United News of Bangladesh

When the ground tremor occurs without warning, safety issues often feel incomplete until mobile apps for earthquake alerts enter the picture. Bangladesh, with its long-known vulnerability to seismic pressure, has a particular stake in fast, reliable alerts. Technology is quietly reinforcing hope here, offering ordinary phone users a chance to react milliseconds earlier. Such tools may not erase the threat, yet they help people face it with clearer information and steadier nerves. Let's explore the top reliable earthquake warning apps for smartphones that could shape preparedness strategies heading into 2025-26. Top Free Earthquake Warning Apps for Android and iOS Devices A new wave of seismic tools is reshaping how people prepare for sudden ground shifts. Here’s a quick look at the mobile apps, built to deliver faster alerts and clearer information when it counts. MyShake Earthquake Alerts Earthquake early warnings often feel abstract until the ground actually moves, which is why the system built into ‘MyShake’ tends to stand out. Developed at the UC Berkeley Seismological Laboratory, it sends notifications for magnitude-4.5-and-up quakes a few seconds before the shaking reaches you. This is a narrow window, yet often enough to steady yourself or move away from danger. Read more: Top 10 Smartphones Debuting in December 2025 The app has been around since February 12, 2016, and runs on both Android 9+ and iOS 12+, a broad range that keeps it accessible. Some users argue that the lead time varies a bit depending on their location. But that’s the nature of seismic networks rather than a flaw in the tool itself. Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=edu.berkeley.bsl.myshake IOS: https://apps.apple.com/app/id1467058529 My Earthquake Alerts People lean on quick post-event information more than full early warning systems, which is exactly where ‘My Earthquake Alerts’ finds its purpose. Released back on May 3, 2015, by JRustonApps B.V., it focuses on notifying users moments after an earthquake occurs. The alerts aim for speed and clarity rather than prediction. It’s compatible with Android 7+ and iOS 15+, giving it wide appeal among everyday users. Clean, reliable data is always helpful when there are no extra layers of scientific detail. Read more: 10 Popular Room Heater Models for Bangladeshi Homes within 10000 Taka in 2025-26 However, some might wish for pre-shaking alerts, yet the app’s strength lies in simplicity and fast reporting. Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.jrustonapps.myearthquakealerts&hl=en IOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/my-earthquake-alerts-feed/id975709372 LastQuake For those who prefer understanding the broader picture rather than relying on automated alarms, LastQuake offers something different. Offered by EMSC-CSEM and shaped directly by seismologists, it gathers reports from witnesses, often the first to feel a tremor. The information-centric approach uses mobile technologies to collect photos, videos, and rapid questionnaires. Though it doesn’t function as a traditional alert system, it does allow personalised notifications based on magnitude, distance, and even voice alerts. Read more: How to Get Traffic Updates in Dhaka: Useful Apps and Sources Running on Android 7+ and iOS 11+, and active since June 18, 2014, it has built a reputation as a crowd-powered window into how earthquakes unfold in real time. Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.emsc_csem.lastquake&hl=en IOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/lastquake/id890799748 Android Earthquake Alerts System Many Android users never realise their phones already carry a built-in seismic tool, one that sits quietly in the background until needed. That system, known as the ‘Android Earthquake Alerts System’, arrived in Bangladesh on July 19, 2022. It was shaped with input from seismology researchers at UC Berkeley, the same group behind ‘MyShake’. It works with most Android models running Android 5.0 or later, using the phone’s own accelerometers to sense early tremors and warn people within range. Read more: Best Free Bangladeshi Online Doctor Apps for Android, iOS Alerts appear only for magnitude-4.5-and-above quakes, which keeps the noise down but leaves room for debate about smaller, still-felt events. Anyone wanting to activate it can do so through Settings < Location < Advanced < Earthquake Alerts. QuakeFeed Earthquake Alerts iPhone users tend to take a different route, often turning to a dedicated platform such as ‘QuakeFeed’, released by Artisan Global LLC. Despite launching only in 2021, it has built a following by offering a broad spread of free features. It spans from worldwide quake mapping to hazard tracking for wildfires, hurricanes, volcanoes, and smoke. Read more: DNCC Smart Parking App: How to Utilise Smart Parking The app supports iOS 15 and up, and focuses on customisation, nearby alerts, regional filters, a 3D globe, satellite and street maps, and a