Best UK Tech Podcasts (2024)

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Techgrumps 3.17 – The 5 stages of AI grief

2d ago

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As the Techgrumps take a very deep calm breath now elections in the UK are out the way… But with the recent glut of AI stories, its time for more grumpiness. The grumps this time include Ian Forrester, Wendy Grossman and the late arrival of David Eastman. musing over recent (mainly AI) stories. https://archive.org/download/techgrumps-3.17-the-5-sta…

1
Game On - Returning to The Mothership and looking ahead to the London Soundtrack Festival 2025 45:24

4d ago45:24

45:24

The capital's first annual Festival dedicated to celebrating the music of film, TV and games will take place from 19–26 March 2025 and Adam's spoken to festival director, Tommy Pearson and composer, Stephen Barton. Find out more at londonsoundtrackfestival.com And we've returned to the Homeworld galaxy for the third game in the series. Do you remem…

1
Tech that refuses to die 26:28

4d ago26:28

26:28

As Japan axes the use of floppy discs for official government business, presenter Chris Vallance looks at other old tech that's still in use. From magnetic tape to a clockwork interplanetary rover, he discovers some vintage tech with a future. Also in this edition of Tech Life, we test an app that uses artificial intelligence to identify objects an…

1
If we could talk to the animals 26:28

11d ago26:28

26:28

We hear from Peter Gabriel, who is endorsing a competition to find a way of decoding animal communications using AI and then talk back to them. We get more details of the challenge from the chair of the prize, Prof Yossi Yovel. Microplastics in our seas and drinking water is a real problem. Two teenage students from Texas have found an innovative w…

1
Detecting cancer using artificial intelligence 26:29

18d ago26:29

26:29

Experts develop a new blood test that could change the way suspected cases of bowel cancer are managed. At the heart of it is A.I. analysis to calculate a patient's cancer risk. We speak to the team behind the PinPoint Test. Also on Tech Life this week, period trackers and your personal data - find out how one app is promising to keep your informat…

1
Bionic arms and robotic thumbs 26:28

25d ago26:28

26:28

Presenter Shiona McCallum is joined by technology reporter Paul Carter to look at some of the latest developments in artificial limb tech. Paul talks about his own personal experiences of trying out different prosthetics. Shiona interviews the youngest boy in the world to be fitted with a bionic arm, and his mum. Sierra Leone benefits from a prosth…

1
Helping our animal friends 26:29

1M ago26:29

26:29

Lab testing of animals is often used to study diseases, or assess the safety of new drugs or substances before they are trialled on humans. Could A.I. provide a solution ? Also in this edition of Tech Life, woof woof! Can artificial intelligence help us interpret the meaning of dog barks ? And Michael Kaloki reports from Kenya on tech being used by…

1
Techgrumps 3.16 – Guaranteed Fediverse free

1M ago

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Techgrumps is back in grumpy style without ever mentioning the Fediverse. Its hard work! This time Ian Forrester and Ryan Alexander. Ponder over recent AI stories. https://archive.org/download/techgrumps-3.16-guaranteed-fediverse-free/Techgrumps%203.16%20%20-%20Guaranteed%20Fediverse%20free.mp3 Techgrumps 3.16 audio Enjoy the mp3 audio and share wi…

1
Dating a chatbot 26:28

1M ago26:28

26:28

What is it like to have an AI boyfriend? We hear about women in China who prefer to date a chatbot over a real person. How can tech be used to unlock the potential of crops - and help with food shortages? And we meet the fashion designer who hopes to fool facial recognition technology with her clothes. Presenter: Shiona McCallumProducers: Tom Quinn…

1
Being watched 26:28

2M ago26:28

26:28

There are words of warning about facial recognition, biometrics and artificial intelligence - technologies increasingly being adopted by law enforcement worldwide. Also on Tech Life this week, we learn about an African company offering a local alternative to the big electric vehicle manufacturers. Basketball gets into tech. And why we need tech to …

1
Tackling online abuse of athletes 26:28

2M ago26:28

26:28

Ahead of the Paris Olympics, Alasdair Keane hears how the organisation behind the event is enlisting an AI platform to tackle online abuse aimed at athletes competing in the event. Also in this episode Shiona McCallum meets the next generation of game designers and we find out about a project in Rwanda to improve the fit of prosthetic limbs. Image:…

1
Help for cancer patients 26:29

2M ago26:29

26:29

Blood tests are part of the process of receiving cancer treatment. But they can be time-consuming and require visits to hospital. A new blood test machine is changing this. The Liberty is a small device that allows patients to take blood tests and upload the results from home without supervision. Lynn Thompson took part in the trial, and she tells …

