Rebecca Longwell: October 2017

Tuesday 31 October 2017

Elbphilharmonie: The concert hall designed by algorithms

Each of the 10,000 acoustic panels is unique and designed to give the best listening experience.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41753021

Social media firms under scrutiny for 'Russian meddling’

Facebook, Google and Twitter lawyers tell a Senate committee they plan to be more vigilant.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-41821359

Simon's Cat game app showed adult bite advert

The ad showed a "red and bloody" fake tattoo on a woman's shoulder in a game popular with children.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41822294

Google investigates mysterious vanishing files

Users say Google Docs files have been randomly flagged as violating terms of service.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41824094

Malaysian data breach sees 46 million phone numbers leaked

The personal details of 46 million mobile subscribers are on the dark web.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41816953

YouTuber slams Hello World Live

Hello World Live apologises to fans after they were left disappointed at its live event.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/articles/41809375

Big net firms invest in trans-Pacific cable project

The high-capacity cable will link big cities around the Pacific Rim and help net firms cut costs.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41817471

Airbnb customer allegedly murdered in Melbourne

Three men are in custody charged with murder, and one is also accused of rape.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41816949

'We must worry about artificial stupidity'

There are lots of worries over artificial intelligence being smart enough, says Prof Alan Winfield.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41815759

'We just outlived LoveFilm'

DVD rental shop 21st Century Flicks is soldiering on as LoveFilm comes to an end.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-41818939

'I didn't realise it was going to be part of my entrapment'

Perpetrators of domestic violence are increasingly using technology to monitor and harass victims.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41817989

North Korea calls UK WannaCry accusations 'wicked'

It comes after the UK said it was "as sure as possible" North Korea was behind a huge ransomware attack.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-41816958

Samsung Electronics unveils new leadership line-up

The management overhaul comes after the South Korean tech giant posted record quarterly profits.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-41812443

Fixed-odds maximum bet 'could drop to £2'

Currently, some gambling machines allow punters to bet - and potentially lose - £100 every 20 seconds.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-41814465

Students cheated in £2m mobile phone scam

A gang are sentenced to up to six years in prison after conning people to set up fake phone contracts.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/articles/41807948

Game studio CCP scales back virtual reality development

Development studios will shut and jobs will go as CCP cuts work on games playable in virtual reality.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41817469

Did Russian-backed propaganda sway US voters?

Facebook says up to 126 million Americans may have seen it before and after last year's election.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-41816268

Monday 30 October 2017

Russia-linked posts 'reached' 126m Facebook users in US

Facebook says 80,000 posts linked to Russia were produced before and after the US election in 2016.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-41812369

Checking in at Singapore's new airport terminal

At Singapore's Changi Airport, passengers using its new Terminal 4 can check in and board without having to talk to counter staff.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-41805394

Touch and feel

As Africa gets more connected, so online services increase but they cannot just be a carbon copy of Western tech.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-41497345

'Pay-to-play'

The social media giant is accused of making it harder to see news stories, with disastrous results.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-41801071

Smartphone use falls among young for first time

For the first time, those aged between 16-24 are spending slightly less time on their smart devices.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-41805801

Google 'drops everything' to fix burger emoji

Google's big cheese Sundar Pichai joked the company will 'drop everything' to fix their burger emoji

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-trending-41801932

Is your phone listening in? Your stories

Facebook has denied using audio to target ads, but many people think it can happen.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41802282

YouTube tweaks advertising algorithm

More videos will get ads as YouTube updates the way it chooses which content gets monetised.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41801705

'Wonder whether technology is eating our brain'

Former MP Charlotte Leslie on the use of technology and social media by voters and political parties.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-41804603

Apple engineer 'fired' over early iPhone X leak

The man was sacked after his daughter posted footage of the iPhone X before it was launched.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41801704

Heathrow probe after 'security files found on USB stick'

The airport launches an inquiry after a USB stick with security information is given to a newspaper.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-41792995

UK must prepare for fourth industrial revolution, says report

Digital technology could create hundreds of thousands of UK manufacturing jobs, a new report says.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-41795502

Trump ally Roger Stone suspended from Twitter

The ex-Trump adviser sent abusive tweets to journalists on Twitter but says he will sue the network.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-41794002

Friday 27 October 2017

Facebook denies 'listening' to conversations

An executive was responding to a tweet asking about ads which seem to be linked to real-life conversations.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41776215

