April 28, 2023
Latest Tech Laws and Latest Online Rules
Here are some of the latest tech news things:
- EU proposes new copyright rules for generative AI. The European Union has proposed new copyright rules that would require companies to obtain licenses from copyright holders before using generative AI to create new content. The rules are aimed at protecting the rights of creators and ensuring that they are compensated for their work.
- Top Taiwan chip designer MediaTek ‘rapidly’ shifts focus to autos, AI. MediaTek, the world’s second-largest chip designer, is “rapidly” shifting its focus to the automotive and artificial intelligence industries. The company believes that these two sectors will be major growth drivers in the coming years.
- Amazon sees cloud slowdown in April, shares erase gains. Amazon’s cloud computing business, Amazon Web Services (AWS), saw revenue growth slow in April. This was the first time in more than a year that AWS’s revenue growth had slowed. The slowdown was attributed to a number of factors, including the ongoing war in Ukraine and the rising cost of cloud computing.
- Germany plays down report on banning chip chemicals to China. Germany has played down a report that it is considering banning the export of chip chemicals to China. The report, which was published by the Financial Times, said that the German government was concerned that China was using chip technology for military purposes. However, the German government has said that it is not considering any such ban at this time.
- STMicroelectronics, GlobalFoundries win EU approval for French chip factory. STMicroelectronics and GlobalFoundries have won EU approval for a new chip factory in France. The factory, which is expected to cost €5 billion, is expected to create 1,700 jobs. The approval of the factory is a major boost for the European semiconductor industry, which has been struggling to compete with Asia.
- Norway’s sovereign wealth fund chief seeks state regulation of AI. The chief executive of Norway’s sovereign wealth fund, the world’s largest, has called for state regulation of artificial intelligence (AI). The CEO, Nicolai Tangen, said that AI has the potential to do great good, but that it also has the potential to do great harm. He said that it is important to have rules in place to ensure that AI is used responsibly.
These are just a few of the latest tech news things. For more news, please visit the websites of the following news organizations:
- CNN Business
- BBC News
- Reuters
- WIRED
- The Verge
- Creepy Redneck Dinosaur Mansion 3 review – reality-bending daftness
ICYMI: PC; Strange Scaffold What looks like a glitchy dinosaur-hunting puzzler turns out to be a meta game about game development that the player patches as they go The haunted house has become a ripe location in which to set weird video games. Lorelei and the Laser Eyes, Blue Prince, Botany Manor and Layers of… Read more: Creepy Redneck Dinosaur Mansion 3 review – reality-bending daftness - Microsoft says everyone will be a boss in the future – of AI employees
Tech company predicts rise of ‘frontier firms’ – where a human worker directs AI agents to carry out tasks Microsoft has good news for anyone with corner office ambitions. In the future we’re all going to be bosses – of AI employees. The tech company is predicting the rise of a new kind of business,… Read more: Microsoft says everyone will be a boss in the future – of AI employees - Creepy Redneck Dinosaur Mansion 3 review – reality-bending daftness
PC; Strange Scaffold What looks like a glitchy dinosaur-hunting puzzler turns out to be a meta game about game development that the player patches as they go The haunted house has become a ripe location in which to set weird video games. Lorelei and the Laser Eyes, Blue Prince, Botany Manor and Layers of Fear… Read more: Creepy Redneck Dinosaur Mansion 3 review – reality-bending daftness - Hell is not other people – it’s being stuck in the ninth circle of an automated telephone service | Hilary Freeman
ICYMI: Tuvalu is celebrating its first ATM, but here’s a warning from the UK, where human contact has been lost to the self-service age Life is about to change on the remote island nation of Tuvalu. And not, in my opinion, for the better. To great fanfare, Tuvalu – an entirely cash-based society – has… Read more: Hell is not other people – it’s being stuck in the ninth circle of an automated telephone service | Hilary Freeman - Be a sim-only saver: could you join the phone users shunning bundles?
ICYMI: More people are switching to deals with greater flexibility and value, and there are a growing number of providers People are rejecting mobile “bundles” that include a new phone and data contract, and are increasingly turning to sim-only deals that offer better value for money. A growing number of consumers are not getting a… Read more: Be a sim-only saver: could you join the phone users shunning bundles? - Hell is not other people – it’s being stuck in the ninth circle of an automated telephone service | Hilary Freeman
Tuvalu is celebrating its first ATM, but here’s a warning from the UK, where human contact has been lost to the self-service age Life is about to change on the remote island nation of Tuvalu. And not, in my opinion, for the better. To great fanfare, Tuvalu – an entirely cash-based society – has unveiled… Read more: Hell is not other people – it’s being stuck in the ninth circle of an automated telephone service | Hilary Freeman - Looking for the last human place on the internet? Try Google Maps
ICYMI: The navigation app might be built for function – but dig deeper and you’ll find a trove of inside jokes, neighbourhood quirks and charming errors There is a certain kind of guy who looks at Google Maps for fun. I am that guy. As a kid I went through a cartography phase, drawing elaborate… Read more: Looking for the last human place on the internet? Try Google Maps - Be a sim-only saver: could you join the phone users shunning bundles?