fault-line layer for those who like to dig deeper. Some may find the interface a bit crowded, yet the range of tools makes it flexible for both casual users and detail-seekers. IOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/quakefeed-earthquake-alerts/id403037266 Pilling Up These popular mobile apps for earthquake warnings are proof of how seriously digital preparedness is moving towards 2025-2026. The built-in Android quake alerts system still stands apart for its speed and freedom from third-party dependencies. Tools like MyShake, My Earthquake Alerts, and LastQuake help both Android and iOS users stay informed, while QuakeFeed rounds out the lineup for those on iOS alone. All in all, these apps continue widening the scope of how communities brace for the next earthquake. Read more: Find Bus Routes in Dhaka with 6 Android Apps          

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang held separate meetings Wednesday with President Donald Trump and Republican senators, as tech leaders push for policies favorable to the fast-growing artificial intelligence sector — including permission to sell some of Nvidia’s top chips to competitors such as China. Huang’s closed-door briefing with GOP members of the Senate Banking Committee came as lobbying efforts and investment in AI surge, with companies projecting sweeping impacts from the technology. He and other Silicon Valley leaders argue that excessive restrictions could slow innovation, even as U.S. officials grow increasingly wary of China’s use of American hardware. Speaking before his Capitol Hill meetings, Huang reiterated support for export controls while insisting U.S. firms must retain global competitiveness. He said limiting chip performance for Chinese buyers would only push them away without hindering Beijing’s progress. Huang confirmed he also discussed export rules with Trump earlier in the day. The Trump administration in May rolled back Biden-era limits that blocked chip exports to many countries, and later approved a revenue-sharing deal allowing Nvidia and AMD to sell in China under a 15% U.S. government cut — a move that divided lawmakers. Congress broadly views high-end chip sales to China as a national security concern and has floated numerous AI-related bills this year. Sam Altman issues ‘Code Red’ to boost ChatGPT as AI competition intensifies Republican senators described the discussion with Huang as constructive, though some remained cautious. Sen. Mike Rounds said the dialogue on AI policy was “healthy,” while acknowledging differing views on export strategy. Sen. John Kennedy rejected Huang’s credibility outright, saying his financial stake made him an unsuitable adviser on China policy. Democrats, excluded from the meeting, criticized Huang’s decision to meet only with Republicans. Sen. Elizabeth Warren said she wants the Nvidia chief to testify publicly and explain why his company supports chip access for Chinese manufacturers over U.S. firms seeking the same technology. Source: AP 

The year 2025 has already transformed the smartphone landscape with massive leaps in AI integration, professional-grade cameras, and elite gaming performance. As the last month of the year, December continues this legacy. If you still wish to upgrade your smartphone or want to buy an additional device, now is the time. Manufacturers are ending the year with their most innovative work yet. Let's dive into the best 10 smartphones arriving in December 2025, which are absolutely worth the wait and the hype. Top 10 Upcoming Smartphones in December 2025 . Huawei Mate X7 The Huawei Mate X7, released on November 25, 2025, is a premium foldable built with aerospace-grade aluminum and a lightweight 235 g body. It features an 8-inch LTPO OLED foldable display plus a bright 6.49-inch cover screen protected by Kunlun Glass 2.  Powered by the Kirin 9030 Pro and HarmonyOS 6.0, it offers up to 1TB storage and 20GB RAM. Its triple-camera setup includes a 50MP variable aperture main lens, periscope zoom, and ultrawide sensor, with 4K video on both rear and selfie cameras. A 5525mAh battery supports 66W wired and 50W wireless charging. The Mate X7 is priced at 260,000 BDT.  Read more: 10 Popular Room Heater Models for Bangladeshi Homes within 10000 Taka in 2025-26 OnePlus Ace 6T The OnePlus Ace 6T, expected to debut in December 2025, is shaping up to be a powerful flagship alternative with a premium build featuring Crystal Shield Glass and an aluminium alloy frame, along with IP68/IP69K protection. Its large 6.83-inch LTPO AMOLED display delivers a silky 165 Hz refresh rate with Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support.  Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 and running ColorOS 16 on Android 16, it promises top-tier performance. The dual-camera setup includes a 50MP OIS main sensor and an ultrawide lens, while the 16MP selfie camera handles 4K video. With up to 1TB storage, 16GB RAM, and a massive 8300mAh battery with 100W charging, the Ace 6T offers excellent value at 120,000 BDT.  