<keyword id="19945681" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="samsung-electronics" source="keywords">Samsung Electronics</keyword> on Monday unveiled the long-awaited <keyword id="20240309" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="galaxy-ring" source="keywords">Galaxy Ring</keyword> smart device for the first time at the ongoing Mobile World Congress (<keyword id="20132833" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="mwc" source="keywords">MWC</keyword>) 2024. <br /><br />The ring-type digital healthcare device was showcased in three colours and nine sizes at the South Korean company's booth on the opening day of this year's MWC, which kicked off at <keyword id="20735071" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="fira-gran" source="keywords">Fira Gran</keyword> Via in Barcelona, Spain, according to <keyword id="19897758" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="samsung" source="keywords">Samsung</keyword>.<br /><br />The Galaxy Ring will be comfortable to wear while sleeping, and the ring's inner surface will wrap around the user's finger to measure detailed health data, said the company.<br /><br />But Samsung Electronics said it has no plan to disclose details of specifications until the official launch, reports Yonhap News Agency.<br /><br />Also, the wearable devices were presented within transparent boxes, limiting the hands-on experience for visitors.<br /><br />The disclosure of the Galaxy Ring came about a month after Samsung Electronics teased the new ring-type device during the Galaxy S24 Unpacked event held in California last month.<br /><br />The Galaxy Ring is anticipated to hit store shelves later in 2024.<br /><br /><strong>SEE ALSO:<br /><br /><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/webstories/iqoo-neo-9-pro-vs-oneplus-12r-which-mid-range-phone-should-you-buy/slidelist/107938249.cms">iQOO Neo 9 Pro vs OnePlus 12R – which mid-range phone should you buy?</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/from-usernames-to-secret-codes-for-locked-chats-here-are-the-upcoming-whatsapp-features/articleshow/107885651.cms">From usernames to secret codes for locked chats, here are the upcoming WhatsApp features</a><br /><br /></strong><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/xiaomi-14-to-launch-in-india-on-march-7-to-take-on-the-galaxy-s23-and-oneplus-12/articleshow/107841326.cms"><strong>Xiaomi 14 to launch in India on March 7, to take on the Galaxy S23 and OnePlus 12</strong></a><br />

Samsung unveils Galaxy Ring with health-tracking features at MWC

<ul><li><keyword id="16593420" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="mobile-world-congress-2023" source="Orion">Mobile World Congress 2023</keyword> will take place at Fira Gran Via, Barcelona from 27 February to 2 March 2023.</li><li>At least five Android phone manufacturers are participating in the event.</li><li>During the event, expect to see new devices and technologies from OnePlus, Xiaomi, Tecno, Realme, Samsung, and more.</li></ul>The <keyword id="111480" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="mobile-world-congress" source="Orion">Mobile World Congress</keyword> is the largest <keyword id="16626166" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="mobile-phone-exhibition" source="Orion">mobile phone exhibition</keyword> globally, where major Android smartphone manufacturers gather to showcase and introduce their latest technologies. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, MWC experienced a hiatus for two years, and its 2022 event was smaller in scale than prior years. <br /><br />The Mobile World Congress was once the major event for premier device reveals by big names like Samsung. However, most manufacturers now opt to introduce their flagship products individually. For instance, Oppo Find N2 Flip's global launch was held on 15 February, while Samsung unveiled its Galaxy S23 series earlier in the same month. Nevertheless, we are aware of at least five other Android phone manufacturers participating in the event. <br /><br />The MWC 2023 will take place at Fira Gran Via, Barcelona from 27 February to 2 March 2023.<br /><br />Below, we will provide you with information on all the manufacturers that have verified their participation at the Mobile World Congress 2023.<br /><cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="OnePlus" comment="subhead" text="OnePlus"><span data-til="noop">OnePlus</span></cmsannotation><br />OnePlus has confirmed its participation in MWC 2023, where it will unveil its <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/oneplus-11-concept-video-reveals-a-large-camera-and-a-rear-panel-that-lights-up/articleshow/98112845.cms">OnePlus 11 Concept</a>, a phone with a light-up rear similar to the Nothing Phone 1. The 11 Concept was teased by OnePlus during its launch event.<br /><br />Similar to its previous concept phone, the OnePlus 11 Concept is unlikely to be available for purchase, but it may showcase features that OnePlus is exploring and could potentially include in future devices.<br /><cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Xiaomi" comment="subhead" text="Xiaomi"><span data-til="noop">Xiaomi</span></cmsannotation><br />The global launch of the Xiaomi 13 series is scheduled for February 26, as confirmed by its CEO, Lei Jun, on Twitter. In case Xiaomi decides to surprise us with something new, the Mobile World Congress could be where we catch the first glimpse of the Xiaomi 13 Ultra.<br /><cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Tecno" comment="subhead" text="Tecno"><span data-til="noop">Tecno</span></cmsannotation><br />You may not be familiar with Tecno, as it is a smaller mobile manufacturer. The company has confirmed that it will present a new foldable phone, the Tecno Phantom V Fold at MWC 2023. The device will be powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9000+ chipset. Beyond this, there is limited information available about the Phantom V Fold or any other products Tecno may unveil during the event.<br /><cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Realme" comment="subhead" text="Realme"><span data-til="noop">Realme</span></cmsannotation><br />Realme is pushing smartphone charging capabilities to new heights by announcing the world's first 240W fast-charging smartphone, the Realme GT 3 at MWC 2023. The device will be powered by the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, making it more affordable than other flagship phones in 2023 despite its advanced charging technology. Realme is set to reveal the GT 3 on February 28.<br /><cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Samsung" comment="subhead" text="Samsung"><span data-til="noop">Samsung</span></cmsannotation><br />Samsung has announced that it will participate in MWC 2023, where it will showcase the Galaxy S23 series, but no new smartphones will be introduced. Additionally, the company is expected to present and demonstrate various 5G technologies during the event.<br /><cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Nubia to launch VR glasses" comment="subhead" text="Nubia to launch VR glasses"><span data-til="noop">Nubia to launch VR glasses</span></cmsannotation><br />Nubia has announced the launch of its VR glasses, called the nubia Neovision Glass, which promises an unrestricted audio-visual experience. Furthermore, the company will unveil the Nubia Pad 3D, a tablet that supports 3D visuals.<br /><br />SEE ALSO:<br /><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/scammers-are-cashing-in-with-fake-chatgpt-apps-heres-what-you-can-do-stay-safe/articleshow/98199424.cms">Scammers are cashing in with fake ChatGPT apps: Here’s what you can do stay safe</a><br /><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/noninvasive-blood-glucose-testing-is-among-the-[%E2%80%A6]y-reaches-proof-of-concept-stage/articleshow/98198709.cms">Noninvasive blood glucose testing is among the new Apple Watch tech that reportedly reaches 'Proof-of Concept' stage</a><br />

