Category: Technology

Google alert failed to warn people of Turkey earthquake AFP James Clayton and Ben Derico in San Francisco & Anna Foster in Turkey BBC News Google’s earthquake warning system failed to get to many Turkish residents before February’s deadly tremor, a BBC Newsnight investigation has found. Google says its alert system can give users up… Continue reading Google alert failed to warn people of Turkey earthquake

UN warns of risk of having smartphones in school Getty Images By Chris Vallance & Tom Gerken Technology reporters The United Nations has warned of the risks of smartphones in schools, stating “only technology that supports learning” is merited in schools. Mobile devices can cause distraction, risk pupil privacy and lead to cyber-bullying says Unesco,… Continue reading UN warns of risk of having smartphones in school

Spotify raises premium subscription price for millions Reuters By Chloe Kim BBC News Spotify is raising prices for its 200 million ad-free subscribers for the first time in over a decade, the platform has announced. In the US, the cost will increase from $9.99 to $10.99 (£8.57) for those with an individual plan. Similar price… Continue reading Spotify raises premium subscription price for millions

AI will ‘lead to more games being made and more jobs’ charisma.ai By Steffan Powell Gaming correspondent Artificial Intelligence will lead to more jobs in the video game industry, one of the bodies representing games developers has told the BBC. Dr Richard Wilson, boss of TIGA, says AI will “reduce the cost of making games… Continue reading AI will ‘lead to more games being made and more jobs’

Mobile roaming charges: Ofcom proposes new rules to curb fees Getty Images By Tom Gerken Technology reporter Mobile networks must tell people if they are going to be charged for using their phone abroad under new plans from the UK regulator. Ofcom wants people to be alerted about potential fees for roaming – using minutes,… Continue reading Mobile roaming charges: Ofcom proposes new rules to curb fees

AI: Workers need more protection – TUC union Getty Images By Simon Jack Business editor The UK is falling behind in protecting workers from artificial intelligence (AI), a trade union has warned. The TUC said the UK had no plans, like the EU’s AI Act, to regulate its use in hiring, firing and setting work… Continue reading AI: Workers need more protection – TUC union

Virtual pet website Neopets plans $4m comeback Neopets By Tom Gerken Technology reporter Virtual pet website Neopets is planning a comeback. Launched in 1999 by British developers, the site let users care for cartoon pets, chat and play games. But after Viacom bought it, for $160m (£122m) in 2005, the site failed to keep up… Continue reading Virtual pet website Neopets plans $4m comeback

Protecting UK jobs will be a challenge says new AI advisor PA Media By Zoe Kleinman Technology editor Protecting British jobs will be a challenge as artificial intelligence systems become more advanced, the new head of the government’s AI taskforce has told the BBC. Ian Hogarth said it was “inevitable” that more jobs would become… Continue reading Protecting UK jobs will be a challenge says new AI advisor

AI trend drives rise in students wanting to study computing Getty Images By Shiona McCallum Technology reporter School-leavers are choosing computing courses in record numbers, according to the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). This year’s application data showed 18-year-olds were increasingly inspired to study computing “thanks to the rise of digital and AI”, UCAS… Continue reading AI trend drives rise in students wanting to study computing

Microsoft-Activision: US regulator to appeal $69bn gaming deal ruling Activision By Annabelle Liang Business reporter US regulator the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has moved to appeal a judge’s decision to allow Microsoft to proceed with its $69bn (£53bn) purchase of games publisher Activision Blizzard. Earlier this week, the FTC’s request to block the takeover was… Continue reading Microsoft-Activision: US regulator to appeal $69bn gaming deal ruling