More people are switching to deals with greater flexibility and value, and there are a growing number of providers People are rejecting mobile “bundles” that include a new phone and data contract, and are increasingly turning to sim-only deals that offer better value for money. A growing number of consumers are not getting a new… Read more: Be a sim-only saver: could you join the phone users shunning bundles? - Looking for the last human place on the internet? Try Google Maps
The navigation app might be built for function – but dig deeper and you’ll find a trove of inside jokes, neighbourhood quirks and charming errors There is a certain kind of guy who looks at Google Maps for fun. I am that guy. As a kid I went through a cartography phase, drawing elaborate maps… Read more: Looking for the last human place on the internet? Try Google Maps - Italian opposition file complaint over far-right party’s use of ‘racist’ AI images
ICYMI: Centre-left parties slam ‘racist, Islamophobic and xenophobic’ faked images posted on social media by League party Opposition parties in Italy have complained to the communications watchdog about a series of AI-generated images published on social media by deputy prime minister Matteo Salvini’s far-right party, calling them “racist, Islamophobic and xenophobic”, the Guardian has learned.… Read more: Italian opposition file complaint over far-right party’s use of ‘racist’ AI images - Google illegally monopolized online advertising markets, US judge rules
ICYMI: Federal judge deals blow to tech giant and paves way for government to break up company’s advertising products Alphabet’s Google illegally dominated two markets for online advertising technology, a judge ruled on Thursday, dealing another blow to the tech giant and paving the way for US antitrust prosecutors to seek a breakup of its… Read more: Google illegally monopolized online advertising markets, US judge rules - Italian opposition file complaint over far-right party’s use of ‘racist’ AI images
Centre-left parties slam ‘racist, Islamophobic and xenophobic’ faked images posted on social media by League party Opposition parties in Italy have complained to the communications watchdog about a series of AI-generated images published on social media by deputy prime minister Matteo Salvini’s far-right party, calling them “racist, Islamophobic and xenophobic”, the Guardian has learned. The… Read more: Italian opposition file complaint over far-right party’s use of ‘racist’ AI images - Spotify running again after users around world report problems
ICYMI: Audio streaming app confirms service restored following more than five hours of disruption Tens of thousands of Spotify users around the world reported being unable to stream music on the app, which was hit by several hours of technical problems on Wednesday. Downdetector, which tracks platforms, showed more than 48,000 outage reports for Spotify… Read more: Spotify running again after users around world report problems - Google illegally monopolized online advertising markets, US judge rules
Federal judge deals blow to tech giant and paves way for government to break up company’s advertising products Alphabet’s Google illegally dominated two markets for online advertising technology, a judge ruled on Thursday, dealing another blow to the tech giant and paving the way for US antitrust prosecutors to seek a breakup of its advertising… Read more: Google illegally monopolized online advertising markets, US judge rules - Zuckerberg feared monopoly scrutiny and mulled Instagram split, files show
ICYMI: Testimony that Instagram was ‘better’ seems to bolster allegations Meta used ‘buy or bury’ tactic to snap up rivals Meta’s chief executive Mark Zuckerberg considered spinning off Instagram in 2018 in anticipation of a potential antitrust suit, documents unveiled at a trial in Washington showed on Tuesday. “While most companies resist break-ups, the corporate… Read more: Zuckerberg feared monopoly scrutiny and mulled Instagram split, files show - Spotify running again after users around world report problems
Audio streaming app confirms service restored following more than five hours of disruption Tens of thousands of Spotify users around the world reported being unable to stream music on the app, which was hit by several hours of technical problems on Wednesday. Downdetector, which tracks platforms, showed more than 48,000 outage reports for Spotify worldwide… Read more: Spotify running again after users around world report problems - Mobile phones in schools can be an aid to learning | Letter
ICYMI: Dr Robert Harrison says that instead of banning devices, we should be teaching students how to navigate online spaces and disinformation It is incredibly disappointing to read that so many schools in England have implemented an outright ban on phone use (More than 90% of schools in England ban mobile phone use, survey shows,… Read more: Mobile phones in schools can be an aid to learning | Letter - Zuckerberg feared monopoly scrutiny and mulled Instagram split, files show
Testimony that Instagram was ‘better’ seems to bolster allegations Meta used ‘buy or bury’ tactic to snap up rivals Meta’s chief executive Mark Zuckerberg considered spinning off Instagram in 2018 in anticipation of a potential antitrust suit, documents unveiled at a trial in Washington showed on Tuesday. “While most companies resist break-ups, the corporate history… Read more: Zuckerberg feared monopoly scrutiny and mulled Instagram split, files show - Trump warns exemptions on smartphones, electronics will be short-lived, promises future tariffs
ICYMI: The US president has said no one is ‘getting off the hook’, as he promises to launch a national security investigation into the semiconductor sector The exemption of smartphones, laptops and other electronic products from import tariffs on China will be short-lived, top US officials have said, with Donald Trump warning that no one… Read more: Trump warns exemptions on smartphones, electronics will be short-lived, promises future tariffs - Mobile phones in schools can be an aid to learning | Letter
Dr Robert Harrison says that instead of banning devices, we should be teaching students how to navigate online spaces and disinformation It is incredibly disappointing to read that so many schools in England have implemented an outright ban on phone use (More than 90% of schools in England ban mobile phone use, survey shows, 10… Read more: Mobile phones in schools can be an aid to learning | Letter - Trump warns exemptions on smartphones, electronics will be short-lived, promises future tariffs
