Top Technology Stories of 2017

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2017 was another big year for technology, with many new products launched to make our phones, homes and cars “smarter.”

1. Facebook and ‘fake news’

Social media giant Facebook was criticized for not doing more to prevent fake news stories from appearing and being shared. Some blamed such stories for affecting the outcome of the 2016 US election.

In response, the company announced several new policies aimed at preventing users from spreading misinformation and fake news.

2. iPhone X launch

Apple celebrated the 10th anniversary of the first iPhone with the launch of its iPhone X.

iPhone X was heavily publicized for its price of $999 and the new Face ID recognition system. Apple said its testing showed there is only a one-in-a-million chance of another person being able to unlock someone else’s device with Face ID.

3. Worldwide push for electric vehicles

Volvo announced that beginning in 2019, all its new vehicles will have electric motors. The Chinese-owned company was the first major manufacturer to set such a date.

In France, officials said the country plans to ban the sale of gasoline and diesel-powered cars across the country by 2040.

4. The rise of bitcoin

We heard more about bitcoin in 2017 than ever before. This virtual currency shocked many in the financial world by rising from $1,000 in January 2017 to more than $19,000 in early December.

Japanese investors are believed to account for a large percentage of bitcoin trading, causing the cryptocurrency to reach record value.

Exercise 3

Questions

What was Facebook criticized for?

When does France plan to ban the sale of gasoline and diesel-powered cars?

What was the price of bitcoin in January 2017?

Exercise 4

Discussion

Which of the stories featured in the article are you most interested in? Why?

Do you know of any other technology stories that you think should be on the list? Please explain your answer.

Do you plan on buying the iPhone X? Why? Why not?

Would you consider purchasing an electric vehicle? Why? Why not?

Do you expect the value of bitcoin to continue to rise in 2018? Please explain your answer.

Exercise 5

Further Discussion

Are you hopeful that 2018 will be "another big year for technology"? Why? Why not?

What technological innovations do you hope to see in 2018?

Do you find it difficult to keep up to date with the latest technology trends? Why? Why not?

In your opinion, what is the greatest technological invention of all time? Why do you think so?

The science of today is the technology of tomorrow. - Edward Teller. Do you agree with this statement? Why? Why not?

Exercises for Further Self-Study

These self-study exercises are optional and should be carried out after the lesson has finished.

Exercise 6

Sentence Building

Write at least one sentence for each of the words in Exercise 1: Vocabulary. Begin by making sure you understand the definition of each word. Use the example sentences as a guide if you are unable to think of a sentence. Practice reading your sentences out loud.

Exercise 7

Summary

Make a brief summary of the article. Focus on the main topic and consider which pieces of information are most important. Make sure you include details such as what the article is about, who is mentioned in it, where and when the events took place, and also how and why they happened.

Parts of this lesson are based on:

An article by Voice of America.