From BBC Technology · 40 stories
Pressure on Port of Rotterdam to Implement Greener Practices
The Port of Rotterdam faces pressure to reduce fossil fuel reliance amid a lawsuit from Advocates for the Future. The group demands a concrete plan to phase out coal, oil, and gas flows contributing to significant CO2 emissions, which are linked to nearly half of the Netherlands' domestic emissions.
Ofcom fines porn site £630,000 for failing age verification checks
Ofcom has fined Fapello £630,000 for not implementing required age checks for UK users. The fine reflects growing enforcement of age verification laws to protect minors from adult content and signals increased scrutiny on compliance across the industry.
Esports World Cup relocates from Saudi Arabia to Paris amid safety concerns
The Esports World Cup has moved from Riyadh to Paris due to safety concerns regarding the Middle East conflict. This hurried relocation allows more fans access but raises future questions about the tournament's ties to Saudi Arabia.
Robots Available for Rent Including Hospital Delivery and Humanoid Models
Diligent Robotics offers robots like Moxi for rent in hospitals, enhancing efficiency in medical supply delivery. The robotics-as-a-service model allows facilities to access advanced technology without large upfront costs, accommodating rapid software updates and evolving features.
Experts Warn Connected Car Apps Fail to Recover Stolen Vehicles
Experts advise that vehicle apps offer limited assistance in recovering stolen cars, citing a disconnect between user expectations and technical capabilities. Despite the ability to track cars via apps like Kia Connect, legal restrictions hinder their effectiveness in theft recovery.
Heatwaves Affect Power Infrastructure and Efficiency in France and England
On June 23, record-high temperatures in France led to a transformer malfunction, leaving over 100,000 without power. Engineering experts warn that increasing heatwaves, exacerbated by climate change, pose risks to the efficiency of various technologies including power plants and solar panels.
UK retailers advertise e-scooters for commuting despite road use ban
Retailers including Amazon and Argos have been found advertising e-scooters for use on public roads, despite UK legislation prohibiting their use unless rented through government schemes. Major retailers altered their advertising practices but smaller retailers continue to promote e-scooters for commuting, potentially misleading consumers on legal usage.
GTA 6 to Launch with Digital-Only Code in Physical Edition
Rockstar announced that the physical edition of GTA 6 will only include a digital download code. This trend signifies the decline of physical game discs, reflecting changing consumer preferences and how ownership of games is evolving in a digital age.
Geothermal energy gains bipartisan support, focusing on enhanced geothermal systems
US lawmakers from both parties have introduced the Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act to support geothermal energy advancement. Enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) are highlighted as a key technology to exploit deeper and hotter geothermal resources effectively.
Oura's $2.2B IPO primarily benefits existing shareholders, not for new fundraising
Smart ring maker Oura is seeking to raise up to $2.2 billion in its upcoming IPO, but the majority of the proceeds, approximately two-thirds, are allocated to existing shareholders rather than for company fundraising. This IPO structure allows early investors, particularly Forerunner Ventures, to exit their stakes and covers Oura's tax obligations related to employee share grants.
Nikon Small World in Motion video contest won by Chinese optical engineer
Ning Xu of Tsinghua University won Nikon's Small World in Motion competition for his super-resolution video of abnormal cilia beating in a child with a rare respiratory disorder. The competition highlights microscopy through video, showcasing biological complexity.
Australia's AI Data Center Boom Raises Environmental and Community Concerns
Australia is experiencing a rapid increase in AI data center construction, with 162 centers already operating and 90 more planned, attracting over A$155bn in investment. This expansion, driven by the demand for AI technologies, is leading to concerns among residents and environmental groups regarding noise, water consumption, and energy usage. The country's push to become a global data center hub is prompting questions about the associated costs and local impacts.
Airlines warn about lithium-ion battery risks on flights after increasing incidents
Airlines are issuing more frequent warnings about lithium-ion batteries on flights due to a rise in related incidents, including overheating and fires. These batteries pose a significant safety risk in aircraft cabins, leading to calls for passengers to handle them carefully and avoid placing them in checked luggage.
BBC analyzes viral disaster videos in China for AI-generated content amid misinformation crackdown
The BBC is analyzing viral disaster videos from China to determine if they are AI-generated, as extreme weather events lead to a rapid spread of fake content online. This analysis highlights the increasing difficulty in identifying AI-generated content and the real-world problems it causes, prompting the Chinese government to address misinformation.
