United News of Bangladesh

President Donald Trump said Friday he’s committed to making the US a world leader in cryptocurrencies as industry leaders heaped praise on him for reversing what they said had been unfair attacks on digital assets by the previous administration. “I thought it was very important that we stay in the front of this one,” Trump said at the first-ever White House “Crypto Summit.” A former crypto-skeptic, Trump has warmly embraced an industry that’s shown him significant love in return and spent heavily to help him win last year’s election. “It’s truly wonderful to see how things have changed and how the pendulum has swung back,” Cameron Winklevoss, the co-founder of the crypto exchange Gemini, told Trump. The summit included crypto company executives, cabinet officials and lawmakers, many of whom took turns raving about Trump’s leadership on digital assets. The emboldened industry said it was unfairly treated by the Biden administration and helped Trump and other Republicans score wins in the last election. Trump reiterated his eagerness to help the crypto industry with friendly legislation and light-touch regulations. Google leans further into AI-generated overviews for its search engine Friday’s summit was the latest in a series of actions the new Trump administration has taken to try and boost the crypto industry. Notably, that’s included the Securities and Exchange Commission dropping several enforcement actions against large crypto companies, including those whose leaders were at Friday’s summit. On Thursday, Trump signed an executive order establishing a “Strategic Bitcoin Reserve,” which essentially bars the US government from selling bitcoin – currently valued at about $17 billion – it has acquired through criminal and civil asset forfeiture.   The order also allows the Treasury and Commerce Departments to come up with “budget-neutral” plans for the government to acquire additional bitcoin, though no details of what those plans might look like have been released. The order is a significant boost for bitcoin’s credibility and legitimacy. The oldest and most popular cryptocurrency, bitcoin has gone from an experiment by libertarian cryptography enthusiasts to an asset worth $1.7 trillion in less than two decades. “Bitcoin is special,” said David Sacks, the Trump administration’s “crypto czar,” told reporters Friday. Trump’s order also creates a “Digital Asset Stockpile,” where the government will hold seized cryptocurrencies other than bitcoin. On Sunday, Trump sent crypto prices on a short-lived surge after a surprise announcement that he wanted the government to hold lesser-known cryptocurrencies XRP, solana and cardano. It’s unclear why Trump named those specific cryptocurrencies and not others. His announcement caused a stir in the crypto community about whether the government would pick winners and losers among various types of cryptocurrencies. Yesha Yadav, a professor at Vanderbilt Law School, said it’s clear the Trump administration wanted to avoid getting dragged into that kind of fight with the way the executive order was worded. “It’s unsurprising that the Trump EO from yesterday has been quite neutral,” she said. Trump’s foray into crypto has included backing a personal meme coin and other ventures to enrich himself and his family. Those moves have drawn swift criticism from Democrats and even some crypto enthusiasts who support Trump. Sacks told reporters Friday that Trump’s personal crypto-related projects were “irrelevant” to the administration’s work related to the industry. That work, Sacks said, was focused on making the US the world capital in crypto through fair and clear regulations that promote innovation while still protecting investors. Sacks added his role was not to try and convince Americans to buy crypto. “You should do your homework because this is a very volatile industry,” Sacks said. “It’s not for everyone.”

Siemens plans to invest $285 million in manufacturing in the United States, the tech company said Thursday, including two new facilities in California and Texas. The U.S. is the largest market for the company. The recent investments in the Siemens' U.S. manufacturing footprint and the planned acquisition of Altair, a Michigan-based software company, mark more than $10 billion in investment in the U.S. “We believe in the innovation and strength of America’s industry. That’s why Siemens has invested over $90 billion in the country in the last 20 years. This year’s investment will bring this number to over $100 billion," Roland Busch, president and CEO of Siemens AG, said in a statement. “We are bringing more jobs, more technology and a boost to America’s AI capabilities.” Siemens’ announcement comes as chip giant Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. said it plans to invest an additional $100 billion in the U.S., on top of $65 billion in investments the company had previously said it would make. That investment will be for three more chip manufacturing plants, along with two packaging facilities, in Arizona. Google leans further into AI-generated overviews for its search engine Siemens said it plans to open two manufacturing facilities for electrical products in Fort Worth, Texas, and Pomona, Calif. The company said it expects its latest investment to create more than 900 skilled manufacturing jobs, with the equipment produced in those factories supporting the U.S. commercial, industrial and construction sectors. The move will also allow the company to power AI data centers.

