The Latest Tech News
We’ve put together some of the latest news and stories in the world of Technology in the business, online and entertainment industry. Read what’s happening in the world right here.
Self-Driving Taxis:
A company in China plans to operate more then a million self-drive taxis by the year 2030. The Robotaxis would work in areas where ride hailing taxis are less readily available. The firm in question received a $500 million investment into the division so watch this space.
Apple Mac Computers To Use It’s Own Chip:
Apple has confirmed it will transition its Mac laptop and desktop computers to its own ARM-based processors. The move means that Macs will run on the same type of chips as the firm’s iPhones and iPads, rather than Intel’s. Intel had faced problems manufacturing its own designs, leading it to issue a public apology to computer-makers.
Ofcom To Impose Fines On Social Media Companies Who Fail To Deal With Harmful Content:
Ofcom will not hesitate to impose fines on social media firms who fail to deal with harmful content, its new boss has said. The watchdog would also consider temporarily suspending platforms in extreme cases of harm.
Chief executive Dame Melanie Dawes set out the powers Ofcom would use if, as expected, it is appointed as regulator. She was responding to questions from MPs on the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee. The government has not yet announced which body will be given the role of overseeing content on Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat and Google, although Ofcom is the most likely candidate.
Ireland Set To Launch Contact-trace App:
Ireland’s health authority plans to press ahead with the launch of a coronavirus contact-tracing app based on Apple and Google’s technology.
The Health Service Executive told the BBC that it would submit a memo to government this week, and “subject to approval” would launch its Covid Tracker app shortly after. The move comes despite concerns raised about the tech’s accuracy in its current state.
The UK is worried about false alerts. And researchers advising the Irish effort have also questioned whether the software should be rolled out in its current state. Ireland would follow Germany in deploying such an app nationwide
Foyle Port: International Data Centre Given Go Ahead:
An International data centre has been granted planning permission from Derry City and Strabane District Council to be established at Foyle Port. The development, from Atlantic Hub, will host computer data and services equipment for large tech companies.
Londonderry Chamber of Commerce chief, Paul Clancy, said the development will be “transformative” for the north west. It is hoped the facility will generate “up to 100 jobs” at the site and attract further investment.
The campus at Foyle Port will have the capacity for up to one million sq ft of technical floor space with complementary hi-tech office accommodation – one of the largest ever property developments in the north west.
One-in-five Experiences Cyber Fraud Each Year:
One-in-five adults who use the internet said they had experienced cyber fraud or computer misuse, according to a new report. The latest Scottish Crime and Justice Survey said most victims reported no impact on them but they changed their online behaviours as a result.
The most common problem encountered was having a device infected by a virus. Other common types of cyber fraud were having someone access online accounts for fraudulent purposes. Having card or bank account details stolen online was also among the most common computer misuse. About 4.5% of internet users said they had been a victim of a scam email.
Facebook Launches WhatsApp Digital Payment Service:
WhatsApp has launched its digital payments service in Brazil as the messaging app capitalises on its popularity in emerging markets. The move comes as parent company Facebook pushes ahead with plans to bring more e-commerce to its platforms.
WhatsApp Pay allows users to send money to one another for free or make purchases from small businesses. In January, chief executive Mark Zuckerberg outlined plans to offer the service in India, Indonesia and Mexico. On its blog WhatsApp highlighted that the launch was part of a wider digital payment strategy across all of Facebook’s platforms.
Instagram Will Overtake Twitter As A News Source:
Photo-sharing app Instagram is set to overtake Twitter as a news source, research suggests. The 2020 Reuters Institute Digital News report found the use of Instagram for news had doubled since 2018.
The trend is strongest among young people. It said nearly a quarter of UK 18-24-year-olds used Instagram as a source of news about coronavirus. Instagram is now used by more than a third of all people who answered the survey, and two-thirds of under-25s. And 11% use it for news, putting it just one point behind Twitter.
Tesla Battery Supplier Catl Says New Design Has One Million-mile Lifespan:
A Chinese car battery-maker says it is ready to manufacture a product capable of powering a vehicle for 1.2 million miles (two million kilometres) across the course of a 16-year lifespan.
By contrast, most automakers only offer warranties ranging from 60,000 to 150,000 miles over a three to eight-year period on their cars’ batteries. Contemporary Amperex Technology has not revealed who it intends to supply.
But it was previously reported that the battery was co-developed with Tesla. The latest news was revealed in an interview Catl’s chairman gave to the Bloomberg news agency.
“If someone places an order, we are ready to produce,” it quoted Zeng Yuqun as saying. He added that it was set, however, to cost a 10% premium over the batteries it already supplies.
The company signed a two-year deal to supply batteries for Tesla’s Model 3 cars in February. Its other clients include BMW, Daimler, Honda, Toyota, Volkswagen and Volvo.
