The “forgotten middle” is essential for creating Britain’s truly digital workforce October 13, 2016 The pace of innovation in technology is as exciting as it can be daunting. While the "digital native" generation seems to have little trouble keeping up with new tech developments, a lack of investment in digital skills is fostering a society of "digital consumers" rather than "digital creators". Last week, secretary for culture, media and sport Karen Bradley [...]
The Apple store: first look at the iconic Regent Street space, filled with trees, gadgets and polished rock October 13, 2016 The Apple Store – now just called Apple – on Regent Street will reopen on Saturday after a multi-million pound refit by architects Foster + Partners. The new shop banishes the famous glass staircase, instead opening up the space with a tree-lined central “boulevard”. There is also a living wall, a giant screen and an upstairs [...]
Tax Uber more and cut black cab fares, think tank tells London mayor October 13, 2016 The Mayor of London has the power to make Uber pay more taxes and the city's iconic black cab drivers should reduce night time fares to compete, according to a new report calling for a major shake up of London's cab industry. A maximum working day of 12 hours should be imposed on Uber drivers and all black cab drivers [...]
Smoke and mirrors: Who’s responsible for greater transparency in equity crowdfunding? October 13, 2016 What's in store for crowdfunding now? The FCA has reached the final stages of its latest review of the rules governing the sector, and this comes at a critical time in the cycle, when many deals are starting to conclude (and failures are becoming painfully apparent). Moreover, investment volumes have fallen for the first time [...]
OnePlus 3 review: This Chinese-made phone is one of the best non-exploding Android handset on the market October 12, 2016 If you can keep your head, wrote Mister Kipling, while all around you phones are literally catching fire and exploding, then you can pretty much claim the Android throne unimpeded, my son. The new OnePlus 3 is, for its price (and for prices a great deal higher too), one of the best non-exploding Android phones [...]
Movie-length games: new titles you can play in under three hours, including That Dragon, Cancer and Virginia October 12, 2016 These movie-length games pack an emotional punch but won't lead to you getting a messy divorce because you neglected your family to farm credits to pay for a new colour of rocket launcher. That Dragon, Cancer Platform: iOS That Dragon, Cancer is less a game than an interactive art installation about a grieving family coming to [...]
Mafia III review: An evocative open-world shooter that’s only slightly more fun than a horse head in the bed October 12, 2016 Mafia III is the third instalment of a game franchise all about the mafia. This may sound a little glib, but here’s the thing: the implications of choosing a title as bold as ‘Mafia’ are significant. The word is laden with cliché. By using it, you’re invoking some of the most significant movies and novels [...]
A legal decision on the status of Uber drivers is imminent October 12, 2016 Uber drivers could receive a judgement as soon as today in a landmark legal case that could decide the status of millions of people working across the growing gig economy and potentially disrupt the billion dollar startup's business in Britain. An employment tribunal will make a decision based on the arguments of drivers, represented by law firm Leigh Day and [...]
Watch out Spotify? Amazon’s music streaming service has arrived October 12, 2016 Amazon will give Spotify and Apple a run for their money in the world of music streaming with the launch of a long-rumoured streaming service. Amazon Music Unlimited will offer access to music for as little as $3.99 (£3.26) per month in the US and is incorporating the service into its Prime offering, which already gives customers a vast array [...]
The government needs a robot strategy October 12, 2016 The government needs a robot strategy to unpick the impact that artificial intelligence (AI) will have on society, including the loss of jobs, a group of leading MPs have warned. The UK's reputation as a world leader in the field of robotics and AI technology should position the UK as a leader in examining the social and [...]