Category Archives: Technology

UK and US will develop a new partnership on science and technology to strengthen collaboration between our countries, creating jobs and protecting security

Partnership will help progress the principles enshrined in the new Atlantic Charter agreed by the Prime Minister and President Biden at a meeting in Cornwall today

Future cooperation will build on the Digital Secretarys 10 Tech Priorities, the UKs R&D Strategy and the governments Integrated Review

The UK and US have today agreed to deepen ties on science and technology and create a new era of strategic cooperation in the field.

As part of US President Joe Bidens visit to the UK and under the framework of the revitalised Atlantic Charter, the two countries have agreed to develop a landmark science and technology partnership to strengthen the valued UK-US relationship, creating jobs and protecting the security of our citizens.

Both nations have set out their ambition to continue to lead the world in research and development, investing in our expertise and capacity to create wealth and tackle inequality, and ensure the values of liberal democracies, open societies and open markets are embedded in the design and use of technology globally.

The partnership will explore a number of areas for cooperation including research, innovation and commercialisation; defence, security, law enforcement and intelligence; and making sure technology is used as a force for good around the world. Officials from both countries will work to develop the partnership over the course of the next year.

It aims to strengthen cooperation in areas such as the resilience and security of critical supply chains, battery technologies, and emerging technologies including artificial intelligence (AI) and to improve the accessibility and flow of data to support economic growth, public safety and scientific and technological progress.

It will see the countries work towards a new statement of intent to help realise the full potential of quantum technologies, which use the properties of quantum physics to dramatically improve the functionality and performance of devices, develop proposals on future technology such as 6G and strengthen collaboration on digital technical standards.

The two nations have also committed to continue to broaden collaboration on science and technology to help facilitate world-class research and influence the rules, norms and standards governing technology and the digital economy.

The countries hope to combine their expertise to tackle global challenges such as cancer, pandemic preparedness, antimicrobial resistance, and climate change, including through closer coordination between the Prime Ministers Council for Science and Technology and the Presidents Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, and through closer collaboration between US and UK senior science and technology advisers.

Digital Secretary, Oliver Dowden said:

In the 80 years since the Atlantic Charter was signed, technology has changed the world beyond recognition.

But the goals that underpin it still bind the US and UK together today: support for democracy, open societies and free markets.

Todays announcement marks a new era of cooperation with our closest ally, in which we commit to using technology to create prosperity and guarantee the safety and security of our citizens for years to come.

Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said:

The United States is our closest ally and most important research partner a partnership which harnesses the power of the free market, science and new technology to address some of humanitys greatest challenges, from antimicrobial resistance to preparing for future pandemics.

The landmark new partnership announced today will deepen those all-important ties and ensure Anglo-American research can continue to develop new technologies to generate wealth and prosperity for the good of mankind for generations to come.

Presidential Science Adviser and Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, Eric Lander, said:

There are few relationships as consequential as the transatlantic partnership between the United States and United Kingdom in science and technology.

We share a belief in the power of science and technology to improve health, prosperity and security, and a commitment to the importance of investigator-driven research, freedom of inquiry, and equitable participation in the S&T enterprise.

Together, we will seek to set a positive example of how countries can work together to solve the critical and transnational challenges of the 21st century, including pandemic preparedness, climate change, and cancer.

Government Chief Scientific Adviser, Patrick Vallance, said:

I welcome this closer collaboration which will bring together the best of UK and US scientists and engineers. By combining our expertise to tackle global challenges, such as cancer, climate change, and pandemic preparedness, we can make a real difference and improve peoples lives.

The UK and the US are already global leaders in technologies such as cyber security and AI. Research published by Tech Nation shows the AI sector is worth 32.6 billion and home to more than 1,300 AI companies including firms such as DeepMind. The cyber sector now employs more than 50,000 people in the UK and is worth an estimated 8.9 billion.

