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Tech Life
BBC World Service
317 episodes
3 days ago

Tech Life discovers and explains the ways technology is changing our lives, wherever we are in the world. We meet the people with bright ideas for rethinking the way we work, learn and play, and get hands-on with the products they dream up. We hold tech giants to account for their huge power to affect our lives, and ask who wins, and who loses, in the technology transformation. Tech Life is your guide to a future being made, and remade, at lightning speed in front of our eyes.

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Technology
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Tech News
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All content for Tech Life is the property of BBC World Service and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.

Tech Life discovers and explains the ways technology is changing our lives, wherever we are in the world. We meet the people with bright ideas for rethinking the way we work, learn and play, and get hands-on with the products they dream up. We hold tech giants to account for their huge power to affect our lives, and ask who wins, and who loses, in the technology transformation. Tech Life is your guide to a future being made, and remade, at lightning speed in front of our eyes.

Show more...
Technology
News,
Tech News
Episodes (20/317)
Tech Life
Tech and performance at the Edinburgh Festivals

A special from Edinburgh, where art and performance meet tech with spectacular results. Including a magician with robot assistants, an AI improv group and an electrifying dance act.

Every August, Edinburgh becomes the centre of the arts world, with half a million visitors and thousands of acts descending on the Scottish capital. Among these are performers using some pioneering tech, asking questions about the role of AI in our lives and even a choreographer stimulating his dancers’ muscles with electricity.

Tell us about your own mini-adventure with tech by emailing techlife@bbc.co.uk or sending us a Whatsapp voice note to +44 330 1230 320.

Presenter and producer: Imran Rahman-Jones Editor: Monica Soriano

(Image: A man in a white shirt a grey waistcoat, on stage with a humanoid robot head. Credit: Getty Images)

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3 days ago
26 minutes

Tech Life
Dealing with cyber attacks

Singapore is experiencing an increase in cyber threats, and its critical infrastructure was targeted in a cyber attack. We speak to the country's Commissioner of Cybersecurity.

Also in Tech Life this week: we hear the real voice of a fake spokesperson for a synthetic band. And presenter Zoe Kleinman has a mini tech adventure involving social media and a metal detectorist.

You can contact us by emailing techlife@bbc.co.uk or send us a Whatsapp message or voice memo on +44 330 1230 320. Please include your name and where you live.

Presenter: Zoe Kleinman Producer: Tom Quinn Editor: Monica Soriano

Image: Hands are held over a computer keyboard as screens display computer data. Credit: Getty Images.

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1 week ago
26 minutes

Tech Life
What happened to DeepSeek?

China’s DeepSeek took the AI world by storm this year. Where is it now? Plus the AI doomsday scenario capturing the imagination of the tech world. How seriously should we take it? And the future of driving with Volvo’s tech lead.

Presenter: Graham Fraser Producer: Imran Rahman-Jones Editor: Monica Soriano

(Image: A hand holding a phone with the blue and white Deepseek whale logo on it. In the background is the red flag of China. Credit: Getty Images)

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2 weeks ago
26 minutes

Tech Life
Your AI servant

Imagine a world in which AI servants are at your beck and call. They work for you, shop for you, book your travel and help organise your family life. It's called Agentic AI. And it's coming. A senior figure at Amazon tells us how they see AI agents changing our lives.

Also this week on Tech Life: Kenya's plastic waste problem is being turned into a 3D-printed teaching solution. And a charity is helping to save animals from extinction by freezing their cells.

We enjoy reading your messages about tech and Tech Life. Please get in touch by emailing techlife@bbc.co.uk or send us a Whatsapp message or voice memo on +44 330 1230 320. Please include your name and where you live.

Presenter: Chris Vallance Producer: Tom Quinn Editor: Monica Soriano

Image: A futuristic illustration of a human head connected to technology by an AI Agent. Credit: MF3d/Getty Images

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3 weeks ago
26 minutes

Tech Life
Can sewage make tech cleaner ?

Thousands of tonnes of excess sewage, manure, food waste and paper sludge are being pumped hundreds of meters underground in the USA, where it will stay for centuries, preventing greenhouse gases from being released. Microsoft is backing the method to help offset carbon emissions. We speak to the co-founder and CEO of Vaulted Deep.

Also on Tech Life: We sound out some in the music industry about the impact of generative AI. And a high altitude Tech Life listener tells us about the time his tech went wrong.

