Google wins challenge against EU fine, EVs outnumber petrol cars in Norway
Google has won its challenge against a €1.49bn (£1.26bn) fine from the EU for blocking rival online search advertisers. The bloc accused Google of abusing its market dominance by restricting third-party rivals from displaying search ads between 2006 and 2016. Europe's second-top court ruled the European Commission - which levied the fine - "committed errors…
Instagram to offer ‘teen accounts’ with greater safeguards, EV batteries last 20 years
Instagram is overhauling the way it works for teenagers, promising more "built-in protections" for young people and added controls and reassurance for parents. The new “teen accounts”, for children aged 13 to 15, will force many privacy settings to be on by default, rather than a child opting in. Teenagers' posts will also be set…
Research finds EV batteries can last 20 years or more
New research has found that EV batteries can last for more than two decades, outlasting the usable life of a vehicle and allaying fears of battery issues with many prospective EV buyers. Geotab Inc, a market leader in connected transportation solutions, has released new data that indicates electric vehicle (EV) batteries will now last 20…
Apple shares fall 3.3%, iOS18 with Apple Intelligence launches
Apple saw more than $116bn (£88bn) wiped off its valuation in early trading after analysts warned about weaker-than-expected demand for its new iPhone as its push into artificial intelligence disappointed fans. Shares in the world’s most-valuable company fell by 3.3pc after the assessment of pre-order sales of the new iPhone 16 series from Ming-Chi Kuo,…
Upgrade to Windows Without Losing Data: A Step-by-Step Guide
Every time a new Windows OS is released, excitement brews as it promises better features and enhanced user experiences. Upgrading to the Windows operating system is also a great way to enhance the performance of your work and improve security, however, one of the main concerns that bothers users, during the upgrade is that they…
Broadband providers need to be clearer about ‘fibre’, claims Ofcom
Consumers must be told clearly about the technology that underpins their broadband service when signing up to a new deal, under new Ofcom guidance for providers that comes into force today. Full-fibre networks are currently being deployed at pace, meaning customers are increasingly able to choose from a range of different network technologies for their…
Ofcom introduces ‘one touch’ broadband switching
Broadband and landline customers can now switch network under a new ‘one touch’ process, where they only have to contact their new provider. Since 2015, people have been able to switch between phone and broadband providers on Openreach’s network – such as BT and Sky – by following a process where their new provider manages…
Vodafone and 3 reject merger claims, Parental control not used on Meta claims Clegg
Vodafone and Three have rejected claims by the UK's competition watchdog that their proposed merger would lead to higher prices for millions of mobile users. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has "provisionally concluded" the deal would weaken competition between mobile networks. It has particular concerns that customers who are least able to afford mobile…
24 million homes risk having broadband hacked, 85% Brits clueless about WiFi security
24 million UK households could be at risk of broadband hacking, as only 15% of Brits say they are aware of potential security flaws Ten ways that criminals could hack into your router have been identified by cybersecurity experts at NordVPN More than 3,000 Brits were challenged to answer questions about broadband safety as part…
Data centres classified as critical national infrastructure, billionaire takes private spacewalk
Data centres in the UK are to be classified as critical national infrastructure, joining the emergency services, finance and healthcare systems, and energy and water supplies. It means they would get extra government support during a major incident, such as a cyber attack, an IT outage or extreme weather, in order to minimise disruption. Data…