Dealroom data shows the UK is Europes undisputed tech hub, with 11.3 billion ($16 billion) of venture capital being pumped into the sector in 2020, more than France and Germany combined, and the number of billion dollar tech unicorns jumped from 10 to 81 over the same period.

Both governments are backing new technology and innovation. A ten-year National Quantum Technologies Programme, which is set to see over 1bn in private and public investment, has positioned the UK as a global leader in the field and in 2018 the US authorised over $1 billion to advance quantum technologies, with three NSF Quantum Leap Challenge Institutes and five DOE national research centres announced in summer 2020.

The UK government will invest 14.9 billion in R&D this year, bringing investment to its highest level in four decades. This is a major step towards our commitment to increase total public and private R&D investment to 2.4 per cent of GDP by 2027 and includes 200 million for the Net Zero Innovation Portfolio to set the UK on the path to a low carbon future.

This funding includes investment in world leading science and advanced mathematics, and in developing net zero energy technologies. It will also nurture the talent and skills of the next generation including through the STEM Ambassadors Network and the CREST Awards to ensure that we continue to produce diverse cohorts of world-leading scientists and engineers.

The future partnership being announced today will build on these investments alongside the Digital Secretarys Ten Tech Priorities which laid out how the government will aim to lead the global conversation on tech, keep the UK safe and secure online, and champion free and fair digital trade.

It will also build on the Prime Ministers Integrated Review, which outlines how the government will take a more active approach to science and technology - using it to shape and bolster the UKs policy ambitions and to influence the design and use of new technologies in line with democratic values.

And, later this year, the government will publish its Innovation Strategy which will set out plans to promote and stimulate innovation in all corners of the country.

Earlier this year the Digital Secretary spoke with his US counterparts to emphasize the importance of global collaboration to protect people online and drive the international debate in this area and used the G7 meeting of digital ministers to agree a declaration to put technology at the heart of global efforts to build back better from the pandemic.

Notes to editors:

Contact DCMS press office 020 7211 2210.

Read the Atlantic Charter

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UK and US agree to strengthen ties in science and technology - GOV.UK

Jun 12, 2021

Just over a year ago, a group of eventers launched a fundraising campaign to raise $500,000 for the construction of frangible fences on cross-country courses at the Preliminary level and above around the country. With the overwhelming support of the eventing community, the USEA Foundation, the USEF, and a matching donation from the Manton Foundation, the goal was reached in less than 12 months.

The USEA Foundation Frangible Technology Fund Committee was formed to develop guidelines and oversee the distributions of the funds. The Committees first initiative was to make available frangible technology for table fences on Preliminary courses and above. The program then expanded to include the Modified level as well as provide frangible hardware for other types of fences including oxers, gates and walls, and corner fences.

In a year with significant financial restrictions, these grants enabled USEA national events to continue to improve their cross-country courses. As an organizer, having the Frangible Technology Fund has boosted our efforts to continue prioritizing safety in our sport with the cross-country fence construction. Having accessible funding keeps the momentum strong for organizers and course designers to keep improving obstacles, said Gretchen Butts, owner, and Organizer of Waredaca Farm Horse Trials in Gaithersburg, Md. As an official, I have seen what happens when things go wrong and a horse does break a clip, collapsing the fence but saving the serious injury that would likely have resulted otherwise. Having the frangible safety mechanisms in place clearly lessens the consequences and keeps both horses and riders safer, which is our goal.

In total, the USEA Foundation has raised more than $770,000 in total funds for frangible research, with over $519,000 specifically allocated for the Frangible Technology Fund. Through the fund, a total of 375 grants have been awarded to 130 venues all over the United States. Each grant awarded consisted of $1,000 USD and a chosen frangible hardware kit, enabling each event to construct a new frangible fence for their course. USEA cross-country builders have been busy constructing brand new, beautiful, and safer fences that will debut on courses for 2021. Keep a lookout for 180 new frangible tables, 76 collapsible oxers, 57 new gate and wall jumps, and 61 frangible corner fences!

