Encrypted messaging startup Telegram plans to launch its own blockchain platform and native cryptocurrency, powering payments on its chat app and beyond. According to multiple sources which have spoken to TechCrunch, the “Telegram Open Network” (TON) will be a new, ‘third generation’ blockchain with superior capabilities, after Bitcoin and, later, Ethereum paved the way.The launch will be f...

In the past year, Pew Research Center has explored a range of tech-related topics in the news – from online harassment to fake news to net neutrality. Here are some key findings from our research on these and other technology issues.Online harassmentLawmakers, advocates and social media companies have been looking into ways to curtail online harassment in the wake of high-profile cases concern...

Sadly, the 1-gram spy craft couldn’t withstand a gentle breeze, but later dragonfly-inspired UAVs proved far more capable.It was the 1970s, the Cold War was in full swing, and the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency’s Office of Research and Development had developed a miniaturized listening device. But they didn’t have a good way to maneuver the device into place without raising suspicions.Afte...

CES only comes around once a year, and that’s simply not enough time. While it is here, let’s talk about what it has to offer. Hot off the press is Toyota’s New Mobility Ecosystem and Concept Vehicle just released at this year’s CES in Las Vegas.The e-Palette Alliance is a new ecosystem for mobility-powered businesses. As Toyota says, “As an emerging provider of mobility hardware and servi...

Amazon’s blended-reality mirror shows you wearing virtual clothes in virtual locales.Have you ever fretted over buying a suit or dress online for a wedding or another flashy event, wondering how it would look on your frame or if it would even fit? That might not be a problem soon now that Amazon has patented a blended-reality mirror that lets you try on clothes virtually while placing you into...

We're in the middle of a fourth Industrial Revolution—and this one goes far beyond manufacturing. Smart, connected technologies are transforming how parts and products are designed, made, used, and maintained. And by ushering in a digital reality, they are transforming organizations themselves. Industry 4.0 signifies the promise of a new Industrial Revolution—one that marries advanced product...

The startup assault on the humble neighborhood store continues to intensify.First came Bodega, the terribly named, and mostly misguidedstartup with its mission to bring the non-perishable necessities available at the corner store to the masses and “disrupt” the corner store.Now there’s Robomart, which wants to bring the groceries, baked goods and prepared foods of the supermarket aisle to yo...

Around $3.25 billion under management in search of savvy investments.[The wealthy pour money into specialized funds that invest in digital currencies. © Reuters]Specialized funds that invest in digital currencies are multiplying across the globe, as the wealthy pour money into such funds in the same way they do into stocks and bonds.As of the end of December, there were 175 cryptocurrency fund...

Humanoid robot YuMi conducts the Lucca Philharmonic Orchestra and Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli Artificial intelligence could create jobs not rob us of them, says the CEO of freelancing website Upwork.I contemplate the future of work on a daily basis in both my professional and personal life. As a father of four children from four to 14 years old, and as a citizen of the world, I care about our...