Month: August 2019
Virgin Galactic commercial spaceport is operational
Virgin Galactic has said the world’s first specifically designed commercial spaceport is “operationally functional”. The company, owned by billionaire businessman Sir Richard Branson, announced the transfer of all its spaceflight operations to Spaceport America in New Mexico on Thursday. Virgin Galactic had been carrying out test flights from Mojave, California – including the first successful…
Huawei Mate X foldable phone now ‘unlikely before November’
The launch of Huawei’s delayed foldable smartphone, the Mate X, looks set to be pushed back further. According to TechRadar, the Chinese firm will miss its slated September release and it is unlikely to arrive before November. Huawei had initially hoped to release the device this summer, but decided to spend some time testing it…
Young people believe their future jobs don’t yet exist, says BAE Systems survey
Many young people believe the speed of technological advances means they will one day have a job that does not yet exist, according to new research. A survey of young people, coinciding with A-level results day yesterday, found that almost half (47%) of 16 to 24-year-olds believe they will work in a role that does…
Twitter not providing edit button ‘anytime soon’
Hopes of an edit button coming to Twitter anytime soon are fading after a senior executive indicated that it is not a primary concern for the social network at present. One of the main reasons users have called for an edit feature is to correct mistakes – at the moment, errors in tweets either have…
British Airways to offer Virtual Reality on selected flights
Virtual reality is taking to the skies as part of a trial on select British Airways flights. Customers will be able to enjoy a selection of films, documentaries and travel programmes available in 2D, 3D or 360-degree formats through VR headsets, which the airline says is a UK first. This includes therapeutic programmes, with guided…
Digital Detox holidaymakers reconnect with real world, study suggests
The idea of leaving smartphones behind from a digital-detox holiday might seem impossible for some, but a study suggests initial anxiety is soon replaced by benefits. A small group of participants were sent on technology-free travels in a bid to understand their reaction when disconnected from the online world. This meant not only losing access…
Instagram adds Augmented Reality effects tool
Instagram users are to be able to create and publish their own bespoke augmented reality (AR) effects on the social network for the first time. An update to the Instagram app will enable users to create their own virtual effects which can then be added to photos and videos posted to Instagram Stories. Augmented reality…
Spotify removes widget feature from Android
Spotify does not appear to be singing to the tune of some music lovers with the removal of its Android widget. The mini-player sat on the home screen of Android smartphones with quick play and skip buttons, as a convenient alternative to opening the full music app. Some users are calling for the Swedish firm…
Snapchat unveils Spectacles 3 for capturing ‘3D images’
Snapchat has unveiled the third generation of its camera-enabled Spectacles, which allow users to capture images and video to post to the social media site. Introducing Spectacles 3. A new way to capture your world in 3D. #SnapchatSpectacles. https://t.co/k21x6aacZs pic.twitter.com/mQVT6mVNqX — Spectacles (@Spectacles) August 13, 2019 The new Spectacles 3, costing £330, will go on…
Yahoo owner sells Tumblr microblogging site
Microblogging platform Tumblr is being sold off by American telecommunications company Verizon, just two years after it was acquired as part of its Yahoo takeover. Automattic, the firm behind blogging service WordPress.com, will gain ownership of Tumblr, which its chief executive described as “a once-in-a-generation opportunity to have two beloved platforms work alongside each other…