MWC 2023: Here's what to expect at this year’s Mobile World Congress

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/56a8e4cd58c32384008b58bc-3776-2832/gettyimages-474639991.jpg" alt="mark zuckerberg" data-mce-source="David Ramos/Getty Images" data-mce-caption="Co-Founder, Chairman and CEO of Facebook Mark Zuckerberg speaks during his keynote conference as part of the first day of the Mobile World Congress 2014 at the Fira Gran Via complex on February 24, 2014 in Barcelona, Spain." /><p class="source"><span>David Ramos/Getty Images</span></p><p class="caption">Co-Founder, Chairman and CEO of Facebook Mark Zuckerberg speaks during his keynote conference as part of the first day of the Mobile World Congress 2014 at the Fira Gran Via complex on February 24, 2014 in Barcelona, Spain.</p></div><p></p></div></div>Facebook reports its Q1 earnings Wednesday afternoon. </p><p><span><span>Here's what Wall Street is expecting, <a href="http://finance.yahoo.com/q/ae?s=FB+Analyst+Estimates">via Yahoo Finance</a>:</span></span></p><ul><li><strong>Earnings per share</strong><span>: $0.62, up from $0.42 in Q2 2015</span></li><li><strong>Revenue</strong>: $5.25 billion, up 48% from $3.54 billion in Q2 2015 </li></ul><p>Facebook doesn't break out revenue from Instagram, but analysts and investors will also be looking for signs of growth from the photosharing app, as well as more details about video and its chat apps, Messenger and WhatsApp. </p><p>We'll be following along live so refresh or <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/facebook-q1-2016-earnings-2016-4">click here to update</a>. </p>

LIVE: Facebook earnings

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/56a8e4cd58c32384008b58bc-3776-2832/gettyimages-474639991.jpg" alt="mark zuckerberg" data-mce-source="David Ramos/Getty Images" data-mce-caption="Co-Founder, Chairman and CEO of Facebook Mark Zuckerberg speaks during his keynote conference as part of the first day of the Mobile World Congress 2014 at the Fira Gran Via complex on February 24, 2014 in Barcelona, Spain." /><p class="source"><span>David Ramos/Getty Images</span></p><p class="caption">Co-Founder, Chairman and CEO of Facebook Mark Zuckerberg speaks during his keynote conference as part of the first day of the Mobile World Congress 2014 at the Fira Gran Via complex on February 24, 2014 in Barcelona, Spain.</p></div><p></p></div></div>Facebook is flying high Thursday morning after posting stronger than expected earnings.</p><p>As of the market open shares of the social media giant are up just over 10% at $119.79.</p><p>The high-flying move comes <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/facebook-q1-2016-earnings-2016-4">the day after the company crushed</a> profit, revenue, and user growth expectations. From top to bottom, the earnings looked incredible strong with mobile users and revenue still increasing and engagement picking up.</p><p>Founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg also proposed <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/facebook-new-stock-structure-2016-4">a new class of stock</a>, a non-voting class C, that would raise more capital while also assuring Zuckerberg control of the company for the foreseeable future. The move still has to be approved by the current shareholders.</p><p>Video growth was also strong, especially on the company's Instagram platform.</p><p>Add all that good news up, and you get the 10% bump.</p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table click-to-enlarge"><div><div class="image"><a title_source="Google Finance" title_caption="" class="zoomin" href="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/572211dd52bcd01d7b8bf51a-960/screen shot 2016-04-28 at 9.35.20 am.png"><span class="sprites click-to-enlarge-icon" title="Click to enlarge"></span><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/572211dd52bcd01d7b8bf51a-1091-708/screen shot 2016-04-28 at 9.35.20 am.png" alt="Screen Shot 2016 04 28 at 9.35.20 AM" data-mce-source="Google Finance" /></a><p class="source"><span>Google Finance</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></p>      <div class="margin-top">        <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/global-economy-biggest-threat-2016-4">FORMER GREEK FINANCE MINISTER: The single largest threat to the global economy</a></h3>        <div>            <div>    <script src="http://player.ooyala.com/v3/6e12e8b3387a44daacfb73afba25a76e"></script>    <div class="ooyala-video-player" data-video-autoplay="false" data-video-id="4wNWo1MzE6mCXkk1XHZUEjn1PYYwkNot" data-player-variable="ooyalapopvideo" id="ooyalaplayer_popvideo" style="width:1280px;height:720px"></div>    <script>    if (typeof RunFunctions === 'undefined') { var RunFunctions = []; }     RunFunctions.push(function()    {         var ooyalapopvideo = OO.Player.create('ooyalaplayer_popvideo', '4wNWo1MzE6mCXkk1XHZUEjn1PYYwkNot',{ autoplay: 'false' });     });    </script>    <noscript><div>Please enable Javascript to watch this video</div></noscript></div>        </div>        <script>(function() { function createPlayer() { OO.ready(function() { RunFunctions.forEach(function(ooyalaFunction) { ooyalaFunction(); }); RunFunctions = [];}); } createPlayer(); }()); </script>    </div>

Facebook is soaring 10% after its dynamite earnings

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/56a8e43758c32386008b58ae-4256-2832/gettyimages-474639991.jpg" alt="mark zuckerberg" data-mce-source="David Ramos/Getty Images" data-mce-caption="Co-Founder, Chairman and CEO of Facebook Mark Zuckerberg speaks during his keynote conference as part of the first day of the Mobile World Congress 2014 at the Fira Gran Via complex on February 24, 2014 in Barcelona, Spain." /><p class="source"><span>David Ramos/Getty Images</span></p><p class="caption">Co-Founder, Chairman and CEO of Facebook Mark Zuckerberg speaks during his keynote conference as part of the first day of the Mobile World Congress 2014 at the Fira Gran Via complex on February 24, 2014 in Barcelona, Spain.</p></div><p></p></div></div>Facebook had a strong fourth quarter in 2015. Stock<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/facebook-2015-q4-earnings-2016-1"> surged more than 13% after Facebook beat estimates on the top and bottom line</a>.</p><p>The social media giant released impressive numbers across the board during the earnings call on Wednesday. Revenue increased beyond expectations, up by 52% year on year to $5.84 billion. Monthly active users went up to 1.59 billion - a 21% increase year on year. And daily active users were up 17% to 1.04 billion.</p><p>CEO Mark Zuckerberg said in the earnings call: "Overall Q4 was a strong quarter and a great end to the year ... But it's important to consider not just our business results but also how we're improving the lives of people and communities around the world."</p><p>Unsurprisingly, analysts called the results "remarkably strong," "better-than-expected," and "solid." To give more depth, we rounded up the analyst notes that dropped shortly after the earnings call, which also map out predictions for the company for the year ahead.</p>

