How coronavirus could cause a global recession February 28, 2020 Covid-19 has dominated news headlines since mid-January. The human and social costs have been heavy, disrupting the normality of life primarily in China but also around the world. Now the recent outbreaks in Italy, Iran and South Korea have ignited fears of a global pandemic, and in response major equity indices have plummeted by nearly [...]
Apple receives bloody nose over Chinese censorship policies February 26, 2020 Apple’s shareholders today launched an unsuccessful proposal critical of the firm’s removal of apps at the request of the Chinese government, despite garnering two-fifths of investors’ support. The proposal drew a much higher proportion of votes than similar proposals in previous years which had gained support only in single-digit percentages. The bid had called on [...]
Microsoft downgrades Windows and Surface outlook on coronavirus outbreak February 26, 2020 Microsoft has said it won’t meet parts of its quarterly guidance following the coronavirus outbreak. The downgrade relates to its More Personal Computing segment, which Microsoft had previously forecast to report between $10.75bn (£8.33bn) and $11.15bn in revenue for the upcoming quarter. “Although we see strong Windows demand in line with our expectations, the supply chain is returning [...]
Breaking: Disney chief executive quits February 25, 2020 Disney’s chief executive has stepped down with immediate effect and been replaced by the head of its theme parks division, as the entertainment giant pivots towards streaming. The world’s largest media company late last night made the unexpected announcement that chief executive officer (CEO) Bob Iger has resigned after 15 years at the helm. Bob [...]
Harvey Weinstein found guilty in landmark rape trial February 24, 2020 Disgraced Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein has been convicted of sexual assault and rape in a landmark case that inspired the #MeToo movement. A New York jury today found the producer guilty of sexually assaulting former production assistant Mimi Haleyi in 2006 and raping aspiring actress Jessica Mann in 2013. He faces up to 25 years [...]
Alphabet drops out of trillion-dollar club amid coronavirus rout February 24, 2020 Google parent company Alphabet has dropped out of the prestigious trillion-dollar club after fears over the coronavirus outbreak prompted a wider global sell-off. Shares in Alphabet dropped almost four per cent in New York trading this afternoon, taking its market capitalisation to just below $980bn (£758bn). The fall came amid a wider decline across stock [...]
Disney Plus UK: Everything you need to know (and why The Simpsons is missing) February 24, 2020 Eager film and TV fans can today get their hands on a discounted Disney Plus subscription ahead of the streaming service’s UK launch next month, while the media giant has given subscribers a taste of its content slate. How much does it cost? Disney Plus today announced that customers can sign up for an introductory [...]
Escalating coronavirus cases drag down European stocks February 21, 2020 The FTSE 100 fell today as European stocks slipped into the red on news that coronavirus cases outside of mainland China are escalating. London’s blue-chip index dropped 0.63 per cent in early trading to leave the FTSE 100 at 7,390 points. European stocks also retreated into the red. Germany’s Dax dipped 0.2 per cent while [...]
The best cycling gear of 2020: Here’s how to get the most out of your ride February 20, 2020 The storms have passed, the skies are clearing and your excuses for not getting back on your bike are evaporating like so many brown puddles. Whether you’re commuting along cycle superhighways, or just looking to take your bike for a spin through the countryside, here’s our pick of the best (or most interesting) cycling gear [...]
Call of the Wild review: A heartwarming trek through the uncanny valley February 20, 2020 Throughout his acting career, Harrison Ford has built a reputation for acting alongside large hairy things, whether they be a Wookiee copilot or Sean Connery at peak beard. Now the man stars alongside Buck, a sled dog made not of flesh and bone but a veil of polygons, generated by powerful graphics processors and wrapped [...]