Google is updating its ubiquitous search engine with the next generation of its artificial intelligence technology as part of an effort to provide instant expertise amid intensifying competition from smaller competitors. The company announced Wednesday that it will feed its Gemini 2.0 AI model into its search engine so it can field more complex questions involving subjects such as computer coding and math. As has been the case since last May, the AI-generated overviews will be placed above the traditional web links that have become the lifeblood of online publishers dependent on traffic referrals from Google's dominant search engine. Google is broadening the audience for AI overviews in the U.S. by making them available to teenage searchers without requiring them to go through a special sign-in process to see them. The stage is also being set for what could turn out to be one of the most dramatic changes to the search engine's interface since Google co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin started the company in a Silicon Valley garage during the late 1990s. Google is going to begin a gradual rollout of an “AI mode” option that will result in the search engine generating even more AI overviews. When search is in AI mode, Google is warning the overviews are likely to become more conversational and sometimes head down online corridors that result in falsehoods that the tech industry euphemistically calls “hallucinations.” “As with any early-stage AI product, we won’t always get it right,” Google product vice president Robby Stein wrote in a blog post that also acknowledged the possibility “that some responses may unintentionally appear to take on a persona or reflect a particular opinion.” Which phones are getting One UI 7 first and when More stringent guardrails are supposed to be in place to prevent AI mode from steering people in the wrong direction for queries involving health and finance. The need for additional fine tuning is one reason Google is initially only offering AI mode in its experimental Labs section, and only subscribers to its $20-per-month Google One AI Premium will be allowed to test it out at first. But these tests almost always result in the technology being released to all comers — a goal that Google is pursuing in response to AI-powered search engines from ChatGPT and Perplexity. Google's amped-up usage of more sophisticated AI overviews is likely to amplify worries that the summaries will make web surfers even less likely to click on links to take them to sites with useful information on the topic. Those traffic referrals are one of the main ways that online publishers attract the clicks needed to sell the digital ads that help finance their operations. Google executives insist AI overviews are still driving traffic to other sites by driving up people's curiosity so they engage in more queries to learn more, resulting in more clicks to other publishers. But those reassurances haven't placated publishers who believe that Google will be the main beneficiary of AI overviews, further enriching an internet empire that already generates more than $260 billion in annual ad revenue. The expanded use of AI overviews also could expose Google to more allegations that it is abusing the power of a search engine that a federal judge last year found to be an illegal monopoly in attempt to maintain its position as the internet's main gateway. The U.S. Justice Department, which filed the monopoly claims against Google in 2020, is now proposing a partial breakup of the company that would include the sale of its Chrome browser as part of its punishment. The hearings on the proposed penalties against Google, which may include digging deeper into its use of AI, are scheduled to begin next month in Washington D.C. Online educational online service Chegg already has amplified on that monopoly case with a lawsuit filed last month in the same Washington court accusing Google of improperly cribbing information from its site to present in its AI Overviews. Google has denied the allegations.

The wait for Samsung’s latest UI update, One UI 7, which debuted on Jan. 22, 2025, with the Galaxy S25 series, extends to April. Bringing a complete overhaul in design and features, the new One UI will showcase Samsung’s futuristic take on user interfaces. Let’s dig into all the features packed into One UI 7 and its rollout schedule for major series and models. What is One UI 7 Update? One UI 7 is Samsung’s top-of-the-line user interface upgrade kneaded atop Android 15—the latest version of Google’s operating system. The beta program of One UI 7 kicked off on Dec. 5, 2024, providing access to users from several countries, including the United States, South Korea, and Germany, in order to rake feedback and evolve into a stable version. People got excited, anticipating an imminent disburse, when the Galaxy S25 and A06 5G series and several rebrands, such as the Galaxy M06 5G and F06 5G, launched with pre-installed One UI 7. But the hope slumped in February when Samsung released the fourth beta upgrade and prolonged its silence about a mass dispense. Adding insult to injury, Google announced Android 16’s release date. With One UI 7’s stalled release, Samsung’s older users are now fretting over an even longer wait for One UI 8. To their condolence, Samsung is preaching its effort to offer a freshly realised user interface as the reason for the delay. Read more: Samsung Galaxy M16 5G: Elevating the budget-friendly experience How Does One Ui 7 Stand Out? One UI 7 is a massive overhaul over the previous versions to reframe and reshape the way users navigate Samsung devices. It will be distributed across all device genres: tabs, smartphones, and TVs, bolstering synchronised performance. Here is the long list of all the primary UI tweaks brought by One Ui 7: Redesigned User Interface One UI 7 unveils a