Tech
7 Best Smartphones Being Released in May 2024
Like every month, in May 2024, a wide range of smartphones are set to hit the shelves. From long-lasting batteries to powerful processors and impressive camera capabilities, smartphone lovers should get ready to be impressed by the innovation coming their way this May.
7 Most Hyped Smartphones Coming in May 2024
vivo V30e
vivo has officially teased the upcoming launch of the V30e, set to hit the Indian market on May 2nd. This fresh addition to their lineup promises exciting features, including a hefty 5,500 mAh battery and an impressive 50 MP main camera, accompanied by vivo's signature Aura Light design.
The V30e marks a significant milestone for vivo's V series, boasting a sleek design despite its substantial battery capacity, measuring just 7.69 mm thin. It sports a Sony IMX882 sensor for its main shooter and a 50 MP sensor for the front-facing camera with autofocus capabilities.
Read more: Motorola Moto G54 Review: Can It Hold the Legacy?
Additionally, the V30e is geared for longevity with its "4-year battery health" promise, retaining 80% of its capacity even after 1,600 full charging cycles.
Google Pixel 8a
The upcoming Google Pixel 8a boasts impressive features and is rumored to be announced on 14th May. It will have a 6.1-inch OLED display with HDR support and a smooth 90Hz refresh rate. Powered by the cutting-edge Google Tensor G3 chipset, comprising a nona-core CPU and Immortalis-G715s MC10 GPU, it promises swift performance for multitasking and gaming.
The dual rear camera setup, featuring a 64MP main shooter and a 13MP ultrawide lens is to capture above-standard level photos and videos in various conditions. And, the 13MP front camera ensures crisp selfies.
Read more: Honor X7b Review: Budget-friendly Phone with Powerful Battery
With a spacious 256GB internal storage and 8GB RAM, users can store plenty of data and enjoy smooth app operations. Despite its premium features, the Google Pixel 8a aims to be accessible with an anticipated reasonable price tag.
OnePlus Ace 3V
In May 2024, the rebranded OnePlus Ace 3V comes with cutting-edge features. It will have sleek dimensions of 162.7 mm by 75.2 mm by 8.5 mm and a durable build of glass front, glass back, and plastic frame.
Its 6.74-inch AMOLED display, with 1 billion colors and a 120Hz refresh rate, will deliver good visuals even in bright environments, reaching a peak brightness of 2150 nits.
Read more: vivo iQOO 12 Review: Flagship Killer or a Flagship Itself?
Powered by Android 14 and ColorOS 14 on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 chipset, it promises smooth performance. A versatile camera setup, waterproof and dustproof IP65 rating, and lightning-fast 100W wired charging for the 5500mAh battery ensure an unparalleled user experience.
Motorola Edge 50 Ultra
Get ready for the launch of the Motorola Edge 50 Ultra in May 2024, boasting a stunning 144 Hz refresh rate on its 6.70-inch touchscreen display with a resolution of 2712 by 1220 pixels, delivering crisp visuals with a pixel density of 446 ppi. It bears a dimension of 161.1 mm by 72.4 mm by 8.6 mm.
This phone runs on Qualcomm SM8635 Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 (4 nm) chipset. With a hefty 12GB RAM and Android 14, it ensures seamless performance, while its 4500mAh battery supports lightning-fast 100W Fast Charging. It sports a triple rear camera setup, including a 50MP main lens, another 50MP lens, and a 64MP periscope telephoto camera. Selfies are equally impressive with the 50 MP front camera.
Read more: Nokia C32: Reliable Budget Smartphone for Everyday Use Under BDT 14,000
With a generous 512GB storage, dual-SIM capability, and IP68 rating for dust and water protection, the Edge 50 Ultra is set to offer a premium experience in Forest Grey, Nordic Wood, and Peach Fuzz colors.
vivo iQOO Z9 Turbo
The iQOO Z9 Turbo is an upcoming smartphone waiting to be announced anytime soon. Boasting a stunning 6.7-inch AMOLED display with an impressive 144 Hz refresh rate and HDR support, the phone promises a premium display experience.
