Digital Planet

Can we predict Twitter’s future?


Listen Later

What’s in store for twitter, now that Elon Musk’s offer has been accepted by the Twitter board? Bill and Gareth discuss.

Is video chat tech still listening when you’re muted?

Video conferencing technology might still be listening to your voice even when you are on mute. A new study shows that a number of video meeting apps were recording audio even when the user had switched off their microphone. The researchers analysed the code behind the apps and found that all of the apps in the test were gathering raw audio when they were on mute – and that one of them was sending that information over the internet at the same rate, whether the user was muted or not. They even identified what someone was doing 82% of the time e.g cooking, typing. Professor Kassem Fawaz, one of the authors of the study, explains more.

World first – swarming molecular robots working together

Scientists from Hokkaido University in Japan have for the first time shown that molecular robots are five times more effective at transporting cargo when working as a swarm compared to working alone. Inspired by insects, like ants, honey bees and even fish and birds, they have created microscopic molecular robots that use microtubules propelled by proteins and DNA. Dr Mousumi Akter explains how they work together so successfully and the possible applications which include intensive drug delivery to a specific location or collection of micro-contaminants in the environment.

How to encourage more women into game design

Many women enjoy playing video games – but why are so few of them involved in designing them? Our gaming correspondent Leigh Milner has been meeting those at the top of the business, who are doing something to widen access to its creative side.

The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell with expert commentary from Bill Thompson.

Studio Manager: Giles Aspen

Producer: Ania Lichtarowicz

(Photo: Woman having a video meeting on her laptop. Credit: Witthaya Prasongsin/Getty Images)

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Digital PlanetBy BBC World Service

  • 4.6
  • 4.6
  • 4.6
  • 4.6
  • 4.6

4.6

105 ratings


More shows like Digital Planet

View all
In Our Time by BBC Radio 4

In Our Time

5,420 Listeners

The Documentary Podcast by BBC World Service

The Documentary Podcast

1,810 Listeners

Health Report - Full program podcast by ABC listen

Health Report - Full program podcast

126 Listeners

Global News Podcast by BBC World Service

Global News Podcast

7,671 Listeners

Economist Podcasts by The Economist

Economist Podcasts

4,208 Listeners

Business Daily by BBC World Service

Business Daily

518 Listeners

6 Minute English by BBC Radio

6 Minute English

1,747 Listeners

Learning English Conversations by BBC Radio

Learning English Conversations

1,078 Listeners

Friday Night Comedy from BBC Radio 4 by BBC Radio 4

Friday Night Comedy from BBC Radio 4

2,124 Listeners

The Infinite Monkey Cage by BBC Radio 4

The Infinite Monkey Cage

2,076 Listeners

Newshour by BBC World Service

Newshour

1,043 Listeners

Unexpected Elements by BBC World Service

Unexpected Elements

355 Listeners

Tech Life by BBC World Service

Tech Life

59 Listeners

The Daily by The New York Times

The Daily

110,845 Listeners

13 Minutes Presents: The Space Shuttle by BBC World Service

13 Minutes Presents: The Space Shuttle

4,173 Listeners

You're Dead to Me by BBC Radio 4

You're Dead to Me

2,960 Listeners

The Great Post Office Trial by BBC Radio 4

The Great Post Office Trial

35 Listeners