Tech Life

From the innovations that flourished to those that flopped, from providing virtual boyfriends to taking very real jobs, we look back an another fascinating twelve months in tech – and hear from reporters, experts and listeners about which tech most changed your lives in 2024. (Image: a montage of text message like speech boxes on a background of what looks like code. Copyright: Getty Images).

One of the world’s biggest car manufacturers pulled the plug on its robotaxi project. So what next? We also ask the experts how AI will impact your job. And we’re at the launch of a new music discovery tool, which uses a mix of AI and expert curation. We’re always keen to hear from you. You can email us on techlife@bbc.co.uk, or send us a voice note on Whatsapp at +44330 1230 320. Presenter: Graham Fraser Producer: Imran Rahman-Jones Editor: Monica Soriano (Image: A Cruise car with cameras attached to its exterior at an intersection in San Francisco. Credit: Getty Images)

We speak to cyber security experts about how cyber warfare works – and how it stays out of the headlines. Then we hear about the aerodynamics tech making athletes more streamlined. And we meet the new Indiana Jones, gaming star Troy Baker. Tell us about the new tech you've tried out in 2024. What gadgets or apps helped you out this year? Send us an email to techlife@bbc.co.uk or Whatsapp us on +44 330 123 0320. Presenter: Chris Vallance Producer: Imran Rahman-Jones Editor: Monica Soriano (Image: A computer-generated, pixelated image of a globe with a neon blue padlock superimposed on top. Credit: Getty Images.)

Computer scientist Sasha Luccioni is a pioneering voice in AI, especially when it comes to its environmental impact. We speak to her as she is announced on the BBC 100 Women list. We also meet one of the only AI startups in Bhutan, and the two friends who met online and have finally met in real life – after 13 years of knowing each other. Presenter: Zoe Kleinman Producer: Imran Rahman-Jones Editor: Monica Soriano (Image: A black and white portrait photo of Sasha Luccioni smiling at the camera. In the background are orange computer-generated geometric shapes. Credit: Steve Gerrard.)

Women in a forest in India found they were being followed and recorded by cameras which were meant to be for monitoring tigers and other wildlife. We speak to the researcher who interviewed hundreds of women in the community. We learn about how online shopping tries to influence your behaviour. And we visit an Arctic island which is turning to renewables. We want to know about the big tech stories of 2024 where you are. Get in touch with us by emailing techlife@bbc.co.uk or Whatsapp us on +44 330 1230 320. Presenter: Alasdair Keane Producer: Imran Rahman-Jones Editor: Monica Soriano (Image: A tiger among green foliage looking at the camera. Credit: Getty Images.)

Robot security dogs have been spotted at Mar-A-Lago, the Florida home of US president-elect Donald Trump. Who are behind them, and what security services do they offer? Also on the programme, we hear about one phone company’s plan to waste phone scammers’ time. And the startup using AI to provide loans to people without a credit history. We love hearing from you on Tech Life. Get in touch by emailing techlife@bbc.co.uk or sending us a Whatsapp on +44330 1230 320. Presenter: Zoe Kleinman Producer: Imran Rahman-Jones Editor: Monica Soriano (Image: A picture of a Boston Dynamics dog, “Spot”. Credit: Reuters.)

We hear from a former moderator in Kenya who was left traumatised by his previous job. And we ask what video games could do to be more accessible to blind people. Plus – the radar tech used to help with online mapping. Warning: This episode includes a description of child sexual abuse. We love hearing from you on Tech Life. You can email us at techlife@bbc.co.uk or Whatsapp us on +44330 1230 320. Presenter: Graham Fraser Producer: Imran Rahman-Jones Editor: Monica Soriano (Image: A man in glasses looking at a screen, with writing digitally imposed in front of his face. Credit: Getty Images.)

Tech Life created a fake podcast using a new AI tool from Google Labs, and we spoke to the head of the tool, Steven Johnson. Don’t worry – this programme is still brought to you by real human beings! We also look into how deepfakes have been used in the US. Plus – have we unveiled the real inventor of Bitcoin? (Spoiler – no.) We love hearing from you. Email us on techlife@bbc.co.uk or send a WhatsApp on +44 330 123 0320. Presenter: Chris Vallance Producer: Imran Rahman-Jones Editor: Monica Soriano (Image: An AI-generated head with letters coming out of its mouth. Credit: Getty Images.)

Intel was once unrivalled as the world's chip maker. Now it has fallen behind its rivals. We hear why the company is struggling ahead of its latest earnings call this week. Also, the many uses of drones around the world. And the surprising tech behind indoor golf. We love hearing from you - and if you're a regular listener you'll know by now that you can contact us via email on techlife@bbc.co.uk. Or, send us a message or voice note on WhatsApp. Our number is +44 330 123 0320. Presenter: Zoe Kleinman Producer: Tom Quinn, Imran Rahman-Jones, Alasdair Keane Editor: Monica Soriano (Image: A close up of a computer chip. Credit: Getty Images)

This week we're looking at artificial intelligence in the workplace - how are employers and employees using it ? An international survey provides some answers. Also on Tech Life: We bring you a technological solution to the problem of litter being left behind by climbers on Mount Everest. Electric car manufacturers are rated on their human rights policies. And find out how you can heat your home - with electric wallpaper. Presenter: Graham Fraser Producer: Tom Quinn (Photo: An abstract futuristic representation of the letters "AI". Credit: Getty Images) Contact us: Tech Life would love to hear your stories, ideas and views about the programme. You can email us at techlife@bbc.co.uk or contact us via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 0320.