Its octa-core CPU should provide seamless performance, powered by Android 14 and the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 4nm chipset. With up to 12GB of RAM and storage options ranging from 128GB to 256GB, there will be ample space for all your apps and files.
Read more: Samsung Galaxy A35 Review: Does It Offer Value for Money?
The phone aims to capture life's moments in stunning detail with its dual 50 MP main camera setup, while the 16MP selfie camera ensures you always look your best.
Plus, with a massive 6000mAh battery and 66W wired charging, the device can stay powered up a whole day. With IP54 dust-splash resistance and Dragontrail Star 2 Plus protection, the iQOO Z9 Turbo is ready to amuse users.
Samsung Galaxy M44
The Samsung Galaxy M44 is a new Samsung phone that is soon to be released. It's rumored to have a big 6.58-inch screen with a smooth 120 Hz refresh rate and a sharp display resolution. Inside, it's said to have 6GB of RAM and a powerful 5000mAh battery that charges up quickly.
Read more: Infinix Note 40 Pro Review: A Mid-Range Phone with 108P sensor, MagSafe Charging
For photos, it might have three cameras on the back, including a 50-megapixel sensor, and two 2-megapixel cameras. And for selfies, there could be a 13-megapixel camera on the front. The device will be equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset.
Storage-wise, it's expected to come with 128GB built-in, and you can add even more with a microSD card. It's likely to be available in black and white colors, and it's said to be a single SIM phone. It's supposed to be on the bigger side and weigh around 216 grams.
Honor X50 Pro
Scheduled for an imminent release in May 2024, the Honor X50 Pro epitomizes cutting-edge technology. The phone will come in dimensions of 163.6 mm by 75.5 mm by 8 mm and a weight of 192g. Its 6.78-inch AMOLED display boasts 1 billion colors and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate.
Read more: itel P55 Plus Review: Budget-friendly Phone with Interesting Design Elements, Fast Charging
Powered by Android 14 and the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4nm chipset, its Octa-core CPU is expected to deliver good performance. The device offers ample internal storage of 256 GB supported by 12GB RAM.
Its photography prowess is highlighted by a remarkable 108MP dual main camera setup, and a 2MP depth sensor, delivering quality photos and videos in 4K resolution. It will have an 8MP selfie camera.
With a massive 5800mAh battery and 35W wired charging capability, the Honor X50 Pro ensures long-lasting usage and quick recharge times.
Read more: Nothing Phone 2a Review: What’s New?
Conclusion
May 2024 promises a bunch of new smartphones ranging from budget-friendly to flagship levels. From camera powerhouses like the Honor X50 Pro to long-lasting options like the vivo V30e, there's a phone ready to impress. Whether you prioritize lightning-fast performance or a stunning display, stay tuned as these exciting devices hit the market this May.
Bangladesh participates in Japan IT Week
Bangladesh participated in Japan IT Week, Spring, 2024 held from April 24- 26, 2024 at the Tokyo Big Sight. Ambassador of Bangladesh to Japan Shahabuddin Ahmed and Managing Director of Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority G S M Jafarullah, ndc, inaugurated Bangladesh Pavilion on 24th April.
In the evening on the same day, Embassy of Bangladesh organized a seminar titled 'Digital Bangladesh: Your IT Destination' at the Seminar Hall of Tokyo Big Sight, in collaboration with Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), UNIDO ITPO Tokyo and Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS).
Ambassador Shahabuddin Ahmed in his speech urged Japanese companies to invest in Bangladesh. G S M Jafarullah, ndc, Managing Director of Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority, highlighted investment opportunists in the Hi-Tech Parks in Bangladesh. Senior Director of JETRO Yukihide Nakayama spoke about the business environment in Bangladesh while Masahiro Horikawa, CEO of BJIT Inc. shared his business experiences in Bangladesh. Dr. Ariful Haque, Minister (Commerce) of the Embassy delivered a presentation on support services to Japanese companies by the Embassy. On behalf of BASIS, Rejwanur Kabir, COO, Destiny Inc. explained about Bangladesh’s thriving IT sector, investment and business opportunities for Japanese companies and strength of exhibitor companies.
