Cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology to face probe by UK’s Treasury Select Committee February 22, 2018 The Treasury Select Committee will today launch an inquiry into cryptocurrencies like bitcoin and distributed ledger technology as it aims to walk the line between regulating digital currencies and supporting innovation. MPs will examine the role of digital currencies in the UK, including the risks they pose to consumers, business and the government. They will [...]
Transport for London wants access to Uber’s greatest competitive asset – the swathes of data that underpins its success February 22, 2018 Efficiently matching supply with demand is the bread and butter of tech platforms operating in the gig economy. AirBnb matches spare rooms with short-term renters. Deliveroo matches restaurants with hungry consumers, via a network of riders. Uber matches car owners with people who need lifts. Each transaction creates rich data. When processed, that data becomes [...]
Fears of evil innovations are as wrong as they’ve always been February 22, 2018 Whenever an impressive new technology comes along, people rush to imagine the havoc it could wreak on society – and they overreact. In the sixteenth century, parliament banned mechanical gig mills, and the hosiers guild ran William Lee out of Britain for inventing a better knitting frame. In the early nineteenth century, Luddite stocking knitters [...]
Sevilla 0, Manchester United 0: David de Gea rescues United with stunning one-handed save as Reds play out stalemate in Spain February 21, 2018 Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho shrugged off a lack of attacking intent and declared himself satisfied after his side ground out a goalless draw against Sevilla in their Champions League last-16 first-leg clash. Sevilla lacked conviction and ruthlessness, reflected by the La Liga outfit having 25 shots without ever really threatening to overpower United, who [...]
Chris Tremlett: White ball-only contracts are the future of English cricket February 21, 2018 Alex Hales and Adil Rashid opting to sign white ball-only contracts with their counties has caused a stir but I say fair play to the pair of them – they certainly won’t be the last players to concentrate solely on limited-overs cricket. I understand the fuss, which is accentuated by Hales and Rashid having played [...]
US Federal Reserve minutes signal growing confidence in raising interest rates as US economy picks up February 21, 2018 The Federal Reserve’s rate-setting committee signalled a more upbeat mood surrounding inflation in the minutes of its January meeting released today, with growing confidence in raising interest rates. Most believed that inflation will pick up. It is likely to firm up expectations that the new Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell will raise interest rates next [...]
Nintendo Labo hands-on preview: Can cardboard really be the next step for Nintendo? February 21, 2018 Cardboard. Often seen mashed into a pulpy brown rectangle on the side of a rain-soaked street or driven through at high speed by a getaway driver fleeing a daring museum heist, this ubiquitous corrugated material has permeated modern life in a way that few others can boast. Tin had a good run. Stainless steel is [...]
Bank of America extends lease on London headquarters for another 10 years in commitment to UK post-Brexit February 21, 2018 Bank of America has extended the lease on its City headquarters by a decade in a sign the lender is committing to the UK with Brexit looming. A spokesperson confirmed to City A.M. today that the bank had extended its lease by 10 years to 2032, with Britain set to leave the EU in 2019, [...]
Billionaire’s paradise: Ever wanted to own a private island in the Caribbean? Here’s your chance to be the Branson of the Bahamas. February 21, 2018 When asked what they would do if they had all the money in the world, most people put buying a private island at the top of the list. Sadly, these dreams usually go unrealised, because most people aren’t eye-wateringly rich, and because even if they were, they rarely come up for sale. It’s especially rare [...]
Official document confirms government plans to soften end date for transition period after Brexit February 21, 2018 The UK government has softened its position around how long a Brexit transition period should last, with official government documents calling on the EU to rethink its stance that transition should end on New Year’s Eve 2020. The document, published by the Foreign Office today, states: “The UK believes the period’s duration should be determined [...]