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Global technology. Grounded in Africa.

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  1. African Tech

    Kenya's geothermal cloud promise needs more than a power plant

  2. Distribution

    Before choosing a maritime network, ask who handles the outage

  3. Science

    Plug-in solar is here in Great Britain. Check the flat before buying the panel

  4. Science

    Artemis II's lunar archive: how to explore NASA's images, audio and observation notes

  5. Reviews

    Kate Faulkner and the names behind Morris & Co.'s designs

  6. Reviews

    JBL's Seoul gallery puts the living room back into audio design

  7. Distribution

    Buying cloud services: ask what you can change without a support ticket

  8. Distribution

    Satellite on your phone: check the service, not just the signal

  9. Distribution

    Passkeys protect the login. Check your recovery route before losing your phone

African tech, in context

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People →

White Waymo Zeekr vehicles parked in front of numbered depot doors.

When a robotaxi stops, who actually helps?

Driverless does not mean without support. Waymo's documents separate remote advice, rider assistance and roadside recovery—and suggest better questions for any new service.

2 Nov 2026
Processed telescope image of Pa 30 with orange-red radial chains of gas knots amid blue-white stars.

Pa 30's supernova image reveals gas knots, not a solved mystery

Gemini North has resolved chains of gas knots in the likely remnant of the supernova seen in 1181. Here is what the image measures, how its colours work and what remains unexplained.

2 Nov 2026

Innovation →

A black cable ends in a USB Type-C plug on a pale surface.

USB-C fits. That does not tell you what the cable can do

Before replacing a cable, separate its connector, data capability and power rating. Then check the devices at both ends: a better cable cannot upgrade a limited port.

2 Nov 2026
White Waymo Zeekr vehicles parked in front of numbered depot doors.

When a robotaxi stops, who actually helps?

Driverless does not mean without support. Waymo's documents separate remote advice, rider assistance and roadside recovery—and suggest better questions for any new service.

2 Nov 2026

Networks →

White Waymo Zeekr vehicles parked in front of numbered depot doors.

When a robotaxi stops, who actually helps?

Driverless does not mean without support. Waymo's documents separate remote advice, rider assistance and roadside recovery—and suggest better questions for any new service.

2 Nov 2026
Olkaria V geothermal power-station buildings and steam vents among low hills under a cloudy sky.

Kenya's geothermal cloud promise needs more than a power plant

Geothermal energy is a compelling ingredient for computing infrastructure. A 2024 cloud proposal is not a commissioning receipt—and buyers need evidence of the whole service.

2 Nov 2026

Gadgets →

A black cable ends in a USB Type-C plug on a pale surface.

USB-C fits. That does not tell you what the cable can do

Before replacing a cable, separate its connector, data capability and power rating. Then check the devices at both ends: a better cable cannot upgrade a limited port.

2 Nov 2026
Solar panels mounted on balconies of a residential building photographed in Germany in February 2023.

Plug-in solar is here in Great Britain. Check the flat before buying the panel

A compliant panel is only one part of the decision: building permission, electrical suitability and honest savings matter. Batteries are a separate question.

2 Nov 2026

People, ideas & the things they make

People desk →
White Waymo Zeekr vehicles parked in front of numbered depot doors.

From the People desk

When a robotaxi stops, who actually helps?

Driverless does not mean without support. Waymo's documents separate remote advice, rider assistance and roadside recovery—and suggest better questions for any new service.

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