Diane Pitts, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the USEA Foundation said, The USEA Foundation is proud to have played a role in developing the Frangible Technology Fund and providing grants for the construction of frangible fences. The Foundations role is to support the initiatives and purposes of the USEA and one of the USEAs key goals has always been increasing safety in our sport. The USEA and the USEA Foundation have worked continuously toward this goal, from developing and funding studies of frangible technology in 2008 and 2016 in conjunction with the University of Kentucky to joining in and administering the Frangible Technology Fund. The USEA and the USEA Foundation will continue to do whatever we can to make the sport of eventing as safe as possible. I would like to thank the staff of the USEA for their diligence in keeping track of the grant program and distributing the frangible technology. In particular, Hannah Seagle has gone way above the call of duty to make sure everything got to the right place in a timely manner.

All the new jumps commissioned by the USEA Foundation Technology Fund can be identified by a special plaque. You can follow along with program updates and find photos of the newly constructed obstacles near you at USEAFoundation.org/Frangible-Technology. Anyone can contribute to the Frangible Technology Fund or any of the other important efforts of the USEA Foundation by visiting https://useafoundation.org/donate.

About the USEA Foundation

The fundamental mission of the USEA Foundation is to protect and preserve the sport of eventing for future generations and to provide support for the core educational, safety, and equine welfare programs of the USEA. In addition, the Foundation administers educational grants for riders with the intent of preparing them to reach their goals. Learn more about the USEA Foundation at http://www.useafoundation.org.

About the USEA Foundation Grants

The USEA Foundation is honored to administer a number of grants and scholarships, all designed to assist event riders to reach their goals. The grants provide funds to be used for coaching, training and participating in competitions aimed at advancing the skills of both horse and rider. Click here to learn more about the grants administered by the USEA Foundation.

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The Frangible Technology Fund Expands Across the United States - United States Eventing Association

The Bank for International Settlements released a working paper this week to discuss the range of central bank digital currencies, including addressing their architectures, how they could complement existing payment options and what they imply for the financial system and central banks in the future. According to BIS, almost 50 central banks have launched designs or prototypes for CBDCs.

The paper advocates for and outlines requirements for a minimally invasive CBDC design that, according to its authors, upgrades money to current needs without disrupting the proven two-tier architecture of the monetary system, which involves both the private and public sectors. The technological developments inspired by popular cryptocurrency systems (based on anonymity and lacking a central authority) do not meet the requirements for a retail CBDC, according to BIS. Digital banknotes that run on intermediated or hybrid CBDC architectures show promise, the paper claims. Supported with technology to facilitate record keeping by private-sector entities of direct claims on the central bank, their economic design should emphasize the use of the CBDC as medium of exchange, the papers authors note. The paper also acknowledges the risk to bank deposits, noting that it will need to limit its appeal as a savings vehicle.

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BIS Working Paper Examines Architecture and Rationale of CBDC Technology | ABA Banking Journal - ABA Banking Journal

Like a puppy chasing its tail, some new investors often chase 'the next big thing', even if that means buying 'story stocks' without revenue, let alone profit. But as Peter Lynch said in One Up On Wall Street, 'Long shots almost never pay off.'

If, on the other hand, you like companies that have revenue, and even earn profits, then you may well be interested in Amkor Technology (NASDAQ:AMKR). Even if the shares are fully valued today, most capitalists would recognize its profits as the demonstration of steady value generation. In comparison, loss making companies act like a sponge for capital - but unlike such a sponge they do not always produce something when squeezed.

Check out our latest analysis for Amkor Technology

If you believe that markets are even vaguely efficient, then over the long term you'd expect a company's share price to follow its earnings per share (EPS). Therefore, there are plenty of investors who like to buy shares in companies that are growing EPS. Over the last three years, Amkor Technology has grown EPS by 11% per year. That growth rate is fairly good, assuming the company can keep it up.