Wall Street is going crazy for Facebook's Q4 results - here's what the analysts are saying

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/56fcee6edd0895b16f8b49bf-2400/gettyimages-511709408.jpg" alt="mark zuckerberg happy smiling waving facebook" data-mce-source="David Ramos/Getty Images" data-mce-caption="Founder and CEO of Facebook Mark Zuckerberg waves as he arrives for a keynote conference on the opening day of the World Mobile Congress at the Fira Gran Via Complex on February 22, 2016 in Barcelona, Spain. The annual Mobile World Congress hosts some of the world's largest communications companies, with many unveiling their latest phones and wearables gadgets." /><p class="source"><span>David Ramos/Getty Images</span></p><p class="caption">Founder and CEO of Facebook Mark Zuckerberg waves as he arrives for a keynote conference on the opening day of the World Mobile Congress at the Fira Gran Via Complex on February 22, 2016 in Barcelona, Spain. The annual Mobile World Congress hosts some of the world's largest communications companies, with many unveiling their latest phones and wearables gadgets.</p></div><p></p></div></div>Facebook is preparing to close a loophole that some people used to send and receive messages without installing the company's standalone Messenger app, <a href="http://techcrunch.com/2016/06/03/facebook-is-disabling-messaging-in-its-mobile-web-app-to-push-people-to-messenger/">TechCrunch reports</a>.</p><p>Right now there are a few different ways to check your Facebook messages: Inside the Messenger app, on a desktop computer, or on your mobile web browser if you don't want to install Messenger.</p><p>But Facebook says it's going to stop allowing people to send messages through mobile web browsers. Instead, those users will soon have to download Messenger.</p><p>The mobile web loophole isn't just a personal preference. It's useful for people who don't have room to download Messenger, or for users who can't upgrade to an operating system that supports Messenger.</p><p>It's easy to see why Facebook wants to force all of its mobile users to use the same messaging app, though. By slimming down the options, Facebook can make changes to its mobile messaging platform without having to change both Messenger and its mobile site. </p><p>Messaging is fast becoming the hot new trend in tech. <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/microsoft-ceo-satya-nadella-on-conversations-as-a-platform-and-chatbots-2016-3">Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella </a>spoke at length about the rise of chatbots and potential for artificial intelligence in messaging. And <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/r-ipo-investors-look-beyond-lines-cuddly-bears-flatulent-bunnies-2016-6">it looks like</a> Japanese chat app Line may finally move ahead with its $3 billion (£2 billion) IPO.</p>    <div class="margin-top">        <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/switzerland-gotthard-base-longest-train-tunnel-deepest-tech-world-2016-5">Switzerland spent $12 billion to build the world's longest and deepest train tunnel </a></h3>        <div>            <div>    <script src="http://player.ooyala.com/v3/6e12e8b3387a44daacfb73afba25a76e"></script>    <div class="ooyala-video-player" data-video-autoplay="false" data-video-id="ZmbzhzMzE6R2FSJ7NMR7ButL9XnY_-VL" data-player-variable="ooyalapopvideo" id="ooyalaplayer_popvideo" style="width:1280px;height:720px"></div>    <script>    if (typeof RunFunctions === 'undefined') { var RunFunctions = []; }     RunFunctions.push(function()    {         var ooyalapopvideo = OO.Player.create('ooyalaplayer_popvideo', 'ZmbzhzMzE6R2FSJ7NMR7ButL9XnY_-VL',{ autoplay: 'false' });     });    </script>    <noscript><div>Please enable Javascript to watch this video</div></noscript></div>        </div>        <script>(function() { function createPlayer() { OO.ready(function() { RunFunctions.forEach(function(ooyalaFunction) { ooyalaFunction(); }); RunFunctions = [];}); } createPlayer(); }()); </script>    </div>

Facebook is forcing even more people to use its Messenger app

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/55b937ec2acae7f4028bb4c7-4005-3004/gettyimages-464960004.jpg" alt="mark zuckerberg mobile world congress" data-mce-source="David Ramos/Getty Images" data-mce-caption="BARCELONA, SPAIN - MARCH 02: Founder and CEO of Facebook Mark Zuckerberg walks onto the stage prior to his keynote conference during the first day of the Mobile World Congress 2015 at the Fira Gran Via complex on March 2, 2015 in Barcelona, Spain." /><p class="source"><span>David Ramos/Getty Images</span></p><p class="caption">BARCELONA, SPAIN - MARCH 02: Founder and CEO of Facebook Mark Zuckerberg walks onto the stage prior to his keynote conference during the first day of the Mobile World Congress 2015 at the Fira Gran Via complex on March 2, 2015 in Barcelona, Spain.</p></div><p></p></div></div>More than three quarters of Facebook's <keyword id="35666" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="advertising">advertising</keyword> revenue now comes from mobile advertising.</p><p>That's up from 62% from a year ago.</p><p>The company's been heading this direction for some time - last quarter, 73% of its ad revenue was mobile - but it's still pretty stunning given that when Facebook went public in 2012, its mobile ad revenue was zero.</p><p>It's also pretty remarkable given the struggles other big media companies have had earning mobile ad revenues - Google just today started <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/google-launches-play-store-search-ads-2015-7">incorporating search ads</a> into the Google Play Store, where users buy apps and content for their Android phones.</p><p>According to <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/goldman-sachs-says-android-is-making-google-very-little-money-2015-4">April research from Goldman Sachs</a>, Google made about $12 billion in mobile search ad revenue last year - about 20% of its total ad revenue - and most of that came from search ads displayed on rival Apple's phones.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>    <div class="margin-top">        <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/slacking-red-bull-backflip-sport-baylines-2015-6">People doing backflips on a two-inch wide strap is a real sport called slacklining</a></h3>        <div>            <div>    <script src="http://player.ooyala.com/v3/6e12e8b3387a44daacfb73afba25a76e"></script>    <div class="ooyala-video-player" data-video-autoplay="false" data-video-id="J1cDZvdToyxik-Ww0y-RX8k6QQqJs9ZD" data-player-variable="ooyalapopvideo" id="ooyalaplayer_popvideo" style="width:1280px;height:720px"></div>    <script>    if (typeof RunFunctions === 'undefined') { var RunFunctions = []; }     RunFunctions.push(function()    {         var ooyalapopvideo = OO.Player.create('ooyalaplayer_popvideo', 'J1cDZvdToyxik-Ww0y-RX8k6QQqJs9ZD',{ autoplay: 'false' });     });    </script>    <noscript><div>Please enable Javascript to watch this video</div></noscript></div>        </div>        <script>(function() { function createPlayer() { OO.ready(function() { RunFunctions.forEach(function(ooyalaFunction) { ooyalaFunction(); }); RunFunctions = [];}); } createPlayer(); }()); </script>    </div>

