Technology
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#Winning: hashtags celebrate 10th birthday
Ten years have passed since the # symbol was lifted out of obscurity and turned into a revolutionary tool of communication. How have hashtags changed the world? And should we be grateful?
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HBO hacked as Game of Thrones spoilers leaked
The TV network HBO has been hacked for a second time this month after a group broke into its social media. Is this HBO’s problem, or should consumers take more of a stand against cybercrime?
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Facebook takes on YouTube with video service
The social network has begun to roll out Watch, its new video tab. The product looks set to shake up the online streaming industry. Is Facebook becoming dangerously big?
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Google worker: ‘blame biology for gender gap’
An employee at Google has argued that the lack of women in top tech jobs is all down to biological differences between the sexes. Typical Silicon Valley sexism — or is there something in it?
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Facebook robots spark new panic over AI
In the past year Amazon started testing drone deliveries, a robot passed a university entrance exam, and Facebook’s AI started talking to itself. Are robots poised to take over the world?
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Tesla unveils ‘electric car for the people’
Electric cars have long been seen as the preserve of super-rich technophiles. But now Tesla is unveiling its first mass-market electric car. Is this a pivotal turning point for the industry?
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Minecraft book is ‘Crusoe for the digital age’
The latest novel by Max Brooks is a Robinson Crusoe-like tale of survival, zombies, and building an entire world from cuboid blocks. Yep — it is about Minecraft. Why is...
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‘Doomed’ cursive makes comeback in classrooms
Until recently, it looked like handwriting lessons were on their way out of American schools. That seems to be changing. As technology evolves, is there a need for cursive on the curriculum?
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Brains, bionics and the future of bodies
Around the world, researchers are looking at how machines can be used to improve our bodies and minds. They have big plans for man-machine hybrids. Should we be excited or scared?
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Dazzling Dunkirk is ‘a victory for film’
In its first weekend, Dunkirk has conquered the box office. Much has been made of the second world war epic’s special use of technology. Can this...
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Netflix reaches a whopping 104m subscribers
Shares in the streaming service shot up by 10% yesterday after the company announced a huge surge in subscriber numbers. Netflix has changed the way we watch TV — but is it for the better?
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Emojis are ‘the language of the 21st century’
Yesterday was World Emoji Day. The little yellow faces and symbols are just the latest method of communication invented by humans. But can emojis really be described as a new language?
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The friendly chatbot that mimics your voice
Artificial intelligence often inspires talk of the end of the world. But a new app has a far friendlier goal: to be a “lifetime companion” that imitates your personality. Is it a good idea?
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Grouchy Greeks and the birth of TripAdvisor
Opinionated graffiti left on Egyptian tombs by Ancient Greek and Roman tourists has been likened to modern-day TripAdvisor reviews. Have we always been a species of grumblers and moaners?
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Facebook makes plans to build its own village
If all goes well, Facebook’s Silicon Valley employees will start moving to “Willow Campus” in around four years’ time. Should more big businesses start building homes for their workers?