BATTERYFORPC BLOG
Microsoft shutting down LinkedIn in China
Microsoft is shutting down its social network, LinkedIn, in China, saying having to comply with the Chinese state has become increasingly challenging. It comes after the career-networking site faced questions for blocking the profiles of some journalists. LinkedIn will launch a jobs-only version of the site, called InJobs, later this year. But this will not include a social feed or the ability ... Read more
2021-10-14 20:36:00
Apple shares drop on iPhone 13 production fears
Apple's shares dropped on Tuesday following reports it could slash its iPhone 13 production targets due to the ongoing global computer chip shortage. The electronic giant had expected to make 90 million iPhones in the last quarter of 2021, reported Bloomberg. However, Apple was now having to tell its partners that the total will be lower by as many as 10 million units, sources told the business ... Read more
2021-10-13 20:20:58
US leads Bitcoin mining as China ban takes effect
China's share of global Bitcoin mining has fallen to effectively zero, research by the Cambridge Bitcoin Electricity Consumption Index (CBECI) suggests. In June China told banks to stop facilitating transactions, and issued bans on mining. At its peak in Sept 2019 China accounted for over three quarters of all Bitcoin mining. China's crackdown initially led to a 38% fall in mining globally CBEC ... Read more
2021-10-13 20:20:29
Apple shares drop on reports of iPhone 13 chip shortage
Apple's shares dropped on Tuesday following reports it could slash its iPhone 13 production targets due to the ongoing global computer chip shortage. The electronic giant had expected to make 90 million iPhones in the last quarter of 2021, reported Bloomberg. However, Apple was now having to tell its partners that the total will be lower by as many as 10 million units, sources told the business ... Read more
2021-10-12 21:31:33
Why does the internet keep breaking?
I doubt Mark Zuckerberg reads the comments people leave on his Facebook posts. But, if he did, it would take him approximately 145 days, without sleep, to wade through the deluge of comments left for him after he apologised for the meltdown of services last week. "Sorry for the disruption today" the Facebook founder and chief executive posted, following almost six hours of Facebook, Wh ... Read more
2021-10-12 21:31:09
Facebook whistleblower to appear before UK Parliament
Frances Haugen, the Facebook whistleblower who accuses the technology giant of putting profit ahead of safety, will give evidence to the UK Parliament later this month. Ms Haugen will appear before the Online Safety Bill committee on 25 October. It is examining a law to impose obligations on social-media companies to protect users, especially children. Ms Haugen alleges Facebook harms children' ... Read more
2021-10-11 20:53:57
Google gives security keys to 10,000 high-risk users
Google is giving free physical USB security keys to 10,000 users at high risk of being hacked - such as politicians and human rights activists. The USB keys provide two-factor authentication - an additional layer of security beyond a password. Google says it wants to encourage people to join its "advanced protection programme" for high-profile users. It follows news that the firm sent ... Read more
2021-10-11 20:53:35
Google, YouTube ban ads on climate misinformation
Google says it will stop ads running on climate change-denying YouTube videos and other content, and prohibit ads promoting these claims. The company says it is responding to concerns from advertisers. The ban will cover ads for - and the monetization of - content that contradicts the "scientific consensus around the existence and causes of climate change". It will be enforced by &quo ... Read more
2021-10-10 20:06:36
The hi-tech headbands that claim to reduce your stress
Emma Baumert admits that when she first put on the high-tech headband she felt silly. "But I also felt so cool wearing it, because I'm such a nerd." The 24-year-old from Illinois is a member of the USA Bobsled/Skeleton development team. An all-round athlete, she is also a qualified weightlifting coach, and this year gained a masters degree in exercise physiology. The headband she now ... Read more
2021-10-10 20:06:03
Samsung apologises for Russian app download error
Phone-maker Samsung has apologised for a software update sent to UK customers stating Russian government-mandated apps had been downloaded. It blamed a technical error for the incorrect wording and said no Russian apps had been installed. A new law in Russia that demands smartphones offer software from the country came into effect in April. One expert said that Samsung had not fully explained w ... Read more
2021-10-08 19:48:53