I like to see top-line growth as an indication that growth is sustainable, and I look for a high earnings before interest and taxation (EBIT) margin to point to a competitive moat (though some companies with low margins also have moats). The good news is that Amkor Technology is growing revenues, and EBIT margins improved by 3.1 percentage points to 10%, over the last year. That's great to see, on both counts.

You can take a look at the company's revenue and earnings growth trend, in the chart below. For finer detail, click on the image.

While profitability drives the upside, prudent investors always check the balance sheet, too.

Many consider high insider ownership to be a strong sign of alignment between the leaders of a company and the ordinary shareholders. So we're pleased to report that Amkor Technology insiders own a meaningful share of the business. Actually, with 46% of the company to their names, insiders are profoundly invested in the business. I'm always comforted by solid insider ownership like this, as it implies that those running the business are genuinely motivated to create shareholder value. At the current share price, that insider holding is worth a whopping US$2.6b. Now that's what I call some serious skin in the game!

One important encouraging feature of Amkor Technology is that it is growing profits. If that's not enough on its own, there is also the rather notable levels of insider ownership. The combination sparks joy for me, so I'd consider keeping the company on a watchlist. We don't want to rain on the parade too much, but we did also find 2 warning signs for Amkor Technology that you need to be mindful of.

You can invest in any company you want. But if you prefer to focus on stocks that have demonstrated insider buying, here is a list of companies with insider buying in the last three months.

Please note the insider transactions discussed in this article refer to reportable transactions in the relevant jurisdiction.

PromotedWhen trading Amkor Technology or any other investment, use the platform considered by many to be the Professional's Gateway to the Worlds Market, Interactive Brokers. You get the lowest-cost* trading on stocks, options, futures, forex, bonds and funds worldwide from a single integrated account.

This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. *Interactive Brokers Rated Lowest Cost Broker by StockBrokers.com Annual Online Review 2020

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.

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Should You Be Adding Amkor Technology (NASDAQ:AMKR) To Your Watchlist Today? - Simply Wall St

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The "Rubber Gloves Global Market Insights 2021, Analysis and Forecast to 2026, by Manufacturers, Regions, Technology, Product Type" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

This report describes the global market size of Rubber Gloves from 2016 to 2020 and its CAGR from 2016 to 2020, and also forecasts its market size to the end of 2026 and its CAGR from 2021 to 2026.

For the geography segment, regional supply, demand, major players, price is presented from 2016 to 2026.

This report covers the following regions:

The key countries for each region are also included such as United States, China, Japan, India, Korea, ASEAN, Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain, CIS, and Brazil etc.

Companies Covered:

For the competitor segment, the report includes global key players involved in Rubber Gloves as well as some small players.

The information for each competitor includes:

Types Segment:

Key Topics Covered:

Chapter 1 Executive Summary

Chapter 2 Abbreviation and Acronyms

Chapter 3 Preface

3.1 Research Scope

3.2 Research Sources

3.2.1 Data Sources

3.2.2 Assumptions

3.3 Research Method

Chapter 4 Market Landscape

4.1 Market Overview

4.2 Classification/Types

4.3 Application/End Users

Chapter 5 Markets Trend Analysis

5.1 Introduction

5.2 Drivers

5.3 Restraints

5.4 Opportunities

5.5 Threats

Chapter 6 Industry Chain Analysis

6.1 Upstream/Suppliers Analysis

6.2 Rubber Gloves Analysis

6.2.1 Technology Analysis

6.2.2 Cost Analysis

6.2.3 Market Channel Analysis

6.3 Downstream Buyers/End Users

Chapter 7 Latest Market Dynamics

7.1 Latest News

7.2 Merger and Acquisition

7.3 Planned/Future Project

7.4 Policy Dynamics

Chapter 8 Trading Analysis

8.1 Export OF Rubber Gloves By Region

8.2 Import OF Rubber Gloves By Region

8.3 Balance of Trade

Chapter 9 Historical and Forecast Rubber Gloves Market In North America (2016-2026)

Chapter 10 Historical and Forecast Rubber Gloves Market In South America (2016-2026)