Facebook's mobile advertising onslaught continues

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5732f1bddd0895715a8b483b-2400/gettyimages-511709446.jpg" alt="facebook ceo mark zuckerberg" data-mce-source="David Ramos/Getty Images" data-mce-caption="Founder and CEO of Facebook Mark Zuckerberg delivers his keynote conference on the opening day of the World Mobile Congress at the Fira Gran Via Complex on February 22, 2016 in Barcelona, Spain. The annual Mobile World Congress hosts some of the world's largest communications companies, with many unveiling their latest phones and wearables gadgets." /><p class="source"><span>David Ramos/Getty Images</span></p><p class="caption">Founder and CEO of Facebook Mark Zuckerberg delivers his keynote conference on the opening day of the World Mobile Congress at the Fira Gran Via Complex on February 22, 2016 in Barcelona, Spain. The annual Mobile World Congress hosts some of the world's largest communications companies, with many unveiling their latest phones and wearables gadgets.</p></div><p></p></div></div>Good morning! Here's the technology news you need to know this Friday.</p><p><strong>1. <a href="http://uk.businessinsider.com/twilio-ipo-debut-price-2016-6">Twilio went public yesterday and raised $150 million (£109 million).</a></strong> Its stock price soared more than 90% in its first day of trading.</p><p><strong>2. <a href="http://uk.businessinsider.com/how-much-you-can-make-as-an-uber-driver-in-denver-detroit-houston-2016-6">New data shows that Uber drivers make even less money than previously thought.</a></strong> BuzzFeed interviewed drivers in several US cities to find out out how much they're really paid.</p><p><strong>3. <a href="http://uk.businessinsider.com/after-huge-facebook-adds-political-bias-training-2016-6">Facebook has added political bias training.</a></strong> It comes after the site was accused of hiding conservative news outlets from its "Trending" section.</p><p><strong>4. <a href="http://uk.businessinsider.com/uber-stops-showing-surge-pricing-rates-2016-6">Uber will stop showing the surge price that it charges for rides.</a></strong> Instead it will just show a total rate and note if it's increased.</p><p><strong>5. <a href="http://uk.businessinsider.com/tech-city-uk-is-turning-to-the-private-sector-as-government-funding-dwindles-2016-6">Tech City UK is turning to the private sector as government funding dwindles.</a></strong> The quango is increasing the amount it takes from private sector sponsors operating in sectors like financial services, law, and technology.</p><p><strong>6. <a href="http://uk.businessinsider.com/apple-hires-sage-bionetworks-cofounder-2016-6">Apple just hired a guy who could completely re-invent the company.</a></strong><a href="http://uk.businessinsider.com/apple-hires-sage-bionetworks-cofounder-2016-6"> </a>Stephen Friend, cofounder and President of Sage Bionetworks, is joining Apple's healthcare team.</p><p><strong>7. <a href="http://uk.businessinsider.com/tech-ceos-endorse-hillary-clinton-2016-6">A group of US tech leaders endorsed Hillary Clinton for president.</a></strong> The list includes Sheryl Sandberg and Eric Schmidt.</p><p><strong>8. <a href="http://uk.businessinsider.com/google-fiber-acquires-webpass-2016-6">Google just bought a high-speed internet company to help wire the US. </a></strong>Google Fiber, the high-speed internet-access business owned by Alphabet, has bought Webpass for an undisclosed sum.</p><p><strong>9. <a href="http://uk.businessinsider.com/adeles-album-25-is-finally-available-on-spotify-seven-months-after-its-release-2016-6">Adele's latest album is finally available on Spotify.</a></strong> Adele famously held off on featuring "25" on streaming services upon its release back in November.</p><p><strong>10. <a href="http://uk.businessinsider.com/microsoft-is-in-a-public-fight-over-how-much-battery-its-web-browser-uses-2016-6">Microsoft is in a public fight over how much battery its web browser uses.</a> </strong>Microsoft published a post on its Windows blog detailing the result of a test it carried out showing its new Edge browser as being far more power-efficient than any rivals.</p>    <div class="margin-top">        <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/facebook-360-degree-photo-camera-photography-2016-6">How to use Facebook's awesome new 360-degree photo feature</a></h3>        <div>            <div>    <script src="http://player.ooyala.com/v3/6e12e8b3387a44daacfb73afba25a76e"></script>    <div class="ooyala-video-player" data-video-autoplay="false" data-video-id="NzcjVhNDE6uwbJ72tRNLc99VfW7t7M5p" data-player-variable="ooyalapopvideo" id="ooyalaplayer_popvideo" style="width:1280px;height:720px"></div>    <script>    if (typeof RunFunctions === 'undefined') { var RunFunctions = []; }     RunFunctions.push(function()    {         var ooyalapopvideo = OO.Player.create('ooyalaplayer_popvideo', 'NzcjVhNDE6uwbJ72tRNLc99VfW7t7M5p',{ autoplay: 'false' });     });    </script>    <noscript><div>Please enable Javascript to watch this video</div></noscript></div>        </div>        <script>(function() { function createPlayer() { OO.ready(function() { RunFunctions.forEach(function(ooyalaFunction) { ooyalaFunction(); }); RunFunctions = [];}); } createPlayer(); }()); </script>    </div>