The US president has said no one is ‘getting off the hook’, as he promises to launch a national security investigation into the semiconductor sector The exemption of smartphones, laptops and other electronic products from import tariffs on China will be short-lived, top US officials have said, with Donald Trump warning that no one was… Read more: Trump warns exemptions on smartphones, electronics will be short-lived, promises future tariffs - ‘It’s going to be messy’: Americans on how Trump’s tariffs are shaping their spending
ICYMI: Fallout from Trump’s trade war is forcing some Guardian readers to cut back or stock up on items from food to cars A few weeks ago, Dane began stocking up on “paper products”, “cases of paper towels, toilet paper”, “piddle-pads” for their shih-tzu, and his wife upgraded from an iPhone 8 to 14. The… Read more: ‘It’s going to be messy’: Americans on how Trump’s tariffs are shaping their spending - ‘Amazon slayer’: the Dublin minnow taking on the giants in drone deliveries
ICYMI: The Guardian speaks to Manna Aero founder and orders coffee via startup’s app to be delivered to a suburban home One drone lifts up into the sky at a shopping centre on the outskirts of Dublin, then another. They rise to 70ft (21 metres), tilt forward and zip away in different directions, each carrying… Read more: ‘Amazon slayer’: the Dublin minnow taking on the giants in drone deliveries - ‘It’s going to be messy’: Americans on how Trump’s tariffs are shaping their spending
Fallout from Trump’s trade war is forcing some Guardian readers to cut back or stock up on items from food to cars A few weeks ago, Dane began stocking up on “paper products”, “cases of paper towels, toilet paper”, “piddle-pads” for their shih-tzu, and his wife upgraded from an iPhone 8 to 14. The 73-year-old… Read more: ‘It’s going to be messy’: Americans on how Trump’s tariffs are shaping their spending - Apple said to be flying iPhones from India to US to avoid Trump tariffs
ICYMI: Tech firm has reportedly flown 600 tonnes of handsets from Indian factories as Chinese goods face huge tariffs Apple is reportedly chartering cargo flights to ferry iPhones from its Indian manufacturing plants to the US in an attempt to beat Donald Trump’s tariffs. The tech company has flown 600 tonnes of iPhones, or as… Read more: Apple said to be flying iPhones from India to US to avoid Trump tariffs - ‘Amazon slayer’: the Dublin minnow taking on the giants in drone deliveries
The Guardian speaks to Manna Aero founder and orders coffee via startup’s app to be delivered to a suburban home One drone lifts up into the sky at a shopping centre on the outskirts of Dublin, then another. They rise to 70ft (21 metres), tilt forward and zip away in different directions, each carrying a… Read more: ‘Amazon slayer’: the Dublin minnow taking on the giants in drone deliveries - Where have all the headphones gone on public transport? The noise is eating into my soul | Adrian Chiles
ICYMI: Just one antisocial fellow traveller can ruin a journey. Is it a giant two-fingered gesture to the rest of the world? Some time in the early years of the last decade, a friend and I travelled by train from London to Barcelona, where we would be covering a football match for work. We had… Read more: Where have all the headphones gone on public transport? The noise is eating into my soul | Adrian Chiles - Apple said to be flying iPhones from India to US to avoid Trump tariffs
Tech firm has reportedly flown 600 tonnes of handsets from Indian factories as Chinese goods face huge tariffs Apple is reportedly chartering cargo flights to ferry iPhones from its Indian manufacturing plants to the US in an attempt to beat Donald Trump’s tariffs. The tech company has flown 600 tonnes of iPhones, or as many… Read more: Apple said to be flying iPhones from India to US to avoid Trump tariffs - Alvin Lucier is still making music four years after his death – thanks to an artificial brain
ICYMI: In Western Australia, a team of artists and scientists have resurrected the US composer. It raises a storm of questions about AI and authorship – and it’s also incredibly beautiful In a darkened room, a fractured symphony of rattles, hums and warbles bounces off the walls – like an orchestra tuning up in some… Read more: Alvin Lucier is still making music four years after his death – thanks to an artificial brain - Where have all the headphones gone on public transport? The noise is eating into my soul | Adrian Chiles
Just one antisocial fellow traveller can ruin a journey. Is it a giant two-fingered gesture to the rest of the world? Some time in the early years of the last decade, a friend and I travelled by train from London to Barcelona, where we would be covering a football match for work. We had a… Read more: Where have all the headphones gone on public transport? The noise is eating into my soul | Adrian Chiles - Private Footage review – found-footage study of apartheid takes the split-screen route
ICYMI: Director Janaína Nagata places her own internet research into South African history side by side with the vintage 16mm home movie footage that inspired it Janaína Nagata’s documentary debut resembles a detective investigation. In 2018, the Brazilian film-maker chanced upon an old 16mm reel of what looked like a typical homemade travelogue. Nagata’s film… Read more: Private Footage review – found-footage study of apartheid takes the split-screen route - Alvin Lucier is still making music four years after his death – thanks to an artificial brain
In Western Australia, a team of artists and scientists have resurrected the US composer. It raises a storm of questions about AI and authorship – and it’s also incredibly beautiful In a darkened room, a fractured symphony of rattles, hums and warbles bounces off the walls – like an orchestra tuning up in some parallel… Read more: Alvin Lucier is still making music four years after his death – thanks to an artificial brain - Which celebrities are lying about their height? This website’s done the research
ICYMI: On Celebheights.com, thousands of users measure the statures of the rich and famous. The methods are scientific and the debates are fiery As someone brushing up on 6’3”, height is one physical insecurity I’ve never agonised over. Instead, it’s a source of frustration as I crunch my legs into airplane seats and wait for… Read more: Which celebrities are lying about their height? This website’s done the research - Private Footage review – found-footage study of apartheid takes the split-screen route