Chapter 11 Historical and Forecast Rubber Gloves Market In Asia & Pacific (2016-2026)

Chapter 12 Historical and Forecast Rubber Gloves Market In Europe (2016-2026)

Chapter 13 Historical and Forecast Rubber Gloves Market In MEA (2016-2026)

13.1 Rubber Gloves Market Size

13.2 Rubber Gloves Demand By End Use

13.3 Competition By Players/Suppliers

13.4 Type Segmentation and Price

13.5 Key Countries Analysis

13.5.1 Egypt

13.5.2 Israel

13.5.3 South Africa

13.5.4 GCC

13.5.5 Turkey

Chapter 14 Summary For Global Rubber Gloves Market (2016-2021)

14.1 Rubber Gloves Market Size

14.2 Rubber Gloves Demand By End Use

14.3 Competition By Players/Suppliers

14.4 Type Segmentation and Price

Chapter 15 Global Rubber Gloves Market Forecast (2021-2026)

15.1 Rubber Gloves Market Size Forecast

15.2 Rubber Gloves Demand Forecast

15.3 Competition By Players/Suppliers

15.4 Type Segmentation and Price Forecast

Chapter 16 Analysis OF Global Key Vendors

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/tj72lt

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Worldwide Rubber Gloves Industry to 2026 - by Manufacturers, Regions, Technology and Product Type - ResearchAndMarkets.com - Business Wire

According to statistics, about 1 in every 8 U.S. women will get a breast cancer diagnosis during their lifetime.As technology improves people can catch their cancer earlier than before.

Lorie Wade took advantage of those medical advancements.

Wade survived an aggressive breast cancer diagnosis back in 2017. She said she owes her life to the newer cancer detecting technology.

"If I didn't have that genetic testing, would I have done the 3D mammogram, and would I be sitting here today? Can't answer that question," Wade said.

Wade knew she'd be likely to get a breast cancer diagnosis after her father was diagnosed. Her first step was to get a genetic test to see how high that risk would be.

"He had the BRCA gene, then I had the testing myself and it came back that I had the BRCA gene," Wade said. "Having that knowledge of my BRCA gene and seeking out those professionals to see what is available to be proactive."

Even though her annual mammogram came back clear in 2017, because she had the breast cancer gene Wade told doctors she wanted to try out the 3D mammogram.

"The 3D mammogram is what picked up on my cancer," she said.

"Right at the smallest stage where you can ever find breast cancer on a mammogram. That's super important with her because her cancer was a particularly aggressive cancer, Dr. William Dooley said.

Dooley is a professor of surgical breast oncology with OU Health. He was also Wade's doctor throughout her battle with breast cancer.

Dooley said the 3D mammograms allows physicians to see the smallest details in the breast tissue.

"You're able to look through the denser areas of the breast and see if there's something a little denser than the surrounding areas," Dooley said. "[It's] kind of like flipping through spiral sliced ham and looking for the patterns or the fat."

Dooley said genetic testing is not just for women who have a history of breast cancer in their family. Men with close relatives who've had a breast cancer diagnosis can benefit from it as well.

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Survivor Credits Cutting Edge Technology For Best Chance In Fight Against Aggressive Breast Cancer - news9.com KWTV

The redesigned 2022 Audi A3 compact luxury sedan and S3 sport variant arrive in the U.S. with more potent turbo-4 engines, a mild-hybrid system, a refreshed look outside, and upgraded convenience and safety technology. The 2022 Audi A3 and S3 can be ordered now at a starting price of $34,945 and $45,945 respectively, Audi announced on Thursday.

Audi skipped the 2021 model year of the A3 and S3 due to pandemic-related constraints, same as the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder, 2022 Infiniti QX60, 2022 Acura MDX and other redesigned volume models.

The 2022 Audi A3 five-seat compact appears wider and more muscular due to pronounced sculpting on the rocker panels and with bulging fenders. The mesh grille gets wider as well, and narrower LED headlights with teardrop elements drip over more pronounced lower air intakes. LED head- and taillights are standard, or available matrix LED headlights and LED taillights with an "available animation" can be added, Audi said. We'll update that when we see it.

