

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

Oct 22, 2024 • 26min
Do you use artificial intelligence at work ?
Dr. Mona Murshed, Founding CEO of Generation, sheds light on AI's role in the workplace and its adoption challenges, especially among older workers. Shona McCallum discusses how drones are being used to tackle the litter crisis on Mount Everest, merging technology with environmental responsibility. Dr. Ahmed Taha introduces innovative electric wallpaper for home heating, showcasing its efficiency and potential cost savings. This dynamic discussion uncovers the intersection of tech, ethics, and environmental impact.

Oct 15, 2024 • 26min
The minerals tech can't do without
Join journalist Vince Beiser, author of "The World in a Grain," as he discusses the critical role of sand and quartz in tech production, highlighting supply chain vulnerabilities. Kirsty Burrows from the IOC reveals an AI tool's performance against online abuse targeting athletes during the Olympics. Adventurer Ash Dykes shares thrilling tales from his record-setting 37-day jungle trek in Suriname, highlighting the tech he used for navigation and safety. Together, they explore the intricate dance of technology, natural resources, and human resilience.

Oct 8, 2024 • 26min
Big data and femtech
Sylvia Kang, Co-founder and CEO of Mira, dives into how big data and AI are transforming women's health, particularly in fertility and menopause management. She reveals how monthly hormone data empowers women's insights. Sebastian Valenzuela discusses the effects of social media and AI on news accuracy, while Barry Billingsley highlights chatbots' influence on online searches and the potential biases of AI-generated information. Their discussions spark essential conversations about the intersection of technology and health.

Oct 1, 2024 • 26min
The big business of online charity donations
Tim Cadogan, the CEO of GoFundMe, shares insights into the evolving world of online charity donations, discussing the platform's unique business model and its global impact on personal causes. He highlights innovative fundraising strategies, including electric-powered boats for Amazon communities, aiming to create a solar-powered river. The conversation also touches on the quirky 30-year legacy of Comic Sans, revealing its cultural significance and impact on accessibility. It's a blend of empathy, technology, and creativity in the realm of charity!

Sep 24, 2024 • 26min
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 techlife@bbc.co.uk 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)

Sep 17, 2024 • 26min
Online maps
Alan Epstein, Head of immersive content development at INSEAD, discusses the transformative role of online maps in humanitarian efforts. He reveals how accurate mapping can significantly aid in emergencies and unreachable areas. The conversation also highlights the innovative use of virtual reality in education, engaging students with real-world challenges. Additionally, it showcases advancements in electric boat racing, underscoring the importance of sustainability and technological innovation in addressing global issues.

Sep 10, 2024 • 26min
X in Brazil
Listeners share their thoughts on the controversial ban of the platform X in Brazil, revealing a divide between those who adapt and those who resist censorship. Quantum mechanics makes a surprising appearance, showcasing its foundational role in technology. The shift from fossil fuels to electric trucks faces skepticism and challenges, while a carpenter's journey into AI innovation demonstrates the transformative power of technology in construction. Finally, the struggles of women in tech and construction highlight the ongoing quest for respect and acceptance.

Sep 3, 2024 • 26min
When civil war breaks out
Gain insight into the impact of the Sudanese civil war on tech workers and businesses, revealing resilience amid adversity. Discover innovative solutions that transform discarded fishing nets into 3D printed products, blending environmental consciousness with creativity. Also, explore cutting-edge technology that visualizes wind patterns in real-time during yacht racing, enhancing the spectator experience and athletic performance across various sports. Join the conversation about sustainability and technological advancements that can change our world.

Aug 27, 2024 • 26min
The voice cloning lawsuit
Two New York City voice-over artists share their unsettling experience of filing a lawsuit against an AI company for allegedly cloning their voices without consent. They discuss the implications of this technology on identity theft and creative control, raising ethical questions about the use of AI in creative professions. The conversation also touches on legal challenges related to voice cloning, highlighting how this issue threatens artists' livelihoods in an increasingly tech-driven world.

Aug 20, 2024 • 26min
Artificial intelligence helps doctors detect lung cancer
The guest is the co-founder of Annalise AI, a company pioneering an AI tool that rapidly detects lung cancer indicators from chest scans, now implemented in 40 countries. They dive into the technology's journey from concept to global application, showcasing its potential to transform healthcare by improving diagnostic accuracy. The discussion also highlights the essential role of human interpretation in medicine, emphasizing how AI can complement radiologists' skills, especially in underserved areas.