Opinion – emojis are missing the trick with hair inclusivity
Since when did representation stop at skin tone? In the distant land of pre-2015 texting, all emojis were jaundiced little blobs. That was until the great Skin Tone Update, which allowed users to transform their emojis into a spectrum of humanity – sort of. Despite these ostensibly diverse offerings, one very obvious...
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Microsoft introduces 3D telemedicine technology in Africa
Microsoft has introduced 3D telemedicine technology to increase healthcare access across rural and underserved areas in the African continent. Microsoft’s 3D telemedicine service uses cutting-edge holographic and augmented reality to deliver completely immersive, real-time doctor-patient consultations. As opposed to traditional telemedicine based on 2D video conferencing, the technology allows physicians...
Is Tumblr making a comeback with Gen Zers?
Data suggests that Gen Z are finding solace in Tumblr, the creative social media platform that was popular fifteen years ago with younger Millennials. Why are young people flocking to a long-forgotten site? It looks like Tumblr is back in a big way with young social media users, at least...
Research shows over half of Gen Z gamers want Switch 2
According to a study by CNET, 70% of Gen Z and Millennials could be ready to purchase the Switch 2 on release day. It is part of a wider trend that sees young people spending a whopping $700 USD on games and subscriptions annually. Nintendo is currently gearing up...
OpenAI raises additional $40 billion USD in latest funding round
Led by SoftBank, OpenAI has secured another $40 billion USD in funding as part of its latest funding round. This means the company is now estimated to be worth $300 billion USD and is the largest funding round ever for a private tech company. OpenAI has secured another huge round...
Are women safe online in 2025?
The 2000s was not the only period when the dot-com bubble burst in the market; it was also the beginning of a new type of cost - the safety of many, particularly women and girls worldwide. Although an online presence can create a haven for equal access to information and a...
Can social media ever tackle it’s body shaming issue?
Backlash against TikTok’s new ‘chubby filter’ suggests so – but is it enough? TikTok’s algorithm may feel chaotic and unpredictable. One minute you’re scrolling past a hotel recommendation, the next a meme about your overbearing boss, then a tour of the M&S aisle. But apps like these have built dedicated algorithms that feed us content they think we want to see. Everything we share, like, and linger on feeds this system information...
Napster sells for $207 million USD to Infinite Reality
Napster was once synonymous with music piracy in the early noughties and has been credited with kickstarting the industry shift toward streaming services. It has just sold for $207 million USD. Napster still exists! The once-giant file-sharing platform has been bought by tech startup Infinite Reality for $207 million USD. The deal was announced on Tuesday, with intentions to transform Napster into a social music platform where artists can interact with...
Dramatic spiral in night sky believed to be from SpaceX
A large glowing spiral lit up the night sky on Monday in the UK, prompting onlookers to take plenty of dramatic photos that look like something straight out of Doctor Who. The Met Office says the cause is likely to be a SpaceX rocket launch in the US. Is it a bird, is it a plane? No, it’s… *checks notes* … a SpaceX rocket launch? A glowing orb was seen in...
Tanzanian startup lighting up education with solar backpacks
In rural Tanzania, where many households do not have electricity, a startup is transforming how children study after dark. Soma Bags is providing a simple yet revolutionary solution: solar-powered backpacks made from repurposed cement bags. Tanzania’s Soma Bags are revolutionizing education in rural areas of the country. The startup collects discarded cement bags from construction sites and streets and upcycles the material into study backpacks. Each bag is equipped with...