2022 Audi S3

2022 Audi S3

2022 Audi S3

The S3 flexes its muscle even more, and is 0.8 inches wider and 1.6 inches longer, though the wheelbase remains the same. Larger quad exhaust tips define the rear, and an available black-out treatment adds some more sinister elements. Audi says design changes to both models improve aerodynamics.

Parent company Volkswagen updated the A3's MQB global platform with adaptive damping, adaptive steering, and a mild-hybrid powertrain.The 2022 A3's 2.0-liter turbo-4 pairs to a mild-hybrid system that increases output to 201 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque (from 186 hp and 221 lb-ft in the 2020 Audi A3). The 48-volt mild-hybrid system helps take off and adds torque at low engine speeds, but can also shut off the engine while coasting to improve fuel economy. The engine teams with a7-speed dual-clutch transmission in front-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is available for an extra $2,000.

For a greater punch (and greater price) the 2022 Audi S3's 2.0-liter turbo-4 makes 306 hp and 295 lb-ft, improvements of 18 hp and 15 lb-ft. The S3 also comes with the 7-speed dual-clutch and standard all-wheel drive. Audi says it hits 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, which is a few tenths quicker than the 2020 S3. The suspension sits 0.6 inches lower than the A3, and shoppers can add adjustable dampers and upgrade to 19-inch wheels instead of 18s.

Inside the 2022 A3, front passengers get standard heated eight-way power seats shod in leather, panoramic sunroof, three-zone climate control, and a 10.1-inch touchscreen with Audi's latest MIB 3 operating system and a 10.3-inch digital cluster. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard.

Options include a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, or virtual cockpit, that is one of the best on the market; wireless smartphone charging; enhanced navigation and more.

The 2022 Audi A3 and S3 come standard with automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, active lane control, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitors and adaptive cruise control are optional.

The A3 comes in Premium trim for $34,945 (an increase of $600 from 2020), Premium Plus for $38,245, and Prestige for $42,245. The 2020 had S line packaging, but no Prestige trim. All-wheel drive is $2,000 extra on any trim.

The S3 comes standard with all-wheel drive and costs $45,945 for Premium, $48,745 for Premium Plus, and $52,545 for Prestige.

Hatchback and performance-oriented RS models have not been announced.

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2022 Audi A3 and S3 return with improved engines and technology - The Car Connection

Fintech, also known asfinancial technology, is a remarkable transformation in the finance sector. Nowadays, it is difficult to imagine the finance industry without the intervention of modern technology. Maintaining the social distancing protocols amidst the Covid-19 pandemic has also sped up the digitalization of the financial sector.India is considered one of the fastest-growingfintechmarkets on a global scale.

These recent technological innovations and growth in thefintech industryare accreditations to the government initiatives and the tech enthusiasts and startups coming up with innovative solutions to complex problems. Various innovations like mobile wallets, digitized money, paperless lending, and such others have sped up the growth of the fintech industry.

After anticipating the future of the Fintech industry, economists and policymakers are redefining the regulations and policy frameworks based on the new technologies. Here are the top technology trends that are reshaping thefintech industry.

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Top Technology Trends Redefining the Future of the Fintech Industry - Analytics Insight

Over the last centuries, society witnessed technological advancements gradually making everyday lives easier, more convenient, and well, more interesting. In the 21st century, however, technology made a true quantum leap, with augmented reality, blockchain, artificial intelligence, and 3D printing being just a few examples of the most recent inventions.

Though we are getting used to advancements of any kind, is the development of technology really good for society?

Advancements in technology have already tapped into every area of life, with its impact particularly notable in these segments:

It is indisputable that thanks to technology, we get a chance to live a life our predecessors could not even dream about. But do all tech advancements bring sole good to our lives? Or, maybe, the impact of tech innovations is quite ambiguous.

