United News of Bangladesh

Media OutReach Newswire – Chinese tech giant OPPO has launched its latest AI-integrated smartphone series, the Reno14, globally, accompanied by a significant upgrade to its after-sales service ecosystem powered by its proprietary AndesGPT large language model. With this launch, OPPO becomes the first smartphone company to fully integrate AI across both its products and customer support systems, setting new standards in service coverage, quality, and user engagement. Since 2021, OPPO has steadily expanded its AI capabilities, developing a team of over 100 professionals focused on embedding artificial intelligence into every phase of the customer service process. “AI is more than just a tool to enhance our products—it is at the heart of how we reimagine customer service,” said Samuel Fang, Head of Global After-Sales Services at OPPO. He noted that AI is already being used across R&D, customer experience, and operational platforms, helping shift OPPO’s service model from reactive to proactive, ultimately delivering a smarter, more seamless experience for users. Pioneering Smart Service Solutions Traditional customer support systems often fall short due to their reliance on rule-based, scripted interactions that fail to meet personalized user demands. To address this, OPPO has developed an intelligent, AI-based service platform that combines advanced language understanding with generative AI, enabling more dynamic, multilingual assistance. This system offers tailored responses by accurately interpreting user intent and works as a real-time assistant to human support agents—enhancing responsiveness while maintaining a human element. OPPO has already localized its intelligent support system across 20 countries and regions, operating 24/7 in 13 languages. Notably, OPPO became the first brand to roll out AI-based WhatsApp support in 13 markets, with cloud-based infrastructure ensuring fast, responsive service. Over 60% of OPPO’s global users can now resolve queries through AI systems. The company plans to expand coverage to 21 countries and introduce support on platforms like Facebook, Line, and Zalo by the end of 2025, tailoring services to regional communication habits and languages. A Complete AI Framework for Seamless Customer Journeys This isn’t just a chatbot upgrade. OPPO’s enhanced AI service solution is built on its AndesGPT foundation and incorporates a complete end-to-end architecture that includes semantic recognition, intelligent task routing, and a dynamic knowledge base. When a query is received, the system interprets it through AI-driven semantic analysis, determines the best response channel—automated or human—and delivers a personalized answer using constantly updated data. The system also includes OPPO’s proprietary AI translation engine, allowing multilingual support and precise responses worldwide. AI deepfakes threaten security, experts call for action Compliant with robust data privacy and security protocols, OPPO’s AI support is integrated across its entire product and service ecosystem. It ensures a consistent experience across all OPPO devices and platforms, allowing users to access help anytime, anywhere. Users can instantly switch to human agents when necessary, while AI agents assist in background with live diagnostics, suggestions, and response scripting. This collaboration has reportedly reduced human workload by 40%, letting staff focus on complex cases. To ensure adaptability, OPPO has appointed localized AI operations teams in key markets. These teams refine AI models, build regional databases, and gather user feedback for continuous system improvement. OPPO is also working to extend AI support from digital platforms to physical service centers, with future features like email automation, enhanced retrieval-based AI, and smart queue systems on the horizon. By combining AI-driven hardware and services, OPPO is not only delivering more intuitive digital interactions but is also redefining customer relationships—offering intelligent service that blends efficiency with a personalized human experience. Source: Agency

Deepfakes powered by artificial intelligence are posing serious threats to national security, business integrity, and public trust, experts warn. Recent incidents show how synthetic media are being used to impersonate top U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Trump’s chief of staff Susie Wiles. These fake messages, sent via voice, text, and messaging apps, aim to extract sensitive information or gain access to secure networks. In one case, a deepfake of Rubio falsely claimed the U.S. would cut Ukraine’s access to Starlink internet services. Another AI-generated robocall mimicked President Joe Biden’s voice to discourage Democratic voters during the New Hampshire primary. Criminals are also targeting corporate sectors. Using deepfakes, scammers impersonate CEOs or job applicants to access internal systems, steal data, or install ransomware. The U.S. says thousands of North Korean IT workers have infiltrated tech firms using stolen identities—earning salaries and planting malware. Tea app suffers data breach, thousands of user photos exposed “The financial industry is right in the crosshairs,” said Jennifer Ewbank, former CIA official. “Even trusted colleagues have been fooled.” Experts believe the solution lies in fighting AI with AI. Tools like Pindrop analyze speech patterns to detect voice cloning. Such systems could soon become standard in interviews or virtual meetings. Regulators are also calling for stricter laws and improved digital literacy to curb misuse. “We’ve entered an era where anyone can convincingly impersonate a real person,” said Brian Long, CEO of Adaptive Security. Despite the challenges, tech leaders remain hopeful. “We’re not going to be subservient to disinformation,” said Pindrop CEO Vijay Balasubramaniyan. “We are going to fight back.”

