Sunday 31 December 2017

Germany starts enforcing hate speech law

Social media firms face huge fines if they let hate speech linger on their networks, warn German authorities.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42510868

Saturday 30 December 2017

Tax internet firms over extremist content, says Ben Wallace

Tech giants are "ruthless profiteers" who are failing to fight terrorism, the security minister says.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-42526271

Police shoot dead man after alleged Call of Duty 'swatting' hoax

The 28-year-old was shot by police after his address was allegedly given to police in prank call.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-42523045

Friday 29 December 2017

The man who can't face the internet

One man's quest to keep his image off the internet.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42265053

New Year Honours 2018: AI chief Demis Hassabis made CBE

The chief executive of DeepMind is recognised on the New Year Honours list.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42511365

Contact made with 'missing' Angolan satellite

Data links to Angola's first communications satellite have been restored after it went missing for two days

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42510865

US says Romanians hacked Washington DC police cameras

The alleged attack took place in Washington DC just days before Donald Trump's inauguration.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-42511133

YouTube app removed from Amazon Fire TV kit early

Amazon Fire TV devices now point people towards the YouTube website instead.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42511363

Thursday 28 December 2017

Apple apologies for slowing iPhone batteries down

It says it will reduce the price of replacements and and will issue battery-monitoring software.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42508300

Uber: Softbank takes large stake in ride-hailing firm

The investment comes as the ride-hailing company concludes a difficult year.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-42507789

Tim Cook required to fly only by private jet

Tim Cook is required to fly on private aircraft for "security and efficiency".

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-42505265

Exmo Bitcoin exchange chief executive kidnapped in Kiev

Pavel Lerner was kidnapped on Boxing Day in Kiev.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-42505261

Nintendo Switch secret golf game wiped

A 1984 video game hidden on the Nintendo Switch console has been deleted.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42502580

Failed satellite programmed with 'wrong co-ordinates'

A multi-million pound weather satellite is lost after being programmed to take off from the wrong base.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42502571

John McAfee says his Twitter account was hacked

Cyber-security pioneer reports his Twitter account was hacked and used to promote crypto-currencies.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42502770

Troll alert tool banned by Twitter

A crowd-sourced effort to tackle fake accounts on the social network has been banned.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42502581

Apple to release source code for pre-Mac computer Lisa

Next year, Apple fans will be able to tinker with the source code for the firm's Lisa computer.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42502570

Workplace robots could increase inequality, warns IPPR

A think tank says replacing low-skilled workers with robots could mean bigger salary gaps in workplaces.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-42493529

Wednesday 27 December 2017

Edward Snowden's Haven app 'catches' spies

Software is designed to record secret police and others that might search activists' possessions.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42493028

Vietnam army hires censors to fight 'internet chaos'

Local media reports the People's Army has hired more than 10,000 people to tackle "wrongful views".

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42494113

Tesla's Elon Musk promises pick-up truck and new features

Elon Musk promises a pick-up truck and a range of new features for existing Tesla vehicles.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42493008

Go player to take on Chinese AI in match

More man versus machine Go playing but this time it will be Chinese AI that takes up challenge.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42493027

Obama warns against 'irresponsible' social media use

The ex-president was quizzed for the BBC by Prince Harry, in a rare interview since leaving office.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-42491638

Pennsylvania woman gets $284bn electricity bill

A woman gets a shock of her life after receiving an erroneous electricity bill for $284,460,000,000.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-42489666

Chinese skyscraper to be auctioned online

The unfinished 156m skyscraper is being put up for auction on Taobao, China's biggest e-commerce site.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-42490297

Quantum computing: Modular system announced

Linking modular quantum computers together could create a more powerful network.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42426121

Charlie Brooker: Expect the most varied series of Black Mirror yet

Charlie Brooker and Annabel Jones talk online dating and social media (but strictly no spoilers).

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-42235812

Tuesday 26 December 2017

Can AI keep these zoo animals warm?

A UK zoo has teamed up with tech giant IBM in a bid to keep its heating costs down during the winter.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42439477

Bitcoin: charting a crazy 2017

Bitcoin has had an interesting year, so should we now take it seriously?

