BATTERYFORPC BLOG
Coronavirus: YouTube tightens rules after David Icke 5G interview
YouTube has banned all conspiracy theory videos falsely linking coronavirus symptoms to 5G networks. The Google-owned service will now delete videos violating the policy. It had previously limited itself to reducing the frequency it recommended them in its Up Next section. The move follows a live-streamed interview with conspiracy theorist David Icke on Monday, in which he had linked the technol ... Read more
2020-04-07 20:59:49
Coronavirus: Twitter boss pledges $1bn for relief effort
Jack Dorsey, the founder of Twitter and payment app Square, has said he will donate $1bn (£810m) towards efforts to tackle the coronavirus pandemic. According to Mr Dorsey, the donation represented approximately 28% of his wealth. He made the announcement on Twitter, writing that the "needs are increasingly urgent". Mr Dorsey did not lay out exactly where the funds would be sent to he ... Read more
2020-04-07 20:59:24
Apps to help you stay social during lockdown
Having a social life while having to stay indoors could be a challenge.
BBC Click's Chris Fox comes to the rescue highlighting the apps and technology you can use to make a variety of video calls, play games with other people online, go dating and even share VR experiences.
2020-04-07 20:58:20
Airbnb hosts defy lockdown laws with 'Covid-19 retreats'
Airbnb hosts advertising properties as coronavirus hideouts are "dangerous and irresponsible", the government says. Owners have listed homes as being "Covid-19 retreats" and "perfect for isolating with family" in the British countryside. New coronavirus laws say holiday accommodation should be provided only to keyworkers needing to self-isolate. But some listings o ... Read more
2020-04-07 00:11:02
Coronavirus: Offline sex workers forced to start again online
Most sex workers meet customers in person. For them, the coronavirus spells economic ruin. "The virus is a disaster for client-facing businesses - and sex work is no different," says Goddess Cleo, a dominatrix from London. "Most of my income is generated from one-on-one sessions and events. I [normally] only make a bit of money through online avenues." But like many others, ... Read more
2020-04-07 00:10:41
Short-form streaming app Quibi launches to rival Netflix
The mobile-first streaming service Quibi launched in the US on Monday, despite concerns the coronavirus outbreak might impact its viewership. The company has raised $1.8bn (£1.47bn) for the project intended to rival Netflix and YouTube. Quibi's shows are 10 minutes or shorter and movies are broken into segments. It has lined up a host of Hollywood and showbiz stars including Idris Elba, Sophie ... Read more
2020-04-07 00:10:15
Coronavirus: Exercise bike firm Peloton stops live classes
Exercise bike company Peloton has cancelled its live classes, days after one of its employees tested positive for coronavirus. It sells exercise bikes, the cheapest of which costs nearly £2,000, for use with its online classes. Users must purchase a subscription for £39 a month to access both live-streamed and recorded classes. Peloton emailed members to announce it had suspended production in ... Read more
2020-04-07 00:09:53
Pixar pioneers behind Toy Story animation win 'Nobel Prize' of computing
In the opening scene of Toy Story, released in 1995, a cluster of boxes is scattered across a child's bedroom. The sun streams into the room as a Mr Potato Head doll demands money from a seemingly stricken cast of plastic and plush toys outside a cardboard bank. Into the picture arrives the hero - a cowboy sheriff made of plastic and fabric with a pull-string to make him speak. The sheriff casts ... Read more
2020-04-05 19:10:10
Coronavirus: Tech firms summoned over 'crackpot' 5G conspiracies
The culture secretary is to order social media companies to be more aggressive in their response to conspiracy theories linking 5G networks to the coronavirus pandemic. Oliver Dowden plans to hold virtual meetings with representatives from several tech firms next week to discuss the matter. It follows a number of 5G masts apparently being set on fire. The issue will test the companies' commitme ... Read more
2020-04-05 19:09:45
Coronavirus: Video games add 'stay at home' Covid-19 adverts
Three of the UK's leading video games developers are to display coronavirus safety advice within their titles. Candy Crush Saga, Dirt Rally 2.0 and Sniper Elite 4 are among the games that will feature the messaging. The initial ads will focus on the theme: "Stay home. Save lives." Rebellion - one of the companies involved - also publishes 2000AD among other comics, and has also offere ... Read more
2020-04-05 19:09:22