK$1 = BDT 13.31). For the 14 Max you will need to spend HK$ 8,599 which is equivalent to BDT 1,14,440.73 (HK$1 = BDT 13.31).
Read iPhone 14 launch: Game-changing emergency services via satellite
Singapore
Since Singapore is a technology-oriented country, you can expect an iPhone 14 at a lower price there. The buying price will be S$1,299 for 14, which is BDT 96,384.37 (S$1 = BDT 74.24). On the other hand, the 14 Pro will be S$1649 or BDT 1,22,353.98 (S$1 = BDT 74.24).
Australia
The iPhone 14 will cost A$1,399 which is equivalent to BDT 98,547.19 (A$1 = BDT 70.44). But, if you want to buy 14 Pro from Australia, it will cost you A$ 1,749 or BDT 1,23,201.60 (A$1 = BDT 70.44). With these
With this price, you may also get AppleCare+, which provides extended warranty coverage and 24/7 technical support. When you factor in all of these features and benefits, the price of the iPhone 14 Pro starts to look a lot more reasonable.
Read Oppo A57 Review: Key specs, pros and cons
UAE
The United Arab Emirates is another cheap option for buying an iPhone. The iPhone 14 is priced at AED 3,399 in UAE. That being said, you can buy it for BDT 96,659.27 (AED 1= BDT 28.44) in Emirates. For the iPhone 14 Pro the price is AED 4,299 or BDT 1,22,253.07 (AED 1= BDT 28.44).
Malaysia
Apart from the official Apple store, you can also buy iPhones from other local retail stores too. In general, Malaysian retailers offer a significant discount on new phones, making it possible to find a device for hundreds of dollars less than the retail price in other countries.
However, for the newly launched iPhones, you will not get any benefits from local retailers. iPhone 14 will cost RM 4,199 or BDT 96,714.98 (RM 1 = BDT 23.13) in Malaysia. 14 Pro is priced at RM 5,299, which will be 1,22,051.12 in Bangladeshi Taka.
Read Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 Review: Multitasking King for Utilitarian Users
Japan
Japan is also a cheap option to buy an iPhone, which you may not think of. The iPhone 14 will cost 1,19,800 Japanese Yen which is BDT 87,204.07 (1 Japanese Yen = BDT 0.73). On the other hand, the iPhone 14 Pro will cost 149,800 Japanese Yen or BDT 109041.49 (1 Japanese Yen = BDT 0.73).
India
Since India is a neighboring country, we tend to buy gadgets from India. However, buying an iPhone from India will not be a good idea compared to the countries we have mentioned above. Indian should be your last option.
Although India is an Asian country and income is less than first world countries, the iPhone is not cheaper here. iPhone 14 will cost ₹79,900.00 which is BDT 1,04,670.45 (₹1 = BDT 1.31). For the 14 Pro, you will need to pay ₹129900.00 or BDT 1,70,171.36. (₹1 = BDT 1.31).
Read Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 Review: Is this flip phone worth buying?
Final Words
If you are looking to buy an iPhone 14 in Bangladesh, you may need to pay 1 Lac Taka or more than that. That’s why buying from other countries will be cheaper. Just ordering and paying online will not get you the iPhone 14 at a cheap cost from other countries as you need to pay shipping costs and taxes.
So, in that case, you are paying a high cost. That’s why it will be best if you can bring through any friend or relative who is coming to Bangladesh. They can carry at least one iPhone without paying tax in Bangladesh. Thus, you can just pay them according to the exchange rate. This process will save you a lot of money.
So far, we have mentioned 9 countries where you can buy iPhone 14 at the lowest price ranges. Please note that all the prices we have mentioned here are for the 128GB versions. For 256GB or more, you need to visit the respective Apple website to know the actual price.
Read Top 10 mobile phones coming to Bangladesh in September 2022
Walton expands TV business in Georgia
Bangladesh's Walton has expanded its business in the eastern European country Georgia by exporting smart TVs.
