Technology
Welcome to our Switched On Technology section where you get the latest news about the Internet, Security, Social Media, Gadgets and Sci-Tech.
News
Air pollution cuts life span by years
A NEW study says half-billion people in northern China will have their life span cut by more than five years because of air pollution.
Cancer sufferer crowdfunds $13k for the dying
By Claire Porter, Technology editor MICHAL Wright has devoted her life to music therapy for dying people, despite living with cancer herself. But she's on a mission to keep helping others. Here's how you can get involved.
Tablets
Gamers to spark app explosion
Rod Chester National technology writer PEOPLE are expected to download more than 160 billion apps in 2017, with free games driving a new wave of app obsession.
Porn ads on kids apps a 'grey' area
Jennifer Dudley-Nicholson National Technology Editor SLEAZY ads for pornography and sex lines are popping up in children's apps and local authorities are powerless to stop them.
Gaming
Vacuuming: World's most boring video game
CLAIRE PORTER Technology editor PEOPLE do their best to avoid vacuuming in the real world. So why would anyone want to play a video game about cleaning? Here's a look at some of the worst games around.
Bad mood not linked to violent video games
A NEW study by researchers in Queensland has shown violent video games do not immediately turn players into anti-social people.
iPad
Gamers to spark app explosion
Rod Chester National technology writer PEOPLE are expected to download more than 160 billion apps in 2017, with free games driving a new wave of app obsession.
Porn ads on kids apps a 'grey' area
Jennifer Dudley-Nicholson National Technology Editor SLEAZY ads for pornography and sex lines are popping up in children's apps and local authorities are powerless to stop them.
Sci-Tech
Air pollution cuts life span by years
A NEW study says half-billion people in northern China will have their life span cut by more than five years because of air pollution.
Toddler with lab-made windpipe dies
A TWO-YEAR-OLD girl who was implanted with a windpipe grown from her own stem cells has died.
Smartphones
Aussies hanging up on landlines
Rod Chester National technology writer THE humble home phone continues to head towards extinction with nearly one-in-five Australians now mobile-only users.
Talk not text puts pedestrians at risk
PEDESTRIANS talking on their mobile phone are seven times more likely to be treated in emergency rooms than those texting.
Internet Filtering
Is this the return of the internet filter?
By Claire Porter, Technology Editor UPDATE: THE website of Melbourne Free University was blocked for six weeks, during which time it had no recourse to find out why, according to its founder.
Push to ban online porn in Iceland
IN the age of the internet can a thoroughly-wired country become a porn-free zone? Authorities in Iceland want to find out.
iPhone
Tweeting and driving now safe
Jennifer Dudley-Nicholson NATIONAL TECHNOLOGY EDITOR APPLE'S talking personal assistant Siri has arrived in Australian cars, enabling drivers to text and tweet without taking their eyes off the road.
Siri issues suicide fix after man sent to bridge
By Claire Porter Technology editor APPLE'S personal assistant Siri now provides mental health support as a result of a test which returned a list of bridges for a suicidal user.