February 29, 2024
Latest Tech News Has Advantage Points in Global Retail
Latest Tech News Has Advantage Points in Global Retail 
The statement “Tech ideas have blossomed in the FAST technology industry” accurately reflects the current landscape of the FAANG (Facebook, Apple, Amazon, Netflix, Google) companies and similar tech giants. Here’s why:
Factors Contributing to Blossoming Tech Ideas:
- Massive resources: FAANG companies have access to vast financial resources, allowing them to invest heavily in research and development (R&D). This fuels innovation and exploration of new technological frontiers.
- Global reach and diverse user base: These companies operate in different sectors and cater to a massive, global user base. This provides them with valuable insights into user needs and preferences, driving the development of innovative solutions and features.
- Data-driven decision making: FAANG companies leverage vast amounts of user data to understand trends and identify opportunities. This data-driven approach allows them to tailor their products and services, fostering continuous improvement and development.
- Culture of innovation: These companies often cultivate a culture that encourages creativity and risk-taking. This fosters an environment where new ideas can flourish and be brought to life.
Examples of Blossoming Tech Ideas:
- Artificial intelligence (AI): FAANG companies are heavily invested in AI research, leading to advancements in areas like natural language processing, computer vision, and machine learning.
- Cloud computing: Cloud platforms developed by these companies have revolutionized how businesses operate, offering scalability, efficiency, and accessibility.
- Virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR): These companies are exploring the potential of VR/AR for various applications, including gaming, entertainment, education, and even healthcare training.
- Streaming services: FAANG companies play a major role in the development of streaming services for music, video, and games, transforming how people consume media.
However, it’s important to note:
- Focus on specific ideas: While the statement highlights the general trend of innovation, pinpointing specific “tech ideas” that have blossomed would provide a clearer picture.
- Ethical considerations: The rapid advancement of technology also necessitates careful consideration of ethical implications and potential downsides associated with these innovations.
Overall, the statement accurately reflects the flourishing state of tech ideas within the FAANG industry and similar tech giants. However, understanding the specific ideas and potential drawbacks remains crucial for a comprehensive understanding of this complex environment.
- ChatGPT may be polite, but it’s not cooperating with you
Big tech companies have exploited human language for AI gain. Now they want us to see their products as trustworthy collaborators After publishing my third book in early April, I kept encountering headlines that made me feel like the protagonist of some Black Mirror episode. “Vauhini Vara consulted ChatGPT to help craft her new book… Read more: ChatGPT may be polite, but it’s not cooperating with you - ‘It was just the perfect game’: Henk Rogers on buying Tetris and foiling the KGB
ICYMI: The man who brought Tetris to the west reveals what the movie of his life got right and wrong, how he influenced Nintendo, and why he has now swapped gaming for climate change campaigning When game designer and entrepreneur Henk Rogers first encountered Tetris at the 1988 Las Vegas Consumer Electronics Show, he immediately… Read more: ‘It was just the perfect game’: Henk Rogers on buying Tetris and foiling the KGB - BM Boys: the Nigerian sextortion network hiding in plain sight on TikTok
ICYMI: US kids are falling prey to a sophisticated network of scammers who extort thousands – and push some victims to suicide A TikTok video shows a young man fanning out a stack of $100 bills. A second flexes his designer clothes. Another man posts a video of himself dancing and wearing a heavy gold… Read more: BM Boys: the Nigerian sextortion network hiding in plain sight on TikTok - ‘It was just the perfect game’: Henk Rogers on buying Tetris and foiling the KGB
The man who brought Tetris to the west reveals what the movie of his life got right and wrong, how he influenced Nintendo, and why he has now swapped gaming for climate change campaigning When game designer and entrepreneur Henk Rogers first encountered Tetris at the 1988 Las Vegas Consumer Electronics Show, he immediately knew… Read more: ‘It was just the perfect game’: Henk Rogers on buying Tetris and foiling the KGB - Can a methadone-dispensing robot free up nurses and improve patient care?