Facebook to disclose more on political ads

Political advertisers will have to verify their identity and their posts will carry a disclosure.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41785158

Three criticised over £117 iPhone X monthly deal

The mobile phone operator said the two-year contract was for those not wishing to pay an upfront charge.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41776214

Artificial intelligence smart enough to fool Captcha security check

Researchers developed an algorithm that imitates how the human brain responds to these visual clues.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41775968

Google addresses Pixel 2 handset complaints

The firm has doubled the warranty on its new flagship smartphones following criticisms of the hardware.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41776208

YouTuber Adam Blampied apologises for 'manipulating' women

Prominent UK video blogger Adam Blampied issues apology for 'manipulating' women into sending him images.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-41764308

Hotel booking sites probed by consumer watchdog

The Competition and Markets Authority fears consumers could be being mislead over the best deals.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-41769488

Thursday 26 October 2017

The robot that can swim and fly and other tech news

BBC Click's Marc Cieslak looks at some of the best of the week's technology news stories.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41669809

NHS 'could have prevented' WannaCry ransomware attack

Recommendations which could have stopped the WannaCry ransomware attack were ignored, report says.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41753022

Amazon and Alphabet see sales surge

Google-owner Alphabet and Amazon see shares jump in after-hours trading as quarterly sales climb.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-41771089

Twitter bans RT and Sputnik ads amid election interference fears

The social media platform will no longer accept adverts from Russia Today or Sputnik.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-41766991

Twitter nears profit as it adds users

The social media firm's losses narrow sharply, with four million more people now using its service.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-41760226

Piccadilly Circus lights switched back on after renovations

The state-of-the-art screen is responsive and allows for aspects such as live video streaming.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-41751310

WhatsApp and Facebook to face EU data taskforce

The messaging app has been accused of "non-compliance" with EU laws.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41761264

Nazi forums closed as Reddit purges 'violent content'

The site shuts several forums but experts say extremists may find ways of dodging the new policy.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41760968

Dell web address swiped by third party

A domain name, used by support software on Dell PCs, was taken over unexpectedly in June.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41762460

Dell web address swiped by third party

A domain name, used by support software on Dell PCs, was taken over unexpectedly in June.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/41760962

Newquay Bloodhound test: Figures behind speed record attempt

Find out the crucial figures for the Bloodhound, that is set for a test run at Newquay Airport.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cornwall-41742697

Wednesday 25 October 2017

Could algorithms revolutionise building construction?

Researchers have pioneered new techniques for manufacturing thin concrete shapes using algorithms.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41669806

Apple hires ex-BBC and Channel 4 executive Jay Hunt

Ms Hunt is expected to help the US tech firm take on digital rivals Netflix and Amazon.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41751463

Porn-makers challenge Patreon's crowdfunding ban

Patreon's rules now forbid its use to fund pornographic movies or private webcam sessions.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41749885

Amazon service will let couriers open front doors

Users of Amazon Key will need a smart lock and Cloud Cam camera to let couriers open their door.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41747074

Tesla solar power arrives in Puerto Rico

Elon Musk's plan to help restore power in hurricane-hit Puerto Rico begins at a children's hospital.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41747065

Inside Microsoft's new mixed reality capture studio

Microsoft opens a hi-tech studio dedicated to creating mixed reality content.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41747005

Tuesday 24 October 2017

Geordie Shore's Marnie Simpson broke ad rules on Snapchat

The reality TV star failed to identify Snapchat promotions as adverts in the first case of its kind.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41733125

'Bad Rabbit' ransomware strikes Ukraine and Russia

The new strain of computer-locking malware has hit Russian media websites and an airport in Ukraine.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41740768

TV news 'hack' sees bitcoins swiped

A pair of hackers managed to reconstruct a code blurred out on TV and claim $1,000 (£760).

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41737248

How to 'deep clean' your online activity

What steps can you take to avoid old online posts coming back to haunt you?

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41735619

Equifax to be investigated by FCA over data breach

The regulator is making enquiries after data belonging to many thousands of UK customers was lost.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41737241

Brexit: MPs quiz Facebook over Russian-linked 'fake news'

Does Facebook have evidence of paid-for activity by Russian-linked accounts at the time of the referendum?

