United News of Bangladesh

Microsoft wants laptop users to get so comfortable with its artificial intelligence chatbot that it will remember everything you’re doing on your computer and help figure out what you want to do next. The software giant on Monday revealed a new class of AI-imbued personal computers as it confronts heightened competition from Big Tech rivals in pitching generative AI technology that can compose documents, make images and serve as a lifelike personal assistant at work or home. The announcements ahead of Microsoft’s annual Build developer conference centered on fusing its AI assistant, called Copilot, into the Windows operating system for PCs, where Microsoft already has the eyes of millions of consumers. The new features will include Windows Recall, giving the AI assistant what Microsoft describes as “photographic memory” of a person’s virtual activity. Microsoft promises to protect users’ privacy by giving them the option to filter out what they don’t want tracked, and keeping the tracking on the device. “We’re entering this new era where computers not only understand us, but can actually anticipate what we want and our intent,” Nadella said at an event at the company’s headquarters in Redmond, Washington. “Her”? OpenAI to remove ChatGPT voice over Scarlett Johansson resemblance The conference that starts Tuesday in Seattle follows big AI announcements last week from rival Google, as well as Microsoft’s close business partner OpenAI, which built the AI large language models on which Microsoft’s Copilot is based. Google rolled out a retooled search engine that periodically puts AI-generated summaries over website links at the top of the results page; while also showing off a still-in-development AI assistant Astra that will be able to “see” and converse about things shown through a smartphone’s camera lens. ChatGPT-maker OpenAI unveiled a new version of its chatbot last week, demonstrating an AI voice assistant with human characteristics that can banter about what someone’s wearing and even attempt to assess a person’s emotions. The voice sounded so much like Scarlett Johansson playing an AI character in the sci-fi movie “Her” that OpenAI dropped the voice from its collection Monday. OpenAI also rolled out a new desktop version of ChatGPT designed for Apple’s Mac computers. Next up is Apple’s own annual developers conference in June. Apple CEO Tim Cook signaled at the company’s annual shareholder meeting in February that it has been making big investments in generative AI. Some of Microsoft’s announcements Monday appeared designed to blunt whatever Apple has in store. The newly AI-enhanced Windows PCs will start rolling out on June 18 on computers made by Microsoft partners Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo and Samsung, as well as on Microsoft’s Surface line of devices. But they’ll be reserved for premium models starting at $999. AI tool capable of classifying brain tumors within hours: Australian researchers While Copilot is rooted in OpenAI’s large language models, Microsoft said the new AI PCs will also rely heavily on its own homegrown “small language models” that are designed to be more efficient and able to more easily run on a consumer’s personal device. Powered by Qualcomm chips, many of the computers will end up in the hands of workers at big organizations looking to refresh their inventory, said Gartner analyst Jason Wong. AI applications from graphics production to language translation “can now run locally without having to go back to the cloud to process it,” said Wong. “That’s going to help with what you can do without connected internet, and make it that much more high-performing.”

A team of researchers from the Australian National University (ANU) has developed an artificial intelligence (AI) tool to more quickly and accurately classify brain tumors. In a study published on Friday, the team demonstrated that their deep learning model - DEPLOY - can accurately classify brain tumors into 10 major subtypes. The AI tool analyzes microscopic pictures of a patient's brain tissue to make its classification. Danh-Tai Hoang, the co-lead of the project from the Biological Data Science Institute at ANU, said that the current gold standard for diagnosing and categorizing brain tumors - a process called DNA methylation-based profiling - can take several weeks and is not widely available. By comparison, the AI tool can deliver results within hours. "Remarkably, DEPLOY achieved an unprecedented accuracy of 95 percent," Hoang said in a media release. "Furthermore, when given a subset of 309 particularly difficult to classify samples, DEPLOY was able to provide a diagnosis that was more clinically relevant than what was initially provided by pathologists." DEPLOY was trained and validated on a dataset of approximately 4,000 patients from the United States and Europe. Hoang said it could be used in the future to add to a pathologist's initial diagnosis or even prompt a re-evaluation when it finds disparities. The researchers believe it could eventually be used to help classify other types of cancer.