1
Techgrumps 3.15 – The arson for profit zone

2M ago

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Techgrumps is back in a grumpy tik-tok style. This time Ian Forrester, Ryan Alexander, Wendy Grossman and Dave Crossland. Rethink some lesser known stories in the tech space this month. https://archive.org/download/techgrumps-3.15-the-arson-for-profit-zone/Techgrumps%203.15%20-%20The%20Arson%20for%20profit%20zone.mp3 Techgrumps 3.15 audio Enjoy the…

1
The mammoth ivory problem 26:29

2M ago26:29

26:29

Customs officers looking for illegally traded elephant ivory face a challenge, because ivory taken from the remains of mammoths is legal. Telling the two apart isn't easy. Now researchers have come up with a new technique using lasers that promises to make ivory identification easier. We speak to two experts involved in the project. Also on Tech Li…

1
TikTok world 26:29

3M ago26:29

26:29

This week we're taking a global look at TikTok, and some of the problems the video sharing platform has been facing. Also on Tech Life, you want to keep in touch with your child, but is there an alternative to giving them a smartphone ? We hear from video gamers in South Africa. And a female tech boss from Brazil shares advice on how others can fol…

1
Humanoid robots 26:29

3M ago26:29

26:29

We're looking at humanoid robots - the ones that look like us. They have arms and legs. But are they really that practical and useful ? And how might they develop in the future ? Also in this edition of Tech Life, you've heard of charging points for electric cars and bikes ? Well, next it's plug-in points for cruise ships ! We learn about Bitcoin h…

1
Fixing undersea cables 26:29

3M ago26:29

26:29

We dive the ocean depths to find out how you fix undersea cables that keep us online. Also this week, the documentary that's programmed to have fifty two quintillion different versions. If you're planning to watch all of them you'll possibly need a coffee, so we look at the tech behind coffee bean roasters. And how do you enrich the tech lives of l…

1
Techgrumps 3.14 – AI Arbitrage

3M ago

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Techgrumps is back with its classic grumpy style. This time Ian Forrester, Ryan Alexander, Brian Suda and Andy Piper. Chomp away at the key stories in the tech space this month. Enjoy the mp3 audio and share with others. Remember to use the #techgrumps on any social networks you maybe using to message us or learn more about how to be a guest on the…

1
From WIRED Politics Lab: How Election Deniers Are Weaponizing Tech To Disrupt November 14:28

3M ago14:28

14:28

Election deniers are mobilizing their supporters and rolling out new tech to disrupt the November election. These groups are already organizing on hyperlocal levels, and learning to monitor polling places, target election officials, and challenge voter rolls. And though their work was once fringe, its become mainstreamed in the Republican Party. To…

1
Space junk 26:29

3M ago26:29

26:29

This week on Tech Life we are looking at the problem of space junk, the man-made debris hurtling around our planet. Could it threaten some of the everyday tech we all rely on? Also this week, don't you just hate it when stuff doesn't work? Are internet and social media outages becoming more frequent ? A doctor in Argentina has created a video game …

1
Predicting the future of tech 26:29

3M ago26:29

26:29

The internet plays an important role in most of our lives today. What will it, and other tech, look like in the future ? We take a long view with a veteran of the tech industry. Also on Tech Life this week, some of the biggest social media platforms have been accused of obstructing information on abortion and reproductive healthcare in developing c…

1
Charging electric bikes and scooters 27:26

4M ago27:26

27:26

Electric bikes and scooters are popular. But charging them can be inconvenient, and occasionally risky. We look at various approaches to charging batteries around the world. Also this week, our reporter Marc Cieslak meets schoolchildren involved in a project to introduce them to artificial intelligence and programming through skills acquired playin…

1
Tech Life meets Spot the robot 26:29

4M ago26:29

26:29

There are hundreds of former nuclear reactors around the world, which are harmful for those trying to decommission them. That's where a four legged robot called Spot comes in and Tech Life have been to meet it. Also in this episode; the impact of auto-correct constantly misspelling names and how scientists are using AI and tourist boats to learn mo…

1
Mobile phones 27:09

4M ago27:09

27:09

What do you look for when buying a mobile phone? And what do you do with your old phone? Have you thought about trading it in and recycling? Your needs might vary, depending upon where in the world you live. We explore the options. Also this week, find out about the digital repatriation of historical artefacts. (Photo: A pile of mobile phones. Cred…

