Global Technology News Updates

Japan scientists claim child-like robot made by them can 'feel pain', share video

Japanese scientists from Osaka University who created a child-like robot 'Affetto', have claimed that the robot is now capable of 'feeling pain'. A video shows the robot reacting to electrical charges applied to the synthetic skin and visibly wincing with the 'pain'. "We are aiming to construct a symbiotic society with artificially intelligent robots," Lead scientist, Professor Minoru Asada, said.
read more at Daily Mail

Jio cut data charges down to ₹12 from ₹300 per GB: Ambani to Satya Nadella

In a conversation with Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella in Mumbai on Monday, Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani said, "Pre Jio, price of per GB data was ₹300-₹500." Ambani added, "For the poorest of poor, who use 2G, the price was as high as ₹10,000 per GB." Ambani claimed that post Jio, the price is between ₹12 and ₹14 a GB.
read more at The Financial Express

Apps in South Korea helping people track coronavirus spread online

Private software developers have set up websites and apps in South Korea to help people track cases and shun places where people infected by coronavirus have been. The information released by government about confirmed cases, not identities, helped developers build detailed maps tracking the movements of patients. A button on one of the sites reads "see whether I am safe".
read more at Reuters

Gaming doesn't really exist in India: Ambani to Satya Nadella

Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani in a chat with Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said, "Gaming doesn't really exist in India." However, he pointed out that with broadband connectivity and cloud adoption the segment can have a "huge potential" in India. He added that the gaming industry "will be bigger than music, movies and tv shows put together".
read more at Hindustan Times

Amazon, Flipkart seek more time to implement TDS: Report

E-commerce platforms Amazon and Flipkart have sought more time to implement 1% TDS on their platforms, a report said. They have said that they will need to upgrade their IT systems in order to be able to collect tax from sellers, a senior government official said. Earlier, Amazon and Flipkart had asked the government to consider removing 1% TDS levy.
read more at Entrackr

US transport security admin bans staff from making TikTok videos

The Transport Security Administration (TSA) has stopped its employees from using China-owned video app TikTok. New York Senator Chuck Schumer had earlier sent a letter to TSA administrator David Pekoske flagging concerns regarding security around TikTok. Schumer had said, "These videos sure do make you chuckle...But China might be laughing at these TSA postings for very different reasons."
read more at Engadget

Thinking of Steve Jobs today on his birthday: Apple CEO Tim Cook

On late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs' 65th birth anniversary, Apple CEO Tim Cook tweeted, "Thinking of Steve today on his birthday- his friendship, passion, and especially the laughter and joy he inspired." Steve Jobs died in 2011 at the age of 56 following a long battle with cancer. Tim Cook took over as Apple CEO after Jobs' death.
read more at Twitter

Researchers discover 4G bug that can allow hackers to imitate users

Ruhr-Universitat Bochum public university researchers have found a vulnerability in 4G/LTE mobile communication standard that can help hackers impersonate other phone users. It can help hackers pay for services at the users' expense and even publish confidential documents. This vulnerability, which affects all mobile phones, can also hamper investigations of law enforcement agencies.
read more at Hindustan Times

Govt asks social media portals to remove Skullbreaker challenge videos

The IT ministry asked social media platforms to remove videos of the Skullbreaker challenge that went viral earlier and resulted in serious head injuries among students across globe. In an advisory the ministry said it expects platforms to remove such videos and warn users to avoid such acts. It said the challenge was a "dangerous game" and "public safety issue".
read more at Inc42

Uber plans to expand its EV fleet in India by end of 2020

Uber said it plans to expand its EV fleet in India from 350 to 1,500 by end of 2020, The Economics Times reported. "Our strategy is to actively partner with OEMs...and technology service providers for charging infrastructure," Pradeep Parameswaran, President Uber India and South Asia said. Uber looks at India as a growth market for next 10 years, he added.
read more at Inc42

CCI orders detailed probe against MakeMyTrip, OYO

The Competition Commission ordered a detailed investigation against MakeMyTrip and OYO for allegedly indulging in anti-competitive practices. The order follows a complaint alleging that Treebo and its partner hotels are being excluded from listing on MMT's platform. Filed by operator of hotel booking platform Treebo Hotels, the complaint suggests a commercial arrangement between MMT and OYO.
read more at The Financial Express

Porsche opens Europe's 'most powerful' EV charging park in Germany

German automaker Porsche has opened Europe's "most powerful" fast-charging park in Leipzig, Germany called Porsche Turbo Charging. The park has twelve 350kW stations to rapidly charge any compatible EV and another four delivering 22kW for just small top-ups. During a pilot phase that is running until end of March, rapid charging will be free of charge for all users.
read more at Engadget