Director Janaína Nagata places her own internet research into South African history side by side with the vintage 16mm home movie footage that inspired it Janaína Nagata’s documentary debut resembles a detective investigation. In 2018, the Brazilian film-maker chanced upon an old 16mm reel of what looked like a typical homemade travelogue. Nagata’s film begins… Read more: Private Footage review – found-footage study of apartheid takes the split-screen route - Meta and Pinterest believed to have donated to Molly Russell charity
ICYMI: Anonymous donations made to Molly Rose Foundation, set up after UK teenager took her own life after viewing harmful material on social media Meta and Pinterest have reportedly made significant donations to the Molly Rose Foundation, a charity set up to campaign for internet safety. The foundation was set up in the name of… Read more: Meta and Pinterest believed to have donated to Molly Russell charity - Which celebrities are lying about their height? This website’s done the research
On Celebheights.com, thousands of users measure the statures of the rich and famous. The methods are scientific and the debates are fiery As someone brushing up on 6’3”, height is one physical insecurity I’ve never agonised over. Instead, it’s a source of frustration as I crunch my legs into airplane seats and wait for them… Read more: Which celebrities are lying about their height? This website’s done the research - Meta and Pinterest believed to have donated to Molly Russell charity
Anonymous donations made to Molly Rose Foundation, set up after UK teenager took her own life after viewing harmful material on social media Meta and Pinterest have reportedly made significant donations to the Molly Rose Foundation, a charity set up to campaign for internet safety. The foundation was set up in the name of 14-year-old… Read more: Meta and Pinterest believed to have donated to Molly Russell charity - Blanket ban on teen smartphone use ‘potentially detrimental’, says academic
ICYMI: Dr Amy Orben says there are no ‘one-size-fits-all answers’ given importance of access to online information A leading academic tasked by the UK government with reviewing the effects of smartphones on teenagers has suggested blanket bans are “unrealistic and potentially detrimental”. Amy Orben, from the University of Cambridge, will lead the work on children… Read more: Blanket ban on teen smartphone use ‘potentially detrimental’, says academic - Blanket ban on teen smartphone use ‘potentially detrimental’, says academic
Dr Amy Orben says there are no ‘one-size-fits-all answers’ given importance of access to online information A leading academic tasked by the UK government with reviewing the effects of smartphones on teenagers has suggested blanket bans are “unrealistic and potentially detrimental”. Amy Orben, from the University of Cambridge, will lead the work on children and… Read more: Blanket ban on teen smartphone use ‘potentially detrimental’, says academic - Nintendo reveals Switch 2 console due to launch on 5 June
ICYMI: New console features larger screen, double the pixels and magnetically attached controllers After months of intense speculation and cryptic teaser videos, Nintendo has finally unveiled the successor to its Switch console. The Nintendo Switch 2 will launch on 5 June at a retail price of £395.99 for the basic package and £429.99 bundled with… Read more: Nintendo reveals Switch 2 console due to launch on 5 June - OpenAI raises $40bn in deal with SoftBank that values it at $300bn
ICYMI: Japanese investor to put $10bn at first into OpenAI and $30bn more by end of 2025 if certain conditions are met * Business live – latest updates OpenAI has raised $40bn (£31bn) through fundraising led by the Japanese group SoftBank, in a deal that values the ChatGPT developer at $300bn. OpenAI said the funding… Read more: OpenAI raises $40bn in deal with SoftBank that values it at $300bn - Nintendo reveals Switch 2 console due to launch on 5 June
New console features larger screen, double the pixels and magnetically attached controllers After months of intense speculation and cryptic teaser videos, Nintendo has finally unveiled the successor to its Switch console. The Nintendo Switch 2 will launch on 5 June at a retail price of £395.99 for the basic package and £429.99 bundled with Mario… Read more: Nintendo reveals Switch 2 console due to launch on 5 June - Authors call for UK government to hold Meta accountable for copyright infringement
ICYMI: ‘I am a crime writer, I understand theft,’ said Val McDermid – joining Richard Osman, Kazuo Ishiguro and Kate Mosse in their appeal to Lisa Nandy to act on their behalf A group of prominent authors including Richard Osman, Kazuo Ishiguro, Kate Mosse and Val McDermid have signed an open letter calling on the… Read more: Authors call for UK government to hold Meta accountable for copyright infringement - OpenAI raises $40bn in deal with SoftBank that values it at $300bn
Japanese investor to put $10bn at first into OpenAI and $30bn more by end of 2025 if certain conditions are met * Business live – latest updates OpenAI has raised $40bn (£31bn) through fundraising led by the Japanese group SoftBank, in a deal that values the ChatGPT developer at $300bn. OpenAI said the funding round… Read more: OpenAI raises $40bn in deal with SoftBank that values it at $300bn - Calling all fashion models … now AI is coming for you
ICYMI: As fashion brands create AI ‘twins’ with models’ permission, some believe this is just another form of exploitation The impact of AI has been felt across industries from Hollywood to publishing – and now it’s come for modelling. H&M announced last week that it would create AI “twins” of 30 models with the intention… Read more: Calling all fashion models … now AI is coming for you - Authors call for UK government to hold Meta accountable for copyright infringement
‘I am a crime writer, I understand theft,’ said Val McDermid – joining Richard Osman, Kazuo Ishiguro and Kate Mosse in their appeal to Lisa Nandy to act on their behalf A group of prominent authors including Richard Osman, Kazuo Ishiguro, Kate Mosse and Val McDermid have signed an open letter calling on the UK… Read more: Authors call for UK government to hold Meta accountable for copyright infringement - On my radar: George the Poet’s cultural highlights
ICYMI: The author and podcast host on a favourite restaurant, adventures in scholastic research for his PhD and the second series of Squid Game Born George Mpanga in north-west London in 1991, George the Poet is a spoken-word artist, author and podcast host. He studied politics, psychology and sociology at King’s College, Cambridge and is… Read more: On my radar: George the Poet’s cultural highlights - Calling all fashion models … now AI is coming for you
