By the year 2000, online news sites had begun to spread, (26) _________ the vast majority of people still read their news in a traditional print newspaper. Soon after, (27) _________ people switched to online news sites because of rapid improvements in mobile Internet technology and the digital media itself. Many employees of print media organisations in the UK lost their jobs due to the (28) _________ closures of local and regional press offices.
In order to survive, the national daily print newspapers took the opportunity to develop digital media alternatives. Clearly, this strategy worked as it pleased both readers (29) _________ preferred print and the new online readership. However, not only are the big printed dailies still here, but they (30) _________ on their print versions for profit, generating revenue through advertising! Digital media isn't simply a replacement for old-fashioned print media, but rather a complement.
(Adapted from High Note)

Driving along the motorway in busy traffic, the driver presses a button on the steering wheel. The car is now driving itself. This may sound like science fiction, but driverless cars are already on the roads in California.
Many cars can already park themselves by the side of the road, brake automatically when the car needs to slow down, and warn the driver if they are slipping out of the correct lane, so going driverless is just the next step. Driverless cars come with fast broadband, allowing them to overtake other cars safely, and even communicate with traffic lights as they approach junctions.
Being stuck in traffic jams could become a thing of the past, as driverless cars will be able to drive at speed much closer to each other. More than fifty million people die or are injured in road accidents every year, and 90% of these accidents are caused by human error. Google's driverless car sticks to the speed limit and doesn't get tired. So wouldn't it be much safer if all cars were driverless?
(Adapted from Navigate)

How much time do you spend every day using technology? The shocking results of a study in the UK show that people living there now spend more time each day using media devices, such as laptops, mobile phones and tablets, than they do sleeping!
We live in a world where technology is everywhere 24/7 and we find it hard to disconnect from this digital bombardment. Increasingly, experts are recommending a digital detox - spending time without technology to combat the negative effects of tech dependence. Technology overuse has been linked to obesity, a poor attention span, an increase in stress and anxiety, poor sleep and low energy levels.
If the idea of disconnecting from media devices fills you with horror, you are not alone. However, it needn't mean totally cutting yourself off from technology. Small changes to your lifestyle can make a big difference - for example, create a technology-free zone at home, unplug for just one hour a day, ideally the hour before you go to sleep.
Those that want to go a step further can now book a digital detox holiday. There are an increasing number of travel companies which offer different 'de-tech' packages, ranging from places that are wi-fi free to hotels where you have to hand over all your electronic devices when you check in.
There are important benefits to digitally detoxing, which include better concentration, increased creativity and clarity of mind, improved social relationships and reduced stress and anxiety. So what are you waiting for? Switch off now - you never know, you might even enjoy it!
(Adapted from Optimise)