Does the tech you use depend too much on a few critical minerals ? When a hurricane temporarily disrupted mining in the small town of Spruce Pine, the tech world was concerned. We find out why the location, in North Carolina, USA, is so important, and discover where a range of rare manufacturing materials can be found across the globe. Are they critical links in a supply chain that can be broken by natural disasters or political decisions ? Also on Tech Life this week: An AI tool designed to protect athletes from online abuse during the Olympics - how well did it perform ? And what tech does an explorer take into the jungle ? Presenter: Chris Vallance Producer: Tom Quinn (Photo: An image of a human hand holding pure quartz crystals. Credit: Getty Images)

Tech Life is looking at big data - and how important it is to healthcare. Specifically, how it can help women's health. A femtech company in the United States is using monthly menstrual and hormone data gathered from thousands of women to gain new insights into the symptoms which lead-up to the menopause - the time in their lives when women's periods stop. We speak to the company's co-founder and CEO. Also on Tech Life this week: A global survey weighs up the influence of social media and AI on accurate news and information. And, are chatbots changing the way we search for information online ? Presenter: Zoe Kleinman Producers: Imran Rahman-Jones and Tom Quinn (Photo: A woman checks a health app on her smartphone. Credit: Getty Images)

How does a company make profit in the charity fundraising space? We speak to Tim Cadogan, CEO of online fundraising platform GoFundMe. We hear about the solar-powered boats being used by indigenous communities in the Amazon. And, it is 30 years of the infamous Comic Sans font. We love hearing from you. Get in touch by emailing techlife@bbc.co.uk or send us a Whatsapp on +44330 123 0320. Presenter: Chris Vallance Producer: Imran Rahman-Jones Researcher: Laura Cress Editor: Monica Soriano (Photo: A computer keyboard with a "donate" button and a love heart icon. Credit: Getty Images)

It’s the ongoing question about AI – will it replace jobs or create new ones? We look at the argument from the point of view of call centre workers in the Philippines. Also on the programme, how Google Maps is tracking the changes in the built environment around the world. Plus – the small European city home to some of the most important music tech in the world. Get in touch with Tech Life by emailing techlife@bbc.co.uk or sending us a Whatsapp on +44 330 1230 320. Presenter: Chris Vallance Producers: Tom Quinn and Imran Rahman-Jones Editor: Monica Soriano (Image: An animation of a robot wearing a headset and microphone. Credit: Getty Images)

Online mapping - we find out how it can help humanitarian work around the world. Alasdair Keane tries on virtual reality goggles that are teaching students how to solve real-world problems. Meet the teams racing on water with battery-powered boats. And a professor wins a prize for an energy-saving invention he dreamed up in 1977. Presenter: Alasdair Keane Producer: Tom Quinn (Photo: An online map is displayed on a laptop screen. Credit: AndreyPopov/Getty Images)

Tech Life speaks to some keen users of X in Brazil. What do they think of the ban imposed on the platform that was previously known as Twitter ? Have they moved to other social media, or have they found a way around the restrictions ? Also on Tech Life this week: We find out three things you should know about quantum mechanics. Why is it more difficult for big trucks to make the move from fossil fuels to cleaner electric power ? And AI in construction tech - we speak to the founder of a company harnessing artificial intelligence to help make sense of huge amounts of building industry paperwork. Presenter: Alasdair Keane Producer: Tom Quinn (Photo: The Brazilian flag is seen behind a phone screen displaying the X logo in this illustration photo. Credit: NurPhoto/Getty Images)

We get a first-hand insight into how the war in Sudan has affected tech workers and companies there. Also on Tech Life: Old unwanted fishing nets are a real issue, for marine life and us here on dry land. One man has come up with a way of turning an environmental problem into useful 3D printed products. And, we can see the sea. We can see the sky. But wouldn't it be great if we could see the wind as well? Well now we can! Presenter: Graham Fraser Producer: Tom Quinn (Photo: Smoke plumes billow from a fire at a lumber warehouse in southern Khartoum, Sudan, amidst ongoing fighting on June 7, 2023. Credit: AFP via Getty Images)

We hear from two voice over artists, based in New York City, who have filed a lawsuit against an AI company they claim stole their voices. Also on Tech Life this week: A device invented by Canadian university students is shaking up the milk business for small-scale dairy farmers in Africa. And an engineer tells us his robust plan to make tech easier to fix. Presenter: Chris Vallance Producer: Tom Quinn (Photo: An actress records her voice into a microphone. Credit: Andrey Popov/Getty Images)

An artificial intelligence tool is helping to detect chest issues, which could indicate lung cancer, in a matter of seconds. It's now in use in forty countries around the world. It's called Annalise AI, and we speak to the co-founder of the company behind it. Also on Tech Life: In Kenya, Direct Air Capture technology is being designed, manufactured and deployed in the vast Rift valley. And the commute of the future is being mapped out and planned today - find out about digital twinning. Presenter: Chris Vallance Producer: Tom Quinn (Photo: A doctor examines an X-ray image on a tablet. Credit: Athima Tongloom/Getty Images)

We take a look at a recent announcement from the International Olympic Committee that the inaugural Olympic esports games will be hosted in Saudi Arabia next year. While many have welcomed the competitive video gaming event, others have questioned the choice of host, because of the Kingdom's human rights record. The summer Olympics have come to a close in Paris, so we speak to the man behind the huge television operation there, using new tech to deliver the action to you - from almost every possible angle. From China to Mexico - how online shopping is changing the economics of restaurant food deliveries in a mega city. And what does it take to keep Wikipedia up-to-date ? We find out. Presenter: Alasdair Keane Producer: Tom Quinn (Photo: A competitor takes part in a motorsport event during Olympic esports week in Singapore, 2023. Credit: Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images)