Apple and Google investigated by UK competition body
Getty Images The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has confirmed it is investigating Apple and Google over their dominant position in the mobile phone market. It is “taking a closer look” at the “effective duopoly” the two firms have. That includes the operating systems Android and iOS, both app stores, and Safari and Chrome […]
Ringo Starr makes surprise appearance at Paul McCartney show
Sir Paul McCartney has reunited with his former Beatles bandmate Sir Ringo Starr during a gig at London’s O2 Arena. The drummer was brought on stage to thunderous applause before the pair launched into classics Helter Skelter and Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. “I’ve had a great night and I love you all,” Sir […]
Qudian could be biggest Chinese IPO in US this year
Getty Images A Chinese online micro-lender is set for the biggest Chinese debut on a US stock exchange this year. Qudian priced its US initial public offering at $24 per share, raising about $900m (£682m). The company focuses on small, short-term consumer loans for predominantly young customers. In its listing documents, the company said it […]
BrewDog co-founder may delay marriage to max-out tax relief
BrewDog co-founder James Watt has said he may delay his marriage to reality TV star Georgia Toffolo for three years, in order to avoid missing out on tax relief for investing in her raw dog food business. Posting on LinkedIn on Tuesday, the multimillionaire said his tax adviser had “dropped a bombshell” on him that […]
Broadband switching to be made faster and easier under new rules
Getty Images Media regulator Ofcom says new rules will make it faster and easier to switch broadband provider. It means customers will only have to contact the new company they want to deal with, even if they are switching to a different type of technology. Ofcom said the “one touch” switching process could take as […]
US net neutrality vote: a brief guide
What is net neutrality and how could it affect you? The US communications regulator has voted to weaken the rules that govern net neutrality in the country. It’s a decision that has enflamed passions, with many of the biggest names in tech opposing the change. What is net neutrality? Net neutrality is the principle that […]
Crewless container ships appear on the horizon
James Brooks Before long the container ship Yara Birkeland will be sailing crew-free Cruising quietly through the Frier Fjord in southern Norway, the Yara Birkeland looks like an ordinary small ship. However, by the end of the year, the number of crew on board will be reduced from five to two and then, if all […]
‘I play digital music through my 1949 radio’
Rob Seaward Rob says the original valves on his Murphy A146 still work today When we think of technology our imagination usually takes us to images of the future. But for some, technology links us to the past – whether for nostalgia or for personal reasons Rob Seaward, North Yorkshire, UK: 1949 Murphy A146 radio […]
Google city sparks fresh controversy
Sidewalk Labs An image from Sidewalk Labs’s plans for Toronto Sidewalk Labs, a sister company of Google, has published its plans to build a smart city in Toronto, sparking fresh controversy. In a 1,500-page document, the company laid out its ambitions to “improve the urban environment” with a variety of high-tech innovations. Waterfront Toronto, the […]
Face masks for Scotland’s high schools and quiet bailiffs
Here are five things you need to know about the coronavirus outbreak this Monday evening. We’ll have another update for you on Tuesday morning. 1. Scotland set to make face coverings compulsory in secondary schools PA Media 2. Appeal to save Bletchley Park once more Computing academic Sue Black has saved Bletchley Park once before […]