simplified interface featuring a new control centre, revamped notification panel, and a vertically scrolling app drawer. These changes promote intuitive navigation and a cleaner aesthetic, enhancing user interaction by making essential functions more accessible and reducing visual clutter. Now Bar The Now Bar, positioned at the bottom of the screen, aggregates real-time activities such as music playback, recording, and stopwatch functions. This feature offers users immediate access to ongoing tasks, streamlining multitasking and reducing the need to switch between applications. Read more: Top Smartphones Launching in March 2025: Flagship & Budget Models to Watch Now Brief Leveraging artificial intelligence, Now Brief provides users with a daily summary, including schedules, weather updates, and relevant notifications. This personalized overview aids in efficient daily planning and ensures that important information is readily available at a glance. AI Writing Assistant The updated AI writing assistant offers advanced tools for text correction, summarisation, and content generation across various applications. This enhancement facilitates more efficient communication, aiding users in drafting emails, messages, and documents with greater accuracy and speed. Call Transcription Integrated AI capabilities now enable real-time call transcription, converting spoken words into text without the need for third-party applications. This feature is particularly beneficial for users who prefer reading over listening or need transcripts for reference purposes. Camera App Overhaul The camera application has been reorganized to provide a more intuitive layout, allowing users to focus on capturing images without distraction. Enhanced previews and streamlined access to shooting modes contribute to a more seamless photography experience. Read more: vivo Y29 4G Review: What’s special about this budget-friendly phone? Audio Eraser Audio Eraser allows users to remove background noise or emphasise specific audio tracks within videos. This feature enhances media editing capabilities directly on the device, eliminating the need for specialised software and improving the quality of user-generated content. Security Features One UI 7 introduces robust security measures, including theft protection, auto-blockers, and a new biometric authentication system for sensitive settings. These further safeguard user data and device integrity, providing peace of mind in an increasingly digital world. USB Connection Blocking A new security feature allows users to block USB connections, preventing unauthorised access and data transfers. This measure is particularly useful in protecting devices from potential security threats when charging in public areas. Read more: itel S25 Ultra Review: Budget-Friendly Phone with AMOLED Display, Reliable Battery, and More Adaptive Charging The adaptive charging feature intelligently adjusts charging speed based on usage patterns, preserving battery health and extending device longevity. By learning user habits, the system ensures that the battery is charged optimally, reducing wear over time. Notification Shade The notification shade has been revamped for better organization and readability, allowing users to manage alerts more efficiently. Grouped notifications and clearer layouts contribute to a more streamlined experience. Enhanced Widgets Widgets have been updated to offer more customization and functionality, enabling users to tailor their home screens to better suit their needs. This enhancement allows for a more personalized and efficient interface. Read more: iPhone 16e Review: Budget-Friendly Apple Experience with Premium Features Improved Connected Device Capabilities One UI 7 modifies connectivity features, making it easier to manage and control connected devices from a centralized hub. This improvement simplifies the user experience in smart home environments. AI-Powered Interpreter The integrated AI interpreter facilitates real-time translation during conversations, breaking language barriers and promoting seamless communication. This feature is handy for travellers and multicultural interactions. Gemini Live Integration Gemini Live allows users to perform natural language queries, enhancing the device's ability to understand and respond to complex requests. This integration represents a significant step toward more intuitive human-device interactions. Read more: Kieslect Pura Reno Review: A Compact Smartwatch for Women Which smartphones are getting One UI 7 first update, and when A leaked photo from the Samsung workshop veils out the One UI 7’s release dates in major models and devices. The rollout will begin with the Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24+, Galaxy S24 Ultra, the Galaxy S24 FE, the Galaxy Z Flip6, and Galaxy Z Fold6 on Apr. 18, 2025. The Galaxy S23 family, Galaxy Z Flip5 and Z Fold5, and the Galaxy A54 will follow the stream on April 25.  The update for the Galaxy S23 FE, the Galaxy S22 series, the Galaxy Z Fold4 and Z Flip4, and the Galaxy A34, Galaxy A33, and Galaxy A53 will come almost a month later, on May 16.  Read more: iPhone 16e Review: Budget-Friendly Apple Experience with Premium Features The Galaxy S21 series and the Galaxy Z Flip3 and Z will be the last models to get the One UI 7 update on May 23. Verdict Samsung’s mysterious delay in releasing the One UI 7 update has triggered mixed reactions among users. New users are excited about the refurbished user interface and features, while older customers are still holding their breath for the update. The new UI has a reimagined design with several AI functionalities and revamped older features. However, with Google’s Android 16 release date drawing near, Samsung must scramble to ensure complete disbursement before June. Read more: OPPO Reno 13F 5G Review: A Stylish Powerhouse or Just Another Mid-Range Phone?

