Tag: technology

Systemic change needed to address disadvantage in STEM subjects, says Holyrood committee

Disadvantages as a result of deprivation, gender and rurality need to be addressed to improve learning experiences in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), according to a new Holyrood committee report. Continue reading Systemic change needed to address disadvantage in STEM subjects, says Holyrood committee

Edinburgh Printmakers embracing tech to help disabled visitors

An Edinburgh-based art gallery and studio has adopted new technology to improve customer experiences for disabled visitors.

Edinburgh Printmakers, which is home to a gallery, printmaking studio and café, is one of the latest businesses to have subscribed to ‘Welcome’ by Neatebox.  The innovative platform, which was developed by former guide dog mobility instructor Gavin Neate allows users to notify venues ahead of their arrival and request additional support if needed. Continue reading Edinburgh Printmakers embracing tech to help disabled visitors

Scottish students gain STEM Skills Experience with TCS’ Digital Explorers

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), a leading global IT services, consulting and business solutions organisation, announced that it engaged more than 900 Scottish pupils from over 20 schools in Lothians, Central, Strathclyde and Fife, in its renowned Digital Explorers Programme.

At the event, students aged 11-18, were joined by a host of volunteers from TCS and Lloyds Banking Group, as well as special guest, Minister for Public Finance & Digital Economy and MSP, Kate Forbes. Continue reading Scottish students gain STEM Skills Experience with TCS’ Digital Explorers

Edinburgh Napier expertise helps brings musicians together for pioneering radio performance

Edinburgh Napier and the Royal College of Music has helped bring musicians virtually together as part of a special 18th birthday edition of the BBC World Service’s Digital Planet programme.

Led in Edinburgh by Edinburgh Napier’s Dr Paul Ferguson, cellist Andrew Huggan played a duet with his identical twin Calum live on the programme – despite the duo being nearly 400 miles apart. Continue reading Edinburgh Napier expertise helps brings musicians together for pioneering radio performance

GOOGLE now tells you how busy your bus is likely to be

On days when everything runs smoothly, taking public transit is one of the best ways to get around town. Not only is it cost-effective and efficient, but it also lets you stay hands-free so you can sit back, relax and maybe even read a few chapters of your favorite book.

However unexpected delays or overcrowded vehicles can quickly turn your ride from enjoyable to stressful – but Google Maps is rolling out two new features to help you better plan for your transit ride and stay more comfortable along the way.

 Edinburgh is one of 18 towns and cities included in the roll out to have access to this new feature: Birmingham, Brighton, Bristol, Cambridge, Cardiff, Coventry, Crawley, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Newcastle, Nottingham, Oxford, Reading, Sheffield and Southampton.

Live traffic delays for buses

When you have an important meeting, a date with a friend, or a doctor’s appointment, often the first thing you’ll do is check the transit schedule to make sure you can make it on time. Unfortunately, transit schedules don’t always reflect real-time traffic conditions that impact your ride, which can cause a lot of unnecessary stress when you end up arriving later than you thought you would. 

To solve for this, Google Maps is launching live traffic delays for buses in places where we don’t already have real-time information direct from local transit agencies. You’ll now be able to see if your bus will be late, how long the delay will be, and more accurate travel times based on live traffic conditions along your route. You’ll also see exactly where the delays are on the map so you know what to expect before you even hop on your bus.  

Crowdedness predictions

There’s nothing more uncomfortable than being packed like a can of sardines on a hot, sweaty train. We’re introducing transit crowdedness predictions so you can see how crowded your bus, train or subway is likely to be based on past rides. Now you can make an informed decision about whether or not you want to squeeze on, or wait a few more minutes for a vehicle where you’re more likely to grab a seat.

These features are now being rolled out on Google Maps in nearly 200 cities around the globe on both Android and iOS.

Power Up: closing the digital divide

J.P. Morgan, with Good Things Foundation, has launched Power Up, a pioneering £1.3 million initiative to help people, businesses and communities to participate by helping people in under-served communities build the digital skills needed to qualify for in-demand jobs. Glasgow and Edinburgh are two of the four areas identified for support. Continue reading Power Up: closing the digital divide

The sky’s the limit for City space firm

Lord Provost, Frank Ross has paid tribute to Skyrora as one of the leading lights of the city’s business world during a visit to space firm’s offices. 

He visited the Princes Street offices of the rocket developer to meet its team and learn more about its future launch plans.  Continue reading The sky’s the limit for City space firm