Author: Laura Watling
Revolutionising Accessibility: How Touch Technologies Are Transforming Smartphones for the Blind In an era where smartphones are an essential part of everyday life, accessibility for visually impaired individuals remains a critical challenge. However, recent advancements in touch technology are revolutionising how blind users interact with their devices. Companies such as Dot Inc., a South Korean-based innovator, and NewHaptics, a US-based tech firm, are leading the way in developing cutting-edge solutions that provide real-time refreshable Braille text and tactile graphics. The Breakthrough in Tactile Technology Traditional accessibility features, such as screen readers and voice assistants, have been instrumental in helping blind…
The internal combustion engines in petrol-powered cars generate a great deal of power by burning fossil fuels, but they do so with significant inefficiency. Shockingly, nearly three-quarters of the energy consumed is lost as heat through the engine and tailpipe. This raises an intriguing question: what if some of that wasted thermal energy could be recaptured and put to practical use? A Breakthrough in Energy Recovery Scientists have long pursued the idea of harnessing waste heat to improve vehicle efficiency, though practical implementations have been limited, largely due to cost-effectiveness concerns. However, a team of researchers has now developed a…
In 2025, wearable technology continues to revolutionize health and fitness, offering advanced features that cater to a wide range of user needs. Here are the top 10 wearables making waves in health tech this year: 1. Apple Watch Series 10 The Apple Watch Series 10 is a comprehensive health companion, featuring heart rate monitoring, ECG capabilities, blood oxygen level tracking, and advanced sleep analysis. Its seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem ensures a user-friendly experience for those deeply invested in Apple’s products. forbes.com 2. Fitbit Charge 6 Fitbit’s Charge 6 offers a balanced approach to health tracking, providing features like…
China is making significant strides in nuclear fusion research, aiming to harness the power of the stars for sustainable energy and advanced scientific applications. Recent developments highlight the nation’s commitment to becoming a leader in this transformative field. Construction of a Massive Laser Fusion Facility Satellite imagery has revealed that China is constructing a substantial laser-ignited fusion research center near Mianyang, Sichuan province. Analysts from CNA Corp and the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies have identified the facility’s design, which includes four laser bays converging on a central experimental chamber. This layout is reminiscent of the U.S. National Ignition…
In a major development for Formula One, Australian software giant Atlassian has announced a groundbreaking multi-year title sponsorship deal with Williams Racing. From the 2025 season onward, the legendary F1 team will compete as Atlassian Williams Racing, marking a new era for both organizations as technology and motorsport continue to converge at an unprecedented level. A Bold Step for Williams Racing Williams Racing, one of the most iconic teams in Formula One history, has been seeking to regain its competitive edge in the sport. This new partnership with Atlassian represents a significant financial and technological boost, providing the team with…
Wi-Fi 7: A Leap Forward in Wireless Technology The wireless technology landscape is on the cusp of a significant transformation with the introduction of Wi-Fi 7, officially known as IEEE 802.11be Extremely High Throughput (EHT). This next-generation standard promises to deliver substantial improvements over its predecessor, Wi-Fi 6, in terms of speed, capacity, and latency. lifewire.com Wi-Fi 7 is designed to be over four times faster than Wi-Fi 6, offering a theoretical maximum speed of 46 Gbps, compared to Wi-Fi 6’s 9.6 Gbps. This enhancement is achieved through the utilisation of the 6 GHz frequency band, in addition to the…
Major US Tech Companies to Invest $300 Billion in AI Infrastructure In a significant move underscoring the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI), leading American technology firms, including Amazon, Alphabet (Google’s parent company), Microsoft, and Meta, have announced plans to collectively invest over $300 billion in AI infrastructure this year. This marks a substantial increase from the $230 billion invested in the previous year. thetimes.co.uk The primary objective of this investment is to secure the necessary computing power to develop and operate advanced AI models, which these companies believe will revolutionise various business sectors. Amazon is leading the charge with…
Artificial Leaf Technology: In the quest for sustainable energy solutions, scientists have developed an innovative technology known as the artificial leaf—a device that mimics the process of photosynthesis to generate clean hydrogen fuel. At the core of the artificial leaf is a silicon chip coated with chemical catalysts that accelerate the water-splitting reaction. When placed in an open vessel of water and exposed to sunlight, the chip triggers a chemical reaction similar to that seen in nature, breaking apart the hydrogen and oxygen molecules in water. The device captures the resulting protons and electrons, which are then recombined to produce…
Apple has quietly launched a new iPhone app aimed at helping users invite others to parties and events, marking a significant update to the Calendar app. The app, named Invites, is now available and can also be used on the web. It’s designed for anyone who wants to send invitations, while anyone can receive them, regardless of device type. A standout feature of the app is its deep integration with the iPhone, especially for iCloud+ users, though it’s still useful for those without an iCloud+ subscription or an iPhone. The Invites app, which was officially announced on February 4, 2025,…
The Future of Smart Homes: A New Era of Automation and Connectivity The concept of the smart home is rapidly evolving, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), and seamless device integration. As technology becomes more sophisticated, the future of smart homes promises increased automation, enhanced user control, and unparalleled convenience, making everyday living more efficient than ever before. Seamless Device Integration: The Connected Home One of the most significant developments in smart home technology is the ability for devices to communicate effortlessly with each other. Manufacturers are working towards universal compatibility, allowing smart thermostats, lighting…