The briefing

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Gauging the long-term impacts of augmented and virtual reality

Content developers working in the realms of augmented and virtual reality are constantly improving the immersive user experience, making it increasingly difficult for the human brain to separate digital encounters from real-world occurrences. Could this create lasting and potentially damaging psychological effects in users?

Cryptocurrencies are key to post-Brexit economy, says deVere CEO

Post-Brexit, cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin should be embraced by Britain’s financial services sector if the country is to avoid a recession, according to the CEO of one of the world’s largest financial advisory organisations.

Critical Zoom vulnerability underlines need for webcam covers “at all times”

A critical zero-day vulnerability in enterprise video conferencing provider Zoom’s Mac app has highlighted the importance of regular use of webcam covers, according to cybersecurity experts. The vulnerability allows malicious websites to enable the cameras of any Mac with the Zoom client installed.

Plant DNA editing breakthrough could be vital to future food supply

For the first time in history, researchers have successfully edited mitochondrial plant DNA in a move that has significant positive repercussions for future food security.

‘Smart’ glass that lasts “thousands of years” identifies images without power

Engineers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the US say they have created a method for making ‘smart’ glass that recognises images without the need for sensors, circuits or power. The work is still in proof-of-concept stages, but opens new avenues for giving non-digital objects a form of machine vision.

Ransomware attacks are the new normal as 1 in 3 UK businesses get hit

Ransomware attacks are now commonplace in UK business operations, with research finding that 28% of companies have been hit by such an attack in the last 12 months alone.

Top autonomous vehicles talent is in demand as Apple snaps up start-up Drive.ai

When Apple decided to acquire Silicon Valley start-up Drive.ai, it was a reminder that in the competitive world of autonomous vehicles, top talent is a much sought-after commodity.

Underwater robot to seek out viable mine sites

An underwater robot being developed by a group of researchers across Europe under the UNEXMIN project will explore abandoned mines and determine whether it is economically viable to reopen them. The project could be vital to the return of mining in Europe.

Amazon at 25: What could the next 25 years have in store for the online giant?

Within a quarter of a century Amazon has become the largest e-commerce company in the western world, reached a trillion dollar valuation, and made its founder the world’s richest man. But, where will the second most valuable company on Earth go from here?

UK tech startups are confident about growth – but hiring is down

The vast majority of UK tech startups are confident about their growth prospects over the last year, despite a drop in the number planning to hire staff or raise finance. This is according to Studio Graphene’s Q2 2019 Tech Tracker, which found that 80% of tech startups were either confident or very confident about their prospects for growth over the next 12 months.

Ethical AI is necessary to gain consumer trust, Capgemini finds

As the capabilities of artificial intelligence improve, so does its prevalence in everyday life, including how businesses interact with customers. Although AI has much to offer this area, the way in which it is deployed can have a significant impact on customer trust and loyalty, according to a new study from the Capgemini Research Institute.

Companies need to develop their own AI talent – not wait for universities

There’s a global shortage of artificial intelligence talent as labour markets all over the world can’t keep up with the demand for developers, mathematicians and scientists who can create new and innovative AI technology. Daniel Kroening, professor of computer science at the University of Oxford, argues that companies are well advised to develop their own talent in AI rather than relying on universities to supply it.

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