Tech Life

By BBC World Service

Tech Life discovers and explains the ways technology is changing our lives, wherever we are in the world. We meet the people with bright ideas for rethinking the way we work, learn and play, and ge

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The podcast currently has 376 episodes available.

Best of Tech Life

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Number 1: What if AI doesn’t speak your language?
English is the most widely-used language online. Internet material helps to train AI tools. So where does that leave people whose native language barely features on the web? We find out about a project helping AI to work in more of the world’s languages. Also this week: regulating tech might sound about as appealing as a trip to the dentist. But, like your check-up, it is important. With Europe and the United States taking different approaches, we’ll ask who gets to set the rules, and what that means for the rest of us. And there’s a growing range of technology aimed at older people. We’ll look at some of the products out there, and ask how useful they really are. Presenter: Shiona McCallum Producer: Tom Quinn (Photo: A young woman holds a smartphone to her mouth while sitting at a table. She is using a smartphone AI voice assistant. Credit: Getty Images)
September 01, 202627min
Number 2: The copyright extortionists
Lots of people make a living from social media posts. But some have been targeted by an international extortion scheme. It involves a flood of false copyright infringement claims. It only stops if the extorter is paid. Imran Rahman-Jones has the story. Also this week: could AI help to spot wrong-way driving on Ireland's major roads? And we bring you the latest titles and tech on show at Gamescom in Germany. Presenter: Chris Vallance Producer: Tom Quinn (Image: Silhouettes of mobile phone users are seen next to a screen projection of Instagram's logo. Credit: Reuters)
September 08, 202627min
Number 3: Can AI tackle aviation’s climate problem?
Cloudy lines in the sky, caused by aircraft engines, are called contrails. They're harmful to the environment. Now a project is underway, using AI, to reduce the amount generated. It's called Operation Blue Skies, and we speak to Google about their involvement. Also this week: we look at three very different approaches taken by manufacturers to help children and adults have a healthy relationship with mobile phones. And AI detectors - how do they work? Presenter: Shiona McCallum Producer: Tom Quinn (Photo: A large four engine passenger jet flies at high altitude. The sky is blue, and the jet engines are emitting white cloudy trails, known as contrails. Credit: Getty Images)
August 18, 202627min
Number 4: Unlocking tech breakthroughs
ARIA is the UK's research and development funding agency that's built to unlock new scientific and technological developments. We speak to ARIA's new boss about their work. Also this week: the tech that's helping disabled racing drivers to achieve their dreams. And the pros and cons of making AI-generated complaints. Presenter: Chris Vallance Producer: Tom Quinn (Image: An illustration of a light bulb, representing creative thoughts and ideas. Two human hands attempt to grasp the image. Credit: Getty Images)
August 25, 202627min
Number 5: Gauging China's AI strength
How far has China come in developing AI technology? And what challenges does it face? An expert helps us understand the thinking in Beijing. Also this week: what can fifty thousand autonomous machines tell us about the future of robotics? And cutting edge tech helps cricket reach new audiences. Presenter: Chris Vallance Producer: Tom Quinn (Image: An illustration of the Chinese flag over electronic circuitry. Credit: Getty Images)
September 22, 202627min