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-42482766

Bitcoin: Would you want to get paid in cryptocurrency?

A Japanese internet firm is the latest to offer its staff part of their salaries in the digital currency.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-42435838

Monday 25 December 2017

How baby play is helping robots imagine the future

Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley have taught a robot to play.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42413944

Friday 22 December 2017

Bitcoin loses third of value over week

The roller coaster ride continues for the virtual currency as it falls from almost $20,000 to $13,400.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-42457983

Reindeer hunted by wolverines get safety app

It is designed to protect the animals, which have a special role in Christmas tradition, from predators.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42454875

Apple faces lawsuits over slowed iPhones

Two lawsuits been brought on behalf of users of older iPhones in the US.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42455285

UK 'ready to retaliate' against Russian cyber attacks

Boris Johnson says Britain is ready to retaliate over threats to UK national security and the West.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-42450479

Eric Schmidt steps down as boss of Google owner

The executive chairman of Google-owner Alphabet will remain on the board as a technical adviser.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-42450513

Thursday 21 December 2017

Apple changes rules on app 'loot boxes'

Customers will now have to be told how likely they are to get certain in-game items, says Apple.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42441608

The glitch that stole Christmas: How to handle smart tech gifts

How to prevent net-connected toys and other smart tech gifts becoming a post-Christmas nightmare.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42361279

Can your online reputation be bleached?

Legislation that protects websites from lawsuits is cleansing negative comments from online forums.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-42427966

Facebook strikes music deal with Universal

The firms are working together on new music products and have signed a licensing agreement.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-42448359

Bitcoin: My 400 coin bet paid off, but is it too late for others?

An entrepreneur funded her business by speculating on the crypto-currency, but is it too late for others?

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42439482

Facebook ditches fake news warning flag

The social network will no longer display a warning icon next to disputed stories.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42438750

Chinese live streaming website shut down

The site was closed after protests about the public sharing of streams filmed in schools and gyms.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42441605

Apple's iPhones slowed to tackle ageing batteries

Customers have long suspected iPhones slow down over time. Now, Apple has confirmed some models do.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42438745

Wednesday 20 December 2017

Artificial intelligence school inspections face resistance

The National Association of Head Teachers criticises plans to use algorithms to help rate schools.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42425959

YouTube prankster admits killing boyfriend in stunt gone awry

Monalisa Perez shot her boyfriend through a book, which failed to stop the bullet.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-42429422

HMRC warns on iTunes gift card scam

Hundreds of people over 65 have been ripped off by fraudsters who tell them to buy gift vouchers.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-42426787

GCHQ says cyber-spies 'over-achieved' say MPs

The UK has improved its ability to attack other country's communications says a Parliament committee.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42425960

Magic Leap's hi-tech augmented reality glasses revealed

The goggles will project images into users' eyes to mix graphics with the real world.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42430003

5G roll-out legal challenges defeated

Three and EE fail at their initial attempts to force Ofcom to rethink a 5G mobile spectrum auction.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42425865

Facebook steps up facial recognition use

Users who opt in will be informed whenever their picture is uploaded to the social network.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42425957

Bitcoin Cash deals frozen as insider trading is probed

Coinbase is investigating whether staff ignored orders to keep its Bitcoin Cash launch secret.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42425857

Elon Musk accidently tweets his private phone number

The post was quickly deleted, but not before many of his followers noticed.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-42424897

Uber is officially a cab firm, says European court

The ride-sharing firm had argued that it was an information society service.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-42423627

Legal right to ask for fast broadband by 2020

BT's offer to connect remote homes to superfast broadband rejected in favour of legal right to service.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-42423047

YouTube signs Universal Music deal amid subscription plans

The deal with Universal, whose artists include Taylor Swift, will fuel debate about YouTube's music ambitions.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-42420218

Self-parking cars to be legalised by UK

The UK wants to modify a ban on using mobile phones to allow drivers to activate self-parking cars.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-42414798

Tuesday 19 December 2017

Robot giant FX-2 is ridden by human pilots

A South Korean start-up shows off a huge robot designed to make humans stronger and more mobile.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42416109

Video games: How big is industry's racial diversity problem?