ICYMI: A nurse and an engineer founded Opio Connect to make machines that dispense drugs and reduce drudge work Lanea George pulls open a steel security door and enters a windowless room where a video camera stares at what looks like a commercial-grade refrigerator. The machine, dubbed Bodhi, whirrs and spins before spitting out seven… Read more: Can a methadone-dispensing robot free up nurses and improve patient care? - BM Boys: the Nigerian sextortion network hiding in plain sight on TikTok
US kids are falling prey to a sophisticated network of scammers who extort thousands – and push some victims to suicide A TikTok video shows a young man fanning out a stack of $100 bills. A second flexes his designer clothes. Another man posts a video of himself dancing and wearing a heavy gold chain.… Read more: BM Boys: the Nigerian sextortion network hiding in plain sight on TikTok - ‘Tone deaf’: US tech company responsible for global IT outage to cut jobs and use AI
ICYMI: CrowdStrike CEO announces 5% of workforce to be slashed globally, citing artificial intelligence efficiencies created in the business The cybersecurity company that became a household name after causing a massive global IT outage last year has announced it will cut 5% of its workforce in part due to “AI efficiency”. In a note to… Read more: ‘Tone deaf’: US tech company responsible for global IT outage to cut jobs and use AI - Can a methadone-dispensing robot free up nurses and improve patient care?
A nurse and an engineer founded Opio Connect to make machines that dispense drugs and reduce drudge work Lanea George pulls open a steel security door and enters a windowless room where a video camera stares at what looks like a commercial-grade refrigerator. The machine, dubbed Bodhi, whirrs and spins before spitting out seven small… Read more: Can a methadone-dispensing robot free up nurses and improve patient care? - Wikipedia challenging UK law it says exposes it to ‘manipulation and vandalism’
ICYMI: Wikimedia Foundation seeks judicial review of some requirements of Online Safety Act it claims may endanger safety of volunteer editors The charity that hosts Wikipedia is challenging the UK’s online safety legislation in the high court, saying some of its regulations would expose the site to “manipulation and vandalism”. In what could be the… Read more: Wikipedia challenging UK law it says exposes it to ‘manipulation and vandalism’ - ‘Tone deaf’: US tech company responsible for global IT outage to cut jobs and use AI
CrowdStrike CEO announces 5% of workforce to be slashed globally, citing artificial intelligence efficiencies created in the business The cybersecurity company that became a household name after causing a massive global IT outage last year has announced it will cut 5% of its workforce in part due to “AI efficiency”. In a note to staff… Read more: ‘Tone deaf’: US tech company responsible for global IT outage to cut jobs and use AI - Minerals, mobile phones and militias: how war unfolded in DRC
ICYMI: How the global wrangle for natural resources in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is fuelling one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises Hello and welcome to The Long Wave. This week, after three months of fighting, a peace agreement in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is in the works. I spoke to… Read more: Minerals, mobile phones and militias: how war unfolded in DRC - Wikipedia challenging UK law it says exposes it to ‘manipulation and vandalism’
Wikimedia Foundation seeks judicial review of some requirements of Online Safety Act it claims may endanger safety of volunteer editors The charity that hosts Wikipedia is challenging the UK’s online safety legislation in the high court, saying some of its regulations would expose the site to “manipulation and vandalism”. In what could be the first… Read more: Wikipedia challenging UK law it says exposes it to ‘manipulation and vandalism’ - Drop Duchy review – a sprawling challenge disguised as a block-dropping puzzler
ICYMI: Arcade Crew/Sleepy Mill Studio; PC Build a card deck of landscape features; organise your territory on a Tetris-like playfield; battle enemies and bosses to progress. It might sound complicated, but this is an ingenious experiment in game design by combination The indie video game scene is currently dominated by two unassailable genre titans: the… Read more: Drop Duchy review – a sprawling challenge disguised as a block-dropping puzzler - Minerals, mobile phones and militias: how war unfolded in DRC
How the global wrangle for natural resources in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is fuelling one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises Hello and welcome to The Long Wave. This week, after three months of fighting, a peace agreement in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is in the works. I spoke to our… Read more: Minerals, mobile phones and militias: how war unfolded in DRC - As Musk steps back, experts say Doge cuts have harmed government services
ICYMI: The billionaire fired thousands of workers, but savings are minimal and offset by degradation of services, critics say As Elon Musk steps back from his role heading the so-called “department of government efficiency” (Doge), many experts on government operations complain that Doge has done nothing to improve the quality of services the government provides… Read more: As Musk steps back, experts say Doge cuts have harmed government services - Drop Duchy review – a sprawling challenge disguised as a block-dropping puzzler
Arcade Crew/Sleepy Mill Studio; PC Build a card deck of landscape features; organise your territory on a Tetris-like playfield; battle enemies and bosses to progress. It might sound complicated, but this is an ingenious experiment in game design by combination The indie video game scene is currently dominated by two unassailable genre titans: the rogue-like… Read more: Drop Duchy review – a sprawling challenge disguised as a block-dropping puzzler - The big idea: can we stop AI making humans obsolete?