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41736333

Hackers breach top plastic surgery clinic

The clinic, based in London, is known to have had high-profile clients, including TV star Katie Price.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41735104

Teenager's life 'ruined' by Live.me and Twitter 'trolls'

Victoria says her face was superimposed on pornographic images shared on social media.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-41693437

Netflix to raise another $1.6bn to finance new films and shows

The streaming service expects to spend up to $8bn next year on new content.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-41729434

Amazon receives 200-plus headquarters proposals

Cities across North America are competing to be home to Amazon's next hub.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-41728205

Monday 23 October 2017

UK to help CES tech start-ups after expo chief's criticism

The government will fund small firms to attend the tech expo after claims it did little last time.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41727475

Mini phone maker admits performance shortcomings

The Jelly handset's battery life, originally billed at three days, can be as little as three hours.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41722584

Project Loon restores web in hurricane-hit Puerto Rico

The balloons are helping Puerto Ricans send text messages and browse the web on their phones.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41721360

FBI failed to access 7,000 encrypted mobile devices

Encryption has become "a huge, huge problem" for investigations, the FBI director says.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41721354

Israel Facebook: Mistranslated post creates security alert

A post saying "good morning" in Arabic was reportedly mistranslated to say "attack them" in Hebrew.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-41714152

Remove ads that appeal to children, gambling sites told

Regulators said the firms must advertise responsibly, and warned of the possibility of sanctions.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-41711805

Friday 20 October 2017

Bitcoin boom prompts growth of coin-mining malware

The coin-mining software can grab processor power and drain phone batteries quickly, warn security firms

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41693556

Middlesbrough modified Kodi box trader gets suspended jail term

Brian Thompson had planned to argue the law in connection with the boxes was a "grey area".

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tees-41692804

Tech firms to remove extremist posts within hours

Firms such as Facebook and Twitter have agreed to do more to remove extremist content within hours of it being posted.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41693777

Players ‘applaud’ Xi Jinping in Tencent game

The game, which celebrates the Communist Party Congress, lets users "clap" Xi Jinping by tapping their phone screen

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41693817

How games firm made Destiny 2

Newsbeat has been given exclusive behind the scenes access to Bungie, the gaming studio behind the Halo and Destiny franchises.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/articles/41667810

Famous Irishmen subject of Westminster Wiki editing spree

Someone with a Westminster IP address has been editing web entries on famous Irish people.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-41690920

MH370: Malaysia in talks with US firm to restart plane search

The Malaysian government is exploring a "no find-no fee" style deal with Texas-based company Ocean Infinity.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-41691794

Amazon: More than 100 cities bid for new headquarters

The deadline is approaching for US cities to submit proposals to host Amazon's new headquarters.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-41681247

Thursday 19 October 2017

Mobile companies overcharging customers after contracts end

The UK government said the firms needed to inform customers when they had paid for their handsets.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41679408

Native American tribe sues Amazon and Microsoft

The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe was assigned data-processing patents by technology company SRC Labs.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41679407

Wednesday 18 October 2017

Still photographs spring to life

New software animates still photos so that subjects can be made to smile and pull expressions.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41668704

Giant robots clash in US-Japan battle

The human-piloted machines fired weapons at one another.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41673074

YouTube star Casey Neistat attacks video site's leaders

Award-winning vlogger Casey Neistat claims video creators could leave the service en masse.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41666049

Snapchat to make original TV-style shows

The social media app teams up with NBC to create a new studio where they plan to make original shows.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/articles/41664310

Twitter pledges tougher action against abuse

The social network says it will impose new restrictions on pornographic and hateful imagery.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41666040

'Future city' to be built in Canada by Alphabet company

Google sister company Sidewalk Labs is to build a digital city on Toronto's waterfront.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41665670

Amazon and eBay warned by MPs about VAT fraudsters

The websites are accused by MPs of profiting from sellers who do not charge the tax on UK sales.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-41658436

Low success rate for government online ID service

Gov.uk Verify fails to register most users trying to access government services.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-41642044

Tuesday 17 October 2017

Fukushima disaster: The robots going where no human can

Click was given rare access to the Fukushima site to see how the decontamination work was progressing.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41584738

Child safety smartwatches ‘easy’ to hack, watchdog says

A watchdog finds that hackers can track, eavesdrop or even communicate with children.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41652742

Social media data shared by spy agencies

Details about the data being collected by GCHQ have emerged at a tribunal about surveillance legality.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41651840

Adobe patches Flash bug used for planting spying tools

Kaspersky discovered that Flash files were being embedded in Word documents to deliver spyware.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41652970

'First 5G mobile net connection' claimed by Qualcomm

Qualcomm says it has achieved 1Gbps internet speeds using a 5G chip on a mobile device.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41652967

