United News of Bangladesh

CES is not allowing Russian companies to display their gadgets at the annual tech show because of the country’s invasion of Ukraine. A spokesperson for the Consumer Technology Association, the trade group putting together the event in Las Vegas, said the move has only impacted one potential exhibitor. The organization did not immediately respond to an inquiry about how many Russian companies attended past CES events, or if there was less interest from them this year. The U.S. is among about 30 countries that have sanctioned Russia over the invasion. Read more: Best of CES 2023: Electric skates, pet tech and AI for birds CTA president and CEO Gary Shapiro, who previously called the Russian invasion a “tragic and illegal assault on the people and independent nation of Ukraine,” said some Ukrainian tech companies and startups will display their gadgets at the Las Vegas show. “A lot of people from around the world want to support Ukraine,” Shapiro said in an interview, while wearing a Ukrainian flag pin on his jacket lapel. “I know my wife actively seeks out products from Ukraine that she can order. And we have bought stuff from Ukraine directly.” The tech show is expected to draw up to 100,000 attendees by the time it concludes on Sunday. It kicked off on Tuesday evening with media previews from just some of the 3,000 companies signed up to attend. CES officially opens Thursday. It’s open to the media and others in the tech industry, but not the general public.

Samsung Bangladesh recently brought a new Galaxy A series phone to Bangladesh. Galaxy A04 has different features, including a 5,000mAh battery, 15W adaptive fast charging, and a display that measures 6.5 inches diagonally with HD+ Infinity-V display resolution, allowing a full visual experience for dynamic gaming and immersive video. Also, the device comes with a 50MP AF True Dual Camera, a 5MP selfie unit, and a 2MP depth sensor. Read more: Top features of Samsung Galaxy F23 5G The smartphone's onboard storage capacity is 32GB, with expandable SD storage of up to 1TB. Galaxy A04 comes with 3GB RAM which is expandable up to 7GB with RAM+, Octa-Core processor, One UI Core 4.1, and Android 12 while having sensors for accelerometer, light, and proximity. Md Muyeedur Rahman, head of mobile at Samsung Bangladesh, said: "Galaxy A04 capsulizes the Galaxy brand philosophy with cutting-edge technology, services, and features at an accessible price." Galaxy A04 is available in three colours – copper, green, and black, for Tk12,999. Read more: Samsung Galaxy M13 5G Review: The Budget Samsung for 2022

Global smartphone maker Oppo recently launched a new A-series phone in Bangladesh. Priced at Tk24,990, Oppo A77s features 33W SUPERVOOC charging technology, a 5000mAh battery, an ultra-slim retro design, Glow Design, expandable storage, dual speaker, and IPX4 Water Resistance rating and more. Also, A77s has a unique 6.56-inch waterdrop notch HD+ display and a refresh rate of 90Hz. The device also brings a 50MP rear camera, 2MP depth camera and 8MP front camera. Read more: OPPO launches killer device A57 The device's camera includes Oppo's classic Bokeh Flare Portrait feature for vivid pictures and more innovative technologies. A77s is available in two colours: starry black and sunset orange. The phone is now available for pre-order with different offers. Damon Yang, managing director of Oppo Bangladesh Authorised Exclusive Distributor, said: "Throughout the years, Oppo has been contributing to the tech landscape by bringing in devices that will help people elevate their lifestyles. This new year, Oppo marks another new beginning by launching A77s." Read more: Oppo celebrates O'Fans Fest with the theme 'making memories'