They appear like ghosts in the night, standing outside your house, one holding up an antenna while the other crouches next to the car parked on the driveway. Within seconds, your car is gone, yet another victim amid a surge in auto theft enabled by the technology designed to make it easier to unlock and start vehicles. Auto technology has evolved and many newer cars use wireless key fobs and push-button starters instead of traditional metal keys. The fob sends a short-range signal, so when the driver approaches the car, it automatically unlocks the door. This saves you the hassle of digging out your keys when you've got your hands full with groceries. But that technology also makes things easier for thieves. The wireless fob will continue to emit a signal even if you're not using it. Thieves prowl neighborhoods at night looking for cars parked outside so they can carry out so-called relay attacks. Using portable equipment that can pick up the faint signal from a fob inside the house or parking lot, they relay it back to a transmitter that can clone the signal. Officials have urged carmakers to reduce the security vulnerabilities and warn owners about the risks. TikTok to start labeling AI-generated content as technology becomes more universal So what can you do to reduce the odds that your car will be gone in 60 seconds? “It’s relatively easy for drivers to protect themselves,” said Steve Launchbury, principal engineer of automotive security at Thatcham Research, a U.K.-based automotive risk intelligence company. Here are some tips: USE A SIGNAL BLOCKER A simple but effective way to stop auto bandits from purloining your key fob signal is to use a Faraday bag or pouch. They're lined with a conductive metal mesh that blocks the transmission of electromagnetic signals. The pouches aren't expensive, and you can also get boxes that do the same thing. But experts advise testing to make sure they work. Just put the key fob inside and approach your car. If the doors don't automatically unlock, then the signal is being blocked. It's also important to remember to use it whenever you leave your vehicle, and don't forget to put all of your key fobs inside, including any spares. But ignore some advice making the rounds on the internet telling you to put your fob in the microwave or freezer. It doesn't have the same effect as a Faraday bag, and you risk damaging your key. realme launches C65 with various technological safeguards GET AN OLD-FASHIONED LOCK Try an old-school solution by using a physical lock. Some police forces advise car owners to use them to make your vehicle look less tempting to steal. The reasoning is that a would-be thief might be deterred by the effort needed to cut through the lock and instead turn their attention to an easier target. Locks, in the shape of a disk or a long bar, clamp onto the steering wheel and make it difficult to steer. There are also versions that prevent the car from being put in gear. The downside is you'll need extra time to attach or remove it whenever you aren't driving. CHANGE UP YOUR SETTINGS For many cars, it's possible to deactivate the wireless setting so that you can't open the door remotely. For Fords, Hondas and Audis, use the touchscreen menus. If you own a Toyota, you can temporarily disable the signal by holding down the fob's lock button and at the same time pressing the unlock button twice. If you've done it correctly, the fob's indicator light should blink four times. Be aware that the next time you press any button, remote unlocking will be reactivated. The method will vary depending on make and model so consult your owner’s manual for the exact process. If it sounds complicated, there are YouTube videos that walk you through it. Don't forget that in most cases you’ll now have to manually press the fob's unlock button. Automakers have started adding motion sensors to key fobs. If the sensor doesn't detect recent movement because it's been, say, left on the kitchen counter after you come home, the fob goes into sleep mode and stops transmitting. If it lacks this capability, check with your dealer whether it's possible to upgrade it. If you buy a used car, some experts also advise getting the keys reprogrammed, just in case the previous owner kept one of the fobs. Tech entrepreneurs call for extending tax holiday till 2041 WATCH OUT FOR NEW METHODS Researchers have uncovered a new auto theft technique that doesn't target radio signals. The controller area network, or CAN, is “a feature of modern cars which allows different components and systems to communicate, (and) has recently been targeted and exploited by thieves,” said Thatcham's Launchbury. The network allows sensors and control modules to talk to each other directly, instead of going through a central node. Thieves take advantage by accessing the network from the car’s exterior, usually by removing a headlight and connecting a device that can “inject” a signal, tricking the car into unlocking and starting. While automakers work on improving CAN security, "there are steps drivers can take today to add layers of security and deter criminals," such as using a physical lock, Launchbury said. Aftermarket electronic immobilizer systems “should render a criminal’s theft tool useless,” and might even get you a discount on auto insurance, he said. Thatcham and other companies offer them but the downside is they can be quite pricey.

OnePlus, a renowned global leader in smartphone technology, has officially launched its operations in Bangladesh with a grand event at the Bangabandhu International Conference Center in Dhaka on May 14.  The launch highlighted the introduction of the OnePlus Nord N30 SE 5G, the brand’s first smartphone produced in Bangladesh, signaling a significant expansion in the country. During the event attended by tech influencers, media professionals, and various corporate representatives, OnePlus not only unveiled its new smartphone but also detailed its production and comprehensive after-sales services in Bangladesh.  YouTube blocks Hong Kong protest anthem after court injunction bans song in the city The company has quickly built a robust consumer base in the region, bolstered by its promise of exceptional and dedicated support for all users.

