List of All Articles with Tag 'tech'

A French company is aiming to complete a non-stop circumnavigation of the Earth using a solar-powered airship in a bid to test a new form of zero-emission travel. France-based Euro Airship is building the Solar Airship One with the aim of completing the round-the-world journey without fossil fuels in less than a month. Flying at an altitude of around 20,000 feet (6,000 metres), the futuristic craft uses a casing of solar panels, batteries, and hydrogen fuel cells to deliver power day and night, making it theoretically possible to fly forever. “The good thing is that we’re not doing this world tour flight just for an exhibition or for an adventure... There is an additional process after that for our technology,” French aerobatic pilot Dorine Bourneton, one of the pilots of the airship, told Flying magazine. “We’ve been working for the last 20 years in R&D, and we self financed it. Since July 2020, we signed a partnership with Capgemini, and they are helping to develop the industrialisation phase.” Engineers at Capgemini have been working with Euro Airship on the design, manufacturing and assembly process. “The Solar Airship project demonstrates that it is possible to catalyse an ecosystem to foster the emergence of sustainable air transport solutions,” said Corinne Jouanny from Capgemini Engineering. Construction of the Solar Airship One is set to begin this year, with the non-stop flight taking place in 2026. The project is part of a new generation of eco-friendly airships that are aiming to offer an alternative to conventional aircraft, which account for around 2 per cent of global CO2 emissions, according to estimates from the International Energy Agency. British manufacturer Hybrid Air Vehicles is also aiming to begin flights in 2026 of its Airlander 10 airship, while Google founder Sergey Brin is building the Pathfinder 1 airship as part od his Lighter Than Air venture. Read More Fossil fuels ‘becoming obsolete’ as solar panel prices plummet

By Josh Ye HONG KONG Apple has started requiring new apps to show proof of a Chinese government

Meta chief Mark Zuckerberg has said that the company’s Metaverse platform may one day help people interact with the virtual avatars of their deceased loved ones. In an interview with podcaster Lex Fridman in the Metaverse, Mr Zuckerberg shared his thoughts on the future of virtual reality and the company’s VR platform. He shared details on Meta using new technology to scan users’ faces to build their 3D virtual models, Insider first reported. Mr Fridman asked the Meta chief if there was the possibility of the technology being used to talk to dead friends and relatives. “I would love to talk to people who are no longer here that are loved ones. So if you look into the future, is that something you think about?” he asked. While acknowledging that the idea was complex, the Meta boss said there is “probably some balance” for the idea of creating a virtual version of a dead person by using VR and AI. “If someone has lost a loved one and is grieving, there may be ways in which being able to interact or relive certain memories could be helpful,” Mr Zuckerberg told the podcaster. But the Meta boss also acknowledged such a technology could become “unhealthy”. “I’m not an expert in that, so I think we’d have to study that and understand it in more detail,” he said. The tech giant’s expenses have shot up since it began investing in its futuristic virtual reality social media platform Metaverse. Data from July revealed that despite a strong rise in Meta’s advertising revenue and dramatically cutting costs as well as laying off staff, the company had increased expenses due to the development of the metaverse, its artificial intelligence projects and legal fees. At a developer conference last week, the tech giant unveiled the next version of its VR headset, the Quest 3, that would cost $499 and begin shipping 10 October. Mr Zuckerberg said Meta was “focused on building the future of human connection” where people would interact with hologram versions of their friends or colleagues with AI bots built to assist them. “Soon the physical and digital will come together in what we call the metaverse,” he said. But observers have pointed out that Meta’s transformation to build the nascent virtual-reality world has been slower than expected, costing the company billions of dollars. Experts have also highlighted that global interest for virtual reality headsets has been low. A recent survey by Piper Sandler found less than 1 per cent of US teenagers regularly used virtual reality headsets, with less than a third of the 5,690 teens polled owning a VR device. Only 7 per cent of the respondents had plans to purchase a VR headset and over half said they were either unsure or uninterested. Faced with the challenges of uncertainty around the global economy and a slump in online advertising, the tech giant slashed over 20,000 jobs. Mr Zuckerberg also dubbed 2023 to be the company’s “year of efficiency”. Meanwhile, Apple has also launched its own VR headset, the Vision Pro, which it hopes will be its most important product since the iPhone. Apple’s virtual reality tool allows people to see apps projected on top of the room they are in, enabling them to be “freed from the confines of a display”. Apple’s headset, however, is on the pricier side. It costs $3,499, while Meta’s latest one comes at around $500. Read More Apple blames Instagram for overheating iPhones Tom Hanks calls out AI version of him made without his permission: ‘Beware!’ Meta launches AI chatbots with ‘personalities’ to take on ChatGPT Meta launches AI chatbots with ‘personalities’ to take on ChatGPT Meta showcases new AR/VR tech at annual Connect conference Apple blames Instagram for overheating iPhones

