Bitcoin’s energy cost
Tech Life
BBC
4.3 • 227 Ratings
🗓️ 12 February 2021
⏱️ 25 minutes
🧾️ Download transcript
Summary
The buzz around the cryptocurrency grows after Elon Musk’s Tesla reveals it has bought $1.5bn worth of Bitcoin. But what’s its impact on global energy use? Plus how people in China have been using the Clubhouse audio social app to discuss usually banned topics. And new figures on the performance of the Covid-19 contact tracing app used in England and Wales. Presented by Rory Cellan-Jones, with BBC senior tech reporter Jane Wakefield. Produced by Jat Gill.
(Image: Representation of a Bitcoin plugged into a power outlet. Credit: Getty Images).
Transcript
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| 0:50.0 | Hello and welcome to TechTent, your weekly guide to all the hottest news and trends in the technology business. |
| 0:56.1 | I'm Rory Gathlund Jones, and this week, Elon Musk's Tesla has invested $1.5 billion in Bitcoin |
| 1:03.0 | after some enthusiastic tweeting about cryptocurrencies from the tech tycoon. |
| 1:09.1 | But just how much electricity is needed to power the Bitcoin network? |
| 1:13.6 | We'll find out. |
| 1:15.6 | Clubhouse is the hot new audio app, beloved of the Silicon Valley crowd. |
| 1:20.6 | We find out how it's been used in China to discuss forbidden topics. |
| 1:25.6 | And is there finally evidence that contact tracing apps can help fight the coronavirus? |
| 1:31.6 | The developer behind the app used in England and Wales tells us it is working. |
| 1:36.9 | Joining me this week is senior BBC tech reporter Jane Workfield. |
| 1:40.2 | Hi Jane. What have you been up to this week? |
| 1:42.5 | This week I've been trying to search out a cat filter. |
... |
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