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.

  • 26 minutes 29 seconds
    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 [email protected] 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.)

    12 November 2024, 8:30 pm
  • 26 minutes 28 seconds
    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 [email protected] 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.)

    5 November 2024, 8:30 pm
  • 26 minutes 29 seconds
    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 [email protected]. 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)

    29 October 2024, 8:30 pm
  • 26 minutes 29 seconds
    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 [email protected] or contact us via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 0320.

    22 October 2024, 7:30 pm
  • 26 minutes 29 seconds
    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)

    15 October 2024, 7:30 pm
  • 26 minutes 29 seconds
    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)

    8 October 2024, 7:30 pm
  • 26 minutes 29 seconds
    The big business of online charity donations

    How does a company make profit in the charity fundraising space? We speak to Tim Cadogan, CEO of online fundraising platform GoFundMe.

    We hear about the solar-powered boats being used by indigenous communities in the Amazon.

    And, it is 30 years of the infamous Comic Sans font.

    We love hearing from you. Get in touch by emailing [email protected] or send us a Whatsapp on +44330 123 0320.

    Presenter: Chris Vallance Producer: Imran Rahman-Jones Researcher: Laura Cress Editor: Monica Soriano

    (Photo: A computer keyboard with a "donate" button and a love heart icon. Credit: Getty Images)

    1 October 2024, 7:30 pm
  • 26 minutes 29 seconds
    Will AI replace call centre workers?

    It’s the ongoing question about AI – will it replace jobs or create new ones? We look at the argument from the point of view of call centre workers in the Philippines. Also on the programme, how Google Maps is tracking the changes in the built environment around the world. Plus – the small European city home to some of the most important music tech in the world.

    Get in touch with Tech Life by emailing [email protected] or sending us a Whatsapp on +44 330 1230 320.

    Presenter: Chris Vallance Producers: Tom Quinn and Imran Rahman-Jones Editor: Monica Soriano

    (Image: An animation of a robot wearing a headset and microphone. Credit: Getty Images)

    24 September 2024, 7:30 pm
  • 26 minutes 29 seconds
    Online maps

    Online mapping - we find out how it can help humanitarian work around the world. Alasdair Keane tries on virtual reality goggles that are teaching students how to solve real-world problems. Meet the teams racing on water with battery-powered boats. And a professor wins a prize for an energy-saving invention he dreamed up in 1977.

    Presenter: Alasdair Keane Producer: Tom Quinn

    (Photo: An online map is displayed on a laptop screen. Credit: AndreyPopov/Getty Images)

    17 September 2024, 7:30 pm
  • 26 minutes 28 seconds
    X in Brazil

    Tech Life speaks to some keen users of X in Brazil. What do they think of the ban imposed on the platform that was previously known as Twitter ? Have they moved to other social media, or have they found a way around the restrictions ?

    Also on Tech Life this week:

    We find out three things you should know about quantum mechanics. Why is it more difficult for big trucks to make the move from fossil fuels to cleaner electric power ? And AI in construction tech - we speak to the founder of a company harnessing artificial intelligence to help make sense of huge amounts of building industry paperwork.

    Presenter: Alasdair Keane Producer: Tom Quinn

    (Photo: The Brazilian flag is seen behind a phone screen displaying the X logo in this illustration photo. Credit: NurPhoto/Getty Images)

    10 September 2024, 7:30 pm
  • 26 minutes 28 seconds
    When civil war breaks out

    We get a first-hand insight into how the war in Sudan has affected tech workers and companies there.

    Also on Tech Life:

    Old unwanted fishing nets are a real issue, for marine life and us here on dry land. One man has come up with a way of turning an environmental problem into useful 3D printed products.

    And, we can see the sea. We can see the sky. But wouldn't it be great if we could see the wind as well? Well now we can!

    Presenter: Graham Fraser Producer: Tom Quinn

    (Photo: Smoke plumes billow from a fire at a lumber warehouse in southern Khartoum, Sudan, amidst ongoing fighting on June 7, 2023. Credit: AFP via Getty Images)

    3 September 2024, 7:30 pm
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