Tech
Translation tools, air purifiers: face masks go high-tech
From monitoring vital signs to filtering filthy air and even translating speech into other languages, the coronavirus-fueled boom in mask-wearing has spawned an unusual range of high-tech face coverings. As masks become the norm worldwide, tech companies and researchers are rolling out weird and wonderful models to both guard against… Read
Tesla's release of new 'self-driving' software closely watched by U.S. regulator
The U.S. auto safety regulator says it is closely watching Tesla Inc's release of a software version intended to allow its cars to drive themselves, saying it stood ready to protect the public against safety risks. Tesla on Tuesday night released a beta, or test version, of what it calls… Read
If Google's a monopoly, who is harmed by its market power?
Google has long defended itself against charges of monopoly by stressing that its products are free and that no one has to use them. And it's avoided tough government scrutiny for years based in part on the idea that people searching the internet are not Google’s true customers. We’re its… Read
Quibi streaming service to shut down
Quibi on Wednesday announced it is pulling the plug on the "quick bites" television service aimed at smartphone users hungry for entertainment on the go. The brainchild of Hollywood powerhouse Jeffrey Katzenberg, Quibi launched in April with short-form video entertainment tailored for smartphone users on the go just as the… Read
New tool predicts risk of COVID hospitalization, death
The five percent of people in Britain predicted by a new tool to be at highest risk from COVID-19 accounted for three-quarters of deaths during the first wave of the pandemic, researchers reported Wednesday. As countries worldwide grapple with a second wave of disease, the risk-assessment method -- which also… Read
PayPal to allow cryptocurrency buying, selling and shopping on its network
PayPal Holdings Inc joined the cryptocurrency market on Wednesday, allowing customers to buy, sell and hold bitcoin and other virtual coins using the U.S. digital payments company's online wallets. PayPal customers will also be able to use cryptocurrencies to shop at the 26 million merchants on its network starting in… Read
Online electronics show CEATEC displays solutions to ride out pandemic
Japan's annual electronics and information technology show kicked off online Tuesday with a focus on cutting-edge technologies and solutions designed to help people ride out the novel coronavirus pandemic. The Combined Exhibition of Advanced Technologies, or CEATEC, is scheduled to be held virtually through Friday due to the virus outbreak… Read
Amid e-commerce boom, anti-Amazon Shopify takes flight
The pandemic has forced businesses worldwide to pivot online to survive, and many have turned to Shopify, a Canadian company that has emerged as a thriving alternative to Amazon. Founded 15 years ago in Ottawa, Shopify allows businesses to create an e-commerce site in just a few clicks. Already growing… Read
Japan to join forces with U.S., Europe in regulating Big Tech firms
Japan will join forces with the United States and Europe to take on any market abuses by the four Big Tech companies, the new head of its antitrust watchdog said on Monday, a sign Tokyo will join global efforts to regulate digital platform operators. Kazuyuki Furuya, chairman of Japan's Fair… Read
The robot dolphin that could replace captive animals at theme parks one day
Darting around the pool as a group of swimmers stands in the shallow end, the dolphin looks much like those that jump through hoops and perform acrobatics at theme parks. But this marine creature is a robot. "When I first saw the dolphin, I thought it could be real," said… Read