Japan IT Week is one of the major events on information technology in Asia. This year around 900 exhibitors from 20 countries across the world participated in the event. Seventeen Bangladeshi IT companies participated in the event under the auspices of Hi-Tech Park Authority. Japanese companies showed keen interest to Bangladeshi IT companies, and it is expected that Bangladesh’s participation in this fair will help boost Bangladesh’s IT and ITES export to Japan.
On the evening of 26th April, Bangladesh Embassy organized an Opinion Exchange & Networking Event on “Promoting Bangladesh’s IT & ITES Sector in Japan” at the Bangabandhu Auditorium of the Embassy with the participation of the Bangladeshi exhibitors of Japan IT Week, Bangladeshi IT Professionals in Japan and Embassy Officials.
Race to acquire TikTok heats up
As the legal drama over TikTok’s ownership escalates, the potential sale of the social media giant has attracted interest from a diverse array of sectors, keen on tapping into its vast US user base of 170 million.
The urgency to sell follows US President Joe Biden’s recent legislation requiring TikTok's Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to divest its stake, sparking widespread speculation about possible buyers, according to CNN.
Tech heavyweights like Meta and Google, however, are expected to stay on the sidelines due to existing antitrust concerns. Analysts believe that any acquisition attempts by these firms could trigger serious regulatory scrutiny, further complicating their already delicate positions within ongoing antitrust investigations.
Meanwhile, Microsoft, which previously attempted to purchase TikTok in 2020, may re-enter the fray. Given its successful track record in handling antitrust issues and the absence of a similar platform in its digital portfolio, Microsoft is considered a strong contender. Oracle, another former interested party, is also seen as a possible buyer, having shown interest in the past.
Adding a twist to the saga, former Trump administration Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has announced his intention to form an investment group to bid for TikTok. This move has stirred controversy due to Mnuchin's involvement in past efforts to ban the app, with critics questioning potential conflicts of interest.
Venture capitalist Kevin O'Leary, chairman of O'Leary Ventures, is another potential bidder, albeit with specific stipulations, including the exclusion of TikTok’s proprietary algorithm from the acquisition.
The looming sale of TikTok not only signifies a major business transaction but also highlights critical issues surrounding data privacy, national security, and corporate dominance in the tech sector. As the acquisition battle unfolds, the future of one of the world's most popular social media platforms remains uncertain, with prospective buyers carefully considering the implications of such a significant undertaking.
At China’s largest auto show, shift to digital and new-energy vehicles grab spotlight
Global automakers and EV startups unveiled new models and concept cars at China’s largest auto show on Thursday, with a focus on the nation’s transformation into a major market and production base for digitally connected, new-energy vehicles.
Toyota and Nissan both announced tie-ups with major Chinese technology companies as they strive to meet customer demand for AI-enabled online connectivity in cars, from social media apps to autonomous driving features.
Electric vehicles accounted for about a quarter of all auto sales in China last year. Hybrids, which have trailed EVs, are expected to be a growing segment going forward.
China’s largest EV maker, BYD, showed off two “dual-mode” plug-in cars that can run either solely on electricity or as hybrids. The other is a hybrid off-road SUV from its luxury Yangwang brand in the 1 million yuan-plus ($140,000) range.
“China’s EVs, represented by (BYD’s) Qin and Han series, have successfully realized the large-scale replacement of traditional fuel cars, and this trend is irreversible,” said Lu Tian, the head of sales for BYD’s Dynasty models. The cars are named after former imperial dynasties.
An executive from Chery, a more traditional Chinese maker, offered a more moderate perspective. Li Xueyong, a deputy general manager, said they envision a future of 40% fuel vehicles, 30% hybrids and 30% electric. The company plans to develop both fuel-powered and new-energy cars.
BYD has been expanding rapidly into overseas markets, launching its low-priced Dolphin Mini, sold as the Seagull in China, in Latin American markets this year.
