Tech
Facing U.S. ban, Huawei emerging as stronger tech competitor
Long before President Donald Trump threatened to cut off Huawei's access to U.S. technology, the Chinese telecom equipment maker was pouring money into research that reduces its need for American suppliers. Huawei's founder says instead of crippling the company, the export curbs are making it a tougher competitor by forcing… Read
Apple taps recycled rare earth elements for iPhone parts
Apple Inc's new iPhones will use recycled rare earth elements in a key component, the company said on Wednesday. Apple said it will use recycled rare earths in its "Taptic Engine," a part that lets iPhones mimic a physical button click despite being a flat pane of glass. The part… Read
Facebook unveils new Portal video chat, TV streaming devices
Facebook Inc unveiled new models of its Portal video chatting devices on Wednesday, making the company's first foray into TV streaming hardware but offering a limited selection of subscription services. The launch comes as Facebook is trying to pivot toward more private forms of communication, after years of slowing user… Read
Researchers: AI surveillance is expanding worldwide
A growing number of countries are following China's lead in deploying artificial intelligence to track citizens, according to a research group's report published Tuesday. The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace says at least 75 countries are actively using AI tools such as facial recognition for surveillance. The index of countries… Read
Sony rejects Loeb's proposal for chip business spin-off
Sony Corp said on Tuesday it was rejecting a call by Daniel Loeb's activist hedge fund Third Point LLC to spin-off its chips business, saying that the business is "a crucial growth driver" for the Japanese company. Sony's board and management unanimously concluded that retaining the chips business, which includes… Read
PayPal cautious about future of Libra cryptocurrency
PayPal is cautious about the future of Facebook-backed cryptocurrency Libra, which is slated to debut with the pioneering digital payments firm as part of its oversight association. International outcry is mounting over Libra -- with central banks, governments and regulators railing against Facebook's upstart cryptocurrency and questions over how it… Read
Nestle institute aims to develop packaging of the future
Nestle has set up a research institute to develop more environmentally friendly packaging for its products and reduce plastic waste, taking matters into its own hands rather than relying on its suppliers. Having been identified by environmental group Greenpeace as one of the biggest producers of plastic waste that is… Read
High-speed 5G network seen as ready to spur online gaming
Next-generation 5G networking was the big draw at Tokyo Game Show 2019, setting pulses racing with the prospect of a radically more immersive gaming experience. Offering data transmission speeds around 100 times faster than 4G, 5G is expected to enable more seamless imagery with lower latency, more vivid images and… Read
YouTube 'creators' fret over impact of new child protection rules
Samuel Rader quit his job three years ago to work full time on his YouTube channel, "Sam and Nia," featuring videos of his family life. The channel created by the Texas-based couple -- with videos of their Hawaii vacation, setting up their backyard pool and other content about "Christian family… Read
Facebook expands new tool aiming to shrink 'news deserts'
Facebook is trying to coax "news deserts" into bloom with the second major expansion of a tool that exposes people to more local news and information. But the social network confesses that it still has a lot to learn. The social media giant said it is expanding its "Today In"… Read
