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Technology

Alexa, meet Roomba: Amazon buys robotic vacuum maker iRobot for $1.7 billion

by Stephanie Hughes
Aug 8, 2022
"Alexa, please tell the Roomba to stop scaring the cat."
Amazon's billion-dollar purchase of Roomba may see the company become even more involved in home smart technologies.
Eric Piermont/Getty Images
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When we expect big things from tech, the economy does better, according to new research

by Kai Ryssdal and Sarah Leeson
Jul 28, 2022
There's a link between anticipating future technology and spending decisions in the present, says macroeconomics professor Cristoph Görtz.
News of future technology rollouts can boost spending, new research shows, but some tech events can make people feel poorer.
Simonkr / Getty Images
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Is this what the “metaverse” looks like?

by Kai Ryssdal and Maria Hollenhorst
Jun 1, 2022
“Marketplace” host Kai Ryssdal takes a guided tour of a virtual world.
Kai Ryssdal explores a simulated conference room using a virtual reality headset.
Screenshot/Marketplace
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Rolling back degree requirements expands the pipeline for tech

by Meghan McCarty Carino
Apr 27, 2022
Hiring based on skills rather than degrees is more labor intensive.
While many tech companies say they’re loosening up on degree requirements, a Harvard analysis found some big tech firms demanded degrees for more than 70% of jobs.
Dean Mitchell/Getty Images
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Visual artists see NFTs as a new opportunity to connect with their communities

by Emil Moffatt
Apr 13, 2022
NFTs can help artists bypass traditional channels, such as art galleries. But artists also have to navigate environmental, legal questions surrounding them.
A mural in Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward neighborhood features the work of visual artist Greg Mike. Over the last year, Mike has minted several collections of his artwork as NFTs.
Emil Moffatt
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Russia wakes up to big technological weaknesses

by Justin Ho
Mar 15, 2022
Russia's economy relies on imported tech, like aircraft parts and semiconductors. That leaves it vulnerable as sanctions multiply.
The Biden administration has big goals when it comes to implementing the CHIPS Act. But the plan isn't without its hurdles.
Josep Lago/AFP via Getty Images
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COVID-19

China's COVID outbreak causing new manufacturing slowdowns

by Matt Levin
Mar 14, 2022
China’s zero-tolerance approach to the virus is affecting American as well as Chinese companies.
Strict anti-coronavirus measures are hindering electronics manufacturing and other business in China. Above, workers in protective gear at a mass testing site in Beijing.
Kevin Frayer/Getty Images
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Tech companies around the world depend on Ukrainian workers. Now they're trying to help them.

by Stephanie Hughes
Mar 3, 2022
Ukraine has become essential to global tech. Now companies are relocating employees and dealing with disrupted communications.
People wait to board an evacuation train in Kyiv, Ukraine's capital. The Russian invasion is forcing companies that rely on Ukrainian technology services to activate contingency plans.
Pierre Crom/Getty Images
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The last to use 3G phone service, rural America prepares to do without it

by Savannah Maher
Feb 21, 2022
Wireless companies want to convert the frequencies 3G uses to faster 5G service.
As wireless carriers phase out 3G service in favor of 5G, lower-income residents in rural communities will have to grapple with the costs of upgrading technology.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
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Here's why Microsoft is buying Activision Blizzard

by Amanda Peacher
Jan 18, 2022
Microsoft plans to spend nearly $70 billion for the video game maker, whose problematic workplace culture will present challenges.
Though Microsoft may be challenged to fix Activision’s workplace culture, the deal will give the software company more weight in the video game industry.
Rich Polk/Getty Images for Activision
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