As fashion brands create AI ‘twins’ with models’ permission, some believe this is just another form of exploitation The impact of AI has been felt across industries from Hollywood to publishing – and now it’s come for modelling. H&M announced last week that it would create AI “twins” of 30 models with the intention of… Read more: Calling all fashion models … now AI is coming for you - Atomfall review – everybody’s gone to the reactor
ICYMI: PC, PS5, Xbox; Rebellion Developments Inspired by the 1967 Windscale fire, Rebellion’s open-world adventure features an interesting mystery, but suffers from middling combat, poor stealth and an underutilised setting ‘What if the Chornobyl disaster happened in the UK?” is the question Atomfall asks. The answer, according to developer Rebellion, is that it would be… Read more: Atomfall review – everybody’s gone to the reactor - On my radar: George the Poet’s cultural highlights
The author and podcast host on a favourite restaurant, adventures in scholastic research for his PhD and the second series of Squid Game Born George Mpanga in north-west London in 1991, George the Poet is a spoken-word artist, author and podcast host. He studied politics, psychology and sociology at King’s College, Cambridge and is now… Read more: On my radar: George the Poet’s cultural highlights - From smash-proof cases to updates: how to make your smartphone last longer
ICYMI: There’s no need to buy a new phone every year: make yours last with these accessories, and tips on maximising the battery and storage Modern smartphones have reached a plateau. Each new release makes only small gains, rendering frequent upgrades to new models a waste of time and money. The good news is that… Read more: From smash-proof cases to updates: how to make your smartphone last longer - Atomfall review – everybody’s gone to the reactor
PC, PS5, Xbox; Rebellion Developments Inspired by the 1967 Windscale fire, Rebellion’s open-world adventure features an interesting mystery, but suffers from middling combat, poor stealth and an underutilised setting ‘What if the Chornobyl disaster happened in the UK?” is the question Atomfall asks. The answer, according to developer Rebellion, is that it would be considerably… Read more: Atomfall review – everybody’s gone to the reactor - The Dream Hotel by Laila Lalami review – what if AI could read our minds?
ICYMI: Longlisted for the Women’s prize, this powerful dystopian novel imagines people jailed for their potential to commit crimes Arriving home at Los Angeles international airport, Sara Hussein is asked by immigration and customs officers to step aside, then taken to an interview room. The fundamentals of this scene are familiar – you’ve probably watched… Read more: The Dream Hotel by Laila Lalami review – what if AI could read our minds? - From smash-proof cases to updates: how to make your smartphone last longer
There’s no need to buy a new phone every year: make yours last with these accessories, and tips on maximising the battery and storage Modern smartphones have reached a plateau. Each new release makes only small gains, rendering frequent upgrades to new models a waste of time and money. The good news is that smartphones… Read more: From smash-proof cases to updates: how to make your smartphone last longer - Samsung Electronics co-CEO Han Jong-hee dies of heart attack at 63
ICYMI: Head of tech giant’s consumer electronics and mobile devices division passed away at a hospital on Tuesday South Korean tech giant Samsung Electronics said on Tuesday that its co-chief executive officer Han Jong-hee has died due to cardiac arrest. Han was 63. Han was in charge of Samsung’s consumer electronics and mobile devices division,… Read more: Samsung Electronics co-CEO Han Jong-hee dies of heart attack at 63 - The Dream Hotel by Laila Lalami review – what if AI could read our minds?
Longlisted for the Women’s prize, this powerful dystopian novel imagines people jailed for their potential to commit crimes Arriving home at Los Angeles international airport, Sara Hussein is asked by immigration and customs officers to step aside, then taken to an interview room. The fundamentals of this scene are familiar – you’ve probably watched something… Read more: The Dream Hotel by Laila Lalami review – what if AI could read our minds? - Samsung Electronics co-CEO Han Jong-hee dies of heart attack at 63
Head of tech giant’s consumer electronics and mobile devices division passed away at a hospital on Tuesday South Korean tech giant Samsung Electronics said on Tuesday that its co-chief executive officer Han Jong-hee has died due to cardiac arrest. Han was 63. Han was in charge of Samsung’s consumer electronics and mobile devices division, while… Read more: Samsung Electronics co-CEO Han Jong-hee dies of heart attack at 63 - Is the Simba Hybrid Pro mattress worth the hype? I slept on it for three months to find out
ICYMI: This premium mattress comes with a chunky price tag. Here’s what impressed me – and what could be better • The best mattresses: sleep better with our six rigorously tested picks I put in months of hard sleep to test Simba’s flagship “bed-in-a-box” mattress, and for the most part, I found it so comfortable… Read more: Is the Simba Hybrid Pro mattress worth the hype? I slept on it for three months to find out - Is the Simba Hybrid Pro mattress worth the hype? I slept on it for three months to find out
This premium mattress comes with a chunky price tag. Here’s what impressed me – and what could be better • The best mattresses: sleep better with our six rigorously tested picks I put in months of hard sleep to test Simba’s flagship “bed-in-a-box” mattress, and for the most part, I found it so comfortable that… Read more: Is the Simba Hybrid Pro mattress worth the hype? I slept on it for three months to find out - Meta confirms it is considering charging UK users for ad-free version
ICYMI: Owner of Facebook and Instagram agreed to stop targeting human rights campaigner after legal agreement The owner of Facebook and Instagram is considering charging UK users for an advert-free version of its platforms after agreeing a settlement in a landmark privacy case. Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta agreed to stop targeting a user with adverts based… Read more: Meta confirms it is considering charging UK users for ad-free version - X sues Modi’s government over content removal in new India censorship fight