When all areas of human activity get rapidly digitized, its easy to become desensitized to the importance of innovations and advancements for the overall progress of society. But technology helps us immensely, for instance:

How to Get the Most out of Technologyo remain empowered, not distressed, by the modern technological advancements, everyone should use them where and when needed.

For instance, you can make use of productivity and time-tracking apps available for smartphones or PCs when feeling a lack of concentration or self-discipline. Similarly, if you are concerned with your health and lifestyle, you can choose from a wide range of wearable devices and fitness apps.

Most of the digital tools can be downloaded free of charge, which makes it even easier to use them.

On the downside, some technological developments prove to be a curse rather than a blessing. Here are a few examples:

How to Reduce Negative Effects of TechnologyExcessive use of technology can do more harm than good, and we should bear this in mind before we rush into digitizing our lives.

It is important to monitor the use of tech in every aspect of daily routine and, while it is not too late, limit the time spent in front of the smartphone screen.

Also, it's a good idea to use all-in-one apps to manage a complex of tasks (e.g., having all your email accounts and messengers integrated in one place) rather than switching between a dozen of smaller apps for each activity.

As an alternative to playing a video game or scrolling through social media, find a paper book that would interest you and spend time outdoors regularly. Instead of watching another Netflix episode in front of a TV set, talk to your family or take up gardening.

Spending more time outdoors, without electronic devices, promotes life-work balance and is generally good for a healthy lifestyle.

Though it may be tough to predict which advancements technology would bring next, some innovations are already changing our beliefs about the world around us.

For instance, augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). Something that people would have considered magic just a few decades ago is now gaining popularity in business, gaming, and team building.

Wearable screens and gesture-based computing, other recent innovations, are predicted to soon substitute the usual PC and phone screens.

Robots, another buzzword in todays business world, have already replaced humans in some workplaces robotic arms work at assembly or packing lines. Flying cars will soon address the issue of limited ground space and long traffic jams.

Well, people of Earth are even projected to use technological innovations to colonize other planets in the foreseeable future. The sky is no longer the limit!

Technology improves all aspects of human lives, making them easier and diverse. Though technological advancements are generally seen as a positive change, some people perceive them in a negative light.

Overindulgence in the use of digital apps and smart devices, overreliance on online tools may sometimes lead to tragic effects. Yet, if technological developments are used wisely, they bring nothing but good to society.

Clearly, technology by itself is neither good nor bad. It is only the way and extent to which we use it that matters.

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Is Society Moving In The Right Direction With Technology Rapidly Taking Over The World? - Forbes

The ordinance also bans county offices from entering into an agreement with third parties or obtaining facial recognition information.

KING COUNTY, Wash. The King County Council voted unanimously Tuesday to ban the use of facial recognition technology by administrative offices, including the sheriff's office.

Theapproved ordinance, approved 9-0 during Tuesday's council meeting, prohibits the use of facial recognition software, except to comply with the National Child Search Assistance Act.

A spokesperson for the King County Sheriffs Office previously said they do not use facial recognition technology and support the measure.

A long list of nonprofits, including the ACLU, sent a letter to the council urging them to pass the ban.

The ban does not impact King County offices and not cities within the county.

The Seattle Police Department does not use facial recognition tools, a spokesperson previously told KING 5.

Of the concerns over the technology, accuracy, demographic biases, and encroachment on civil liberties are major ones.

"The use of facial recognition technology by government agencies poses distinct threats to our residents, including potential misidentification, bias, and the erosion of our civil liberties," said King County Councilmember Jeanne Kohl-Welles, the legislations primary sponsor. "The use or misuse of these technologies has potentially devastating consequences which the new ordinance will help to prevent.

"I am very appreciative that my colleagues unanimously supported my legislation today banning its use in King County government agencies, and appreciate the overwhelming community support weve had. Our vote today makes King County the first county in the nation to pass this type of ban."

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King County Council votes to ban use of facial recognition technology - KING5.com