Tech
Global semiconductor shortage spurs run on vintage chipmaking tools
Minnesota-based Polar Semiconductor makes chips for automakers and is booked beyond capacity. But expanding production lines to help solve a chip shortage that is shutting down car factories around the world is not feasible - in part due to the scarcity of older-style chipmaking machinery. Chip factories like Polar use… Read
As Microsoft email software hack spreads, experts brace for more impact
The hackers behind the powerful set of digital intrusion tools exposed by Microsoft Corp this week are on a tear, breaking into organizations across the United States and Europe. With the weekend looming, experts say it is only a matter of time before the break-in tools are cloned by other… Read
WhatsApp adds voice and video calling feature to desktop version
Facebook Inc's WhatsApp has introduced a voice and video calling feature on its desktop version, the company said. The company said users will be able to use desktop screens for calls in both portrait and landscape mode, and the calls will be end-to-end encrypted. The move to facilitate calls over… Read
Cafe staffed by robots piloted by people with disabilities to open in Tokyo
OriHime is a charming Japanese robot. Like most robots made in Japan, it’s full of circuitry, programming chips, and has an exterior human-like shell. Though in OriHime’s case, it’s more Wall-E than terminator thanks to the soft edges and large babyish eyes. The interior of OriHime is also intrinsically human… Read
Mizuho Bank blames switch to digital passbook for ATM outage
Mizuho Bank said Thursday a widespread system problem that affected its automated teller machines over the weekend was caused by a process related to the switch of customers' data to digital passbooks that began in January. The bank had planned to transfer deposit accounts that have been inactive for a… Read
S Korean tech firms shake up Japan's storied manga industry
Two South Korean technology companies are borrowing from mobile gaming to shake up - and dominate - Japan's storied manga industry, a plot twist that has expanded the comics' fan base to a new generation of readers. Backed by tech giants Kakao Corp and Naver Corp, Piccoma and Line Manga… Read
Women fight for funding in man's world of tech startups
Lauren Foundos has excelled at just about everything she has put her mind to, from college sports and Wall Street trading to her Forte startup that takes workouts online. Being a woman in the overwhelmingly male world of venture capital was still a barrier -- but, like many other female… Read
Google won't use other web tracking tools after phasing out cookies
Alphabet Inc's Google will not build or use alternate tools to track web browsing traffic once it begins phasing out existing technology from its Chrome browser next year, it said in a blog post, in a move that will reshape how online advertising works. Google first announced it would get… Read
New Zealand eyes media deals with tech firms
New Zealand called on Google and Facebook Wednesday to strike deals with Kiwi media similar to those reached in Australia, which require the tech giants to pay for using news. Broadcast Minister Kris Faafoi said he was considering rules implementing the same type of arrangements for New Zealand's struggling media… Read
Japanese companies go high-tech in battle against food waste
Japanese companies are ramping up the use of artificial intelligence and other advanced technology to reduce waste and cut costs in the pandemic, and looking to score some sustainability points along the way. Disposing of Japan's more than 6 million tonnes in food waste costs the world's No. 3 economy… Read