ICYMI: Elon Musk’s company is arguing against the government’s expanded powers to allow easier removal of online content India’s IT ministry has unlawfully expanded censorship powers to allow the easier removal of online content and empowered “countless” government officials to execute such orders, Elon Musk’s X has alleged in a new lawsuit against New Delhi.… Read more: X sues Modi’s government over content removal in new India censorship fight - Meta confirms it is considering charging UK users for ad-free version
Owner of Facebook and Instagram agreed to stop targeting human rights campaigner after legal agreement The owner of Facebook and Instagram is considering charging UK users for an advert-free version of its platforms after agreeing a settlement in a landmark privacy case. Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta agreed to stop targeting a user with adverts based on… Read more: Meta confirms it is considering charging UK users for ad-free version - UK cybersecurity agency warns over risk of quantum hackers
ICYMI: Organisations including energy and transport firms told to guard systems against powerful new computers The UK’s cybersecurity agency is urging organisations to guard their systems against quantum hackers by 2035, as the prospect of breakthroughs in powerful computing threaten digital encryption. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has issued new guidance recommending large entities… Read more: UK cybersecurity agency warns over risk of quantum hackers - X sues Modi’s government over content removal in new India censorship fight
Elon Musk’s company is arguing against the government’s expanded powers to allow easier removal of online content India’s IT ministry has unlawfully expanded censorship powers to allow the easier removal of online content and empowered “countless” government officials to execute such orders, Elon Musk’s X has alleged in a new lawsuit against New Delhi. The… Read more: X sues Modi’s government over content removal in new India censorship fight - X sues Modi’s government over content removal in new India censorship fight
Elon Musk’s company is arguing against the government’s expanded powers to allow easier removal of online content India’s IT ministry has unlawfully expanded censorship powers to allow the easier removal of online content and empowered “countless” government officials to execute such orders, Elon Musk’s X has alleged in a new lawsuit against New Delhi. The… Read more: X sues Modi’s government over content removal in new India censorship fight - X sues Modi’s government over content removal in new India censorship fight
Elon Musk’s company is arguing against the government’s expanded powers to allow easier removal of online content India’s IT ministry has unlawfully expanded censorship powers to allow the easier removal of online content and empowered “countless” government officials to execute such orders, Elon Musk’s X has alleged in a new lawsuit against New Delhi. The… Read more: X sues Modi’s government over content removal in new India censorship fight - Ban smartphones for UK under-16s, urges Adolescence writer
ICYMI: Jack Thorne, whose Netflix series has shone a light on incel culture, calls for restrictions on teens’ social media access Smartphones should be treated like cigarettes and banned until the age of 16 in the UK, according to the writer of Adolescence, which explores the insidious influence of “incel-culture”. Jack Thorne, whose Netflix show… Read more: Ban smartphones for UK under-16s, urges Adolescence writer - UK cybersecurity agency warns over risk of quantum hackers
Organisations including energy and transport firms told to guard systems against powerful new computers The UK’s cybersecurity agency is urging organisations to guard their systems against quantum hackers by 2035, as the prospect of breakthroughs in powerful computing threaten digital encryption. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has issued new guidance recommending large entities including… Read more: UK cybersecurity agency warns over risk of quantum hackers - Chinese EV maker BYD says new fast-charging system could be as quick as filling up a tank
ICYMI: BYD reveals new platform with charging speeds of 1,000 kW, which would be twice as fast as Tesla’s superchargers Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker BYD has unveiled a new charging system that it said could make it possible for EVs to charge as quickly as it takes to refill with petrol and announced for… Read more: Chinese EV maker BYD says new fast-charging system could be as quick as filling up a tank - Ban smartphones for UK under-16s, urges Adolescence writer
Jack Thorne, whose Netflix series has shone a light on incel culture, calls for restrictions on teens’ social media access Smartphones should be treated like cigarettes and banned until the age of 16 in the UK, according to the writer of Adolescence, which explores the insidious influence of “incel-culture”. Jack Thorne, whose Netflix show has… Read more: Ban smartphones for UK under-16s, urges Adolescence writer - Democrats train fire on Musk as unelected billionaire dips in popularity
ICYMI: Leaders on left bet on Musk’s bravado to pull party out of political weeds as CEO eyes social security and health cuts For most of the 17-minute interview, Elon Musk stuck to a script. He was just a tech guy on a mission to “eliminate waste and fraud” from government. His slash-and-burn cost-cutting crusade… Read more: Democrats train fire on Musk as unelected billionaire dips in popularity - Chinese EV maker BYD says new fast-charging system could be as quick as filling up a tank
BYD reveals new platform with charging speeds of 1,000 kW, which would be twice as fast as Tesla’s superchargers Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker BYD has unveiled a new charging system that it said could make it possible for EVs to charge as quickly as it takes to refill with petrol and announced for the… Read more: Chinese EV maker BYD says new fast-charging system could be as quick as filling up a tank - As cyberwarfare threat looms, cashless Nordic nations go back to banknotes | Miranda Bryant
ICYMI: Nordic countries were early adopters of digital payments. Now, electronic banking is seen as a potential threat to national security In 2018 a former deputy governor of Sweden’s central bank predicted that by 2025 the country would probably be cashless. Seven years on, that prediction has turned out to be pretty much true. Just… Read more: As cyberwarfare threat looms, cashless Nordic nations go back to banknotes | Miranda Bryant - Democrats train fire on Musk as unelected billionaire dips in popularity