AI used to detect breast cancer risk

Machine learning is being used to spot whether breast lesions are cancerous or not.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41651839

Patent battle pits iPod father v Android creator

A start-up funded by Tony Fadell is suing a smartphone-maker led by Andy Rubin.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41652737

Google removes cupcake calorie counter from Maps

Feature showed users how many calories they would burn if they walked to destination.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41651836

Australia launches revenge porn reporting tool

One in five Australians have been victims of image-based abuse, but very few report the offence.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-41647513

Monday 16 October 2017

High speed camera uses 1,000 frames per second

The camera that can process images faster than the eye can see.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41584735

Daimler recalls 400,000 Mercedes-Benz cars in the UK

The cars are being recalled over a potential airbag safety issue.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-41633941

UK TV drama about North Korea hit by cyber-attack

The TV series Opposite Number was cancelled following a cyber-attack in 2014.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41640976

Microsoft Windows 10 breaches Dutch privacy law

The Dutch regulator says sanctions may be imposed if Microsoft does not comply.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41634617

China congress: How authorities censor your thoughts

The BBC's Stephen McDonell examines China's clampdown on free speech ahead of the party congress.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-41523073

Huawei Mate 10 uses AI to distinguish cats from dogs

The Mate 10 handsets use a new type of processor to recognise objects being photographed.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/41595295

Drone collides with commercial aeroplane in Canada

The aircraft sustained only minor damage and landed safely, the Canadian transport minister said.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41635518

Facebook funds anti-bullying training in schools

The tech giant will extend a scheme which trains young people to help those who suffer cyber-bullying.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41634616

Wi-fi security flaw 'puts devices at risk of hacks'

Researchers are due to reveal details of a major problem with the way wi-fi data is protected.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41635516

Sunday 15 October 2017

The dome which could help machines understand behaviour

Made up of over 500 cameras, the Panoptic Studio captures motion without the use of markers.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41584732

How a girl who cannot speak got a unique voice

New digital technology allows people without a voice to sound like themselves for the first time.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-41585802

Saturday 14 October 2017

YouTube lifts Swazi bare-breasted dancer restrictions

YouTube denies accusations of racism, saying it wanted to be culturally sensitive about uploads.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-41612863

Friday 13 October 2017

Why Pinterest boss Tim Kendall takes a daily ice bath

A daily ice bath is "like having morning coffee", the tech giant's president Tim Kendall tells the BBC.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41611854

40 years since the launch of the Atari 2600

40 Years ago, video games changed forever with the launch of the Atari 2600.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41204660

UK mobile coverage 'deplorable', says Lord Adonis

The national infrastructure commission head also warns the UK faces gridlock on roads, railways and in the skies.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-41606963

WeChat translates 'black foreigner' into racial slur

Chinese chat app WeChat apologises after its software translated "black foreigner" into the N-word.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-41606161

Uber lodges appeal over London ban

The ride-hailing firm files an appeal after being denied a licence to operate in the capital.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-41606965

Microwave breakthrough helps boost hard drive sizes

Microwaves could help make drives with much higher capacities than those seen today.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41611802

US voices frustration with 'warrant-proof' encryption

Encryption tools in apps such as WhatsApp "thwart law enforcement", says US Deputy Attorney General.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41611853

Samsung Electronics CEO resigns over 'unprecedented crisis'

Kwon Oh-hyun said the company was facing an "unprecedented crisis inside out".

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-41604860

Thursday 12 October 2017

Equifax removes webpage after malware issue

The firm is still reeling since disclosure of an earlier cyber-breach that affected millions in the US and UK.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-41601871

Branson's Virgin Group invests in Hyperloop One

Sir Richard is joining the board of the pod-based US transport company.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41595297

Facebook 'fully committed' to sharing Russian ad data

Data on who was targeted during the US election, and the webpages the ads linked to, will be released by Facebook.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41594927

Facebook bans rapper Lil B for 'hate speech' posts

Lil B is banned from Facebook for 30 days for several posts about white people and gun violence.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41594844

Rose McGowan, one of Harvey Weinstein's accusers, has account limited by Twitter

Rose McGowan has been vocal online about being sexually assaulted by Harvey Weinstein, now Twitter has temporarily limited her account.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/articles/41594165

Google disables touch function on Home Mini

Home Mini speaker units were responding to every sound close to them, early users found.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41594924

How to control your television with any object

The Matchpoint system can control the volume, channel or access menus.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41505804

Wednesday 11 October 2017

Tim Cook: Leadership tips from Apple's chief executive

Apple's chief executive advises young leaders to look to the dead among other business tips.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41590332

Apple's Tim Cook prefers augmented reality to VR

Apple's chief executive suggested virtual reality could isolate users and was less "profound".