During Ramadan 2025, iOS and Android apps provide an easy way to learn and listen to the Holy Quran anytime, anywhere. These apps offer recitations, translations, and interactive learning tools to enhance your spiritual journey.  Best iOS and Android Apps to Learn, Recite & Listen to Holy Quran in This Ramadan  . Al Quran (Tafsir & by Word) Al Quran (Tafsir & by Word) is a powerful app designed to help users understand and memorise the Quran effectively. Rated 4.8/5, it is completely free with no ads and varies in download size depending on the device.  Developed by the Greentech Apps Foundation (GTAF), the app provides word-by-word meanings in multiple languages, including English, Bangla, Urdu, and German, allowing users to grasp the Quran’s depth. It includes colour-coded Tajweed rules for accurate recitation, making it beginner-friendly.  Read more: How to Get Traffic Updates in Dhaka: Useful Apps and Sources With over 70 translations and tafsirs in 35+ languages, including renowned works like Tafsir Ibn Kathir and Tafsir Jalalayn, users can gain deep insights. The app features audio recitations from 30+ famous Qaris with customisable playback speed, a Quran Planner to track Khatmah completion, bookmarking, and a Mushaf mode for an authentic reading experience, making it an ideal app for Ramadan. Quranic: Learn Quran and Arabic Quranic is a unique learning app that teaches Arabic using interactive lessons derived from Quranic verses. Rated 4.8/5, it is free with in-app purchases and varies in download size by device. Developed by BusyPeople LLC, it uses gamification techniques, quizzes, and spaced repetition to reinforce learning.  Designed for beginners and advanced learners alike, it helps users understand Quranic vocabulary and sentence structure efficiently. The app’s intuitive interface and engaging format make it an excellent tool for anyone looking to enhance their comprehension of Quranic Arabic. Tarteel: Quran A.I. Tarteel is an innovative AI-powered Quran app that listens to users’ recitations and provides real-time feedback. Rated 4.7/5, it is a freemium app with no ads and varies in download size by device. Developed by Tarteel Inc., it helps users improve their memorisation and pronunciation by detecting mistakes and offering corrections.  Read more: Best Free Bangladeshi Online Doctor Apps for Android, iOS The premium version includes features such as memorisation mistake detection, advanced memorisation mode, and progress tracking. The app encourages habit-building through detailed analytics and personalised engagement goals. Users can set their own memorization targets and receive interactive guidance to perfect their recitation. Tarteel is an excellent choice for those focusing on Hifz and improving their Quranic fluency with AI-driven learning. Athan Athan is more than just a Quran app—it is a complete Islamic lifestyle app offering accurate prayer times, Adhan notifications, and a Qibla finder. Rated 4.7/5, it is free with ads and offers in-app purchases, with a download size that varies by device. Developed by IslamicFinder, the app includes a digital Quran with translations in over 45 languages, along with a Ramadan fasting tracker, Hajj and Umrah guides, and a personalised prayer log. The Athan Pink feature caters specifically to women’s prayer needs, providing Duas and a period tracker. Users can customise their Quran recitations, set prayer reminders, and access daily Islamic content, making it a valuable companion throughout Ramadan. Read more: 10 Best eBook Reader Apps for Android, iOS Quran by Quran.com  Quran by Quran.com is a minimalist app that offers a distraction-free reading experience. Rated 4.7/5, it is completely free and varies in download size depending on the device. Developed by Quran.com, it provides seamless navigation, extensive translations, and tafsirs in multiple languages.  The app is linked to the popular Quran.com website, ensuring users have access to high-quality, regularly updated content. With features like bookmarking, search functionality, and verse-by-verse study tools, this app is ideal for users who prefer a simple yet effective approach to reading and understanding the Quran. Quran Majeed Quran Majeed is a comprehensive app that provides a rich Quranic experience. Rated 4.6/5, it is free with ads and offers in-app purchases, with a download size that varies by device. Developed by Pakdata, it features high-quality Arabic text, translations in 45+ languages, and HD audio recitations from world-renowned Qaris.  Read more: 10 Grocery Shopping Apps in Bangladesh: An Overview The app also includes tools such as a Qibla compass, prayer times, and live streaming from Makkah and Medina. The memorisation mode offers Hifz tracking, repetition options, and verse bookmarking. With daily recitation reminders, tafsirs, and a Hijri calendar, Quran Majeed is an all-in-one tool for Muslims looking to enhance their Quranic engagement during Ramadan. Ayat: Al Quran Ayat: Al Quran is a comprehensive Quranic study app featuring multiple recitations, tafsirs, translations, and a powerful search function. Rated 4.6/5, it is free and varies in download size by device. Developed by King Saud University, it allows users to bookmark verses, take notes, and access an offline mode for uninterrupted study.  