EU formally investigates TikTok, fines Apple over music streaming
The EU has launched a formal investigation into whether TikTok has broken online content rules, including the safeguarding of children. The EU’s executive arm, the European Commission, said it had opened official proceedings against the Chinese-owned short video platform over a potential breach of the Digital Services Act (DSA). It said the investigation was looking at…
Google rolls out Gemini AI model, Honor to unveil Porsche design phone at MWC
Google has started rolling out its ‘most capable’ AI model yet, Gemini. As a replacement for Google’s pre-existing Bard chatbot, the new AI assistant has been off to a slow start as it’s already had to have some major updates to its voice commands and app. Late last year, Google announced its plans to expand…
5 online scams – and how to avoid them
Research shows that almost three in four UK adults have fallen victim to scams¹. With crime rates rising alongside the cost of living crisis², the experts at Independent Advisor VPN share how to spot, and avoid, online scams. James Milin-Ashmore at Independent Advisor VPN comments: “It’s clear to see that the cost of living crisis has driven a…
Amazon’s Jeff Bezos sells $4 billion of shares Prime Video viewers lose more features
Multi-billionaire Jeff Bezos has sold more of his shares in Amazon, bringing the total value of sales in recent days to more than $4bn (£3.2bn). The technology giant, which Mr Bezos founded in 1994, said he has sold 24 million Amazon shares this month. Mr Bezos, who is the firm's executive chair, last sold Amazon…
Zapp announces production of i300 electric motorbike
British electric mobility brand Zapp has announced it is to start the production and commercial rollout of the i300, the brand’s high-performance electric urban motorcycle. Zapp anticipates making initial deliveries of the i300 in Europe in the months ahead, followed by a commercial launch of the i300 in Asian markets in late 2024. The company's…
BBC iPlayer to end PC/Mac downloads, Stellantis commits to Tesla EV charging
The BBC's iPlayer streaming service is to end downloads for users who watch on desktop or laptop computers. Programmes will still be available to download on tablets and phones via the mobile iPlayer app. Currently viewers on PCs and Macs can save programmes via the iPlayer Downloads app, but that will be closed. The changes…
Ecommerce sales fall in January, claims IMRG
2024 has got off to a very slow start for ecommerce sales, with online revenue falling -7% Year-on-Year (YoY) in January against a decline of -3.5% last year, according to the IMRG Online Retail Index, which tracks the online sales of over 200 retailers. While that is not the sharpest rate of decline in the…
Virgin Media revives interest in TalkTalk, Google One hits 100 million subscribers
Ding, ding.. round two. News reports claim that Virgin Media (VMO2) has allegedly revived its interest in a takeover of budget broadband ISP TalkTalk. But this time they’re reportedly focusing much more specifically upon the internet provider’s consumer division. The long-established internet and phone provider – home to almost 4 million UK broadband customers (2.4m on FTTC/P) – is…
The Future of Internet Speed: What to Expect in 2024 and Beyond
Once upon a time, in the age of dial-up, even one megabit per second was considered a fast internet speed. Today, that’s barely enough to register on an internet speed test, and the average US internet speed is now a sprightly 171 mbps — many times faster than just a few years ago. Plus, many…
Ring rinses customers with 43% price hike for subscription
Users of Ring video doorbells have reacted angrily to a huge price hike set to be introduced in March. After buying the devices, customers can pay a subscription to store footage on the cloud, download clips and get discounted products. That subscription is going up 43%, from £34.99 to £49.99 per device, per year, for basic…
