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The largest gaming deal in history Jan 21, 2022

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Microsoft said it plans to buy mega games company Activision Blizzard in deal worth almost $70bn. How will this deal transform the gaming industry? We hear from Louise Shorthouse, senior games analyst at Ampere Analysis. Plus, are we all eventually going to live in a virtual world? Philosopher David Chalmers explains why he believes that virtual reality will overtake the material world. And, what makes a game go viral? We hear from Wordle fan and associate professor at Texas Tech University, Nick Bowman.

(Image: the logos of Microsoft and Activision Blizzard. Credit: Getty).

Theranos and Silicon Valley Jan 14, 2022

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What does the conviction of Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes tell us about tech startup culture? The BBC's James Clayton is joined by NPR tech reporter Bobby Allyn to ask if any lessons are being learned by Silicon Valley, where startups are encouraged to promise world-changing technology, and investors demand sky-high valuations. We discuss the impact of the Theranos scandal with one of the whistleblowers involved, the venture capital companies funding exciting new tech companies, and the biotech startups who say blood testing technology still has a bright future.

(Photo: Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes arriving in court in November, Credit: Getty Images)

The return of CES Jan 07, 2022

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The major tech show returns to Las Vegas after going virtual during the pandemic. But as the impact of the coronavirus continues to be felt, is there still a place for major industry events like these? Chris Fox speaks to CES organiser Karen Chupka, and to some of the hundreds of startups exhibiting at the show. The BBC's Lara Lewington discusses some of her favourite gadgets at the event, and Spencer Kelly tries out a taxi service made up of remote controlled cars.

(Photo: CES show in Las Vegas, Credit: Getty Images)

Tech predictions for 2022 Dec 31, 2021

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The BBC tech team on what we'll all be talking about over the next 12 months. Featuring Silicon Valley correspondent James Clayton on why Web 3.0 will be the buzzword of 2022, technology editor Zoe Kleinman on tech to fight climate change, plus what the new year will hold for AR and VR hardware, cryptocurrency and regulation, the new space race, and the future for Mark Zuckerberg. Presented by Joe Tidy with Jane Wakefield.

Tech Tent quiz of the year 2021 Dec 24, 2021

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What better way to review the big tech stories of 2021 than with a battle of wits? Chris Fox tests the finest minds in tech journalism on the biggest events in tech over the last 12 months. Featuring Rhiannon Williams, technology correspondent from the i Newspaper, Shona Ghosh, technology editor at Business Insider, and BBC tech reporters David Molloy and James Clayton.

The UK's plan to rein in big tech Dec 17, 2021

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Politicians in the UK push forward plans for new laws to regulate social media and the tech giants. It’s designed to protect children from harmful content and stop disinformation, but will it work? Plus the company launching a satellite that can track the amount of heat being lost from factories and houses around the world. Could it help us become more energy efficient and fight climate change? And the women using technology to fight harrassment - how phone and smart watch apps are being used to help women feel safer on the streets.

When crypto met football Dec 10, 2021

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Joe Tidy and Sarah Mulkerrins investigate the growing presence of cryptocurrency technology in the world of football. Some of the biggest clubs in the world are selling NFTs and their own cryptocurrencies, making hundreds of millions of dollars. But what's in it for fans? We speak to the millionaire collector who's buying up official Manchester City NFTs, and to the football fans investing in digital player cards changing hands for tens of thousands of dollars. Plus the company that’s signed up dozens of major clubs across the world to sell fan tokens. Buying them is supposed to make you feel more connected to your club, but are they putting fans at risk in the unpredictable crypto market?

Photo: Premier league champions Manchester City are one of the big clubs investing in the crypto world. Credit: Getty Images)

@jack exits Twitter Dec 03, 2021

Show notes

What next for the social media platform after Jack Dorsey quits? the BBC's tech reporter in Silicon Valley James Clayton tells us why Jack Dorsey has left as CEO, and the challenges facing Twitter under new boss Parag Agrawal. Plus Jane Wakefield speaks to an Afghan student turning to the Internet to continue her education under Taliban rule, and we hear from the company forging ahead with plans to deliver Internet networks with balloons, despite Google's abandoning of the project. With BBC tech reporter Shiona McCallum.

(Photo: Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey addresses students during at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), New Delhi. Credit: Anushree Fadnavis/Reuters)

A volcano-powered Bitcoin city? Nov 26, 2021

Show notes

El Salvador's president made Bitcoin legal tender, now he wants to build a city. Joe Tidy speaks to Salvodoran-American cryptocurrency enthusiast and investor Gerson Martinez about the Central American country's experience with Bitcoin since its introduction earlier this year. Plus 193 member states of the UN agency Unesco say they want a more ethical approach to the development of artificial intelligence. We hear from Unesco's Gabriella Ramos about the problems with AI use today. And our own Jane Wakefield investigates the community of tweeters and YouTubers helping others find the latest Playstation and XBox consoles amid a global computer chip shortage in the run-up to Christmas.

The global rise of ransomware Nov 19, 2021

Show notes

How hackers stole millions from companies around the world, and why they're so difficult to stop. Chris Fox speaks to Jen Ellis from cybersecurity firm Rapid7 and to Tom Pace from NetRise about the growth in ransomware attacks in recent years, and why companies often feel they have no choice but to pay large ransoms. And Joe Tidy travels to Russia in an attempt to track down alleged ransomware gang members.

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