Its detailed word-by-word breakdown makes it an excellent tool for in-depth Quranic study and memorisation. The app is ideal for students, scholars, and anyone seeking a deeper connection with the Quran. Read more: 7 Food Delivery Apps for Dhaka Learn Quran Tajwid Learn Quran Tajwid is a comprehensive app designed to help users master Quranic recitation with proper Tajweed. Rated 4.5/5, it is free with ads and varies in download size by device. Developed by Learn Quran, it offers structured lessons suitable for beginners and advanced students. The app includes voice narration for Arabic characters, practice exercises with transliterations, and the ability to record and compare recitations.  It provides real Quranic examples, images, and videos for better understanding. The placement test helps users assess their Tajweed level, while progress tracking and automated evaluations ensure effective learning. Despite its rich features, some users find the frequent ads disruptive. Overall, it is a valuable tool for improving Tajweed and Quranic recitation. Learn To Read The Quran Learn To Read The Quran is designed for beginners who want to learn how to read the Quran from scratch. Rated 4.3/5, it is free with ads and varies in download size by device. Developed by Quran Ayat, it provides Arabic alphabet lessons with audio support, interactive reading exercises, and a built-in Quran for practice.  Read more: 10 Best Free Apps for Ramadan on Android and iOS By focusing on Tajweed and pronunciation, it ensures users develop a strong foundation in Quranic recitation. The app’s structured approach and easy-to-follow lessons make it perfect for learners of all ages. Quran Word by Word with Audio – eQuran Teacher Quran Word by Word with Audio – eQuran Teacher provides a word-by-word breakdown of Quranic verses along with synchronised audio recitations. Rated 4.3/5, it is free and varies in download size by device.  Developed by ImaginaryTech, it allows users to listen to individual words, phrases, or complete verses to improve their pronunciation and memorisation.  The app includes Roman transliterations, customisable repetition settings, and offline access. It is an excellent tool for those looking to enhance their understanding and fluency in Quranic recitation. Read more: Best Video Editing Apps for Android, IOS Final Words These top-rated Quran apps for iOS and Android provide various features to enhance your learning and listening experience during Ramadan 2025. Whether you seek memorisation tools, word-by-word recitation, or AI-powered feedback, these apps offer valuable resources for deepening your connection with the Quran. Choose the one that best suits your needs and enrich your spiritual journey.  Read more: Best Free Personal Safety Android, iOS Apps for Women

Molly Kelley was stunned to discover in June that someone she knew had used widely available “nudification” technology to create highly realistic and sexually explicit videos and images of her, using family photos that were posted on social media. “My initial shock turned to horror when I learned that the same person targeted about 80, 85 other women, most of whom live in Minnesota, some of whom I know personally, and all of them had connections in some way to the offender,” Kelley said. Backed by her testimony, Minnesota is considering a new strategy for cracking down on deepfake pornography. A bill that has bipartisan support would target companies that run websites and apps allowing people to upload a photo that then would be transformed into explicit images or videos. States across the country and Congress are considering strategies for regulating artificial intelligence. Most have banned the dissemination of sexually explicit deepfakes or revenge porn whether they were produced with AI or not. The idea behind the Minnesota legislation is to prevent the material from ever being created — before it spreads online. Experts on AI law caution the proposal might be unconstitutional on free speech grounds. Why advocates say the bill is needed The lead author, Democratic Sen. Erin Maye Quade, said additional restrictions are necessary because AI technology has advanced so rapidly. Her bill would require the operators of “nudification” sites and apps to turn them off to people in Minnesota or face civil penalties up to $500,000 “for each unlawful access, download, or use.” Developers would need to figure out how to turn off the function for Minnesota users. It’s not just the dissemination that’s harmful to victims, she said. It’s the fact that these images exist at all. Musk's embrace of right-wing politics risks turning off car buyers and sinking Tesla's stock Kelley told