YouTube has blocked access to videos of a protest song in Hong Kong, days after court approved an injunction banning the song in the city. “Glory to Hong Kong” was an anthem of anti-government protests in 2019. YouTube said that it would comply with a removal order and block access to over 32 YouTube videos of the song that were deemed to be “prohibited publications” under the injunction. Attempts to access the YouTube videos from Hong Kong on Wednesday showed that they were unavailable. A message showed saying that “This content is not available on this country domain due to a court order.” In approving the government's application to ban the song, the court agreed it could be “weaponized” and used to incite secession. “We are disappointed by the court’s decision but are complying with its removal order by blocking access to the listed videos for viewers in Hong Kong,” YouTube, which is owned by Alphabet Inc., said in an emailed statement. Will AI replace doctors who read X-rays, or just make them better than ever? “We’ll continue to consider our options for an appeal, to promote access to information,” the company said, adding that it shared the concerns of human rights organizations about the chilling effect the ban would have on free expression online. Links to the 32 videos on YouTube will also not show up on Google Search for users in Hong Kong, according to YouTube. George Chen, co-chair of digital practice at Asia Group, a Washington-headquartered business and policy consultancy, said it is worth watching how aggressively Hong Kong authorities will be in ordering internet platforms to remove the song. Chen, who was the former head of public policy for Greater China at Meta, said that if the government begins sending platforms hundreds of links to remove every day, that would likely undermine investor confidence in Hong Kong. “That will hurt Hong Kong’s reputation as a leading financial center because we know how important a free flow of data and information means to a financial center,” he said. “So the government should be very careful and be aware of some unintended consequences that may impact its economic recovery and investors’ confidence.” Internet and social media platforms such as YouTube typically have policies for removal requests from governments. “Glory to Hong Kong” was often sung by demonstrators during massive anti-government protests in 2019. The song was later mistakenly played as the city’s anthem at international sporting events, instead of China’s “March of the Volunteers,” in mix-ups that upset city officials. Authorities earlier arrested some residents who played the song in public under other offenses, such as playing a musical instrument in public without a permit, local media reported. realme C65: All essential features with 4-year lag-free performance Critics have said prohibiting broadcast or distribution of the song further reduces freedom of expression since Beijing launched a crackdown in the former British colony following the 2019 protests. They have also warned the ban might disrupt the operation of tech giants and hurt the city’s appeal as a business center.  

Entry to mid-level smartphone supremacy burns hottest as users have become more demanding. Here, users walk a tightrope between functionality and exasperation, where promises of seamless performance often become questionable. Entry to mid-level phones flaunt apps availability, high powered processor, and gaming capability to attract users. But these features can only be performed when the phone is equipped with a software and hardwire combination that matches its offerings. With continuous lag and latency, users will find no value no matter how feature-packed a phone is. realme, a popular smartphone brand among young people, has just relaunched its C series as "Essential Plus," beginning with the release of the realme C65. After hands-on testing, I can certainly state that the realme C65 shines in terms of reliability and quality, delivering remarkable lag-free performance on board. Now let's get started with the review. Performs lag free for four years At the heart of the realme C65 is the promise of uninterrupted performance over four years. This isn't just on paper. It is backed by the 48-month TÜV SÜD Certification, a German quality standard, to ensure the device's exceptional longevity and resilience. The phone has become the first smartphone in the same price range to receive the TÜV SÜD 48-month Fluency Certification. With this prestigious credibility, users can be rest assured that the device runs great in the long run. Besides, the phone also has the most updated UI in its price range. Quality and Performance Crafted for quality, the phone doesn't compromise on durability. With an IP54+ rating, it defends itself from unwanted dust and water with ease. Even during rain or a dusty environment, the phone will stand strong and responsive. The realme C65 is built with AI Boost, a cutting-edge feature made to reduce lag and improve high frame rate while you are having an intense gaming session. With AI Boost, C65 can achieve 5% faster app launch, and TOP10 App sliding smoothness improved by 5%. During gameplay, latency can be reduced by 5% while frame rate stability can be improved by 10%. Combining Smooth Boost and Game Boost, you get amazing phone experience made for advanced multi-tasking and latency free gameplay. 45W Panther speed The device boasts a Marathon Battery+ feature coupled with 45W Fast Charging, guaranteeing long-time usage without the hassle of charging every now and then. It achieves astonishing performance of "30 seconds of charging, 43 minutes of talk time," and charges up to 50% in just 30 minutes. Intelligent four core chip protection, paired with 38 safety measures guarantees the safety of high-power charging. All in all, the larger battery provides less waiting time for faster charging.  