10 things in tech you need to know today

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/574e9826dd089538058b46f3-2400/gettyimages-511709388.jpg" alt="facebook ceo mark zuckerberg happy smiling laughing" data-mce-source="David Ramos/Getty Images" data-mce-caption="Founder and CEO of Facebook Mark Zuckerberg delivers his keynote conference on the opening day of the World Mobile Congress at the Fira Gran Via Complex on February 22, 2016 in Barcelona, Spain. The annual Mobile World Congress hosts some of the world's largest communications companies, with many unveiling their latest phones and wearables gadgets." /><p class="source"><span>David Ramos/Getty Images</span></p><p class="caption">Founder and CEO of Facebook Mark Zuckerberg delivers his keynote conference on the opening day of the World Mobile Congress at the Fira Gran Via Complex on February 22, 2016 in Barcelona, Spain. The annual Mobile World Congress hosts some of the world's largest communications companies, with many unveiling their latest phones and wearables gadgets.</p></div><p></p></div></div>Facebook is planning to introduce optional end-to-end encryption for its popular Messenger app, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/may/31/facebook-messenger-bot-encryption-secure-messaging">according to a new report from The Guardian</a>.</p><p>The change would mean that if the user decides to switch encryption on for a message thread, the messages would be encoded in a way that makes them indecipherable to anyone who isn't either the sender or the messages' intended recipient - including Facebook itself and law enforcement.</p><p>It's reportedly due to launch in "the coming months."</p><p>Facebook hasn't officially confirmed its encryption plans, with The Guardian's report based off three anonymous sources "close to the project." The social network did not immediately respond to Business Insider's request for comment.</p><p>But the move would not be totally surprising, given the tech industry's increasing focus on security amid a broad debate over consumer use of encryption and the challenges it presents.</p><p>Apple was one of the earlier big tech companies to bring strong encryption to consumers. Its iMessage messaging service is end-to-end encrypted, <a href="http://www.apple.com/privacy/approach-to-privacy/">meaning the company can't </a>"scan your communications, and [it] wouldn't be able to comply with a wiretap order even if [it] wanted to." (And Apple devices running iOS 8 and onwards <a href="http://arstechnica.com/apple/2014/09/apple-expands-data-encryption-under-ios-8-making-handover-to-cops-moot/">also have full-disk encryption</a>, preventing Apple or anyone else from accessing the data saved on a device without the correct passcode.)</p><p>At the start of April 2016, WhatsApp - the wildly popular messaging app owned by Facebook - turned on end-to-end encryption for its more than one billion users. "Building secure products actually makes for a safer world, (though) many people in law enforcement may not agree with that," <a href="http://www.wired.com/2016/04/forget-apple-vs-fbi-whatsapp-just-switched-encryption-billion-people/">cofounder Brian Acton told Wired at the time of the announcement</a>.</p><p>Even Google is now at it. The Californian search and mobile <a href="http://www.theverge.com/2016/5/18/11699122/google-allo-messaging-app-announced-io-2016">announced a new chat app called Allo</a> at its I/O conference in May. Allo also comes with end-to-end encryption, but users have to choose to switch it on for specific chats, as using it means the sophisticated AI that differentiates the app can no longer work.</p><p>In short: By <em>not</em> having encryption, Facebook Messenger is behind the times.</p><p>Like Google's Allo, Facebook Messenger's encryption will be opt-in. Facebook is increasingly emphasising the utility of automated bots in Messenger - but if end-to-end encryption were enabled for all conversations, these bots wouldn't be able to function.</p><p>So adding encryption as an optional extra placates users who are looking for additional security, and helps Messenger keep up with its competitors, while not hampering intended functionality for the majority. </p><p>But the move - once official - may draw the ire of some in law enforcement, who have grown exasperated and angry over the consumer technology industry's widespread adoption of encryption. When Apple first introduced default-on full-disk encryption, it was accused of being <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/police-apple-will-become-the-phone-of-choice-for-the-pedophile-2014-9">"the phone of choice for the pedophile,"</a> with law enforcement worrying that the encryption will make it harder to gather vital evidence from once-unlocked smartphones.</p><p>But the tech companies and privacy advocates counter that strong encryption is vital to safeguard users' privacy, and to protect their data from hackers.</p>    <div class="margin-top">        <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/robot-hand-learns-on-its-own-2016-5">Researchers built a robot hand that mimics human dexterity and learns on its own</a></h3>        <div>            <div>    <script src="http://player.ooyala.com/v3/6e12e8b3387a44daacfb73afba25a76e"></script>    <div class="ooyala-video-player" data-video-autoplay="false" data-video-id="dnbzFrMzE6o_gBmbxv2Tt8RNo97fnEg2" data-player-variable="ooyalapopvideo" id="ooyalaplayer_popvideo" style="width:1280px;height:720px"></div>    <script>    if (typeof RunFunctions === 'undefined') { var RunFunctions = []; }     RunFunctions.push(function()    {         var ooyalapopvideo = OO.Player.create('ooyalaplayer_popvideo', 'dnbzFrMzE6o_gBmbxv2Tt8RNo97fnEg2',{ autoplay: 'false' });     });    </script>    <noscript><div>Please enable Javascript to watch this video</div></noscript></div>        </div>        <script>(function() { function createPlayer() { OO.ready(function() { RunFunctions.forEach(function(ooyalaFunction) { ooyalaFunction(); }); RunFunctions = [];}); } createPlayer(); }()); </script>    </div>

Facebook reportedly plans to make it impossible for law enforcement to read your messages

<p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/mobile-world-congress-2015"><img src="http://static2.businessinsider.com/image/54f0a62d6da8115160db7c9a-800-75/mobile-world-congress-2015-banner03.png" border="0" width="800" height="75" /></a></p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/54f8168beab8ea57050297b1-720-960/11048619_10153082275062457_7988117209309958276_n.jpg" border="0" alt="Escort agency ad MWC"><p class="source"><span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10153082275062457&amp;set=a.10150320376937457.382055.564067456&amp;type=1&amp;permPage=1">Facebook/Helen Keegan</a></span></p></img></div><p></p></div></div>An escort agency in Barcelona bought up one of the highly sought-after billboards on the main road from the center of the city into the Mobile World Congress venue.</p><p>And it appeared right next to one of Samsung's outdoor ads.</p><p>Escorts and prostitutes flock upon Barcelona's hotels and bars as the huge mobile trade show takes place each year as they look to take home top-price rates from wealthy business people.</p><p>That's not all, according to two Facebook users commenting on the billboard photo posted by MWC-goer Helen Keegan, the Apricots escort agency website also used the official GSMA Mobile World Congress logo on its website, with a banner-type ad stating "We are ready."</p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/54f818b16da811c80ae85d0a-963-409/11051935_10152654502070811_9118309186974897919_o.jpg" border="0" alt="Apricots MWC"><p class="source"><span>Facebook/George Nimeh</span></p></img></div><p></p></div></div></p><p>The GSMA, which organizes MWC, has now "taken action" on the unauthorized use of its logo and branding on the website, according to Facebook user Maria Shiao Di Francesco. She said she had been emailed by GSMA director general Anne Bouverot, who Di Francesco says is "determined not to let MWC become a CES under her watch." <span style="line-height: 1.5em;">CES is the electronics trade show that takes place in Las Vegas each year. It became a hotspot for commercial sex several years ago when a porn trade show was held at the same time. The two shows' schedules have since been changed to avoid that. </span></p><p>However, while the GSMA may have forced the removal of its logo from the Apricots website, it is clear the agency is still very much targeting the last remaining MWC delegates. A blog post still appears on its website advising users to "be careful with taxis during the Mobile World Congress of Barcelona." It goes on to advise that taxi drivers with passengers asking to go to a brothel will often drive to a different one, which charges higher rates.</p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/54f81c826bb3f7666b6eb466-975-569/screen shot 2015-03-05 at 8.38.50 am.png" border="0" alt="Apricots escort agency"><p class="source"><span><a href="http://en.apricots.es/whorehouse-blog/54e59c90512faeff20235ad6">Apricots</a></span></p></img></div><p></p></div></div></p><p>A GSMA spokeswoman told Business Insider: "We absolutely do not condone prostitution or the exploitation of women at our event. We are constantly monitoring and addressing issues as we are made aware of them. In this particular case, the company was using the Mobile World Congress logo on their website. This has now been removed. Billboards that do not specifically reference Mobile World Congress or our brand are beyond our direct control, but we are working with the city of Barcelona to address these issues in the future. We are committed as an organisation to making our event a positive environment for all attendees and will continue to focus resources to ensure this."</p><p>On Wednesday there was a small protest outside the main Fira Gran Via Mobile World Congress venue. Protesters bore signs which read: "Real men don't buy girls."</p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/54f81af6ecad04e07fe22a1a-1200-924/10865943_10153083922777457_7158909449278175511_o.jpg" border="0" alt="MWC protest"><p class="source"><span>Facebook/Helen Keegan</span></p><p class="caption">Protestors against prostitution outside the Mobile World Congress 2015 venue</p></img></div><p></p></div></div></p><p>This is not the first year MWC has been plunged into controversy around the sex trade. In 2012 <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/mediatechnologyandtelecoms/telecoms/9127094/Russias-CBOSS-kicked-out-of-telecoms-trade-show-over-escorts.html">the GSMA kicked out and banned Russian telecoms company CBOSS from the show</a>. The company had been handing out leaflets offering visitors "champagne, caviar and a beautiful girl" if they attended business briefings. </p><p>Prostitution in Spain is not illegal, but nor is it regulated by authorities. However, Barcelona recently introduced fines for prostitutes working and clients picking up sex workers on the street.</p>