Elon Musk’s X Corp, the company formerly known as Twitter, is being sued by another social network also named X, a lawsuit filed in a federal court revealed. The lawsuit, filed by a Florida-based ad agency X Social Media LLC, alleged that the popular social media platform violates Florida common law because of “unfair competition and trademark and service mark infringement”. It also accused the company owned by Mr Musk of violating Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act (FDUPTA). The accusing company said it has existed in the American state with its registered trademark as “X SOCIALMEDIA” continuously since 2016. It said it has existed as “a vanguard in utilizing social media and marketing technology to connect consumers with legal services in situations where those harmed would otherwise remain voiceless and without remedy”. The Florida-based company, founded in 2015 by entrepreneur Jacob Malherbe, said its “distinctive” and “dominant” letter “X” is used to signify the beginning of a life-changing journey towards justice. The ad firm said its ”X” mark is successfully associated with its social media advertising services, adding that it has invested “over $2m to date” in building brand awareness and reaching consumers. It argued that it has “already suffered loss in revenue that correlates with X Corp’s rebrand and use of the mark ‘X’.” “In addition to the symbolic emphasis of the ‘X’, X Social Media frequently emphasizes the ‘X’ portion of its mark throughout its advertising, blogs, and newsletters highlighting its work,” the company said. “X Corp’s use of the ‘X’ mark and recent attempt to register the mark in association with social media, business data, promotion and advertising, business consulting, market research services, and advertising services necessitates this action because its conduct has caused and will continue to cause serious irreparable harm to X Social Media,” the ad agency says. It remains to be seen how X Corp would respond to the lawsuit. X Corp did not immediately respond to The Independent’s request for comment. Read More Elon Musk facing defamation lawsuit in Texas over posts that falsely identified man in protest Elon Musk mocked by Ukraine’s parliament over tweet taunting Zelensky Elon Musk to live stream himself gaming on X in ‘everything app’ bid Elon Musk to live stream himself gaming on X in ‘everything app’ bid Musk confirms he is cutting election integrity staff from X/Twitter ahead of 2024 Reddit will start paying people to post

Apple is working on a software fix following reports that some of its new iPhone 15 models are overheating.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella warned on Monday of a "nightmare" scenario for the internet if Google's dominance in online search is allowed to continue, a situation, he said, that starts with searches on desktop and mobile but extends to the emerging battleground of artificial intelligence.

If you hear a screeching alert go off on your cell phone -- and everyone else's cell phone -- this Wednesday at 2:20 pm ET, don't panic.