AI-assisted cameras replace human lookouts for wildfire detection in France
French fire services are deploying AI-assisted camera systems to detect wildfires, replacing traditional human lookouts. This technology improves early detection, reduces false alarms, and provides firefighters with real-time data and fire spread simulations, which can significantly reduce response times and limit fire damage.
AI models predict optimal harvest dates for fruit growers, aiding planning and productivity
Okanagan Specialty Fruits is using AI models and camera systems from Vivid Machines to predict apple harvest dates and crop yields. This technology helps farmers optimize harvest timing, manage seasonal labor, and mitigate risks from weather and fruit spoilage.
Marvel's Wolverine PS5 game features linear action and violent combat
Insomniac's new PS5 exclusive, Marvel's Wolverine, is a linear action game that emphasizes violent combat and a simpler gameplay style. It departs from the open-world format of previous Insomniac titles, focusing on Wolverine's aggressive fighting mechanics and a story involving Team X.
Arm CEO states AI cancer cures are slowed by chip shortage, predicts humanoid robots
Rene Haas, CEO of Arm Holdings, stated that AI will eventually find a cure for cancer, a problem currently too complex for humans and present computers. He also noted that the rapid growth of AI is being hindered by a shortage of chips needed for data centers, and predicted widespread humanoid robots within five years.
Vine Reboot "Divine" Opens to All Users, No Invite Code Required
Divine, a reboot of the defunct Vine app, has removed its invite-only access and is now available to all users. The app features the original 6-second looping video format and includes over 2 million videos from Vine's archive, aiming to attract new users to its decentralized platform.
OpenAI's new model solves ten math problems, prompting concerns about AI's role in mathematics
OpenAI announced that an unreleased AI model solved ten open problems in mathematics, including one in coding theory. This development raises questions about the future role of human mathematicians and the potential for AI to independently advance mathematical fields.
Unigrid Ships Sodium-Ion Home Batteries, Faces Supply Chain and Material Concerns
US-based Unigrid has begun shipping sodium-ion home batteries, with demand increasing from Europe for energy storage. The company currently uses Chinese-made sodium-ion cells and faces questions regarding the use of chromium-3 in its cathodes, which could potentially form toxic chromium-6.
Robotic pizza makers face challenges, with some companies failing and users left without support
Robotic pizza-making companies like Picnic have failed, leaving restaurant owners with non-functional equipment and no technical support. This highlights the difficulties in automating fast food preparation, despite initial high expectations for the technology.
Silent Hill: Townfall Released, Set on Fictional Scottish Island
Silent Hill: Townfall, the latest installment in the horror game franchise, has been released, featuring a new setting on a fictional Scottish island. This marks the first time the Japanese-created series, traditionally set in the US, has moved to a UK location, offering a new cultural backdrop for the established horror themes.
Indian Developers Launch 'FoodNeverComes' for Simulated Online Food Ordering
Two Indian software developers created "FoodNeverComes," a website that simulates the online food ordering and delivery experience without actual purchases. The site, which has attracted over 2.7 million visitors since June, offers a dopamine-driven experience of consumption rituals without the financial transaction. This trend of "dopamine sites" mimics various online shopping and delivery services, originating in South Korea and now expanding globally.
China builds numerous data centers in Inner Mongolia to support AI ambitions
China is constructing multiple data centers in Inner Mongolia as part of its strategy to become a global leader in artificial intelligence. This development highlights China's infrastructure investment in AI, contrasting with US attitudes towards the data center industry.
England and Wales pubs to accept digital ID apps for age verification
Pubs and shops in England and Wales can now accept digital ID apps on phones for age verification, alongside physical IDs. This change aims to make age checks quicker and more secure, with customers using government-approved apps from suppliers like Post Office, Yoti, or Luciditi.
Valve Releases Steam Frame VR Headset Starting at £889, Raising Cost Concerns
Valve has released its new Steam Frame virtual reality headset, priced at £889 for the 256GB model and £1,089 for the 1TB model. The high price point of the Steam Frame contributes to ongoing discussions about increasing VR headset costs potentially making the technology less accessible to consumers.
