BATTERYFORPC BLOG
UK coronavirus app 'must respect privacy rights'
UK health chiefs are being urged to safeguard people's privacy as they develop an app to help tackle the coronavirus pandemic. An open letter published by a group of "responsible technologists" warns that if corners are cut, the public's trust in the NHS will be undermined. And it urges those in charge to be more open about their data-collection plans. The BBC asked both NHSX - the he ... Read more
2020-03-23 20:13:56
Firefly's school apps struggle with 'unprecedented demand'
A leading provider of remote-learning tech to schools says it has struggled with record demand, causing its service to run slowly and suffer periods of being offline. Firefly Learning said its service in Europe had been worst affected, but that steps were being taken to mitigate the problem. The London-based firm is used by about 500 schools in the UK. Schools closed their gates to most pupils ... Read more
2020-03-23 20:13:34
Coronavirus: Private clinic defends charging £375 for test
A private healthcare clinic in London has defended its decision to charge £375 ($434) for a coronavirus test. The Private Harley Street Clinic said the price reflected "the costs of these logistic and clinical services that we provide" and added that it was offering free tests for NHS staff. It followed newspaper reports that the clinic had sold several thousand at full price. Accordi ... Read more
2020-03-23 20:13:12
Coronavirus: Frozen birthday party saved by Zoom video chat app
When coronavirus caused one pre-schooler's family to isolate, it looked like his birthday party would have to be cancelled.
But a London-based drama group found a way to save the day by offering a video chat-based celebration for Harry and dozens of friends via the app Zoom.
2020-03-23 20:12:42
Coronavirus: Smartphone sales collapse amid pandemic
Sales of new phones have collapsed in the biggest fall since the invention of the smartphone. Research firm Strategy Analytics said shipments in February fell by 38% year-on-year. The outbreak of the coronavirus in China had a huge impact, report author Linda Sui said. "Some Asian factories were unable to manufacture smartphones, while many consumers were unable or unwilling to visit retai ... Read more
2020-03-22 20:40:57
Step-by-step guide: How to video call your family
If you are self-isolating at home, video-chatting can help you stay in touch with your friends and family. This guide will show you how to make a video call using a smartphone, or receive one using your desktop computer - or help you explain how to do so to others. How to video call with an Android phone If your phone is made by OnePlus, Google, Honor, Huawei, LG, Samsung or Sony, it is an An ... Read more
2020-03-22 20:40:34
Coronavirus: Frozen birthday party held on Zoom video chat app
When coronavirus caused one pre-schooler's family to isolate, it looked like his birthday party would have to be cancelled.
But a London-based drama group found a way to save the day by offering a video chat-based celebration for Harry and dozens of friends via the app Zoom.
2020-03-22 20:40:07
Coronavirus: The school of Mum and Dad
All schools in the UK closed their doors on Friday, and there's no timetable for when they might re-open. Parents, who may need to work and juggle childcare, will have to fill the gap. While no-one expects them to replicate school, there is plenty of online help to stave off boredom. Will schools provide the resources? If your school already puts work online, using Google Classroom or simila ... Read more
2020-03-22 20:39:45
IT systems 'exploited by coronavirus scammers'
Criminals exploiting the coronavirus outbreak have compromised council computer systems, a council has warned. Middlesbrough Council said local authorities were being targeted with fake emails. In a communication to workers it said Rotherham Council's IT system had been compromised by an email with "COVID-19" in the subject field. The council's IT department cautioned staff to report ... Read more
2020-03-20 20:24:08
Coronavirus: Elon Musk 'child immunity' tweet will stay online
A tweet by entrepreneur Elon Musk suggesting children are "essentially immune" to coronavirus did not break Twitter's rules, the company has said. This week, Twitter pledged to remove misinformation and tweets denying scientific facts about the virus. It even cited claims about child immunity as an example of misinformation that it would remove. But even though children can catch and ... Read more
2020-03-20 20:22:26