Shenzhen's Rise: From Humble Beginnings to Global Tech Titan
It’s building a factory in Brazil on the site of a former Ford plant that closed when the U.S. maker left the country. Two other Chinese automakers including Chery already have factories in Brazil.
BYD accounted for 41% of EV sales in Brazil in the first three months of this year, though the overall number is still relatively low.
In Mexico, Chinese vehicles went from about 2.6% of the market in 2021 to 19.2% in the first quarter of this year. Most of those were gasoline-powered vehicles, as there are few charging stations and the cost of electricity makes it expensive to do so at home.
Chinese makers are making inroads in Europe too, raising concern in some countries that they pose a potential threat to European automakers and jobs. The EU is weighing whether to impose tariffs on China-made EVs because of government subsidies that drove the industry’s growth.
A proliferation of EV makers, encouraged by tax breaks as well as green-energy subsides, has prompted a fierce price war that is expected to lead to a shakeout and consolidation of the industry in the coming years.
For foreign players aside from American EV maker Tesla, it has challenged them to accelerate the development of new electric car models to stay competitive in the world’s largest auto market.
“No other region of the world has a transformation of the automotive industry that is as fast-paced as in China,” Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume said Wednesday at an event previewing its appearance at the auto show.
“This market has become something of a fitness center for us,” he said. “We have to work harder and faster to keep.”
Other automakers expressed similar sentiments. Japan’s Nissan sent many top executives to the Beijing auto show to feel first-hand the pace of change in China, company President Makoto Uchida said.
Nissan was going to sign a memorandum or understanding with Baidu, a Chinese search engine and AI company, later Thursday. Uchida said Nissan needs to meet the needs of Chinese customers and the speed at which the market is changing.
“If we cannot do these two aspects, it will very difficult to keep our business in China,” he said.
Toyota announced a tie-up with Tencent, the maker of the widely-used WeChat messaging and e-payment app.
Honor X7b Review: Budget-friendly Phone with Powerful Battery
Volvo, the Swedish brand bought by China’s Geely group, stressed a simpler approach to the digitalization of its cars.
Likely aiming at a somewhat older audience, the company said its new EX30 electric SUV has an audio system and tablet screen that are easy to operate and uses sustainable fabrics in its interior.
“We believe that technology should be measured by its utility, not just its novelty,” said Xiaolin Yuan, Volvo’s Asia-Pacific head.
The EX30 will sell for 210,000 to 260,000 yuan ($29,000 - $36,000) in China, the company announced.
American brands at the show included Lincoln, Cadillac, Buick and Chevrolet. Ford presented a muscular look tied to its history, telling the story of the Mustang and Bronco - which it described as a “sports utility vehicle” when it was launched in 1966 — and showing the latest versions of those models.
Mist Fan Buyer Guide and Price Ranges in Bangladesh for 2024
Bangladesh is currently going through mild to severe heat waves. Due to the scorching sun and heat, many people are experiencing heat-related illnesses like dehydration, heat stroke, heat exhaustion, etc. Not to mention, the extremely hot weather has accelerated the sales of air conditioners. However, not everyone can afford AC due to its initial and operational costs. Nowadays, mist fans are gaining popularity as cost-effective cooling gadgets to beat the heat. It can be an affordable solution to stay cool without breaking the bank.
What’s the Difference Between a Mist Fan and an Air Conditioner?
There’s a common marketing trope that mist fans are mini air conditioners. But the truth is that mist fans and air conditioners are different things and they work on different principles.
Mist fans atomize the water and disperse in the air. The dispersed water particles quickly evaporate by absorbing the heat from the surroundings. This rapid evaporation causes a cooling effect, lowering the ambient temperature in the surrounding area.
On the other hand, air conditioners cool an area by removing the heat and humidity from the air. It uses the refrigeration principle to replace the hot air inside in a cyclic manner.
Mist fans can reduce the temperature by 3-4 degrees Celcius in a semi-open or open environment. On the other hand, air conditioners can drastically reduce the temperature as they work best in an enclosed environment.
