Global internet users mapped: Google mulls SpaceX investment to bring developing world online January 20, 2015 Google is considering an investment in Elon Musk’s company SpaceX, as part of a plan to deliver internet by satellite to the developing world and other areas that lack coverage. The deal has not been finalised, but would value SpaceX at around the $10bn (£6.6bn) mark, and would be a significant boost to the aim [...]
Here’s everything we know about Sakti3 – the US startup Dyson just invested $15m in March 16, 2015 Some 15 years into the entrepreneur game, Sir James Dyson has made his first-ever investment outside his own business, after he ploughed $15m (£10m) in US startup Sakti3. The company, based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, develops solid-state batteries. The investment was part of a wider, $20m funding round. Dyson said the company will help it [...]
There is nothing to fear from the rise of artificial intelligence, says Microsoft’s Eric Horwitz January 28, 2015 We need not fear the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and the doomsday iRobot scenario, according Microsoft's head of research. Steven Hawking caused controversy last year with his dire warnings that intelligent machines pose a threat to the very existence of humanity. In December, he told the BBC "the development of full artificial intelligence could [...]
Gimme 5: Entrepreneurial reads for January January 11, 2015 Playing to Win by A G Lafley The chief executive of Proctor & Gamble shares how he restored the fortunes of the consumer goods giant. Lafley cleverly demonstrates the key connections between daily action and realising a long-term vision. £14.39 (Harvard Business Review Press) The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg The award-winning author [...]
Bill Gates talks artificial intelligence concern, immortality, overpopulation and more in “ask me anything” January 29, 2015 If there's one thing Bill Gates enjoys more than computer software, philanthropy and tennis, it's talking to people on the internet. Whether it's TED Talks, book recommendations or online newsletters, the Microsoft founder loves to communicate with the web's masses. The billionaire took to Reddit for his third "Ask me Anything" yesterday, and what followed [...]
Car review: The Tesla Model S P85D is seriously fast, with an “Insane” mode to scare off its rivals April 13, 2015 Tesla, the darling of the alternative-power car makers, has made more progress in a few short years than the likes of Ford, General Motors and even Toyota when it comes to electric cars. The American firm, co-founded by Elon Musk of PayPal fame, has not only made great strides technology-wise, but has also achieved much [...]
Film review: Ex Machina is a psychological techno-thriller tour de force January 23, 2015 Cert 15 | ★★★★★ With everyone from Stephen Hawking to Elon Musk warning we’re about to be slaughtered by artificial super-intelligences, Ex Machina is a timely reflection on consciousness, creativity, hubris, and the possibilities that await us just around the corner. Author-turned-screenwriter Alex Garland’s directorial debut is a psychological techno-thriller tour de force. Caleb [...]
Tesla’s full year results fail to meet expectations, with deliveries down due to delays February 11, 2015 Tesla's full year results are likely to reverse investor confidence. The figures During the three months to 31 December 2014, Tesla Motors delivered 9,834 cars to clients – lower than the 11,200 deliveries analysts hoped for and expected. Similarly, the 31,655 cars delivered during the full year to 31 December failed to meet [...]
Stephen Hawking: Artificial intelligence could end the human race December 2, 2014 The robot revolution could bring about the end of humanity as we know it, professor Stephen Hawking has warned. In an interview with the BBC he warned that "the development of full artificial intelligence could spell the end of the human race". He was responding to a question about the artificial intelligence technology which he uses [...]
January is the worst month of the year for your marriage January 6, 2015 While you're considering whether to take that smoothie machine back to the shop, your other half may well be mulling a different sort of swap. We all know January is pretty bleak but it turns out it is also the worst month for your marriage – one in which most British couples either start [...]