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Technology and the cobra effect: why big breakthroughs rarely deliver what they promise

Aug08
by on August 8, 2019 at 4:51 pm
Posted In: Around the Web, Podium


New tech is always well-intentioned, but good intentions are no longer good enough. Technology is advancing at an insane rate, often faster than lawmakers and the general public can keep up. Accordingly, by the time we realize the complex ripple-effect of a new technology, it’s so deeply embedded into our culture that there isn’t much we can do about it. To suggest that we limit the progression of technology intentionally, or use some kind of quarantine, would make me seem like a Luddite, and reasonably so. But I do think it’s important that we spend more time thinking about the…

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Bluesound wants its wireless hi-fi equipment back — they’re gonna have to fight me for it

Aug08
by on August 8, 2019 at 3:27 pm
Posted In: Around the Web, Plugged


I’ve been trying to perfect my wireless music streaming set-up for years. That’s not an exaggeration, I’m talking literally years.  And, friends, I thought I’d solved it. I thought I’d found the solution to my struggle, but something horrible — nay, bloodcurdling — happened: Bluesound wants the review units of its wireless hi-fi audio equipment back. So, after careful consideration and wise legal counsel, it was concluded there’s only one thing for me to do: fight Bluesound. Please, sir, some context Before we get into the Bluesound gear itself, it’s time to get all David Copperfield and talk about my…

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Nike VP: The key to selling sneakers is emotion, and enhancing it with tech

Aug08
by on August 8, 2019 at 3:18 pm
Posted In: Around the Web, Events


Whether you’re working for a major ecommerce site or a startup, understanding the future landscape of retail has become essential for success. At Rnext in São Paulo, Brazil, we’re bringing four experts with us to share their predictions and tips. But what makes these speakers true experts in their field? And what can their past experiences teach us? Rnext speaker Ron Faris, who has a strong background in building and designing unique digital experiences, has managed to capture a vast audience that now accounts for 20 percent of Nike’s digital sales. At Rnext, he’ll share how embracing the latest tech…

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The UK is investing £250 million in healthcare AI and I have some questions

Aug08
by on August 8, 2019 at 2:53 pm
Posted In: Around the Web, artificial intelligence, UK


The UK government today announced it would invest £250 million (roughly $300 million) into artificial intelligence technology, which would be used by the public healthcare system, known as the NHS, to improve the quality of care. This pioneering move comes from Boris Johnson, the newly crowned prime minister, as well as Matt Hancock, the current Health Secretary, who already has a reputation for being one of the few tech-conscious members of government. Regular readers of TNW will recall when he launched his own ill-fated social network to connect with constituents. The government claims this AI initiative will improve care and…

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Report: Cryptocurrency businesses must register with Czech regulator or face $560K fine

Aug08
by on August 8, 2019 at 1:12 pm
Posted In: Around the Web, cryptocurrency, Hard Fork


Cryptocurrency companies operating in the Czech Republic will reportedly be subject to greater control by the government, a local newspaper says. According to Hospodářské Noviny, the country’s adoption of the European Union‘s (EU) 5th Anti-Money Laundering Directive (5AMLD) will establish additional requirements on cryptocurrency firms than those established in Brussels. As part of their plans, the paper says Czech regulators want to impose a maximum fine of approximately $560,000 (500,000€) on cryptocurrency businesses which fail to register with the country’s Trade Licensing Office. 5AMLD, which came into force last Summer, brought the EU in line with cryptocurrency-related measures already introduced in the US several…

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