How did we all use Zoom this year?
If you’re like me and just about everyone else across the globe, you’ve probably spent a lot of time on Zoom this past year — for work collaboration, personal connection, and everything in between. But how long is the average Zoom meeting? How often do people try to talk while on mute? And who else…
ShinyShiny snippets: Uber prices could rise by 20%
Uber has said it may soon have to start charging its UK customers VAT at 20%, after a High Court judgement, pushing up the cost of rides. It comes after a judge ruled that UK private hire taxi operators must make contracts with their customers. It could have far-reaching consequences for the industry and other…
Brits plan to spend on second-hand gifts this Xmas
Almost four in 10 adults are motivated to shop second-hand this Xmas, claims Oxfam A study of 2,000 adults who celebrate Christmas revealed 62 per cent consider the current climate crisis as an important factor when buying pre-owned items. Nearly a quarter (24 per cent) are changing their purchasing habits this…
ShinyShiny snippits: Scientists develop microscopic camera
Microscopic camera. Image: Princeton University Scientists have developed a working microscopic camera that they say is the size of a grain of salt. Developed by a team of researchers from Princeton University and the University of Washington in America, the camera can create full-colour images as good as ones produced by camera lenses 500,000 times their size.…
ShinyShiny tech stories: Twitter prohibits image sharing without consent
Twitter is prohibiting the sharing of private images and videos without the consent of the people involved. Although publishing private information is already banned on the platform – as is sharing private nude images – the new policy covers images and videos of people in ordinary settings too. It has raised questions about the ability for…
60% adults have returned or even regifted Christmas gifts
Research of 2,000 adults has discovered 60 per cent have at some point returned – or even regifted – items they have received over the festive period. Pyjamas ranked as the most likely gift to be sent back once the shops reopen after the big day and deodorant and shower gel sets often end up…
ShinyShiny roundup: Extinction Rebellion targets Amazon UK depots
Protests are being staged at Amazon buildings in the UK, US, and Europe – on Black Friday. The shopping sales day is among Amazon’s busiest all year. An international coalition of unions, equality and environmental groups called “Make Amazon Pay” is staging a day of action, demanding concessions. Meanwhile, the Extinction Rebellion environmental group has targeted Amazon…
1 in 3 think global warming biggest issue facing the world
A study of 2,000 adults found 35 per cent consider global warming to be the biggest issue facing the world today – ahead of the Covid pandemic (18 per cent) and poverty (15 per cent). But while 80 per cent ‘care’ about environmental issues, nearly half (46 per cent) don’t feel equipped to reduce their…
ShinyShiny tech roundup: Spotify testing a new TikTok-style video feed
Spotify is testing a new TikTok-style video feed in its beta iOS app that shows fullscreen video clips as songs are played, TechCrunch reports. The feature was first spotted by Chris Messina, who posted a video of the feed in action. When available, the video feed is accessible from a new fourth tab in the navigation bar labelled…
Cyberstalking rife in the UK, claims Kaspersky
Ahead of the United Nations’ International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women tomorrow (25th November), fresh research data into stalkerware and tech abuse suggests that the UK has one of the highest levels of cyberstalking in Europe. Kaspersky’s research highlights that the UK ranks second-highest for domestic abuse in Europe: nearly three-in-10 surveyed UK adults…
