France plans to block Facebook libra in Europe September 12, 2019 France is reportedly planning to block the development of Facebook’s libra cryptocurrency. AFP reported that France will aim to prevent the social media giant expanding its payment project in Europe. Read more: Facebook libra: Could regulators crush Mark Zukerberg’s dream cryptocurrency? Facebook announced the libra project in June this year, saying it will be a [...]
Share boost for audio firm Focusrite as it dials up revenue forecast September 12, 2019 Shares in audio equipment manufacturer Focusrite rose more than six per cent this morning after it forecast full-year revenue ahead of expectations. Read more: Audioboom posts revenue surge as it doubles down on original podcasts Focusrite, which makes studio equipment such as microphones and equalisers, said it expected revenue of roughly £84m, up from £75.1m [...]
Seeing, but not believing: The threat from Deepfake videos September 12, 2019 Both traditional and social media lit up earlier this year following the launch of a ground-breaking campaign for charity Malaria No More which was fronted by David Beckham. In this 55-second video ad, the football star makes a passionate appeal for support. He makes it, however, in nine different languages. No, David Beckham has not [...]
MPs call for regulation of video game ‘loot boxes’ amid gambling concerns September 12, 2019 The government is facing calls to regulate so-called loot boxes in video games and ban their sale to children amid growing concern they are harming players. Loot boxes, which refer to in-game purchases that award players random items or modifications, have become increasingly prevalent in console and mobile games in recent years. Read more: Competition [...]
Prosus hits European big leagues with 25 per cent jump on debut September 11, 2019 Shares in Prosus, an early investor in Tencent, soared on its Amsterdam debut this morning as the company’s former parent priced it lower than the market. The firm jumped 25 per cent in its Amsterdam stock market debut earlier today, instantly becoming one of the biggest internet companies in Europe. Read more: Tencent posts profit [...]
Google Nest Hub Max review: The best smart home hub you can buy September 11, 2019 Last year’s Nest Hub placed the Google Assistant at the centre of the connected home, integrating a voice-activated speaker and display into a single device. It brought together disparate smart home services from competing companies – lightbulbs, locks, cameras and thermostats – into one easy to use dashboard, so you could control your house from [...]
Publishers hit out at ‘unscrupulous’ tech giants over digital ad market domination September 11, 2019 British news publishers have clashed with Silicon Valley tech giants amid a government probe into anti-competitive behaviour in the digital advertising market. Media organisations including the Daily Mail’s parent company and Channel 4 have launched blistering attacks on Facebook and Google over their monopoly power and “unscrupulous behaviour”. Read more: Competition watchdog launches probe into [...]
Apple TV Plus gives Netflix chills as it undercuts streaming rival September 11, 2019 Apple has turned up the heat on incumbent streaming firm Netflix, revealing its new Apple TV Plus service will launch with a price tag of just £4.99 per month. The Silicon Valley tech giant last night confirmed its eagerly-anticipated streaming platform will launch in 100 countries, including the UK, on 1 November. Read more: Apple [...]
ECSC shares rise as data breach fines get cyber consulting back on track September 11, 2019 Shares in ECSC rose more than three per cent this morning after the cybersecurity firm reported renewed demand for its consulting services division. Read more: ECSC revenues jump as it grows client base amid cybersecurity concerns The figures ECSC’s total revenue slipped marginally from £2.64m to £2.63m in the six months to the end of [...]
Uber and Lyft costs set to rise as California passes AB5 gig economy workers bill September 11, 2019 California has passed a controversial bill that means gig economy workers are set to be classified as full-time employees. The move, expected to be signed and passed into law by California governor Gavin Newsom, would pile pressure on companies like Uber and Lyft, which rely on self-employed workers. Read more: How Uber’s quiet cabs are [...]