Though mist fans are not alternatives to ACs, these cooling gadgets can give comfort by cooling the room temperature spreading mists and air.
Read more: Heat Stroke Prevention: Best foods, drinks to avoid heat exhaustion
What to Consider Before Buying a Mist Fan?
There are several things to consider while buying the perfect mist fan. With tons of options available in the market, here’s a list of things you should check before buying one.
Portability and Size
One of the key things to consider is the need for portability of your mist fan. Do you need to move it around or will it remain stationary at one place? Depending on portability, mist fans come in several sizes. It is recommended to choose one that best fits your use case.
Misting Level
The misting capacity is another thing to consider while getting a mist fan. If you plan to use the fan outdoors, it is recommended to buy a fan with a high water reserve and high misting capacity.
Mist Fan Coverage
The size and misting capacity of a mist fan greatly determines the coverage area. If you want to cover a small area, then portable type mist fans can be a great choice. When you want to cover a large area from a stationary position, consider getting a pedestal-type mist fan.
Read more: Heat Stroke: Symptoms, First Aid, and Prevention
Fan Speed and Functions
Mist fans come with different functions at different price points. A basic mist fan may provide different fan speeds but an advanced and more expensive fan may have different wind modes and mist control.
Noise Level
Large mist fans (pedestal type) make a lot of noise which can be problematic for indoor use. If you’re planning to buy a mist fan for your home, it would be wise to go for a portable or a smaller one as they tend to make less noise compared to the large pedestal ones.
Power Source
The power source is another thing to consider while buying a mist fan. For example, if you want to use the mist fan outdoors, it needs to have a battery charge feature. Many indoor mist fans also come with a dual power feature.
Rechargeability
Rechargeable mist fans can work for several hours without electricity. Depending on the specifications, these kinds of mist fans need to be connected to power lines for hours to get recharged. During power cuts and load sheddings, a charged mist fan can spread cool air and mists to keep you cool.
Read more: Summer Heatwave: Here’s How to Keep Children Safe
Durability
The durability of the fan plays an important role, especially if you are planning to use it outdoors. As a rule of thumb, sturdy, metal-built mist fans would be better for outdoor use whereas plastic ones would suffice for indoor conditions.
Additional Features
Many mist fans these days come with additional features like insect repellant, air purification, and even LED lights. You can assess each feature based on your usage.
Price and Warranty
And last but not least, it is recommended to double-check the price and warranty. Additional things to check include user reviews and brand reputation to make sure you’re getting the bang for your buck.
Motorola Moto G54 Review: Can It Hold the Legacy?
Motorola is a popular brand who manufacture stylish, quality, and feature-oriented smartphones under diverse price segments. The Motorola Moto G54 was released on September 6, 2023, in India, targeting the budget-friendly user segment. Motorola offers some premium features in this phone within budget. Can the Motorola Moto G54 carry on the reputation? Let’s find out.
Key Features and Specs of Moto G54
Design
The Moto G54 5G maintains a similar design to its predecessor, the G53 5G, but with slight size reductions, measuring 161.6 mm by 73.8 mm by 8mm and weighing 177g.
Available in Midnight Blue, Indigo Blue (vegan leather-backed), Glacier Blue, and Mint Green, it offers options for different preferences. Its physical features remain consistent, with ports at the bottom, a power button (with fingerprint reader), volume keys on the right, and a SIM tray on the left. It supports dual SIMs and a microSD card up to 1TB.
Its front is glass and the backside is made of plastic. The frame is also built with plastic. It lacks an official IP rating and boasts a "water-repellent" design.
Read more: Honor X7b Review: Budget-friendly Phone with Powerful Battery
The bezels surrounding the screen are slim. Despite its subdued appearance and lack of flashy elements, its refined design exudes sophistication and practicality, making it a reliable choice for professionals.
The phone is equipped with dual stereo speakers supporting Dolby Atmos. The Dolby Atmos logo signifies an equalisation app, though the built-in stereo speakers are more suitable for calls than music or videos. Nonetheless, with a headphone socket and Bluetooth 5.3, users can enjoy audio through external devices.
