In this edition of the Worldwide Wrap, HP has backtracked on a software update that blocks the use of some ink cartridges made by third parties, and iPal, a robotic nanny, currently babysitting children in China, is set for the US soon.
HP apologises for ink-blocking update
HP has backtracked on a software update that blocked some ink cartridges made by third parties.
A controversial firmware change made earlier this month meant HP printer owners using unofficial, usually cheaper, cartridges discovered they would no longer work. A campaign calling on HP to reverse the move was launched.
Via: BBC
iPal robotic nanny looks after children
Meet the iPal, a rolling, talking robotic nanny currently serving children in China and set for American shores very soon.
The iPal is the creation of AvatarMind, a two-year-old company with offices in China and Silicon Valley. It's designed to be a "full time companion," for your progeny, the company says, combining a "cute cartoon outlook, fine craft work, natural language understanding technology and cloud apps".
Via: Mashable
Self-driving car engineering degree lures over 11 000 hopefuls
Silicon Valley online education platform Udacity has already received more than 11 000 applicants for its so-called nanodegree in self-driving car engineering.
The high number of applicants - for 250 spots in the course - underscores the pressing need for talent by technology leaders such as Alphabet's Google and Apple, as they race to develop production-ready autonomous-driving vehicles within the next decade.
Via: Channel News Asia
Spotify in advanced talks to buy SoundCloud
Swedish music-streaming service provider Spotify is in advanced talks to acquire German rival SoundCloud, the Financial Times reported.
SoundCloud's founders and investors were exploring strategic options for the company, including a sale that could value it at $1 billion, Bloomberg reported in July, citing people familiar with the matter.
Via: The Guardian
L'Oreal seeks to 3D print living hair
Hair follicles created by a process similar to 3D printing could one day be used as implants, L'Oreal has said.
The cosmetics firm is partnering with a French bio-printing company called Poietis, which has developed a form of laser printing for cell-based objects.
Via: BBC
Apple rents massive six-floor campus in London
Power Station Company, Battersea, has confirmed their "largest office tenant" in London will be none other than tech company Apple.
The electronics giant will sprawl across six floors and 500 000 square feet inside the "central Boiler House" of the former power station. Many believe their presence will help the development company work towards its goal of revitalising the historic space.
Via: Inhabitat
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