When your body becomes eligible for an upgrade
- 15 July 2017
- From the section Technology
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MIT
We all like to joke about what might happen if robots, powered by artificial intelligence, decide they want to overthrow humans.
That scenario is, at best, decades away. But this week I’ve been pondering something much more immediate, and in my view, more likely. What will happen when humans decide to become robots?
"We’re at a key transition in human history,” says Prof Hugh Herr, who heads the Biomechatronics Group at the famed Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
He says the group’s aim is to establish the scientific and technological conditions that will eventually eliminate disability, whether through paralysis or amputation.
But when that incredible goal has been achieved, then what?
Read full article When your body becomes eligible for an upgrade
AirBnB host fined after racist comment
- 13 July 2017
- From the section Technology
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Hashtag Re-hash / YouTube
An AirBnB host who made a racist comment to an Asian guest has been fined $5,000 - and told she must attend a course on Asian-American studies.
Tami Barker cancelled Dyne Suh’s booking, telling her in a message: "One word says it all. Asian.”
Tech firms unite for 'net neutrality' protest
- 12 July 2017
- From the section Technology
A host of internet giants - from social networks to dating apps to porn sites - will join a protest Wednesday against plans to roll back rules protecting "net neutrality".
The sites will display a variety of messages, or simulate the potential effects of losing the basic principle of all internet traffic being treated equally.
Read full article Tech firms unite for 'net neutrality' protest
Red surprises everyone with 'hologram' phone
- 7 July 2017
- From the section Technology
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Red
A holographic, virtual-augmented and mixed-reality-ready smartphone has been unveiled by Red, the company better known for ultra-high quality film cameras.
Named Hydrogen One, the device comes cased in either aluminium ($1,195) or titanium ($1,595).
Read full article Red surprises everyone with 'hologram' phone
Silicon Valley's women have spoken. Now what?
- 1 July 2017
- From the section Technology
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Female Founders Conference
"It's been going on for a while."
It's a phrase I've heard a lot since Susan Fowler, an ex-Uber employee, published her explosive blog post that ultimately toppled one of the most powerful chief executives in San Francisco.
Read full article Silicon Valley's women have spoken. Now what?
'Vaccine' created for huge cyber-attack
- 28 June 2017
- From the section Technology
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Thinkstock
Security researchers have discovered a "vaccine" for the huge cyber-attack that hit organisations across the world on Tuesday.
The creation of a single file can stop the attack from infecting a machine.
Nintendo reveals classic SNES console
- 26 June 2017
- From the section Technology
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Nintendo
Super Mario World, Starfox and Yoshi's Island are set to be re-released later this year as part of a new classic SNES console.
The original Super Nintendo Entertainment System, launched in 1990, sold 50 million units worldwide.
A plea for 'decency' in shaken Silicon Valley
- 24 June 2017
- From the section Technology
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YouTube
We may look back and see the events of this week, where multiple scandals at Uber saw Travis Kalanick removed as chief executive, as the beginning of a culture change across Silicon Valley as a whole.
On Friday, we saw signs of what shape such a shift may take.
Read full article A plea for 'decency' in shaken Silicon Valley
Bowing to drivers, Uber finally adds tips
- 20 June 2017
- From the section Technology
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Getty Images
In what could amount to a rare piece of good publicity, ride-sharing service Uber has added in-app tipping.
Drivers in Seattle, Houston and Minneapolis will get to enable the feature first - but the company said it would roll it out across the US by the end of next month.
E3 2017: In Trump, indie developers find inspiration
- 17 June 2017
- From the section Technology
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Cat in the Hijab
Christopher Jarvis says his motivation to make a game that tackles fake news is reenergised each time he leaves his home in New York.
"I live in Trump Tower. This is how I reconcile it with myself," he jokes, before turning a little more serious.
Read full article E3 2017: In Trump, indie developers find inspiration