The industry trade body Ukie is calling for greater ethnic representation in games and in the creative process.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42357678

Facebook reveals rise in official data requests

Requests to see data on users' accounts are up by 20%, says the site's latest transparency report.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42409817

Mobile phones: Send a text to end your contract

Regulator Ofcom says the change means customers can avoid an awkward and long call to their operator.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-42413750

Facebook grilled on Britain First page by MPs

MPs have been grilling Facebook, Twitter and Google on hate speech on their platforms.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42412354

Disney's President Donald Trump robot gets mocked

An animatronic version of Donald Trump created by Disney's roboticists has attracted ridicule.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42411586

Bitcoin exchange Youbit shuts after second hack attack

A second cyber-heist has forced South Korean crypto-cash exchange Youbit to shut down.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42409815

HMS Queen Elizabeth: Leak found on new aircraft carrier

The warship commissioned earlier this month by the Queen has a faulty seal, the Royal Navy confirms.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-42406138

Australia police Periscope 'plans to arrest N Korean agent'

Australian media said the chat broadcast online contained plans to arrest a suspected N Korean agent.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-australia-42407964

Monday 18 December 2017

Cyber-Attack: US blames North Korea for WannaCry

Pyongyang is for the first time officially held responsible for the WannaCry malware attack last May.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-42407488

Kaspersky files lawsuit over anti-virus software ban

The Moscow-based company said claims that it is vulnerable to Kremlin influence are unfounded.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-42405057

Uber driver arrested after Briton murdered in Lebanon

Rebecca Dykes, a British embassy worker in Beirut, was strangled and sexually assaulted, police say.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-42386721

Advertising Standards considers inquiry into Amazon Prime

Advertising standards watchdog has had complaints about Amazon delivery promises and may investigate.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-42394898

Twitter suspends Britain First leaders

The leader and deputy of a far-right British political party's Twitter accounts are frozen.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42402570

Facebook: Post more to feel better about yourself

Using Facebook more proactively can combat its negative impact on wellbeing, says the social network.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42395998

Russia meddled on Twitter after UK terror attacks, study says

A study accuses Russian-linked Twitter accounts of exploiting four terrorist attacks to divide the UK.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42393540

Mobile phone and broadband services need 'radical improvement'

The head of the UK's Infrastructure Commission says mobile phone and broadband coverage is deplorable.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-42386899

Bitcoin trading starts on the huge CME exchange

The Chicago-based CME exchange begins Bitcoin trading for investors.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-42386893

Friday 15 December 2017

Million Britons miss out on 'decent' broadband speeds

Many Britons still struggle with slow broadband, finds report from communications regulator Ofcom

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42367202

Vodafone offers thousands early contract exit

The mobile network was not clear enough about new fees, telecoms regulator Ofcom says.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42367751

Amazon backs down in Google streaming spat

The online retailer has put streaming gadgets from Google back on sale, ending a two-year hiatus

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42365354

Sky and BT sign deal to share each others channels

BT will supply its sports channels to Sky, while selling Sky's Now TV service to its customers.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-42364401

Thursday 14 December 2017

US woman used bitcoin to move cash to Islamic State, police say

She is accused of taking out fraudulent bank loans and buying bitcoin to funnel cash to IS.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-42362478

Schools warned over hackable heating systems

A researcher finds dozens of UK schools' smart heating systems are vulnerable to being attacked.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42355665

NatWest bank spat prompts web security changes

The bank told a security expert "sorry you feel this way" when a potential vulnerability was found.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42353478

'Flirty secretary' smart assistant taken offline in China

The avatar, which could be made to flirt and dance, is offline after a suggestion it objectified women.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42353476

Star Citizen game makers being sued

Crytek alleges Roberts Space Industries (RSI) and Cloud Imperium Games "have caused substantial harm".

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42352606

Wednesday 13 December 2017

How net neutrality affects you

This week the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will decide on whether to repeal an Obama-era law that protects "net neutrality".