reporters last month that anyone can quickly create “hyper-realistic nude images or pornographic video” in minutes. Most law enforcement attention so far has been focused on distribution and possession. Congress, states and cities are also trying other tactics San Francisco in August filed a first-of-its-kind lawsuit against several widely visited “nudification” websites, alleging they broke state laws against fraudulent business practices, nonconsensual pornography and the sexual abuse of children. That case remains pending. The U.S. Senate last month unanimously approved a bill by Democrat Amy Klobuchar, of Minnesota, and Republican Ted Cruz, of Texas, to make it a federal crime to publish nonconsensual sexual imagery, including AI-generated deepfakes. Social media platforms would be required to remove them within 48 hours of notice from a victim. Melania Trump on Monday used her first solo appearance since becoming first lady again to urge passage by the Republican-controlled House, where it's pending. The Kansas House last month approved a bill that expands the definition of illegal sexual exploitation of a child to include possession of images generated with AI if they're “indistinguishable from a real child, morphed from a real child’s image or generated without any actual child involvement.” A bill introduced in the Florida Legislature creates a new felony for people who use technology such as AI to generate nude images and criminalizes possession of child sexual abuse images generated with it. Broadly similar bills have also been introduced in Illinois, Montana, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina and Texas, according to an Associated Press analysis using the bill-tracking software Plural. Maye Quade said she'll be sharing her proposal with legislators in other states because few are aware the technology is so readily accessible. “If we can’t get Congress to act, then we can maybe get as many states as possible to take action,” Maye Quade said. Victims tell their stories Sandi Johnson, senior legislative policy counsel for the victim’s rights group RAINN — the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network — said the Minnesota bill would hold websites accountable. “Once the images are created, they can be posted anonymously, or rapidly widely disseminated, and become nearly impossible to remove,” she testified recently. Megan Hurley also was horrified to learn someone had generated explicit images and video of her using a “nudification” site. She said she feels especially humiliated because she's a massage therapist, a profession that's already sexualized in some minds. Microsoft to shut down Skype in May “It is far too easy for one person to use their phone or computer and create convincing, synthetic, intimate imagery of you, your family, and friends, your children, your grandchildren,” Hurley said. “I do not understand why this technology exists and I find it abhorrent there are companies out there making money in this manner.” AI experts urge caution However, two AI law experts — Wayne Unger of the Quinnipiac University School of Law and Riana Pfefferkorn of Stanford University's Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence — said the Minnesota bill is too broadly constructed to survive a court challenge. Limiting the scope only to images of real children might help it withstand a First Amendment challenge since those are generally not protected, Pfefferkorn said. But she said it would still potentially conflict with a federal law that says you can't sue websites for content that users generate. “If Minnesota wants to go down this direction, they'll need to add a lot more clarity to the bill,” Unger said. “And they'll have to narrow what they mean by nudify and nudification.” But Maye Quade said she thinks her legislation is on solid constitutional ground because it's regulating conduct, not speech. “This cannot continue," she said. "These tech companies cannot keep unleashing this technology into the world with no consequences. It is harmful by its very nature.”

Last-minute problems forced a launch delay Monday for SpaceX’s mega rocket Starship, attempting a comeback following an explosion on the last test flight. The countdown got down to the 40-second mark, but it was halted because of issues with the 403-foot (123-meter) rocket, the world’s largest and most powerful. Starship was supposed to blast off from the southern tip of Texas with four mock satellites on board for a space-skimming test flight. If the problems can be fixed quickly, another launch attempt could come Tuesday, according to SpaceX. Musk's embrace of right-wing politics risks turning off car buyers and sinking Tesla's stock The last Starship demo ended in an explosion over the Atlantic in January, with flaming debris streaming over the Turks and Caicos. Starship has already been booked by NASA for astronaut moon landings later this decade. SpaceX's Elon Musk intends to use the mammoth rockets to settle Mars.