With the slogan of ‘Technology products for everyone’, Walton has announced 'New Year Cashback Offer' on its computer products and accessories. As per this offer, customers will get up to 100 percent guaranteed cashback on the purchase of laptop, desktop computer and accessories from any Walton Plaza across the country. On the occasion of New Year, Walton announced this offer for the buyers of wide ranges of computer products and accessories. Read more: Walton opens special showroom in Narayanganj Besides, Walton Digi-Tech Industries Ltd.'s website has been launched. Now, customers will get all necessary information and services on the newly launched website and they can also buy products from this website. The 'New Year Cashback Offer' and the website were inaugurated at the launching ceremony held at Walton Corporate Office in the capital on Monday (January 2, 2023). At the event, officials informed that the goal of Walton Computer is to deliver the latest technology products to everyone in Bangladesh at affordable prices. Thus, Walton Computer is manufacturing and marketing 44 kinds of technology products of 17 categories under 32 brand names. They are providing various customer benefits, including cash discount, EMI and installment facilities, exchange offers and so many on Walton computer products and accessories. Customers can adjust the received cashback while making cash payment and the offer is also available on the product's purchased with 6-month installment facility at zero interest. From the newly launched (https://waltondigitech.com) website, customers will get all kinds of information and services about laptops, computers, mobile phones, IT products and accessories and place online purchase orders staying at home. Read more: Walton brings new CiNEd gaming monitors The website has a special option named 'Make My PC' by which customers can purchase customized PC as per their requirement. From the 'Suggest My PC' option, customers will get necessary support in choosing laptop, desktop computer or all-in-one PC in according with their needs. At the event, catalog of Walton IT products was also unveiled. The authorities also awarded the employees for their tireless efforts and significant contribution to the company's sales and growth. Walton Hi-Tech Industries PLC.'s Vice-Chairman SM Shamsul Alam attended the launching program as chief guest while the company's Director SM Mahbubul Alam was special guest which was presided by Walton Digi-Tech Industries Ltd.'s Chairman SM Rezaul Alam. Among others, Walton Plaza Trades' Chief Executive officer Mohammad Rayhan, Walton Hi-Tech Industries Deputy Managing Director Nazrul Islam Sarker, Walton Digi-Tech Industries Deputy Managing Director Engineer Liakat Ali, Walton Computer's Chief Business Officer Touhidur Rahman Raad, Walton's Senior Executive Director SM Zahid Hasan, Executive Directors Azizul Hakim, Zeenat Hakim, Mohammad Shahjada Salim, Mofizur Rahman Jakir and Didarul Alam Khan were also present.

Tesla said Monday that sold a record 1.3 million vehicles last year, but the number fell short of CEO Elon Musk’s pledge to grow the company’s sales by 50% nearly every year. The 2022 figure topped the prior record of 936,000 vehicles delivered in 2021, but it was shy of the 1.4 million needed to reach the company’s 50% growth target. Sales grew 40% year over year, while production climbed 47% to 1.37 million. The shortfall came despite a major year-end sales push that included rare $7,500 discounts in the U.S. on the Models Y and 3, the company’s top-selling models. Tesla Inc., which is based in Austin, Texas, also had to deal with rising cases of the novel coronavirus in China, which cut into production at its Shanghai factory. Read: Elon Musk sells $3.58B worth of Tesla stock, purpose unknown With the extra U.S. push, Tesla delivered more than 405,000 vehicles worldwide in the fourth quarter. But that missed Wall Street projections. Analysts polled by data provider FactSet expected 427,000 deliveries from October through December and 1.33 million for the full year. “Thank you to all of our customers, employees, suppliers, shareholders and supporters who helped us achieve a great 2022 in light of significant COVID and supply chain related challenges throughout the year,” the electric vehicle and solar panel company said Monday. Tesla didn’t roll out any new models last year, and it’s facing increasing competition from legacy automakers and startups such as Lucid and Rivian, which are continually introducing new electric vehicles. But Musk has promised to start producing the long-awaited Cybertruck electric pickup this year. The company also has started delivering its electric semis. The discounts, offered during the last two weeks of the year, raised questions about whether demand was softening for Tesla products as the Federal Reserve raised interest rates to combat inflation. Read: Tesla 2Q profit falls from 1Q, but is stronger than expected That, coupled with Musk’s behavior after his $44 billion purchase of Twitter, helped to push Tesla shares down more than 65% last year, bumping Musk out of the top spot for the world’s wealthiest person, according to Forbes. The company’s stock decline for the year, its worst ever, was more than triple the drop in the S&P 500, which was down 19.4%. Musk wrote on Twitter Dec. 30 that the company’s long-term fundamentals are strong, but “short-term market madness” is unpredictable. Some investors are worried that Twitter has distracted Musk from the car company. Musk said last month that he plans to remain as Twitter’s CEO until he can find someone willing to replace him in the job.  