Honor Magic 8 Pro (Global) The Honor Magic 8 Pro was first launched in China in October 2025, and its global version arrived in South Asian markets at the end of November. The phone features a premium design with NanoCrystal Shield protection and IP68/IP69K durability. Its 6.71-inch LTPO OLED display delivers 120Hz smoothness and an impressive 6000-nit peak brightness.  Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and Android 16, it ensures flagship-level performance. The triple camera setup includes a 50MP main sensor, a powerful 200MP periscope lens, and a 50MP ultrawide. With up to 16GB RAM, 1TB storage, a 7100mAh battery, and 100W fast charging, it launches globally at 100,000 BDT.  Read more: Popular Home Geysers (Water Heaters) Available in Bangladesh in 2025-26 Huawei Mate 80 The Huawei Mate 80, released on November 25, 2025, arrives as a solid flagship alternative, priced at 85,000 BDT in Bangladesh. It features a sleek glass-and-aluminium design with IP68/IP69 protection and a vibrant 6.75-inch LTPO OLED display guarded by Kunlun Glass 2. Powered by the Kirin 9020 and HarmonyOS 6.0, it delivers smooth, efficient performance.  The triple-camera setup includes a versatile 50MP main sensor, a 12MP periscope lens, and a 40MP ultrawide, while the 13MP selfie camera supports AF and 4K video. With up to 16GB RAM, 512GB storage, and a 5750mAh battery supported by 66W fast charging, the Mate 80 blends reliability with premium flair.  Xiaomi Poco F8 Pro The Xiaomi Poco F8 Pro, launched on November 26, 2025, delivers flagship performance at an excellent value, priced at 75,000 BDT. It sports a sleek glass-and-aluminium design with IP68 water resistance and Gorilla Glass 7i protection. The 6.59-inch AMOLED display offers 120 Hz smoothness, Dolby Vision, and an impressive 3500-nit peak brightness.  Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite and running Android 16 with HyperOS 3, it ensures fast, responsive performance. The triple-camera setup includes a 50MP main sensor, a 50MP telephoto lens with 2.5x optical zoom, and an 8MP ultrawide. With up to 12GB RAM, 512GB UFS 4.1 storage, and a 6210mAh battery supporting 100W fast charging, the F8 Pro feels like a flagship without the flagship price.  Read more: Top 10 Upcoming Smartphones in November 2025 Sharp Aquos Sense10 The Sharp Aquos Sense10, expected to be released in December 2025, offers a compact and durable design with IP68 protection and full MIL-STD-810 certification, making it surprisingly rugged for its price. Its 6.1-inch LTPO IGZO OLED display hits a smooth 240 Hz refresh rate and an impressive 2000-nit peak brightness.  Running Android 16 on the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3, it delivers efficient everyday performance. The dual 50MP rear cameras and a sharp 32MP selfie lens ensure clean, stable shots with gyro-EIS support. With up to 8GB RAM, 256GB storage, microSD expansion, a 5000mAh battery, and 36W charging, it is a reliable mid-range choice priced at 50,000 BDT.  Motorola Moto G57 Power The Motorola Moto G57 Power, expected to launch on December 3, 2025, is built for users who want long-lasting performance without breaking the bank. It features a sturdy design with Gorilla Glass 7i protection, a soft eco-leather back, and IP64 splash resistance. Its 6.72-inch 120 Hz display offers smooth visuals, while Android 16 paired with the Snapdragon 6s Gen 4 ensures reliable daily performance.  The phone includes a 50MP main camera, an 8MP ultrawide lens, and a decent 8MP selfie shooter. With storage options up to 256GB and 12GB RAM, plus a massive 7000mAh battery supported by 33W charging, it is a solid value at 40,000 BDT.  Read more: Samsung Galaxy M17 5G Review: Mid-Range Power with Premium Touch realme P4x 5G The realme P4x 5G, releasing on December 04, is shaping up to be an impressive budget-friendly device expected to cost around 20,000 BDT. It features a large 6.77-inch AMOLED display with a smooth 144 Hz refresh rate and Gorilla Glass protection. Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7400 Ultra and running Android 15, it promises efficient performance for everyday use.  The dual rear camera setup includes a 50MP main lens and an 8MP ultrawide sensor, while the 16MP selfie camera handles clean 1080p video. With 6GB RAM, 128GB UFS 3.1 storage, a massive 7000mAh battery with 45W fast charging, and a stylish punch-hole design, the P4x 5G looks like great value for its segment.  OnePlus 15R The OnePlus 15R, expected to launch in December 2025, is rumoured to bring strong flagship features with a clean, stylish design built around a glass front and aluminium alloy frame. It sports a compact 6.32-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a 120 Hz refresh rate, Dolby Vision, and Crystal Shield Glass protection.  Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and Android 15, it promises fast, efficient performance. The dual 50MP rear cameras and 16MP selfie shooter handle detailed photos and smooth 4K video. With up to 16GB RAM and as much as 1TB storage, plus a large 6260mAh battery with fast charging, the 15R looks promising.  