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/42341736

Mirai botnet: Three admit creating and running attack tool

Three men admit creating and running Mirai, a botnet used to block access to much of the web.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42342221

Twitter 'baby poop' video launches spam

The video also gains permission to access Twitter account and can spy on private communications.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42338066

Starbucks wi-fi makes computers mine crypto-currency

Visitors to an Argentine branch of the coffee chain are targeted with crypto-currency malware.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42338754

LinkedIn hosted jihadist lectures, Blair institute reveals

Lectures and essays by Islamist extremists have been shared on the Microsoft-owned social network.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42338746

Broadband over 'wet string' tested for fun

A small, independent ISPs manages to get speeds of 3.5 megabits from broadband over wet string.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42338067

Google to open artificial intelligence centre in China

Silicon Valley giants are focusing heavily on artificial intelligence and its future applications.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-42334583

'Meghan Markle' and 'fidget spinners' top UK Google search

Other most searched topics included the UK general election and the crypto-currency Bitcoin.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42323702

Tuesday 12 December 2017

Deliveroo and UberEats restaurant clients face new rules

Restaurants face having to seek planning permission if they heavily use food delivery apps.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42329666

Objective reality exists, says UK minister Matt Hancock

Matt Hancock calls it "something of a disappointment" that he has to state it publicly.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-42322191

MoneyTaker hackers reportedly steal £7.5m from ATMs

The MoneyTaker group has also stolen banking documents that may be used in future attacks.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42322706

US regulator halts Munchee digital-token sale

The SEC halts an initial coin offering and warns consumers of the dangers of crypto-currency investment.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-42324466

Facebook to overhaul Irish tax scheme

The advertising giant is to change its tax arrangements in about 30 countries after a similar move in the UK.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-42324485

'You are being programmed,' former Facebook executive warns

A former executive for the social network has blasted social media for "ripping society apart".

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-trending-42322746

Tech firms could be held liable for extremism and abuse

The BBC understands that an independent ethics watchdog will recommend new laws on online content.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42323696

PubG creator says games need 'better protection' from copycat titles

The man who created Player Unknown's Battlegrounds talks to Radio 1's Gaming Show about the problem of developers copying ideas.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/articles/42320076

Netflix defends A Christmas Prince tweet

The platform sent a tweet addressing the "53 people" that have watched the film 18 days in a row.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42323366

Monday 11 December 2017

Skin betting: 500,000 children gamble every week, Gambling Commission warns

Gamers as young as 11 bet using virtual weapons within video games which are then exchanged for cash.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42311533

Apple Shazam: Why is the US company buying the music app?

Rivalry against Spotify and augmented reality ambitions are two possible reasons for the takeover.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42309311

It's time to 'embrace an android' says Labour's deputy leader

Robots can "set us free" by taking over routine everyday tasks says Labour's deputy Tom Watson.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-42310953

Facebook: Jokes 'no excuse' for harassment

Facebook shares its internal policy for dealing with harassment.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42309471

HP laptops found to have hidden keylogger

A researcher finds more than 460 models have the hidden software pre-installed.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42309371

Uber settles defamation lawsuit filed by Indian rape victim

A woman raped by a driver in Delhi says executives got her medical records after doubting her story.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-42291495

Bitcoin futures trading begins on CBOE exchange in Chicago

Trading in futures contracts is a step towards legitimising the digital currency, its supporters say.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-42304657

Sunday 10 December 2017

German spy agency warns of Chinese LinkedIn espionage

Germany's spy agency says China is using the site to gather information on politicians.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-42304297

Paddington 2: The challenges of making the film

An exclusive look at the visual effects behind the film Paddington 2.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42244772

Bitcoin: 'I'm part of a crazy wave'

Three people share their experiences of buying Bitcoin.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-42281004

Apple 'to buy Shazam for $400m'

The music recognition app already makes most of its money by referring music buyers to Apple's iTunes.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-42299207

Saturday 9 December 2017

Calls for Twitch to police 'sexual streaming'

The game streaming site has been criticised for tolerating a growing number of 'sexual streamers'

