Clover Hogan criticised for saying tech won’t solve the climate crisis
Yesterday, in a series of tweets, the Gen Z environmental activist branded the belief in ‘shiny, silver bullet solutions’ to the crisis as the most insidious form of climate denial. This has been met with intense backlash from not only users, but the CEO of Tesla and X himself,...
Current in Technology
How to spot AI doctoring and deepfakes
At this point we’re all aware that AI doctoring and deepfakes are everywhere. Confidently identifying instances of their use, however, isn’t always straightforward. AI has its mitts all over social media and the days of taking content immediately at face value are dying out. There are obvious and largely harmless examples...
Microsoft seals record corporate purchase of green energy for AI
Eight times larger than the previous record, Microsoft has just purchased the most renewable energy in history for a single corporate entity in one deal. This will ensure its carbon negative plans aren’t derailed by upscaling AI projects. There are a few constants in life: death, taxes, and Microsoft chucking...
Apple unveils new accessibility features including eye-tracking
In a positive step forward for disability awareness, Apple’s latest updates will make navigation easier via eye-tracking. Its software will also be available to a wider range of users. Coinciding with Global Accessibility Awareness Day, Apple has announced several new updates specifically designed for people with physical disabilities. These will...
Indie act ‘Washed Out’ releases first OpenAI Sora music video
A new song called ‘The Hardest Part’ by the artist Washed Out was created entirely using OpenAI’s Sora, which converts text prompts to realistic video. The first of its kind, it is both impressive and terrifying, depending on where you stand. It seems like every week we’re writing about...
The unsettling truth behind Amazon’s ‘Just Walk Out’ technology
For years, Amazon has been at the forefront of technological innovation, promising to revolutionize the retail industry with its cutting-edge ‘Just Walk Out’ technology. This AI-powered system, which allowed customers to simply pick up their items and leave the store without going through a traditional checkout process, was hailed as...
First solar-powered vinyl record press built in US
Dave Newell, a Florida-based musician and avid record collector, has, alongside environmentalist wife Betsy Bemis, created the first solar-powered vinyl record press in the US. They call it ‘Audiodrome’. The first sustainable vinyl record press has opened in the US for Earth Day, and it has nowt to do with Billie Eilish, Chris Martin, or any other outspoken eco-conscious artist. Dave Newell, a humble musician and record collector hailing from Gainesville,...
Are Gen Z less tech savvy than previous generations?
Despite being the first ‘digitally native’ generation, studies suggest Gen Z are struggling with tech illiteracy. Young people are somewhat synonymous with technology; well, with the smartphone at least. From Facetune to Capcut, Gen Z are well equipped with social-first skills – many of them have even established successful internet careers before they leave school. But recent studies show that despite being the first ‘digitally native’ generation, Gen Z are struggling...
Google announces major shake up to search algorithm
In an effort to reduce low-quality articles and unoriginal content, Google is making big changes to its search algorithm. A new core update to Google’s search traffic algorithm could have wide-reaching implications for SEO experts and copywriters. The company is further boosting its low-quality downranking project that it began testing in 2022. In a statement that year, Google explained that it had ‘launched thousands of updates to Search based...
Apple fined nearly $2 billion USD by EU for ‘blocking’ music apps
Apple is being fined almost $2 billion USD for supressing alternative music streaming apps on its App Store. It’s the first time the EU has penalised the company and its third largest fine ever. Which music streaming platform do you opt for? Are you an avid Spotify user or an Apple Music goer? The two platforms are considered to be direct competitors within the streaming space. Now, after months of rumours,...