Elon Musk's car company is required each year to report to investors all the bad things that could happen to it, and the latest version lists every imaginable threat from costly lawsuits to out-of-control battery fires to war and another epidemic. But there’s barely any mention in the latest annual update of Musk’s full-bore entry into right-wing politics, which some experts say is turning off potential customers who don’t share his views. “It's marketing 101: Don’t involve yourself in politics,” said New York brand consultant Robert Passikoff. “People will stop buying your products.” It may be too late. Tesla sales plunged 45% in Europe in January, according to research firm Jato Dynamics, even as overall electric vehicle sales rose. That comes after a report of falling sales in California, its biggest U.S. market, and the first annual drop globally for the company last year. “I don’t even want to drive it,” said Model 3 owner John Parnell, a Democrat from Ross, California, adding that he also is cancelling his order for the company's Cybertruck, losing a $100 deposit. “He's destroying the brand with his politics.” Car industry analysts say it's too early to say for sure how much damage Musk is causing to Tesla because so many other factors could explain its current troubles. It's best selling vehicle, the Model Y, is coming out with a new version this year, leading potential Tesla buyers to hold off purchases right now. And European and Chinese manufacturers are finally catching up to the world's EV leader, offering cars with battery life and dependability that are competitive. But, if anything, that makes Musk’s political comments even more reckless, auto analysts say. “Musk thinks he can say anything he wants to and doesn’t think Tesla will suffer any consequences,“ said Morningstar analyst Seth Goldstein. “Tesla was in the sweet spot. Now it has competition.” Federal workers sue over Elon Musk's threat to fire them The sales numbers were particularly bad in Germany and France in January, down roughly 60% each, more than the average decline for the more than two-dozen European countries surveyed. Sales in France fell another 26% in February. More worrisome was the breakdown for Tesla’s individual models. Sales of Tesla’s Model 3 dropped 33% across all European countries even though that car is not being updated and there is no reason for buyers to wait “Part of the population is not happy with his views, his political activism,” said Jato senior analyst Felipe Munoz who had shrugged off the boycott threat earlier this year, but is now having second thoughts. Many Tesla buyers used to be wealthy, environmentally-conscious professionals, often liberal, who were attracted to Musk's talk about how his EVs could help save the planet from fossil-fuel destruction. Not anymore. “I used to be adored by the left,” Musk said in an interview with Tucker Carlson on February 18 as his stock was halfway through a nearly 30% plunge for the month. “Less so these days.” His decision to spend $270 million on Donald Trump's presidential campaign and publicly back him was risky enough for his business. Then he doubled down, pursuing a slash-and-burn strategy as head of Trump's government efficiency team and taking his political revolution and incendiary talk abroad. He has backed the far-right, pro-Russian, anti-Muslim party in German y, called the British p rime minister an “evil tyrant” who runs a “police state," and stated recently about a U.S. neighbor and major Tesla market, “Canada is not a real country." The backlash has been fierce. Tesla showrooms in the U.S. have been besieged by protesters, its vehicles vandalized and bumper stickers appearing on its cars with sayings such as, “I bought it before Elon went nuts.” An effigy of Musk was hung in Milan and image of him doing a straight-arm salute projected on a Tesla factory outside Berlin. In London, a bus stop poster of him above the word “swasticars” lit up social media. A Polish government minister called for a Tesla boycott. “I will not buy a Tesla again," said Jens Fischer, a 50-year-old microscope salesman in Witten, Germany, who thinks Musk is “destabilizing democracy” and has slapped one of those “Elon went nuts” stickers on his Model 3. “I’d sell if I got a good offer.” Tesla investor Ross Gerber says Musk has somehow managed to marry the world's best product with the world's worst marketing. “People want to buy stuff that makes them feel good, you don't want politics involved," said Gerber, a money manager whose portfolios hold nearly $60 million in Tesla stock. “It's even worse when you have such divisive issues, whether it’s firing climate scientists or taking aid away from starving African children.” Trump, Musk’s cost-cutting drive echoes Clinton’s ‘Reinventing Government’—but with key differences Boycotts have a habit of fizzling out, and Morningstar's Goldstein says that buying a car is too big a decision and costs too much to make them successful targets, anyway. One Tesla owner, Londoner Harry Chathli, is unmoved by the backlash, saying he has no intention of getting rid of his Tesla S. He has nothing but praise for Musk who he calls a visionary for transforming "the way we think about transportation and the future of our planet.” But if Tesla's stock is any indicator, the company's prospects are deteriorating, and Musk's position in the Trump administration isn't helping. As of Friday, it has dropped 37% since its Inauguration Day, a loss of $550 billion in investor wealth.

