Artificial intelligence and robots are one of the biggest technological risks to the world January 11, 2017 Artificial intelligence and robotics are one of the biggest potential risks to humankind of emerging technologies, according to a new report from the World Economic Forum. But, the development of such technology, which is expected to disrupt everything from the world of work to geopolitics, could also conversely bring the biggest benefits to the world. [...]
This noise-cancelling device means you can finally have office phone conversations in private January 11, 2017 Tired of leaping up from your desk every time you need to have a private phone conversation at the office? One company has unveiled the solution: a mask which absorbs your speech. The Hushme looks like a pair of headphones, but is designed to go around your mouth, absorbing noise so you can have conversations without your [...]
Spotify’s “Thanks 2016” campaign cues it up for a prosperous New Year January 11, 2017 In late November, streaming service Spotify launched a global advertising campaign under the banner “Thanks 2016: It’s been weird”. The campaign reflects on a turbulent 2016 by gently poking fun at the dubious streaming history of some of its users. One such example was the ad that featured on one of its UK billboards: “Dear 3,749 [...]
The spy who accelerated me: Meet the 7 startups fighting cybercrime with GCHQ January 11, 2017 Britain’s spymasters have selected seven startups to work “behind the wire” with the intelligence service in a bid to fight the growing threat of cyber attacks against UK business. A digital identification system which is secured via cryptographic technology and a system which uses neural networks to protect banks from being hacked are just two of [...]
Ready to get back on your bike? Here’s some top new cycling technology to enhance your daily commute January 10, 2017 Revolights 360 $199, revolights.com Front and rear mounted LEDs provide 360-degree visibility. Has the added side effect of making you look like you're in Tron. Ellipse Bike Lock $199, lattis.io The solar-powered Ellipse can only be unlocked with your smartphone and uses bank-level encryption to prevent Russian hackers from opening it. Theft alerts tell you [...]
Tough EU privacy rules could soon apply to WhatsApp, Facebook and Google January 10, 2017 Privacy laws which only apply to telecoms companies could soon be extended to cover newer digital services such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Google and Skype, in new proposals by the European Parliament. The e-privacy directive governs things such as the handling of data and making sure users consent to sharing information. Now Brussels wants to update the [...]
Another huge win for post-Brexit UK: Snapchat sets up international HQ January 10, 2017 Snap, the newly formed parent company of huge hit messaging app Snapchat, has chosen to set up its international headquarters in the UK in another boost for a post-Brexit UK. The multi-billion-dollar valued firm which is expected to go public this year will book its UK sales here, and those from countries where it has no [...]
A legal challenge against the Snooper’s Charter is being crowdfunded January 10, 2017 A privacy group is seeking to challenge the government's so-called Snooper's Charter that allows it to collect wide-ranging email and internet history data from citizens. Liberty is launching a crowdfunding campaign to raise funds for a legal challenge against the law's powers which it called "an unprecedented, unjustified assault on our freedom" in the High Court. The group, along [...]
Marissa Mayer to resign from Yahoo’s board after Verizon deal closes and Yahoo to change name to Altaba January 9, 2017 Yahoo chief executive Marissa Mayer will step down from the board after the tech giant completes its $4.8bn (£3.9bn) deal with Verizon. The holding company of Yahoo’s core assets will be called Altaba, it was revealed in a filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) late last night. Other senior executives set to resign from the [...]
Which UK regions are the greatest digital skills adopters? January 9, 2017 | City Talk Small businesses in London and Scotland are the biggest adopters of digital skills in the UK, reports the third annual Lloyds Banking Group Business Digital Index. The new data shows over 70% of small businesses in these areas have developed basic digital skills, compared with the UK average of 62%. However many have yet to develop a strategy for [...]