Every year, tech specialists, engineers and scientists continuously delve into breaking new barriers in innovation and technology. It’s like unsatiated need of humen to surmise the ultimate answer to life and everything. And unlike Doughlas Adam’s conclusion of 42, the grand scheme of understanding the unknown continues. Let's take a look at the 10 most popular technological innovations of 2022.  10 Biggest Innovations of 2022 in Technology The list doesn’t limit itself to any specific stream or industry. Rather we look at innovations that brought a collective impact on humankind and made a long stride in shaping the future.  The James Webb Space Telescope  The James Webb Space Telescope has been a revolutionary invention in the field of astronomy and space exploration. The telescope formally replaced the Hubble telescope, which has been mankind’s primary eye into distant galaxies.  The JWST has a sensor three times larger than the departing Hubble telescope. With a two-decade development and 9.7 billion dollars of investment, we are now seeing the star systems and galaxies as far as 13 billion light-years away in stellar resolution. From Alpha Centauri to the Pillar of Creation, JWST is indeed mankind’s next big leap after Armstrong’s famous footstep on the lunar surface.  Read More: New space telescope shows Jupiter's auroras, tiny moons Parallel Reality by Delta Parallel Reality by Delta aims to bring a personalized experience to every public interaction. Consider going to an airport and squinting at the large panel trying to figure out your flight details. What if we told you that now the large panel will use the entire panel to display your flight information as soon as you scan your ticket? Sounds like a dream, right? Especially with thousands of others wanting the same?  Parallel reality uses a specialized augmented reality that can revert light in 18,000 different directions. Meaning at least 18,000 people can access the panel at the same time and get customized outputs based on their needs. This truly is the future of public tech interaction.  Color Changing Cars  Another fun innovation of 2022 has to be the BMW IX Flow. The car is still in its development phase, but BMW has recently shown off its patented technology of a car that can change colors based on your preference.  The inner ambient lighting has been the main innovation focus for all these years. For the exterior, the shade that you get would typically be the final choice. But with this revolutionary new technology, you can take your car exterior from pitch black to snow white. There really is no limit to the possibilities.  Read More: 10 Greatest Female Scientists of All Time BMW has come up with a hybrid e-ink technology that can mimic colors. This has been done without compromising the outer rigidity of the car shell.  The Luxury Electric Car  Tesla is the pioneer of the electric car revolution that started several decades ago. Back in the day, electric cars weren’t practical even let alone be a comfortable daily driver. With the innovation and logistical support of Tesla, electric cars aren’t just a daily driver anymore, and it has seen some of the highest adoption rates in recent years.  But there is no limit to innovation. Lucid, a company based in the USA, has decided to take things even further. Enter Lucid Air EV, the world’s first proper luxury Sedan powered by a completely electric powertrain. Besides the luxury aspect, the car has a better range, better-charging speed, and better performance compared to a standard Tesla Model S. The reality of an electric future isn’t really a dream anymore.  Read More: Apple Car: The Leaks and Rumors Combatting Deepfakes  The term deepfake has become ever-popular thanks to the revolutionary stride in AI in recent years. Deepfakes or modified visual content are now truer than ever and that poses benefits as well as risks. While it's great for AR and VR, it is also paving the way for personal harassment and insurance fraud.  