We enjoy reading your messages about Tech Life. Please get in touch by emailing techlife@bbc.co.uk or send us a Whatsapp message or voice memo on +44 330 1230 320. Please include your name and where you live.

Presenter: Chris Vallance Producer: Tom Quinn Editor: Monica Soriano

Image: Slurry injection technology in use on location in the USA. Credit: Vaulted Deep

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1 month ago
26 minutes

Tech Life
Quantum question time

We step inside a quantum computer lab to answer your questions about technology that promises to revolutionise everything from particle physics to fertiliser production.

Also this week on Tech Life: lots of us upload and download large quantities of data, and the expectation is that the demand for data will only increase in the future. How will our current networks cope ? The solution travels at the speed of light.

And how do you teach AI to speak in different accents ? We find out.

We enjoy reading your messages about Tech Life. Please get in touch by emailing techlife@bbc.co.uk or send us a Whatsapp message or voice memo on +44 330 1230 320. Please include your name and where you live.

Presenter: Chris Vallance Producer: Tom Quinn Editor: Monica Soriano

Image: The word "Quantum" is illuminated on a circuit board. Credit: Wong Yu Liang/Getty Images

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1 month ago
26 minutes

Tech Life
AIs on the road

This week on Tech Life, we speak to the company behind an AI safe driving device that's fitted to thousands of delivery vans and fleet vehicles around the world. Using cameras and an onboard AI system, it assesses how safely a vehicle is being driven. And it warns both the driver, and their manager, if it spots a serious safety risk inside or outside the vehicle.

Also this week, we find out about cargo drones parachuting humanitarian aid into parts of central Africa. And what can children tell us about AI ?

We enjoy reading your messages about Tech Life. Please get in touch by emailing techlife@bbc.co.uk or send us a Whatsapp message or voice memo on +44 330 1230 320.

You can use the same contact details to send us any questions you've ever wanted to have answered about quantum computers. We're hoping to gather up your questions and ask an expert about quantum computing for a future episode.

Presenter: Chris Vallance Producer: Tom Quinn Editor: Monica Soriano

Image: A photo taken inside a car of the road ahead and other road traffic outside. Credit: egon69/Getty Images

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1 month ago
26 minutes

Tech Life
The future of the internet is up for debate

The way the internet will operate in the future is being discussed at the moment. Will it remain as it is now, or could governments become more involved and take more control ? We speak to ICANN, one of the technical institutions which help to keep the internet functioning, about their concerns.

Also this week: the man behind one of the most popular websites in the world talks to Tech Life. And we hear from the award-winning teenage inventor of a toxic dust detector.

We enjoy reading your messages about the one item of tech you simply can't do without. If you want to tell us about your must-have piece of tech, please get in touch by emailing techlife@bbc.co.uk or send us a Whatsapp message or voice memo on +44 330 1230 320.

You can use the same contact details to send us any questions you've ever wanted to have answered about quantum computers. We're hoping to gather up your questions and ask an expert about quantum computing in a future episode.

Presenter: Graham Fraser Producer: Tom Quinn Editor: Monica Soriano

Image: An illustration of a woman holding a tablet device connected to the internet. Credit: Suwanmanee99/Getty Images

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1 month ago
26 minutes

Tech Life
Digital twin cities

What are the advantages of creating a digital mirror of a city – or an entire island? We speak to a company making digital twins to create simulations of the real world. Then we hear from a real set of twins about their award-winning carbon capture project. And the company sending tiny satellites into space to help environmental researchers.

Presenter: Chris Vallance Producer: Imran Rahman-Jones Editor: Monica Soriano

(Image: A graphic of a person's hand holding a mini city on its fingertips. Credit: Getty Images.)

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1 month ago
26 minutes

Tech Life
Tackling illegal mining with tech

This week on Tech Life, we're looking at the problems caused by illegal gold mining in Ghana. We'll hear how drones, AI and GPS trackers are being used to tackle the trade.

Also this week, Meta goes to court as it battles ads for so-called Nudifying apps. Is "I don't know" the solution to AI chatbot hallucinations ? And the pay-as-you-cook stove that's winning awards and improving health in Africa.

We enjoy reading your messages about the one item of tech you simply can't do without. If you want to tell us about your must-have piece of tech, please get in touch by emailing techlife@bbc.co.uk or send us a Whatsapp message or voice memo on +44 330 1230 320.