Display
The Moto G54 5G addresses the display shortcomings of its predecessor and offers a better display. With a resolution of 2400 by 1080 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate, its 6.5-inch screen delivers smooth visuals and remarkable colour accuracy, scoring just 1.09 on the Delta E variance scale.
While it's not OLED or AMOLED, its IPS LCD technology still impresses with crispness and sharpness. However, it falls short in brightness compared to some high-end phones, reaching around 500 nits.
Read more: vivo iQOO Z9 Review: A Budget-friendly Phone with Decent Features
Cameras
The Moto G54 5G features a 50 MP main camera with an f/1.8 aperture, similar to its predecessor, offering decent image quality with improved auto-enhancement processing for better balance between light and dark areas. However, night photography remains a challenge, with minimal artificial brightening and noticeable noise in low-light conditions.
The 2MP (f/2.4) macro camera delivers acceptable detail but may not always be the best option compared to using the main lens up close.
Video recording capabilities have been enhanced, now supporting 1080p at 60fps and featuring optical image stabilization (OIS) for smoother footage. Despite efforts to boost colours and sharpness, image quality may suffer in challenging lighting conditions, and the night mode doesn't provide significant improvements, especially for moving subjects.
The selfie camera 16 MP (f/2.4) performs reasonably well, producing decent shots in both regular and portrait modes, while video recording is capped at 1080p/30fps but remains suitable for everyday use, such as social media sharing and video calls.
Read more: Nokia C32: Reliable Budget Smartphone for Everyday Use Under BDT 14,000
Shenzhen's Rise: From Humble Beginnings to Global Tech Titan
In the late 1970s, Shenzhen was a modest fishing village, tucked away in the southern tip of Guangdong Province, China. With a small population, it was an unlikely candidate for economic stardom. Fast forward to the present day, and Shenzhen has metamorphosed into a bustling metropolis with a population exceeding 17 million — known globally as a hub of innovation and technology.
This transformation is a cornerstone of China's economic reform and a testament to the power of strategic vision and policy.
Shenzhen's remarkable transformation is showcased at the city's Reform and Opening-up Exhibition Hall, which we, a team of visiting Bangladeshi journalists, explored on April 21. Our subsequent tours of Huawei and Mindray Medical International Limited headquarters on the following day further reinforced our impressions of the city's rapid development and technological prowess.
The Catalyst of Change: Economic Reform Policies
The pivotal moment for Shenzhen came in 1980 when it was designated as China's first Special Economic Zone (SEZ) by Deng Xiaoping’s government. This designation intended to attract foreign investment and test market reforms. Shenzhen’s proximity to Hong Kong, a global financial hub, made it an ideal testbed for these reforms.
Read more: PM Hasina likely to travel to India and China in first bilateral visits since forming new govt
The SEZ status conferred unprecedented autonomy on the city in economic decision-making,
Tax incentives, fewer bureaucratic steps, and market-oriented business environment catalyzed an influx of foreign investments.
Infrastructure and Industrialization: Laying the Foundation
Concurrent with policy reforms, Shenzhen's infrastructure underwent a dramatic overhaul. The government invested heavily into building roads, ports, railways, and telecommunications networks, drastically enhancing the city’s connectivity and efficiency. The establishment of the Shenzhen Stock Exchange in 1990 further positioned the city as a financial center.
Industrial parks sprang up around the city, attracting manufacturing units from electronics to pharmaceuticals. The move from a primary focus on manufacturing to include high-tech industries was signalled by giants like Huawei and Tencent establishing their headquarters in Shenzhen. This not only diversified the city’s industrial base but also elevated its status to that of a global technology nexus.
Read more: Chinese delegation meets BGMEA leaders to discuss trade and investment potential
Innovation and Talent Attraction: Fuelling Sustained Growth
Shenzhen's policies have always favored innovation and creativity. The city is now renowned for its robust intellectual property protections which has made it attractive for tech startups and entrepreneurship. In addition, Shenzhen invests heavily in education and R&D, drawing talents from across the globe to its research institutes and think tanks.