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42222939

Friday 8 December 2017

Spotify and Tencent Music buy stake in each other

Two of the world's most popular online music streaming services are buying shares in one another.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-42285181

NI town 'has UK's fastest runners'

Fitness app Strava analysed 24.7m runs and 31m bike rides logged across the UK this year.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-42272732

Apple iOS flaws left smart gadgets vulnerable

The company has fixed a flaw in its HomeKit that let unauthorised people control smart home gadgets.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42283401

Legend of Zelda: wins big at the Game Awards

There was also a major reveal for Hideo Kojima's highly anticipated game Death Stranding.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/articles/42279854

Pupils design app to encourage children to go outdoors

The two high school students' Envirocache encourages youngsters to go on nature treasure hunts.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-42280132

Doncaster man, 71, sentenced in 'revenge porn' case

Rikki Chew admitted two offences of disclosing a private photo with intent to cause distress.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-42240932

Uber's licence suspended in Sheffield

The taxi app firm failed to respond to official requests about its management, the city council says.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-42270020

Thursday 7 December 2017

DanTDM named richest YouTuber of 2017 after making £12.3m

UK YouTuber Daniel Middleton, who goes by DanTDM, earned the most money this year, according to Forbes.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/articles/42265938

Steam stops accepting payments in bitcoins

The currency is currently too "volatile" to be a good option for customers, the gaming service says.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42264622

San Francisco to restrict goods delivery robots

The city is concerned about the safety of pedestrians if there are also many robots on the pavements.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42265048

Luxury good-makers win fight over online sales bans

The European Court of Justice says luxury firms have the right to restrict online sales to protect their brands.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-42256866

Wednesday 6 December 2017

Bitcoin surges above $13,000 to new high

The digital currency has seen its value double in the last month in a volatile journey.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-42260211

Google's 'superhuman' DeepMind AI claims chess crown

An algorithm developed by the DeepMind team claims victory against a world-beating AI chess program.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42251535

PM's internet safety adviser urges end to password sharing

Baroness Shields says that MPs should not be sharing passwords with their staff.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42251534

Nintendo games to appear on rival console

Chinese gamers will be able to play a selection of Wii games on the Nvidia Shield.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42251424

Google Amazon row leads to restricted YouTube access

Google plans to stop Amazon's Fire TV devices being able to use YouTube from the start of 2018.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42251531

Sad poop emoji gets flushed after row

Plans to introduce a "frowning pile of poo" emoji are flushed from the latest proposals.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42251421

Dolby estate gives Cambridge University Cavendish lab £85m

The donation comes from the estate of famed sound pioneer and Cambridge PhD student Ray Dolby.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-42234034

BBC to help students identify 'fake news'

Kamal Ahmed and Tina Daheley are among BBC journalists who will take part in events targeted at pupils.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-42242630

Step up to the invisible box challenge

As challenges go on social media, standing on a non-existent plinth has proved to be quite tricky for some.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-trending-42236672

Two Singapore 'Airbnb hosts' charged for illegal home stays

The case is the first of its kind since Singapore introduced new laws regulating home sharing in June.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-42247968

Posing as a schoolgirl to expose online groomers

How going undercover as a 14-year-old revealed the dangers children using streaming apps can face.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-42243733

Tuesday 5 December 2017

Will tech firms challenge China's 'open' internet?

Big names like Apple and Facebook were talking about China's internet in Wuzhen this week.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-china-blog-42233552

'One-third of teenage girls sexually harassed online'

A report from charity Childnet has found that one in 10 teens reports receiving threats of sexual violence.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42238118

Disability sport: Prosthetic feet help amputees snowboard

Reporter Kat Hawkins tried out prosthetic feet designed for skiing and snowboarding.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42161385

Jeremy Hunt hits out at Facebook kids' app

The health secretary told the social network to "stay away from my kids" with its app for under-13s.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-42242389

Millions caught in virtual keyboard app data breach

Researchers claim to have found millions of customer names, phone numbers and keystroke activity.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42238574

Why some people can hear this silent gif

Why are some people able to hear this gif even though it is silent?