Shahjahan Mahmood, chairman of the Bangladesh Satellite Company Ltd, has said that the deal for the second satellite will be finalised within 2-3 months and it will be launched in 2-3 years. The second satellite will be a Bangladesh Earth Observatory Satellite, he said He was speaking at the sixth anniversary of the successful launching of the Bangabandhu-1, the country's first communication satellite at Dhaka Club on Sunday night. The satellite will be used for various purposes, including monitoring natural disasters, managing agricultural resources, assessing environmental changes, etc. Shahjahan expressed his optimism that the lifetime of the first satellite could be increased by three years to 18 years due to the efficient launch. The satellite was launched in May 2018 under a project costing Tk 2,765.66 crore. Forty private television stations and three channels of state-run Bangladesh Television now air programmes using Bangabandhu-1. It started providing Television Rating Point services recently. Besides, 26 foreign TV channels use the Bangabandhu-1 satellite for broadcasting. In September 2023, a Letter of Intent (LOI) on Cooperation between Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited (BSCL) and Airbus Defence and Space SAS, France related to the Bangabandhu-2 Earth Observation Satellite System was signed. The documents were inked in the presence of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and France President Emmanuel Macron at Karobi Hall of the Prime Minister's Office. Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud said Bangladesh already signed the MoU with France for the second satellite and its launching  will help Bangladesh to navigate the challenge of 4th industrial revolution. Among others, Zunaid Ahmed Palak, state minister for telecom and ICT; Abu Hena Morshed Zaman, secretary to Posts and Telecom Division, also spoke.

A newly released ad promoting Apple's new iPad Pro has struck quite a nerve online. The ad, which was released by the tech giant Tuesday, shows a hydraulic press crushing just about every creative instrument artists and consumers have used over the years — from a piano and record player, to piles of paint, books, cameras and relics of arcade games. Resulting from the destruction? A pristine new iPad Pro. “The most powerful iPad ever is also the thinnest,” a narrator says at the end of the commercial. Apple's intention seems straightforward: Look at all the things this new product can do. But critics have called it tone-deaf — with several marketing experts noting the campaign's execution didn't land. “I had a really disturbing reaction to the ad,” said Americus Reed II, professor of marketing at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. “I understood conceptually what they were trying to do, but ... I think the way it came across is, here is technology crushing the life of that nostalgic sort of joy (from former times).” The ad also arrives during a time many feel uncertain or fearful about seeing their work or everyday routines “replaced” by technological advances — particularly amid the rapid commercialization of generative artificial intelligence. And watching beloved items get smashed into oblivion doesn't help curb those fears, Reed and others note. Several celebrities were also among the voices critical of Apple’s “Crush!” commercial on social media this week. “The destruction of the human experience. Courtesy of Silicon Valley,” actor Hugh Grant wrote on the social media platform X, in a repost of Apple CEO Tim Cook's sharing of the ad. Some found the ad to be a telling metaphor of the industry today — particularly concerns about big tech negatively impacting creatives. Filmmaker Justine Bateman wrote on X that the commercial “crushes the arts." Experts added that the commercial marked a notable difference to marketing seen from Apple in the past — which has often taken more positive or uplifting approaches. “My initial thought was that Apple has become exactly what it never wanted to be,” Vann Graves, executive director of the Virginia Commonwealth University's Brandcenter, said. Graves pointed to Apple’s famous 1984 ad introducing the Macintosh computer, which he said focused more on uplifting creativity and thinking outside of the box as a unique individual. In contrast, Graves added, “this (new iPad) commercial says, ‘No, we’re going to take all the creativity in the world and use a hydraulic press to push it down into one device that everyone uses.’" In a statement shared with Ad Age on Thursday, Apple apologized for the ad. The outlet also reported that Apple no longer plans to run the spot on TV. “Creativity is in our DNA at Apple, and it’s incredibly important to us to design products that empower creatives all over the world,” Tor Myhren, the company's vice president of marketing communications, told Ad Age. “Our goal is to always celebrate the myriad of ways users express themselves and bring their ideas to life through iPad. We missed the mark with this video, and we’re sorry.” Cupertino, California-based Apple unveiled its latest generation of iPad Pros and Airs earlier this week in a showcase that lauded new features for both lines. The Pro sports a new thinner design, a new M4 processor for added processing power, slightly upgraded storage and incorporates dual OLED panels for a brighter, crisper display. Apple is trying to juice demand for iPads after its sales of the tablets plunged 17% from last year during the January-March period. After its 2010 debut helped redefine the tablet market, the iPad has become a minor contributor to Apple’s success. It currently accounts for just 6% of the company’s sales.

