Volvo over-the-air updates to boost electric XC40’s range
Volvo is deploying an over-the-air update for its electric XC40 Recharge, bringing a range of upgrades for its first fully electric vehicle.
Technology
Volvo and Geely Auto to remain independent but announce stronger collaboration
Volvo and Geely Auto have announced an expansion on their tech-sharing partnership, but have put to bed any plans for a full merger.
Stop social media giants allowing anonymous accounts, Victims’ Commissioner says
Social media users should not be allowed to post from anonymous accounts, the Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales has said, amid concern the practice is allowing people to abuse others online with little prospect of being identified and prosecuted.
New VR system coming to PlayStation 5, says Sony
A new virtual reality system is to be launched for the PlayStation 5, maker Sony has confirmed.
Microsoft calls for Australia-style action forcing tech giants to pay for news
Microsoft has leaned on the side of the press in an escalating debate over whether tech giants should be forced to pay news organisations for content.
Culture Secretary to meet Facebook executives over Australia news ban
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden is to meet with Facebook executives over the tech giant’s decision to ban news on its platform in Australia.
In Video: SpaceX launches internet satellites into orbit
Space exploration and rocket manufacturer SpaceX has launched 60 satellites into orbit. The launch from Cape Canaveral in Florida saw a Falcon 9 rocket carry a batch of Starlink satellites into orbit for the company’s internet satellite system.
Volkswagen and Microsoft announce autonomous tech partnership
Volkswagen and Microsoft have furthered their development partnership through the creation of autonomous driving systems.
Life in lockdown: How to make homeschooling a little easier with technology
Homeschooling can feel absolutely relentless.
Some children ‘speaking to strangers and receiving sexual messages online’
The vast majority of 10 to 15-year-olds in England and Wales go online every day, with some speaking to strangers and receiving sexual messages, new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) suggest.
Mass legal action brought against Facebook over ‘data protection failure’
A mass legal action has been launched on behalf of at least one million UK Facebook users over claims that the social media giant failed to protect their personal data.
New campaign to dispel 5G health myths launched
A public information campaign designed to dispel myths around 5G and ease concerns around the technology has been launched by the mobile industry’s trade body.
New DS 4 arrives with striking design and range of high-tech features
DS Automobiles has revealed its latest model – the DS 4 – bringing a variety of innovative new features and a series of efficient engine choices.
Google Stadia to close in-house game development studio
Google is closing down its in-house game development studio to focus on adding games to its Stadia streaming service from existing developers.
The cars being given an update for 2021
A bit of nip-tuck goes a long way, particularly in the motoring world. Manufacturers often choose to give a ‘facelift’ to their cars mid-way through their lifecycle in order to revitalise interest and, as a result, boost sales.
Subaru introduces facelifted XV
Subaru has announced a revised version of its XV compact crossover.
Could a new robotic Covid detector help get pupils back to the classroom? This biotech firms thinks so
A robotic sensor that detects whether anyone in the room has coronavirus could play a key role in helping pupils get back to school.
Cause of card payment glitches at Morrisons and Co-op investigated
Shoppers at Morrisons and the Co-op have been struggling with card payments due to IT issues which are under investigation.
Mazda introduces raft of updates to CX-5
Mazda has given its largest SUV – the CX-5 – a lift with the introduction of a new engine option as well as a range of interior upgrades.
First Drive: Can a plug-in hybrid powertrain further the Toyota RAV4’s appeal?
What is it? Toyota is a company which has been committed to an electrified future for some time. In fact, take one look at its current line-up and, save for a few notable mentions such as the GR Yaris and Aygo, its range is almost completely battery-assisted.
Internet signal-carrying weather balloon firm Loon to shut down
Loon, the company which created internet signal-carrying weather balloons to bring connectivity to remote parts of the world, has announced it is shutting down.
‘Technology war’ intensifying as gamers grapple with profit-making bots for PS5
A technology war is being waged between people making bots to snatch highly desirable items like the PS5 and specialists trying to prevent them, but a change in law is not the answer, an expert has said.
Watchdog calls for greater oversight of algorithms
Algorithms used to serve people suggested content, services and other options online can reduce competition and potentially harm consumers, a UK watchdog has warned.
Covid-19 boosts use of digital technology in councils, report says
The Covid-19 pandemic has increased the speed at which councils in Scotland are delivering services digitally.
Gaming firm unveils concept face mask including lights and microphone
A gaming hardware firm has created a concept face mask it claims is the “world’s smartest mask” and includes lights and a microphone to help the wearer be seen and heard.
Stagecoach to spend £4million on new technology to stop buses hitting bridges
Stagecoach is to become the first bus operator in the UK to introduce technology that will help drivers avoid low bridges.
Online child sexual abuse imagery created by children ‘up 77% in a year’
The number of child sexual abuse images and videos created by children has soared by more than three-quarters in a year, figures show.
Hackers publish data stolen in Hackney Council cyber attack
Data stolen from Hackney Council in a cyber attack last year has been published on the dark web, officials have said.
PM urged to provide more devices and connections for pupils’ remote learning
Boris Johnson must take urgent action to help hundreds of thousands of pupils lacking the devices or connections needed to learn at home as schools shut down during the Covid crisis, senior public figures have said.
Adobe Flash Player browser plug-in discontinued
Adobe Flash Player, the browser plug-in behind many animations on the internet, has finally been discontinued.