Tech Life
BBC World Service
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 2, 2024 • 27min
Tech predictions for 2024
Shiona McCallum and Alasdair Keane present a special edition of Tech Life. They invite BBC reporters to predict what might happen in the world of tech in 2024. From Africa to North America, from Asia to Europe, our experts give you their tips for what might be making technology news in the coming months. Hear about electric cars, cryptocurrency, video games, artificial intelligence, virtual reality and more. How will developments affect your life ?Photo Credit: Getty Images/Ketut Agus Suardika
Dec 29, 2023 • 27min
The year that was in tech
In this podcast, Tech Life recaps the biggest tech stories of 2023, including the evolution of AI and its impact on classrooms. They also discuss the cyber attack on government services in Kenya and the challenges of decarbonizing and renewable energy. Additionally, they delve into the emotional toll of being a social media moderator and explore a tech millionaire's quest for immortality and an AI garden deterrent.
Dec 19, 2023 • 27min
Our surfing habits
Exploring the popularity of online services, the benefits and problems of social media content in Africa. Impact of big tech self-regulation, internet trends, and concerns over TikTok and Chinese ownership. Research findings on internet connectivity and traffic growth in various countries. Listener feedback on usage gap and visually impaired gaming. Teaser for upcoming episode on using AI for pandemic preparedness.
Dec 12, 2023 • 27min
Connecting people
Explore the mobile phone usage gap and its impact on accessing essential services. Discover how Naporta is delivering online shopping to favelas. Learn about AI sensors detecting water pipe leaks and saving drinking water. Find out about the latest advancements in video game technology for visually impaired gamers.
Dec 5, 2023 • 27min
From farm to fork with tech
Alasdair Keane is on a farm with a difference exploring the tech helping farmers adapt to changing climates. We'll hear from startups tyring to improve how crops are watered and analysing moisture data from space. We also find out how one ice cream company is warming their freezers without the ice cream melting.(Picture: Inside IGS vertical farm)
Nov 28, 2023 • 27min
Tackling e-waste around the world
This podcast explores tackling e-waste in Kenya and the development of an AI-powered e-waste bin. It also discusses repurposing electronics for art, the growth of the internet in non-English speaking countries, and using activity trackers to address the water crisis in India.
Nov 21, 2023 • 27min
Searching for the Tech Factor
Join the search for tomorrow's innovators at a global competition in Portugal. Explore the challenges and biases faced by AI chat bots when processing non-English instructions. Discover the plans of Football Manager to include women's football in the game. Explore the development of plastic-free alternatives from agricultural waste.
Nov 14, 2023 • 27min
Tech Life goes to Nairobi
This podcast explores the impact of tech in Nairobi, including agri-tech solutions, electric buses, mobile money transfer, digital financial services, and the challenges faced by entrepreneurs in Kenya.
Nov 7, 2023 • 28min
Speaking out against teen sexual harassment on Instagram
Former Facebook director of engineering Arturo Béjar voices concerns about teen sexual harassment on Instagram. The podcast also discusses government regulation and ethical concerns in AI, early detection of forest fires using sensors and AI, and exploring protests and myths.
Oct 31, 2023 • 28min
Artificial intelligence in the classroom
UK schools urged to teach children AI from age 11. Global summit discusses AI safety. Health tech aids epilepsy diagnosis in Caribbean. Testing tech to eliminate crunching sounds while gaming. Advancements in portable EEG technology. Mention of a listener and promotion of 'Amazing Sports Stories' podcast.
