New FCC rules mean broadband providers can’t track or share a customer’s online activity without permission. But the rules have some major shortcomings, not least that they don’t apply to online services. Under the new rules, Internet service providers must: get prior permission from customers (ie an opt-in system) to use or share a range […]
Twitter is shutting down Vine, its six-second video tool. The move seems to be a combination of users losing interest and Twitter’s own cost-cutting. For now the Vine site, apps and archive will remain online, with the app to be discontinued in “the coming months.” Though there’s no timetable, Vine says users will have the […]
Apple’s attempts to capture the television market will take an underwhelming step forward this week with the launch of an all-in-one TV guide that won’t feature Netflix. Apple had originally tried to sell TV stations on the idea of producing a single online-based TV service that would negate the need for cable television subscriptions. That […]
Google is slowing down the expansion of its fiber network. Independent sources suggest Google Fiber was proving too expensive to install. The project involves installing fiber directly into homes and businesses, mainly in specific neighborhoods that have shown a large degree of interest in the product. Customers can choose between a 100 Mbps connection and […]
The smartwatch market appears to be in a slump with a 50 percent decline in shipments year on year. However, the timing of Apple releases may have somewhat distorted the totals. The figures come from analysts International Data Corporation and cover shipments to retailers rather than sales to consumers, though generally the two are closely […]
A video game retailer is charging up to $18 for customers to demo the PlayStationVR headset. As you’d expect, it’s gone down badly. A video game store in the United Kingdom is offering a 10-minute trial of the headset in stores for £5 or customers can pay £15 for a 30-minute session. That’s roughly equivalent […]
Researchers are trying to create a digital version of Joey Tribbiani (From Friends) that can speak automatically generated dialogue in Matt LeBlanc’s voice. The ultimate goal is to have automated Friends characters converse and generate new scenes. Unfortunately both the dialog and the way it’s overlaid on video footage of the Joey character are, to […]
Nintendo has unveiled its next handheld console, the Nintendo Switch. It’s a modular design that can be taken apart to switch between playing on a TV screen and handheld play. The Switch appears to be the device that Nintendo had been trailing as the NX. The promotional video shows it as coming in five parts: […]
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick says he’s done using tablets at pitchside. He’ll be returning to using paper to plan plays, saying the tech is too unreliable Speaking on a conference call, Belichick discussed the use of technology in the game. This includes Microsoft Surface tablets that are provided to all teams as […]
IBM’s artificial intelligence system Watson is to turn its hand to diagnosing rare diseases in a German hospital. The aim is to combine human-like analytical skills with the sheer speed and capacity of computers. Watson shot to fame after comfortably defeating two champions at Jeopardy!, a game that appeared a particular challenge for computers as […]