The city’s rapid economic expansion is also supported by a unique culture that encourages experimentation and innovation. This is embodied in the landscape of sprawling tech campuses and vibrant startup incubators that dot the city.
Huawei's Robust Growth Amid Diverse Innovations
Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd., a global leader in information and communication technology (ICT) and smart devices, reported a robust revenue of US$97 billion for the year 2023. This financial milestone was prominently fueled by the company's ICT technology infrastructure, which constituted half of the total revenue.
In a strategic push to spearhead technological advancements, Huawei invested a substantial 23.4% of its annual revenue into research and development (R&D) in 2023.
Read more: Arafat appreciates Chinese support for Bangladesh’s development
It also marked a year of solid performance for Huawei’s core ICT infrastructure operations, while its consumer business achieved its set targets efficiently. The company's forays into cloud computing and digital power sectors reported steady growth. Notably, Huawei's intelligent automotive solution business commenced large-scale deliveries, signaling a promising diversification strategy that aligns with global digital transformation trends.
Russia convicts Meta spokesperson in swift trial in absentia
A court in Russia on Monday convicted the spokesperson of U.S. technology company Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, of justifying terrorism and sentenced him to six years in prison in a swift trial in absentia, Russia's independent news site Mediazona reported.
According to the outlet, the charges against Meta communications director Andy Stone stem from his remarks in 2022 following Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24 that year. Stone, who is based in the United States, announced temporary changes to Meta’s hate speech policy to allow for “forms of political expression that would normally violate (its) rules, like violent speech such as ‘death to the Russian invaders.’”
In the same statement, Stone added that “credible calls for violence against Russian civilians” would remain banned. The Russian authorities opened a criminal case implicating Stone and other unidentified Meta employees nonetheless, describing the statement as “illegal calls to violence and killings of Russian citizens.”
The authorities also outlawed Meta as an extremist organization and blocked Facebook and Instagram in Russia. Both platforms — as well as X, formerly known as Twitter, which has also been blocked — were popular with Russians before the invasion and the subsequent crackdown on independent media and other forms of critical speech. However, they are now only accessible via VPN.
Mediazona reported that Stone was initially charged with calling for terrorist activity, public calls for extremist activity and publicly justifying terrorism, but the first two charges were dropped in the final version of the indictment. The trial, in which Stone was represented by a government-appointed lawyer, began on Friday and concluded on Monday after only two hearings. Stone was sentenced to six years in a penal colony and barred from administering websites for four more years.
Meta on Monday declined to comment on the verdict.
In April 2022, Russia also formally barred Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg from entering the country.
Google celebrates ‘Earth Day 2024’ with Doodle
Search engine giant Google has created a new Doodle on its homepage celebrating Earth Day 2024 on Monday with a doodle featuring aerial photographs of the planet's natural beauty and biodiversity.
With this doodle, Google reminded us of the importance of protecting the earth for future generations.
The Google letters, as per the description of the annual Earth Day 2024 doodle on their website, feature certain places “across the globe where people, communities and governments work every day to help protect the planet’s natural beauty, biodiversity and resources.”
A Look Inside the Letters of Google in its Earth Day 2024 Doodle:
The letter ‘G’ features the Turks and Caicos Islands. The islands are home to important biodiversity areas with conservation efforts aimed at addressing ongoing environmental challenges, including protecting natural resources and reefs and restoring endangered species.
The letter ‘O’ represents the Scorpion Reef National Park in Mexico, which is the largest reef in the southern Gulf of Mexico and a UNESCO biosphere reserve.
And Iceland’s Vatnajokull National Park, which was established as a national park in 2008 after decades of advocacy, features on the letter ‘O’. This UNESCO World Heritage Site protects the ecosystem in and around Europe’s largest glacier.
Brazil’s Jau National Park features on the letter ‘G’. It is one of South America’s largest forest reserves and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It protects a huge range of species.