Read more: Top Flagship Smartphones Released in 2025 So Far Honor 500 (China) The Honor 500 was launched in China on November 24, 2025. It comes with a sleek aluminium frame, a slim 7.8 mm profile, and strong IP68/IP69K protection. Its 6.55-inch AMOLED display hits an impressive 6000 nits peak brightness with 120 Hz smoothness. With the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 and Android 16, it delivers fast and efficient performance.  The phone features a sharp 200MP main camera and a 50MP selfie shooter, both capable of 4K video. With up to 16GB RAM, 512GB storage, and a massive 8000mAh battery supported by 80W fast charging, the Honor 500 easily stands out as a power-packed mid-flagship.  Verdict The list of new smartphone releases in December 2025 is packed with powerful devices, each offering unique strengths—from cutting-edge processors and flagship cameras to long-lasting batteries and stunning displays. Whatever you prefer, this month’s lineup delivers something for every user, making it an exciting time to upgrade your device.  Read more: Best 10 Smartphones Releasing in Bangladesh in October 2025

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has reportedly declared a “code red,” urging employees to prioritize upgrades to ChatGPT and temporarily halt work on other upcoming products, The Wall Street Journal said Monday. In an internal memo quoted by the paper, Altman called for major improvements to ChatGPT's speed, reliability and personalization capabilities. The urgency comes as the chatbot marks three years since its launch — a milestone that initially propelled OpenAI to the forefront of the global generative AI race. But that early lead is now pressured by competitors, especially Google, which last month rolled out Gemini 3, the newest version of its AI assistant. OpenAI did not comment publicly on the memo, which was also reported by The Information. Altman recently said ChatGPT now draws more than 800 million weekly users. Despite the massive user base and a $500 billion valuation, OpenAI remains unprofitable and has more than $1 trillion in long-term financial commitments to cloud providers and chip manufacturers essential to running its AI systems. Those escalating costs have heightened investor anxieties over a potential AI bubble and whether OpenAI can generate the revenue needed to satisfy key backers such as Oracle and Nvidia. Nick Turley, OpenAI’s vice president and head of ChatGPT, wrote on social media Monday that online search is one of the major opportunities the company is targeting as it works to make ChatGPT “even more intuitive and personal.” OpenAI, Foxconn partner to build AI hardware in US While OpenAI earns money from paid subscriptions, the majority of users rely on the free version. In October, the company launched its own web browser, Atlas, in a push to compete with Google Chrome as more users turn to AI for information. However, unlike Google, OpenAI has not yet ventured into advertising on ChatGPT. According to the Journal, Altman’s memo said the company is pausing development on advertising initiatives, AI health and shopping assistants, and a personal assistant tool known as Pulse. Source: AP 

India’s communications ministry has instructed smartphone makers to pre-install a government-run cybersecurity application on all new devices, a move that has sparked debate over data privacy in one of the world’s largest mobile markets. According to Monday’s directive, manufacturers must add the “Sanchar Saathi” app to every new handset within 90 days and ensure it cannot be deleted. The mandate also requires pushing the app onto existing phones through software updates, extending the requirement far beyond new models. Officials say the app — designed to help block fraud, track lost or stolen phones and shut down fake mobile connections — is crucial for telecom security. The government says it has already attracted over 5 million downloads and assisted in recovering more than 700,000 devices. But digital rights advocates warn the move undermines user consent and could open the door to expanded surveillance. MediaNama founder Nikhil Pahwa said that forcibly placing a government app on personal devices “takes away choice” and sets a precedent for future monitoring tools. Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia insisted Tuesday that the system remains “voluntary,” saying users can delete the app — though the order also instructs manufacturers not to restrict its core functions, leaving key questions unanswered. The policy may face resistance from global smartphone brands, including Apple, which prohibits pre-installing third-party apps, even from governments. Similar mandates in other countries have drawn criticism; Russia recently required all phones to pre-install the MAX messaging platform, which critics say facilitates state surveillance. Source: AP 