Leaders on left bet on Musk’s bravado to pull party out of political weeds as CEO eyes social security and health cuts For most of the 17-minute interview, Elon Musk stuck to a script. He was just a tech guy on a mission to “eliminate waste and fraud” from government. His slash-and-burn cost-cutting crusade was… Read more: Democrats train fire on Musk as unelected billionaire dips in popularity - Free online virtual reality tool helps people tackle public speaking nerves
ICYMI: Cambridge scientist behind VR platform says it could help those put off by high cost of speech anxiety treatment A free online platform that allows speakers to practise in front of thousands of virtual spectators has been released to help with the anxiety many feel when presenting to an audience. Dr Chris Macdonald, the… Read more: Free online virtual reality tool helps people tackle public speaking nerves - As cyberwarfare threat looms, cashless Nordic nations go back to banknotes | Miranda Bryant
Nordic countries were early adopters of digital payments. Now, electronic banking is seen as a potential threat to national security In 2018 a former deputy governor of Sweden’s central bank predicted that by 2025 the country would probably be cashless. Seven years on, that prediction has turned out to be pretty much true. Just one… Read more: As cyberwarfare threat looms, cashless Nordic nations go back to banknotes | Miranda Bryant - Free online virtual reality tool helps people tackle public speaking nerves
Cambridge scientist behind VR platform says it could help those put off by high cost of speech anxiety treatment A free online platform that allows speakers to practise in front of thousands of virtual spectators has been released to help with the anxiety many feel when presenting to an audience. Dr Chris Macdonald, the founder… Read more: Free online virtual reality tool helps people tackle public speaking nerves - Intel shares surge as investors cheer appointment of new CEO Lip-Bu Tan
ICYMI: Incoming head is tasked with reviving chipmaker’s fortunes after it experienced heavy losses over the past several years * Never miss global breaking news. Download our free app to keep up with key stories in real time. Shares of Intel surged nearly 15% on Thursday, as Wall Street cheered its decision to name former… Read more: Intel shares surge as investors cheer appointment of new CEO Lip-Bu Tan - Pokémon Go maker to sell games to Saudi-owned company for $3.5bn
ICYMI: After failing to recreate success of augmented reality game, Niantic Labs plans to sell its video game division to Scopely Niantic Labs said it would sell its video game division to Saudi Arabia-owned Scopely for $3.5bn, as the US augmented reality firm shifts focus to geospatial technology after failing to recreate the success of… Read more: Pokémon Go maker to sell games to Saudi-owned company for $3.5bn - Intel shares surge as investors cheer appointment of new CEO Lip-Bu Tan
Incoming head is tasked with reviving chipmaker’s fortunes after it experienced heavy losses over the past several years * Never miss global breaking news. Download our free app to keep up with key stories in real time. Shares of Intel surged nearly 15% on Thursday, as Wall Street cheered its decision to name former board… Read more: Intel shares surge as investors cheer appointment of new CEO Lip-Bu Tan - ‘A lot worse than expected’: AI Pac-Man clones, reviewed
ICYMI: Can anyone, armed with just a dream and an AI chatbot, create a rudimentary version of a classic arcade game? I asked several enthusiasts who took a stab at it, with very mixed results There’s a lot going on with video games and generative AI right now. Microsoft and Google have each created models… Read more: ‘A lot worse than expected’: AI Pac-Man clones, reviewed - Pokémon Go maker to sell games to Saudi-owned company for $3.5bn
After failing to recreate success of augmented reality game, Niantic Labs plans to sell its video game division to Scopely Niantic Labs said it would sell its video game division to Saudi Arabia-owned Scopely for $3.5bn, as the US augmented reality firm shifts focus to geospatial technology after failing to recreate the success of its… Read more: Pokémon Go maker to sell games to Saudi-owned company for $3.5bn - Trump says US in talks with four groups over TikTok sale: ‘It’s up to me’
ICYMI: President suspended implementation of law ordering app to divest from its Chinese owner ByteDance or face US ban Donald Trump said on Sunday the United States was in talks with four groups interested in acquiring TikTok, with the Chinese-owned app facing an uncertain future in the country. A US law has ordered TikTok to… Read more: Trump says US in talks with four groups over TikTok sale: ‘It’s up to me’ - ‘A lot worse than expected’: AI Pac-Man clones, reviewed
Can anyone, armed with just a dream and an AI chatbot, create a rudimentary version of a classic arcade game? I asked several enthusiasts who took a stab at it, with very mixed results There’s a lot going on with video games and generative AI right now. Microsoft and Google have each created models that… Read more: ‘A lot worse than expected’: AI Pac-Man clones, reviewed - Readers reply: What is the biggest missed opportunity in history?
ICYMI: The long-running series in which readers answer other readers’ questions on subjects ranging from trivial flights of fancy to profound scientific and philosophical concepts I read that Skype is closing down, a few years after Covid brought video-calling to prominence like never before. So, my question is: what is the biggest missed opportunity in… Read more: Readers reply: What is the biggest missed opportunity in history? - Trump says US in talks with four groups over TikTok sale: ‘It’s up to me’
President suspended implementation of law ordering app to divest from its Chinese owner ByteDance or face US ban Donald Trump said on Sunday the United States was in talks with four groups interested in acquiring TikTok, with the Chinese-owned app facing an uncertain future in the country. A US law has ordered TikTok to divest… Read more: Trump says US in talks with four groups over TikTok sale: ‘It’s up to me’ - Skype got shouted down by Teams and Zoom. But it revolutionised human connection | John Naughton
ICYMI: The company that pioneered voice communication over the internet has withered to dust in Microsoft’s hands. Still, I for one am grateful for it So Microsoft has decided to terminate Skype, the internet telephony company it bought in 2011 for $8.5bn (£6.6bn). Its millions of hapless users are to be herded into Microsoft Teams,… Read more: Skype got shouted down by Teams and Zoom. But it revolutionised human connection | John Naughton - Readers reply: What is the biggest missed opportunity in history?