The company hopes that the export will pave the way for expanding its TV business in other eastern European countries like Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Also read: Walton TV gets good response in Romania
Samin Yasar, the market in-charge of Walton Global Business Division in Georgia, said: "This year, a famous Georgian electronics marketing company has partnered with us to distribute Walton TVs to its market. In June this year, the Georgian company received the first shipment of Walton TVs. The second shipment of Walton TVs will be sent to Georgia very soon."
"Also, Walton TVs are now available on Georgia's e-commerce platforms."
Read Walton TV gets good response in Romania
Syed Al Imran, vice-president of Walton Global Business Division for Europe, said: "Walton started exporting TVs to the European market in 2019. Since then, it has successfully expanded its TV export to around 16 countries in western and central Europe, including Germany, Denmark, Ireland, Poland, Greece, Spain, Croatia, Italy, and Romania."
Japan needs young engineers, Bangladeshi ICT professionals can fill that gap
Bangladesh and Japan can develop “ICT bridges” as the latter faces shortage of young ICT engineers, says a Japanese expert.
“The two countries can support each other. I hope young Bangladeshis go to Japan and have some experience… It is not a one-way support,” Dr Kano Tsuyoshi, co-founder and CEO of ICT for Development (NPO), Japan, told UNB today.
Responding to a question, Dr Kano, also an associate professor at Kanazawa Institute of Technology, Japan said he is eager to support young Bangladeshi ICT engineers.
Read Present world is not of competition but collaboration: Palak
While talking to this correspondent at Jatiya Press Club (JPC), the Japanese expert said digital human resources are one of the important factors for the ICT sector’s development in Bangladesh.
“Digital human resources in Bangladesh can be ICT bridges between the country and Japan,” said the Japanese expert.
He said if young Bangladeshi professionals go to Japan and come back to Bangladesh after 10 to 20 years, both countries will be benefitted.
Dr Kano said Japan has a big challenge — shortage of ICT engineers — because it is becoming an “aging society” and the number of young people is inadequate.
Read: Bangladesh gets drug, precursor test kits from Japan through UNODC
“Young ICT engineers are not many in Japan,” he said, adding that in Bangladesh, many young people do not get jobs immediately after graduation, even in the ICT sector, due to lack of required skills.
The Japanese expert said these two challenges — shortage of ICT engineers in Japan and shortage of good jobs in Bangladesh — can be addressed through cooperation and collaboration.
Dr Kano, who is visiting Bangladesh at the invitation of the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Japanese Embassy in Dhaka, is scheduled to leave Dhaka on Tuesday.
Read IBBL ICT wing holds discussion, hosts iftar party
He said both soft and hard skills can be obtained through global experiences and the two countries can make ICT business relationships stronger.
The number of Japanese companies operating in Bangladesh has tripled in the past 10 years with an increased attention from ICT companies (offshoring, development center, recruitment, etc.).
On Sunday, he delivered a lecture on “ICT Bridge between Bangladesh and Japan” at ICT Division, joined by more than 100 people – government officials, industry people and students.
Read KUET partners with Huawei to set up ICT academy
Ex-girlfriend selling gift, memorabilia from Elon Musk in auction
If your ex becomes the richest person in the world, keeping his possessions could turn advantageous in the future.
The ex-girlfriend of tech mogul Elon Musk is auctioning off a collection of pictures and other memorabilia from their relationship. The souvenirs are being sold by Musk’s college flame Jennifer Gwynne via the Boston-based RR Auction, reports CNN.
According to a press release RR Auction provided to CNN, Gwynne and Musk began dating in 1994 while they were both employed as resident counsellors in a university dormitory. Musk began a doctoral study at Stanford soon after graduating from the University of Pennsylvania, but left to found his first firm, Zip2.
Read: Elon Musk's $44 billion Twitter deal gets board endorsement
The collection includes souvenirs from Musk and Gwynne’s time together in addition to 18 candid pictures of the businessman when he was a baby-faced University of Pennsylvania economics student.