The rapid spread of artificial intelligence carries major risks for people already struggling in a digital world, a new United Nations Development Program (UNDP) report warns. While AI offers vast potential, the benefits are likely to flow disproportionately to wealthier nations unless deliberate steps are taken to ensure inclusive access to technology and essential services. Released Tuesday, the report compares today’s moment to the industrial revolution’s “Great Divergence,” when Western nations surged ahead as others lagged behind. It argues that despite the focus on productivity and economic growth, the real issue is AI’s impact on human lives. Lead author Michael Muthukrishna stressed the need to prioritize people over technology. Communities lacking electricity, connectivity and digital skills — including the elderly, displaced populations and those hit by climate disasters — risk being excluded and overlooked in data systems powering AI tools. AI could significantly improve farming advice, medical diagnoses, disaster forecasting and poverty assessment. Yet concerns persist even in developed countries over energy-intensive data centers, rising carbon emissions, privacy threats and the spread of deepfakes and cyberattacks. The report notes that while advanced Asian economies such as China, Japan, South Korea and Singapore are positioned to benefit, others — including Afghanistan, Maldives and Myanmar — lack the necessary infrastructure and expertise. Nearly a quarter of the Asia-Pacific region is still offline. How AI is changing the way consumers shop this holiday season UNDP economist Philip Schellekens warned that without urgent action to close digital gaps, millions could be locked out of digital payments, IDs, education and economic opportunity. He underscored the need for transparency, regulation and protections against bias and surveillance. The report concludes that AI is becoming as essential as electricity or roads, calling on governments to invest in digital infrastructure, training and fair competition to ensure every community can share in the technology’s benefits. Source: AP 

Bitcoin and cryptocurrency-linked firms deepened a nearly two-month decline on Monday, mirroring a wider sell-off in tech stocks that many analysts view as overpriced. Bitcoin dropped 5.6%—after tumbling nearly 12% earlier—ending the day just above $85,000. The world’s most heavily traded cryptocurrency has fallen about 33% since hitting a record high of $126,210.50 on Oct. 6, according to Coinbase. Its earlier surge from April had tracked the stock market and benefited from a shift toward more crypto-friendly sentiment in Washington. Companies tied to digital asset trading or that rely heavily on bitcoin holdings were hit hard in Monday’s decline. Coinbase Global fell 4.8%, Robinhood slid 4.1%, and bitcoin miner Riot Platforms lost 4%. Strategy, the largest “bitcoin treasury” firm that raises capital solely to buy bitcoin, dropped 3.3%. The company holds 649,870 bitcoins—worth about $55.7 billion as of 4 p.m. ET Monday. Strategy now predicts bitcoin will finish the year between $85,000 and $110,000, revising down its Oct. 30 target of $150,000. American Bitcoin, a company partly owned by Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr., plunged 15.6% and has shed nearly 47% of its value since Sept. 30. Other ventures linked to Donald Trump have also slid. The World Liberty Financial token, $WLFI, has fallen to roughly $4.14 billion in market value from more than $6 billion in mid-September, per coinmarketcap.com. Meanwhile, the Trump-themed meme coin, $TRUMP, trades at $5.70—far below its $45 price in the run-up to Trump’s inauguration. Spot bitcoin ETFs, which allow investors to gain bitcoin exposure without holding the asset directly, saw record outflows in November. Morningstar Direct reports investors withdrew $3.6 billion from these funds—the biggest monthly drop since they debuted in January 2024. Bitcoin futures have slumped nearly 24% over the past month, while gold futures are up about 7%. Analysts cite multiple forces behind the crypto slump, including a broader “risk-off” tone pushing investors toward safer assets like gold and bonds. Deutsche Bank noted that institutional selling, profit-taking by long-term holders, and a more hawkish Federal Reserve have added to the pressure. Uncertainty due to slow-moving crypto regulation has also weighed on sentiment. “While volatility is expected, the current conditions show that Bitcoin’s role in diversified portfolios is being tested—and it remains unclear whether this is a brief pullback or the beginning of a longer downturn,” Deutsche Bank analysts wrote. Regulatory developments have been mixed. The industry gained some momentum in July when Trump signed a law establishing basic rules and consumer protections for stablecoins. But a broader bill that would define the crypto market’s structure is stalled in the Senate, despite being a key priority for an industry that heavily backed Trump and his allies.

