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...
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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...
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...
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...
New union launched for game developers in US and Canada
The United Videogame Workers union has been announced at this year’s Game Developers Conference, formed in partnership with the Communications Workers of America and the American Federation of Musicians. More game developers are looking to secure their working rights and benefits with the formation of a new union. The direct-join...
Drones to make Mount Everest safer for Sherpas and climbers
Every year, Mount Everest’s team of Sherpas risk their lives to guide foreign adventurers to the mountain’s peak. New drones could soon ease their burdens, carrying essential medical supplies and heavy climbing equipment. The climb up Mount Everest is one of the world's most dangerous adventures, with around four people...
US music subscriptions surpass 100 million and vinyl still rising
Streaming remains hugely lucrative as US subscriber numbers pass the 100 million mark, according to a new report from the Record Industry Association of America (RIAA). Vinyl also remains on the uptick with young consumers. It’s official – streaming services remain the absolute champion of music consumption. According to a new revenue report by the Record Industry Association of America (RIAA), US subscriptions to music streaming services have surpassed...
Nasa astronauts return to Earth after months on ISS
Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore have returned to Earth safely after being stuck on the International Space Station (ISS) for more than nine months. Two Nasa astronauts that were stuck onboard the ISS for over nine months have been rescued and safely returned to Earth. They were left stranded in space in June 2024 after Boeing’s Starliner capsule failed due to technical issues. Four astronauts returned back down to Earth in...
Celebrities promos go big on pay-to-pray app ‘Hallow’
Hallow is a Catholic app designed to help people meditate and pray. It sits among the most popular platforms on the Google Store thanks to a slew of promos from some seriously famous faces. So you desire salvation? Time to subscribe. If you haven’t heard of Hallow before, it’s an app designed for those of the Catholic faith to assist in prayer or meditation sessions – and yes, it monetises spirituality. Since...
Opinion – The console wars being over is great news
Title exclusivity has been a major bugbear of gamers for as long as we can remember. With that potentially over, is the future of gaming looking more inclusive – and perhaps less expensive? If you hadn’t heard, the console wars appear all but finito. The tribalistic bloodshed – or more accurately, tit for tat quibbling in social media comments – has reached its logical conclusion after several decades. The short version of...