Presenter: Chris Vallance Producer: Tom Quinn Editor: Monica Soriano

Image: A photo of two gold miners in Ghana. Credit: Christian Thompson/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock

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2 months ago
26 minutes

Tech Life
China's booming EV industry

We hear from inside China on the remarkably fast electric vehicle transition going on there, as the country moves away from petrol and diesel-powered cars and lorries. BBC Transport Correspondent Nick Marsh reports on the latest EV technology that's making Chinese brands popular and affordable.

Also on Tech Life this week, who has the fastest computer in the world ? And what is it used for ? An expert tells us everything we need to know about supercomputers. And we find out about a new piece of tech that can provide electricity, transport and clean drinking water in disaster zones - using solar power.

We enjoy reading your messages about the one item of tech you simply can't do without. If you want to tell us about your must-have piece of tech, please get in touch by emailing techlife@bbc.co.uk or send us a Whatsapp message or voice memo on +44 330 1230 320.

Presenter: Zoe Kleinman Producer: Tom Quinn Editor: Monica Soriano

Image: A photo of an electric car charging in China. Credit: Master/Getty Images.

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2 months ago
26 minutes

Tech Life
Data and me

What happens when a company we trust with our most personal data gets into financial trouble ? We hear from a woman who trusted a US company with her genetic information.

Also on Tech Life this week, will there be enough electricity for the demands of artificial intelligence ? The International Energy Agency tells us about the challenges of powering the AI boom. And we find out how to grow an island in The Maldives. The tech involved could protect low-lying territories from erosion and rising sea levels.

We enjoy reading your messages about the one item of tech you simply can't do without. If you want to tell us about your must-have piece of tech, please get in touch by emailing techlife@bbc.co.uk or send us a Whatsapp message or voice memo on +44 330 1230 320.

Presenter: Chris Vallance Producer: Tom Quinn Editor: Monica Soriano

Image: A scientist holds a DNA sample with the results on a computer screen in a laboratory. Credit: Westend61/Getty Images

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2 months ago
26 minutes

Tech Life
The digital afterlife business

This week we're looking at a growing digital industry which allows people to interact - in a way - with the likeness or the voice of someone they care about who has passed away. It's not science fiction, and it does involve AI chatbots.

Also on Tech Life this week, we'll be finding out about two tech solutions to the problem of food which goes to waste. Tech Life's Alasdair Keane explores the challenge of making a Formula 1 racing car more eco friendly. And what is digital art ?

We enjoy reading your messages about the one item of tech you simply can't do without. If you want to tell us about your must-have piece of tech, please get in touch by emailing techlife@bbc.co.uk or send us a Whatsapp message or voice memo on +44 330 1230 320.

Presenter: Graham Fraser Producer: Tom Quinn Editor: Monica Soriano

Image: An illustration of a human hand reaching toward the unknown. Science fiction becoming reality. Credit: Yana Iskayeva/Getty Images

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2 months ago
26 minutes

Tech Life
Protecting your invention

This week we're learning about patents - what they are, and who wants one. And by analysing the global demand for patents, we can see future trends in tech.

Also in this edition of Tech Life, what are doctors and patients around the world saying about the use of artificial intelligence in hospitals ? And we'll be finding out about Google's latest injection of AI into online search.

We enjoy reading the messages being sent in about the one item of tech you simply can't do without. If you want to tell us about your must-have piece of tech, please get in touch by emailing techlife@bbc.co.uk or send us a Whatsapp message or voice memo on +44 330 1230 320.

Presenter: Zoe Kleinman Producer: Tom Quinn Editor: Monica Soriano

(Image: A photo of a woman with a lightbulb sticker on her forehead, indicating she's had an idea. Credit: Peter Dazeley/Getty Images)

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3 months ago
26 minutes

Tech Life
The impact of online abuse

An international study looks at the online experiences of young people from marginalised groups, including sex workers, gay and transgender people, and people living with HIV. It concludes they are facing a surge in online abuse. We speak to Phong from Vietnam about his experience, then hear about the study from the lead researcher.

Also on Tech Life this week, find out how a drone company in Ghana has benefited from US foreign aid cuts. And how could catching the bus help improve your posture ?

We enjoy reading the messages being sent in about the one item of tech you simply can't do without. If you want to tell us about your must-have piece of tech, please get in touch by emailing techlife@bbc.co.uk or send us a Whatsapp message or voice memo on +44 330 1230 320.