Truepic Lens aims to combat the growing nuisance created by deepfake by analyzing the content. The company calls it “glass to glass” analysis, where they check that the lens glass captures are accurate to the ones you are seeing in your display. They use different AI, layering, and metadata analyses to conclude whether any digital media has been manipulated using deepfake or not.  Robots are More Life-like than Ever  The concept of robots has long evolved from mechanical to actual functional units and more recently, to a humanoid concept. The idea is to replicate robots as close to humans as possible.  The scientists at Engineered Arts have created Ameca, a fusion of AI and human-like motion. The humanoid AI platform Ameca has been created to replicate humans as naturally and fluidly as possible. The robot can express emotions, and facial responses and even move around in the most realistic way to date.  Read More: Ameca: World’s Most Realistic Advanced Humanoid Robot AI Platform Diverting an Asteroid  Do you remember that Bruce Willis film called Armageddon? The plot revolves around a team of astronauts who successfully diverts an asteroid to save humanity. Over two decades on from the fictional world of the movies, NASA has been successful in diverting the course of Dimorphos asteroid with their DART mission.  And you guessed it, NASA force crashed a 1,100-pound spacecraft into the surface of Dimorphos to effectively alter its course. This gave NASA important data to analyze diversions should there be an asteroid crisis in the future. DALL E 2: The Revolutionary Text to Imaging AI  With the hot debate of whether AI art is art or not aside, there has been a considerable stride in using AI to morph images. While previously it required a subject or a reference for the work, the revolutionary breakthrough by Open AI has paved the way for text to the imaging process.  It essentially means that you can feed a prompt to the AI, and based on your details, DALL E 2 will come up with a photorealistic result. The results are almost eerily accurate to what you might be visualizing in your head, and Open AI thinks this could be a breakthrough point in how we interact with AI or use AI per se.  Read More: How Can Artificial Intelligence Improve Healthcare? Chat GPT  If DALL E 2 fascinated you, wait till you hear what else Open AI has developed in 2022. One of their latest beta creations is the Chat GPT. This is essentially like your personalized AI assistant. It can answer any query you throw at it. It can plan a schedule, a marketing timeline, write professional emails, and whatnot. It can even write poems. Sounds unreal? Well, here is the result when I asked Chat GPT to write me a poem on a gloomy day. Have a look.  It's crazy and borderline spooky how good, and accurate Chat GPT gets things done, all the while being in beta testing mode. If the event was a giant leap towards advancement, then AI assistants will certainly give it a full shape.  3D Printed Coral Reefs  We saved the best for the last. With almost 25% of all the aquatic life finding their habitat in coral reefs, they must be preserved. But with global warming and rising sea levels, the growth of new coral reefs is being hindered. The Scientist at Technion Institute of Technology has come up with a solution to 3D print coral reefs using terracotta clay. The modular structure would be made to replicate the natural habitat of the localized aquatic life. The scientists associated with the project hope that this will help to create a more robust aquatic ecosystem and potentially restore endangered species.  Read More: Best Free Data Science, Machine Learning Courses Online Final Words So far, we have discussed 10 most exciting technological innovations of 2022. Not to mention, 2022 has been an amazing year of inventions and innovations. There have been considerable strides in AI, and renewable energy as well as in combating the problems created by global warming. As we move towards 2023, the expectations are very high with what the new year will bring for all of us. 