An escort agency bought a billboard on the main road into Mobile World Congress

<p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5559e498dd089563448b45af-1200-924/mwc-2-15-robot.jpg" border="0" alt="MWC 2-15 robot"><p class="source"><span>Getty</span></p><p class="caption">A hostess performs with robot under control by 5G Technology at SK Telekom pavilion during the second day of the Mobile World Congress 2015 at the Fira Gran Via complex on 3 March, 2015.</p></img></div><p></p></div></div>Ocado, <a href="http://uk.businessinsider.com/why-i-just-bought-1000-of-ocado-stock-2015-3">the online grocer that resembles a food version of Amazon</a>, insisted that it plans to grow its human workforce despite <a href="http://uk.businessinsider.com/ocado-robots-patent-2015-5">the existence of its blueprint</a> to potentially transform its warehouse operations with robots. The statement comes at a time that <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/business/2015/may/15/ocado-chairman-lord-rose-companies-understand-financial-pressures-on-staff">where it is battling criticism over staff pay</a>.</span></p><p>Ocado is one of Britain's most exciting tech companies, as it's racking up massive revenue growth and creating a whole heap of <a href="http://uk.businessinsider.com/ocado-robots-patent-2015-5">technology that it can hive off and sell on to other businesses should it wish</a>.</p><p>Its revenues grew by 20% to nearly £1 billion ($1.5 billion) in 2014, when it recorded a profit for the first time since it floated on the stock exchange five years ago. Its latest data shows that its group gross sales for the 12 weeks to February 22, soared 19% year-on-year. <a href="http://uk.businessinsider.com/ocado-q1-trading-update-2015-3">Ocado also said that average orders per week also rose by 18.1%</a>.</p><p>On May 7, Business Insider reported on how Ocado was looking at developing a raft of new warehouse robots to cut costs and increase efficiency, <a href="http://uk.businessinsider.com/ocado-robots-patent-2015-5#ixzz3aUML5jib">according to a new patent filing</a>.</p><p>The system could help the company further reduce the need for human workers inside its vast customer fulfilment centres, where it packages shopping for delivery.</p><p>However, Ocado was keen to tell us that it will still grow its human workforce even many may speculate that it will cut down employees in the event of money saving robots being implemented in the supply chain.</p><p>"As the only pure-play online grocery retailer, Ocado is always looking for ways to enhance its customer proposition through the development of industry-leading and proprietary technology," said Ocado in a statement to Business Insider.</p><p>"As a result, we file a number of patents each year but we may not choose to utilise everything that we patent. As the business grows in scale, we will continue to grow our workforce with a focus on providing the best and most efficient service to our customers."</p><p>The concerns for Ocado replacing its staff with robots comes at a time when <span style="line-height: 1.5em;">its chairman and former Marks &amp; Spencer boss Lord Rose had to respond to allegations that the company isn't paying its staff enough.</span></p><p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">"We have to balance off what we can afford to do and what is right to do," said Lord Rose, <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/business/2015/may/15/ocado-chairman-lord-rose-companies-understand-financial-pressures-on-staff">as documented by the Guardian</a>, at Ocado's annual shareholder meeting in London on Friday. </span><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">"[Fair wages are] obviously something that all in society <keyword id="6354868" type="COUNTRY" weightage="60" keywordseo="UK">UK</keyword> today need to be talking and thinking about."</span></p><p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Campaign group ShareAction called for Ocado to pay its staff the "living wage" in Britain, which works out as £9.15 ($14.34) an hour in London and £7.85 ($12.3) across the remaining part of the UK. The "living wage" is calculated as the <a href="http://www.livingwage.org.uk/what-living-wage">minimum amount Britons need as an hourly wage to cover the basic cost of living in Britain</a>. This is different from the legal minimum wage in the UK, which is currently £6.50 ($10.19) an hour for those aged 21 and over.</span></p><p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Ocado stopped short of promising it'll raise all wages past the "living wage" threshold but Lord Rose insisted that a "vast majority" of its 8,500 strong workforce were paid above this level. Sources close to Ocado told Business Insider that this number equates to around 90% of its staff.</span></p>    <div class="margin-top">        <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/how-floyd-mayweather-spends-his-money-boxing-2015-4">Here's how Floyd Mayweather spends his millions</a></h3>        <div>            <div>    <script src="http://player.ooyala.com/v3/6e12e8b3387a44daacfb73afba25a76e"></script>    <div class="ooyala-video-player" data-video-autoplay="false" data-video-id="NiaGVpdDqdBR4NCmtjL5odLe14N1R4Hp" data-player-variable="ooyalapopvideo" id="ooyalaplayer_popvideo" style="width:1280px;height:720px"></div>    <script>    if (typeof RunFunctions === 'undefined') { var RunFunctions = []; }     RunFunctions.push(function()    {         var ooyalapopvideo = OO.Player.create('ooyalaplayer_popvideo', 'NiaGVpdDqdBR4NCmtjL5odLe14N1R4Hp',{ autoplay: 'false' });     });    </script>    <noscript><div>Please enable Javascript to watch this video</div></noscript></div>        </div>        <script>(function() { function createPlayer() { OO.ready(function() { RunFunctions.forEach(function(ooyalaFunction) { ooyalaFunction(); }); RunFunctions = [];}); } createPlayer(); }()); </script>    </div>

