Tech Life

One of the world’s biggest car manufacturers pulled the plug on its robotaxi project. So what next? We also ask the experts how AI will impact your job. And we’re at the launch of a new music discovery tool, which uses a mix of AI and expert curation.

We speak to cyber security experts about how cyber warfare works – and how it stays out of the headlines. Then we hear about the aerodynamics tech making athletes more streamlined. And we meet the new Indiana Jones, gaming star Troy Baker.

Tell us about the new tech you've tried out in 2024. What gadgets or apps helped you out this year?

Presenter: Chris Vallance

(Image: A computer-generated, pixelated image of a globe with a neon blue padlock superimposed on top. Credit: Getty Images.)

Computer scientist Sasha Luccioni is a pioneering voice in AI, especially when it comes to its environmental impact. We speak to her as she is announced on the BBC 100 Women list.

Presenter: Zoe Kleinman

(Image: A black and white portrait photo of Sasha Luccioni smiling at the camera. In the background are orange computer-generated geometric shapes. Credit: Steve Gerrard.)

Women in a forest in India found they were being followed and recorded by cameras which were meant to be for monitoring tigers and other wildlife. We speak to the researcher who interviewed hundreds of women in the community. We learn about how online shopping tries to influence your behaviour. And we visit an Arctic island which is turning to renewables.

We want to know about the big tech stories of 2024 where you are. Get in touch with us by emailing [email protected] or Whatsapp us on +44 330 1230 320.

Presenter: Alasdair Keane

(Image: A tiger among green foliage looking at the camera. Credit: Getty Images.)

Robot security dogs have been spotted at Mar-A-Lago, the Florida home of US president-elect Donald Trump. Who are behind them, and what security services do they offer? Also on the programme, we hear about one phone company’s plan to waste phone scammers’ time. And the startup using AI to provide loans to people without a credit history.

We love hearing from you on Tech Life. Get in touch by emailing [email protected] or sending us a Whatsapp on +44330 1230 320.

Presenter: Zoe Kleinman

(Image: A picture of a Boston Dynamics dog, “Spot”. Credit: Reuters.)

We hear from a former moderator in Kenya who was left traumatised by his previous job. And we ask what video games could do to be more accessible to blind people. Plus – the radar tech used to help with online mapping.

We love hearing from you on Tech Life. You can email us at [email protected] or Whatsapp us on +44330 1230 320.

Presenter: Graham Fraser

(Image: A man in glasses looking at a screen, with writing digitally imposed in front of his face. Credit: Getty Images.)

Tech Life created a fake podcast using a new AI tool from Google Labs, and we spoke to the head of the tool, Steven Johnson. Don’t worry – this programme is still brought to you by real human beings!

We love hearing from you. Email us on [email protected] or send a WhatsApp on +44 330 123 0320.

Presenter: Chris Vallance

(Image: An AI-generated head with letters coming out of its mouth. Credit: Getty Images.)

Intel was once unrivalled as the world's chip maker. Now it has fallen behind its rivals. We hear why the company is struggling ahead of its latest earnings call this week. Also, the many uses of drones around the world. And the surprising tech behind indoor golf.

We love hearing from you - and if you're a regular listener you'll know by now that you can contact us via email on [email protected]. Or, send us a message or voice note on WhatsApp. Our number is +44 330 123 0320.

Presenter: Zoe Kleinman

(Image: A close up of a computer chip. Credit: Getty Images)

This week we're looking at artificial intelligence in the workplace - how are employers and employees using it ? An international survey provides some answers.

Also on Tech Life:

We bring you a technological solution to the problem of litter being left behind by climbers on Mount Everest.

Electric car manufacturers are rated on their human rights policies.

And find out how you can heat your home - with electric wallpaper.

Presenter: Graham Fraser

(Photo: An abstract futuristic representation of the letters "AI". Credit: Getty Images)

Contact us: Tech Life would love to hear your stories, ideas and views about the programme. You can email us at [email protected] or contact us via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 0320.

Does the tech you use depend too much on a few critical minerals ? When a hurricane temporarily disrupted mining in the small town of Spruce Pine, the tech world was concerned. We find out why the location, in North Carolina, USA, is so important, and discover where a range of rare manufacturing materials can be found across the globe. Are they critical links in a supply chain that can be broken by natural disasters or political decisions ?

Also on Tech Life this week:

An AI tool designed to protect athletes from online abuse during the Olympics - how well did it perform ? And what tech does an explorer take into the jungle ?

Presenter: Chris Vallance

(Photo: An image of a human hand holding pure quartz crystals. Credit: Getty Images)