WhatsApp end-to-end encryption “completely unacceptable” warns home secretary Amber Rudd March 26, 2017 Home secretary Amber Rudd has called end-to-end encryption on messaging services such as WhatsApp and iMessage “completely unacceptable” in the wake of the terrorist attack on Parliament. “There should be no place for terrorists to hide,” she said, speaking on the BBC’s Andrew Marr Show, responding to reports that the attacker Khalid Masood used the [...]
How banks are benefiting from fintech innovation March 22, 2017 Digital disruption powered by nimble startups has bitten at the heels of many large financial organisations, but now the banking behemoths are striking back. Fintech’s first wave was all about new names targeting businesses and consumers with services like money transfer, foreign currency exchange, and even loans. We now live in a world where Apple, [...]
From Google to the Palace of Westminster: Here’s how much energy organisations get through in a year March 22, 2017 The Palace of Westminster’s annual energy consumption could power around 4,000 UK homes for a year. And that’s small fry compared to Google, which could power every home in the capital for five months, according to GoCompare Energy. The comparison site has conducted research on the annual energy usage of organisations like the Palace of [...]
Brexit will force Ireland to reconsider its own EU membership March 22, 2017 Despite the fact that Theresa May said she would trigger Article 50 before the end of March many months ago, the reality of it happening a week today will be a final wake-up call to governments across Europe – and no more so than in Dublin. The pressure for Ireland to reconsider its future in [...]
Apple’s British design chief Jonny Ive invests in tech accessory startup that counts Victoria Beckham and Beyonce among customers March 19, 2017 A London-based phone case startup, that counts Victoria Beckham and Beyonce as customers, has attracted investment from Apple's British design chief Sir Jonathan Ive. Chaos, a fashion consultancy run by Charlotte Stockdale and Katie Lyall, has launched a tech accessory division which includes products like a £185 personalised initial case and a £170 phone cover that has [...]
Nokia charms consumers with the revival of its retro-style 3310 handset March 17, 2017 Ordinarily, when a new device hits the market, the talk is of innovation and revolutionary new features. However, the big story in the tech sector in recent weeks has been Nokia’s reincarnation of its 3310 phone. The original handset was wildly popular in the early 2000s, characterised by its long battery life and its popular game [...]
Digital challenger Starling Bank is launching in beta March 16, 2017 A digital challenger bank founded by a former banker is a step closer to launch today. Starling bank's current account will now be available for anyone who wants to sign up to its beta testing programme. “Our vision at Starling is to give everyone in the world the opportunity to enjoy a healthy financial life. [...]
Apple’s move to Battersea Power Station sparks hopes of paying off infrastructure debt early March 15, 2017 The council leader heading up the development around the Battersea Power Station is hoping a possible boost to business rates income from Apple’s move to the site could help pay for the Northern Line extension early. The funding for the Northern line extension, which will create two new tube stations at Nine Elms and Battersea Power Station, [...]
Cheltenham Festival 2017: Buveur D’Air lands sixth Champion Hurdle for Nicky Henderson March 14, 2017 Trainer Nicky Henderson savoured a record-breaking sixth Champion Hurdle triumph after Buveur D’Air won the showpiece on day one of the Cheltenham Festival on Tuesday. The 5/1 second favourite romped home by four and a half lengths to give jockey Noel Fehily a brace of victories in the race and bring up a half-century of [...]
Sheepland, a sheep café, could be opening in London thanks to a crowdfunding campaign March 14, 2017 Ewe might find it difficult to believe, but London could be getting its first ever sheep cafe – and they’ve launched a crowdfunding campaign to fund it. Not a baaad idea… In its listing on Indiegogo, the team behind Sheepland say they want customers to experience nature in the middle of a big city. Some [...]