 Hackers gained access to personal data on the majority of the 1.4 million customers of Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America, the company confirmed Saturday. Minneapolis-based Allianz Life, a subsidiary of Munich, Germany-based Allianz SE, said the data breach happened on July 16 when a “malicious threat actor” gained access to a third-party, cloud-based system used by the company. “The threat actor was able to obtain personally identifiable data related to the majority of Allianz Life’s customers, financial professionals, and select Allianz Life employees, using a social engineering technique,” Allianz Life said in a statement. "We took immediate action to contain and mitigate the issue and notified the FBI." The company said its own systems were not accessed, just the third-party's platform. Allianz Life said its investigation is ongoing and that the company has begun reaching out to the impacted individuals. It said the incident involves only Allianz Life in the U.S., not other Allianz corporate entities. Tea app suffers data breach, thousands of user photos exposed In the case of data breaches, a “social engineering technique” usually involves using trickery to gain access. Spokesman Brett Weinberg said he couldn't provide details because they are still investigating. Allianz Life also reported the breach to multiple other authorities, including the Maine Attorney General's Office. A filing on the agency's website said the company discovered the breach the day after it happened, and that it will be offering those affected 24 months of identity theft protection and credit monitoring. Allianz Life was known as North American Life and Casualty until it was acquired by German conglomerate Allianz SE in 1979 and changed its name to Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America. It has nearly 2,000 employees in U.S., with the majority working in Minnesota, according to its website. It is one of five North American subsidiaries of the Munich-based global financial services group Allianz SE, which says it serves more than 125 million customers worldwide.

Tea, a popular app designed for women to safely discuss men they date, has suffered a data breach exposing thousands of user photos and IDs, the company confirmed on Friday. According to Tea, approximately 72,000 images were leaked online, including 13,000 selfies or selfies combined with photo identification submitted during account verification. Additionally, another 59,000 images from posts, comments, and direct messages, which were publicly viewable within the app, were accessed without authorization. The company assured that no email addresses or phone numbers were compromised and the breach only affected users who signed up before February 2024. Intel slashes workforce, trims spending in bid to regain market footing “Tea has engaged third-party cyber security experts and is working around the clock to secure its systems,” the company said in a statement. “At this time, there is no evidence to suggest that additional user data was affected. Protecting Tea users’ privacy and data is our highest priority.” Tea markets itself as a safe platform for women to anonymously vet men they might meet on dating apps like Tinder or Bumble to ensure their dates are genuine and not involved in other relationships. Earlier reports by 404 Media revealed that users on the forum 4Chan discovered an exposed database that allowed unrestricted access to the leaked materials. However, access to the database has since been restricted. Tea announced on Instagram this week that its user base has grown to 4 million.

