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Facebook is preparing to launch its own cryptocurrency
Facebook is reportedly poised to reveal its own cryptocurrency, codenamed Libra, in a white paper scheduled for publication on June 18, although the cryptocoin itself won't be formally launched until 2020, sources say (TechCrunch).
It's expected to be a stablecoin, backed by a $1 billion fund of traditional fiat currencies, and is intended to provide a method of fee-free currency transfer across Facebook's services. The company is reportedly also working with merchants so it can be used for online shopping.
Huawei to develop 5G network for Russia
Huawei has signed a deal with Russian telecoms firm MTS to develop a 5G mobile broadband network in the country, with a pilot scheme set to launch in 2019-2020 (The Guardian). The deal was agreed during a trade meeting between Russian president Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, and provides Huawei with some much-needed infrastructure business at a time when the US government is threatening to reduce intelligence-sharing with allies who use the company's telecoms gear in their networks.
UK 10Mbps broadband guarantee is coming in 2020
From March 20 next year, every home and business in the UK will have the legal right to request an internet connection with speeds of at least 10Mbps down and 1Mbps up, priced at £45 per month or less, Ofcom has announced (Hexus). However, some people in remote areas may still be cut off: connection costs from network infrastructure providers BT and KCOM will be covered up to £3,400 but anything beyond that may have to be paid out of pocket by the customer.
Scientists question the validity of finger length ratio studies
A wealth of research has been based on the ratio between the length of a person's second and fourth finger, thought to provide insight into the hormone levels they were exposed to in the womb (Science). However, although everything from sexual orientation to disease risk has been associated with specific digit length ratios, many scientists question how reliable an indicator it is, particularly given widespread ethnic differences and overlap between the sexes.
Google Stadia cloud gaming arrives in November
Google's Stadia cloud-based game streaming service is coming to the UK in November and it'll be playable on Chromecasts, a dedicated Android app that'll come first the Pixel 3 smartphone range, and on any computer with a Chrome web browser (WIRED).
4K game streaming will require an £8.99 month Stadia Pro subscription, which includes free games, but if you'd like to play at lower resolutions, a Stadia Base account is free. Stadia will launch with games including Bethesda's Doom 2016 and The Elder Scrolls Online, Square Enix's Final Fantasy XV, and Larian Studios' newly announced isometric D&D RPG sequel Baldur's Gate III.
How big beef destroyed the planet
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This article was originally published by WIRED UK
