BATTERYFORPC BLOG
Coronavirus: 20 suspected phone mast attacks over Easter
The UK's mobile networks have reported a further 20 cases of phone masts being targeted in suspected arson attacks over the Easter weekend. Trade group Mobile UK said it had been notified of incidents in England, Wales and Scotland. One of the targeted sites provides mobile connectivity to a hospital in Birmingham. The figure represents a lower incidence rate than had been the case the previous ... Read more
2020-04-14 20:36:02
Coronavirus: Apple tracks changes in travel behaviour
Apple has launched a tool that reveals changes in the travel behaviour of people who use its Maps app. The Mobility Trends Report produces three daily percentage figures, showing how many fewer people are driving, walking and using public transport compared with on 13 January, before the coronavirus lockdowns came into effect. It covers major cities and national figures for 63 countries. Hong Ko ... Read more
2020-04-14 20:35:29
Epic Games delays the release of Fortnite's new season
Epic Games has delayed the release of its new season of Fortnite until June. Chapter 2, Season 3 of Fortnite was scheduled to be released in just two weeks, but the company said it would extend the current season instead. Fortnite is one of the world's most popular video games, attracting millions of players and viewers. Epic Games would not say why the delay had occurred or if it was related t ... Read more
2020-04-14 20:34:44
Coronavirus: Microsoft offers protection to healthcare staff
Microsoft will provide security tools to healthcare organisations around the world amid a spike in attacks during the Covid-19 pandemic. AccountGuard will be free to healthcare, human rights, and humanitarian groups during the crisis. The program tells users when Microsoft has detected an attack, and provides guidance on stopping it. The World Health Organization (WHO) has been among the victim ... Read more
2020-04-14 20:34:16
Coronavirus: Trump berates media at jaw-dropping briefing
On Monday morning I had a delivery to my apartment from the nearby off-licence - or liquor store, as they say over here. And I put a jokey picture on Twitter of a bottle of gin and eight bottles of tonic, with the caption that at least I had the next week sorted. After leaving the White House Briefing Room on Monday evening following a marathon two-hour 24-minute press conference, I felt I could ... Read more
2020-04-13 22:40:17
Coronavirus: Raspberry Pi-powered ventilator to be tested in Colombia
A team in Colombia is to test a ventilator made with a Raspberry Pi computer and easy-to-source parts. The design and computer code were posted online in March by a man in California, who had no prior experience at creating medical equipment. Marco Mascorro, a robotics engineer, said he built the ventilator because knew the machines were in high demand to treat Covid-19. His post prompted a flo ... Read more
2020-04-13 22:39:31
MPs summon China-owned firm execs over security concerns
A leading UK-based firm will be summoned on Tuesday by MPs to answer questions over security concerns. There are concerns that the Chinese owner of Imagination Technologies has renewed efforts to transfer ownership of sensitive security software to companies controlled by China. Lawmakers worry the coronavirus crisis is diverting attention from controversial technology transfers. The fear is th ... Read more
2020-04-13 22:38:54
Coronavirus: Churches live-stream to reach worshipers
As the coronavirus pandemic continues, religion is offering spiritual calm for some.
But with mass gatherings banned, communities from many religions are unable to come together in the way they normally would.
As some Christians prepare to celebrate Easter Sunday, BBC Click’s Sophia Smith-Galer finds out how some churches are connecting with their congregations online.
2020-04-12 20:12:15
Coronavirus: Apple and Google team up to contact trace Covid-19
Apple and Google are jointly developing technology to alert people if they have recently come into contact with others found to be infected with coronavirus. They hope to initially help third-party contact-tracing apps run efficiently. But ultimately, they aim to do away with the need to download dedicated apps, to encourage the practice. The two companies believe their approach - designed to k ... Read more
2020-04-12 20:11:53
Coronavirus: Phone and tablet donations help patients speak to families
People are donating tablet computers and mobile phones so hospital patients and care home residents can speak to family they may not see again. Highly restrictive visiting policies - including visitor bans - have been imposed by health boards and local authorities because of coronavirus. Sara Platt started a Facebook group which facilitates the donation of items to NHS staff, wards and patients. ... Read more
2020-04-12 20:11:27