Major retailers and tech giants are rolling out new or upgraded artificial intelligence tools for the holiday shopping rush, aiming to make gift buying easier for customers and capture a bigger portion of online sales. AI-powered shopping is still in its early phase, but the tools launched by Walmart, Amazon and Google go far beyond the basic chatbots seen in previous years. These new assistants offer personalized recommendations, track prices and even place orders through open-ended conversations with shoppers. These features complement updates from platforms like ChatGPT and Google Gemini. One of the season’s most notable releases came from Google, which introduced an AI agent capable of calling local stores to check whether an item is in stock. Salesforce estimates that AI will shape about $73 billion, or 22%, of global sales between the Tuesday before Thanksgiving and the Monday after, said Caila Schwartz, the company’s director of consumer insights. That’s up from $60 billion last year and includes everything from AI-generated gift suggestions to product research done with ChatGPT. Even with these advances, AI’s overall influence on holiday shopping remains “fairly limited,” said Brad Jashinsky, senior retail analyst at Gartner. Many retailers still lack strong tools, and some shoppers are hesitant to use them. “The more retailers launch these tools, the better they get, and the more consumers get comfortable,” he said. “But it takes time for behavior to change.” Here are three ways AI is set to shape holiday shopping in 2025: 1. Moving beyond the search bar AI is helping shoppers find items faster with fewer clicks. ChatGPT now generates personalized buying guides using product pages, reviews, prices and a user's past activity. The feature works well for complex items such as electronics or detailed categories like beauty and sports gear. Amazon’s AI assistant, Rufus, remembers personal details shared earlier — such as a customer saying they have four children who enjoy board games — and uses browsing history and reviews to tailor suggestions. Google’s AI Mode search tool now understands detailed natural-language questions. For example, shoppers can describe the type of sweater they want, when and where they plan to wear it, and receive refined suggestions from Google’s 50 billion product listings. The tool also generates comparison charts for prices, features and reviews, reducing the need for manual filtering. Walmart’s AI assistant Sparky offers recommendations by occasion and summarizes user reviews. Target has added an AI gift finder in its app that uses prompts like the recipient’s age or hobbies. 2. Improved price tracking tools Price tracking features are expanding beyond long-standing services like CamelCamelCamel and Honey. Amazon has introduced a 90-day price history tracker and budget-based price alerts. Google upgraded its basic tracker to allow filters such as size and color, while Microsoft’s Copilot has released its own tracker. Jason Goldberg, chief commerce strategy officer at Publicis Groupe, expects the new tools to push retailers to stay competitive. “Many shoppers who never used price alerts before will start to discover them,” he said. 3. New ways to complete purchases Tech companies are racing to enable seamless AI-driven checkout without requiring shoppers to visit retailer websites. OpenAI now offers instant checkout for items recommended by ChatGPT. Shoppers can buy products from Etsy sellers and select Shopify brands including Glossier, Skims and Spanx. A partnership between OpenAI and Walmart will let ChatGPT users shop nearly Walmart’s entire online catalog through instant checkout, except for fresh food. The system currently supports only single-item purchases. Target’s integration with ChatGPT allows shoppers to fill a cart with multiple items — even fresh food — but payment must be completed through the Target app. Companies are also experimenting with autonomous AI agents that can make purchases independently. Amazon is testing an “auto buy” feature through Rufus, where the assistant completes a purchase once a tracked item reaches a shopper’s preferred price. Customers are notified afterward and can cancel within a limited time. Google’s price tracker includes a “buy for me” function that automatically pays through Google Pay when the price matches the shopper’s conditions, currently available for select merchants like Wayfair, Chewy and Quince. Google has also expanded its automated calling tool, allowing AI to phone local stores on behalf of users to check for inventory. The system discloses it is an AI caller, and stores can opt out. The feature currently focuses on toys, beauty products and electronics. Walmart and Target have not said whether they plan to adopt similar tools. END/UNB/FH/1829 Hrs  