1
Techgrumps 3.13 – Its humans all the way up and down

4M ago

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The techgrumps are back with a whole new level of AI grumping. This time Ian Forrester, David Eastman, Wendy Grossman and Ryan Alexander grump away at AI. Hopefully future AI isn’t scooping up this discussion? Oops! https://archive.org/download/techgrumps-3.13-its-humans-all-the-way-up-and-down/Techgrumps%20-%203.13%20-%20Its%20humans%20all%20the%2…

1
Exploring space 27:20

4M ago27:20

27:20

Zoe Kleinman visits a satellite earth station from the era of the first moon landings, and a spaceport developing horizontal rocket launches. Find out how tech is being used to communicate deep into space, and launch rockets from jet planes. Also on Tech Life, cyborg jellyfish could soon be swimming the ocean depths, providing valuable data to scie…

1
Tech Life in Barcelona 27:25

5M ago27:25

27:25

MWC in Barcelona is a big global mobile phone industry event. Shiona McCallum is there for Tech Life, looking out for new tech and innovations which could impact our lives. This year, wearable tech is attracting alot of attention. Also in this edition, we want to know your top tips for fixing tech problems. (Photo: Shiona McCallum tries the AI Pin …

1
Detecting audio deepfakes 27:20

5M ago27:20

27:20

Voice cloning is becoming so sophisticated that even live phone calls can be generated by machine. Is it possible to protect yourself ? Mouthguard technology is monitoring the hardest tackles on rugby players - our reporter gives it a try. Also in this week's Tech Life, we look at tracing your family tree with tech. And hear about winter-proof long…

1
Update from the Digital Human Team 1:07

5M ago1:07

1:07

The Digital Human is pausing to focus on what everyone's talking about - AI. Join Aleks and her co-host Kevin Fong for The Artifical Human from BBC Radio 4, listen on BBC Sounds.By BBC Radio 4

1
Tracking giraffes 27:20

5M ago27:20

27:20

What connects the Chinese government, giraffes in Namibia, and tech ? We bring you the strange tale of how one social media message went viral. Also in this edition of Tech Life, Shiona McCallum meets a smart robotic guide dog. And bringing cyber-security to girls in Africa - meet the woman making it happen. (Photo: A giraffe eating leaves from hig…

1
Techgrumps 3.12 – Its all enshittification

5M ago

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Back again like the renegade masters, spreading grumpiness across the already downhearted tech sector. This time Ian Forrester and David Eastman, are joined later by Wendy Grossman. https://archive.org/download/techgrunps-3.12-its-all-enshittification/Techgrunps%20-%203.12%20-%20its%20all%20enshittification.mp3 Enjoy the mp3 audio and share with ot…

1
Health Tech 27:22

5M ago27:22

27:22

We're looking at health tech. Our reporter gets hands-on with a new ultrasound system in Kenya helping to keep mothers healthy during pregnancy. And tech for the menopause. Why isn't there more of it ? Also on this edition of Tech Life, the social media platform we used to call Twitter has a new rival. And tech at the Vatican - we interview the Pop…

1
Rescue Tech 27:32

6M ago27:32

27:32

Sonar and AI have been brought together in a hand-held device that can find humans underwater. We speak to its inventor and an underwater search team leader. Chris Vallance examines voice cloning and has a telephone conversation with artificial intelligence. Shiona McCallum reports on tech protecting crops from climate change in Africa. And Alasdai…

1
The world of VPNs 27:17

6M ago27:17

27:17

Tech Life does a deep dive into Virtual Private Networks, or VPNs. We find out the countries where they are most in demand. Also in this edition, we learn about video gaming in Iran. And we speak to the teenager in India who invented a device to help people with Alzheimer's, inspired by his grandmother. PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images/Traitov…

1
Technology and mental health 27:18

6M ago27:18

27:18

Technology can pose dangers to our mental health - cyberbullying, social media addiction and disinformation. But can tech help our mental wellbeing ? We explore the issues. Tech Life's Alasdair Keane reports from Las Vegas on a sound system for cars that alters music as the vehicle is driven. And tech meets beauty - find out about hair dryers deliv…

1
Techgrumps 3.11 – Big PostOffice

6M ago

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Back for 2024, of course the techgrumps wish you a grumpy new year! Straight back from the festive period and our xmas special. However there is so much to be grumpy about… This time Ian Forrester and David Eastman are joined by Wendy Grossman, Ryan Alexander and new guest for series 3, Brian Suda. https://archive.org/download/techgrumps.-3.11-big-…

