Tech Life

Tech Life

By BBC World ServiceNewsTechnologyTech News
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    45th

    on Tech News

  • Favorites

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    Followers

  • Typical duration

    27 min

    per episode

Based on Podcast App listening data

Tech Life episodes

  • Quantum question time

    We step inside a quantum computer lab to answer your questions about technology that promises to revolutionise everything from particle physics to fertiliser production.

    Also this week on Tech Life: lots of us upload and download large quantities of data, and the expectation is that the demand for data will only increase in the future. How will our current networks cope ? The solution travels at the speed of light.

    And how do you teach AI to speak in different accents ? We find out.

    We enjoy reading your messages about Tech Life. Please get in touch by emailing [email protected] or send us a Whatsapp message or voice memo on +44 330 1230 320. Please include your name and where you live.

    Presenter: Chris Vallance

    Producer: Tom Quinn
    Editor: Monica Soriano

    Image: The word "Quantum" is illuminated on a circuit board. Credit: Wong Yu Liang/Getty Images

    27 min
  • AIs on the road

    This week on Tech Life, we speak to the company behind an AI safe driving device that's fitted to thousands of delivery vans and fleet vehicles around the world. Using cameras and an onboard AI system, it assesses how safely a vehicle is being driven. And it warns both the driver, and their manager, if it spots a serious safety risk inside or outside the vehicle.

    Also this week, we find out about cargo drones parachuting humanitarian aid into parts of central Africa. And what can children tell us about AI ?

    We enjoy reading your messages about Tech Life. Please get in touch by emailing [email protected] or send us a Whatsapp message or voice memo on +44 330 1230 320.

    You can use the same contact details to send us any questions you've ever wanted to have answered about quantum computers. We're hoping to gather up your questions and ask an expert about quantum computing for a future episode.

    Presenter: Chris Vallance

    Producer: Tom Quinn
    Editor: Monica Soriano

    Image: A photo taken inside a car of the road ahead and other road traffic outside. Credit: egon69/Getty Images

    27 min
  • The future of the internet is up for debate

    The way the internet will operate in the future is being discussed at the moment. Will it remain as it is now, or could governments become more involved and take more control ? We speak to ICANN, one of the technical institutions which help to keep the internet functioning, about their concerns.

    Also this week: the man behind one of the most popular websites in the world talks to Tech Life. And we hear from the award-winning teenage inventor of a toxic dust detector.

    We enjoy reading your messages about the one item of tech you simply can't do without. If you want to tell us about your must-have piece of tech, please get in touch by emailing [email protected] or send us a Whatsapp message or voice memo on +44 330 1230 320.

    You can use the same contact details to send us any questions you've ever wanted to have answered about quantum computers. We're hoping to gather up your questions and ask an expert about quantum computing in a future episode.

    Presenter: Graham Fraser

    Producer: Tom Quinn
    Editor: Monica Soriano

    Image: An illustration of a woman holding a tablet device connected to the internet. Credit: Suwanmanee99/Getty Images

    27 min
  • Digital twin cities

    What are the advantages of creating a digital mirror of a city – or an entire island? We speak to a company making digital twins to create simulations of the real world. Then we hear from a real set of twins about their award-winning carbon capture project. And the company sending tiny satellites into space to help environmental researchers.

    Presenter: Chris Vallance

    Producer: Imran Rahman-Jones
    Editor: Monica Soriano

    (Image: A graphic of a person's hand holding a mini city on its fingertips. Credit: Getty Images.)

    27 min
  • Tackling illegal mining with tech

    This week on Tech Life, we're looking at the problems caused by illegal gold mining in Ghana. We'll hear how drones, AI and GPS trackers are being used to tackle the trade.

    Also this week, Meta goes to court as it battles ads for so-called Nudifying apps. Is "I don't know" the solution to AI chatbot hallucinations ? And the pay-as-you-cook stove that's winning awards and improving health in Africa.

    We enjoy reading your messages about the one item of tech you simply can't do without. If you want to tell us about your must-have piece of tech, please get in touch by emailing [email protected] or send us a Whatsapp message or voice memo on +44 330 1230 320.

