Tech
Huge changes for internet and Big Tech under U.S. antitrust proposal
The antitrust overhaul package unveiled in Congress targeting Big Tech, if enacted, could have far-reaching effects on how people use the internet and on America's biggest and most successful companies. The five bills, due for a committee vote on Wednesday, could pave the way for a reorganization or breakup of… Read
Google searches for new measure of skin tones to curb bias in products
Alphabet Inc's Google says it is developing an alternative to the industry standard method for classifying skin tones, which a growing chorus of technology researchers and dermatologists says is inadequate for assessing whether products are biased against people of color. At issue is a six-color scale known as Fitzpatrick Skin… Read
UK launches plan to capitalize on science and technology breakthroughs
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he would lead a new drive to capitalize on scientific and technological breakthroughs made in Britain with a program to direct research into areas that will benefit the public good. Johnson will chair a group set up to "provide strategic direction on the use of… Read
Artisan robots with AI smarts will juggle tasks, choose tools, mix and match recipes
Failure of a machine in a factory can shut it down. Lost production can cost millions of dollars per day. Component failures can devastate factories, power plants and battlefield equipment. To return to operation, skilled technicians use all the tools in their kit - machining, bending, welding and surface treating,… Read
CrypTokyo to showcase history of NFTs, digital art
CrypTokyo, which opens to the public on June 26, will give Japan’s art lovers, tech heads, and investors a one-of-a-kind chance to learn the history of NFTs (nonfungible tokens), experience the technology, and meet its future stars. This will be the first ever NFT gallery show in Japan making history… Read
Want a job? Employers say: Talk to the computer
A day after her interview for a part-time job at Target last year, Dana Anthony got an email informing her she didn't make the cut. Anthony didn't know why — a situation common to most job seekers at one point or another. But she also had no sense at all… Read
The first mobile phone call was 75 years ago – what it takes for technologies to go from breakthrough to big time
I have a cell phone built into my watch. People now take this type of technology for granted, but not so long ago it was firmly in the realm of science fiction. The transition from fantasy to reality was far from the flip of a switch. The amount of time,… Read
Facebook AI software able to dig up origins of deepfake images
Facebook scientists say they have developed artificial intelligence software to not only identify "deepfake" images but to figure out where they came from. Deepfakes are photos, videos or audio clips altered using artificial intelligence to appear authentic, which experts have warned can mislead or be completely false. Facebook research scientists… Read
GM, Ford outdo each other with electric vehicle investments
General Motors will raise spending on electric and autonomous vehicles and add two U.S. battery factories as it gambles that consumers will eagerly switch from gasoline to the new technology. The announcements Wednesday came as crosstown rival Ford said its entire Lincoln luxury brand lineup would be electric or gas-electric… Read
Major banks, airlines in Australia, U.S. report online outages
Major banks and airlines in Australia and the United States suffered brief online outages Thursday, with several blaming an "external provider" for the disruption. Most of Australia's major financial firms reported customers could not access websites and mobile apps, while website Downdetector said a slew of U.S. airlines were also… Read
