Technology

On Display At Video Game Showcase: A Struggle For Diversity

6:19pm June 21, 2014

Over the years, the video game industry has been hammered by questions about a lack of diversity, disappointing narratives and ever-imminent virtual reality. To see how the industry is coming, NPR's Arun Rath takes a tour of E3: The Electronic Entertainment Expo.

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The Supreme Court will look at a case in its upcoming session dealing with what constitutes a "true threat" on Facebook.

Is A Threat On Facebook Real? Supreme Court Will Weigh In

10:48am June 21, 2014

by Aarti Shahani

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case involving perceived death threats on Facebook. The court and the company could have starkly different approaches to identifying credible threats.

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The company Proteus has developed a computer that attaches to a pill and tracks the pill's absorption into the body. The technology has passed clinical trials.

Health & Safety

Someday Soon You May Swallow A Computer With Your Pill

9:24am June 20, 2014

by Alexis Madrigal

Fresh Air tech contributor Alexis Madrigal explains how a tiny computer attaches to a pill you ingest to record how your body responds. It sounds crazy, he says, but it was approved by the FDA.

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With Loyal Customers In Mind, Amazon Unveils Fire Phone

7:50am June 19, 2014

by Martin Kaste

At a gala party on Wednesday, Amazon launched its first smartphone. It is distinguished from other phones by the ease with which you can use it to buy things from Amazon.

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Amazon Raises The Curtain On A Fire Of Its Own

7:08pm June 18, 2014

by Robert Siegel

At an unveiling in Seattle, online retail giant Amazon announced its entry into the smartphone market with a new device called "Fire."

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Science

Moving Beyond The Turing Test To Judge Artificial Intelligence

6:17pm June 14, 2014

A computer program known as "Eugene Goostman" passed the Turing Test by convincing a group of people, via chat, that it was actually a 13-year-old boy. Cognitive scientist Gary Marcus argues that the Turing Test needs an update for the 21st Century.

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In Silicon Valley, Some Entrepreneurs Seek Social Change

6:17pm June 14, 2014

Carlos Watson, co-founder of Ozy.com, talks with Arun Rath about the intersection of capitalism and conscience in Silicon Valley.

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Economy

At E3, Critics Renew Calls For More Diverse Video Game Characters

3:53pm June 13, 2014

by Laura Sydell

Even though women make up a significant proportion of dedicated gamers, there are few female protagonists in big-selling video games. The same goes for ethnic and racial minorities.

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Adam Goldberg, the creator of the PS 177 band, conducting at band practice.

A High School Band Where Everyone's Voice Can Be Heard

7:53pm June 11, 2014

by Eric Westervelt

One music teacher has used tablets to change life for students at a New York school. The members of the school's orchestra have learning disabilities. For some, the band has opened up their world.

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Court OKs Universities' Quest To Turn To More Digital Copies Of Books

9:43am June 11, 2014

by Lynn Neary

An appeals court has ruled against a group of authors, deciding in favor of a consortium of universities in a case that hinged on copyright law and provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

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