    Presenter: Chris Vallance

    Producer: Tom Quinn
    Editor: Monica Soriano

    Image: A photo of two gold miners in Ghana. Credit: Christian Thompson/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock

    27 min
  • China's booming EV industry

    We hear from inside China on the remarkably fast electric vehicle transition going on there, as the country moves away from petrol and diesel-powered cars and lorries. BBC Transport Correspondent Nick Marsh reports on the latest EV technology that's making Chinese brands popular and affordable.

    Also on Tech Life this week, who has the fastest computer in the world ? And what is it used for ? An expert tells us everything we need to know about supercomputers. And we find out about a new piece of tech that can provide electricity, transport and clean drinking water in disaster zones - using solar power.

    We enjoy reading your messages about the one item of tech you simply can't do without. If you want to tell us about your must-have piece of tech, please get in touch by emailing [email protected] or send us a Whatsapp message or voice memo on +44 330 1230 320.

    Presenter: Zoe Kleinman

    Producer: Tom Quinn
    Editor: Monica Soriano

    Image: A photo of an electric car charging in China. Credit: Master/Getty Images.

    27 min
  • Data and me

    What happens when a company we trust with our most personal data gets into financial trouble ? We hear from a woman who trusted a US company with her genetic information.

    Also on Tech Life this week, will there be enough electricity for the demands of artificial intelligence ? The International Energy Agency tells us about the challenges of powering the AI boom. And we find out how to grow an island in The Maldives. The tech involved could protect low-lying territories from erosion and rising sea levels.

    We enjoy reading your messages about the one item of tech you simply can't do without. If you want to tell us about your must-have piece of tech, please get in touch by emailing [email protected] or send us a Whatsapp message or voice memo on +44 330 1230 320.

    Presenter: Chris Vallance

    Producer: Tom Quinn
    Editor: Monica Soriano

    Image: A scientist holds a DNA sample with the results on a computer screen in a laboratory. Credit: Westend61/Getty Images

    27 min
  • The digital afterlife business

    This week we're looking at a growing digital industry which allows people to interact - in a way - with the likeness or the voice of someone they care about who has passed away. It's not science fiction, and it does involve AI chatbots.

    Also on Tech Life this week, we'll be finding out about two tech solutions to the problem of food which goes to waste. Tech Life's Alasdair Keane explores the challenge of making a Formula 1 racing car more eco friendly. And what is digital art ?

    We enjoy reading your messages about the one item of tech you simply can't do without. If you want to tell us about your must-have piece of tech, please get in touch by emailing [email protected] or send us a Whatsapp message or voice memo on +44 330 1230 320.

    Presenter: Graham Fraser

    Producer: Tom Quinn
    Editor: Monica Soriano

    Image: An illustration of a human hand reaching toward the unknown. Science fiction becoming reality. Credit: Yana Iskayeva/Getty Images

    27 min
  • Protecting your invention

    This week we're learning about patents - what they are, and who wants one. And by analysing the global demand for patents, we can see future trends in tech.

    Also in this edition of Tech Life, what are doctors and patients around the world saying about the use of artificial intelligence in hospitals ? And we'll be finding out about Google's latest injection of AI into online search.

    We enjoy reading the messages being sent in about the one item of tech you simply can't do without. If you want to tell us about your must-have piece of tech, please get in touch by emailing [email protected] or send us a Whatsapp message or voice memo on +44 330 1230 320.

    Presenter: Zoe Kleinman

    Producer: Tom Quinn
    Editor: Monica Soriano

    (Image: A photo of a woman with a lightbulb sticker on her forehead, indicating she's had an idea. Credit: Peter Dazeley/Getty Images)

    27 min
  • The impact of online abuse

    An international study looks at the online experiences of young people from marginalised groups, including sex workers, gay and transgender people, and people living with HIV. It concludes they are facing a surge in online abuse. We speak to Phong from Vietnam about his experience, then hear about the study from the lead researcher.

    Also on Tech Life this week, find out how a drone company in Ghana has benefited from US foreign aid cuts. And how could catching the bus help improve your posture ?

    We enjoy reading the messages being sent in about the one item of tech you simply can't do without. If you want to tell us about your must-have piece of tech, please get in touch by emailing [email protected] or send us a Whatsapp message or voice memo on +44 330 1230 320.

    Presenter: Imran Rahman-Jones

    Producer: Tom Quinn
    Editor: Monica Soriano

    (Image: A photo of a woman who has received online abuse. Credit: OcusFocus/Getty Images)

    27 min

About Tech Life

From the publisher's feed

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…

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