Tech Life

BBC World Service
  • 4.3 (168)
  • TECHNOLOGY
  • UPDATED FORTNIGHTLY
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.

  1. Tiger tracking tech misuse

    19 HR AGO

    Tiger tracking tech misuse

    Women in a forest in India found they were being followed and recorded by cameras which were meant to be for monitoring tigers and other wildlife. We speak to the researcher who interviewed hundreds of women in the community. We learn about how online shopping tries to influence your behaviour. And we visit an Arctic island which is turning to renewables. We want to know about the big tech stories of 2024 where you are. Get in touch with us by emailing techlife@bbc.co.uk or Whatsapp us on +44 330 1230 320. Presenter: Alasdair Keane Producer: Imran Rahman-Jones Editor: Monica Soriano (Image: A tiger among green foliage looking at the camera. Credit: Getty Images.)

    26 min
  2. Donald Trump’s robodogs

    19 NOV

    Donald Trump’s robodogs

    Robot security dogs have been spotted at Mar-A-Lago, the Florida home of US president-elect Donald Trump. Who are behind them, and what security services do they offer? Also on the programme, we hear about one phone company’s plan to waste phone scammers’ time. And the startup using AI to provide loans to people without a credit history. We love hearing from you on Tech Life. Get in touch by emailing techlife@bbc.co.uk or sending us a Whatsapp on +44330 1230 320. Presenter: Zoe Kleinman Producer: Imran Rahman-Jones Editor: Monica Soriano (Image: A picture of a Boston Dynamics dog, “Spot”. Credit: Reuters.)

    26 min
  3. The dangerous job of online moderating

    12 NOV

    The dangerous job of online moderating

    We hear from a former moderator in Kenya who was left traumatised by his previous job. And we ask what video games could do to be more accessible to blind people. Plus – the radar tech used to help with online mapping. Warning: This episode includes a description of child sexual abuse. We love hearing from you on Tech Life. You can email us at techlife@bbc.co.uk or Whatsapp us on +44330 1230 320. Presenter: Graham Fraser Producer: Imran Rahman-Jones Editor: Monica Soriano (Image: A man in glasses looking at a screen, with writing digitally imposed in front of his face. Credit: Getty Images.)

    26 min
  4. Is this show fake?

    5 NOV

    Is this show fake?

    Tech Life created a fake podcast using a new AI tool from Google Labs, and we spoke to the head of the tool, Steven Johnson. Don’t worry – this programme is still brought to you by real human beings! We also look into how deepfakes have been used in the US. Plus – have we unveiled the real inventor of Bitcoin? (Spoiler – no.) We love hearing from you. Email us on techlife@bbc.co.uk or send a WhatsApp on +44 330 123 0320. Presenter: Chris Vallance Producer: Imran Rahman-Jones Editor: Monica Soriano (Image: An AI-generated head with letters coming out of its mouth. Credit: Getty Images.)

    26 min

  5. 29 OCT

    The fall of a global chip maker

    Intel was once unrivalled as the world's chip maker. Now it has fallen behind its rivals. We hear why the company is struggling ahead of its latest earnings call this week. Also, the many uses of drones around the world. And the surprising tech behind indoor golf. We love hearing from you - and if you're a regular listener you'll know by now that you can contact us via email on techlife@bbc.co.uk. Or, send us a message or voice note on WhatsApp. Our number is +44 330 123 0320. Presenter: Zoe Kleinman Producer: Tom Quinn, Imran Rahman-Jones, Alasdair Keane Editor: Monica Soriano (Image: A close up of a computer chip. Credit: Getty Images)

    26 min
  6. Do you use artificial intelligence at work ?

    22 OCT

    Do you use artificial intelligence at work ?

    This week we're looking at artificial intelligence in the workplace - how are employers and employees using it ? An international survey provides some answers. Also on Tech Life: We bring you a technological solution to the problem of litter being left behind by climbers on Mount Everest. Electric car manufacturers are rated on their human rights policies. And find out how you can heat your home - with electric wallpaper. Presenter: Graham Fraser Producer: Tom Quinn (Photo: An abstract futuristic representation of the letters "AI". Credit: Getty Images) Contact us: Tech Life would love to hear your stories, ideas and views about the programme. You can email us at techlife@bbc.co.uk or contact us via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 0320.

    26 min
  7. The minerals tech can't do without

    15 OCT

    The minerals tech can't do without

    Does the tech you use depend too much on a few critical minerals ? When a hurricane temporarily disrupted mining in the small town of Spruce Pine, the tech world was concerned. We find out why the location, in North Carolina, USA, is so important, and discover where a range of rare manufacturing materials can be found across the globe. Are they critical links in a supply chain that can be broken by natural disasters or political decisions ? Also on Tech Life this week: An AI tool designed to protect athletes from online abuse during the Olympics - how well did it perform ? And what tech does an explorer take into the jungle ? Presenter: Chris Vallance Producer: Tom Quinn (Photo: An image of a human hand holding pure quartz crystals. Credit: Getty Images)

    26 min
  8. Big data and femtech

    8 OCT

    Big data and femtech

    Tech Life is looking at big data - and how important it is to healthcare. Specifically, how it can help women's health. A femtech company in the United States is using monthly menstrual and hormone data gathered from thousands of women to gain new insights into the symptoms which lead-up to the menopause - the time in their lives when women's periods stop. We speak to the company's co-founder and CEO. Also on Tech Life this week: A global survey weighs up the influence of social media and AI on accurate news and information. And, are chatbots changing the way we search for information online ? Presenter: Zoe Kleinman Producers: Imran Rahman-Jones and Tom Quinn (Photo: A woman checks a health app on her smartphone. Credit: Getty Images)

    26 min
See All (280)

4.3
out of 5
168 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    BBC World Service
  • Years Active
    2014 - 2024
  • Episodes
    280
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © (C) BBC 2024
  • Show Website
    Tech Life

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