Deep Mind’s AlphaGo beats Go champion Lee Sedol in artificial intelligence milestone March 9, 2016 Google's Deepmind has triumphed over the champion player of the ancient Chinese game Go in a nail biting match, signalling a major milestone in the development of artificial intelligence. Google's AlphaGo was put to the test in the first of a series of games against one of the world's best players, Lee Sedol, in Seoul early this morning. The [...]
Tom Watson challenges George Osborne to review rise of robot workforce and impact on Britain’s economy March 8, 2016 Labour's deputy leader Tom Watson has accused the government of being unprepared for the rise of a robot workforce, suggesting a royal commission should be set up to investigate the impact of increasing automation ahead of the chancellor's budget next week. A new industrial strategy should be at the heart of the response to the increasing [...]
Aldi ramps up online ordering and home delivery after wine ecommerce success with “special buy” electricals and more March 8, 2016 After kicking off the year by dipping its toe in the water with wine, Aldi is now expanding its range of products available to order online for home delivery for the as the supermarket hailed its success. The German discounter which is challenging the big four bricks and mortar supermarkets revealed plans to challenge them in the online world [...]
Challenger bank Atom acqui-hires northern games developer Grasp ahead of launch to boost digital March 8, 2016 Challenger Atom Bank which plans to give the big four banks a run for their money, has bought a northern software developer which specialises in games and virtual reality development in an effort to boost its digital products ahead of its launch. Atom snapped up Grasp for an undisclosed sum after working with the Gateshead-based developer since 2014 to [...]
Here’s how Facebook is making the most detailed maps of the world’s population with artificial intelligence and solar-powered planes March 8, 2016 Facebook has revealed new images of its ambitious project to map the world's population using artificial intelligence and solar-powered planes. The video, published by Facebook boss Mark Zuckerberg, shows the incredibly detailed images of areas around the world where AI technology has enhanced even the most state of the art pictures we have had previously. State [...]
Specsavers chief optometrist warns e-cigarettes could be linked to dry eye and cause more serious sight loss March 8, 2016 Although tobacco smoking is still far riskier than vaping, Specsavers' expert optometrist has warned e-cigarette use can cause dry eyes and can also lead to macular degeneration. The ingredients contained in e-cigarettes can include formaldehyde, a carcinogen which has been shown to irritate the eyes, nose and throat in studies, while propylene glycol can also cause eye and respiratory irritation. [...]
A Justice League of tech is plotting against Donald Trump: Tim Cook, Elon Musk and Larry Page met with Republican politicians and Karl Rove to “plot to stop Trump” report claims March 8, 2016 Apple boss Tim Cook, Google's Larry Page and entrepreneur Elon Musk are among the biggest names in the tech industry to secretly meet and discuss presidential hopeful Donald Trump – and how to stop him – according to reports. The guest list at the secretive confab which took place over the weekend reads like a Justice League-style line-up [...]
DeepMind’s AlphaGo versus Go world champion Lee Sedol: Everything you need to know about the man versus machine showdown March 7, 2016 Artificial intelligence is about to face its biggest test to date. The AI software AlphaGo created by British-based Google-owned DeepMind will face its most challenging human foe yet – the champion player of the chess-like ancient Chinese game Go, Lee Sedol. Man and machine will meet for a five set game in Seoul starting this week. Representing the human corner is [...]
Apple will have to pay millions over ebook price-fixing after supreme court declines to hear case March 7, 2016 Apple will have to pay out $450m in a settlement over ebook price-fixing after losing a battle in the US courts. The supreme court declined to hear Apple's challenge to a previous ruling which found that the tech giant conspired with publishers to increase the price of ebooks. A New York court ruled in June last year that it [...]
BBVA acquires Finnish digital banking startup Holvi March 7, 2016 The Spanish bank BBVA which last year invested £45m for a stake in UK challenger bank Atom has snapped up a digital banking startup in Finland. Helsinki-founded Holvi, set up in 2011, has been acquired for an undisposed sum. "We’re excited about Holvi as we share a vision about the benefit of technology for the customer. They use [...]