Washington, United States | AFP | The move to self-driving cars is coming faster than most people think, says the head of ridesharing giant Lyft. Within five years, autonomous vehicles will account for the majority of Lyft rides, says co-founder and chief executive John Zimmer. Lyft, which has a partnership …
Read More »Apple’s iPhone 7 launches; sold-out models leave some disappointed
Sydney, Australia | AFP | Apple’s iPhone 7 launch generated trademark queues and brisk sales Friday that defied gloomy expectations, with some enthusiasts left empty-handed after lining up for hours as the company announced certain models had sold out. The new phone comes with an improved camera, no headphone jack, …
Read More »Twitter expands video role with streaming TV apps
San Francisco, United States | AFP | Twitter on Wednesday moved deeper into video, announcing a new application that will offer free content on major streaming TV services. The new app for Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV and Microsoft’s Xbox One will allow anyone with these devices to get content …
Read More »Facebook Messenger allows for direct merchant sales
San Francisco, United States | AFP | Facebook announced Monday a new online payment system that will allow businesses to sell directly to consumers on its Messenger application. “We’re kicking off the beginning of messages with payments that will allow businesses to sell products and services directly to customers in …
Read More »Facebook backs off censoring ‘napalm girl’ photo
San Francisco, United States | AFP | Facebook backtracked Friday on a decision to censor an iconic Vietnam War photo of a naked girl escaping a napalm bombing, after its block on the historic image sparked outrage. The online giant stopped short of apologizing, saying the image had been …
Read More »Apple makes splash with waterproof iPhones
San Francisco, United States | AFP | Apple is out to make a splash with new waterproof iPhones, a smartphone game starring Nintendo’s beloved “Mario” and a push on wireless headphones. The iPhone 7 and larger iPhone 7 Plus, with sophisticated camera technology, improved water resistance and other features, were …
Read More »Laundry-folding washing machine: eye-catching gizmos at IFA fair
Berlin, Germany | AFP | From curved televisions and futuristic virtual reality headsets to intelligent kitchens, Berlin’s mega consumer electronics show offers a mind-boggling array of the latest in high-tech gizmos. Here are a few of the most eye-catching gadgets at IFA: IT NOT ONLY WASHES AND DRIES This …
Read More »Samsung to suspend Galaxy Note 7 sales over battery explosions
Seoul, South Korea | AFP | Samsung will halt sales of its latest flagship smartphone and recall millions of units, it said Friday, after faulty batteries caused some handsets to explode in a massive blow to the South Korean electronics giant’s reputation. Users began posting photos and videos on social …
Read More »Apple issues update after security flaws laid bare
San Francisco, United States | AFP | Apple has issued a security update to fix vulnerabilities found after fierce spyware created by an Israeli firm was used to target an Emirati dissident, US media reported. The company released its latest iOS version, 9.3.5, on Thursday, which the New York Times …
Read More »Singapore PM defends Internet blockage of civil servants
Singapore, Singapore | AFP | Singapore’s prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has defended the country’s controversial decision to cut off civil servants’ work computers from the Internet, calling the move “absolutely necessary” to keep information systems secure. “Are we happy? I don’t think so, because it will slow us down …
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