Microsoft has announced that Skype, the once-popular video-calling service with hundreds of millions of users, will be discontinued in May. Skype revolutionized online communication by enabling free computer-to-computer voice and video calls worldwide. Although not the first platform of its kind, it played a key role in popularizing internet-based calling. In a post on X, Skype advised users to transition to Microsoft Teams, where they can continue their conversations with existing contacts. Microsoft, however, declined to comment when approached by BBC News. Launched in 2003, Skype was acquired by Microsoft in 2011 for $8.5 billion—the company's largest acquisition at the time. It was later integrated into Microsoft's ecosystem, including Xbox and Windows devices. Tech analyst Om Malik once described Skype as one of the "key applications of the modern web," particularly after a major global outage in 2010. Following news of Skype’s impending shutdown, users shared memories of how the service impacted their lives. Many recalled using it to stay in touch with loved ones, long before the rise of smartphones and WhatsApp. One user on X described the news as the loss of "a fragment of adolescence," while another recounted how Skype was crucial for maintaining a transatlantic relationship. Digital marketing professional Anna Simpson reminisced about video-calling her grandparents in France nearly two decades ago, saying, “Back then, it felt like magic.” When Microsoft acquired Skype, the platform had been downloaded over a billion times and boasted a vast user base. At the time, then-CEO Steve Ballmer envisioned it as the future of real-time communication. However, as messaging services like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger surged in popularity, Skype began to lose ground. A 2017 redesign, which borrowed elements from Snapchat, was met with user backlash. Tech journalist Rachel Kaser criticized the update, saying it was "fixing something that was never broken." By 2021, speculation grew that Skype’s days were numbered when Microsoft integrated Teams into Windows 11 by default, while Skype was left out for the first time in years. The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated Teams’ growth as remote work and virtual meetings became the norm. With Skype’s closure confirmed, Microsoft is now encouraging users to migrate to Teams, which offers similar features along with added capabilities like meeting hosting, calendar management, and community building. Skype users can export their chats, contacts, and call history before the shutdown. Those with paid subscriptions will continue to access services until their next renewal period.  

A federal judge is reviewing whether to halt a Florida law that prohibits children under 14 from having social media accounts and mandates parental consent for 14- and 15-year-olds. Signed into law in 2024 by Governor Ron DeSantis, the measure is among the strictest in the country regarding minors’ social media use. Industry groups representing tech companies argue it infringes on free speech rights. U.S. District Judge Mark Walker heard arguments Friday from the Computer & Communications Industry Association and NetChoice, trade groups seeking a preliminary injunction to prevent the law’s enforcement while legal proceedings continue. Supporters claim the law is necessary to address the rising use of social media among minors, which researchers link to increased depression and anxiety. “We’re not opening a Pandora’s box, we’re closing one,” said Republican Rep. Tyler Sirois, the bill’s sponsor. “The harm social media is causing our children is well-documented and severe.” During the Tallahassee hearing, Walker questioned state attorney Kevin Golembiewski on how the law does not infringe on free speech. Walker, an appointee of former President Barack Obama, has previously been critical of DeSantis administration policies. “You’ve got a tough case to make,” Walker told Golembiewski. “Convincing me this doesn’t involve speech is an uphill battle.” State officials argue the law targets addictive social media features—such as notification alerts and auto-play videos—rather than content itself. “The goal is to curb compulsive use,” Golembiewski said. “It does not regulate content, and children can still use apps if companies eliminate the addictive features outlined in the law.” However, attorney Erin Murphy, representing CCIA and NetChoice—whose members include Google, Meta, X, and YouTube—criticized the law, calling it “draconian.” She argued that features like infinite scrolling are inseparable from the content they display. “They are restricting access to expressive activity,” Murphy said. “That clearly raises First Amendment concerns.” Stephanie Joyce, director of CCIA’s Litigation Center, echoed these concerns, stating that the law creates significant obstacles to accessing online information. “This ‘internet rationing’ law blocks access to lawful content and represents yet another attempt by the state to regulate free speech,” Joyce said in a statement. The law, originally set to take effect on Jan. 1, has not yet been enforced due to the ongoing lawsuit. Walker stated he would carefully review the arguments before issuing a ruling.