China has sent a quantum-based wireless message that it says cannot be intercepted without detection. It used satellites to overcome distance restrictions that would apply on the ground. The signal included an encryption key made up entangled photons: in effect light particles which are dependent on one another. Trying to read any of the signal […]
Facebook is to host original video content in a new section of your newsfeed. Don’t expect any blockbusters though: it isn’t paying anything up front for content. The new Watch tab on the site and app will host short form shows as well as the occasional live sporting event. The content will all be free […]
Disney is to start its own streaming services and pull its movies from Netflix. But there’s some question over whether Marvel content will be part of the move. The plan is for two standalone services. One would be an ESPN sports service and the other would carry movies and TV shows, based largely or wholly […]
A self-driving car with no humans on board being tested on the streets of Arlington, Virginia turned out to be operated by a man who was disguised as a car seat. But it was genuine research rather than a prank. While Virginia Tech university has been testing autonomous vehicle technology on specified interstates and highways, […]
Emojis may be the key to algorithms finally being able to grasp sarcasm. It could mean more effective ways to track public moods and tastes or spot hate speech. Online marketers and have for several years been using social media posts as a way to track how people are talking about brands and products. Originally […]
IBM and Sony have teamed up to produce a magnetic tape cartridge that could fit 330 terabytes in the palm of your hand. The tape can store 201 gigabits (25 gigabytes) in a single square inch (pictured). Arstechnica notes that the theoretical 330 terabyte tape cartridge would be more than 20 times the biggest capacity […]
Ralph Macchio and William Zabka are reprising their roles from the Karate Kid in a 10-part series on YouTube’s Red subscription service. Cobra Kai will depict LaRusso and Johnny 30 years after their initial All Valley Karate Tournament clash. The main storylines involve Johnny looking to rebuild his life by reopening the Cobra Kai dojo […]
NASA wants somebody to take responsibility for keeping Earth – and other planets — safe. The Planetary Protection Officer will earn up to $187,000 a year. The job isn’t so much about zapping incoming aliens. Rather it’s about making sure that space missions don’t contaminate Earth with organic or biological material from other planets and […]