Fairphone unveils user-repairable wireless headphones

May12
by on May 12, 2023 at 1:26 pm
Posted In: Uncategorized


At a time when the electronics industry is constantly luring consumers into buying the latest and most advanced devices, Amsterdam-based Fairphone has made a name for itself by doing the exact opposite. Best known for its sustainably-made, modular, and repairable (DIY style) smartphones, the startup is now applying the same ethos to another product segment: headphones. The newly-launched Fairbuds XL are a pair of over-ear wireless headphones, priced at €249. Much like the company’s smartphones, they’re sold mainly in Europe, although some authorised resellers ship to other parts of the world as well. The Fairbuds XL come with a 30…

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EU nears ban on predictive policing and facial recognition after AI Act vote

May11
by on May 11, 2023 at 5:00 pm
Posted In: Insider


The EU is edging closer to a landmark ban on predictive policing and facial recognition. At a crunch vote today on the bloc’s flagship AI Act, two committees of MEPs overwhelmingly endorsed sweeping new rules on artificial intelligence. The text now moves to a vote by the entire European Parliament in June. Once approved, the regulation will become the world’s first comprehensive AI law. At Thursday’s vote, MEPs approved a strengthened version of the rulebook. The Act now prohibits predictive policing and facial recognition in public spaces. The amendments also introduce new restrictions on generative models, such as ChatGPT, and…

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Sweden to pave world’s first permanent e-road for EV charging while driving

May10
by on May 10, 2023 at 4:03 pm
Posted In: Uncategorized


As countries across Europe scale up efforts towards fossil fuel-free mobility, Sweden is working on the world’s first permanent electric road — allowing electric cars and trucks to charge while driving. The project is led by the Swedish Transport Administration, Trafikverket, which has selected the E20 highway. Specifically, it will build the electric road system (ERS) on the 21km route from Hallsberg to Örebro, located between the country’s two largest cities, Stockholm and Gothenburg. The e-road is now at the procurement and final planning stage, while Trafikverket expects to complete and introduce it to the public in 2025/2026. How will…

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Swiss startup edges closer to first-ever space trash collection

May09
by on May 9, 2023 at 3:11 pm
Posted In: Uncategorized


The first active removal of space debris has moved closer to lift-off after a new deal was inked on the landmark mission. Swiss startup ClearSpace and French rocket giant Arianespace today announced that a launch contract has been signed for the assignment. The mission, named ClearSpace-1, aims to capture and deorbit a chunk of garbage weighing over 100 kg. To start, the trash-collecting spacecraft will be released into a sun-synchronous orbit by the new European light launcher Vega C. After commissioning and critical tests, the spacecraft will be raised to the target litter, which will be disposed of through an atmospheric…

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Revitalising European democracy: AI-supported civic tech on the rise

May08
by on May 8, 2023 at 4:15 pm
Posted In: artificial intelligence


According to a study by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) released late last week, digital technologies will become an increasing factor in European democracy in the coming decade. This is perhaps not entirely surprising; after all, the pandemic shifted much of our lives into the digital realm, why shouldn’t our political participation? The report, based on interviews with more than 50 government and industry representatives, finds that the market for online participation and deliberation in Europe is expected to grow to €300mn in the next five years, whereas the market for e-voting will grow to €500mn.…

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