Presenter: Imran Rahman-Jones Producer: Tom Quinn Editor: Monica Soriano

(Image: A photo of a woman who has received online abuse. Credit: OcusFocus/Getty Images)

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3 months ago
26 minutes

Tech Life
What you don’t see

Luckily much of what we see on social media is safe. But somewhere, somebody has to watch all the horrific content uploaded online in order to filter it out for the general public. We speak to a former moderator who worked on Meta platforms in Ghana. Plus, the community project in Puerto Rico with an innovative way of keeping its power on. And we say goodbye to video call program Skype. (Warning – this episode includes some distressing content and a reference to suicide.)

Presenter: Chris Vallance Producer: Imran Rahman-Jones Editor: Monica Soriano

(Image: A blurred out picture with a graphic of an eye and the text imprinted on it: "Sensitive content". Credit: Getty Images.)

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3 months ago
26 minutes

Tech Life
Weighing the world's forests

A groundbreaking space mission will help scientists peer through dense jungle canopy to measure the difference the world's forests are making to climate change. We interview the expert who came up with the idea.

Also on Tech Life: It's clicked billions of times a day, but do you know how it started in the first place ? We find out why the world gave a big thumbs up to the 'like' button. And digitising agriculture in Ghana - how tech is streamlining the growing and selling process for thousands of farmers.

Tell us about the one item of tech that you simply can't do without – please get in touch by emailing techlife@bbc.co.uk or send us a Whatsapp message or voice memo on +44 330 1230 320.

Presenter: Chris Vallance Producer: Tom Quinn Editor: Monica Soriano

(Image: An illustration of the Biomass satellite in space. Credit: ESA/ATG medialab)

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3 months ago
26 minutes

Tech Life
Talking dolphin

Do dolphins have their own language ? And could we 'speak' to them ? An AI large language model from Google, called DolphinGemma, is helping experts study dolphin communication. We interview Doctor Denise Herzing, the Research Director and founder of the Wild Dolphin Project, about her work and how it might bring benefits for humans and dolphins.

Also in this edition, we find out how tech is changing the way NFL fans watch football games, and mega-batteries are helping to keep the lights on.

Tell us about the one item of tech that you simply can't do without – please get in touch by emailing techlife@bbc.co.uk or send us a Whatsapp message or voice memo on +44 330 1230 320.

Presenter: Chris Vallance Producer: Tom Quinn Editor: Monica Soriano

(Image: A photograph of Atlantic spotted dolphins. Credit: Google)

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4 months ago
26 minutes

Tech Life
AI discrimination

This week we're looking at artificial intelligence and how it can discriminate against us, affecting our chances of getting work or being approved for a loan. What causes it ?

On the flip side - could it be AI to the rescue ? We learn about a computer model that predicts the behaviour of people who go missing. Could it help emergency services find those lost in the wilderness ?

And Tech Life's gaming expert gets hands-on with the new Nintendo Switch 2.

You can tell us about the one item of tech that you use in your life everyday – please get in touch by emailing techlife@bbc.co.uk or send us a Whatsapp message or voice memo on +44 330 1230 320.

Presenter: Chris Vallance Producer: Tom Quinn Editor: Monica Soriano

(Image: A hand holds a magnifying glass with the word BIAS magnified on a white background. Credit: Getty Images)

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4 months ago
26 minutes

Tech Life
Beyond the tip of the iceberg

Tech Life looks at icebergs. Climate change means there are more of them in our oceans, breaking away and slowly melting. Scientists need to study them - but how ? We speak to an expert about robotic gliders, which are opening up new research opportunities.

Also in this edition, can we trust artificial intelligence ? One of its problems is that it hallucinates, so we find out more about it.

How can tech help people who are blind or partially sighted watch TV ?

And our reporter gets his hands dirty examining rhino poo!

You can tell us about the one item of tech that you use in your life everyday – please get in touch by emailing techlife@bbc.co.uk or send us a Whatsapp message or voice memo on +44 330 1230 320.

Presenter: Imran Rahman-Jones Producer: Tom Quinn Editor: Monica Soriano

(Image: A photograph of a robotic glider suspended above the water. Credit: Doctor Natasha Lucas)

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4 months ago
26 minutes

Tech Life

Tech Life discovers and explains the ways technology is changing our lives, wherever we are in the world. We meet the people with bright ideas for rethinking the way we work, learn and play, and get hands-on with the products they dream up. We hold tech giants to account for their huge power to affect our lives, and ask who wins, and who loses, in the technology transformation. Tech Life is your guide to a future being made, and remade, at lightning speed in front of our eyes.