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-42237092

CryptoKitties craze slows down transactions on Ethereum

A new craze for "crypto-collectibles" slows down transactions on the popular blockchain.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42237162

Drone collisions 'worse than bird strikes for planes'

A US study has offered a comprehensive look at the damage a drone colliding with an aeroplane could do.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42238115

Electric black cabs hit London's roads

The new cab costs £55,599 up from £45,000 for the newest petrol equivalent.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-42221375

Nissan to trial robo-taxis in Japan

Self-drive taxis will be tested in Japan next spring and could be on the roads by early 2020s.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42238112

Chicken nugget post had the most retweets in the UK in 2017

Because seemingly we can all relate to man who "needs his nuggs".

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/articles/42234082

US rapper meets 81-year-old Words with Friends rival at her retirement home

A rapper from Maryland met his 81-year-old Words with Friends rival and they're now best friends.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/articles/42223057

Child exploitation: Live streaming an 'urgent' threat

Sex offenders learn how young people communicate online and use this to abuse them, police say.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-42224148

Monday 4 December 2017

Google pledges 10,000 staff to tackle extremist content

YouTube's CEO says some users are exploiting the Google-owned website to "mislead or even harm".

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42232482

What happens when you get kicked off Twitter

Grime promoter Unclebantzz doesn't understand why he and his online friends got banned from Twitter.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/stories-42227951

Buying into India's digital payments market

Bangalore-based software company Ezetap has developed a platform that makes it easy to pay anywhere with any device you like.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-42222338

Blue Planet II comes to iPlayer in 4K HDR

The BBC will stream its first programme in ultra-high definition and high dynamic range colour.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42225220

Dangerous milk

The tech tackling fake baby formula, dodgy drugs, conflict diamonds and fishy fish.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-42152892

Facebook wants to mentor small UK firms at its new London headquarters

Newsbeat gets a tour of the new Facebook HQ as they launch their mentoring scheme for small businesses.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/articles/42224720

Beyonce 'unlikely' to use burner email

The claim was made half in jest by Ed Sheeran during a media interview.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42223579

Twitter hunt for Bournemouth-Manchester train 'love rat Ben'

A student outed the individual after he apparently admitted to cheating on his girlfriend.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-42220662

UK government mulls bitcoin regulation

The crypto-currency remains popular with criminals, the police have warned.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42223577

Regulator warns MPs over shared passwords

The Information Commissioner's Office says it is making enquiries about MPs giving staff their logins.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42225214

Apple Mac security issue may reoccur

Mac owners who upgraded to remove a serious security bug may still be vulnerable to the loophole.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42193796

Facebook creates 800 jobs as it opens new London office

US social media giant says 2,300 people will work for the company in the UK by the end of 2018.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-42213942

Venezuela unveils virtual currency amid economic crisis

President Maduro says the Petro crypto-currency will be backed by the country's oil and gas wealth.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-42217798

Facebook and Google targeted in Australian media probe

The inquiry will examine whether the disruption by digital platforms has harmed media consumers.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-42218692

Dubai's grand plan to become a global technology hub

Dubai has amazed the world recently with the hi-technology gadgetry it is adopting.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-42168683

Sunday 3 December 2017

Schoolgirl invents low-cost lead detecting device

Gitanjali Rao's device uses carbon nanotubes to detect the presence of lead in water.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42161379

Barclays axes free Kaspersky product as a 'precaution'

The bank emailed 290,000 customers on Saturday following warnings about Russian security software.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-42209489

New Sentinel satellite tracks dirty air

A UK-Dutch-built Earth observing spacecraft shows its promise with some stunning images of pollution.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-42196752

Friday 1 December 2017

'Snoopers' charter' changes put forward

The government says it accepts the Investigatory Powers Act is "inconsistent with EU law".

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-42195352

Morrisons data leak: Supermarket liable for staff details breach

Thousands of 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-42193502

Cyber-thieves seek to cash in on Bitcoin boom

The Bitcoin boom has prompted a massive rise in crypto-currency based malware, experts say.

from BBC News - Technology http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-41469232