TECH - itbusinessdirect

How cities can utilize the good, avoid the bad of the new mobility movement

November 2, 2017 Dianne Jacobs

When London stripped popular ride-hailing app Uber of its licence to operate in the city, in late September, it made headlines. The wall-to-wall coverage that followed the decision was a sign that we are on the cusp of an urban mobility revolution. Ride-hailing systems, car- and bicycle-sharing networks, trip-planning apps and other innovative services that capitalize on advances in mobile communications, cashless payments and remote monitoring are increasing in popularity around the world. Users appreciate, and in many places have grown to depend upon, the convenience and flexibility these services…

How quantum computing could help a marketer manage data and information

November 1, 2017 Dianne Jacobs

Around the world, numerous teams are racing to create the first working quantum computers, which will take advantage of the unusual behaviour of matter at the atomic level, and may lead to machines many times more powerful than anything available today. Researcher, Dr Jacq Romero, has been working with quantum principles for more than a decade. A recent winner of a L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Fellowship, her work at the University of Queensland in Australia focuses on the principles of quantum information, and specifically those of photons. This has…

Australian Banks avoid Apple Pay, announce their own Beem mobile wallet

November 1, 2017 Dianne Jacobs

Three of Australia’s largest banks have continued to ignore Apple Pay and announced a new joint venture named Beem that is charged with developing a mobile wallet for iOS and Android users. Westpac, the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), and the National Australia Bank (NAB) claim that customers will be able to use the app regardless of which bank they use, including organisations outside of the trio, with the end goal to be creating an “industry-wide payment solution”. Westpac chief executive of Consumer Bank George Frazis claimed the app followed…

Gambling companies warned against using images appealing to children

October 23, 2017 Dianne Jacobs

Britain’s betting industry faces its biggest crackdown on child gambling after regulators demanded that operators pull hundreds of casino games, that contain graphics and images that are likely to be attractive to minors, from their websites. Regulators said the “unacceptable” ads and third-party media, should be “immediately” removed or amended adding that this particularly applied to adverts for free and pay-to-play games. In a joint letter, the regulators said under-18s and other vulnerable people should be protected from exploitation. The Gambling Commission, the Advertising Standards Authority, the Committee of Advertising…

Microsoft displeased with Google over approach to security patches

October 19, 2017November 30, 2017 Dianne Jacobs

Microsoft’s Windows security team have been unhappy with Google for the past year. While the pair are bitter rivals for a number of different reasons, Google disclosed a major Windows bug before Microsoft was ready to patch it last year. This irritated the company so much that Windows chief Terry Myerson authored a blog post criticizing Google for not disclosing security vulnerabilities responsibly. That resentment still remains today. Microsoft discovered a remote Chrome vulnerability last month and is now demonstrating what it feels is responsible disclosure. In a new blog…

Canon adds best image sensor to its most stylish pocket camera

October 16, 2017October 17, 2017 Dianne Jacobs

Canon is putting its 80D image sensor used in its best prosumer camera in an all new, more portable shooter known as the Powershot G1X Mark III. The new Camera, which will Feature a built-in 24-72mm, f2.8-5.6 zoom lens, is set to hit the shelves in November and will cost $1,299. The G1X Mark III is simultaneously an evolution of the Powershot G1X lineup as well as a spiritual successor to 2015’s G5X. The G1X Mark I and II were some of the better slim compacts Canon released in the…

Microsoft redesigning outlook for Mac and Window apps

October 16, 2017 Dianne Jacobs

Microsoft is redesigning its Outlook for Mac and Windows apps to simplify the user interface on both.The tech giant revealed teasers for the new design during an Ignite conference session last month. Most of the changes look very similar to the Outlook for iOS app, with a single-line ribbon and a smaller set of default commands. A new customizable ribbon will let Outlook for Mac and Windows users control which buttons are available, so you can tailor the email interface to your own common tasks. The left navigation panel will…

Alibaba tech company to Invest over $15billion in global initiative

October 11, 2017 Dianne Jacobs

Alibaba Group today revealed its plans to invest more than $15 billion over the next three years into a global research and development initiative called Alibaba DAMO Academy. The Chinese tech giant said the program, which it is currently recruiting 100 researchers, will help it reach its goal of serving two billion customers and creating 100 million jobs by 2036, while also “increasing technological collaboration worldwide.” Discovery, adventure, momentum and outlook (DAMO) Academy will be led by Alibaba Group chief technology officer Jeff Zhang and start by opening labs in seven…