When the temperature starts to drop across Bangladesh, many people, especially children and elderly people, suffer from cold-related illnesses. A warm and cosy room can prevent such infections. That is why a room heating machine becomes essential during the cold months. Nowadays many reputed brands like Walton, Vision, Miyako, and several others offer quality room heaters under 10,000 Taka. This guide highlights ten popular models that can bring warmth, safety, and value to your home.  10 Room Heater Models for Bangladeshi Homes within BDT 10000 . Zaiko Ceramic Room Heater (1890) 2200 watts The Zaiko Room Heater 1890, priced at BDT 10,000, is a solid pick for anyone looking to stay warm during Bangladesh’s chilly winter months. Its 2200W PTC ceramic heating warms up quickly, and the LED display plus remote control make it easy to adjust from anywhere in the room.  The wide oscillation and temperature control help spread heat evenly, while the auto shut-off adds peace of mind. With its sleek black tower look and a 1-year service warranty, it is a dependable option for everyday comfort.   Read more: Popular Home Geysers (Water Heaters) Available in Bangladesh in 2025-26 Xiaomi Mijia Electric Heater Fan 2000W The Xiaomi Mijia Electric Heater Fan (2000W) is a stylish and efficient heating option. With graphene rapid heating, 70° oscillation, and intelligent thermostat control, it ensures quick and even warmth across rooms up to 1,400 sq. ft.  Controlled via the Mi Home app, it offers multiple modes and smart safety features. Weighing only 2.3 kg and priced at BDT 9,600, this compact heater combines performance and convenience, backed by a 7-day seller warranty.  Rowa Ceramic Room Heater 2000-Watt - 1591 The Rowa Ceramic Room Heater 2000W (Model 1591), priced at BDT 8,000, is an excellent choice for homes seeking efficient and stylish warmth. Featuring automatic overheat protection, variable thermostat control, and 90° oscillation, it ensures safe and even heating across the room.  Its lightweight 2 kg design and durable metal-plastic build make it both portable and sturdy. Backed by a 12-month service warranty, the Rowa 1591 offers reliable, energy-efficient comfort for cold winter days.  Read more: Top 10 Upcoming Smartphones in November 2025 Walton WRH-PTC302W Priced at BDT 7,500, this wall-mounted PTC ceramic room heater is another excellent mid-range option for household uses. It offers dual heating modes, fan mode, temperature control, and wide-angle oscillation for balanced warmth.  Convenience features like a 24-hour timer, weekly program, LED display, and window-open function make it highly user-friendly. With enhanced safety through overheat protection and child-lock, it delivers reliable performance and modern functionality within budget. Conion BE-1200N Room Heater The Conion BE-1200N Room Heater is a dependable winter essential for Bangladeshi homes. Its 1000W–2000W heat power, automatic oscillation, and thermal cut-out protection ensure efficient and safe heating for bedrooms or living rooms.  Designed with a VDE round plug, portable handle, and power indicator, it offers both convenience and reliability. Backed by a 1-year service warranty, it is priced at BDT 7,200. This heater provides excellent value for households seeking steady warmth within budget.  Read more: Top Home Electronics in Bangladesh: Simplify Your Life with These Smart Devices Vision Room Comforter - Wall Mount 873279  The VISION Room Comforter Wall Mount is also a stylish and efficient heating solution. With dual heating powers (1000W/2000W), a PTC ceramic element, and remote control, it ensures customisable warmth and safety.  Features like a 24-hour timer, child lock, and overheat protection make it family-friendly, priced at BDT 5,900. The wall-mount design saves space, while the LED display and glass panel add elegance. Backed by a 1-year service warranty, it is perfect for modern households.  