Category: Gadgets
Elon Musk’s Big Falcon Rocket (BFR) to be renamed Starship
Elon Musk has announced the renaming of SpaceX’s biggest and still-to-be-built rocket, revealing it will now be known as Starship. Until now, the rocket booster has been known as Big Falcon Rocket or BFR – although some believe the F in the name stood for something a little swearier! The two-stage ship is designed to…
You can now ask Alexa to make Skype calls on Amazon Echo devices
Skype on Amazon Echo Show (Microsoft/PA) Amazon Echo devices can now be used to make calls between Skype users for the first time, as Amazon and Microsoft’s increased collaboration continues to bear fruit. Alexa-enabled devices can be linked up to a Skype account, meaning anyone can say, “Alexa, call Jeff on…
Microsoft Christmas advert shows benefits of Xbox Adaptive controller for disabled
Microsoft's Christmas advert for 2018 focuses on the power of its Adaptive Controller, released earlier this year, to make video games more accessible to those with disabilities. The short film shows nine-year-old Owen, who has Escobar Syndrome – a condition which limits his mobility - gradually being surrounded by his friends as he tries to…
Smart contact lens project designed to help diabetics is put on hold
A company from Google’s parent firm Alphabet is putting a glucose-sensing smart contact lens project on hold because results weren't accurate enough. Verily began working with pharmaceutical firm Novartis and its Alcon eye division in 2014 to develop the contact lenses, as well other types of smart lenses - including a pair that measured glucose…
Why upgrading to smart home security is a smart idea
Wasim Bux, product manager at home insurance provider iGO4, explains why upgrading to smart home security will keep your home safe and give you peace of mind. As our homes become smarter, it's easier than ever to keep track of our entire lives from the palm of our hand. The same is now true for…
Virgin Orbit takes step closer to LauncherOne rocket launch
Virgin’s satellite launch provider Orbit attached its LauncherOne rocket to a converted Boeing 747-400 on Sunday, as the company moves closer to its first flight. Cosmic Girl, a converted Virgin Atlantic plane formerly used by passengers, took the 25,800kg rocket over southern California skies under its wing, acting as a “flying launch pad”. The captive…
Apple boss defends taking billions from Google to use its search engine
Apple recently added the iPhone XS, XS Max and XR to its line-up (Kirsty O’Connor/PA) Apple chief executive Tim Cook has defended the company accepting billions from Google to make its search engine the iPhone default, despite its commitment to privacy. The boss of the world’s first trillion dollar company…
Twitter’s UK Christmas ad features John Lewis – the Virginia-based lecturer, that is!
Mr Lewis has owned the Twitter handle @JohnLewis since 2007 (TwitterUK/YouTube) Twitter UK has made John Lewis – the Virginia-based lecturer, not the retail store – the star of its latest Christmas advert. Every year Mr Lewis, who has owned the Twitter handle @JohnLewis since 2007, receives thousands of tweets…
Made in Space. Scientists to create materials in space impossible to develop on Earth
Image: PA We're all used to seeing Made in China or Made in Taiwan on products, but soon they may be replaced with Made in Space as scientists start to manufacture materials that aren't possible to develop on Earth. The University of Strathclyde-led experiment will be carried out on the…
Are VPN app providers misusing data? Survey shows many run without adequate privacy policies
Apple and Google failing to provide proper oversight of VPN apps and putting consumers’ privacy at risk by allowing poor quality apps from secretive companies onto their app marketplaces Unsuspecting users are routing their entire mobile internet traffic through servers operated by companies, most of which have minimal online presence and whose privacy policies offer…