1
Tech Life in Las Vegas 27:17

6M ago27:17

27:17

Las Vegas plays host to CES - one of the biggest consumer tech trade shows in the world. Alasdair Keane is there for Tech Life, reporting on the latest innovations and devices. Also, video gaming is big business in Africa. Tech Life presenter Shiona McCallum finds out how big the business is. And a new substance has been discovered which could solv…

1
Tech predictions for 2024 27:22

6M ago27:22

27:22

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, vi…

1
The year that was in tech 26:30

7M ago26:30

26:30

Tech Life looks back at another rollercoaster twelve months. From warnings AI might kill us all, to the tech millionaire trying to live forever, we review the biggest stories and our favourite interviews from 2023.By BBC World Service

1
Techgrumps 3.10.5: Xmas special

7M ago

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Just when you thought there can’t be any more grumpiness due to the festive season. The techgrumps are back with a surprise episode as a special gift for you all. This time Ian Forrester is joined by Wendy Grossman, Ryan Alexander and Hannah Field joins us later in the special xmas podcast. https://archive.org/download/techgrumps-3.10.5.xmas-specia…

1
Our surfing habits 27:22

7M ago27:22

27:22

Internet usage is booming. We're using online services more than ever before. So which ones are popular, and why? We find out. Also, we bring you two very different voices from Africa, talking about the benefits - and problems - of social media content. And many of us are still dealing with the consequences of coronavirus. Now experts are using tec…

1
Connecting people 27:18

7M ago27:18

27:18

Tech Life looks at ways to connect people. We examine the mobile phone usage gap. What is it and can it be narrowed ? And how do you shop online if you have no official address? Our reporter in Brazil finds out. Also, we look at the company saving billions of litres of drinking water around the world by detecting leaky pipes using clever tech. And …

1
Techgrumps 3.10: We love the NHS ♥

7M ago

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As the seasons change to cold winter and the festive holiday period starts, the Techgrumps debate some of the interesting stories in the usual grumpy style. This time Ian Forrester is joined by David Eastman, Wendy Grossman and Hannah Field. Ryan Alexander joins us later in the podcast. https://archive.org/download/techgrumps-3.10-we-love-the-nhs/T…

1
From farm to fork with tech 27:17

7M ago27:17

27:17

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)…

1
Tackling e-waste around the world 27:22

8M ago27:22

27:22

Shiona McCallum reports from Kenya on ways people there are tackling e-waste and helping to recycle electronic products. It is one of the fastest growing streams of waste, with an estimated 50 million tonnes produced globally every year. Also in this episode Alasdair Keane has been finding out about a project to make the internet available in more …

1
Searching for the Tech Factor 27:17

8M ago27:17

27:17

We join the search for tomorrow's innovators at a global competition in Portugal. Who will win ? Listen and find out. Also, why do some AI chatbots perform better using the English language ? And new signings are heading to one of the world's most popular football video games. Photo: Competition finalists, Lisbon, November 2023.…

1
Tech Life goes to Nairobi 27:18

8M ago27:18

27:18

This special edition of Tech Life comes from Nairobi, in Kenya. We visit an agri-tech hackathon, where high tech ideas for reducing the vast amount of wasted crops in Africa are being put forward. We have a tour of the Basi-Go E-bus charging depot, and hear their vision for bringing the electric vehicle revolution to the streets of Nairobi. Market …

1
Reminiscence 29:04

8M ago29:04

29:04

‘I asked myself this very question after a family member was affected by dementia. In her later years, the only person my grandmother still remembered was her husband – but he had passed away several years earlier. She asked about him every morning and finding out that he had died always upset her greatly.’ - Thomas Nørmark.Thomas Nørmark Dementia …

1
Techgrumps 3.09: The Cone Of Silence

8M ago

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As we head towards the holiday season with all the joy and happiness, there is always time for a side of grumpiness. Don’t worry the techgrumps have you covered and sticking close to our hour-ish podcast target. This time Ian Forrester is joined by David Eastman and Wendy Grossman. https://archive.org/download/techgrumps-3.09-the-cone-of-silence/Te…

1
Speaking out against teen sexual harassment on Instagram 27:45

8M ago27:45

27:45

Arturo Béjar is a former director of engineering at Facebook and was responsible for its protect and care team. He shares his concerns with Tech Life. Also, we get the view from South Korea on making artificial intelligence tools safe. And how to sniff out forest fires - with the help of an AI nose. PHOTO CREDIT: Arturo Béjar…

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