Tech Life

Latest Episodes:

Charging electric bikes and scooters Mar 26, 2024

Show notes

Electric bikes and scooters are popular. But charging them can be inconvenient, and occasionally risky. We look at various approaches to charging batteries around the world. Also this week, our reporter Marc Cieslak meets schoolchildren involved in a project to introduce them to artificial intelligence and programming through skills acquired playing chess. And we try out the next generation of Bluetooth connectivity.

Presenter: Zoe Kleinman Producers: Alasdair Keane and Tom Quinn

(Photo: Charging an electric bike. Credit: Henglein and Steets/Getty Images)

Tech Life meets Spot the robot Mar 19, 2024

Show notes

There are hundreds of former nuclear reactors around the world, which are harmful for those trying to decommission them. That's where a four legged robot called Spot comes in and Tech Life have been to meet it. Also in this episode; the impact of auto-correct constantly misspelling names and how scientists are using AI and tourist boats to learn more about whales.

Presenter: Shiona McCallum Producer: Alasdair Keane

(Picture: Spot the robot at a decommissioned nuclear plant /BBC)

Mobile phones Mar 12, 2024

Show notes

What do you look for when buying a mobile phone? And what do you do with your old phone? Have you thought about trading it in and recycling? Your needs might vary, depending upon where in the world you live. We explore the options. Also this week, find out about the digital repatriation of historical artefacts.

(Photo: A pile of mobile phones. Credit: Peter Dazeley/Getty Images)

Exploring space Mar 05, 2024

Show notes

Zoe Kleinman visits a satellite earth station from the era of the first moon landings, and a spaceport developing horizontal rocket launches. Find out how tech is being used to communicate deep into space, and launch rockets from jet planes. Also on Tech Life, cyborg jellyfish could soon be swimming the ocean depths, providing valuable data to scientists. And an AI-generated internet radio station keeps you up to date with non-news.

PHOTO: Zoe Kleinman at Goonhilly Earth Station. Credit: BBC.

Tech Life in Barcelona Feb 27, 2024

Show notes

MWC in Barcelona is a big global mobile phone industry event. Shiona McCallum is there for Tech Life, looking out for new tech and innovations which could impact our lives. This year, wearable tech is attracting alot of attention. Also in this edition, we want to know your top tips for fixing tech problems.

(Photo: Shiona McCallum tries the AI Pin at MWC in Barcelona. Credit: BBC)

Detecting audio deepfakes Feb 20, 2024

Show notes

Voice cloning is becoming so sophisticated that even live phone calls can be generated by machine. Is it possible to protect yourself ? Mouthguard technology is monitoring the hardest tackles on rugby players - our reporter gives it a try. Also in this week's Tech Life, we look at tracing your family tree with tech. And hear about winter-proof long-distance drones delivering supplies in Norway.

PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images/demaerre

Tracking giraffes Feb 13, 2024

Show notes

What connects the Chinese government, giraffes in Namibia, and tech ? We bring you the strange tale of how one social media message went viral. Also in this edition of Tech Life, Shiona McCallum meets a smart robotic guide dog. And bringing cyber-security to girls in Africa - meet the woman making it happen.

(Photo: A giraffe eating leaves from high branches. Credit: Michael B. Brown/Giraffe Conservation Foundation)

Health Tech Feb 06, 2024

Show notes

We're looking at health tech. Our reporter gets hands-on with a new ultrasound system in Kenya helping to keep mothers healthy during pregnancy. And tech for the menopause. Why isn't there more of it ? Also on this edition of Tech Life, the social media platform we used to call Twitter has a new rival. And tech at the Vatican - we interview the Pope's adviser on technology.

PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images/ER Productions Ltd

Rescue Tech Jan 30, 2024

Show notes

Sonar and AI have been brought together in a hand-held device that can find humans underwater. We speak to its inventor and an underwater search team leader. Chris Vallance examines voice cloning and has a telephone conversation with artificial intelligence. Shiona McCallum reports on tech protecting crops from climate change in Africa. And Alasdair Keane learns about making magnets.

PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images/Editorial12

The world of VPNs Jan 23, 2024

Show notes

Tech Life does a deep dive into Virtual Private Networks, or VPNs. We find out the countries where they are most in demand. Also in this edition, we learn about video gaming in Iran. And we speak to the teenager in India who invented a device to help people with Alzheimer's, inspired by his grandmother.

PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images/Traitov

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