ICYMI: Technology will soon be able to do everything we do – only better. How should we respond? Right now, most big AI labs have a team figuring out ways that rogue AIs might escape supervision, or secretly collude with each other against humans. But there’s a more mundane way we could lose control of… Read more: The big idea: can we stop AI making humans obsolete? - As Musk steps back, experts say Doge cuts have harmed government services
The billionaire fired thousands of workers, but savings are minimal and offset by degradation of services, critics say As Elon Musk steps back from his role heading the so-called “department of government efficiency” (Doge), many experts on government operations complain that Doge has done nothing to improve the quality of services the government provides to… Read more: As Musk steps back, experts say Doge cuts have harmed government services - The big idea: can we stop AI making humans obsolete?
Technology will soon be able to do everything we do – only better. How should we respond? Right now, most big AI labs have a team figuring out ways that rogue AIs might escape supervision, or secretly collude with each other against humans. But there’s a more mundane way we could lose control of civilisation:… Read more: The big idea: can we stop AI making humans obsolete? - Grand Theft Auto VI delayed until May 2026
ICYMI: Much anticipated title was due in autumn but fans will now have to wait another year after the announcement by Rockstar Games Rockstar Games has delayed the launch of Grand Theft Auto VI until 26 May, 2026. The game had been scheduled for release this autumn, but the lack of a definite date was… Read more: Grand Theft Auto VI delayed until May 2026 - Children under six should avoid screen time, French medical experts say
ICYMI: TV, tablets and smartphones ‘hinder and alter brain development’, open letter says Children under the age of six should not be exposed to screens, including television, to avoid permanent damage to their brain development, French medical experts have said. TV, tablets, computers, video games and smartphones have “already had a heavy impact on a… Read more: Children under six should avoid screen time, French medical experts say - Grand Theft Auto VI delayed until May 2026
Much anticipated title was due in autumn but fans will now have to wait another year after the announcement by Rockstar Games Rockstar Games has delayed the launch of Grand Theft Auto VI until 26 May, 2026. The game had been scheduled for release this autumn, but the lack of a definite date was beginning… Read more: Grand Theft Auto VI delayed until May 2026 - Playing with words: why novelists are becoming video game writers – and vice-versa
ICYMI: While the novel remains a high-status cultural form, video game writing is still seen as a throwaway art – despite some of the biggest names in fiction being involved I’ve been working in games for a little more than 15 years, and the main thing I’d say about it at this point is that… Read more: Playing with words: why novelists are becoming video game writers – and vice-versa - Children under six should avoid screen time, French medical experts say
TV, tablets and smartphones ‘hinder and alter brain development’, open letter says Children under the age of six should not be exposed to screens, including television, to avoid permanent damage to their brain development, French medical experts have said. TV, tablets, computers, video games and smartphones have “already had a heavy impact on a young… Read more: Children under six should avoid screen time, French medical experts say - Sage Bambino Plus coffee machine review: the perfect espresso machine for beginners
ICYMI: Delivering barista-quality results in a stylishly compact machine, this manual espresso maker is a brilliant buy for those just starting out • The best coffee machines for your home: your morning brew made easy The Sage Bambino Plus is a £350 espresso machine that leaves the espresso brewing to you but automatically steams the… Read more: Sage Bambino Plus coffee machine review: the perfect espresso machine for beginners - Playing with words: why novelists are becoming video game writers – and vice-versa