Red Swiss Ceramic Portable Room Heater with Thermostat and Oscillation 2000W The Red Swiss Ceramic Portable Room Heater (2000W) is a powerful and stylish tower heater ideal for Bangladeshi homes. With PTC ceramic heating, fast warm-up, and oscillation, it heats rooms quickly and evenly, priced at BDT 5,900.  Safety features like tip-over and overheat protection make it family-friendly, while its quiet 35 dB operation ensures peaceful use. Offering an adjustable thermostat and fan/warm/hot modes, this compact floor-mounted heater delivers excellent performance within budget.  Read more: CCTV Camera Buying Guide and Price Ranges in Bangladesh Miyako Electric Room Heater PTC-602 The Miyako PTC602 Electric Room Heater is a reliable and efficient heating option for Bangladeshi households. With fan, warm, and hot modes, a PTC ceramic heating element, and overheat protection, it ensures safe and consistent performance. Its 70° oscillation and automatic thermostat help distribute heat evenly across the room.  Weighing just 2 kg, it is highly portable and convenient, priced at BDT 5,710. Backed by a 6-month service warranty, it offers solid value within budget.  RAF 2000W Portable Ceramic Room Heater with Thermostat The RAF 2000W Portable Ceramic Room Heater is a stylish and efficient heating option for Bangladeshi homes. With rapid ceramic heating, auto oscillation, and an adjustable thermostat (50°F–99°F).  Priced at BDT 5,650, it ensures personalised comfort. Safety is enhanced through overheat and tip-over protection and V0 flame-retardant materials. Its touch control and 3D realistic flame add a modern touch, making it both functional and visually appealing. A great value pick for winter warmth.  Read more: Top Smart TV Picks: Ultimate Buyer’s Guide in Bangladesh NOVA Remote Control Room Heater NH-1202A The NOVA NH-1202A Fan Heater, priced at BDT 5,250, is a practical and budget-friendly heating option. With 2000W power, dual heat settings (1000W/2000W), and cold/warm/hot wind modes, it offers versatile use throughout the year.  Features like an adjustable thermostat, overheat protection, safety fuse, and a carry handle ensure convenience and safety. Though non-remote, its durable build and efficient performance make it a dependable winter companion.  Miyako 4-in-1 Electric Room Heater YAS-1418 The Miyako 4-in-1 Electric Room Heater (Model YAS-1418) is a compact and efficient option for Bangladeshi homes. Priced at BDT 4,700, it features fan, warm, and hot modes, along with overheat protection and PTC ceramic heating elements, and it delivers safe and reliable warmth.  Its 70° oscillation and adjustable thermostat ensure even heat distribution. Weighing only 2.5 kg, it is easy to move and ideal for small rooms. Backed by a 6-month service warranty, it offers excellent value for money.  Read more: Freezer Buying Guide and Price Ranges in Bangladesh Final Words Choosing the right room heater within a 10,000 Taka budget is easier than ever, thanks to the variety of efficient and reliable models available in Bangladesh. Whether you need wall-mounted, ceramic, fan-based, or smart heaters, each option offers solid performance and safety features. These room heating appliances ensure warm, comfortable winters without overspending—making them excellent value for any household. 

Mexico announced plans Wednesday to construct what it says will be Latin America’s most powerful supercomputer, aiming to boost the country’s artificial intelligence capabilities and vastly expand its data processing capacity. The supercomputer, named “Coatlicue” after the Mexica goddess regarded as the earth mother, is expected to be seven times more powerful than the current regional leader in Brazil, according to José Merino, head of Mexico’s Telecommunications and Digital Transformation Agency. President Claudia Sheinbaum, an academic and climate scientist, said the project’s location has not yet been finalized, but construction is slated to begin next year. She emphasized that the initiative will enable Mexico to fully leverage AI and process massive datasets that are currently beyond the country’s computational reach. Mexico’s existing top supercomputer operates at 2.3 petaflops—capable of performing 2.3 quadrillion calculations per second. By contrast, Coatlicue is projected to reach 314 petaflops, a transformative leap in computing power for the nation. The government frames the project as a strategic investment in technology infrastructure, ensuring Mexico remains competitive in emerging AI research and other high-performance computing applications.