TikTok, an online video entertainment platform, and its Chinese parent company ByteDance on Tuesday filed a legal challenge against the U.S. government over a law forcing ByteDance to sell off the ultra-popular app or face a nationwide ban in the country. U.S. President Joe Biden signed a TikTok ban bill into law last month after it was passed by both houses of U.S. Congress. Apple’s biggest announcements from its iPad event: brighter screen, faster chips and the Pencil Pro "Congress has taken the unprecedented step of expressly singling out and banning TikTok: a vibrant online forum for protected speech and expression used by 170 million Americans to create, share, and view videos over the Internet," said TikTok in the petition filed in the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, adding that "For the first time in history, Congress has enacted a law that subjects a single, named speech platform to a permanent, nationwide ban, and bars every American from participating in a unique online community with more than 1 billion people worldwide." TikTok pointed out in the petition that the law - the Protecting Americans From Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act - is unconstitutional. "Banning TikTok is so obviously unconstitutional, in fact, that even the Act's sponsors recognized that reality, and therefore have tried mightily to depict the law not as a ban at all, but merely a regulation of TikTok's ownership," said TikTok. The law only gives ByteDance 270 days to sell TikTok to a non-Chinese buyer, with the possibility of a 90-day extension if the U.S. President determines it necessary. realme P1 5G Review: New Mid-Range Line-up "But in reality, there is no choice," said TikTok, noting that the "qualified divestiture" demanded by the Act to allow TikTok to continue operating in the United States is simply not possible: not commercially, not technologically, not legally. The TikTok ban, citing unfounded national security concerns due to its Chinese ownership, has drawn widespread criticism from various quarters both within and outside the United States, with people questioning the motivations behind Washington's suppression of the popular app, and raising concerns about constitutional rights and the principle of fair competition being violated.  

Apple on Tuesday unveiled its next generation of iPad Pros and Airs — models that will boast faster processors, new sizes and a new display system as part of the company’s first update to its tablet lineup in more than a year. The showcase at Apple’s headquarters in Cupertino, California, comes after the company disclosed its steepest quarterly decline in iPhone sales since the pandemic’s outset, deepening a slump that’s increasing the pressure on the trendsetting company to spruce up its products. Apple is expected to make a much bigger splash next month during an annual conference devoted to the latest version of its operating systems for iPhones, iPads and Mac computers — software that analysts expect to be packed with more artificial intelligence technology. Both lines of new iPads add bells and whistles but have adjusted prices to match. The iPad Pro sports a new thinner design, a new M4 processor for added processing power, slightly upgraded storage and incorporates dual OLED panels for a brighter, crisper display. Prices have been hiked to match its new offerings, with the 11-inch model going for $999 and the 13-inch model fetching $1,299. realme P1 5G Review: New Mid-Range Line-up The new iPad Air has the faster M2 chip, boasts a new design, more base storage, a new 13-inch display option and a recentered camera. It will also support use of the new Apple Pencil Pro, which was a function previously exclusive to the Pro models. The 11-inch display will sell for $599 while the new 13-inch model will fetch $799. However Apple did announce a price reduction for its 10th generation iPad, which will now retail for $349, down from $449. Apple is trying to juice demand for iPads after its sales of the tablets plunged 17% from last year during the January-March period. After its 2010 debut helped redefine the tablet market, the iPad has become a minor contributor to Apple’s success. It currently accounts for just 6% of the company’s sales. Xinji Cobee CA1 Review: Waterproof Smartwatch to Monitor Health and Fitness “The enhancements were both needed and predictable, in a maintenance sort of way, and may help stanch some of the revenue loss in that product line,” Forrester Research analyst Dipanjan Chatterjee said of the new iPads. “But it’s nothing to get terribly excited about.” All the new models will be available in stores starting May 15, with preorders beginning Tuesday.