While the novel remains a high-status cultural form, video game writing is still seen as a throwaway art – despite some of the biggest names in fiction being involved I’ve been working in games for a little more than 15 years, and the main thing I’d say about it at this point is that it’s… Read more: Playing with words: why novelists are becoming video game writers – and vice-versa - Commissioner calls for ban on apps that make deepfake nude images of children
ICYMI: Children’s commissioner for England says ‘there is no positive reason for these particular apps to exist’ * What are ‘nudification’ apps and how would a ban in the UK work? Artificial intelligence “nudification” apps that create deepfake sexual images of children should be immediately banned, amid growing fears among teenage girls that they could… Read more: Commissioner calls for ban on apps that make deepfake nude images of children - Sage Bambino Plus coffee machine review: the perfect espresso machine for beginners
Delivering barista-quality results in a stylishly compact machine, this manual espresso maker is a brilliant buy for those just starting out • The best coffee machines for your home: your morning brew made easy The Sage Bambino Plus is a £350 espresso machine that leaves the espresso brewing to you but automatically steams the milk… Read more: Sage Bambino Plus coffee machine review: the perfect espresso machine for beginners - My life’s a mess. Will turning it into a game make everything better?
ICYMI: With two small kids and a dog to take care of, I often struggle to look after myself. Self-care apps promise to help – if you can handle the quests, magic potions and rainbow stones. I put four of them to the test The other night, I didn’t moisturise before bed. The baby had… Read more: My life’s a mess. Will turning it into a game make everything better? - Commissioner calls for ban on apps that make deepfake nude images of children
Children’s commissioner for England says ‘there is no positive reason for these particular apps to exist’ * What are ‘nudification’ apps and how would a ban in the UK work? Artificial intelligence “nudification” apps that create deepfake sexual images of children should be immediately banned, amid growing fears among teenage girls that they could fall… Read more: Commissioner calls for ban on apps that make deepfake nude images of children - US food delivery app DoorDash offers to buy UK rival Deliveroo for $3.6bn
ICYMI: The London-based company, the second largest food deliver app in the UK, said no ‘firm offer’ had been made yet DoorDash is offering to buy its UK-based rival Deliveroo for $3.6bn (£2.7bn), Deliveroo said on Friday. Deliveroo said that its board was in talks with DoorDash over the offer and that a firm offer… Read more: US food delivery app DoorDash offers to buy UK rival Deliveroo for $3.6bn - My life’s a mess. Will turning it into a game make everything better?
With two small kids and a dog to take care of, I often struggle to look after myself. Self-care apps promise to help – if you can handle the quests, magic potions and rainbow stones. I put four of them to the test The other night, I didn’t moisturise before bed. The baby had just… Read more: My life’s a mess. Will turning it into a game make everything better? - Microsoft says everyone will be a boss in the future – of AI employees
ICYMI: 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… Read more: Microsoft says everyone will be a boss in the future – of AI employees - US food delivery app DoorDash offers to buy UK rival Deliveroo for $3.6bn
The London-based company, the second largest food deliver app in the UK, said no ‘firm offer’ had been made yet DoorDash is offering to buy its UK-based rival Deliveroo for $3.6bn (£2.7bn), Deliveroo said on Friday. Deliveroo said that its board was in talks with DoorDash over the offer and that a firm offer had… Read more: US food delivery app DoorDash offers to buy UK rival Deliveroo for $3.6bn - 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