Before his quick ascent to fame, the billionaire appeared just like any other college student in the glossy images, hanging out with his fellow resident advisers, having fun in his dorm room, and cuddling with his fiancée.
A birthday necklace given to Gwynne on her birthday is the item with the current highest bid, followed by a signed birthday card, the CNN report adds.
Read: Elon Musk says Twitter deal ‘temporarily on hold’
The message reads, “Happy Birthday, Jennifer (aka Boo-Boo), Love, Elon.” Sunday morning's opening bid is almost $7,000, which is the most. According to RR, the card is anticipated to sell for more than $10,000.
The emerald in the gold necklace was mined in Zambia by Musk’s father Errol, a successful South African engineer and real estate entrepreneur.
Two photographs are also included with the necklace: one of Musk and Gwynne with the former’s mother, the model Maye Musk, and the other of them at a 1995 end-of-the-year formal.
Read Musk says Twitter deal could move ahead with 'bot' info
Tesla aficionados have until Wednesday, when the auction closes, to place a bid on a piece of Elon Musk memorabilia.
iPhone 14 launch: Game-changing emergency services via satellite
When regular service is unavailable, you will be able to connect to emergency services through satellite with the latest iPhone 14 model.
To connect to satellite, and to maintain that connection, iPhone14 will provide directions on where to position it.
More from iPhone 14 launch event
With a redesigned main camera that captures 49% more light and new Photonic Engine technology, Apple’s iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus address a major weakness in smartphone cameras: low-light shooting.
Apple said that the Photonic Engine technology works on all the new phones' cameras, including its new selfie camera and ultrawide rear camera. The main wide-angle camera has a larger f1.5 aperture so that its lens can let in more light, CNET reports.
Read: Android 14 to feature satellite connectivity support
At its fall product launch event on Wednesday, Apple introduced the new camera technology, marking a significant occasion on the yearly technology calendar. The iPhone is a major company in and of itself, but it also serves as the cornerstone of a massive digital ecosystem that is deeply ingrained in the lives of millions of people. This ecosystem includes services like iCloud and Apple Arcade as well as peripherals like AirPods and Apple Watches.
One of the most obvious differences from smartphone models from one year to the next is the camera, especially since that designers have adopted bigger, protruding lenses as a defining feature. Customers may not notice a speedier processor, but they may notice the introduction of additional camera modules, such as the telephoto and ultrawide options now ubiquitous on high-end phones.
Highlights of iPhone 14
● New 12 MP main camera with larger sensor and pixels
● Faster f1.5 aperture, Sensor-shift OIS
● 49% improvement in low light capture
● Autofocus front camera
● New action mode for video
● US models no longer have SIM tray
● Crash detection
● Emergency SOS via Satellite (free for two years, launches in November in US and Canada).
Read International Roaming: How to use a Bangladeshi SIM card abroad
Android 14 to feature satellite connectivity support
Wouldn’t it be great if you could call without a network using your Android phone? It might sound like a sci-fi movie, but the truth is we are going to get this feature on the Android 14 operating system. Motorola invented the first satellite phone in 1989. However, satellite phones were not available to the general public. Now it seems anyone can use it in the coming years. Let’s get to know more about Android 14 and its satellite connectivity.
Android 14 to feature satellite connectivity support
Google’s new operating system, Android 13, was unveiled at the end of July. Google released information about the beta version of Android 14 before Android 13 became a month old. As a surprise, this new version of Android will have satellite connectivity, claimed Google Ecosystem Senior Vice President Hiroshi Lockheimer.
According to his tweet, the next version of Android will have satellite connectivity. Google will help partners with this. It is expected that the beta version will be launched in 2023. He also said that the handsets would be linked directly to satellites to further improve the smartphone user experience around the world, which will be quite different from the current cellular connectivity.
Read Metaverse Real Estate Investment: Buying Land, Apartment, Property in Virtual World
However, Hiroshi Lockheimer did not give any details about this. But, it is expected that the old Android phones will also be able to get this feature by updating the operating system.