LeydenJar develops silicon anode technology for improved battery performance
Dutch tech firm LeydenJar developed a pure silicon anode using plasma deposition that resists cracking, increasing battery life, charging speed, and energy density by up to 50%. This innovation addresses a bottleneck in battery technology, with commercial production expected to start in late 2026.
Dolly Parton's Sister Pleads for End to 'AI Garbage' Posts After Singer's Death
Dolly Parton's sister, Stella Parton, has publicly requested an end to "fake AI garbage" posts circulating on social media following the singer's death. This plea highlights a growing concern among celebrity families regarding AI-generated content created in the wake of a loved one's passing, emphasizing the insensitivity and pressure it creates.
Galway Robot Park Opens Near Seoul, Integrating AI and Robotics into Entertainment
Galway Robot Park, a 16,500-square-meter venue, has opened near Seoul in South Korea. The park aims to incorporate artificial intelligence and robotics into the entertainment industry.
Pyka develops self-flying aircraft for crop spraying and cargo delivery
Pyka, a startup, is developing and deploying self-flying fixed-wing aircraft for commercial services like crop spraying and cargo delivery. These pilotless planes are currently in use in Brazil for agricultural tasks, with future plans to expand into passenger transport. The technology aims to improve efficiency and reduce chemical usage in crop spraying by flying lower than manned aircraft.
Gamescom 2024 Showcases New Witcher 3 Expansion and Alien: Isolation 2
Gamescom 2024 featured major game announcements, including "The Witcher 3: Songs of the Past," a new expansion for the 11-year-old game, and "Alien: Isolation 2," the sequel to the 2014 survival-horror title. These reveals highlight continued development for established franchises and were presented at the world's largest in-person gaming event.
Spanish and Portuguese Firms Invest in Battery Backup After Power Outages
Companies in Spain and Portugal are investing in battery backup systems following widespread power failures that caused significant financial losses and production halts. This shift is driven by increased vulnerability to power cuts as firms transition to electricity from fossil fuels for industrial needs.
University of Roehampton Offers £2,000 Esports Scholarships to Students
The University of Roehampton is offering esports scholarships worth £2,000 to undergraduate and postgraduate students who demonstrate academic progress and competitive gaming skill. This initiative aims to recognize talent in a growing field and provide financial support, with over 100 scholarships already awarded.
EarthGrid tests plasma torch tunnel-boring machine for underground infrastructure
EarthGrid successfully tested its rock-melting tunnel-boring machine (TBR) in California, using plasma torches to bore through granite. This technology aims to make placing critical infrastructure underground quicker and more cost-effective, addressing increased demand for secure facilities.
UK Politics Mobile Game "No 10: Full Confidence" Tops Apple's Paid Charts
A mobile game called "No 10: Full Confidence," developed in Manchester, has surpassed Minecraft to become the top-selling paid game on Apple's charts. The game simulates the role of a UK prime minister, requiring players to manage political factions through over 300 scenarios to stay in power.
UK Police Program Diverts Teen Hackers Towards Cybersecurity Careers
The UK's Cyber Choices program, run by police, is working with teenage hackers to redirect their skills towards legitimate cybersecurity paths. This initiative aims to prevent young individuals from engaging in illegal cyber activities by offering guidance and training opportunities.
Dangerous Travel Adaptors Found Online Pose Electric Shock and Fire Risks
An investigation by Electrical Safety First (ESF) found that 14 travel adaptors purchased from major online marketplaces failed to meet UK safety standards, posing risks of electric shock and fire. ESF urged consumers to buy adaptors from trusted retailers to avoid potential hazards.
German Firms Develop Adhesive-Free Paper Sealing Technologies for Improved Recycling
German firms Fraunhofer, Hermann Ultraschall, and Henkel are developing new technologies to seal paper packaging without adhesives. These innovations aim to improve paper recyclability by eliminating "stickies" that contaminate recycled paper batches and damage machinery, driven by new European recycling regulations.
Amazon integrates Luna cloud gaming into Prime Video app, eyes console-free future
Amazon is integrating its Luna cloud gaming service directly into the Prime Video app on Fire TVs in the US and UK. Jeff Gattis, Amazon's head of gaming, predicts that rising hardware costs will lead more players to adopt cloud gaming over dedicated consoles, despite past failures in the cloud gaming market.