BATTERYFORPC BLOG
Coronavirus: Tracking app aims for one million downloads
An app that tracks the symptoms of Covid-19 in the UK has become one of the most popular downloads. Its creators aim to deliver insights into why some people get the disease more severely than others. They also hope to create a map showing where outbreaks are happening and help distinguish cases from those of the common cold. It is one of many such new apps. Experts have warned people to be cau ... Read more
2020-03-25 19:35:15
Coronavirus: Millions yet to receive UK government's Covid-19 text
Millions of mobile users in the UK have yet to receive the government's text message alert about coronavirus. The SMS - telling people to stay at home - began being sent early on Tuesday morning. But Vodafone has confirmed it only expects to complete the process later this Wednesday. One expert said that it highlights the shortcoming of not having a system that can flash a message to people's p ... Read more
2020-03-25 19:34:54
Coronavirus: Radio listening booms while music streaming stalls
People staying at home due to the coronavirus pandemic appear to be listening to more radio rather than music apps, figures suggest. Global, which owns Capital FM and talk station LBC, said online radio listening had risen by 15%. The BBC said streaming of its radio stations had risen 18% since last week. Meanwhile, data from two US analytics companies suggested use of music-streaming apps such ... Read more
2020-03-25 19:34:32
Openreach halts home-visit broadband connections
BT's Openreach says it will no longer install new broadband connections when a home visit is involved. The division, which runs the broadband network for a range of internet service providers, says it will now focus its efforts on other "essential work". It means work to switch customers between suppliers will not be done if it requires engineers to enter a customer's house or flat. B ... Read more
2020-03-24 20:16:30
Coronavirus: Minecraft offers free lessons to children
Minecraft is making its educational worlds available free, to help pupils no longer able to attend school because of the coronavirus pandemic. The 12 digital lessons will be available to download until the end of June. They include tours of the International Space Station and the inside of a human eye, which "can be played on your own, or with parents or friends". The worlds offer cre ... Read more
2020-03-24 20:16:06
Coronavirus: Dyson develops ventilators for NHS
Dyson has announced it will develop a new type of medical ventilator for the NHS, to help with coronavirus. The firm, headed by British inventor Sir James Dyson, said it had responded to the government's request for help. Meanwhile, a consortium of more than a dozen companies aims to build ventilators based on two existing designs. Some industry insiders have suggested that Dyson's approach to ... Read more
2020-03-24 20:15:42
Coronavirus: Mobile networks send 'stay at home' text
For the first time, all the UK's mobile networks are sending out a government message to their customers with details of the new shutdown measures. The text reads: GOV.UK CORONAVIRUS ALERT. New rules in force now: you must stay at home. More info and exemptions at gov.uk/coronavirus Stay at home. Protect the NHS. Save lives. Some customers have already received the message, while others are set ... Read more
2020-03-24 20:15:00
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