Pakistan on Friday called on major global social media companies to block hundreds of accounts it claims are operated by banned militant organizations. Officials say these accounts are being used to spread extremist propaganda and glorify violent acts within the country. Deputy Interior Minister Talal Chaudhry said militant groups like the Pakistani Taliban (Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan or TTP) and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) — both banned in Pakistan and listed as terrorist organizations by the U.S. — are exploiting platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Telegram to promote violent ideologies. Speaking at a press conference, Chaudhry urged tech firms to shut down not only the accounts run by these groups but also those operated by their supporters. Deputy Law Minister Aqeel Malik, who also addressed the media, said Pakistani authorities had identified 481 social media accounts linked to the TTP and BLA. He stated that these accounts were being used to incite violence and spread hateful content. So far, none of the platforms have publicly responded to Pakistan's request. Pakistan itself has previously restricted access to platforms like X, citing the need to curb online dissent — especially from backers of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan and other opposition voices. The government’s appeal comes amid a recent spike in violence across the country, much of which is attributed to the TTP, BLA, and Islamic State group. While the TTP is a separate entity from the Afghan Taliban, its operations have intensified since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in 2021. Militant groups frequently use social media to claim responsibility for attacks on Pakistani security forces and civilians.

U.S. chipmaker Intel is laying off thousands of employees and scaling back projects as part of an aggressive restructuring drive under its new CEO, aimed at regaining lost ground in a competitive semiconductor market. In a memo to employees on Thursday, CEO Lip-Bu Tan said Intel plans to end the year with 75,000 “core” employees—down from 99,500 at the end of last year—through a combination of layoffs and attrition. The company had previously announced a 15% workforce cut. “These are difficult but essential steps to streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and reinforce accountability across the company,” Tan said. The chipmaker is also cancelling planned expansions in Germany and Poland and will relocate its assembly and testing operations from Costa Rica to larger facilities in Vietnam and Malaysia. Costa Rica will continue to host key engineering and corporate teams, according to the memo. In the U.S., Intel said it will further delay construction of its new semiconductor plant in Ohio. Founded in 1968 and once a pioneer of the personal computing era, Intel has struggled to keep pace with rivals like Nvidia and AMD, especially amid the recent AI boom. Nvidia, once a smaller competitor, now dominates the market for AI chips and boasts a market valuation of $4.24 trillion—dwarfing Intel’s $98.71 billion market cap as of Thursday's market close. Apple iPhone 17 Series: Leaks, Rumours and Probable Release Date Tan emphasized that Intel is prioritizing its core products and AI development. “There are no more blank checks. Every investment must make economic sense,” he wrote. For the second quarter, Intel posted a net loss of $2.9 billion, or 67 cents per share—widening from a $1.6 billion loss a year earlier. Excluding special items, the adjusted loss was 10 cents per share. Revenue held steady at $12.9 billion, slightly above analysts' expectations of $12 billion, according to FactSet. Source: Agency 

In Kansas, 15-year-old high school student Kayla Chege regularly turns to artificial intelligence for a wide range of everyday questions. From back-to-school shopping and makeup suggestions to healthy smoothie options and planning birthday parties, she uses ChatGPT as a personal assistant. While Kayla avoids using chatbots to complete her homework and tries to keep her interactions limited to routine topics, she acknowledges that AI has become a constant presence in the lives of many teens. In interviews with the Associated Press and findings from a recent study, teenagers revealed that they’re increasingly treating AI like a companion—seeking advice, emotional support, and guidance for daily decisions. Experts share tips to help teens navigate the rise of AI companions “Everyone uses AI for everything now. It’s really taking over,” Kayla said, reflecting on how AI tools are shaping her generation. “I think kids use AI to get out of thinking.” Although early discussions around AI and youth largely focused on academic cheating, teenagers say its influence now extends far beyond the classroom. AI has become a trusted tool for solving personal problems and navigating everyday life.

Kioxia Corporation has announced a major leap in storage technology with the launch of the world’s first 245.76 terabyte (TB) NVMe solid-state drive (SSD), aimed at meeting the intense performance and efficiency needs of generative AI systems. The new SSD, part of the KIOXIA LC9 Series, is available in 2.5-inch and EDSFF E3.L form factors and complements the earlier 122.88TB version. It features a 32-die stack of 2-terabit BiCS FLASH™ QLC 3D flash memory and innovative CMOS Bonded to Array (CBA) technology, delivering exceptional speed and density. Designed for environments such as data lakes and AI training workloads, the SSD offers compact, high-capacity storage that can replace multiple traditional hard drives—cutting down power use, cooling needs, and total cost of ownership. Microsoft halts digital film and TV sales without warning Supporting PCIe 5.0, NVMe 2.0, and advanced security protocols, the LC9 Series is now being sampled to select customers and will be showcased at the Future of Memory and Storage 2025 conference in August. Kioxia’s breakthrough marks a key milestone in enterprise data storage evolution. Source: Agency 