The long-running series in which readers answer other readers’ questions on subjects ranging from trivial flights of fancy to profound scientific and philosophical concepts I read that Skype is closing down, a few years after Covid brought video-calling to prominence like never before. So, my question is: what is the biggest missed opportunity in history?… Read more: Readers reply: What is the biggest missed opportunity in history? - Trump to host crypto leaders after creating strategic reserve of bitcoin
ICYMI: Chiefs from Coinbase, Ripple and Robinhood to strategize with president on how to make US ‘crypto capital of world’ Cryptocurrency industry elite are set to meet with Donald Trump at the White House on Friday to discuss how the government will enact Trump’s vision of making the country the “crypto capital of the world”.… Read more: Trump to host crypto leaders after creating strategic reserve of bitcoin - Skype got shouted down by Teams and Zoom. But it revolutionised human connection | John Naughton
The company that pioneered voice communication over the internet has withered to dust in Microsoft’s hands. Still, I for one am grateful for it So Microsoft has decided to terminate Skype, the internet telephony company it bought in 2011 for $8.5bn (£6.6bn). Its millions of hapless users are to be herded into Microsoft Teams, a… Read more: Skype got shouted down by Teams and Zoom. But it revolutionised human connection | John Naughton - The English schools looking to dispel ‘doom and gloom’ around AI
ICYMI: AI is being used to recreate Charles Darwin talking about evolution and to reimagine Luton as a car – and teachers report students are more engaged Charles Darwin chatting with students about evolution, primary school pupils seeing their writing transformed into images, Luton reimagined as a cool automobile – artificial intelligence is invading schools… Read more: The English schools looking to dispel ‘doom and gloom’ around AI - Trump to host crypto leaders after creating strategic reserve of bitcoin
Chiefs from Coinbase, Ripple and Robinhood to strategize with president on how to make US ‘crypto capital of world’ Cryptocurrency industry elite are set to meet with Donald Trump at the White House on Friday to discuss how the government will enact Trump’s vision of making the country the “crypto capital of the world”. The… Read more: Trump to host crypto leaders after creating strategic reserve of bitcoin - Safer phones bill aimed at young teens watered down after minister opposition
ICYMI: New proposal calls for research instead of exclusion of under-16s from algorithms and mobile phone bans in schools A bill which campaigners hoped would ban addictive smartphone algorithms aimed at young teenagers has been watered down after opposition to tougher measures from the technology secretary, Peter Kyle, and the education secretary, Bridget Phillipson. The… Read more: Safer phones bill aimed at young teens watered down after minister opposition - The English schools looking to dispel ‘doom and gloom’ around AI
AI is being used to recreate Charles Darwin talking about evolution and to reimagine Luton as a car – and teachers report students are more engaged Charles Darwin chatting with students about evolution, primary school pupils seeing their writing transformed into images, Luton reimagined as a cool automobile – artificial intelligence is invading schools across… Read more: The English schools looking to dispel ‘doom and gloom’ around AI - Safer phones bill aimed at young teens watered down after minister opposition
New proposal calls for research instead of exclusion of under-16s from algorithms and mobile phone bans in schools A bill which campaigners hoped would ban addictive smartphone algorithms aimed at young teenagers has been watered down after opposition to tougher measures from the technology secretary, Peter Kyle, and the education secretary, Bridget Phillipson. The safer… Read more: Safer phones bill aimed at young teens watered down after minister opposition - Ghost hunting, pornography and interactive art: the weird afterlife of Xbox Kinect
ICYMI: Fifteen years since Microsoft’s motion-sensing gaming camera was released for the Xbox 360, artists, roboticists and more are still finding new ways to use it Released in 2010 and bundled with the Xbox 360, the Kinect looked like the future – for a brief moment, at least. A camera that could detect your gestures… Read more: Ghost hunting, pornography and interactive art: the weird afterlife of Xbox Kinect - Bitcoin price falls by 17.5% in biggest monthly loss since 2022
ICYMI: Cryptocurrency slips into technical bear market as optimism after Donald Trump’s election win fades Bitcoin has recorded its largest monthly loss since June 2022, pushing it into a bear market as the euphoria over cryptocurrencies after Donald Trump’s election win faded. The price of bitcoin fell by 17.5% in February, the biggest monthly drop… Read more: Bitcoin price falls by 17.5% in biggest monthly loss since 2022 - Ghost hunting, pornography and interactive art: the weird afterlife of Xbox Kinect
Fifteen years since Microsoft’s motion-sensing gaming camera was released for the Xbox 360, artists, roboticists and more are still finding new ways to use it Released in 2010 and bundled with the Xbox 360, the Kinect looked like the future – for a brief moment, at least. A camera that could detect your gestures and… Read more: Ghost hunting, pornography and interactive art: the weird afterlife of Xbox Kinect - Black spots, satellites and Elon: new technology could fill Australia’s mobile gaps – but can it be relied on?
ICYMI: The Albanese government is banking on direct-to-device access to satellite connections to improve coverage • Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast Bernie Byrnes, a farmer from the southern tablelands of New South Wales, can tell when he is about to hit a mobile black spot on a highway. “There’s… Read more: Black spots, satellites and Elon: new technology could fill Australia’s mobile gaps – but can it be relied on? - Bitcoin price falls by 17.5% in biggest monthly loss since 2022
Cryptocurrency slips into technical bear market as optimism after Donald Trump’s election win fades Bitcoin has recorded its largest monthly loss since June 2022, pushing it into a bear market as the euphoria over cryptocurrencies after Donald Trump’s election win faded. The price of bitcoin fell by 17.5% in February, the biggest monthly drop since… Read more: Bitcoin price falls by 17.5% in biggest monthly loss since 2022