Ocado says its robot blueprints don't mean it's scrapping human staff

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/55006247dd08952f568b45f1-1200-924/london drones future.jpg" border="0" alt="London Drones Future"><p class="source"><span>Stefano Pozzebon/BI, Shutterstock</span></p><p class="caption">This could be Britain. </p></img></div><p></p></div></div>Imagine a city filled with drones that help the National Health Service send life-saving equipment to an emergency, sensor-controlled waste bins that tell the council your rubbish is ready to be picked up, and robots to fix and maintain crucial infrastructure and transportation. Or even just to deliver your pizza.</p><p>This is a <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/249423/bis-13-1217-smart-city-market-opportunties-uk.pdf">Smart City</a>, and it is <span style="line-height: 1.5em;">why Dan Byles, a Conservative politician for North Warwickshire and Bedworth, is leaving parliament. He is taking up two new roles in the private sector to help build a digitised, more efficient Britain. Not just in the private sector but in state-run services as well.</span></p><p>Right after the May General Election, he'll join a tech company that helps provide platforms to held build Smart Cities, <a href="http://www.living-planit.com/what_is_living_planit.htm">Living PlanIT</a>, full-time as part of the senior management team. <span style="line-height: 1.5em;">He'll then become the chair of a organisation that helps promote Smart Cities, SmarterUK, around the same time although the exact date is not finalised yet.</span></p><p>"Since 2010, I became increasingly interested in Smart Cities and the complex systems to run a society. It's no longer about standalone verticals, it's about finding a way to use technology to make a country more efficient," Byles told Business Insider during a visit to Portcullis House in Westminster.</p><p>"I saw a gap in the market to bridge policymakers, the private sector and NGOs and charities from making Smart Cities a reality. There is a hunger to talk about this and the <keyword id="6354868" type="COUNTRY" weightage="60" keywordseo="UK">UK</keyword> is primed to be the leader in developing this sector. We need better open data sources, streamlining supply chains and better digitally savvy cities."</p><p><strong>From parliament to the complex world of Smart Cities</strong></p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_left"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/55006246dd08952f568b45ed-788-591/dan-byles-mp.jpg" border="0" alt="Dan Byles MP"><p class="source"><span>Dan Byles/Business Insider</span></p><p class="caption">Dan Byles is an MP that is stepping down after the May General Election to move into the Smart Cities sector.</p></img></div><p></p></div></div>During his four years as an MP, Byles successfully championed and chaired three cross-party parliamentary groups: Unconventional Oil &amp; Gas, Smart Cities, and Skills &amp; Employment.</p><p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">He is also</span><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"> a member of the Energy and Climate Change Select Committee and is the sponsor of an historic Private Members Bill on House of Lords Reform.</span></p><p>However, in July last year he announced that <a href="http://www.danbyles.co.uk/conservatives/news/dan-byles-mp-statement">he was going to leave parliament after the General Election in May 2015</a>.</p><p>"I initially stepped down but with no agenda. I was looking what to do next. But I was very fortunate that a lot of offers came my way from the oil and gas sector as well as the Smart Cities arena," said Byles, who also was the youngest serving major in the British army, at the age of 27, before becoming an MP.</p><p>"However, as I said, what interests me in the Smart Cities sector is how energy, infrastructure, healthcare, transportation and many other areas would benefit and become more efficient through technological developments. I can bring all my experience together for this arena."</p><p><strong>Robots, tech infrastructure ... and Uber</strong></p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/55006247dd08952f568b45ef-1200-800/461841934.jpg" border="0" alt="A Kiva robot moves a rack of merchandise at an Amazon fulfilment center on January 20, 2015 in Tracy, California."><p class="source"><span>Getty</span></p><p class="caption">A Kiva robot moves a rack of merchandise at an Amazon fulfilment center on 20 January 2015 in Tracy, California.</p></img></div><p></p></div></div><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Some of the world's fastest-developing countries are already trying to build numerous cities that resemble something from a sci-fi movie. India is trying to </span><a href="http://uk.businessinsider.com/r-indias-smart-cities-would-be-stupid-without-disaster-strategy-2015-3">build 100 Smart Cities</a>,<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"> to not only improve the quality of life for its </span><a href="http://uk.businessinsider.com/r-indias-smart-cities-would-be-stupid-without-disaster-strategy-2015-3#ixzz3U4vm8Byl">1.2 billion residents but also to tackle its increasingly extreme weather</a><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">.</span></p><p>In Japan, the use of robotics for everything to serving food to <a href="http://uk.businessinsider.com/japanese-robot-restaurant-goes-to-syndey-2015-1">cleaning your house, is becoming the norm</a>.</p><p>Meanwhile, some of the world's biggest companies are rolling out technological innovations to help make business more efficient and cost effective. For example, <a href="https://vimeo.com/113374910">Amazon uses 15,000 Kiva robots across 10 order fulfilment centres</a> in the US that can collect merchandise. A Kiva can lift 750 pounds. A human cannot. </p><p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">"There's no 'one size fits all' approach to developing Smart Cities as no one has completed a fully realised one yet," said Byles. "But the attitude and mindset from businesses and the public for greater tech infrastructure to make their lives easier is there. It's empowering to see businesses, government bodies and the public wanting to use innovation for everything from procurement to day-to-day business more efficient. We just need to tie this altogether to make Smart Cities. Anything is possible, look how</span><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"> Uber has grown in five years."</span></p><p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Uber, <a href="http://uk.businessinsider.com/uber-1-million-women-jobs-un-2020-2015-3">the increasingly popular ride-share and taxi-hailing app</a>, was founded in 2009. By December 2014, its service was available in 53 countries and more than 200 cities. It is an example of understanding how an already developed industry could benefit from a streamlined approach to connect the buy and sell side in an easy to use way, says Byles.</span></p><p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">The appetite is strong for the latest tech developments to make society run better. Just take a look at the 2015 <a href="http://uk.businessinsider.com/lg-exec-could-miss-ces-over-sabotaged-washing-machine-2014-12">International CES trade expo in December last year</a>. Window-cleaning robots by Ecovacs Robotics were presented there, and iRobot CEO Colin Angle <span>delivered his keynote address <span>via live video </span></span>on a moving robot.</span></p><p><strong>Smart Cities to accommodate the growing population</strong></p><p class="float_right"><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/55006247dd08952f568b45ee-1200-858/465164434.jpg" border="0" alt="MWC 2-15 robot"><p class="source"><span>Getty</span></p><p class="caption">A hostess performs with robot under control by 5G Technology at SK Telekom pavilion during the second day of the Mobile World Congress 2015 at the Fira Gran Via complex on March 3, 2015.</p></img></div><p></p></div></div>Byles highlighted how the world population, not just Britain's, is expanding rapidly and in tandem the technology available through smartphones and the internet means that the dynamics of globalisation are changing dramatically too.