Other than this feature of the ‘next-generation Android 14 operating system, no other possible features have been revealed yet.
On the other hand, Elon Musk’s SpaceX partnered with T-Mobile to develop satellite connectivity.
What are the features to expect from satellite connectivity?
Many people think that satellite connectivity means very high-speed internet. But it is not the actual feature. One of the advantages of satellite phones is that even in remote, uninhabited areas where there is no cellular network, the user can communicate through SMS and calling. In the initial phase, only calls, SMS, and MMS will be available on satellite connectivity.
Read How to Get a Job in Google from Bangladesh?
According to Lockheimer, satellite connectivity will provide many times better service than what can be experienced with standard LTE and 5G connections. This feature will start a new chapter in the communication system.
SpaceX & T-Mobile to introduce satellite features for phones in the USA
While we’re on the subject, the buzz in the tech world is that SpaceX and T-Mobile are teaming up to bring satellite connectivity to phones in the US. The telecom operator has already confirmed that it plans to use thousands of Starlink satellites to provide wireless connectivity to mobile users in remote areas of the country. Under this service, customers will be able to use the beta version of satellite internet on T-Mobile by June 2023. In addition to that, voice and data services are also expected to be offered later.
Elon Musk also said on Twitter that the Starlink V2 service will be launched in 2023 with a plan to “eliminate the global dead zone.” He even invited other companies to work with Starlink.
Read Google Alphabet’s Project Taara: Light beam broadband internet creates new hope in Africa
Will iPhone 14 have satellite features?
On the other hand, the tech giant Apple is preparing to announce the iPhone 14 series on 7th September. There has been speculation that the satellite connectivity feature may be added as a ‘wild card’ feature in the lineup.
As Bloomberg pointed out in a 2021 report, the tech giant has already completed hardware testing for satellite communication in the iPhone 14 series. This feature will allow users to connect to mobile networks to send messages in emergency situations in remote areas. Users will even be able to use the iPhone to report their situation in areas without cellular coverage.
However, Apple device analyst Ming-Chi Kuo is not yet sure if the feature will be made available in the iPhone 14 lineup at all. Because of this, Apple will have to tie up with a satellite operator, and no such deal has been reported yet. But if the feature is included, the satellite connectivity of the iPhone 14 series will only provide essential text message and voice services.
Read Shammi Quddus: A Talented Bangladeshi Woman in Google, Global Fintech Industry
Will satellite connectivity be available worldwide?
The answer is a bit tricky. Companies such as Google and Apple will need to take permission/license from the particular countries they are intended to offer services, as satellite connectivity may raise security concerns. To recall, SpaceX previously returned pre-booked money to the Indian customers as they did not have a license from the Indian Department of Telecommunications.
As the world is becoming more technology-driven, the countries may lessen the regulations regarding satellite usage. Hence, satellite connectivity might be available worldwide in the coming years.
Final words
The use of Satellite phone technology in Android 14 can improve the future of communication because it doesn’t need the conventional mobile network. Furthermore, it is more reliable, and easier to use than traditional methods. With the right technology in place, people can easily stay connected no matter where they are in the world. However, in terms of pricing, satellite connectivity might be expensive initially.
Read Top 10 mobile phones coming to Bangladesh in September 2022
Samsung launches month-long smartphone campaign for September
Samsung has launched a month-long smartphone campaign for September.
Customers can enjoy up to Tk20,000 cashback on the purchase of Samsung smartphones from different series and price segments. They can also get gifts like backpacks and t-shirts.
Read: Twitter readies edit feature for premium users
Samsung is also offering a data bundle offer (up to 26 GB on selected operators and devices) to its customers.
"For many years in Bangladesh, we have been catering to the smart needs of millions of customers of different segments. This time, we have something for everybody, and that too with a window of 30 days," Md Muyeedur Rahman, head of Mobile, at Samsung said in a statement.
Read Nagad recognises winners of 'Aurjon O Bijoyullash' campaign