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41590323

Ebay paid UK corporation tax of £1.6m in 2016

The tax bill for the UK division of the auction website comes despite total revenues of £1bn.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-41582844

Dow Jones: 'Google acquires Apple' news was 'error'

The Dow Jones newswire accidentally published the story during a test.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41580858

Unsent text accepted as dead man's will by Australian court

A court in Australia rules a draft text message can be accepted as an official will.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41580970

Israeli spies 'watched Russian agents breach Kaspersky software'

The activity was observed by Israeli intelligence officers two years ago, according to US media.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41580850

China's Spotify: How Tencent leads the music streaming market

Chinese tech giant Tencent is dominating the music streaming market after clamping down on piracy.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-41564462

Tuesday 10 October 2017

The origami-inspired bots that could perform surgery

Researchers at MIT have developed miniature bots that can fold into a number of different shapes.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41505801

Facebook and Twitter could face 'online abuse' tax

The government wants firms such as Facebook and Twitter to publish annual reports on abuse.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41566833

Equifax data hack affected 694,000 UK customers

The credit reference agency now admits that this year's huge data hack exposed some customers to "possible criminal activity".

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-41575188

ParentPay website unavailable for school meal payments

The firm says it is affected by a national internet connectivity issue and has suspended payments.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-41569694

EE apologises for voice call issues

Customers around the UK are reporting problems making and receiving phone calls.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41568555

Labour and Conservative use of Twitter and Facebook

Labour is winning the race to reach some younger voters who rely on apps for their news.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-41568670

North Korea 'hackers steal US-South Korea war plans'

North Korea allegedly stole secret documents last year, including a plan to kill its leader.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-41565281

Nokia kills off Ozo high-end virtual reality cameras

The firm says the market in virtual reality video is growing at a slower pace than it expected.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41567051

Mum identifies child sex abuser from daughter's image

German police take unusual step of releasing images of a four-year-old who had been abused.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41566831

Supermarket Morrisons sued by staff over personal data leak

More than 5,000 current and former employees claim the supermarket failed to keep their data safe.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-41552911

Condom-detecting fingerprint test 'set for court use'

The technology being trialled by West Yorkshire Police could be used in court within months.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-41525517

Ikea to sell online on third-party sites

The Swedish flatpack furniture chain's digital drive is in response to changing shopping patterns.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-41559756

Monday 9 October 2017

From pillows to concrete

CO2 emissions contribute to global warming, so could tech that removes it from the air slow the process?

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-41550446

Google 'uncovers Russian ad campaign linked to US election'

The search giant has evidence that agents tried to influence the US election, media report.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-41561882

Murdered Russian diplomat image removed from Batman game

Gamers discovered a photo of murdered Russian diplomat Andrei Karlov had been used in Telltale's Batman.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41524653

Pedestrian crossing reacts to danger with smart tech

A mix of road-embedded LEDs and smart sensors warn traffic if a child runs into the street.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41560086

New Zealand Police sorry for crash death tweet

The police tweeted an apology after an "insensitive" tweet they "quickly realised was wrong".

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-trending-41550066

Microsoft gives up on Windows 10 Mobile

The technology company says it struggled to convince others to make mobile apps for the platform.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41551546

Facebook confirms Russia ads on Instagram

The tech giant said ads bought by Russia around the US election contained "divisive" messages.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41551356

Apple investigating swollen batteries in iPhone 8 Plus handsets

The reports about handsets with swollen batteries that stopped working have come from six owners.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41551596

Sunday 8 October 2017

Websites hacked to mint crypto-cash

Hundreds of websites are harbouring malicious code that uses visitors' computers to generate digital cash, suggests a report.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41518351

100 Women: Five things I learned as a woman in Silicon Valley

The BBC's Nuala McGovern reports on smashing the technology glass ceiling in Silicon Valley.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-41544037

Friday 6 October 2017

Scam baiter: Why I risk death threats to expose online cons

A man who runs an online support group says scam victims are not stupid - just unaware of the con.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41518352

Artist 'vandalises' Snapchat's AR Balloon Dog sculpture

Sebastian Errazuriz said he is standing against an "augmented reality corporate invasion".