</span></p><p>For example, in Britain's capital alone, the population is estimated to grow by one full tube train every three days, <span>according to Transport for London.</span></p><p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Meanwhile, globally, urban populations are growing by an estimated 1.3 million per week, according to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA). That's the equivalent of the world creating a new city the size of Birmingham weekly.</span></p><p>In tandem, the world's growing population is becoming more hooked up to technology. <span style="line-height: 1.5em;">The Economist estimated that </span><a href="http://www.economist.com/news/leaders/21645180-smartphone-ubiquitous-addictive-and-transformative-planet-phones">by 2020 an estimated 80% of adults globally will have access to a smartphone</a><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"> - bringing billions of more people online. </span><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Meanwhile, in a report by McKinsey Global Institute called 'Urban world: cities and the rise of the consuming class in 2012,' by 2025, the world would have built new urban floor space equivalent to the area of Australia.</span></p><p>Byles told us that it will take some time to get all cities up to speed before they become Smart Cities. Even getting fast internet available across the entire span of country is a big feat.</p><p>"There's no single city in the world that has become a fully Smart City but Britain could potentially lead the world in showing how it's done," said Byles. "The UK has already launched a number of pilot projects across a variety of cities which has already shown the cost benefits and efficiency that technology can provide if applied to every day processes from transportation, to infrastructure, to waste disposal to healthcare."</p><p><strong>Starting off small</strong></p><p class="float_right"><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/55006247dd08952f568b45f0-1200-858/460850672.jpg" border="0" alt="About thirty robots waiters work at a dining hall on December 26, 2014 in Hefei, Anhui province of China."><p class="source"><span>Getty</span></p><p class="caption">About 30 robots waiters work at a dining hall on December 26, 2014 in Hefei, Anhui province of China.</p></img></div><p></p></div></div></span>Last year marked the start of some big Smart City pilot projects in the UK.</span></p><p>In May 2014, Milton Keynes installed <a href="https://futurecities.catapult.org.uk/project-full-view/-/asset_publisher/oDS9tiXrD0wi/content/project-milton-keynes-internet-of-things/">sensors into recycling bins so that the local council would know when the bins were ready to be collected</a>. Birmingham said it is rolling out improved <a href="http://digitalbirmingham.co.uk/projects/">wifi services across the entire city</a> and is even helping fund businesses <a href="http://digitalbirmingham.co.uk/project/birmingham-connectivity-voucher-scheme/">who need a faster broadband connection to do business</a>.</p><p>Manchester, Glasgow, and Bristol are a few other cities are aiming to digitise their landscapes more and create more open data, networks while also putting plans forward to get old and emerging businesses onto computer networks. London already has the Oyster card system train payments system, and that has branched out from the capital to some parts of Surrey. The UK is also looking to roll out fast broadband services to every corner of the country. <span style="line-height: 1.5em;">UK train network Crossrail is also looking at how it can develop greater </span><a href="http://74f85f59f39b887b696f-ab656259048fb93837ecc0ecbcf0c557.r23.cf3.rackcdn.com/assets/library/document/c/original/crossrail_innovation_strategy.pdf">Smart City capabilities through its research body</a><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">.</span></p><p><strong>Challenges on the horizon</strong></p><p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/55006247dd08952f568b45f2-1200-1000/461207208 (1).jpg" border="0" alt="Dean Kurutz watches two WINBOT W930 window cleaning robots by Ecovacs Robotics work on either side of a window at the 2015 International CES at the Las Vegas Convention Center on January 8"><p class="source"><span>Getty</span></p><p class="caption">Two WINBOT W930 window cleaning robots by Ecovacs Robotics work on either side of a window at the 2015 International CES. </p></img></div><p></p></div></div>To make Smart Cities become a reality, the government, private sector, and NGOs and charities need to coordinate their efforts, says Byles. For example, Britain may face challenges when it comes to applying this dynamic to state-owned institutions like the NHS.</span></p><p>"Any development to something like healthcare is controversial and it's likely this could hold back the sector from getting on board with Smart Cities," said Byles. "But the potential for cutting costs and making it more efficient is incredibly important. The growing population means there is greater strain on our health services and technology can help with dealing with the inflow of new patients." <a href="http://www.nhsconfed.org/resources/key-statistics-on-the-nhs">The NHS deals with over 1 million patients every 36 hours</a><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">. </span></p><p>But as Byles puts it, there is "always a danger in democracy." Every four years bigger projects might be put on hold for the elections. <span style="line-height: 1.5em;">But he said Smart Cities is a "global phenomenon" and not just something one party concentrates on. </span><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">"In fact, look at how everyone is pushing for greater devolution of British cities, Smart Cities would empower local governments, businesses and people," he said.</span></p><p class="tagline"><div id="categorypromo" style="border:1px solid silver; min-height:114px; padding:4px;"><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/intelligence/research-store?IR=T&amp;utm_source=House&amp;utm_term=CtgrPr-Drones&amp;utm_campaign=CtgrPr#!/THE-DRONES-REPORT/p/47962272/category=11987294"><img src="http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/54f86d1a6bb3f7d9276eb46a-150/drones-4.png" style="float:left; margin-right:8px" /></a><strong> Get THE DRONES REPORT now!</strong> Commercial drones are already a reality. <strong>BI Intelligence</strong> takes an in-depth look at the most important aspects, including market forecasts for commercial applications, regulatory process, and the leading players.  <strong><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/intelligence/research-store?IR=T&amp;utm_source=House&amp;utm_term=CtgrPr-Drones&amp;utm_campaign=CtgrPr#!/THE-DRONES-REPORT/p/47962272/category=11987294">Get the Report Here »</a></strong></div></p>    <div class="margin-top">        <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/largest-ice-glacier-calving-filmed-2015-1">This Video Of The Largest Breakage Of Ice From A Glacier Ever Filmed Is Absolutely Frightening</a></h3>        <div>            <div>    <script src="http://player.ooyala.com/v3/6e12e8b3387a44daacfb73afba25a76e"></script>    <div class="ooyala-video-player" data-video-autoplay="false" data-video-id="NqbHJucjpzcqR3obKs3FqeMQRi8yolxr" data-player-variable="ooyalapopvideo" id="ooyalaplayer_popvideo" style="width:1280px;height:720px"></div>    <script>    if (typeof RunFunctions === 'undefined') { var RunFunctions = []; }     RunFunctions.push(function()    {         var ooyalapopvideo = OO.Player.create('ooyalaplayer_popvideo', 'NqbHJucjpzcqR3obKs3FqeMQRi8yolxr',{ autoplay: 'false' });     });    </script>    <noscript><div>Please enable Javascript to watch this video</div></noscript></div>        </div>        <script>(function() { function createPlayer() { OO.ready(function() { RunFunctions.forEach(function(ooyalaFunction) { ooyalaFunction(); }); RunFunctions = [];}); } createPlayer(); }()); </script>    </div>

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