BOX SET: 6 Minute English - Internet and Technology English mega-class! One hour of new vocabulary!

This final section examines whether smartphones have made traditional cameras 'obsolete.' It notes a significant drop in sales for compact cameras as consumers 'opt' for smartphone cameras. However, it also suggests that more advanced cameras (DSLRs, mirrorless) continue to thrive as photographers 'get into' the hobby and seek higher quality beyond smartphone limitations, seeing these as 'taking the next rung up' in skill development. The first digital camera phone was released in 2000.

This segment introduces cryptocurrency, explaining it as a digital currency like Bitcoin that is not regulated by governments or banks. It covers its characteristics, including its digital-only existence and fluctuating value. The history of Bitcoin's creation (2009) is also discussed, along with how new bitcoins are generated through 'mining'.

This section delves into virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa, examining how they are changing human interaction with technology. It highlights the shift from computers as mere tools to 'agents' that can make decisions. The discussion also touches upon how human communication patterns might change when interacting with these AI assistants, potentially becoming more direct and less conversational.

This part introduces Web Science, an interdisciplinary field studying the technology behind the internet and how people interact online. It explores the concept of the internet as an 'ecosystem' where technology and society co-create content. The segment also discusses the challenges of new technologies, using a COVID-19 contact tracing app as an example, and credits Tim Berners-Lee as the inventor of the World Wide Web.

This segment addresses 'technochauvinism,' the belief that technology always offers the best solution. It argues that computers are not objective, but rather 'proxies' reflecting the biases of their programmers. The discussion highlights how inherent societal issues like racism and sexism can be replicated in AI due to flawed data and algorithms, emphasizing the nuanced nature of these problems.

This part explores the growing phenomenon of smartphone addiction, introducing terms like 'FOMO' (Fear of Missing Out) and 'phubbing' (ignoring people for a phone). It discusses how excessive phone use can lead to mental health problems and a loss of track of time. The segment notes the potential for app timers to encourage more in-person interaction, acknowledging the first smartphone's appearance in print in 1995.

This segment explains the differences between alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) and how electrical frequencies ('hertz') vary across countries. It highlights the need for converters when travelling due to these 'anomalies' in synchronous areas. The discussion touches upon the invention of electricity by Benjamin Franklin and how modern solid-state electronics are making devices more adaptable to different power supplies.

This section focuses on drones, or 'unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs),' discussing their diverse applications from drug smuggling to medical deliveries and surveillance. It also addresses concerns about safety, privacy invasion, and the evolving regulations needed to 'harmonise' with the rapid technological advancements in drone capabilities. The phrase 'the sky's the limit' is used to describe their vast potential.

This part explores how computers are being developed to recognise human emotions by analysing facial muscle movements in real time. It delves into how AI is trained to distinguish between 'real' (genuine) and 'fake' (induced) smiles using data sets. The segment notes the complexity of facial muscles (43 in total) and how AI can 'infer' emotions with high accuracy.

This segment defines Artificial Intelligence (AI) as machines copying intelligent human behaviour and emphasizes its pervasive presence in daily life. It discusses the capabilities of AI, such as algorithms enabling computers to beat chess champions (Deep Blue in 1997), but also highlights its current 'limitations,' particularly in performing tasks humans take for granted, like walking or recognizing faces, which are still 'cutting edge' research areas.