Do you know your phishing from malware? One in six older adults admit they are completely “baffled” by digital terms. A study of 2,000 over-65s found the likes of hyperlinks, phishing and “The Cloud” are among the jargon which leaves people scratching their heads. Processor, malware and USB-C also made the top 20 list of confusing terms - with cookies, IP addresses and smishing also featuring highly. It also emerged 11 per cent think digital terms are so complicated that a foreign language would be easier to learn. To help older people get a better understanding of online jargon, BT Group has partnered with AbilityNet and lexicographer Susie Dent, to create a Digital Dictionary consisting of the 21 most commonly misunderstood words used on the internet. Susie said: “Whilst so much of modern life seems easier online – whether that’s booking a doctor’s appointment, managing your finances, or doing the weekly shop – we’re forgetting one crucial thing: it’s only easier if you understand the language the web is built on. “So, it’s great that this Digital Dictionary is a guide that simplifies the language.” The survey also found the over-65s spend just five and a half hours a week online, with 78 per cent feeling left behind by their lack of knowledge. Just over half (54 per cent) wish they were more knowledgeable when it comes to computing, but 17 per cent of these feel a lack of motivation. Other issues include feeling there is simply too much to learn or needing someone to show them what to do. But 16 per cent worry others will see them as a burden if they ask for help understanding different areas of technology. The main feeling for people who struggle with online jargon is frustration, though others feel silly, or stupid. And while easy access to information (31 per cent), convenience (17 per cent) and keeping in touch with friends and family (15 per cent) were deemed good things about the online world, many had negative things to say. A third (34 per cent) say their least-liked thing about being online is scams, with 14 per cent having privacy concerns. One in 10 (10 per cent) also stress that not every piece of information they see online is credible, according to the OnePoll.com figures. Victoria Johnson, spokesperson for BT Group added: “As younger generations grow up with the internet, it gets even harder for older generations to understand ever-changing online jargon. “But for anyone who isn’t a digital native and didn’t grow up with smartphones or super-fast broadband, it can feel like a whole new world to some. “It’s a shame to see from the research that older adults feel they are a burden when asking for help navigating their way online. “We want to create a more inclusive society by helping them make the most of life in the digital world. “We hope that the variety of online guides will give people the confidence to start exploring the internet and will give them all the training and support needed to live life to the full in the digital age.” The Jargon over 65s don’t understand: 1. Smishing 2. Vishing 3. Hyperlink 4. USB-C 5. Ransomware 6. URL 7. Phishing 8. QR code 9. Cloud 10. Malware 11. IP address 12. Cookies 13. Streaming 14. Tabs 15. Processor 16. Spam 17. Antivirus 18. Hardware 19. Browser 20. Upload 21. USB 22. Social media 23. Emoji 24. Webpage 25. App 26. Google 27. Download 28. Search Engine 29. Software 30. Smartphone Read More Brits think investing is for the super-rich, poll finds Brits get itchy feet in their home after five years, study finds The AI scams that are targeting young adults Elon Musk to live stream himself gaming on X in ‘everything app’ bid Japan startup unveils 15-foot robot suit for space exploration Apple blames Instagram for overheating iPhones

Bad news for milk tea drinkers, as the beverage - which comes in different forms such as bubble tea - has some disturbing links to depression, according to a new study. Milk tea is widely consumed worldwide, but it has become particularly popular among young people in China over recent years. While many of us buy the drink as a sweet treat or pick-me-up, researchers from Tsinghua University and the Central University of Finance and Economics in China investigated whether milk tea addiction is a thing. After 5,281 university students in Beijing were surveyed as part of the research published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, they found that milk tea addiction does exist and also spotted connections between this issue with anxiety and depression. Researchers noted the "tremendous growth" the beverage has had with youth as well as their findings from the study. "Our findings highlighted that milk tea consumption might lead to addiction, and it is associated with depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation," they wrote in the paper. Nearly half of the students surveyed said they had at least one cup of milk tea on a weekly basis, while a scale of addiction was used to understand the symptoms such as cravings, immoderation and how this affects daily life. Given that milk tea includes both caffeine and extra sugar, the effects of these ingredients cause worry - with low moods and social isolation as examples. "The results indicate that milk tea consumption might lead to addiction symptoms, including frequency, dependence/craving, intention to stop, unable to stop, tolerance, and guilty feelings," the paper read. Milk tea addiction has been compared to social media and drugs in terms of how damaging it can be, particularly when used to try and regulate emotions. However, a large study would be needed over a longer period of time to gain further understanding of this. To conclude, researchers want further regulation and safeguarding against both the physical and mental symptoms possibly connected to drinking milk tea, for example addiction, depression and obesity. "Current findings can assist policymakers in developing regulations such as restricting advertising, providing psycho-education, establishing food hygiene standards for such a prosperous youth-dominant consumption industry while protecting their mental health," they stated. Sign up to our free Indy100 weekly newsletter Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.

By Diane Bartz WASHINGTON Microsoft chief executive Satya Nadella on Monday took the witness stand in the U.S.

By Duncan Miriri NAIROBI A Kenyan parliamentary panel called on the country's information technology regulator on Monday to

(Drops extraneous word from headline) (Reuters) -Tesla missed market estimates for third-quarter deliveries on Monday as the automaker was forced