

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

Mar 6, 2020 • 23min
YouTube and conspiracy theories
Users are seeing fewer conspiracy theories in their YouTube recommendations, a new study suggests. But the material is still available on the platform. Plus, what Amazon knows about you if you have a Ring connected doorbell. And how Silicon Valley thinks there's money in wellness at work. Presented by Rory Cellan-Jones with BBC tech reporter Zoe Kleinman, and special guest Shona Ghosh, UK tech editor at Business Insider. Produced by Jat Gill.(Image: Abstract video wall representing online streaming, Credit: iStock/ Getty Images Plus).

Feb 28, 2020 • 23min
Conspiracy theories rage online over coronavirus
Is social media likely to help or hinder efforts to contain the outbreak? We hear about the lessons from past epidemics. Plus, is the tech business reaching "peak capitalism" and is there a future for it based on values other than making money? And why people keep choosing bad passwords. Presented by Rory Cellan-Jones, with BBC tech reporter Jane Wakefield. Produced by Jat Gill.(Image: A visitor tries to sanitise hands before being allowed into a state hospital at Yaba in Lagos, Nigeria, February 2020. Credit: PIUS UTOMI EKPEI/ AFP via Getty Images).

Feb 24, 2020 • 24min
US tells the UK to think again on Huawei 5G
America's top cyber-security official tells us that the US is still working to get Britain to change its mind and drop Huawei tech from its 5G networks. Plus Apple warns of iPhone shortages ahead because of the Coronavirus. And how AI can help hospitals recruit the right nurses. Presented by Rory Cellan-Jones, with BBC tech reporter David Molloy, and special guest Marina Koytcheva, technology market analyst at CCS Insight. Produced by Jat Gill.

Feb 14, 2020 • 24min
Coronavirus stops MWC tech show
The mobile industry’s biggest annual event is called off over fears of attendees spreading the infection. But Samsung, which held its own launch event this week, revealed a new attempt at a phone with a folding screen. Plus, we visit Startup Grind Global to discover the latest ideas looking for Silicon Valley investors’ money. Presented by Rory Cellan-Jones, with BBC tech reporter Chris Fox, and special guest Rachael Myrow, senior tech editor at Californian broadcaster KQED. Produced by Jat Gill.(Image: An Asian worker wearing a face-mask stands outside the venue for Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona after the fair was cancelled, Credit: David Zorrakino/ Europa Press via Getty Images)

Feb 7, 2020 • 23min
Is Silicon Valley still top for tech?
Rory Cellan-Jones asks whether California is still the best home for tech startups. He speaks to a video games executive, a venture capitalist, a gig-economy driver, a social entrepreneur, and the Dean of Stanford University’s Medical School to get their view. And Rachael Myrow, senior tech editor from Californian radio station KQED gives her take on whether Silicon Valley is still on top. Produced by Jat Gill.

Jan 31, 2020 • 24min
UK gives Huawei the OK
The Chinese tech giant will be allowed a limited role in Britain's 5G telecoms network. Plus, how Estonia wants to lure British tech talent after "Brexit". And is it becoming easier to do e-commerce in Africa? Presented by Zoe Kleinman, with BBC tech reporter Jane Wakefield, and special guest Raquel de Condado Marques, telecoms research analyst at IDC. Produced by Jat Gill.(Image: A 5G handset showing fast download speeds at a Huawei store in China, Credit: Getty Images).

Jan 24, 2020 • 24min
Tech's battle for the classroom
Jane Wakefield checks out the latest educational tech at the Bett 2020 show in London and talks to Apple and Google about how they think technology can prepare students for the jobs of tomorrow. Plus she finds out what role robots can play in teaching. And is always-connected technology making you stressed and burnt-out? If so, we hear some tips that might help. With BBC tech reporter Chris Fox. Produced by Jat Gill.(Image: Jane Wakefield with the Ohbot robot head, Credit: BBC).

Jan 17, 2020 • 23min
Microsoft vows to go 'carbon negative'
The tech giant behind Windows and Office promises to remove all the carbon it has emitted since it was founded in 1975. Plus, is tracking for digital ads out of control? And we hear about a new BBC podcast in which teenagers interview technology pioneers. Presented by Jane Wakefield, with BBC tech reporter Chris Fox, and special guest Catherine Stihler, chief executive of the non-profit Open Knowledge Foundation. Produced by Jat Gill.(Image: Stock photo of a plant stem growing out of a circuit board, Credit: Getty Images).

Jan 10, 2020 • 24min
CES 2020
Zoe Kleinman, Chris Fox, and Cody Godwin report from the giant annual CES event in Las Vegas on the latest tech that you might soon be buying. Zoe takes a ride in a Russian driverless car, and tastes a plant-based alternative to pork meat. Chris meets Samsung's new robot for the home, and Cody tries out a circular mobile phone. Produced by Jat Gill.(Image: Char Siu Buns made from meat-alternative Impossible Pork are sampled during a press event for CES 2020, Credit: David Becker/ Getty Images).

Jan 3, 2020 • 24min
Tech to watch in 2020
Rory Cellan-Jones and special guests look ahead to the technology trends they expect to see in 2020 and discuss ideas for a better internet in the coming year. Plus they’ll preview the gigantic annual CES tech event in Las Vegas. With BBC Online tech editor Leo Kelion, and guests Catherine Miller from Doteveryone and Tom Standage from The Economist. Produced by Jat Gill.(Image: Stock photo of a service robot helping a man check-in at an airport, Credit: iStock/ Getty Images Plus).