Tech
Facebook makes it simple to see if friends are safe
Facebook on Monday made it simpler to see whether friends have checked in as "safe" on the online platform during disasters or other dangerous events. A Safety Check feature was given its own dedicated tab along with friends, groups, events and other main categories at the leading social network's mobile… Read
Apple under pressure to dazzle as market slows
As Apple and Samsung gear up to launch new flagship smartphones, the market leaders are seeking a wow factor that can help them fend off challenges from rising Chinese-based manufacturers. Apple is under particular pressure to dazzle as the culture-changing California iPhone maker looks for a way to maintain its… Read
AI revolution will be all about humans, says Siri trailblazer
It's 2050 and the world revolves around you. From the contents of your fridge to room temperature -- digital assistants ensure your home runs smoothly. Your screens know your taste and show channels you want to see as you enter the room. Your car is driverless and your favourite barman… Read
Tech leaders warn against 'Pandora's box' of robotic weapons
More than 100 robotics and artificial intelligence leaders including billionaire Elon Musk are urging the United Nations to take action against the dangers of autonomous weapons, known as "killer robots." "Lethal autonomous weapons threaten to become the third revolution in warfare," warned the letter signed by 116 tech luminaries, including… Read
Bridgestone reduces noise of winter tire and improves abrasion resistance by 22%
Bridgestone Corp will release a winter tire with noise reduction capability 31% higher than that of the previous model on Sept 1. Bridgestone said it aimed at improving "comprehensive" tire performance with the new product. In addition to the enhanced noise reduction capability, the company increased economic efficiency by improving… Read
Seven-Eleven, Toyota team up to introduce fuel cells, storage batteries
Seven-Eleven Japan Co Ltd and Toyota Motor Corp have signed a basic agreement to consider saving energy and reducing CO2 emissions in regard to physical distribution and stores. Based on the agreement, fuel cells, storage batteries, etc developed by Toyota will be introduced to Seven-Eleven's delivery vehicles and stores. The… Read
Japan launches 3rd satellite of new GPS constellation
Japan successfully launched the third of its new quasi-zenith satellites Saturday, one of a constellation being put into orbit to improve the accuracy of available global positioning data. The launch, overseen by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, came a week later than scheduled after the rocket that was to carry… Read
Facebook tests adding news stories customized to users' interests
Facebook Inc is testing a feature in the Facebook News Feed that provides customized links to news on topics of interest to individual users, as the company continues to search for ways to increase the amount of time that people spend using the world's largest social media network. The offering,… Read
What major tech companies are doing on hate groups
Major companies such as Google, Facebook and PayPal are banishing a growing cadre of extremist groups and individuals in the wake of the deadly clash at a white-nationalist rally last weekend in Virginia. Civil rights advocates welcomed the moves, but say more needs to be done — and more should… Read
From Isaac Asimov to Aimee Mann, 'robophobia' plagues humans
Robots are secretly plotting to kill us. Or enslave us. Or, at best, they will take our jobs, one by one. From science fiction written by Isaac Asimov eight decades ago to "Dilbert" cartoons today, the relationship between robots and humans has long fascinated — and worried — people. There's… Read