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41524550

Internet speed guarantees must be realistic, says Ofcom

New Ofcom rules require ISPs to be realistic about speeds before customers purchase contracts.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41524650

Asphalt helps batteries charge more quickly

Batteries that charge to full power in five minutes could be the outcome of US research that uses asphalt.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41523653

Elon Musk says he can rebuild Puerto Rico's power grid with solar

The Tesla founder says he can replace the island territory's destroyed power grid with solar energy.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-41524220

Rate cuts considered to boost mobile network coverage

Phone companies could have business rates reduced to encourage them to improve their networks.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-41501462

Thursday 5 October 2017

Netflix raises prices for first time in two years

The £1 or $2 a month increases for a premium subscription are the first for two years.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-41516159

Artificial intelligence sector 'needs more brain power'

Workers worry robots will take their jobs, but manufacturers struggle to find qualified employees.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41489643

The student who takes selfies with her sexual harassers

Student Noa Jansma takes selfies and posts them on Instagram with any man who harasses her in the street.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/articles/41511357

Russian soldiers face ban on selfies and blog posts

The security crackdown follows revealing posts from soldiers in Ukraine and Syria.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-41510592

Drink-drive rules 'need updating for autonomous car era'

Australia mulls changes in the law to exempt autonomous vehicle passengers from drink-drive laws.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41511690

Instagram polls expose voters' 'embarrassing' choices

The photo app has been criticised after adding a feature that reveals how people voted in polls.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41510283

Carbon-ion battery could mean rapid charging

British start-up Zap&Go has developed carbon-ion supercapacitors that allow rapid charging.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41419838

Wednesday 4 October 2017

Google Clips camera: creepy or fun?

The new Google Clips camera decides for itself when to take videos, and can recognise people.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41504748

Google Pixel 2 phones take portrait-mode selfies

They take portrait-mode photos with both front and rear cameras and summon Assistant with a squeeze.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41497851

Net neutrality debate 'controlled by bots'

A data analytics company says 80% of comments submitted to Federal Communications Commission came from bots.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41497342

Snapchat exhibits virtual Jeff Koons sculptures

The app beats Facebook to displaying famous artists' work via virtual reality.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41497842

Amazon and Apple hit by EU tax crackdown

Amazon told to repay €250m by the EU, which has also announced legal action over Apple back taxes.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-41497459

Assassin’s Creed Origins preview

Marc Cieslak previews the latest instalment of the adventure series set in ancient Egypt

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41419841

Yahoo 2013 data breach hit 'all three billion accounts'

The internet giant says three billion user accounts were affected, more than originally thought.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-41493494

US couple stole goods worth $1.2m from Amazon

A couple in Indiana have admitted stealing goods valued at $1.2m by claiming products were damaged in the post.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41484402

Europe 'to bill Amazon for Luxembourg back taxes'

Brussels is poised to seek hundreds of millions of euros from the US retailer, say reports.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-41484025

Uber clears way for huge Softbank investment

The Japanese technology giant could pour up to $1.25bn into the ride-sharing firm, reports suggest.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-41495012

Tuesday 3 October 2017

Samsung Odyssey virtual reality headset announced for Windows

The headset is being pitched as a premium option to experience the Mixed Reality platform.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41491862

Equifax triggers debate on cyber rules

Lawmakers say they are considering tougher penalties in cases where consumer information is hacked.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-41489112

Instagram baby photo thief banned from social media

Kati Ringer, 21, claimed other people's babies were sick or dead in an attempt to get money.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-norfolk-41488799

National Theatre specs create floating subtitles

The mixed-reality glasses could help the hard of hearing

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41491953

Instagram urged to act on sloth selfies

The photo-based social network needs to do more to prevent cruel selfies, an animal charity says.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41482204

Tech giants sorry for false news about Las Vegas gunman

Google and Facebook struggled to prevent libellous information from being circulated online.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41484393

Russian-bought Facebook ads 'seen by 10 million in US'

Most adverts focused on "divisive" issues like immigration and gun rights, the company said.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41484738

Fresh twist in Facebook data transfer row

The European Court of Justice will now investigate whether Facebook's data transfers are legal or not.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41482201

Companies face 50m euro fines in Germany for hate speech

Critics have said that the law may lead to accidental censorship.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41483412

Microsoft axes Groove Music service

The company's latest attempt to rival Spotify and Apple's iTunes will close in December.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41483492