Samsung Pay launches in China following Apple Pay but faces Alibaba’s AliPay, Tencent’s WeChat Pay and other homegrown rivals March 29, 2016 Samsung will let its smartphone users in China pay with just a swipe of their mobile as it launches Samsung Pay in the country in a partnership with China UnionPay. Samsung follows Apple, which launched in China in February – also with UnionPay – and counted 3m cards set up with Apple Pay within the first two days. Samsung Pay will [...]
Cyber security: Business leaders are inadvertently leaving their companies open to threats from social engineering March 29, 2016 Cyber criminals are increasingly turning to social media to mine valuable information on targets, with many high-profile business figures inadvertently revealing more than they should, a report out today has found. The study by Digitalis Reputation discovered that, although 62 per cent of businesses offer staff advice on digital security and the kinds of personal information [...]
Facebook-owned Oculus starts shipping Rift virtual reality headsets March 28, 2016 Deliveries of Oculus Rift headsets began today, with the virtual reality gear shipping to more than 20 countries and regions. The company said the first to receive the new gadgets will be those who invested in Oculus during its crowdfunding campaign, conducted via Kickstarter. The firm will then start shipping pre-ordered Rifts mid-week. Social media [...]
Kanye West quietly released a new version of single Famous on Apple Music, Spotify and Google Play, not Tidal which has The Life of Pablo album exclusive March 28, 2016 Kanye West has turned to Apple Music, Spotify and Google Play, making just a single song, Famous, available on the music streaming sites after his latest album was exclusively released on smaller rival service Tidal. The singer's latest album, The Life of Pablo, was released on the Jay Z-owned streaming service in February. But now, West has changed his tune, [...]
Pandora shares are tumbling after naming founder Tim Westergren chief executive March 28, 2016 Shares in the the US-based internet radio company Pandora tumbled after announcing the exit of its chief executive and return of the company's founder to replace him. Brian McAndrews is exiting the media company and will be replaced by founder Tim Westergren who served as boss in its early days until 2004. Shares were down more than 10 per cent in pre-market [...]
NTT Data buys Dell IT services business for $3bn ahead of EMC deal approval March 28, 2016 Japan's NTT has snapped up part of Dell's IT business for more than $3bn (£2.1bn) giving the US firm more cash to fund its $67bn takeover of EMC. For NTT, Japan's largest IT firm, the acquisition gives the company a firmer footing in the US market. It will take on more than 28,000 Dell workers in North America [...]
Apple’s iOS 9.3 update has a bug that can freeze and crash iPhones and iPads when clicking links via Safari, Mail, Message and other apps March 28, 2016 The latest update from Apple which is meant to bring users a host of new features is also bringing with it unexpected problems. iPhone and iPad users have reported issues when they update to iOS 9.3, the newest operating system for Apple devices, which is leaving them unable to click on links in internet browsers [...]
Tech, media and telecoms executives concerned workforces won’t be able to keep up with technological advancements March 24, 2016 Technology, media and telecoms (TMT) executives are worried their workforces won't be able to keep up with technological advancements, according to a new report. PwC found TMT bosses are positive about the prospect of new developments driving revenue growth. But one of the top threats facing their growth prospects is a “shortage of tech-savvy skilled workers who can keep up with [...]
Met police commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe sparks backlash over cybercrime comments made to The Times March 24, 2016 Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe, the Metropolitan police commissioner, sparked an immediate backlash after he suggested banks should consider no longer refunding online fraud victims. While discussing how banks could improve security awareness, Britain's most senior police officer told The Times that the system of refunds "rewards" customers. "The system is not incentivising you to protect yourself. If [...]
Fintech powerlist: These are the most influential people in UK fintech on social media March 24, 2016 It's created billion-dollar startups, attracted record investment and is keeping major banks on their toes – London fintech is having its moment in the sun and there are some crucial influencers making that happen. These are the movers, the shakers, the doers and builders, and the people you need to know in the world of London [...]