Jake Larson, fondly known as “Papa Jake,” a D-Day veteran who captured hearts worldwide by sharing stories of World War II and honoring his fallen comrades on TikTok, has died at the age of 102. Larson, who survived German gunfire while landing on Omaha Beach during the 1944 D-Day invasion, passed away peacefully on July 17, his granddaughter McKaela Larson announced on his social media accounts. “He went peacefully,” she wrote, adding, “As Papa would say, love you all the mostest.” Despite his harrowing wartime past, Larson was known for his charm, warmth, and humor. His storytelling endeared him to a younger generation, amassing 1.2 million followers on TikTok through his “Story Time with Papa Jake” series. Tributes poured in from across the United States and towns in Normandy, where he remained a beloved figure. Born on December 20, 1922, in Owatonna, Minnesota, Larson lied about his age to join the National Guard at just 15. He was deployed to Northern Ireland in 1942 and later became an operations sergeant, helping to plan the Allied invasion of Normandy. European Union accuses TikTok of breaching digital rules its ad database falls short On June 6, 1944, Larson was among the 160,000 Allied troops who stormed the beaches of Normandy. He landed on Omaha Beach under heavy German machine-gun fire but survived without injury and reached the bluffs above — then heavily fortified with German emplacements. Speaking to the Associated Press during the 81st D-Day anniversary this past June, Larson reflected on his duty: “We are the lucky ones. We are their family. We have the responsibility to honor these guys who gave us a chance to be alive.” He also fought in the Battle of the Bulge, one of the war’s most grueling campaigns, and was later awarded the Bronze Star and France’s prestigious Legion of Honor. In recent years, Larson returned regularly to Normandy for D-Day commemorations. He was always met with admiration and gratitude — and countless selfie requests, to which he responded with heartfelt hugs. In a memorable moment in 2023, he embraced fellow D-Day veteran Bill Gladden, then 99, saying, “We were meant to meet.” Gladden passed away the following year. Larson’s TikTok videos blended light-hearted jokes with sobering reflections on the cost of war. “I’m no hero,” he once said. And in a message to global leaders in 2024, he urged: “Make peace, not war.” He often marveled at his fame late in life. “I’m just a country boy. Now I’m a star on TikTok,” he told AP in 2023. “I’m a legend! I didn’t plan this — it came about.” Across Normandy, local museums and remembrance groups paid tribute to Larson, whom they described as an “exceptional witness” to history. “He came every year to the museum, with his smile, his humility, and his tales that touched all generations,” read a post from the Overlord Museum. “His stories will continue to live. Rest in peace, Papa Jake. Thanks for everything.” Source: Agency  

Microsoft has abruptly pulled out of the digital movie and TV business, ceasing all sales and rentals through its Movies & TV app without prior notice. As of Friday, users can no longer buy or rent films and shows via Microsoft.com, the Microsoft Store on Windows, or the Xbox platform. A support notice on the company’s website states, “Important: Microsoft no longer offers new entertainment content for purchase, including movies and TV shows, on Microsoft.com, Microsoft Store on Windows, and the Microsoft Store on Xbox.” A similar message also appears on Xbox’s support page. Nvidia to resume AI chip sales to China with U.S. approval No reason was provided for the sudden decision, according to Variety. Users who have previously purchased digital content can still access it on Windows and Xbox devices. However, Microsoft will not issue refunds. As per the Microsoft Store Terms of Sale, “Movies and TV shows are ineligible for refunds.” Microsoft’s venture into digital entertainment began in 2006 with its Zune media player. This later evolved into Xbox Video in 2012, before rebranding as Microsoft Movies & TV in 2015.