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Antivirus pioneer John McAfee found dead Jun 25, 2021

Show notes

The colourful and controversial entrepreneur created an entire industry with his early antivirus software. But he was now facing extradition from Spain to the US on tax charges. Plus, gamers say no to Facebook’s attempt to put ads in virtual reality titles. And has a year of meeting and hanging out virtually whetted people’s appetites for a metaverse? Presented by Rory Cellan-Jones, with BBC tech reporter David Molloy. Produced by Jat Gill.

(Image: Stock photo of John McAfee, Credit: Getty Images).

Web creator to sell source code as an NFT Jun 18, 2021

Show notes

Sir Tim Berners-Lee surprises observers by using the latest tech craze to raise funds for charity. Plus, we visit the Founders Forum ClimateTech Summit to hear entrepreneurs’ ideas for tackling the environmental emergency. And will wearable health devices one day be replaced by implanted sensors? Presented by Rory Cellan-Jones, with senior BBC tech reporter Zoe Kleinman. Produced by Jat Gill.

(Image: Sir Tim Berners-Lee with NFT graphics, Credit: Getty Images).

Tech victories for law enforcement Jun 11, 2021

Show notes

The FBI recovers Bitcoins paid in the Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack, and separately, tricks organised crime suspects into using a messaging app they could monitor. Plus leading researcher Prof. Kate Crawford argues that AI is neither artificial, nor intelligent. And we hear about the chat-bot based gadget for recording your audio biography. Presented by Rory Cellan-Jones, with BBC senior tech reporter Jane Wakefield. Produced by Jat Gill.

(Image: Stock photo of the FBI logo and person wearing a jacket with the initials. Credit: Getty Images).

Huawei pins hopes on HarmonyOS Jun 06, 2021

Show notes

The Chinese giant launches its own smartphone and connected device operating system after the US blocked access to key Google Android tech. Will China be a big enough market for it to become established? Plus, how machine learning is helping to improve the monitoring of Parkinson’s Disease symptoms. And the debate over plans by the National Health Service in England to open patients’ local medical records to researchers and planners. Presented by Rory Cellan-Jones, with BBC senior tech reporter Zoe Kleinman. Produced by Jat Gill.

(Image: Huawei smart watch running HarmonyOS with the company logo behind it, Credit: Huawei)

Can bitcoin mining ever be green? May 28, 2021

Show notes

The cryptocurrency business tries to boost its green credentials with the formation of a 'Bitcoin Mining Council' and the help of Elon Musk. Will it make a difference? Jaime Leverton, boss of Hut 8 Mining, and finance writer Frances Coppola discuss. Plus a BBC investigation finds the Chinese trying out technology that claims to sense your mood, and airplane engine maker Rolls Royce let us into its factory to look at how data is powering its business. Presented by Rory Cellan-Jones, with senior tech reporter Jane Wakefield.

Estonia’s digital society and the pandemic May 21, 2021

Show notes

President of Estonia Kersti Kaljulaid discusses how the wide availability of online government services helped citizens during the lockdown. Plus, how Google hopes a tie-up with Samsung will give its WearOS smartwatch platform a boost. And has Apple compromised too much in its dealings with China?

(Image: Estonia’s President Kersti Kaljulaid, Credit: Getty Images).

Ransomware hackers disable key oil pipeline May 14, 2021

Show notes

Has the threat to infrastructure from hackers demanding money been underestimated? Plus, a Facebook moderator tells the Irish Parliament of the toll the work is taking on her mental health. And we chat to an engineer trying to develop affordable autonomous driving tech for Indian cities. Presented by Rory Cellan-Jones, with BBC cybersecurity reporter Joe Tidy. Produced by Jat Gill.

(Image: Valve representing an oil pipeline, with cryptocurrency tokens. Credit: Getty Images).

Trump question comes back to Facebook May 07, 2021

Show notes

The platform’s external Oversight Board says Facebook was right to suspend Donald Trump’s account after the January riot in Washington DC, but wrong to do it indefinitely and without enough explanation. It says Facebook itself must now rule on whether to reinstate or ban permanently Mr Trump. Plus, how personalised music playlists might help reduce anxiety and pain in medical patients. And the robots are coming … to solve your crossword puzzles. Presented by Rory Cellan-Jones, with senior BBC tech reporter Jane Wakefield. Produced by Jat Gill.

(Image: President Donald Trump next to a Facebook logo, Credit: Getty Images).

Is Apple iOS 14.5 hurting advertisers? Apr 30, 2021

Show notes

Apple’s long-awaited iPhone software update arrives with new features to block trackers. What effect is it having so far? Plus, how a machine learning startup aims to help doctors detect lung cancer earlier. And former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown warns of a global digital divide. Presented by Rory Cellan-Jones, with BBC senior tech reporter Zoe Kleinman. Produced by Jat Gill.

The big noise in social media Apr 23, 2021

Show notes

Facebook and Reddit follow Clubhouse into social audio. Does the idea have lasting appeal? Plus, home-made jet suit builder Richard Browning on what’s next for his creation. And why England’s former Children’s Commissioner is taking legal action against TikTok. Presented by Rory Cellan-Jones, with BBC Online tech editor Leo Kelion. Produced by Jat Gill.

(Image: Stock photo of a woman listening to audio on headphones, Credit: Getty Images).

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