The Bangladesh Data Center Company of the ICT Division and Gennext Technology Thursday (December 29, 2022) signed an agreement to set up a "Made in Bangladesh Cloud" data centre. Bangladesh Data Center Company Managing Director Abu Sayeed Chowdhury and Gennext Technology Chairman Touhidul Islam inked the deal. Read more: Colocity brings Microsoft Azure stack hub hybrid cloud to Bangladesh The "Meghna Cloud" data centre will be built using the technology and human resources of Bangladesh. The centre will help Bangladesh save foreign currency for the use and purchase of cloud technology. It will also be able to serve private and public organisations while keeping data within the country.  Read More: Top 10 Most Exciting Innovations of 2022 in Technology

A 10 day ‘City IT Mega Fair-2022’ is going to be launched from Thursday at BCS Computer City in IDB Bhaban in the capital’s Agargaon area. BCS Computer City (IDB) is organising the fair which they claim is the country’s largest computer and laptop fair with the theme ‘Reach the pinnacle of excellence with the technology’. Starting from December 29 this year the fair will continue till January 7, next year. Read More: Oppo celebrates O'Fans Fest with the theme 'making memories' The organisers made these announcements at a press conference at the BCS Computer City where AL Mozher Imam Chowdhury (Pinu Chowdhury), president of BCS Computer City, its General Secretary Md Mahbubur Rahman and the fair committee’s Convener Md Jahed Ali Bhuiyan among others were present there. Organisers informed that there will be 6 pavilion stalls from the sponsors (Asus, Dell, Gigabyte, HP, Lenovo, and Logitech) at the fair this year. Apart from this sponsor companies, internet provider Stargate Communication Limited, security surveillance brand Seemo, consultancy firm AHZ Associate, and Bangladesh Telephone Shilpa Sangstha’s Doel Laptop will participate in the fair. Read more: Dhaka International Trade Fair kicks off at Purbachal Visitors will have the opportunity to experience a gaming competition offered by MSI, an art competition by XP-pen & a photography competition by Tenda Router. BCS Computer City President AL Mozher said, ‘buyers will get various offers and discounts throughout the market on the occasion of the country’s largest computer and laptop fair. Sponsor organisations will give additional paybacks to the buyers. Organisers will take all measures to make the fair a success’. Convener Jahed Ali said, ‘we are prioritising students' needs. Apart from this, we also arrange attractive events, including a gaming competition, a best PC builder competition, and a raffle draw for buyers and visitors. Read more: ‘Int’l Clean Technology Fair’ kicks off Wednesday

Global smart device manufacturer Oppo recently celebrated the O'Fans Fest with the theme "making memories." All-rounder Shakib Al Hasan and other celebrities joined the celebration event at a Narsingdi resort. OPPO launched the O'Fans Festival last month. Read More: 10 Top Budget Smartphones Released in 2022 There were six teams at the O'Fans Festival, and each team was led by a celebrity team leader with five fans in each team. Every game had different activities which required different kinds of capabilities. The team that received the highest points won. Also, the winning team got the opportunity to play a match with Shakib. All participants received gifts; the winning team received a trophy. Read more: Oppo Reno 9 Pro 5G Review: Build for Efficiency

Elon Musk said Tuesday that he plans on remaining as Twitter’s CEO until he can find someone willing to replace him in the job. Musk’s announcement came after millions of Twitter users asked him to step down in an unscientific poll the billionaire himself created and promised to abide by. “I will resign as CEO as soon as I find someone foolish enough to take the job!” Musk tweeted. “After that, I will just run the software & servers teams.” Read: Over half of 17.5mn Twitter users who voted say Musk should step down as CEO Since taking over San Francisco-based Twitter in late October, Musk’s run as CEO has been marked by quickly issued rules and policies that have often been withdrawn or changed soon after being made public. He has also alienated some investors in his electric vehicle company Tesla who are concerned that Twitter is taking too much of his attention. Some of Musk’s actions have unnerved Twitter advertisers and turned off users. They include laying off half of Twitter’s workforce, letting go contract content moderators and disbanding a council of trust and safety advisors that the company formed in 2016 to address hate speech, child exploitation, suicide, self-harm and other problems on the platform. Read: Musk's Twitter disbands its Trust and Safety advisory group Musk, who also helms the SpaceX rocket company, has previously acknowledged how difficult it will be to find someone to take over as Twitter CEO. Bantering with Twitter followers last Sunday, he said that the person replacing him “must like pain a lot” to run a company that he said has been “in the fast lane to bankruptcy.” “No one wants the job who can actually keep Twitter alive. There is no successor,” Musk tweeted. As things stand, Musk would still retain overwhelming influence over platform as its owner. He fired the company’s board of directors soon after taking control.