The letter ‘L’ represents the Great Green Wall in Nigeria. This African Union-led initiative is restoring land affected by desertification across the width of Africa, planting trees and other vegetation while implementing sustainable land management practices.
Meanwhile, the letter ‘E’ is for Australia’s Pilbara Islands Nature Reserves. Located by one of the Pilbara Island Nature Reserves, one of 20 nature reserves in Australia that help protect fragile ecosystems, increasingly rare natural habitats, and many threatened or endangered species—including multiple species of marine turtles, shorebirds, and seabirds.
Home Air Conditioner Buyer Guide 2024: Everything You Need to Know
Last year, there was a meteorological consensus that 2024 would be the hottest year for the earth. As tropical countries are experiencing severe heat, Bangladesh is also bearing its brunt. In fact, the country is under a severe heat wave which is expected to continue into next month as well. In this scorching heat, air conditioners are a sigh of relief for many. There are several types of air conditioners each with specific features. Here’s everything you need to know to buy the perfect AC for your home.
Types of Home Air Conditioners
When it comes to home air conditioners, the choices may seem a bit confusing. There are several types based on size, function, and cooling options. The most common types of air conditioners for home use are:
Central Air Conditioner
Central air conditioning units are usually seen in commercial spaces. This system uses a large unit that is typically installed outside the home. The adjoined duct is used to distribute the cool air to various rooms.
Central air conditioners are best suited for large homes or for maintaining a unified temperature across the home. It also comes with a high initial setup cost.
Ductless Mini-Split System
Ductless mini-split systems are the most common type of air conditioner for homes in Bangladesh. This system has an outdoor compressor unit and an indoor air handling unit. It is ideal for separate cooling in each room.
The initial setup cost and operational cost of this system are much less compared to central air conditioning.
Read more: Heat Stroke Prevention: Best foods, drinks to avoid heat exhaustion
Window Air Conditioning
Window air conditioning is a self-contained unit that is directly installed in the window or the wall of a room. This system is ideal for small rooms or single apartments.
Portable Air Conditioner
Portable air conditioners are also self-contained types of air conditioners. The system usually has a moveable duct that exhausts heat through the window. This system is best suited for renters or for cooling specific areas temporarily.
Hybrid Air Conditioners
These systems combine a traditional air source heat pump with a gas furnace, providing efficient cooling and heating options. The operational costs of hybrid systems are significantly less as they can efficiently switch between gas and electricity.
Smart HVAC Systems
Smart HVAC systems use smart thermostats to optimally cool your home. Smart HVAC systems are installed with different types of air conditioning systems to increase their efficiency and reduce the overall cost.
Read more: Tips to Keep Home Cool in Summer Without AC
What to Consider Before Buying a Residential Air Conditioner?
There are several spatial and technical aspects to consider before buying a home air conditioning unit. Here’s to name a few.
Cooling Capacity
The cooling capacity determines how fast an air conditioner can cool your home. It is measured in BTU or British Thermal Unit. A system with insufficient BTUs will struggle to cool the area effectively, while one with too many BTUs will cycle on and off frequently, leading to inefficiency and temperature fluctuations.
Inverter vs. Non-inverter
Inverter AC tends to be more energy efficient thanks to its intelligent cooling capabilities. They are more expensive compared to non-inverter ACs. However, they can save a lot of money in the long run.
Dehumidification Feature
For humid and tropical weather like Bangladesh, it is recommended to buy AC with a dehumidification feature. It will help to remove the excess moisture from the air and improve the comfort level.
Type of System
Decide on the type of AC system based on your home. For example, a single detached apartment is better off with split systems. On the other hand, a central AC system is better for duplex or triplex-style homes.
Type of Refrigerant
If you’re cautious about the long-term health effects of your AC, then you should consider the type of refrigerant used in the AC system. Many older models come with R-22 coolant which is being phased out due to environmental concerns. If you want environment-friendly options, it is recommended to go for R-410A refrigerants.
Besides these, it is important to look at the budget, features and controls, warranty and support, noise level as well as user reviews before buying an AC unit.
Read more: Beat Dehydration with These Summer Vegetables